Chapter: 0:00 Intro & welcome 0:16 The Tommy matinee that changed everything 2:25 Growing up: Indiana, choir & early instruments 10:36 Arriving in LA & joining Quiet Riot 19:05 Flow state and peak performance 27:02 Acting, Sons of Anarchy & stunt work 34:34 Sobriety story & recovery lessons 41:04 Charity work & Cure Addiction Now 48:29 Current projects & what’s next 50:03 Rapid-fire music questions (first & last concerts) 57:07 Final thoughts & where to find Sean
In this powerful episode of Everything Is Personal, Sean McNabb opens up about a life shaped by sound, grit, and unshakable belief. From a childhood moment in a dark Indiana movie theater to iconic stages under the LA lights, Sean shares the true story behind a remarkable journey in rock and entertainment.
He takes us back to the instant his world shifted — walking out of the film Tommy at age ten, electrified by the music and the thunder of John Entwistle’s bass. That moment became the spark that set his entire life into motion.
Sean recounts leaving Indiana with nothing but determination, landing in Los Angeles, and within weeks finding himself onstage with Quiet Riot. He reflects on the raw hunger of those early days, the culture shock of LA in the 80s, and what it takes to survive in a scene where talent is only half the equation.
But this conversation goes deeper than career milestones. Sean opens up about the discipline, spirituality, and personal evolution that guided him from the chaos of the Sunset Strip to a multi-faceted life as a musician, actor, and storyteller. We explore vulnerability, self-reinvention, perseverance, and the often-untold pressures behind the spotlight.
Whether you’re a fan of rock history, inspired by stories of personal transformation, or curious about the realities behind fame, this episode delivers a raw and uplifting look at how passion can shape a destiny.