67 Takes

Season 2 comes to a close with one of our most honest conversations yet.What actually matters in life—and what have we been getting wrong all along?In this episode, we unpack the illusions we’ve carried for years: success, public opinion, being right, and the quiet shift toward something deeper—fulfillment, self-awareness, and growth.From personal stories to hard-earned perspective, this one feels like a turning point.Topics include:- What people think matters (but doesn’t)- Appearing successful vs actually being fulfilled- Losing ego and gaining perspective- The role of discipline, confidence, and self-awareness- What illusions we’ve personally let go ofSeason 2 ends here. Season 3 begins with intention.🎙️ 67 Takes – Episode 20#SelfImprovement #Philosophy #whatmattersmost

In Episode 19 of 67 Takes, Sean and John move from Muhammad Ali and Neil Peart into a deeper conversation about truth, healing, poetry, and what really stays with us.They talk about Ali’s spiritual perspective, Neil Peart’s evolution as a musician and writer, the power of a short poem to hit at the right moment, and the idea that real healing comes from within. From there, the conversation turns toward responsibility, criticism, relevance, and whether being ignored is worse than being judged.A thoughtful episode about what resonates, what fades, and what actually helps us grow.

In Episode 18 of 67 Takes, Sean and John dig into some of the most emotionally loaded ideas they’ve touched so far: toxic positivity, forgiveness, closure, fear, and what it means to stop “feeding the ghost.”The conversation starts with the question of whether it’s always healthy to forgive, and moves through grief, trauma, empathy, survival, and the strange way endings can become beginnings. Along the way, they talk about spirituality, Ayn Rand, Neil Peart, society, humanity, and whether losing comfort or civilization would change who we really are.A strange, thoughtful, and very human episode.

In Episode 17 of 67 Takes, Sean and John start with a simple question about punctuality and wind up somewhere much deeper.We talk about Van Neistat’s “Your Tardy Friends Suck,” why being on time can feel like a form of respect, and how keeping your word connects to trust, community, and the way people live together. From there, the conversation drifts into art that takes years to understand, the things we love once and never revisit, instinct, hive mind, trauma, and whether people really choose what they think.It starts with punctuality — and ends somewhere closer to philosophy.

In Episode 16 of 67 Takes, John and Sean bounce from a multi-day power outage during the “Blizzard of ’26” into big questions about art, taste, and meaning.We talk about:Surviving without power and how challenge creates perspective,Nihilism, morality, and why we use “labels” in art,Consistency as a creator (and as an audience),Music that grows on you over decades,Van Gogh vs. Dalí, popularity vs. legacy,And the question at the center of the episode: Are critics still relevant anymore?🎙 67 Takes is a weekly conversation about culture, society, love, life… and whatever else shows up.

In Episode 15 of 67 Takes, Sean and John wander (as usual) through nostalgia, technology, perception, and the strange contradictions of modern life.Are people more honest today — or just more public?Does comfort quietly destroy ambition?Why do we secretly dislike the very conveniences we depend on?The conversation drifts from classic films and music memories to cell phones, personal boundaries, bullying, and the ways nostalgia reshapes reality.Thoughtful, honest, occasionally chaotic — just another take.🎙 67 Takes — Conversations Without a Script

In this spinoff from Episode 15 of 67 Takes, John and Sean dive into Apocalypse Now — not just as a war film, but as a story about internal war, corruption, manipulation, and the dark contradictions in human nature.We talk iconic lines (“Charlie don’t surf”), the film’s surreal beauty, the moral insanity underneath it, and why the journey up the river feels like a metaphor for something deeper. We also touch on Heart of Darkness, the fascinating adaptation leap to Vietnam, and what movies like this reveal about the conflict inside every human heart.⚠️ Spoiler alert: we discuss plot points.

In this episode, Sean and John engage in a deep and humorous conversation about the meaning of life, exploring themes such as family, friendship, nature, and the impact of art and sound. They discuss the challenges of parenting in the digital age, the beauty found in everyday life, and the importance of connection and interaction. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the complexities of relationships, and reflections on film and storytelling, culminating in a rich tapestry of insights and shared experiences.

A couple of Gen X'ers have a Zoom call to catch up on life and may have inadvertently started a You Tube channel. Recorded December 2024

In this video, we dive deep into the complexities of cancel culture, freedom of speech, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. From the controversial cancellation of public figures like Roseanne to the rise of social media censorship, the conversation touches on current events and the fine line between freedom of expression and accountability. We also discuss the role of art and whether it’s necessary for society even when it reflects darker themes. Join us as we explore how the dynamics of politics, media, and public figures continue to influence today’s cultural landscape. Recorded January 2025

In this casual, wide-ranging conversation, we explore everything from Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series and the legend of Tannhäuser to AI’s influence on creativity and the moral complexities of the death penalty. Along the way, we touch on:Writing a novel inspired by myth and modern storytellingFavorite authors and the spark they bring to our own creativityMinecraft and imaginative play with kidsHow AI and technology impact art, music, and everyday lifeThe death penalty debate: mercy, justice, and unintended consequencesNavigating social media usage and staying true to your voiceJoin us for an off-the-cuff, honest chat full of anecdotes, humor, and plenty of food for thought!Recorded January 2025

Join us for a deep and humorous conversation between two friends from different generations, Gen X and Millennials. In this podcast-style episode, we explore everything from the power of naps to existential crises, the impact of childhood experiences, and even a lighthearted moment about the concept of invisibility potions. We touch on cultural shifts, the rise of hip-hop, generational differences in dealing with life challenges, and the importance of small, everyday joys. Along the way, we discuss the future of society, healthcare, and the rapidly changing world around us. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking conversation on the intersection of history, culture, and personal growth! Recorded January 2025

In this episode of the 67 Takes Podcast, we dive into creativity, spirituality, and life’s big questions. From art and street performing to the role of religion in parenting, we explore personal experiences and reflections on peace, silence, and the pursuit of inner growth. Tune in for insightful conversations and some fun anecdotes along the way!Recorded February 2025

Join our heartfelt podcast conversation where friends dive into art, culture, and spirituality with humor and honesty. Explore creative journeys, inspiring projects, delicious food traditions (like the perfect torta sandwich), and reflections on self-care and ancestral wisdom. This eclectic chat offers hope, creative insight, and a fresh look at life’s challenges.Recorded February 2025

Recorded February 2025

Join us in this raw, unfiltered conversation as we dive deep into the influences that shape our creative and personal lives. From music legends like ACDC and The Beatles to thought-provoking movies like Blade Runner, we explore how these iconic pieces of art and culture have impacted our thinking, music, and creativity. We also discuss personal experiences with family, school, and friendships that leave lasting impressions. Tune in for a blend of nostalgia, storytelling, and insightful musings.Recorded 2/19/25

Sean and John reconnect to talk creativity, music, and what it takes to keep making art—even when life gets heavy.We dive into:Why The Beatles still feel like “magic” (and what made them so unique)Ringo’s underrated drumming and the artistry of playing the right thingAnalog vs digital sound: quality vs convenienceWriting originals vs doing covers (and changing lyrics with today’s lens)Anger, heartbreak, therapy, and turning pain into artA new avant-garde sci-fi romcom screenplay (and why titles matter)Hollywood unions, the industry slowdown, and the shift to YouTube/grassrootsThe importance of finishing projects—and sharing work before it’s “perfect”If you’re a songwriter, filmmaker, writer, or just someone trying to stay inspired, this one’s for you.New episodes coming weekly.Drop a comment: What helps you finish creative projects?January 2026

A wide-ranging conversation on what art is—starting with Van Neistat and Leo Tolstoy’s idea that art is the successful transmission of emotion. We explore the pull of details vs. emotional impact, why some art demands discipline to engage (War and Peace vibes), and why truly great stories make us want to rewatch and reread.Along the way we touch Dostoevsky, Kafka (Metamorphosis), Woody Allen, Breaking Bad (Vince Gilligan), “fast food” vs “gourmet” art, and even a quick detour into AI, consciousness, and the fear/curiosity of the future.If you’ve ever wondered why certain creators hook you, why some recommendations don’t land, or why a single quote can change your week—this one’s for you.Discuss: Do you agree with Tolstoy’s definition of art? What’s a story you’ve rewatched (or reread) and caught new layers the second time?👍 Like / 💬 Comment / 🔔 Subscribe#art #tolstoy #storytelling #podcastRecorded January 21 2026

Sean and John talk life “like the rent is due”—snowed-in stress, leaking roofs, strokes and recovery, art vs survival, Protestant work ethic vs Zen, atheism vs agnosticism, karma, and why empathy matters (especially for kids). Real talk, a little chaos, and a lot of heart.

Two friends riff through a wild chain of ideas: AI anxiety, Werner Herzog as a chilling villain, Blade Runner’s “Tears in Rain,” reading War & Peace on the podcast, the “new” upside-down food pyramid, and why we’re going back to the moon (Artemis). Movies, books, meaning, and wonder—67 Takes.

In Episode 13 of 67 Takes, we go full rabbit hole: Tarkovsky’s Stalker, the idea of “the Room” that grants your deepest desire, and what that says about meaning, creativity, and why art sometimes forces us to slow down.We also touch on Venice Beach artist rules, the weird beauty of long takes, and the fear that everything is getting “optimized” into a machine.Referenced:- Van Neistat video: “What your deepest desire says about you”- Tarkovsky: Stalker (1979), Solaris (1972)- Book: Sculpting in TimeQuestion for you: What film should we both watch next — Fellini’s 8½ or something else?