STATE OF MIND with MAURICE BENARD: SEAN KANAN

[@tsefcik]

Sean's AJ wasn't a simple screw up and I agree he never got a fair shake. There was heart in there too which is often overlooked and underrated, like how he loved his little sister and missed his brother and kept trying to earnestly connect with the new version. I'll always have empathy for that AJ.

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@badbetty76]

Oh man, I miss the AJ, Jason, Jagger, Brenda, Ricky Martin, Stone and Robin days. Can we get those storyline/episodes on HULU like we had the Carly and Sonny storyline special? Pleeeease! ❤

[@MBStateOfMind]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼👏🏽✊🏽

[@cindymaun8952]

You can find episodes on KZbin.

[@badbetty76]

@cindymaun8952 I will look but Hulu did a cool series about Sonny and Carly as well as a separate one for Jason and they included just their storyline. So it was nice to watch them back to back.

[@cindymaun8952]

Cool! Thanks

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

AJ will always be one of my favorite characters

[@MBStateOfMind]

❤

[@leahketchum4078]

I like them is AJ and as deacon

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Sean is an Amazing actor from GH to B&B to Cobra Kai

[@MBStateOfMind]

❤

[@simmipooh23]

​@@MBStateOfMind amazing podcast... i would love that one day you do an interview with Kimberlin Brown aslo know as Sheila Carter from the bold and the beautiful.... am all the way fron 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@ameliaerin1544]

And Y@R..

[@pamelamanfra5382]

That painting is unbelievable. It shows how the mind can go in so many different and sometimes wild directions.

[@joanparker2443]

Maurice thank you for state of mind with Sean.I love him when he was on GH and BB.👍❤️

[@MBStateOfMind]

You’re welcome

[@JaneDoe-ov1hb]

Wow, that painting and t-shirt are absolutely stunning! What thoughtful gifts from Sean! I'd 💙 to have one of the shirts! Congratulations to Sean on his sobriety! He is such an amazing actor and person! Thank you☺️

[@MBStateOfMind]

they will be at my tour

[@nancymcdowell7482]

This weekend we celebrated my grandsons life. When we were leaving I told my daughter that we should get together more often. She said mom I pray we do. That gave me strength to not give up. I’m gonna be here as long as I can for my children and grandchildren. 🙏

[@MBStateOfMind]

Beautiful

[@matasham]

Wow...amazing gifts...how thoughtful of Sean❤❤❤❤

[@seanphillips9523]

I feel like when they brought AJ and Sean back in 2012 it started out strong but by the end they just did him dirty. AJ was always more interesting fighting for his sobriety than giving in to his darkness. He also had amazing chemistry with Laura Wright and I wish we got to see that play out more.

[@teamsassjordan9887]

Love this interview. Would love to hear your memories of Shell Kepler. She was on GH for over 20 years and so little was spoken of her death.

[@appleiiee]

This was a great conversation, Maurice. He has such a way of expressing himself and isn't afraid of getting right down to talking about the hard subjects. Please have him back soon. ❤

[@Coco-9995]

Miss him as AJ in GH, traumatic times that character played, I was disappointed when they killed his character and his brother’s struggles through it on the show was well acted by him and other GH actors, these years on GH were amazing. Such touching gifts the beautiful t-shirt and painting.

[@NubianQueen6391]

Great interview. The shirt and the painting are absolutely the coolest things!! He captured everything about the feel and meaning of State Of Mind. That is a great quality T-Shirt too!! Love them both.

[@MBStateOfMind]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deeking914]

Set my notification for this one so I don't miss it! BTW, really liking Sean as Deacon on B&B but will always miss his AJ.

[@MBStateOfMind]

Same here!

[@JudeandLucyRemix]

Sean ages like fine wine 🤤

[@MBStateOfMind]

Agree

[@josephannemariecaristi6711]

I can't tell you how much I loved your conversation about God. "It doesn't matter what you do. What matters is are you a good guy?" I agree. It all goes back to our heart, and THAT is what God sees and knows! ❤

[@mollydunlap7896]

Sean is now one of my favorites in Hollywood. Great show!

[@pamelabrigman2872]

What wonderful gifts!! Miss AJ on GH ! Great to see and hear from him. Great interview Maurice ♥️

[@MBStateOfMind]

thanks

[@cynthiarafn9027]

Thank you Maurice, this interview was amazing! I agree he has changed and in a good way. I loved him on GH.

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@purple_bboop5392]

Another amazing state of mind. I had happy tears also when Sean gave you the gifts, Maurice. You looking really fly in that shirt! ❤️ thanks for another interview. Sean slays it on B&B ❤👏🏼💯

[@lucystallaert2928]

I loved this interview with Sean. Being Italian I was amazed and surprised that he could speak so fluently. I miss him as AJ on General Hospital. I’m hoping to see him on the 6 season of Cobra Kai. Such a beautiful soul. Thank you Maurice for bringing him on again. ❤️👏🇨🇦🇮🇹

[@loricoyle5755]

Loved to hear the mention of City of Industry at the end. My husband worked at Tropicana there 😊

[@nancydunston1215]

❤❤❤ FANTASTIC INTERVIEW, MAURICE!!!❤❤❤

[@heatherlyn3157]

Love Sean! I remember the first time he was on State of Mind; so kind and down to earth! Also, I’m glad he brought up drinking and social anxiety. It’s a temporary fix that actually ends up causing more anxiety. Thanks so much for continuing to do these! ❤️

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@lunapasquale]

Love Sean cant wait❤

[@103lorig]

WOW! What an amazing gift! That is beautiful!

[@michelletalksgh1176]

❤❤❤❤❤ those presents you receive today sean you very throughful it was excellent interview today like always Maurice stay safe out there on your tour i wish I could be there in Michigan and Ohip shows i didn't know he was from where i lived i lived in Wickliffe Cleveland ohio ❤❤❤❤ hello benard family ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@aaroncalafato1]

What a genuine and beautiful gift to start this episode guys. Even though he left at 5, Cleveland forever bro!

[@charlesmento5968]

This helped alleviate some of my anxiety. I know from a relative that trying to get help sometimes is not there: docs are on someone's plan, some are too booked, some don't call back, some are not the right doctor or therapist for the person, some are too expensive.

[@auntnayblessed6603]

Excellent interview!! Loved Sean as AJ!!! I still miss him on GH. What phenomenal gifts he gave you!!! Absolutely phenomenal 👏👏👏👏👏💓💓. Congratulations to Sean on his sobrity. That's amazing🎉🎊🎉. God bless you both💙💙🙏🙏🙏 ps. I absolutely loved the statement, " would you give up one thing, to have everything?" I will never forget that! I will share that. So profound.🙏🙏🙏💕💖

[@angelsong1234]

Thank you, always! And such heart warming gifts from Mr Kanan; so thoughtful..shout out to the artist. Beautiful.

[@Greekgossiper]

Yayyyyyy can’t wait to see part 2 with you and Sean. I loved your first State of Mind together and I’m pretty sure the second one will be amazing!!!!! Can’t wait!!!!

[@MBStateOfMind]

Yay! Thank you!

[@MBStateOfMind]

Thank you

[@Greekgossiper]

@@MBStateOfMind I truely enjoyed it!!!!! I hope you guys get to work on a next project together again soon. You guys are pretty cool.

[@jmsepancy1873]

this was very surprising. didn't think i'd like him but have to admit an extremely intelligent and genuine conversation. bravo!

[@trujustice8628]

Little story fellows about early Hollywood. Jane Russel's mum was lover of God, She became a minister so she could visit people in hospitals. She also conducted a home church Where Hollywood stars could come privately to church. She was a Holy Ghost preacher. Hollywoods big stars came to her home church.

[@ursulajohnson3047]

That is a beautiful gift Sean gave you Maurice I love you show love GH thank you

[@cynthiamincher5154]

Thanks Maurice for state mind

[@matasham]

Another excellent interview, I saw Sean on B&B a few months ago and I said...He really looks good! Now I know why....kudos Sean on your journey 🎉❤

[@josephannemariecaristi6711]

That painting makes you look like the warrior that you are! Fighting for good mental health for yourself and all of us! 💪👏

[@Pfhoney50]

Will always think of Sean as AJ 😊

[@vanicee5142]

Sean it is refreshing to hear you understand just because you think one way on some things doesn't mean you agree with all the things of the group. Also that you think people get offended too easily and we need to all accept that we're different and have different opinions on things. We don't have to agree but we need to respect the others opinion. We can agree to disagree if needed. Congrats on being sober you are looking great too.

[@deannaforlini9060]

What a beautiful gift. Amazing artist. Wow wow wow!!!

[@ursulajohnson3047]

Awesome show I watch every Sunday I love GH thank you for your show

[@MBStateOfMind]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@deborahwinkler1554]

I've always loved your show from the get-go but this has got to be the most outstanding show you've ever done. The friendship you have with Sean. The gifts he gave you were amazing. I'd love to see another interview or continue the interview with him

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@jazzjournal]

Thank you for being willing to show your faith. So thankful to see it in the entertainment arena when so much of it hates God. Again, thank you so much

[@AlanaClarkLovesRWRB]

That canvas painting was beautiful. I like the shirt too. Really informative and enjoyable interview. I love Sean! Wonderful person.

[@bklynduchess]

I definitely want a shirt !!

[@jhpvids]

Hope they talk about their love for kickboxing and Cobra Kai

[@MBStateOfMind]

✊🏽

[@holisticmassage2003]

I always loved sean as AJ..he seems like such a great guy

[@kathycavitt3089]

I Love Both Of Them No Matter What!!!

[@lblak59]

Beautiful gift.

[@ameliaerin1544]

Sean is one of the smartest guys in show biz!❤He does look great, his coloring is healthier.

[@sharonbell9606]

How COOL! It just keeps getting better! I have missed AJ since he left GH but get to see him now on B&B. So here it is get ready: I was blown away when Dillon was on State of Mind and now this treat! Now I just need to see Jason and Tracey Quartermaine. Hey I like who I like! Sonny you have always been an A1Day1. Watched GH for over 40 yrs. Continued success on your show! I love it! 💗

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@ragdarahama1596]

Oh man this talk was quite amazing he said some powerful things it’s true sometimes life is like that we could go through the samethings over and over again and get a different outcome every time I agree with that all it takes is the our loved one who means a whole lot to us to say that same thing to us to make us take that next step in stepping up our game❤. EJ was a drunky for most of his time on gh but I felt compassion and hope for him cause of how much sympathy I had towards his pain and sorrows that he had felt over the years but also I felt there was hope for his redemption of he had stick around. Sean is such in inspiration for all the work he had done thanks for having him on again to be able to share some of himself with us🥰

[@Rebeccanotprovided]

having a super rough past few days looking forward to the inspiration in the show today

[@angelaholmes8888]

I hope things get better for you soon

[@eleanornatter2784]

It was nice to see him!!

[@derekcrowder9004]

i love the character “Sonny” my mom watched days and young and the restless another world i grew up watching those shows and one day i started watching gh and sonny and jason i loved those characters and i still watch days and gh everyday good storylines to real life during covid i started watching state of mind and the personal things i have went thru you have hit on over and over again mental health is important i connected with what you have talked about thank you for this

[@ruthmayeda4510]

WOW!! THE T-shirt and painting is beautiful ❤

[@dorisrosa62]

Oh my my, my two favorite characters from both shows, B&B and GH. Depression is horrible, I know how it is. Glad that one got help on time, mental illness is hard and horrible to deal with at times and I’m glad that the other one stop his drinking problem before his career would of come to an end.

[@MBStateOfMind]

thanks ❤

[@michellesolazzo7828]

So strong Sean your amazing

[@aaroncalafato1]

Can’t wait for this one 🙌

[@katethayer4633]

I just said, (out loud to myself), Sean is so right that we need to stop judging people for their beliefs and opinions. THANK YOU!!!! 👍 As for Cobra Kai, I considered watching it for a long time. But it wasn’t until I found out that Sean was involved, that I made the leap. Then I binge watched the first five seasons in two weeks, or less 😅, not knowing that season six won’t come out until 2024. 🤣

[@badbetty76]

That piece of artwork is a amaaazing! Love it!❤

[@MBStateOfMind]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@trujustice8628]

Respect. Amazing gift.

[@angelaholmes8888]

That shirt looks really great 😊

[@lisalam5677]

Omg the painting is AWESOME!!

[@nicolas.m.07]

Man Sean was really honest in this. You can see how he is at least different from characters he plays on soaps. I liked him more since his B&B's comeback Brad show me a side that I didn't like quite in his Y&R debuts. Anyway I love the way he pointed out work. How you can give up one thing to have everything is a remarkable argument. When I see this I honestly believe that I have no excuses. This help Maurice ❤❤❤❤

[@tracyroth-myers5574]

I love youse two together. You guys should have your own TV show. IMO.

[@Julieglam3]

I agree about the subject of people and their beliefs. Our society has become extremely toxic in terms of judgement of others. Every single person on the planet has their own uniqueness and beliefs. Unfortunately, no one seems to embrace that. Instead, too many want to start a fight. Not everything is. So much valuable time is wasted with having that negativity mind set. Each persons State of Mind (pun intended) has a direct impact on how we all move the needle on this issue. Love has to lead us. Empathy has to empower us. Compassion is what will sustain us. Hate has no power unless we allow it.

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@stacyn.]

Cutie’s. I remember Sean playing A.J. On GH.

[@jokn3580]

Great interview again!

[@claudiashulman2834]

What a great conversation! 👍 to both of you. GH had two heyday one in the 80’s and 1 in the 90’s but as a GH fan I would say the 90’s one was educational about medical issues and that has value 35:59

[@johnnypotenza7466]

Excellent talk fellars, very deep & interesting! Bravo on your triumph & success Sean, proud to call you my friend. God Bless 👃😎 💪

[@bklynduchess]

I can't wait for this !!

[@uzlenenesbitt2437]

I think Sean is hilarious on B&B😂😂

[@bklynduchess]

He definitely is !!

[@manveengill5150]

Aj will always be my favourite from gh wish he would come back on the show

[@MBStateOfMind]

❤

[@debrawilliams6487]

So cool those paintings

[@nadiad1678]

I love the state of mind today thank you Mr. Bernard And Sean I watch you all the time on General Hospital Mr. Bernard and I also want to do Sean international and karate kid three an on Cabra Kai Love both of you and your work like I said I love the state of mind today hope both of you have a good day and a good life thank you love you can’t wait to see you the next state of mind

[@MBStateOfMind]

thank you

[@soulstice99]

Amazing guy, amazing journey, learned alot

[@sandyalways5084]

I love Sean on Kobria Kai and Bold and Beautiful

[@michellemarchiano9878]

Exactly. Are you a good person? That's it. ❤

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed sean in cobra kai 💯😉

[@Arabella--Leigh]

So nice to see you "A.J. Quartermaine"

[@ellenmarie2633]

Loved this episode.

[@MBStateOfMind]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@BernadetteResnik]

Fun interview.😊

[@kristaramirez4111]

I loved the brothr/ sister relationship between AJ and Skye

[@angelaholmes8888]

Congratulations sean on getting sober

[@MsTexas73]

AJ should have never been killed off. There was so much more potential with the character. And SK had amazing chemistry with both SJB and LW’s Carly.

[@patriciaburkhardt5930]

Great interview Maurice. Sean is a very cool guy.

[@joannezig]

Oh Maurice, this was so good. I always look forward to State of Mind. The gifts he gave you were beautiful. i’m so happy for him that he stop drinking. I know all about that life with my own husband, that couldn’t just do it. So when he said, can you just give up one thing to have everything. Thank you for this great interview.🖤🩶🖤

[@reneeklein9336]

Beautiful gifts!!

[@jodivalentino6798]

Due belle persone 🤙

[@shirleyleon3654]

Such a beautiful picture amazing so love ❤️ you all thank you for helping me ❤ amazing

[@tikeya7952]

Sean Kanan is going to be at Stellar Con (two weeks from now) in my county! 😃

[@lorisimmons3177]

Love the shirt! You should market that!

[@rebeccaweigel725]

nicest guy in the business hey Sean! San Clemente

[@Mihgamer123]

Sean kanan is great actor

[@tonid2587]

I love it Sonny and AJ bilingual how kewl would that have been on GH 😂. I always felt AJ got a raw deal from Carly 🫤 I love Deacon Sharpe though ❤. Great interview as always Maurice. It’s sad that men feel they can’t be emotional at times 😢Whoa 14 hours to Dubai a friend of mine wants me to go with him but I have a fear of flying 14 hours is a no go for ME 😮😑😵‍💫

[@kariannsutherland4850]

Is his Amazon soap coming back

[@zeek2436]

First; as for "AJ." AJ was beloved by many of us. He was to this day one of my favorite GH characters. I had empathy for him, and hated that he was the punching bag. I always rooted for him and felt angry and exasperated at how he never caught a break; how Carly and Sonny ALWAYS defeated him. Sonny was certainly no better than him , nor was Carly, and yet they were able to torture him and take his son from him which the show never corrected until, finally, Michael and AJ bonded. Then Carlivati killed AJ off. Horrible decision, so many stories could have come from AJ and Michael's newfound father/son relationship, and all the stories that would have come within the Quartermaine family as Michael reclaimed his Quartermaine name. Instead, a falling out between Sean and Carlivati and Carlivati decides to end the character after bringing him back. Never should've happened. If there's one character I'd like to have back it's AJ (played by Sean.) As for this interview? Very disappointed in several things. First, understand that when actors talk about religion and "Hollywood" there's a Christian resentment; a prejudicial judgement about Jews and "Hollywood." Are you not aware of that Sean, being Jewish yourself? If anything, back in the day when Jewish people CREATED Hollywood, because of antisemitism there was barely one show based on a Jewish family or any with Jewish characters. To this day there is not ONE JEWISH CHARACTER ON GH! Matt Cohen came on, and instead of playing a Jewish doctor, he played a doctor who was also a priest! You, (Sean), and Stuart Damon (Alan) and so many GH actors were/are, Jewish in real life and not one of you played a Jewish character. Speak on that! There were and are movies about Christmas, weddings in TV and film performed by priests, funerals in the Christian faith, etc, but barely representation of Jewish holidays or wedding/funerals/celebrations etc, or for that matter any other faith than the many that fall under the Christian umbrella. This is a country of many faiths as well as atheists, and Hollywood, TV and film, is entertainment. It never was or is faith-based. And if people want that type of programming or film, they can create their own studios and productions, which some have. Great; just don't force it on the general public or be angry because Hollywood isn't jumping to your wishes. And, by the way, Hollywood has become much more diverse. The thought by many Christians that they couldn't mention Jesus is an implication that is accusatory and pits an "us" vs "them" mentality. The height of hypocrisy how many celebs (I'm not talking about Maurice or Sean here) who sit in one of their mult-million dollar homes, driving one of their ten cars, decked out in $500 sneakers, complaining about "Hollywood" and yet it's Hollywood that paid them the lifestyles they are able to afford. But I digress. Disappointed in you, Sean. Not once did you mention that you're JEWISH. You had every opportunity to mention it; Maurice spoke being brought up Catholic, then leaving his faith, then becoming Christian, then...just believing in something higher. You, Sean, mentioned your wife is Catholic. You mentioned there were Amish people where you grew up, you and Maurice wondered what the difference was between Amish and Mormon; still, no mention from you that you're Jewish. And while you're having this "brotherly" conversation about people and faith, that no two people are the same because they happen to share in a religion, etc, THAT is when it would have been a good time to bring up growing antisemitism. Maybe those who aren't Jewish don't care, or aren't even aware that Jewish people are the target of hate crimes more than any religion in the United States. Jews are THE most targeted religious group. And yet Maurice had Kanye as a guest after Kanye's kill Jews statement, and defended him; chalked it up to his being bipolar which one should be able to now know (and many of us knew from the start) had nothing to do with his antisemitic rant. Kanye's since appeared on white supremacist talk shows, podcasts, etc and is still spewing hate. Proud of his hate. i You have a public platform. Both of you. And while you're pondering life, it would be nice if you used your platform to address growing hate. Religious or not, "just spiritual" doesn't take away from hatred; doesn't mean that antisemites hate you less Sean. You had an opportunity Sean, to make your fans aware, and you didn't bring it up once. Beyond disappointed. It's hiding your head in the sand which I think a lot of Jewish people have been taught to do, though some are starting to kick back. So when Christians say they couldn't talk about their religion in "Hollywood?" Let them be born Jewish and they'll know what it's like to not be able to talk about who they are ...to have to hide who you are, to not talk about who you are. Only when Jewish people with a platform start speaking up will awareness begin and MAYBE those who are apathetic or unaware will become an ally and stand up against anti-Jewish hatred.

[@RajaReign78]

Sean mentioned in the first State Of Mind episode he was in that’s he’s Jewish, so maybe he didn’t think it was necessary to clarify that in this episode. 😐

[@zeek2436]

@@RajaReign78 I didn't listen to the other State Of Mind interview with him; not everyone listens to every episode, but that's not the point. (Although I thank you for your reply). If he (or any person with a platform) can talk about their lives and their projects and their passions in every interview, than a Jewish person with a platform should bring up their religion when religion is brought up. It's not redundant. It's important to get the word out that people who come into your homes every day aren't the "other." People think hate against black people, muslim people, gay people, are all that's out there, when in fact, hatred against Jews is way higher than hate for Muslims. White supremacists are going around the country with antisemitic propaganda, leaving flyers with swastikas and conspiracies about Jews on people's lawns. Neo nazis are way more focused on Jewish people than any other minority. The "Jews Shall Not Replace Us" chant isn't about Jewish people actually replacing anyone; there are only about 7 million Jews in the United States in a country of 330 million people. It's about people thinking "Jews" are bringing in POC and other minorities to replace white people. Hate from the left, too. My point is if a Jewish person with a platform is going to be interviewed and the subject of religion comes up, he or she should speak up. If on social media like Twitter or "X" and antisemitism is raging, which it is...speak up. It's especially frustrating as a Jewish person to see all these Jewish "celebs" who CAN speak up but they don't. We have black actors and musicians always speaking out about racism, we have Jewish people speaking out about racism. But antisemitism? Everyone stays quiet. And if it IS brought up, we get the "can't say anything about THEM" crap. Stop being silent. How many fans still think Sean and Steve are cousins and don't even know that Sean is Jewish? How many don't know Brandon Barash, Tamara Braun, Stuart Damon, Steve Bond (who played Jimmy Lee Holt) and others on GH are Jewish? Why aren't there any Jewish characters on soaps even as the boast of "diversity?" GH had stereotypical "Bernie" the accountant. Yet these Jewish actors say nothing.

[@urbanites06]

Loved it