<![CDATA[The Last Train Home]]>Stories about life from the edge of New York City.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 20:43:08 GMTTue, 20 Jan 2026 22:04:08 GMT60Sean Aiken<p>Stories about life from the edge of New York City.</p>episodicSean Aikendjconcerned@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[Pizza Expo and things ]]>Sean Aiken shares his experiences at the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, discusses the challenges of opening a new restaurant, and reflects on the start of summer in New York City. He also addresses the issue of water safety at the beach and encourages caution during the summer season.

Takeaways

  • Pizza Expo Experience
  • Challenges of Opening a New Restaurant
  • Water Safety and Summer Caution

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Pizza Expo Experience
  • 08:02 Challenges of Opening a New Restaurant
  • 25:02 Water Safety and Summer Caution
]]>105cc5d0-b519-433b-b1c7-01b67a97b704Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT<p>Sean Aiken shares his experiences at the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, discusses the challenges of opening a new restaurant, and reflects on the start of summer in New York City. He also addresses the issue of water safety at the beach and encourages caution during the summer season.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Pizza Expo Experience</li><li>Challenges of Opening a New Restaurant</li><li>Water Safety and Summer Caution</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Pizza Expo Experience</li><li>08:02 Challenges of Opening a New Restaurant</li><li>25:02 Water Safety and Summer Caution</li></ul>no00:47:1010Pizza Expo and things full<![CDATA[Love letter to Detroit ]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Resilience
  • Optimism

Chapters

  • 00:00 Inspiration and Expectations
  • 11:48 Visiting Michigan Station
  • 27:20 Detroit Institute of Art
  • 33:22 Ford Museum and Civil Rights Exhibit
  • 47:34 Exploring Corktown
]]>cc49f26b-7b2f-49bc-965c-030f4ba10c4aThu, 12 Mar 2026 17:19:03 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience</li><li>Optimism</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Inspiration and Expectations</li><li>11:48 Visiting Michigan Station</li><li>27:20 Detroit Institute of Art</li><li>33:22 Ford Museum and Civil Rights Exhibit</li><li>47:34 Exploring Corktown</li></ul>no00:48:549Love letter to Detroit full<![CDATA[The pursuit of happiness ]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Passion for Detroit style pizza
  • Challenges of finding the right location Exploring Detroit-style pizza and its origins
  • The importance of experiencing different cultures and cities

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Pizza Journey
  • 24:26 Curating a Gourmet Market
  • 30:14 The Growth of Detroit-Style Pizza
  • 35:53 Upcoming Trip to Detroit and Expectations
  • 41:27 Celebrating Detroit and New York City
]]>a904f55c-c284-494f-87b5-d39ad2543a92Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Passion for Detroit style pizza</li><li>Challenges of finding the right location Exploring Detroit-style pizza and its origins</li><li>The importance of experiencing different cultures and cities</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Pizza Journey</li><li>24:26 Curating a Gourmet Market</li><li>30:14 The Growth of Detroit-Style Pizza</li><li>35:53 Upcoming Trip to Detroit and Expectations</li><li>41:27 Celebrating Detroit and New York City</li></ul>no00:50:568The pursuit of happiness full<![CDATA[Sober Seany ]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Sobriety journey
  • Impact of alcohol on life

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Decision to Get Sober
]]>1dd8d7e0-aac1-430a-9a7a-e811ee8bdf63Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Sobriety journey</li><li>Impact of alcohol on life</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Decision to Get Sober</li></ul>no00:46:447Sober Seany full<![CDATA[Addy the dog]]>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.

Takeaways

  • The impact of a pet on personal growth
  • The transformation of fear into love The impact of a pet on human life
  • The emotional journey of pet ownership

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning
  • 19:13 Making Friends in Sunset Park
  • 36:11 Addie's Impact on Family Dynamics
  • 44:57 The Arrival of Addy
  • 53:18 Addy's Health Challenges
  • 01:00:01 Addy's Illness and Treatment
  • 01:10:36 Saying Goodbye to Addy
  • 01:21:00 Welcoming Penny
]]>3f686bec-0b85-43f3-842e-0f3f33f99acaWed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The impact of a pet on personal growth</li><li>The transformation of fear into love The impact of a pet on human life</li><li>The emotional journey of pet ownership</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning</li><li>19:13 Making Friends in Sunset Park</li><li>36:11 Addie's Impact on Family Dynamics</li><li>44:57 The Arrival of Addy</li><li>53:18 Addy's Health Challenges</li><li>01:00:01 Addy's Illness and Treatment</li><li>01:10:36 Saying Goodbye to Addy</li><li>01:21:00 Welcoming Penny</li></ul>yes01:27:306Addy the dogfull<![CDATA[Brooklyn Bowl]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Transition from DJ to Manager
  • Training and Humbling Experience
  • Interactions with Celebrities Hospitality and respect for celebrities
  • Overcoming the fear of public speaking
  • The impact of relationships and valuing oneself

Chapters

  • 00:00 Transition from DJ to Manager
  • 09:50 Training and Humbling Experience
  • 19:46 Interactions with Celebrities
  • 01:14:04 Leaving and Returning to Brooklyn Bowl
]]>d5d9fecf-e349-43c5-b2d1-34feb39bba50Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transition from DJ to Manager</li><li>Training and Humbling Experience</li><li>Interactions with Celebrities Hospitality and respect for celebrities</li><li>Overcoming the fear of public speaking</li><li>The impact of relationships and valuing oneself</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transition from DJ to Manager</li><li>09:50 Training and Humbling Experience</li><li>19:46 Interactions with Celebrities</li><li>01:14:04 Leaving and Returning to Brooklyn Bowl</li></ul>no01:21:425Brooklyn Bowlfull<![CDATA[Tour Life]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Tour managing and road managing involves a lot of responsibilities
  • The dynamics of being an opener for a more popular band Building a fan base through residency shows
  • The importance of touring and building relationships with fans

Chapters

  • 00:00 Transition to New York and Tour Management
  • 05:05 Challenges of Tour Management
  • 10:53 Life on the Road and Managing Show Logistics
  • 17:13 Performing as an Opener and Audience Engagement
  • 23:18 The Dynamics of Being an Opener
  • 32:50 Experience as an Opener for J.J. Gray
  • 43:01 Touring and Residency Shows
]]>1df9e663-2884-4f73-92ce-1de2d64571d3Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Tour managing and road managing involves a lot of responsibilities</li><li>The dynamics of being an opener for a more popular band Building a fan base through residency shows</li><li>The importance of touring and building relationships with fans</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transition to New York and Tour Management</li><li>05:05 Challenges of Tour Management</li><li>10:53 Life on the Road and Managing Show Logistics</li><li>17:13 Performing as an Opener and Audience Engagement</li><li>23:18 The Dynamics of Being an Opener</li><li>32:50 Experience as an Opener for J.J. Gray</li><li>43:01 Touring and Residency Shows</li></ul>no01:24:16Tour Lifefull<![CDATA[Hang on to the world as it spins around]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Diverse Music Genres
  • DJ School Experience New Orleans and its music scene are deeply cherished and celebrated
  • The journey of a DJ involves collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of unique musical experiences

Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey into the DJ World
  • 07:55 Becoming a Resident DJ
  • 23:06 Playing at Black Betty
  • 40:47 Opportunity in New Orleans
  • 47:37 The Hot 8 Brass Band
  • 56:26 DJing in New York
  • 01:03:25 DJing in San Francisco
  • 01:20:21 Returning to New York
]]>ba1f43a8-7a4b-4f11-820b-2858ec66961fFri, 30 Jan 2026 16:32:49 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Diverse Music Genres</li><li>DJ School Experience New Orleans and its music scene are deeply cherished and celebrated</li><li>The journey of a DJ involves collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of unique musical experiences</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey into the DJ World</li><li>07:55 Becoming a Resident DJ</li><li>23:06 Playing at Black Betty</li><li>40:47 Opportunity in New Orleans</li><li>47:37 The Hot 8 Brass Band</li><li>56:26 DJing in New York</li><li>01:03:25 DJing in San Francisco</li><li>01:20:21 Returning to New York</li></ul>no01:18:023Hang on to the world as it spins aroundfull<![CDATA[How my family landed in Rockaway twice]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Family history in Manhattan
  • Transition to Rockaway Beach
  • Experiences in Manhattan and Brooklyn
  • Exploration of music and entertainment industry Exploring creative paths
  • Navigating career changes

Chapters

  • 00:00 Exploration of Music and Entertainment Industry
  • 28:01 Exploring Creative Paths in New York
  • 39:04 Transition to DJing and Career Growth
  • 50:16 The Last Train Home: Finding Home and Family
]]>d48d8321-b62d-4af3-b18f-4f9c97d14583Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:24:01 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Family history in Manhattan</li><li>Transition to Rockaway Beach</li><li>Experiences in Manhattan and Brooklyn</li><li>Exploration of music and entertainment industry Exploring creative paths</li><li>Navigating career changes</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Exploration of Music and Entertainment Industry</li><li>28:01 Exploring Creative Paths in New York</li><li>39:04 Transition to DJing and Career Growth</li><li>50:16 The Last Train Home: Finding Home and Family</li></ul>no00:55:152How my family landed in Rockaway twicefull<![CDATA[My pizza journey so far]]>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.

Takeaways

  • Passion for Pizza
  • Learning from Experience

]]>58da8f2c-0fc2-4583-ace1-94c32f6555b9Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:07:39 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Passion for Pizza</li><li>Learning from Experience</li></ul><p></p>yes00:41:331My pizza journey so farfull