What really happens behind the scenes when a Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion?

In this episode, Timothy Schultz interviews Melanie Mesaros, an official spokesperson for the Oregon Lottery, who breaks down what actually occurs when the jackpot reaches historic levels. She explains how winning tickets are verified, why some winners’ names are not released immediately, what surprises people most after a major win, and how the lottery prepares for massive public interest during record rollovers.

They discuss common myths about lottery play, how odds really work, what happens the moment a winning ticket is scanned, and what new winners should expect when they walk into the lottery office.

This conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look from inside a state lottery — delivered in a calm, factual, and accessible way for anyone who has ever imagined winning big.

Lottery, Dreams & Fortune is hosted by Powerball winner Timothy Schultz. New episodes feature lottery winners, experts, and guests exploring intuition, manifestation, sudden wealth, and the mysteries behind extraordinary luck.