We’re back with another unpredictable ride through what’s on my mind this week — and trust me, it’s off topic in the best way.

• Kane Brown scores the #1 spot with “Backseat Driver” — I break down why this track is working

• A quick throwback to Episode 177 of The Pro Series Podcast with Jordan Walker (yes, that Jordan Walker), and a look at the surprising Pittsburgh connection

• Plus: can we talk about the cutlery tray crumbs? Like... why is this a thing?

• And finally — is Threads already dead? I check in on what’s going on with the app we all downloaded, loved for a week, and maybe ghosted?

Of course, I wrap it all up with Country Music Weekly, spotlighting what’s hot right now on the charts.

🎧 Episode 116 is live now. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

What do I Write Sins Not Tragedies, Love Wins, and Worst Way all have in common?They were all directed by this week’s guest—renowned filmmaker Shane Drake.With a 20+ year career spanning music videos, commercials, and feature films, Shane has shaped the visual world of artists like Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and Keith Urban. He won MTV’s Video of the Year for Panic! at the Disco’s I Write Sins Not Tragedies and has brought his distinct creative vision to major brands like Google, Ford, Snickers, American Idol, and The Voice.In this episode, Shane opens up about:The creative process behind directing unforgettable music videosHis wild behind-the-scenes story from his first VMA winHis unique journey from actor to directorHow his theater background shaped his cinematic styleHis latest projects, including Rising Star and his upcoming feature film Cold Dead HandsShane’s storytelling is bold, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring—making this a must-listen for creatives, filmmakers, and fans of country and pop culture alike.Episode out now on all streaming platforms.

Ever watched a TV show and thought, “There’s no way that living room fits in that house”? Same. This week, we take a fun designer deep dive into the Full House set and why the iconic San Francisco exterior makes zero sense with the show's interior layout. Spoiler: Danny Tanner must’ve owned the entire block.

Then we switch gears and head south for your weekly country music rundown — the top 5 songs lighting up country radio right now, plus a few fresh releases and rising artists you need to have on your radar.

It’s a little Hollywood. A little Nashville. All good storytelling.

🎧 Hit play and let’s nerd out.

Returning guest Eddie Taimuty joins us once again — this time with his business partner Alex Perdziola — for an exclusive conversation inside their brand new cigar lounge: @the_1864_club, nestled in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

But this isn’t just about cigars. It’s about vision, restoration, and a full-scale transformation of a historic space that connects directly to the soon-to-open @roccos_ristorante_pgh and @villagio_pgh, a boutique hotel bringing European charm to the city.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The story behind the renovation

• The intentional design details throughout

• Their mission to create a destination unlike anything else in Pittsburgh

Whether you’re a design lover, a hospitality pro, or just love seeing Pittsburgh thrive — this one’s for you.

This week on Off Topic, we’re diving headfirst into the chaos of the internet and culture. Did you know AOL is still a thing in 2025? We didn’t either—until a Bored Panda article reminded us.

We also unpack why niche podcasts might be in their golden age, how neutral design is officially being labeled “sad beige energy,” and why Instagram is starting to feel like LinkedIn’s quirky cousin. Plus, a possibly fake Facebook article makes its rounds, and Eric shares his Top 5 most underrated country artists of the moment, along with a fresh look at this week in Country Music Weekly.

In this episode of the Pro Series Podcast, I sit down with Paul Grothouse, founder of Grothouse—an international leader in luxury wood surfaces.

From launching his business with a portable sawmill in 1997 to building a brand trusted by the world’s top architects and designers, Paul shares how he combined his Mechanical Engineering background, consulting experience, and passion for craftsmanship to redefine what’s possible in wood design.

We dive into:
🔹 His journey from Lutron Electronics to launching Grothouse
🔹 The innovation behind their solid wood countertops and custom finishes
🔹 How sustainability and technology are shaping the future of design
🔹 Why investing in vocational education is crucial for the next generation

This is a must-listen for designers, makers, and anyone inspired by craftsmanship, purpose, and legacy.

Listen now to Episode 193 of the Pro Series Podcast — available wherever you get your podcasts.

#ProSeriesPodcast #PaulGrothouse #LuxuryDesign #Woodworking #Craftsmanship #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign

In this episode of Off Topic, we're diving into what actually keeps people watching your Instagram Stories — and why posting up to 5 a day might be your new secret weapon for retention. I break down key stats from Social Insider and share tips to hook your audience before they swipe away.

Then, I’m giving you my honest review of the George Strait concert — from the setlist to the stage energy and why the King of Country still has it. Finally, we wrap it all up with this week’s Country Music Weekly — the latest songs, rising stars, and what’s been on repeat.

Hit play, and let’s get into it.

This week on the Pro Series Podcast, I’m joined by Dudley Duncan — a true legend in the swimming world with over 50 years of coaching experience, a Hall of Famer, and the author of The Art of Swimming and The Game of Racing.

We explore what it means to coach with purpose, lead with ownership, and build a lasting legacy in and out of the pool. From starting and owning a club to writing the books that are shaping the next generation of swim coaches, Dudley’s insight is a masterclass in leadership and dedication.

If you're passionate about mentorship, sports leadership, or simply becoming the best in your lane — this one’s for you.

🎙️ Available now on all platforms.

This week on Off Topic, we're diving into the wild future of influence—and trust me, it's getting weirder by the day.

First up: AI influencers. Yup, virtual personalities are landing real brand deals and growing massive audiences—without even existing. Are we entering the post-human creator economy? And what does that mean for real creators like us?

Then, we break down the death of the like button and why shares are the new clout currency. Instagram, TikTok, and X are changing the game—and creators who don’t pivot might get left behind.

PLUS: I shout out a new podcast you should absolutely be tuning into , and I give a quick update on what’s going on in the world of Country Weekly—music, headlines, and all the southern drama you didn’t know you needed.

If you’re a content creator, social media junkie, or just love watching internet culture evolve in real time—this one’s for you.

In this episode, I sit down with John Russo, National Training Manager at SKS, to explore how SKS is transforming the appliance industry. From cutting-edge technology to unmatched flexibility, SKS is built for a new generation of forward-thinking cooks—Technicureans™—who value innovation as much as flavor. Discover how SKS is keeping people True to Food with smart, built-in appliances that elevate the cooking experience like never before.