The Max Ross Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kale Platt—someone I’ve known since our days growing up at Kula Elementary. We take a trip back through some of our childhood memories and reflect on how those early years shaped who we are today. We get into our creative paths—his journey with hip hop music and mine with art—and what’s kept us both committed to sticking with our passions over time....

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Brooks — a musician originally from Texas, now living in Maui, Hawai’i — who has been a strong part of my journey through nearly seven years of sobriety. Brooks shares his story growing up, the path and persistence it took to become a full-time musician, and a powerful near-death experience that changed everything. We dive into faith, trusting a high...

In this episode, Miles, Galen, and I got in a weekend bros barbecue sesh to hang out and chill. We talk about our careers, passions, sobriety, and much more. We also got to listen to a new song that Miles and our friend Thomas put together recently. This was also a one-year anniversary for the creation of this podcast and my first recording in about five months. Feels good to be back, reminding my...

In this episode, I sit down with Los Angeles-based drummer  Dylan Lopez , whose story is a mix of rhythm, resilience, and redemption. Dylan opens up about overcoming addiction, balancing his music career with a demanding work schedule, and maintaining deep connections with his friends—especially his brother-like bond with Memo. His honesty and self-awareness reveal the daily grind behind chasing p...

In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with two of my former students from six years ago, Kyler “Ube” and Francisco “Chamoy.” Back then, I was just a long-term substitute teacher still figuring out if I even had what it took to be in the classroom full-time. We clicked right away though, and reconnecting with them now in front of microphones felt surreal. We talked about how much we’ve all...

Life can throw us curveballs, and Devin Kinney’s story is a powerful reminder of how those unexpected turns can be transformed into lessons of growth. In this episode, Devin shares his journey with raw honesty, opening up about struggles that shaped him and the resilience it took to move forward. His words—especially through the poetry he reads—cut to the core, offering a perspective that blends h...

Keilokei is one of the original creators of  Slay Squad , the groundbreaking collective known for fusing hip hop, metal, and raw street energy into what they call “Ghetto Metal.” In this episode, he opens up about the vision and drive behind the music, sharing what it takes to carve out a unique space in an industry that often resists anything outside the norm. With unshakable authenticity, Keilok...

In this powerful installment of  The Max Ross Podcast , I sit down with  Kayden Muzila —Creative Director, Photographer, and Digital Designer—whose life story resonates with both raw vulnerability and creative triumph. Moments before pressing record, I almost let fear and insecurities derail this conversation—but I chose courage instead. Kayden opens up about hitting the bottom: battling addiction...

In this episode, I sit down with my new friend Don Barbour — a conversation that started with uncertainty and ended with a real sense of brotherhood. I met Don just a week before we recorded, and something about his energy told me he had a story worth sharing. Still, as I drove down to San Clemente, that familiar voice of doubt started creeping in — telling me the interview might be awkward, short...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Daniel Garcia — or as I’ve always known him, Rabbit. We go way back, over a decade, to a time when life felt heavier and more uncertain. Rabbit was one of the first people to call me “brother,” and even though we’re not related by blood, the connection we built has always felt real. His love for music, the way he creates it and connects with it, insp...

In this episode, I sit down with my former college professor, Barbara Thomason — an artist, mentor, and truth-teller who played a major role in shaping who I am today. Barbara is known for her technical mastery, fearless critiques, and her ability to push students beyond what they thought was possible. We talk about the creative journey, the discipline behind great art, and the importance of stayi...

In this episode, I sit down with my best friend of 15 years, Patrick Christensen — aka Peete — during my trip to California. We dive into stories from our past, the ups and downs of our friendship, and the unspoken bonds that form when you've truly been through it all with someone. This conversation is full of laughs, reflections, and a whole lot of heart. It’s about showing love while we can and...

In this powerful episode of  The Max Ross Podcast , I sit down with my friend Kevin Block — an attorney whose life took a dramatic turn after a couple of near-death experiences that completely altered his perspective. Kevin shares raw, intense stories that left me genuinely speechless, including moments where life could have ended in an instant. These experiences didn’t just shake him — they gave...

In this episode, I sit down with the soulful and multi-talented Lo Wolf — a musician, creative spirit, and all-around inspiring human. We dive into her artistic journey, how she channels emotion and experience into music, and the mindset that keeps her grounded and curious along the way. Lo shares insights on staying true to yourself in a noisy world, the importance of following intuitive nudges,...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Erik North—a carpenter, photographer, and one of the funniest people I know. Erik’s been a major part of my recovery journey, and his story is full of wisdom, grit, and heart. We talk about the life lessons he picked up growing up—some the hard way, some through humor—and how they shaped the man he is today. Then we dive into his move from Texas to H...

In this episode of The Max Ross Podcast , I sit down with Jay Magnussen — a successful real estate agent from Calgary, Alberta, and a longtime friend I met six years ago while working at a zipline. Jay’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and inner growth. Jay shares powerful insights into recovery, personal development, and the life tools that helped him rebuild with purpose. We dive i...

In this episode of  The Max Ross Podcast , I sit down with Steve Eckelman — a seasoned film producer, writer, and poet whose work spans over 20 feature films, including  Rushmore ,  The Darjeeling Limited , and  The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou  . As an executive producer of the acclaimed and Emmy award winning documentary  Tower , Steve brings a unique perspective to storytelling . Beyond his c...

Stephanie Roderick (Aunt Stephanie) is someone who’s played a major role in shaping the way I see the world. She’s been an incredible mentor throughout my life, always reminding me to trust my gut, pursue my dreams with integrity, treat people with respect, and not take things too seriously. My Aunt Stephanie shares a powerful glimpse into her life story, the deep connection we’ve always shared, a...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Danny Summers — someone who's been a powerful support in my own growth and a true partner in the pursuit of becoming better. We talk about our life paths, career goals, reflections on the past, and how we’re working to help others along the way. It’s a real conversation about purpose, progress, and staying committed to growth in all seasons of li...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Max Ross Podcast! In this episode, I share the purpose behind the show — a space for growth, creativity, personal development, and real conversations about building a meaningful life. I’m joined by my great friend, Miles Lilledahl, whose honesty, hard work, and advice have been a huge influence in helping bring this podcast to reality. We dive into an open...