Max Stossel, an award-winning poet, talks about the creative process, breaking structure, and techniques for getting unstuck creatively. He explores the relationship with the muse, the role of accountability, and the use of AI in creativity. Max also shares exceptional poetry throughout the podcast.
Embrace your own unique creative process and let go of feeling inadequate if others' approaches don't resonate with you.
View the creative muse as a flirtatious lover and create an environment that inspires her to visit.
Navigate the uncertainty of the creative process by embracing the unknown and seeking support from mentors or artistic peers.
Deep dives
The Power of Letting Go of Templates and Finding Your Own Creative Structure
In this podcast episode, Max Stossel explores the idea that if a certain structure or template isn't working for your creative process, it doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. He encourages listeners to let go of feeling broken or inadequate if someone else's approach doesn't resonate with them. He shares his own experiences of trying different methods and finding that the muse visits when he aligns with his own unique ways of creating. Max emphasizes the importance of trusting the process and following your own intuition, rather than seeking external validation or adhering to prescribed methods.
The Flirtation with the Muse: Tapping into the Creative Flow
Max Stossel discusses his approach to creativity using the metaphor of a flirtatious relationship with the muse. He views the muse as a lover and describes how he courts her attention through his creative process. Max shares that he focuses on creating an environment where the muse feels inspired and drawn to him, while also recognizing that he cannot control or predict when the muse will arrive. He emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently, taking care of oneself, and being open to the unexpected moments of inspiration that can arise during the creative journey.
Navigating the Uncertainty of the Creative Process
Max Stossel reflects on the uncertainty that can arise during the creative process and offers insights for navigating it. He acknowledges the desire to have a clear structure or template for accessing creativity but highlights the importance of embracing the unknown. Max shares personal experiences of feeling stuck or unsure about his creative path and explains that these moments can be opportunities for growth and self-discovery. He suggests finding support through mentorship or engaging with artistic peers who can provide guidance and reflection. Ultimately, Max encourages embracing the journey of self-discovery and trusting the process even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable.
Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Doubt in the Creative Journey
Max Stossel shares his personal journey of finding inspiration and overcoming doubt in the creative process. He recalls a transformative moment when he first experienced the buzz of inspiration after hearing a poet perform, which led him to start writing poetry himself. Max discusses the importance of staying committed to the creative process and persevering through self-doubt and comparison. He emphasizes the role of gratitude, self-care, and aligning with one's own unique approach to creativity. Max also highlights the significance of letting go of external expectations and allowing the creative muse to guide the way.
Appreciating the Beauty of Creation
The speaker discusses the beauty and importance of creating things that are visually appealing. They mention the capture of a perfect photograph that represents the essence of the subject, highlighting the significance of capturing beauty in art. However, they also express envy towards someone who has a clear structure and routine for practicing their craft, while acknowledging their own struggle with consistency.
Exploring Tangential Creative Ventures
The speaker contemplates exploring tangential creative ventures as a means to overcome creative stagnation. They mention stand-up comedy as a potential avenue to develop new creative skills and challenge themselves. The importance of accountability in the creative process is also discussed, with emphasis on being consistent and setting goals. The speaker reflects on the potential of artificial intelligence as a tool for creativity, while expressing reservations and concerns about losing originality and authenticity.
My guest today is Max Stossel, an award-winning poet who was named by Forbes as one of the best storytellers of the year. Max and I are talking about one of my all-time favorite subjects: our relationship with the creative muse. You might learn a thing or two about getting unstuck creatively, but at the very least, you are about to hear some exceptional poetry.
The show opens with a candid discussion of authentic vulnerability. We discuss the creative process, how to use and break structure, and Max reads a poem about the muse as a lover. He describes the way you are your art's first customer. We explore techniques for getting unstuck creatively, such as parallel creative ventures and accountability. We also discuss artificial intelligence and creativity, and we end with a splendid poem from Max called "The Death of a Former Self."
Max is not only an award-winning poet but also a filmmaker and speaker. He serves as the youth and education advisor for the Center for Humane Technology, which is dedicated to realigning technology with humanity's best interests. His one-man show, "Words that Move," is available now.
