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The Blue Swan

The Blue Swan

De : Sean Adler
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 In a landscape where innovation is a contact sport, The Blue Swan Podcast explores the science—and art—of thriving on the frontier. Hosted by Sean Adler—a visionary fitness leader, AI entrepreneur, and technical ninja with a sense of humor—whose journey spans the worlds of enterprise AI, bioinformatics, advanced calisthenics, and global media. His work and performances have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, LA Fashion Week, and beyond. The Blue Swan is about more than just the pecking order. It’s about dancing on the razor’s edge of AI and entertainment, where quantitative rigor meets performance art, and the lines between data, movement, and storytelling are constantly redrawn. Through candid conversations with industry leaders, tech founders, athletes, and creative minds, The Blue Swan dives into what drives high-stakes performance—whether building agentic AI systems, pulling Hollywood stunts, optimizing risk, or biohacking. From regulatory navigation and portfolio optimization to martial arts, meditation, and the science of habit formation, you’ll hear stories and strategies you can use—no matter your arena. New episodes blend expert insight, creative exploration, and a dose of humor—because in business and life, adaptability is the ultimate edge.

seantzu.substack.comSean Adler Art Direction Divertissement et arts du spectacle Economie Management et direction
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    Épisodes
    • Jeeves Ducornet

      Jeeves Ducornet
      Feb 8 2026
      Reinvention, Resilience, and the Art of Sonic EvolutionJeeves Ducornet, a Grammy-winning producer and seven-time nominee across songwriting, production, and engineering, has mastered the art of blending tradition with innovation. His journey from the idyllic Loire Valley in France to the bustling studios of Los Angeles is a testament to adaptability, vision, and an unwavering dedication to his craft.A Journey That Bridges WorldsBorn to a French-American family, Ducornet’s early years alternated between the scenic vineyards of rural France and the United States. This cross-cultural upbringing, coupled with formal music training at Paris’ Studio des Variétés and Berklee College of Music, provided him with a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary music. By age 20, he was ready to conquer Los Angeles, arriving in the midst of the 1990s gangster rap era.Interestingly, his first two years in LA were spent not in music, but doing background work in movies. Armed with a guitar and cassette recorder, Ducornet often stood out on set—not because of acting ambition, but because he was quietly focused on creating music while meeting artists. This unconventional networking strategy soon opened doors, leading to collaborations with icons like Tupac Shakur, Ice-T, and later, Britney Spears and Giorgio Moroder.Grammy Wins, Nominations, and Iconic CollaborationsDucornet’s career shines with one Grammy win and seven nominations, reflecting his versatility and impact across genres.* Grammy Win: Latin Grammy for Beto Cuevas’ “Transformación” (2014) – Best Latin Pop Album.* Nominations:* DJ Kane (2003) – Best Producer and Songwriter.* David Bisbal (multiple categories, including Best Album, Producer, and Engineer).* Various collaborations with Claudia Brant, a renowned Latin songwriter.His work with Beto Cuevas showcased his ability to merge Latin sounds with jazz and pop influences, while earlier projects like Tupac’s tracks or Britney Spears’ remix of Tom’s Diner highlighted his knack for adapting to diverse styles.A particularly memorable collaboration came with Britney Spears and Giorgio Moroder on the Tom’s Diner remix. Ducornet recalls working on the track in the French countryside at 4 a.m., blending the nostalgia of his childhood home with the grandeur of an international pop production.The Wild Days of Gangster RapThe 90s gangster rap scene brought a unique set of challenges and unforgettable memories. Ducornet’s studio became a hub for rappers and their entourages. He recounts the surreal juxtaposition of substances: “Rock stars were on cocaine, but rappers? Different vibe entirely.”One New Year’s Eve party epitomized the chaos of the era. As midnight struck, a guest pulled out a gun and fired bullets through the ceiling in celebration. Miraculously, no one was hurt, but the incident became one of many wild tales from those unpredictable studio days.From Analog to AI: The Evolution of Music ProductionAs technology reshaped the music industry, Ducornet remained at the forefront, leveraging both his technical expertise and creative instincts. His long-standing relationship with Steinberg (developers of Cubase and Nuendo) allowed him to influence features in the software he describes as his “third arm.”His massive production template—an evolving project 20 years in the making—includes orchestral arrangements, drum sounds from every era, and synth presets, enabling him to create fully mixed and mastered tracks in as little as three hours.AI, Animation, and the Future of ArtDucornet’s recent foray into filmmaking resulted in Human Intelligence, the first long-form AI-animated movie created with animation using tools like Cling AI, MidJourney, and Topaz Labs.Rather than relying on AI prompts, Ducornet took an ethical approach by animating pre-existing artwork—such as photos of himself from different decades. He saw AI as a tool, not the creator, ensuring his vision and identity remained central to the project.While AI accelerated production, Ducornet remains cautious about its implications for music and art:* Pros: Faster production, cost efficiency, and scalability.* Cons: Loss of human creativity and the displacement of producers.The Challenges of the Streaming EraReflecting on the evolution of the music industry, Ducornet discusses the financial rollercoaster artists have faced—from the lucrative days of CD sales to the meager royalties of streaming. A million streams today might yield only $600, split among writers, producers, and managers. “A million streams used to mean something. Now? It barely buys you dinner.”This shift has forced many artists to diversify, turning to social media and other ventures to sustain their careers.Creativity, Reinvention, and the Road AheadThrough decades of change, Ducornet has remained resilient, continuously reinventing himself. Whether producing Grammy-winning tracks, experimenting with AI, or merging personal ...
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      45 min
    • Nadeem Majdalany

      Nadeem Majdalany
      Feb 7 2026

      A Visionary’s Journey into the Future of Music and Film

      Nadeem Majdalan, a Grammy-winning composer, director, and creator of Pandora’s Box, has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinematic and musical experiences. Known for blending traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology, Majdalan’s career is a testament to creativity, perseverance, and an unorthodox sense of humor. From humble beginnings to crafting the world’s first cinematic concert in 12K 360-degree VR, Majdalan embodies the power of storytelling and reinvention.

      Artistry and Humor: From Mythologies to Ultra Mega Chicken

      Majdalan’s Pandora’s Box is not just an immersive concert experience—it’s a multidimensional work of art. Incorporating elements like esoteric symbolism, aerial yoga, and nature-inspired visuals from Los Angeles and Phoenix, the project encapsulates the interplay of light and darkness, humanity and technology. “This is more than a concert,” Majdalan says. “It’s a new way to experience sound and visuals.”

      This creativity, however, is often paired with Majdalan’s sarcastic sense of humor. From Aqua Teen Hunger Force’s “Ultra Mega Chicken” to dual wielding sour cream and guacamole guns for Taco Bell sponsorships, the absurd yet inspired moments of artistic creativity strike like lighting. Majdalan even shared a memory of dressing his daughter in a chicken costume for her first Halloween. “She looked like a tiny Ultra Mega Chicken,” he says, laughing. “As an artist, you find inspiration everywhere, even in your kids’ costumes.”

      Resilience in the Face of Challenges

      Majdalan’s path to success has been anything but linear. From struggling as a young artist to sleeping on subway trains to eventually winning a Grammy, his journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance. “When doors closed, I kept pushing,” he recalls. “I realized I couldn’t control others, but I could control my own actions.” This determination eventually led to his breakthrough, with Pandora’s Box serving as a culmination of his years of growth, failures, and triumphs.

      The Grammy-Winning Water Percussion of Mythologies

      One of Majdalan’s most celebrated achievements is his Grammy-winning contribution to Mythologies. Known for his innovative approach to sound, he incorporated water percussion into the production, using tools like the LP Galaxy water drum and even rainwater collected in jars. By experimenting with the natural pitch and resonance of water, Majdalan created a unique auditory experience that reflected the album’s themes of nature and mythology. “Water is a living instrument,” he explains. “The way it moves, the way it resonates—it’s like it has its own story to tell.”

      Blending Technology, Collaboration, and Humanity

      As a passionate advocate for blending art and technology, Majdalan sees innovation as a way to amplify human creativity rather than replace it. Pandora’s Box utilized VR and 360-degree soundscapes to create a project that engages the ears, eyes, and soul. “Technology allows us to shape new worlds,” says Majdalan. “But it’s the human touch that gives them meaning.”

      In addition to his technical accomplishments, Majdalan emphasizes the importance of collaboration. With over 200 contributors involved in Pandora’s Box, he credits the team effort as the backbone of the project. “Everyone brought something unique,” he says. “It’s a celebration of creativity and teamwork.”

      The Evolution of Art and Storytelling

      Majdalan’s work spans film scores, advertising, and live performances, with a focus on creating deeply immersive experiences. He often draws parallels between music and cooking, comparing his craft to finding the perfect ingredients for a dish. “Like cooking, composing is about balance—bringing together flavors, textures, and ideas to create something extraordinary,” he explains.

      Looking Ahead

      Nadeem Majdalan continues to push creative boundaries, envisioning a future where art, science, and technology converge. His journey, marked by resilience, humor, and innovation, serves as an inspiration to artists everywhere. “This journey has been about finding balance—between art and technology, success and failure, light and darkness,” he reflects. “Whether it’s water percussion, VR concerts, or my daughter’s chicken costume, I’ve learned that inspiration is everywhere. And this is just the beginning.”



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      45 min
    • Marjorie DeHey

      Marjorie DeHey
      Feb 7 2026
      A Visionary Producer and Global Venture StrategistMarjorie DeHey’s story is one of transformation, creativity, and strategic acumen. From her roots in corporate law to becoming a multi-award-winning independent film producer, DeHey has seamlessly navigated the worlds of entertainment, venture capital, and international business. With 33 awards spanning 12 films, her tenacity, strategic mindset, and passion for storytelling have not only shaped her career but have also empowered countless creatives to bring their visions to life. Beyond the glitz of filmmaking, DeHey’s efforts in raising venture capital and managing investments have positioned her as a trailblazer in both the entertainment and financial sectors.From Legal Expertise to Independent FilmmakingDeHey’s foray into filmmaking began with a solid foundation in corporate law and entertainment, working for MGM Studios and navigating international film production landscapes. This legal background proved invaluable in her transition to film production, where she emphasized the importance of securing intellectual property rights, navigating union agreements, and planning distribution strategies early in the process.Her first feature film, Bottle Monster, was a defining moment that came together quickly with the help of a trusted team, including television veteran Paul Overacher. DeHey credits this collaboration as a cornerstone of her success, remarking, “Filmmaking is a team sport. You find your tribe, and together, you create something extraordinary.”Raising Venture Capital and Navigating the Global Film MarketOne of DeHey’s standout achievements has been her ability to bridge the worlds of film production and venture capital. Drawing on her experience working with Irish venture capital firm Enterprise Ireland, one of Europe’s largest government-funded VC firms, DeHey developed an exceptional ability to evaluate startups, manage portfolios, and execute investment strategies. While at Enterprise Ireland, she managed a portfolio of over 100 startups and was instrumental in increasing export sales in the Irish media and telecommunications industries by over $100 million.Building on this experience, DeHey applied her venture capital expertise to the entertainment industry, skillfully raising funds through private equity, angel investors, and venture capital firms. Her approach to financing mirrors the meticulous diligence of large-scale VC firms while embracing the creative passion of indie filmmaking. She has even worked with prominent investors like Sequoia Capital China (紅杉中國) for innovative projects, further cementing her reputation as a savvy dealmaker.DeHey’s venture capital acumen also extended to managing an Irish VC fund, where she balanced financial modeling, investment strategies, and international partnerships. This experience equipped her with the tools to navigate complex equity structures, from production LLCs to larger C-Corp entities, while ensuring the creative and financial success of her projects.A Global Perspective on Film Festivals and DistributionDeHey’s films have earned recognition far beyond the U.S., winning awards in countries such as Sweden and Italy. She emphasizes the importance of thinking globally when approaching distribution, stating, “The U.S. is a huge market, but there are other significant markets out there. Know where your film resonates and connect with those audiences.”Her strategic insight into international markets has allowed her to tailor her films to diverse cultural preferences, ensuring success in regions with unique tastes and sensibilities. For example, she points out that certain genres—like ghost stories—may not resonate in Japan due to cultural beliefs, while other themes may thrive in specific markets.DeHey also highlights the importance of building genuine relationships at film festivals, where networking with distributors and sales agents often paves the way for international licensing deals. Working with partners like Premier Digital, she has successfully handled localization and global rights management, ensuring that her films reach audiences in multiple languages and territories.Empowering Creatives Through Education and AdvocacyIn addition to her work as a producer, DeHey is an active member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy. She credits these organizations with providing invaluable education and fostering collaboration within the industry. “The Producers Guild and Television Academy are amazing at promoting education and lifting up the industry,” she says.DeHey is also a vocal advocate for protecting creators’ rights in the face of emerging technologies like AI. She warns actors to carefully review contracts to safeguard their likenesses and creative contributions, while emphasizing the continued importance of physical effects and human connection in storytelling. “AI can help in certain ways, but physical effects and ...
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      48 min
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