The entrepreneurial journey is often glamorised—start a business, build a following, and success will come easy. But maxx chewning's story reveals a different reality: one built on consistency, calculated risk, and staying true to your passions. From juggling a corporate job while building a YouTube channel, to turning his love for candy into the wildly successful Sour Strips brand, Maxx has never taken the easy route.

In this episode, Maxx opens up about the years of trial and error behind his fitness content, why he walked away from his clothing brand, and how reinvesting, storytelling, and community built a brand that now sits on the shelves of major retailers. We also dive into what it really takes to scale a business without giving up control—and why doing what you love can be your most strategic move.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction to Maxx Chewning
1:37 Mike's experiences in America and Texas weather
3:29 Maxx Chewning's relocation and starting District Barbell gym
6:50 Early collaborations and decisions in Texas
10:00 Building a niche in YouTube and bodybuilding forums
13:35 Juggling a job with YouTube and early sponsorships
17:45 Launch and evolution of Ever Forward and Sour Strips
25:38 Challenges and strategies in starting and scaling Sour Strips
34:55 Influencer marketing and brand differentiation
41:22 Business growth, employee care, and COVID's impact
44:21 Retail approaches and protecting the business
50:41 Financial risks and strategies in retail expansion
53:20 Preparing for business exit and Hershey's acquisition
1:02:46 Post-acquisition obligations and Sour Strips' legacy
1:07:24 Maxx Chewning's personal life and future endeavors
1:12:20 Discussing candy in the fitness industry
1:15:52 Balancing fitness with candy entrepreneurship
1:19:29 Instilling ambition in children and managing creativity
1:23:00 Personal life balance and content planning
1:28:38 Audience engagement and content relatability
1:33:01 Home building and design collaboration

Links:
» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/
» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/
» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com
» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston
• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO
• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO

» Join @Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst

Follow Maxx:
YouTube: @maxxchewning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxxchewning/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxxchewning?lang=en

515: Queer in Headlights