reSee.it Podcast Summary
Flying Lotus sits down with Jesse Michaels to discuss art, curiosity, and a life shaped by music and cinema. He talks about growing up in a family linked to Alice Coltrane, calling her “Yoda” and describing how her presence felt “tapped in to the source.” He recalls a kinship between ancient history and modern creativity, and notes how his work as a director and producer sits at the crossroads of experimental film, hip‑hop, and visuals. The conversation frames his background as a lens for understanding the weird edges of culture and science.
They pivot to the UFO realm, comparing CGI to reality, and debating whether the Skinny Bob video is authentic. They dream of a round‑table with Lou Elizondo, Kirk Patrick, Mick West, and Elon Musk, arguing that hearing all sides would help sift signal from echo chambers. Favorite conspiracies run from Bob Lazar’s story to the Christchurch neutrino‑emitter claim, and the trio weigh the tension between belief and evidence. The talk traverses Area 51 lore, extraterrestrial contact with early space programs, and the politics of disclosure.
They riff on the texture of UFO discourse—the filter bubbles, the heat of heated arguments, and the fragility of whistleblower testimony. They recall interviews with Steven Greer and David Grush, the pressure of online narratives, and the risk to real people who come forward. The mood shifts toward humor and humility: the need to keep a sense of proportion, laugh at the dramatic claims, and stay curious. They reference documentaries The Phenomenon and Moment of Contact as touchpoints for accessible gateways into a field that can feel conspiratorial. They also discuss the moment of relief when credible voices share credible data, and the fear of being dismissed.
Conversations pivot to personal intuition and altered states, with FlyLo recounting a DMT experience that didn’t reshape his beliefs but suggested deeper layers beyond ordinary reality. He ties art to healing, noting that music is like therapy after his mother’s passing, a way to connect to the other side while remaining here. He describes aging as a drag on energy and recovery, and frames his career as a constant pursuit of wonder. The chat circles back to collaboration—he hopes to collaborate with friends and push projects that feel alive.
Beyond UFO chatter, the talk turns to making and mentoring. FlyLo recalls Stones Throw’s orbit, Madlib’s relentless output, and Doom’s elusive genius, painting a vivid portrait of a community that valued experimentation over convention. He credits his Brain Feeder label for nurturing a lineage of artists who push boundaries, including Thundercat and newer talents, and he shares how J Dilla’s generosity left an imprint he still feels. The conversation touches on Kendrick, Q-Tip, Kanye, and David Lynch—figures who influence sound and image with a steady tempo of risk. He cites Spielberg’s collaborations and Close Encounters as signals that wonder and craft can coexist.