In this thought-provoking episode of the Expert Speaker Podcast, host Majeed Mogharreban sits down with Max Stossel, a poet, storyteller, and advocate for digital well-being, to explore the power of words, creativity, and the hidden impact of social media on our minds and relationships.

Max shares his journey into poetry and performance, the inspiration behind his upcoming play, and how he uses spoken word to ignite meaningful conversations. He also dives deep into the psychological effects of social media, the challenges of being a modern artist, and the balance between passion and profitability.

If you’re curious about art as a tool for transformation, the business of creativity, or how to navigate social media more mindfully, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

✅ From Fear of Death to Fear That There is No Death – How a psychedelic experience transformed Max’s understanding of consciousness and the afterlife.

✅ The Power of Poetry & Performance – How hearing a spoken word poem changed Max’s life forever and set him on a creative journey.

✅ Social Media & Mental Health – The hidden dangers of smartphone addiction, how it affects kids' development, and practical strategies to set healthier boundaries.

✅ Parenting in the Digital Age – Why delaying a child’s first smartphone leads to better mental health outcomes, and how parents can navigate peer pressure around technology.

✅ The Business of Art – Max shares his unique approach to funding creative projects, why he separates art from income, and how he balances financial sustainability with artistic freedom.

✅ "It's a Miracle" – Max’s Upcoming Play – An Off-Broadway-inspired performance that explores death, birth, psychedelics, and consciousness through storytelling and poetry.

Memorable Quotes

🗣️ “Fear of what your kids are missing out on with no phone is so much stronger than what they’re actually missing out on.” – Max Stossel 🗣️ “A smartphone is better called an ‘infinite access to everything machine.’ It’s a self-comparison machine, a dopamine machine, and we’re handing it to kids before they’re ready.” – Max Stossel 🗣️ “I wanted to create art that plants seeds. You don’t always see the impact, but every once in a while, someone comes back and tells you how it changed them.” – Max Stossel 🗣️ “Theater still feels like a sacred space. Unlike social media, it demands presence.” – Max Stossel 🗣️ “I separate my art from my income so I can create what I love, not what pays the bills.” – Max Stossel

Action Steps

🎯 Set Boundaries with Social Media – Try using OneSec (the app Max recommends) to pause before opening Instagram and reflect on whether you really need to scroll.

🎯 Delay Smartphones for Kids – If you're a parent, consider delaying your child’s first smartphone and opt for a basic phone instead to preserve childhood and social skills.

🎯 Redefine Your Relationship with Technology – Turn off notifications that aren’t from real humans, charge your phone outside the bedroom, and replace screen time with meaningful activities.

🎯 Support Creative Work That Moves You – If you’re inspired by Max’s work, attend his play, follow his poetry, and support artists creating impactful work.

🎯 Balance Art & Business – Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, consider separating passion projects from your main income source to maintain creative freedom.

Final Thoughts

Poetry, storytelling, and art have the power to change minds and plant seeds of transformation. Max Stossel’s work challenges us to rethink our relationship with social media, embrace deeper consciousness, and approach art with intention.

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