Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

"Things don't come easy. It doesn't matter, you know, that who I'm related to, you know, I'm out here in a van driving around."Welcome John PayCheck:We're joined on the Starline by a man who grew up riding buses with one of country music's biggest outlaws. He walked away from music for two decades, fighting fires, flying for the Army, raising a family, and building a completely different life. Now he's back with The Cavalry, a single called "Sons of the Spark" alongside Struggle Jennings. We welcome John PayCheck.John, let's go Beyond the Mic.Tell me about one of your recent adventures. A venue owner canceled a show because he thought you rolled into town like Mötley Crüe with the full band, more than he was expecting. What was your reaction?"Sons of the Spark" brings you together with Struggle Jennings, another guy with a famous last name. Whose idea was it and what made the two of you realize this wasn't just another duet?What was the one unusual topic brought up from that chance meeting?You said growing up wasn't easy for either of you, and you both had your own demons. Was there a moment in that writing process where you surprised yourself with how honest you were willing to be?The Rockin' 8:"Sons of the Spark" is out now and John PayCheck joins us for the Rockin' 8. 8 random questions, 1st instinct, no pressure.1. What's the last Army/Navy football game you attended? 2. What could you do at 20 that you can't do anymore, onstage or off? 3. What have your daughters taught you about your own music that you didn't expect?4. John, favorite Texas Hold 'Em hand? 5. Best round of golf you've ever shot? 6. You went from roadie to tour manager before you ever stepped behind the microphone. What's one skill from those years that nobody would guess a singer still needs today? 7. You farmed, too. What's was your best crop growing on your land? 8. Three daughters, three college tours this summer—North Texas, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas State. Which campus surprised you by becoming somebody's favorite? Which one were you quietly hoping they'd pick?The Back Half:We're sneaking in a couple more with John PayCheck Beyond the Mic. You spent twenty years building a life that was music free. At what point did you realize it wasn't just a break anymore but it had become your life?So which song of your dad’s didn’t get the love you that it should have?As your daughters see your work the way you saw your dad’s, what do you hope they take away from this life? Definitely, you've worn a lot of titles: soldier, firefighter, farmer, husband, father. When somebody introduces you today as "John PayCheck," which part of you do you hope they discover before they hear the last name?How has your military service changed you?When you’re not on stage, where do you actually feel the most like yourself?As you fight every day making a living how has your family grounded you?Two Big Questions:You posted that the hits keep coming and you're still fighting. What's the one hit you haven't posted about yet and how have you overcome that problem?You walked away from music and built a life completely outside of it. What does the fans applause mean to you now?The Wrap:John has an acre of lavender growing, struggles with his golf short game, and he’s on the road. "Sons of the Spark" available now. John PayCheck, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"The power of acting and storytelling can help people see truths about the world and about themselves."Welcome Connor Sullivan:We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, singer and creative. He’s currently touring as August in the first national tour of Water for Elephants. We welcome Connor Sullivan.Connor, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve played Flynn Rider in “Tangled: The Musical” and Billy Flynn in “Chicago”. What made August such a challenging role for you?What makes the complexity so difficult to display?If someone hasn’t seen Water for Elephants, or read the book, what can you tell us about the show?Connor, you’ve done Film, TV, Regional Theater as well as work on the Disney Cruise Line. How does this tour make you feel especially being such a new show?The Rockin' 8:Connor Sullivan from Water for Elephants joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.1. Favorite song from your acapella group Tonal?2. Best part of being 6’6” and playing Ultimate Frisbee?3. Favorite Disney movie?4. Typical workout on the road?Instant Followup: How much can you bench?5. Sunrises or sunsets?6. YES/NO/Maybe: Do you think the Loch Ness Monster is real?7. Growing up what was the subject you disliked while you were homeschooled?8. Which musical that you haven’t performed in is your favorite?The Impossible Question:If you could fix one thing in the world, but you’d lose your voice forever, what would you fix?The Back Half:Best article you wrote for the Viterbo Lumen?Which is harder, modeling or Broadway?What is your typical vocal warmup?Tell me about routine on the road from leaving the stage to the next stage.How many journals do you have?Who is the person that you depend on from the cast when you are away from friends and family?How does the downtimes between shows change you?What are your hobbies you have?Favorite thing to bake?Who inspires you on Broadway now?Go Deeper with Connor Sullivan Beyond the Mic:What’s your Broadway dream role?What was the first Broadway show you saw live and how did it change your life?What lit that fire, what motivated you?You talk about inspiration, why is important to inspire the future?Connor, who is your hero in the business and who pushes you today?One tip your professor Karla Hughes gave you that helps you today?On the Road:When you get to a new town, what’s the one thing you have to find?When you get to a town you’ve been before do you go to the same spots or do you explore?Best memory from the road from “Chicago” to “Water for Elephants”?Connor, how has the tour changed you?Since you’re going to be on this tour for a long time, how do you feather the gas?What do you see in your future?Two Big Questions:What’s the power of acting and storytelling for you and how do you want people viewing your work on stage?The Wrap:Geometry turned him to the arts, loves Aladdin and wants you to see Water for Elephants National Tour Now. Connor Sullivan, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"Vulnerable conversations reveal who we are. They’re human."Welcome Jonathan Goldstein:We’re joined on the Starline by an author, humorist, radio producer and podcaster. You’ve heard his work on “Road Dot Trip”, “This American Life” and the #1 podcast “Heavyweight”. We welcome Jonathan Goldstein.Jonathan, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What makes road trips, reunions and difficult conversations so perfect for “Heavyweight”?How has the rebirth of “Heavyweight” changed the way you appreciate your listeners, producers and podcasting as a whole?You once said "My feeling is that this business of offering a glimpse behind the curtain can be used to create a more personal and intimate radio. Or not." Why is vulnerable conversations important?The Rockin' 8:Jonathan Goldstein from the “Heavyweight” podcast joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.1. Favorite album of all time?2. If you hadn’t been able to get Heavyweight back up and running again, would you have fallen back to telemarketing?3. What’s the one question you wished you could have asked Lenny Bruce?4. Which character in Casablanca do you relate to the most?5. Best memory at Concordia?6. Nearsighted or farsighted?7. The name of the story that melted your heart forever?8. What was your worst haircut or style?The Back Half:Who helps guide making Heavyweight so special?What do you want people taking away from each episode?Which struggle is the one you are the one you face?The Impossible Question:If you could tell the story of one person, and everyone in the world would listen it who’s the story of?Who would star in the movie of your life?The Wrap:Loves sitting in the book stacks at Concordia, thinks Paul Giamatti would play him in the movie of his life and wants you to listen to the powerful podcast “Heavyweight” Jonathan Goldstein, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"It takes a real authentic person to let themselves be vulnerable on screen in front of millions of people."Welcome Bailey Chase:We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, producer and most importantly husband and dad. You’ve seen him in “Longmire”, “Saving Grace” as a member of the Duke Football team and now in the drama thriller “Homestead”. We welcome Bailey Chase.Bailey, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your career has been filled with complex, rugged characters. What makes playing Jeff Eriksson different?Jeff is protecting his family. What would you do to protect yours?We don’t call this Beyond the Mic for nothing brother. The world is a different place today. Angrier, and divisive. Why was it important to take this role and humanize a character who faces severe moral challenges?How has your onscreen family benefited from the love you have from your own family?Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri, Jesse Hutch. Plenty of heavy hitters. Which member of the cast that I didn’t mention has a special place in your heart?The Rockin' 8:Bailey Chase from “Homestead” joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure.1. Best thing about being a dad?Instant Follow Up: Who plays good cop bad cop between you and your wife2. What is the worst club in your golf bag?3. As a former linebacker, what’s your thoughts on Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez and the Heisman Trophy?4. Best type of tacos have what in them?5. Favorite Christmas tradition?6. What is the one quirk about you that people notice?7. One chore your wife Amy depends on YOU to tackle?8. If you were a flavor, what flavor would you be?The Impossible Question:What one tip would you give yourself 30 years ago before you did your first roles in “Hot Line” and “Baywatch”?The Back Half:“Homestead” is about surviving an apocalyptic event. How prepared are you for one today?What’s the thing you learned from the experience shooting “Homestead”?How has fighting to the top made it worth it for you as a mentor?What’s the one behind the scenes experience from “Homestead” that looking back you appreciate more?What’s the one thing about Neal McDonough that you have noticed that made you a better actor?Deeper Beyond the Mic with Bailey Chase:You push through everything through your faith. How has having discussions on homesteading changed the way you see community?You’ve been hustling for 20 years in L.A. What made it worth it? What made it not worth it?You’ve had incredible highs, and lows in your life. Successes in acting while recovering from that hurricane in North Carolina. How has the adversity you’ve faced made you stronger for the challenges and the joys you have today?Why has the strength of your family growing up helped you be a better man today?How has your industry changed for the better and worse today?What were your workouts like getting prepared for this role? You can’t fake being a Green Beret.Who is the one person you depend on the most, not family, that you could call on right now if you had a moral crisis?You’ve had cowboy roles from “Far Haven” to “Longmire” now with “Homestead” you’re not wearing the cowboy hat. Do you miss it?Favorite Clint Eastwood movie?Do you still have a hat from either “Far Haven” or “Longmire”Motivations:What one thing, that isn’t family, motivates you now?What do your fans mean to you?If you could have Jeff experience something in “Homestead”, what would you want him to experience?If you could find out one thing from ten years in the future today, what would you want to know? Why?Would you be happy if “Homestead” is still on the air in 10 years?One Big Question:Everyone has dreams, how has yours evolved and what’s yours now?Do you believe your best acting is still yet to come? How does that makThe Wrap:His worst club in his golf bag is a 4 iron, still has his hat from Longmire and wants you to see “Homestead” on Angel. Bailey Chase, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"Becoming a mom has just really untapped a whole nother side of me that I didn't know existed."Welcome Dayna:We’re joined on the Starline by a trend expert with more than a decade of experience finding the latest and impressive styles out there. You’ve seen her on NBC’s “Making It” and returning to take over #7 in most appearances on Beyond the Mic, it’s our friend Dayna Isom Johnson.Dayna, let’s go Beyond the Mic. We’ve talked before, during and after a pandemic. You’ve seen styles change on a sometimes weekly basis. How has style for this holiday season evolved in the last six months?Patina Blue and Washed Linen are the color and texture for 2026, but if you can’t find them, what are some of the still hot colors and textures right now?What was the lessons you took away from your time on YouTube’s “Instant Influencer”Current favorite gift from Etsy right now?The Rockin' 8:Dayna Isom Johnson from Etsy joins us Beyond the Mic. You’ve been here, you know it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Best thing about son Ozzie? 2. Last time you had your signature drink, the Harlem Kiss? Was it at the Poe Museum? 3. One chore you depend on your husband Ryan to do? 4. The best Beyonce song is obviously? 5. Favorite yoga pose? 6. Which is the best Christmas cookie? 7. Best memory at the Fashion Institute of Technology? 8. The best spice is obviously? Sneaking in A Couple More:What are the gifts we need to be looking at for our sons and daughters this year?How about for the impossible to shop for aka my wife? Which trend surprised you in 2025?What’s the trend people should watch out for in 2026?The Impossible Question:You’ve adapted and allowed. But how has this last year as a mom allowed you to grow as a communicator for the 5.4 million small business owners you represent?One Big Question:What’s the perfect gift you would like to receive this year?The Wrap:Dayna Isom Johnson loves a Harlem Kiss, depends on her husband to do the laundry and wants you to check out her out at daynaisomjohnson.com and at ETSY. Dayna, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today!And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"Being an actor means you have very little control over your own life. You're sort of spending most of your time sitting around waiting for the phone to ring."Welcome Jefferson WhiteWe’re joined on the Starline by an actor and producer. You’ve seen him on “Chicago P.D.”, “Eileen”, “Civil War” and might have acted with a cowboy hat here and there. His latest movie is “Drink and Be Merry”. We welcome Jefferson White.Jefferson, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve said “All films are a labor of love. This one is very special to me.” How long did it take your friends asking before you said yes? “You’re in the business of misery my friend.” What made Chet different?How many bars have you been in where you’ve seen the type of regulars like in “Drink and Be Merry”?The Rockin' 8:Jefferson White from ““Drink and Be Merry” joins us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Does it hurt not seeing Iowa State in the Big 12 football championship? 2. Best thing about Mount Vernon? 3. One thing your wife Casey depends on you to do? 4. Favorite thing for you to photograph? Instant Followup: First camera you got and do you still have it? 5. Longest hike you’ve been on was how long? 6. Would you rather live in Brooklyn, Iowa or Yellowstone? 7. What was harder: riding a horse, holding the semen collector or pouring out fake booze? 8. Best thing in Guthrie Texas? One Big Question:What’s the one thing that people don’t know about you but they would be surprised by?The Wrap:He wrecked his rental car in Guthrie, loves his Nikon F10 and wants you to see “Drink and Be Merry”Jefferson White, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

"You’re giving the audience a little bit of yourself, you know, so folks think I’m a mean guy in real life. I am. Or no, I’m not. I’m not a mean guy."Welcome Sherman Augustus:We’re joined on the Starline by a son, dad, director, musician, producer, former football player, Taekwondo black belt and does some acting on the side. His latest role is Lt. Colonel Jack Sullivan in “Stranger Things”. We welcome Sherman Augustus.Sherman, let’s go Beyond the Mic. This cast is a who’s who of stars. What made this role one you loved from the get go? Your character is on the hunt for Eleven / Jane. How has working with Millie Bobby Brown and the rest of this cast special for you?You’ve portrayed characters in “Dexter”, the “NCIS” world and even “Murder, She Wrote”. Has this role soothed your recurring acting itch, or is there another future role we will be talking about soon?The Rockin' 8:Sherman Augustus from “Stranger Things” joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Do you prefer a joint lock or a choke hold? 2. Which role from your past is the one you loved other then Jack? 3. Which character of your “Daughter of Django” graphic novel was your favorite? 4. When on a plane do you prefer a window, aisle or middle seat? 5. Where is your place in the desert that gives you peace? 6. What was your dream car growing up? 7. Did anything find its way to your home from either the Into the Badlands or Stranger Things set? 8. Yes, No or Maybe: Have you ever talked about Fight Club? One Big Question:How did the way you see your character in “Stranger Things” change from audition to now?The Wrap:He loves Joshua Tree, choke holds and wants you to watch Season 5 of Stranger Things. Sherman Augustus thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp