Dec. 8, 2025

Shawn: Your Authentic Self | 169

Shawn: Your Authentic Self  | 169

In this week’s episode of Behind Beautiful Things, host Kevin sits down with Shawn, author of F*ck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness*. Shawn shares his powerful life story—from growing up in Chicago and working long hours in a steel factory to navigating serious mental health challenges that shaped his early adulthood.

Kevin and Shawn explore how Shawn took a bold leap of faith, moving to Los Angeles to launch his own talent agency and building it from the ground up. As his career progressed, an unexpected personal tragedy changed the course of his life and set him on a new journey of purpose and self-discovery.

If you’re interested in personal growth, mental health, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning over happiness, this episode offers an inspiring and deeply human conversation. Please join us!

Please note: This episode contains discussions about suicide. Please take care while listening.

Check out Shawn’s website: https://www.shawnleonnowotnik.com/


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Learn more about Kevin’s Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com

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Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022


Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests’ stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support.

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