Ep. 73 - The Art of Words: Poetry, Consciousness & The Social Media Dilemma with Max Stossel

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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