In this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast, we sit down with Rockaway’s own Sean Aiken—founder of Seany Pizza, creator of the upcoming Crown Square Pizza, and host of The Last Train Home podcast. While Sean may be best known these days for his Detroit-style pizza, his story stretches far beyond the kitchen.

We talk about growing up in Rockaway, the neighborhood’s unique creative energy, and how the peninsula has evolved over the years. Sean reflects on life in Dayton Towers, memories of Rockaway Playland, and the influence of his family on everything from work ethic to music taste. We also dive into Sean’s journey through New York’s music and nightlife scenes—from learning to DJ at Jam Master Jay’s Scratch Academy to managing at Brooklyn Bowl—and how those experiences ultimately led him toward pizza, entrepreneurship, and a new sense of purpose.

From apprenticeships at some of New York’s most respected pizza institutions to building a business of his own in Rockaway, Sean’s story is one of reinvention, persistence, and finding meaning through craft and community.This conversation touches on pizza, music, sobriety, creativity, neighborhood identity, and what it means to build something lasting at the edge of New York City.

Grab a slice, crack a soda, and enjoy this conversation with Sean Aiken.

Follow Sean on Instagram: @seanypizza
To listen to Sean’s Podcast click the link here: The Last Train Home

The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com

Music:
Artist: The Drifters
Song: Under the Boardwalk
Album: Under the Boardwalk

00:00 Welcome to Rockaway
02:41 Pizza Gifts and Plugs
04:04 NYC Roots and Neighborhoods
05:59 Accents and City Memory
08:16 Rockaway Seasons and Family Life
12:01 Growing Up Rough Rockaway
15:38 Playland Memories
17:16 Parents Jobs and Old NYC
21:30 Loss and Health Fears
22:30 Ocean Air Cats and Wild Dogs
24:59 San Francisco Detour
25:51 Rockaway Change and Future
29:14 Boardwalk Rebuild Debate
29:44 Rockaway Community Backbone
30:40 City Neglect and Flooding Fixes
31:47 Summer Crowds Reality Check
32:46 Music Roots and Influences
35:49 Brother Returns and Hip Hop Spark
41:24 Concerts and DJ Beginnings
45:47 Scratch Academy Deep Dive
47:38 Beatmatching and DJ Respect
50:18 Reggae Nights and Paying Dues
56:23 From DJing to Managing
57:56 Williamsburg DJ Scene
58:35 Black Betty Breakthrough
58:52 New Orleans After Katrina
59:14 Leap of Faith Mindset
01:00:41 From DJ to Tour Manager
01:03:08 Van Tour Reality Check
01:04:35 Opening Sets and Pride
01:05:47 Brooklyn Bowl Training
01:08:38 Ego Check and Feathers
01:11:25 Humility and Consumerism
01:15:40 POS Chaos and Bonding
01:16:20 Meeting His Future Wife
01:19:55 Sobriety and Partnership
01:23:06 Pizza Craft and Standards
01:26:04 Pizza Origins and NYC Icons
01:27:10 Pizza Inspiration TV
01:27:48 Lucali and Paulie Gee
01:29:01 Vegan Pie Philosophy
01:30:17 Apprentice Origins
01:33:04 Starting Over Lessons
01:36:19 Crown Pizza Vision
01:41:14 Bromate Dough Debate
01:43:04 Influencers and Taste
01:48:23 Pizza Lightning Round
01:52:38 Plugs and Farewell

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