Graham Stephen: The world’s cheapest millionaire - DON’T BE SOUR EP. 21

Today we sit down with KZbinr & multimillionaire Graham Stephan and learn about what goes on in his head on a day to day basis. We chat about his thoughts on finance, the stock market and his claim to fame with being extremely frugal with his fortune. Graham also discusses his newest endeavor, Bank Roll Coffee and the struggles he has with scaling the CPG brand.
Watch this episode and subscribe to ‪@dontbesourshow‬
➜ Check out Graham’s KZbin ‪@GrahamStephan‬
➜ Check out Bank Roll Coffee - www.bankrollcoffee.com
➜ Follow Graham on Instagram / gpstephan
Follow Maxx on IG / maxxchewning
Subscribe to Maxx on KZbin ‪@maxxchewning‬
#grahamstephan #finance #podcast

[@YoBiEast713]

Graham definitely needed a ghost energy strawbango drink prior to recording

[@vento2175]

Disclaimer: I am just 25 minutes. Opposite to the most comments so far i don't see the problem in the dynamic between the two. It might sound a bit harsh but i think you really did a bad job in this first 25 minutes Max. Let me explain why i think that: In front of you is someone who i think i completely driven by his pasion for one thing. You ask him about drinking, party and stuff he doesn't care about and dismiss it as kind of lame. Then you say that finance and money is boring right after he mainly tells you it's hios pashion and he breathes it and you keep doing the same stuff over and over again. Next one: He shows you his work progress, he lets you in in how he apporaches his workflow and again you name it boring and meh. I mean what do you expect from him? You can see how he gets less and less involved in this s***show because you just make everything bad what he loves. Tipping point for me is right now: he tells you how long he takes for the youtube video and process (THAT IS YOUR BABY TOO) and you make the same reaction. I mean what? I am kind of baffled by this one. o.O

[@trialanderror2920]

I agree with you , if you’re going to interview someone keep and open mind and be less criticizing if you want them to actually open up. You can reference what you do but do it in a respectful way

[@chrisrubio2218]

You make a great point

[@charlinnerivera5809]

Nice job keeping this one going Maxx. I feel like after the sponsorship questions, Graham shut down

[@CameronAlford]

2 way conversations is when Maxx thrives.. this one way would be tough for anyone. Props for pushing through

[@ShiftersAndLifters]

Car guy crossover with these two influencers. Wearing a Carmaspeed shirt as I type this.

[@erezjr]

Props to Maxx for trying and having energy. Unfortunately this seems like a you regret meeting an idol situation.

[@ryanhollis7517]

Agreed, Ive been wanting this crossover and I’m a big Graham fan but Maxx’s humor just didn’t get through to him. Graham felt completely different in terms of energy when he’s on his own podcast

[@giovanny.macias]

Y’all reading into it too much

[@jayteddy9481]

@@ryanhollis7517 totally agree Maxx’s humor was a turn off for graham it seemed.

[@551223]

This was a tough watch. Graham was barely giving anything and Maxx was pushing too hard on topics that didn’t need to be pressed - coffee business and sponsorship. I do applaud you for trucking through. I would’ve been so frustrated with his lack of enthusiasm

[@123alexer]

it was 7 am and graham was so dis engaged, Max did the right thing in asking all the questions IMO, everyone always answers those same sponsorship qs.

[@GrahamStephan]

Hey thanks for having me on, man! For everyone saying I looked tired - I know lol - we filmed this super early!

[@JeanettVeronica]

You looked just fine 😊

[@DavidHamiltonYT]

Wasn't it your idea to record it that early?

[@jacobgreen7907]

I would of scrapped this pod, your energy sucked lol

[@buttscratcher]

Maybe you should’ve picked a better time or not do it at all

[@itsoscargil]

But.. you.. picked that time lol

[@tim712]

Max def was prying too much when graham didn’t wanna disclose sponsorship numbers. Gotta respect the guy’s decision that he doesn’t wanna disclose

[@vikramsuryavanshi]

yeah that was uncomfortable to watch

[@bulle1996]

I felt so uncomfortable watching that part, wayyy to pushy

[@ThatsBadTV]

It’s respectfully none of ours and max’s business lol if he wants to disclose he will don’t push it

[@edgarramirez5355]

I think for graham always pushing his “ this is how much we make and I say it because I’m a finance channel” not disclosing just says plenty to interpret.

[@ronaldmcdonald3528]

Time stamp?

[@Jack-kj1zu]

Maxx couldn't seem to grasp the fact that Graham just does the coffee for fun and isn't looking to scale it to a multimillion-dollar business. His focus is on making youtube content. Kind of a hard podcast to watch to be honest. Graham was half asleep and they seem like complete polar opposites personality wise.

[@VodataDigital]

As someone in the business space - its hard to hear Graham say “if I want to scale we will” Momentum is a real thing and Maxx would definitely not have Sourstrips where it is without momentum. Hence why he pushes it as hard as he does. I think that’s what Maxx is confused by it. Who doesn’t want to scale a business that clearly has product-market fit and a solid traffic stream (grahams following).

[@chriscombstock5287]

​@@VodataDigital Couldn't we say the same about Max' KZbin channel and clothing brand? neither have grown even though both have potential. Max is focusing on the candy company and Graham focuses on content which is what they both enjoy.

[@VodataDigital]

@@chriscombstock5287 100% to the youtube channel - I’d disagree on the clothing just because its so dependent on the youtube traffic (From what I see from the outside). But yes wholeheartedly agreed with the youtube channel, I think the podcasts are a realization for him for the youtube growth part.

[@AbrahamTario]

Graham kinda said it… he make enough money. So why stress on trying to scale when he doesn’t want more money. He’s already doing what he loves why add more to the plate…

[@diegopolanco6514]

Grahan was not into this one... Too many YES and No answers for a conversation.Maybe it was to early for him or that iced coffee didn't do the job this time. Great job Maxx.

[@JustenHarden]

I agree. Something seemed off with the vibe overall.

[@erezjr]

@@JustenHarden yupe. He has no energy. Seemed like a hassle for him. But that's how he is in most of his iced coffee hour podcasts and that's why I stopped watching

[@GainesMediaInc]

Agreed.

[@doubleb5968]

He was very boring lol had to stop 20min into it 🥹

[@diegopolanco6514]

@@doubleb5968 I made it to 57 mins but i couldn't finish it.

[@xkaokdkl11933]

I feel like we had to revisit the Graham not being super passionate about Bankroll coffee way too much

[@daviduzan6545]

graham looks like he don't give a f....

[@Adrian-zu6tm]

he just looks tired imo

[@tambasax]

Tough watch….. Graham is rich but lives the most boring life. He’s richer than I ever will be, but dude has zero fun and his true personality showed that. Props to Maxx for pushing through.

[@user-lw1cf9wr1m]

So if he is not an alcoholic he is boring? Live and let everyone live however they want

[@dannyfitz2009]

I agree I watched his videos for years thinking he was great fun so much energy. I do not want to meet him now its all an act. Maxx is trying so hard to keep it together fair play.

[@yiannidee]

Definitely a tough watch. True colors are showing, indeed.

[@xxramonivxx]

But you’re projecting your idea of fun onto him. If he enjoys what he does, his life is only boring to you and those who don’t find the same happiness from what he enjoys. Let people live how they want.

[@dannyfitz2009]

@@xxramonivxx Yes I agree but did you feel like he really wanted to be there? I felt like he was a bit stuck up for Maxx.

[@daniellebrucks2776]

I like Graham and watch his videos and podcast regularly, but he seemed very closed off here. Props to you Max for trying to power through.

[@barakbez5263]

Love the podcast dude but it was kind of hard to watch. I don’t think your guys chemistry lines up. Still watched it and love you both separately

[@bulle1996]

Listened to it on Spotify and came here to check the comments cause I couldn’t get through the episode. The questions were not really interesting and there was no real structure ? Also cringed extremely hard when Maxx wouldn’t let go about the sponsorships money. I feel like you shouldn’t insist after getting 1 « no » let alone 5.. Maybe more time should be spent preparing the questions to try to really dig into what could be interesting to ask instead of always the same questions and always the same topic. Also I know it’s different people every time but if you listen to the podcast every week (like I do) it gets old to hear about the KZbin channel, sour strips etc. (Especially because it’s the same things that are always brought up) Anyway, hopefully next week’s one will be better

[@chrisrubio2218]

True true

[@livinginoklahomacityofficial]

Great interview- my favorite part was when you started to explain this podcast you started called "Don't Be Sour", and mid sentenced realized YOU ARE FILMING THAT PODCAST 🤣🤣. Nice work dude!

[@rougeproductions]

Max looked a bit angry in this one. Haven't seen that before, still love you man!

[@chaser5947]

Couldn’t make it past the 20 minute mark and I watch this podcast in full every week.

[@Leeoh949]

That’s because Maxx sat there and asked him what he does every hour of every day when Graham has already spoken about that on his own podcast and Maxx could have avoided that with simple research.

[@chaser5947]

@@Leeoh949 So for someone like me who had no idea who Graham is, how would I know what he does? Seems like your a Graham super fan. Idk how you manage to stay awake.

[@Leeoh949]

@@chaser5947 I’ve heard a bunch of his podcast episodes at work I haven’t seen any his videos in a few months honestly. Still the way Maxx went about it was super tedious and hard to watch.

[@chaser5947]

@@Leeoh949 But Maxx has interviewed 20 other people before this and I enjoyed all of those episodes. Seems like there’s only one variable changing here.

[@SavedByGraceThroughFaith8]

Yes, Graham was boring, tired and wasn’t into it.. but Max please work on your interview skills. You talk a lot more than the guests dude. Ask them open ended questions, take them back to their beginnings (not every viewer knows your guest), ask deep meaningful questions and respect boundaries. I know you want to make it sound more as a conversation but if you keep going this way, you’ll get more podcasts episodes like this one, where the guest wasn’t interested at all.

[@buttscratcher]

he was complimenting graham the whole time. graham is just boring and has nothing going on for him

[@manuelubillus1075]

@@buttscratcher expect having millions of dollars, he’s a pretty boring dude

[@LawrenceAugust_]

Great comment and I hope Maxx sees this!

[@riggaman04]

Graham is "VTSAX and chill" personified

[@GuillermoAvila97]

Maxx, ask your brother for tips on how to improve expressing yourself verbally (he is an eloquent speaker). As the quality/intellect of your guests increases, the interview/conversation skills have to hold up. Just feedback, big fan!

[@kalebzaun4537]

I’ve been waiting for this moment!

[@mo-hammadabunaser1367]

Lots of direct questions and short answers, don't meet your heroes type of situation

[@mikelubey]

Maybe it’s just me but there has been a very combative vibe in last 2 pods, kinda ruining the flow that has been a great part of the episodes prior with Maxx’s friends. With Dane it was trying to keep up with Dane comedically (ironically due to that actual subject being talked about, class clown is not the same as a comedian) and with Graham it feels like he’s trying to poke holes in Graham’s success/strategy and compare himself constantly. I love the pod overall but I hope Maxx can find the same vibe with people he doesn’t know that he has with his guests who are friends. Intros are still killer though.

[@thatgirlshaz]

Yeah, I noticed that too. When he was talking about his coffee company vs sour strips and not understanding grahams purpose of the coffee company isn’t for it to blow up and become a main revenue source like sour strips. I do like the pod overall though.

[@gabrielbenavides121]

Definitely agree!

[@DB-ik8hn]

I agree. As the guests move away from Maxx's circle, he needs to spend more time doing research and focus less on himself.

[@buttscratcher]

@@thatgirlshaz graham does the same thing with other ppl constantly

[@buttscratcher]

He’s trying to connect with the person by finding similarities so

[@OscarGarcia-mj7iw]

Graham is the KZbin god apparently 😅 dude had me falling asleep w his energy. Should have gave my mans 4 shots of espresso 😴kudos to you max for making it that long

[@MrSuperaptor]

It had its high and lows think we needed Jack to match Max’s energy

[@Austin.Moore37]

Podcast was pretty solid overall, not my favorite but still very informative. I've only seen graham in his videos/podcasts, but never on someone's else so not sure if his short/uninterested answers to your questions was being his personality or he just seemed not into the whole convo with you. Wouldn't say that's necessarily a bad thing just the way he liked to conduct himself. Maxx personality and his seemed like polar opposites which is completely fine and they seemed to click on a few subjects such as the KZbin one. I don't think maxx was trying to talk about himself a lot in a boastful way I just think he wanted to give graham an insight into his life since they just met and share some similarities and differences. Either way Maxx did a stellar job being a host and would still recommend this to someone for sure

[@jcota38]

Not gonna lie, was let down by this one. I was expecting to to hear some finance tips and topics but all we got was KZbin this KZbin that. Ohhhh whale on to the next. Love you Max!

[@tradeliketrav]

The collab I never knew I needed 🙏🏼 the two genres of KZbin I watch and love come together. Haven’t even watched yet and great podcast!

[@theremingtonjames]

The guests just keep getting better!

[@manuelubillus1075]

shut up dude

[@FLEXNIVORE]

Alright so, after watching about 75% of the video, I began to feel frustrated with Maxx’s continuing to want to press on the coffee and sponsorship deals questions. But on the other hand I also felt that Graham had zero interest in talking about himself and/or his how he manages and scaled himself into a brand. Meanwhile, his focus is personal finances and personal growth. Wow! Then I come on here to read the comments and see what viewers had to say… what a coincidence majority of comments had the same to say. Glad it wasn’t just me this time lol. Props to Maxx for pushing through. 🙌🏾

[@itsoscargil]

This mans said he doesn't drink so he can be sharp the next day and looks dead tired lmao

[@OscarGarcia-mj7iw]

🤣🤣🤣

[@holdinourown]

Your intros are incredible!

[@purpcase]

this was one was very hard to watch, seems like Graham wasn't feeling the podcast vibe from Maxx or something.. def diff compared to Graham's podcast.

[@RaulGolfsClips]

Two KZbinrs I've been following for years now. Great to see y'all collab.

[@simeonwitmer]

The part where max is trying to get graham to realize consumer products are on a better investment than KZbin , and graham not understanding is hilarious

[@benjamin.kelley]

Great solo episode Maxx! Also drinking coffee, what is this?!

[@mikebaker1535]

Another great Pod. Really cool to see Graham get interviewed. I've watched a handful of his stuff and he's always on point, now I understand why with all the though put into everything he does. Your guest list has been on point, keep it up!

[@holdinourown]

WhaaAt!? Been following you both for years, would love to see another collab.

[@Myvirtualbulldog]

Grammy poo needed more coffee, he was sleeping on this one, jokes went over his brain Ruff ruff woof woof

[@fitOLDfart]

About half way into the interview and I’m not getting what some of the comments were stating. At this point really enjoying the conversation and learning as well so 👍🏻👍🏻 Side note Maxx : I think it would be very cool for you to do a video 1 year after with clips of your most impactful moments of the past year AND share with us what you learned, changed as a result of talking with the guests. ALSO provide us a way to submit questions so we can interview YOU on your podcast? Just spitballing but I have really enjoyed how you have progressed the podcast. WTG potato!!

[@darkclown789]

About time!!

[@rayhaan301]

Great to see y'all collab.

[@almalira]

Maxx!!! Keep up what you are doing and don’t dwell on past interviews. Potato nation “it is what it is “ yeah feel. 😂 ❤❤❤❤❤ Much love 🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔

[@kristiankumric]

Would love to see a cbum episode

[@allisonroseg1]

Haha, I love the ending where it's all about relationship questions...asking for a friend Maxx? ;-)

[@sneezygibz6403]

2 different complete personalities. Maxx please work on your interviewing skills. Expand more on topics. Could have expanded more on the coffee and how it started etc.

[@laurenm8147]

Damn dude you bagged on this guy on everything he said. He does things different than you and you called part of what he does boring. Who says that to someone when YOU were the one asking him the questions. And yeah not everyone lives a lavish life. Gotta learn to talk to people who are different than you especially if you're gonna interview them. And also you talk about yourself way too much when interviewing people

[@buttscratcher]

He complimented him every chance he got

[@StasTalksStocks]

Been following you both for a long time! This is dope!

[@SnapsCFB]

Graham: it was too childish Maxx: ah sh*t

[@ThatOddNerd]

Maxx was being extremely pushy about Graham's sponsorship talk even after respectfully telling him it would hurt his future negotiations.

[@raulnuila9636]

Great content 🎉😮

[@user-lw1cf9wr1m]

Great interview

[@danielhoang011]

This is iconic. Been a fan of graham stephen forever.

[@AngelGuzman0925]

So I didn’t watch the podcast, I listened to on Spotify while driving to work and driving from work. The conversation was great tbh. But from what I’ve been seeing in the comments, it looks like it was tough to watch. Glad I listened to it and not watched it. I was engaged the entire episode lol 😅

[@jalai_]

Lol glad you changed the title, I’m like who is this 😂

[@rafaaybarraa]

At min 55 Maxx sounds like Alex Hormozi’s book lol

[@TradeBrigade]

Nice spurt of energy when it came to talking about index funds!

[@taylork322]

Suggestions for people to come on the show- Andy Frisella and his brother sal! Kayla Rossi, bj Baldwin, Bradley Martyn, Paul staments, jarred Taylor from black rifle coffee, Ian smith, Sean Whalen

[@ajcrno]

that intro 😂

[@richmartinez2748]

Great podcast Maxx. You carried it. I love Grahams videos but oh snap it seemed like he just wanted to get this pod over with then get on with his day.

[@linnsoltwedel]

I am 37 and have been on KZbin since the beginning! I know KZbin very well, feel a little age shamed .P

[@Baileyquintrex]

Def not a stimulating pod like the Rob L. Hence no back n forth comments after show ended. Thats what I love at the end of these shows.

[@joakimlv]

I actually heard the spotify version of this at first, and thought max was doing a parody of an interview

[@johnnyceetv1987]

Here we go

[@Huntshelton]

For dry.. red eyes.. get… clear eyes.. (vibes) on this guy 👀

[@clutz5000]

I watched this a second time after reading a lot of the comments and I think it's actually a pretty decent episode. I think there were parts that weren't maybe as smooth as when Maxx interviews some other guests or family and friends, possibly because of it being early morning or different personalities, but i don't think those moments derail the episode. Overall I think Maxx did great and Graham was a good guest too. I give it a 7.8/10 (10 being good) and only see this podcast becoming better and better as experience with many guests of all walks are on.

[@allisonroseg1]

Only 25 mins in and, I LOVE Maxx, but it kinda seems like he's almost making fun of Graham's process and how he spends his day, etc.. When Graham says I sit in my office to get in the zone, Maxx is like "so you just sit for 4 hours", and then after he finishes his day to day Maxx goes "so you're like a groundhog"....but there's no smiling, it's just rude comments back to Graham...I don't know...seems like there were a lot of comments back to Graham like that but maybe I'm just imagining things.

[@firgy6602]

I think these are just two way different people and with different ideas/feels and flow of a vid and max is taking it his way and graham is kinda like confused what’s going on .

[@2peterson22]

Episode 20? aaaah ok I see what you did there Maxx 😀

[@summerdavis8013]

I loved this one! Some of y’all are way too harsh on people for not fitting the mold of what you think people should act like. Everyone is different and that’s what makes the world a wonderful place!

[@DararathKhon]

Introduces are always funny lmaoo

[@DANNYRABONE]

Graham not really giving much here. I thought they would click better. Maybe they did off camera. Just a bit er …awkward.

[@thatgirlshaz]

This is such a nerdy episode and I love it lol. Graham is so knowledgeable, I love following him. I like the diversity in your podcast guests!! You should get Chris Beastmode Jones on!!! You should try and get the kkfit gym shark twins!!!

[@TylerPereira7]

This is a great collab but polar opposites 😂

[@CHEEDSICLE]

This was an odd interview. I almost got the feeling that Graham was talking "down" to Maxx and that he didn't care much to be interviewed. Well done Maxx for pushing through and keeping the energy high. I definitely wouldn't have been able to!

[@BullishBananaTrader]

Maxx hates the coffee lol

[@bobbitooooo]

I saw a lot of negative comments, and I kind of get them. It was a tougher watch than the usual podcasts. I really like Graham but he seemed seemed a little off, I think he really was tired as fuck or something. But the last 20 minutes were really great, I wish he was that enthusiastic the whole time. Still, all in all a solid podcast!

[@Quickshotted]

I’d like to add you have to think it’s not like these guys hang out with each other or have the same sense of humor

[@mrw10]

This had the potential to be a great podcast but it felt very forced and is his worst podcast to date! :(

[@Datheft]

Damn I don’t have nowhere near what Graham has and I almost feel sorry for him

[@bradleywatts123]

Some people are reading way too deep into this interview lol. But Graham was definitely not as energetic or interested as he usually is. Maxx was a little pushy at points but I don’t think he overstepped

[@devyate612]

First of all - I'm a big fan of both of these guys. Everyone in the comments is talking about Graham's energy, but that's just him! He's laid back but knows who he is and what he wants. I think what went wrong in this podcast was Max's approach. Well intended, but never really asked the questions that unlocked Graham's passion. Max also seemed a bit nervous or unsure in this podcast - which is not normal. @Max - it's possible that this occurred due to the early hour of the podcast. Maybe try to get dinner with the guest the night before to work on the relationship prior to the podcast. Don't let this one get you down - keep at it!

[@thefauxjackie]

I hope Graham enjoyed this episode as much as we did!!

[@MarcelMoeller]

Another great episode 👏

[@BoneThugsNL]

Dope

[@robbiegeorge3011]

This is where I feel money changes people..I think max is a genuine good hearted dude who never lets money change who he is. Ive watched Grahams videos and this is a dude who clearly has let money change who he is in the sense his attitude sucks in this. Dane Cook was awesome and more successful then this clown at least showed way more interest. Shows money can change people

[@sneezygibz6403]

I feel like graham really only puts effort into people who will benefit him. Maxx was irrelevant for him.

[@michaelgherardo8217]

I like Graham and watch his videos and podcast regularly, but he seemed very closed off here disappointing. Well done to you Max for trying to power through.

[@rafaelp80547]

Loveeee this podcast

[@HDBnB1]

The podcast that we didn't know we needed but so glad that we got

[@jpez15]

by far max's least favorite podcast thus far.

[@trialanderror2920]

The ending wasn’t so bad the first 1hr was hard to watch

[@autogeek23]

The rent question was a bad question.

[@raftrs]

Don't Be Sour is Top 5 podcasts in my life, hands down.

[@therainbro]

Woooo, my top 2 favorite youtubers

[@surgalips9]

Tough watch man.

[@oppermanfitness]

Maxx I dropped a lot on AMC keep on holding my dude. Apes never give up. We’re going to the moon…… I sure hope so at least 🤣

[@Whatitdoboi]

Normally I listen to this at work. Had to save it to watch since I am a huge Graham and max fan. But this was hard to watch, very sad to see how graham wasnt as enthusiastic as with other creators hes met with. Maybe Max should interview with meet kevin or another bigger finance yt tbh. Another suggestion would be andrew shultz The vibes would be there

[@MollyKeyser]

Max I love you but it’s a false belief that we wouldn’t want to watch new content that helps grow your following ❤ growing your following = growing sour strips = more money to serve your following better. Go go go 🔥