Podcast Title: What It Was Like
Episode: I Imported Rave Culture (and Ecstasy) to America
Host: Julian Morgans
Guest: Sean Atwood
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Introduction and Background
In this compelling episode of What It Was Like, host Julian Morgans delves into the tumultuous journey of Sean Atwood, a man who played a pivotal role in introducing rave culture and ecstasy to the United States. The conversation offers an intimate look into Sean's rise within the rave scene, the establishment of his criminal enterprise, his eventual downfall, and the profound transformation he underwent during his time in prison.
Early Life and Stock Market Involvement
Sean Atwood begins by sharing his humble beginnings in Northern England, growing up in a financially strained environment between Liverpool and Manchester. From a young age, Sean exhibited a keen interest in the stock market:
Sean Atwood [05:42]: “I was studying the stock market at a young age. I was only about 14 when I got interested in it, and I started investing when I was 16.”
His early fascination with finance was inspired by his grandmother and fueled by the economic climate of the 1970s, notably Margaret Thatcher's privatization efforts. This led to familial investments and a burgeoning interest that would later influence his ventures in America.
Introduction to Ecstasy and Rave Culture
Sean's foray into the rave scene began during his university years in Manchester amidst the late 80s and early 90s, a period marked by the "Summer of Love" in England. His first encounter with ecstasy at a warehouse rave marked a significant turning point:
Sean Atwood [09:27]: “I went to the club, tried ecstasy, tried speed... about 40 minutes in, I was having an orgasm. I just didn't stop dancing all night long.”
Despite initial reservations and a lack of understanding of the rave environment, the drug-induced experience transformed Sean, making him a devoted participant in the burgeoning rave culture.
Transition to Drug Distribution
Leveraging his financial acumen, Sean transitioned from merely participating in the rave scene to becoming a distributor of ecstasy. His move to Arizona in 1991 was strategic, capitalizing on the absence of an established rave culture in the U.S. at the time. Working in high-pressure sales environments, Sean amassed significant wealth:
Sean Atwood [11:08]: “I was the top grossing broker, grossing half a million a year in commissions.”
This financial success enabled him to invest in rave events and distribute ecstasy, initially through local connections like the Silver Dollar Club and DJs who would later gain international fame.
Building a Criminal Enterprise
As rave culture gained momentum in the U.S., Sean expanded his operations, creating a vertically integrated distribution network. He meticulously established connections with suppliers in Los Angeles and later in Holland, implementing sophisticated smuggling techniques to transport large quantities of ecstasy into the country:
Sean Atwood [26:50]: “We put them in hollowed out stock market annual reports... before 9/11, people could actually put them in their luggage in pillowcases.”
His enterprise grew organically, involving around 200 individuals and integrating legitimate businesses like clothing stores to launder money. Sean's approach was methodical, focusing on creating a resilient network that insulated him from direct exposure to law enforcement.
Downfall and Arrest
Sean's reign came to an abrupt end due to internal conflicts and betrayals within his organization. The pivotal moment occurred when Schooley, a trusted associate turned informant, provided critical witness statements to the authorities. On May 16, 2002, Sean was arrested in a dramatic police raid:
Sean Atwood [41:06]: “I'm in shock because I quit and I thought I got away with it... I was looking at the stock market again... 'Tempe, please, we got a warrant.'”
The arrest led to severe legal consequences, with Sean facing charges that could have resulted in up to 200 years in prison. However, through a strategic plea bargain, he secured a reduced sentence of nine and a half years.
Prison Experience and Transformation
Sean's time in prison was harrowing, marked by extreme conditions under Sheriff Joe Arpaio's notoriously harsh regime. The environment was brutal, with pervasive cockroach infestations, inadequate food, and relentless violence. These experiences pushed Sean to the brink of suicide, but a near-tragic decision to end his life was thwarted by the desire to spare his family from further pain.
Sean Atwood [50:05]: “I was facing 200 years... I was just going to slash my wrists... but then I thought about my family.”
This crisis became a catalyst for his profound personal transformation. Sean began to help fellow inmates, educating them and providing support, which fostered a new sense of purpose. Post-release, he channeled his experiences into activism, writing, and public speaking, ultimately turning his life around.
Sean Atwood [67:15]: “One of the most important things for me is to learn how to manage an addictive personality type... channel energy into positive stuff.”
Conclusion and Lessons Learned
Sean Atwood's story is a powerful narrative of ambition, downfall, and redemption. Through his candid discussion, he emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying personal traumas and the necessity of finding positive outlets for addictive tendencies. His journey underscores the potential for personal growth and societal contribution, even after experiencing significant adversity.
Sean Atwood [63:46]: “You can choose to put your energy into stuff that's going to bring SWAT teams about or put your life in danger, or you can choose to put the energy into positive stuff, martial arts, public speaking, etc.”
Sean now dedicates his life to helping others avoid the pitfalls he encountered, using his platform to educate and inspire.
Notable Quotes
- Sean Atwood [05:42]: “I was studying the stock market at a young age. I was only about 14 when I got interested in it, and I started investing when I was 16.”
- Sean Atwood [09:27]: “I went to the club, tried ecstasy, tried speed... about 40 minutes in, I was having an orgasm. I just didn't stop dancing all night long.”
- Sean Atwood [26:50]: “We put them in hollowed out stock market annual reports... before 9/11, people could actually put them in their luggage in pillowcases.”
- Sean Atwood [41:06]: “I'm in shock because I quit and I thought I got away with it... I was looking at the stock market again... 'Tempe, please, we got a warrant.'”
- Sean Atwood [67:15]: “One of the most important things for me is to learn how to manage an addictive personality type... channel energy into positive stuff.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of What It Was Like offers a gripping exploration of Sean Atwood's life, illustrating the complexities of human behavior and the capacity for change. Sean's honest recounting not only serves as a cautionary tale but also as an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode @whatitwaslikepodcast on YouTube or follow Julian Morgans on Instagram @julianmorgans.