This Is Who We Are

Sean Watkins wraps up the first season of This Is Who We Are. Stay subscribed to learn about updates on season two.

Sean has a light hearted discussion with his brother-in-law Todd Cooper (Feliz Navipod, U Two Talkin’ U2 2 Me Too? Yes.) who’s the reason this episode’s song even ever got recorded. Topics discussed are the genres of Bluegrass and Hardcore accompanied by a lot of dumb jokes.

Sean has a conversation with singer songwriter Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) about the the possible reasons why certain works of art or spiritual writings/teachings have the ability to last through millennia, remaining just as relevant and powerful as when they were originally made.

Sean talks with highly respected magician/comedian Derek Hughes about the power behind the Red Herring and other common tools magicians use to enhance an illusion which further engages the audience by telling a story rather than just doing a “trick”. Also discussed is what it was like for Derek to make it all the way to runner-up on America’s Got Talent in 2015 and how Howard Stern’s encouragement affected his art.

Sean talks with Inara George of The Bird and the Bee about her godfather Jackson Browne, and the impact he had on her life musically and otherwise after her dad Lowell George, (lead singer for the highly influential country rock band, Little Feet) died when she was five.

Sean has a slightly political conversation with Jon Foreman of the band Switchfoot about the importance of honest self reflection both personally and as a nation. Also the unique perspective one can gain when one’s job is to travel around the county and meet/talk with people of all walks of life and political/spiritual persuasions.

Sean talks with legendary musician, producer, songwriter and manager Peter Asher about some of the people he’s managed/produced over the years (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt etc) and also what it was like to share the top floor of his parents house with Paul McCartney at the height of Beatlemania during the years Paul was dating his sister.

Sean talks all things Paul Simon (more specifically Graceland) with singer songwriter Dan Wilson (of the band Semisonic) who’s written hit songs for Adele, Taylor Swift, Weezer, Dixie Chicks, Halsey, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley.

Sean talks about living and being creative in Los Angeles with actress, musician and artist Kate Micucci of Garfunkel and Oats and who’s movie credits include The Little Hours, Don’t Think Twice and Unleashed. Kate is also the voice of Velma in Scooby Doo and Webby in Ducktails.

Sean talks with legendary singer songwriter Jackson Browne about the late great Warren Zevon, the writer of this episode’s featured song “Suzie Lightning”. Jackson produced/coproduced Zevon’s first two albums and was friends with him thought his life. Topics include the songwriting process, studio recording, and how as a young musician, Zevon spent time with Igor Stravinsky while the iconic Russian composer was living in LA’s infamous Laurel Canyon.