The Last Train Home

Sean Aiken shares his experience of visiting Detroit, exploring the city's culture, food, art, and history. He reflects on the resilience and optimism of the city, highlighting key attractions and personal encounters.TakeawaysResilienceOptimismChapters00:00 Inspiration and Expectations11:48 Visiting Michigan Station27:20 Detroit Institute of Art33:22 Ford Museum and Civil Rights Exhibit47:34 Exploring Corktown

In this episode, Sean Aiken discusses his passion for Detroit style pizza and the challenges he faced in finding the right location for his new business. The conversation covers the exploration of Detroit-style pizza and its origins, as well as the importance of experiencing different cultures and cities. Sean Aiken discusses his plans to curate a gourmet market, the origin and growth of Detroit-style pizza, his fascination with Detroit and Motown music, the rebirth of Detroit, his upcoming trip to Detroit and expectations, anticipation of the Detroit-style pizza experience, and celebrating Detroit and New York City.TakeawaysPassion for Detroit style pizzaChallenges of finding the right location Exploring Detroit-style pizza and its originsThe importance of experiencing different cultures and citiesChapters00:00 Introduction and Pizza Journey24:26 Curating a Gourmet Market30:14 The Growth of Detroit-Style Pizza35:53 Upcoming Trip to Detroit and Expectations41:27 Celebrating Detroit and New York City

The episode delves into Sean Aiken's journey to sobriety and the impact of alcohol on his life. It explores the decision to get sober and the challenges and insights that come with it.TakeawaysSobriety journeyImpact of alcohol on lifeChapters00:00 The Decision to Get Sober

The episode explores the transformative impact of a pet on personal growth and the transformation of fear into love. It delves into the host's experiences in Park Slope and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, highlighting the role of his dog, Addy, in his journey to sobriety and in changing family dynamics. The episode also touches on the broader theme of overcoming fear and prejudice through personal experience and connection with others. The conversation delves into the profound impact of pet ownership, specifically focusing on the journey of Addy, a beloved dog, and the emotional rollercoaster experienced by her owners. From Addy's arrival to her health challenges, illness, treatment, and eventual farewell, the story captures the deep bond between humans and their pets. The narrative also highlights the decision to welcome a new pet, Penny, and the hope and joy that comes with it.TakeawaysThe impact of a pet on personal growthThe transformation of fear into love The impact of a pet on human lifeThe emotional journey of pet ownershipChapters00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning19:13 Making Friends in Sunset Park36:11 Addie's Impact on Family Dynamics44:57 The Arrival of Addy53:18 Addy's Health Challenges01:00:01 Addy's Illness and Treatment01:10:36 Saying Goodbye to Addy01:21:00 Welcoming Penny

The conversation covers Sean Aiken's transition from being a DJ to becoming a manager at Brooklyn Bowl, highlighting the challenges and experiences he faced during this transition. It also delves into the training process and the humbling experiences he encountered. Additionally, Sean shares amusing interactions with celebrities at the venue. The conversation covers the experiences and insights gained from working at Brooklyn Bowl, including interactions with celebrities, the challenges of public speaking, and the impact of relationships. It also delves into the hospitality industry and the value of self-worth.TakeawaysTransition from DJ to ManagerTraining and Humbling ExperienceInteractions with Celebrities Hospitality and respect for celebritiesOvercoming the fear of public speakingThe impact of relationships and valuing oneselfChapters00:00 Transition from DJ to Manager09:50 Training and Humbling Experience19:46 Interactions with Celebrities01:14:04 Leaving and Returning to Brooklyn Bowl

The conversation delves into the challenges and responsibilities of tour management, the dynamics of being an opener for a more popular band, and the experiences and lessons learned from managing shows and tours. It provides insights into the complexities of touring, the logistics involved, and the impact of being an opener on building an audience. The conversation delves into the significance of touring and residency shows in building a fan base. It also emphasizes the importance of connecting with fans and building relationships through live performances.TakeawaysTour managing and road managing involves a lot of responsibilitiesThe dynamics of being an opener for a more popular band Building a fan base through residency showsThe importance of touring and building relationships with fansChapters00:00 Transition to New York and Tour Management05:05 Challenges of Tour Management10:53 Life on the Road and Managing Show Logistics17:13 Performing as an Opener and Audience Engagement23:18 The Dynamics of Being an Opener32:50 Experience as an Opener for J.J. Gray43:01 Touring and Residency Shows

Sean Aiken shares his journey into the DJ world, from discovering his love for diverse music genres to attending the Scratch Academy and learning the basics of DJing. He then transitions to vinyl DJing, becomes a resident DJ, and builds a successful DJ career. His experience playing at Black Betty and the opportunity in New Orleans mark significant milestones in his DJing journey. The conversation delves into the enchanting allure of New Orleans and its vibrant music scene, the creation and impact of a mixtape, the journey of the Hot 8 Brass Band, the experience of DJing in New York and San Francisco, and the return to New York after a transformative journey.TakeawaysDiverse Music GenresDJ School Experience New Orleans and its music scene are deeply cherished and celebratedThe journey of a DJ involves collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of unique musical experiencesChapters00:00 Journey into the DJ World07:55 Becoming a Resident DJ23:06 Playing at Black Betty40:47 Opportunity in New Orleans47:37 The Hot 8 Brass Band56:26 DJing in New York01:03:25 DJing in San Francisco01:20:21 Returning to New York

The conversation delves into the family history rooted in Manhattan, the transition to Rockaway Beach, experiences in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the exploration of the music and entertainment industry. Sean Aiken shares his journey of exploring creative paths in New York, transitioning to DJing, and finding home and family, highlighting the challenges and growth experienced along the way.TakeawaysFamily history in ManhattanTransition to Rockaway BeachExperiences in Manhattan and BrooklynExploration of music and entertainment industry Exploring creative pathsNavigating career changesChapters00:00 Exploration of Music and Entertainment Industry28:01 Exploring Creative Paths in New York39:04 Transition to DJing and Career Growth50:16 The Last Train Home: Finding Home and Family

Sean Aiken shares his journey from discovering a passion for pizza to building his own pizzeria. He recounts his experiences learning from various pizzerias, facing staffing challenges, and pivoting during COVID. His dedication and hard work have led to the successful transition to a new pizza place.TakeawaysPassion for PizzaLearning from Experience