For the past 20 years, Max has worn many hats: actor, entrepreneur, husband, and father. Along the way, his lifelong passion for storytelling led him to put pen to paper. His spontaneous science-fiction installments on Reddit have captivated readers, and now, he’s bringing his stories to life with the launch of Moonshine: The Series.

The journey begins with Book One: Path of the Raven—a thrilling blend of sci-fi, adventure, and philosophy that’s sure to captivate readers.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation about acting, storytelling, fitness, and the creative process.

In this soul-stirring episode of Soul Sparks, host Saima welcomes actor-turned-author Max Shippee to dive deep into the power of story. From growing up in rural Maine to the stages of Hollywood and the soul of Bali, Max brings a storyteller’s lens to spiritual transformation. Together, they explore how fictional tales—like Max’s fantasy series Moonshine: Path of the Raven—can illuminate deeper truths, challenge inherited beliefs, and awaken the author within each of us. Max opens up about his spiritual influences, the war of inner resistance, parenthood as a crucible for growth, and how fantasy narratives can echo timeless human struggles.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Max Shippee, author of the book Moonshine: Path of the Raven. Max grew up in rural Maine and knows the woods well. His own journey took him to Hollywood, California by way of Oklahoma, Nevada, Texas, DC, and even Bali, Indonesia. For the last 20 years, he has been busy as an actor, a gym owner, a husband, and a father. Along the way, he’s had some stories brewing in that silver-haired head of his. He thought he best write them down. You can find his spontaneous science-fiction installments on Reddit, and now, MOONSHINE: THE SERIES has begun with Book One: Path of the Raven.

Max Shippee getting interviewed on the Abstract Essay podcast with Danial Lucas!