Let’s Talk about the Deep Stuff

Episode 56: Self-Awareness, Confidence, and Societal Balance

This episode of "Let's Talk About the Deep Stuff" features host Sean Kneese and his friend Jason Peak, an improv comedian, as they dive into the meaning and importance of self-awareness.
The conversation explores the balance between being confident and recognizing one's own flaws or weaknesses, arguing that true confidence includes understanding where one needs to improve. They  discuss the extremes of being overly self-critical versus being completely unaware of how one's actions affect others.
 
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Sean's Ig @seankvibes
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal:  Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com  
 
 

Episode 55: Why We’re Drawn to the Dark: The Art and Meaning of Horror with Renata De Los Rios:Troma Hair & Makeup Artist and Horror Enthusiast

In this special Halloween episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, we dive into the fascination with horror — from its literary roots in Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to classic films like Nosferatu and The Shining, and even modern interpretations like Robert Eggers’ 2024 Nosferatu. My incredible guest, Renata, shares her personal insights on why we’re drawn to fear, darkness, and the art of horror, and how it reflects the darker sides of humanity and society. Renata also takes us into the colorful and haunting world of Día de los Muertos, Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration, exploring how it honors ancestors and contrasts with Halloween traditions elsewhere. Plus, she shares stories from her time working with Troma, doing hair and makeup on some of the wildest indie horror productions around. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just curious about why humans are obsessed with fear, this episode peels back the curtain on the psychological, cultural, and artistic allure of horror. Renata and Heavy Horror on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heavyhorrornyc/
https://www.instagram.com/heavyhorrornyc_backup/
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Sean's Ig @seankvibes
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal:  Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com  

Episode 54: Impermanence and Interconnectedness: Why Nothing Is Ever Truly Lost

In this episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, Sean Kneese explores how impermanence and interconnectedness shape the way we see life, success, and each other. Drawing from Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism—as well as reflections on culture, ego, and meaning—Sean dives into how everything in existence is part of a greater flow. He shows how realizing that nothing ever truly ends, but only transforms, can help us live with deeper awareness, compassion, and purpose.
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Sean's Ig @seankvibes
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese Paypal: 
Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com
 

Episode 53: Integrating the Shadow: Facing Your Hidden Self and Growing

In this episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, Sean Kneese is joined by Gabrielle Angel Lily, musician, writer, and life coach, for an honest and candid conversation about shadow work. They dive into what it means to face the parts of ourselves we often hide, exploring both the challenges and the breakthroughs that come from this self-reflection. Sean and Gabrielle share personal experiences of confronting negative patterns, integrating their shadow selves, and growing into more self-aware, authentic versions of themselves. They also discuss practical tools and techniques for listeners who want to start their own shadow work journey, emphasizing self-compassion, honesty, and ongoing personal growth.
 
Gabrielle's IG: https://www.instagram.com/thezgala/
Gabrielle's website: https://www.galilly.com/
 
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Sean's Ig @seankvibes
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese Paypal: 
Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com
 

Episode 52: Why the Artist Needs to Create-with filmmaker and video producer Stephen Joseph Craig

In this episode of Let's Talk about the Deep Stuff. host Sean Kneese sits down with filmmaker and video producer Stephen Joseph Craig (Stephen Joseph Craig Productions, soon to be Brightcore Films) to explore what drives an artist to create. They dive into the deep questions: Why do artists feel the need to make art? What keeps them going even when the process is challenging?
The conversation touches on the passion, struggle, and persistence behind creativity.
 
Links:
StephenJosephCraig.com
YouTube.com/@HolyTeratoma
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal: Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com 

Episode 51: Us and Them: Breaking Down the Walls That Divide Us

In this episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, Sean Kneese examines the forces that fuel division, dehumanization, and authoritarianism—past and present. He explores how fear, prejudice, and propaganda pit people against one another, and why recognizing shared humanity matters more than ever. Sean also reflects on today’s challenges, from political tensions in the U.S. after Charlie Kirk’s assassination to the destruction of Gaza and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. With personal insight and moral clarity, this episode invites listeners to question narratives, confront injustice, and think critically about the choices shaping our world.   Books referenced:  https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Revisited/dp/0060776099
https://www.amazon.com/How-Fascism-Works-Politics-Them/dp/0525511830
https://www.amazon.com/Orientalism-Edward-Said-audiobook/dp/B004HOD1Y2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X1G6KKEQK06A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7JDBK9YxjOb1kp_qndiL3XhoqEE4U18ofmfbI3Qp7Xf3n5gtTFinnc9tVmgkt_4yxfUrL7ejvZG5_x3BuCnTn9e97bd_OmCPj48v7Rx4OtpniaDKGwk12AKla_JDaCc4mUrvxGJbtMjshbogs3iEM8JorDhMkSC3NHcvodMbdxK4CXiUj6fcB-T-AQYwud59sMUmr2cIbQXWkeneTm6h9dK98aYahnCBnRqdGcg-_zI.WvFkuCwVsv6QCL1mSi9zcsgXlvgnTxaJUUma10jeUZE&dib_tag=se&keywords=orientalism&qid=1757996747&s=books&sprefix=orientalism%2Cstripbooks%2C100&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Hundred-Years-War-Palestine-Colonialism/dp/B083Z3YW4S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EPANHMMR1BZU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-2saM3bIOJB0-8gcmppnww.yMi029to-pI4FaE2zAu-Db1evKChxgV-m37HRvexExk&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+hundred+year+war+on+palestine&qid=1757996775&s=audible&sprefix=the+hundred+year+war+on+palestine%2Caudible%2C94&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Being-Jewish-After-Destruction-Gaza/dp/B0DD4M928M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IGVO13KMRCRO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.X3ewAAD1G5W3-QiRH5dLJA.FQIQEJzz5laqBAKLx1mkm0OMEyR5c0dMSbPzKSvvLNY&dib_tag=se&keywords=being+jewish+after+gaza&qid=1757996802&s=audible&sprefix=being+jewish+after+gaza%2Caudible%2C88&sr=1-1
  Sources to things mentioned: 
https://www.vox.com/culture/461239/trump-smithsonian-art-kennedy-center-cia-cold-war
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/charlotte-nursing-student-arrested-ice-150806944.html
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/what-to-know-about-the-aftermath-of-charlie-kirks-assassination
https://www.aei.org/foreign-and-defense-policy/erdogan-blasts-biden-silent-on-putin-after-both-recognize-armenian-genocide/
 
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/stephen-miller-hatemonger-biography/
https://www.newsweek.com/groyper-charlie-kirk-shooting-nick-fuentes-2129114
https://www.aclu-wi.org/news/scotus-just-gave-ice-a-green-light-to-profile-latinos-we-should-all-be-outraged/
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-says-immigrants-are-poisoning-blood-country-biden-campaign-liken-rcna130141
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/stephen-miller-deportation-high-school-classmate-b2768997.html
https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/13/business/charlie-kirk-death-fired-comments
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025/09/15/Dangerous-Targeting-Canadian-Journalist/
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/12/amnesty-international-concludes-israel-is-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-in-gaza/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/16/the-language-being-used-to-describe-palestinians-is-genocidal
https://www.un.org/unispal/about-the-nakba/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-returning-hostages-not-the-most-important-thing-sparking-fierce-backlash/
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/investigation-finds-israeli-forces-shot-95-gaza-children-in-head-or-chest-in-over-160-examined-cases/3649091
https://churchleaders.com/news/855020-church-at-the-crossroads-stand-against-gaza-war-rns.html
https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-years-netanyahu-propped-up-hamas-now-its-blown-up-in-our-faces/
https://www.972mag.com/mass-assassination-factory-israel-calculated-bombing-gaza/
    My friend Malak Mattar, incredible Palestinian artist who I mentioned: https://www.wallpaper.com/art/together-for-palestine-artist-malak-mattar-interview
Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/arts24/20250423-i-shall-not-hate-a-palestinian-doctor-s-call-for-peace
  The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese Paypal: 
Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com

Episode 50: You’re Not Too Late: Fuck the Timeline, Live Your Truth

In this episode, I push back against the pressure to follow someone else’s idea of success — the grind, the curated image, the bullshit timelines. We talk about what it means to feel like you’re behind, how depression can make you feel numb and disconnected, and why you’re not broken for struggling. Whether it’s dealing with mental health, rejecting elitist values, or just trying to survive in a world that rewards performance over honesty — this is a reminder that your life doesn’t have to look like theirs. You’re not too late. You’re not failing. And you’re not selfish for feeling deeply. You’re human.
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal: Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com 

Episode 49: When We Stop Seeing People as People: On Authoritarianism and Dehumanization

In this episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, Sean Kneese shares his thoughts on the growing normalization of hate, dehumanizing rhetoric, and the erosion of basic civil liberties. He talks about the danger of propaganda, the abuse of power by public figures, and why these issues go beyond politics and into basic human decency. Sources: I didn't go much into Stephen Miller in this episode but he's important to look into to understand the racist roots of Trump's immigration policy and what's really gong on here, Here's a link to info on him: https://uproxx.com/culture/stephen-miller-high-school-hostile-minorities/
Another U.S. citizen detained by ICE for 3 days not mentioned in episode- no phone call allowed, no charges: https://ktla.com/news/local-news/disabled-veteran-detained-immigration-raid-speaks-out/
Stories mentioned in podcast:   https://ktla.com/news/local-news/u-s-citizen-detained-by-ice-agents-in-downtown-los-angeles-speaks-out/amp/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLgR9tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHsxrXKzKAzRyqWtL1XlEzbbGrOuAQP5O1CYOicPRrrITfYS6ixY6l5mkctek_aem_dVCboNCqoByyeMBK6K7hvA
https://migrantinsider.com/p/ice-has-deported-at-least-70-us-citizens?fbclid=IwY2xjawLgR_xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqcDq9s1D2uVJtzwQyHfcFOFKAzz08KkVPDx45DqQtGWd_ZfkPVvO0Y5HJeh_aem_Ab37ZKd7oR-6qrj3oJjb9Q
https://belatina.com/lulac-warns-sexual-predators-targeting-immigrant-women-impersonating-ice-agents/?amp&fbclid=IwY2xjawLgewlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnuKgs1jqq4eLVSSrWx99wKlN8XWAWuUQbrntaL_nlf2Wi0-prp-W_nHbPV__aem_V0JKj2rQGDns2EOS7zgBDQ
https://www.ntd.com/dhs-us-citizen-detained-for-obstructing-arrest-of-illegal-immigrant_1069448.html
  https://www.latintimes.com/trump-ally-slammed-saying-alligators-everglades-detention-center-are-guaranteed-least-65-586091
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5396985-trump-homan-immigration-detainments/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/07/12/donald-trump-threatens-revoke-rosie-odonnell-citizenship/84803705007/
https://www.ncai.org/news/ncai-condemns-ann-coulter-s-we-didn-t-kill-enough-indians-violent-and-shameful-hate-speech-targeting-tribal-nations
https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/a-surprising-number-of-americans-believe-these-6-false-claims-about-immigrants-here-are-the-facts/
 
https://www.visaverge.com/healthcare/giant-bugs-intense-heat-and-hospital-struggles-at-alligator-alcatraz/
https://www.visaverge.com/healthcare/giant-bugs-intense-heat-and-hospital-struggles-at-alligator-alcatraz/
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/16/nx-s1-5366178/trump-deport-jail-u-s-citizens-homegrowns-el-salvador
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/trump-discriminating-against-blue-states-sets-up-historic-crisis
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-enemies-from-within-5c4a34776469a55e71d3ba4d4e68cf62
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-s-fcc-chair-goes-after-pbs-and-npr-with-twin-probes/ar-AA1y9oKI
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-s-fcc-chair-goes-after-pbs-and-npr-with-twin-probes/ar-AA1y9oKI
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/mamdanis-nyc-primary-win-sparks-surge-anti-muslim-posts-advocates-say-2025-06-27/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/we-are-nyc-rabbis-who-support-zohran-mamdani-heres-why/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/brad-lander-zohran-mamdani?utm_source=chatgpt.com
It turns out Thomas Jefferson NEVER said dissent is the highest form of patriotism. That quote has been misattributed to him and never verified so my mistake on that, but my opinion on that still stands. While Jefferson didn’t literally say ‘Dissent is the highest form of patriotism,’ the sentiment still holds—and his writings absolutely support the right and duty to challenge unjust power.. :   https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/dissent-highest-form-patriotism-spurious-quotation/
https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/06/01/defend-say/
The Voltaire quote i mentioned is actually from Evelyn Beatrice Hall, so my mistake on that too. But once again, still something I strongly believe in
https://www.vox.com/politics/419040/zohran-mamdani-racism-islamophobia-nyc-mayoral-race?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/minnesota-state-lawmakers-shot-search-underway-suspect-local-media-reports-say-2025-06-14/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Buffalo_shooting?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-06-15/political-violence-is-threaded-through-recent-us-history-the-motives-and-justifications-vary?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/22/political-violence-extremism-america?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250616-trump-orders-deportation-drive-targeting-democratic-cities?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/buffaloshooting-onlineplatformsreport.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://icct.nl/publication/buffalo-attack-analysis-manifesto?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://icct.nl/publication/buffalo-attack-analysis-manifesto?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.history.com/news/kkk-birth-of-a-nation-film
https://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow
https://encyclopedia.densho.org
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-s-attacks-destroy-79-of-gaza-mosques-3-churches/3469056
https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-says-gaza-to-be-totally-destroyed-population-concentrated-in-small-area/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-seeks-to-calm-waters-with-jordan-after-racist-extremist-speech-by-smotrich/
https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/10/dont-blame-gazans-for-hamas.html
    My interview with activist Sam Stein: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XCyQ0ztWkYsEymW1SpsVJ?si=18ND6ycyQTqik6or8SltnA&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6aLODNXJ2EOD4iu8bxxVzL
My interview with Palestinian actress and playwright Najla Said: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2I04wqtAxkwWHoLI1WGnkU?si=ZEe9_Ie8QR-smfXioQ8OLw
 
 The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese Paypal: 
Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com
 

Episode 48: When Art Gets Real: Social Commentary, Politics, and the Times Behind the Story with Sci-Fi writer/director Patrick Devaney

In this episode of Let's Talk About the Deep Stuff, host Sean Kneese sits down with sci-fi writer and director Patrick Devaney to explore how art — especially in genres like science fiction and horror — goes far beyond entertainment. From The Twilight Zone to Star Trek to Star Wars, they discuss how storytelling can reflect society, challenge power structures, and make bold political statements.
 
Patrick Devaney's website: https://www.pdevaney.com/
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal: Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com 

Episode 47: Synchronicity or Just Coincidence? Knowing the Difference

Is it all just random, or is there something deeper at work? In this off-the-cuff solo episode, Sean explores the line between coincidence and synchronicity—those moments that feel too meaningful to ignore. He shares personal stories, unpacks the spiritual vs. logical debate, and dives into perspectives from Taoism, world religions, and Carl Jung. It’s a raw look at the search for meaning, the role of mental health, and how to tell if the universe is really trying to say something—or if your mind is just making connections.
 
The intro music is "Daybreaker" by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Check out more of his music here: https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
Or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oGlqi5TaK8r8K50fQhUbe?si=drdN0wQNQ7aVXEm3Nx3xhA
IG for Podcast: @letstalkaboutthedeepstuff
Donate to the show:
Venmo: @Sean-kneese
Paypal: Skneese1989@gmail.com
Zelle: Skneese1989@gmail.com