Young Entrepreneurship, The Grind During Covid, & More With DJ Mad Max – PART II
By Samantha Bessudo Drucker | October 15, 2025 | Celebrity & Culture
In part two of her exclusive sit-down with DJ Mad Max, Image Gal Samantha Bessudo Drucker continues her deep dive, tracing the roots of his growing digital footprint.
Laying the Educational Foundation
At St. John’s University, Max pursued and earned his B.S. in Communications, a course of study that perfectly aligned with his passion for storytelling, journalism, and connecting with the masses. He didn’t just attend classes; he became deeply integrated into the college media landscape.
He quickly rose to become the President of the university radio station, a leadership role that demanded both creative programming and logistical oversight. This position was critical, not only for honing his on-air skills but also for enabling him to build a professional network and open key opportunities before even graduating. It provided a low-stakes environment to test content ideas and secure early interviews, effectively making his college experience a professional launching pad.
Pivoting During the Pandemic
When the pandemic hit in 2020, just like so many of us, Max faced a major crossroads. The entire media landscape paused, threatening to derail the momentum he had painstakingly built. Rather than lose the foundation he was establishing, he took a decisive leap: he launched his own podcast, Sports and Hip-Hop with DJ Mad Max. “I didn’t want to lose the momentum I had,” he explains, emphasizing his proactive mindset.
What began as a necessity and a pivot quickly became a powerhouse platform. He recognized that while traditional outlets were shut down, the demand for engaging, authentic content was soaring on digital channels.
Through sheer dedication to spread his content across every outlet imaginable—from YouTube to all major podcast streaming services—Max transformed adversity into a defining opportunity. He meticulously built a routine of consistent output and high-quality interviews, allowing him to carve out his own space as a young, influential voice whose authority spans two massive cultural pillars: sports and music. His success is a testament to the power of digital persistence and strategic content distribution.
Learn more about DJ Mad Max on Instagram, YouTube and his website maxcoughlan.com.
Learn more about Samantha Bessudo Drucker on Instagram, Facebook and her website.
