Podcast Summary: The Journey On Podcast – Episode with Sean Fee
Title: Sean Fee
Host: Warwick Schiller
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Duration: Approximately 112 minutes
The Journey On Podcast hosted by Warwick Schiller delves deep into personal growth, connection, and the profound lessons learned through horsemanship. In this episode, Warwick welcomes filmmaker Sean Fee to discuss his journey, the inception of the documentary project Rekindle, and the interconnectedness of science, spirituality, and indigenous wisdom.
1. Introduction to Sean Fee and the Rekindle Project
Warwick introduces Sean Fee as a talented filmmaker originally from Switzerland, now residing in Majorca, Spain. Sean reached out to Warwick a few years prior with an interest in creating a short documentary about Warwick’s work. This collaboration blossomed into a more ambitious project—the feature-length documentary Rekindle.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (00:44): “Rekindle is a feature documentary that illuminates the transformative bond between humans and horses, offering a mirror to our collective journey of healing, connection, and self-discovery.”
2. Sean Fee’s Background and Early Influences
Sean shares his upbringing in Bulimas, California, an alternative community influenced by his American mother and Scottish father. Moving to England at age seven, Sean was immersed in Waldorf education, emphasizing creativity and inner development. His early love for storytelling and filmmaking took root during his teenage years, creating skateboarding films with friends.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (67:52): “Storytelling was the thing I wanted to do with my life. It just made sense because I had always loved to tell stories and had been making films since I was a teenager.”
3. The Evolution of Rekindle: From Short Film to Feature Documentary
Initially aiming to produce a 10-15 minute short documentary, Sean’s vision expanded after attending Warwick’s podcast summit. The emotional and collective experience at the summit inspired him to deepen the project, leading to the comprehensive feature documentary Rekindle.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (60:33): “We need time. We need time to hear the backstory, hear a little bit of the history, where they came from and how that informs what they're doing today.”
4. The Powerful Experience at the Summit
Sean recounts his visit to Warwick’s summit, describing an overwhelming emotional response that transformed his approach to the documentary. The collective energy and authenticity of the attendees moved him deeply, reinforcing the need to expand the project beyond a short film.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (52:35): “I felt my chest physically opening up and a warm feeling developing. And it brought me to tears… because they were all there for the same reason.”
5. Filmmaking Philosophy: Authenticity and Connection
Sean emphasizes his commitment to authentic storytelling, often choosing to put aside his camera to fully engage with his subjects. This approach allows for genuine connections and unfiltered narratives, which are crucial for the depth required in Rekindle.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (103:13): “You have to be careful, considerate. Finding that way with all of these contributors is going to be very interesting.”
6. Bridging Science and Spirituality: Key Contributors
Rekindle features a diverse range of contributors who bridge the gap between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom. Notable figures include Dr. Steven Peters, a neuroscientist exploring the intersection of brain science and lived experiences, and Dr. Jessica White Plume, who integrates indigenous psychology with modern practices.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (90:51): “He's doing his best to represent that in the scientific community. And I don't think that's an easy job.”
7. The Symbolism of Horses in Rekindle
While not solely about horses, Rekindle uses the bond between humans and horses as a central thread to explore deeper themes of connection, healing, and self-discovery. Warwick’s personal experiences and his ability to connect with horses provide a foundation for the documentary’s narrative.
Notable Quote:
Warwick Schiller (100:15): “The documentary is not about horses, but horses have played kind of maybe a common thread that's led us all together.”
8. Future Filming and Collaborations
Warwick and Sean discuss upcoming filming locations, including visits to Emily’s place in Sweden and Jordana Anawalt’s herd of mustangs in Bend, Oregon. These segments aim to visually capture the unique interactions between humans, animals, and their environments.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (86:49): “I can't wait to see Emily in August. And your eye for filmmaking just adds a much richer quality to the whole tapestry of this idea.”
9. Sean’s Transition to Mallorca and Lifestyle Choices
Sean explains his family's relocation to Mallorca, Spain, seeking a conducive environment for their children and aligning their lifestyle with their values. The island’s rich culture, natural beauty, and supportive expat community have provided the perfect backdrop for both personal growth and professional endeavors.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (80:35): “We wanted to experience something different for ourselves, but also for our children and offer them a childhood where they could really have everything that we always dreamed our children could have.”
10. The Interconnectedness of Modern and Traditional Wisdom
Throughout the conversation, Sean and Warwick highlight how modern practices can harmoniously integrate with traditional and indigenous wisdom. Rekindle aims to showcase this synergy, emphasizing that science and spirituality are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary paths to understanding our existence and connection with nature.
Notable Quote:
Warwick Schiller (94:47): “Everything is connected. Bringing all these things together to point out how similar they are, not how opposed or distant they are.”
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for Healing and Connection
The episode wraps up with both Warwick and Sean expressing their excitement and gratitude for the collaborative journey ahead. They underscore the importance of planting seeds of change through authentic storytelling, encouraging listeners to explore and reconnect with the natural world and their own inner wisdom.
Notable Quote:
Sean Fee (108:58): “That's really the goal that I have for the film, is that a few people will watch it and think, okay, I'm gonna try that, and then maybe connect with people around me in my community or go to one of the summits or experience it for yourself.”
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Storytelling: Emphasizing genuine connections over scripted narratives.
- Interconnectedness: Bridging science, spirituality, and indigenous wisdom to foster holistic understanding.
- Personal Growth: Highlighting the transformative power of introspection and connection with nature.
- Future Vision: Aspiring to inspire change through the documentary by encouraging personal exploration and community engagement.
For those interested in following Warwick’s work, including his extensive online video library, visit videos.warwickschiller.com.