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. Kale shares insight into his mindset, including his phrase, “I’m grateful. I’m happy to be here. It’s a beautiful day,” which really speaks to how he approaches life and creativity.

We also talk about his latest album, FIRE HORSE, which just dropped on Spotify. I’ve had it on repeat, and it was dope getting to hear more about the process behind it.

Overall, this was a real, full-circle conversation about growth, creativity, and continuing to show up for what you love.

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 higher power, and what it really means to put in the work while surrendering control. This one is about resilience, purpose, and staying grounded through it all.

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 myself to trust the process and search for gratitude.

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 passion while staying grounded in recovery.

What started as a simple interview turned into one of the most inspiring conversations I’ve had. Recorded inside a creative studio on the edge of Skid Row, this episode dives into gratitude, purpose, and the power of faith—reminding me that growth doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built one beat, one breath, and one step at a time.

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 changed, the lessons we’ve picked up along the way, and the impact we’ve had on one another.

This episode is full of laughs, honesty, and reflection. It brought back memories of those early teaching days, reminded me why I keep doing this work, and gave me motivation to push forward with my dreams. Out of all the conversations I’ve recorded so far, this one stands out as a favorite — a reminder that growth is real and that sometimes the best help you get really does come from helping others.

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 hardship with hope, and pain with purpose.

As I listened back to this conversation, I found myself tearing up when Devin read one of his poems. The moment was real, fragile, and deeply moving, reminding me just how much we have to be grateful for in life. This interview captures not only Devin’s strength and creativity but also the importance of vulnerability, connection, and gratitude in the face of adversity. It’s one of the deepest moments I’ve had on the podcast so far, and I’m honored to share it with you.

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, Keilokei talks about pushing boundaries, building a movement, and staying rooted in the passion that first inspired him to create.

Beyond the music, Keilokei offers insight into life itself — from the struggles that shape us to the determination required to keep moving forward. His perspective reveals not only the grit behind his artistry but also the deeper philosophy that fuels his journey. This episode highlights the voice of a creator who continues to inspire others to embrace their own path, no matter how unconventional or challenging it may be.

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, suicidal thoughts, and crushing self‑doubt. Yet through vision and tenacity, he transformed those darkest moments into a thriving creative path that inspires from the trenches.

This isn’t just another success story—it’s a deeply relatable journey of resilience, transformation, and authenticity. Kayden doesn’t stand above us; he stands with us—sharing honest reflections on the pits we all face and how to climb out. His insights offer hope and practical wisdom, not only for those in recovery but for anyone seeking creative clarity and emotional strength. I'm grateful to take another step forward with this episode—and I'm honored to share Kayden’s story with you. Tune in to experience truth, transformation, and the power of keeping your ego in check.

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, or that I’d freeze up mid-conversation. It’s the same voice that pops up when I’m teaching, dating, or doing anything that matters. But once again, that voice was wrong.

What followed was nearly two hours of honest, open dialogue that left me feeling energized and grateful. Don shared stories that reminded me of how capable we all are of rising from our lowest points and growing into something far greater than we imagined. I left that day knowing I had gained not just an episode, but a new connection — someone I now consider a brother. This conversation pushed me past fear and up another step toward my potential. I hope it inspires you to do the same.

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, inspired me early on in my own journey. Through all the ups and downs, he’s remained open-minded, supportive, and solid — and getting to record this with him after all these years felt like a full-circle moment.

We were both tired — me from driving around the IE, and him coming straight from work — but something real still came through. As I listened back, I noticed moments where I cut him off, and yeah, I regretted it. But I’m learning to embrace these imperfections as part of my growth, as part of the process of becoming not just a better host, but a better human. After we wrapped, I drove away listening to Bob Dylan’s Times They Are A-Changin’ and found myself tearing up. That drive, that moment, and this conversation reminded me of the beauty of growth, friendship, and staying true to those who’ve helped shape us. This one’s for Rabbit.