Let’s Talk about the Deep Stuff

Sean Kneese
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A podcast that covers deep topics such as philosophy, spirituality, mental health, current events, social and political issues, and personal development. Hosted and produced by Sean Kneese, former host/producer of BS’ing with Sean K. .

  1. 2D AGO

    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

    1h 26m

  2. JUL 20

    Episode 50: You’re Not Too Late: F**k 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

    36 min

  3. JUL 13

    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

    1h 3m

  4. JUN 14

    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

    1h 44m

  5. MAY 31

    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

    33 min

  6. MAY 20

    Episode 46:Vulnerability or Oversharing? Let’s Talk About It -with writer/poet Bree Bailey

    In this episode of Let’s Talk About the Deep Stuff, I’m joined by the brilliant and fearless Bree Bailey — award-winning poet and master of turning pain into poetry. We get real about what it means to be vulnerable in your art and your life. Where’s the line between being honest and being too exposed? How much of ourselves do we really need to share to connect with others — and when does it become too much? We talk about personal moments we’ve both put out into the world, the reactions we’ve gotten, and the times it felt empowering… or just plain uncomfortable. This is a conversation about truth, boundaries, creative freedom, and learning to be seen — without losing yourself in the process. If you’ve ever struggled with how much of your story to share, this one’s for you.   Bree's website: https://www.breebaileypoetry.com/ Bree's IG: https://www.instagram.com/breebaileypoetry/ 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

    52 min

  7. MAY 16

    Episode 45: Selfishness vs Selflessness: How Much ‘Me’ Is Too Much?”

    This episode of Let's Talk about The Deep Stuff explores the fine line between self-awareness and selfishness. It’s about learning to tune out the noise of others’ opinions while still staying grounded, recognizing your flaws, and showing up for the people who matter. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about finding that balance. The episode also emphasizes how many people today take selfishness too far, pushing themselves away from real connection and responsibility. sources:  https://online.ucpress.edu/collabra/article/5/1/29/113028/When-Your-Boo-Becomes-a-Ghost-The-Association?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ghosting-5071864 https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/covid-lockdown-cost-of-living-crisis-b2169718.html https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-27810059.amp https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/elon-musk-empathy-quote/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/5-types-people-who-can-ruin-your-life/201903/malignant-narcissism-does-the-president-really https://www.tiktok.com/@doratheexplorhoe/video/7493666198240922911?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7350087295661803050 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

    38 min

  8. MAR 22

    Episode 44: When Good Ideas Go Bad: The Dark Side of Power and Belief”

    In this episode, host Sean Kneese and guest Eric Sanchez dive into how powerful ideologies and movements, often rooted in noble ideals, can be manipulated for violent and authoritarian purposes. From the use of religion to justify brutal actions to the rise of nationalist movements that erase opposition, we explore how good ideas are twisted by those in power. We reflect on historical moments where pluralism was replaced by rigid dogma, and how belief systems, once focused on unity and peace, were used to control and oppress. This episode challenges us to think critically about the darker side of human history and the dangers of unchecked authority. Relevant links:  https://www.historyhit.com/alexandria-the-city-that-changed-the-world/ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/24/world/middleeast/sufi-muslim-explainer.html https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-01-26/trump-free-speech-executive-order-critics-respond   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

    1h 18m
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About

A podcast that covers deep topics such as philosophy, spirituality, mental health, current events, social and political issues, and personal development. Hosted and produced by Sean Kneese, former host/producer of BS’ing with Sean K. .

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