Born and raised outside Houston, TX, critically acclaimed author Maxwell Ivey, Jr, is a prolific self-help writer who lost his sight at the age of twelve. He’s known around the world as ‘The Blind blogger,’ and the founder and host of his popular podcast called “What’s Your Excuse.” Max enjoys networking and connecting others, is a hilarious motivational and inspiring speaker, a veteran of over 255 podcast interviews, a podcast guest talent agent too! He offers a coarse called “8 Weeks to Podcast Rockstar. Yes, this blind man wears many hats and is multifaceted.

Ivey has several books to his credit, including his newest travel series with the first book titled The Blind Blogger’s NYC Adventures. His newly released second book of the series, The Blind Blogger’s First Speaking and Signing Adventures, and has him sharing his travels in memoir form about overcoming obstacles, not just with having no sight. Still, he helps others conquer their fears in career and life. All of his books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and many online book retailers.

Maxwell is a unique Amtrak aficionado who enjoys travel by train and won the 2016 Amtrak Residency Award in place for writers working on their literary projects while traveling with Amtrak crisscrossing the country to many speaking events and book signings. From humble beginnings, Max grew up in a family of carnival owners as he wanted to continue in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and be part of the family business.

Max graduated from college and became heavily involved in the Eagle Scouts. At the same time, he worked in the family business alongside his brothers until his father succumbed to lung cancer. Faced with his own mortality, Max made some life-altering changes. He underwent gastric surgery and lost over 250 pounds, which inspired him to write his first two books. He learned how to blog using software for visually-impaired people. Overcoming many obstacles, Max built an online presence and now shares his experiences on “The Blind Blogger (dot) net.”

Today, Max is an inspirational and personal motivational coach who runs a little business by buying and selling carnival equipment and amusement park rides. Still a native Texan, Max loves to sing and spend time with his unique and crazy dog, a “Greymation” named Penny (half Greyhound, half Dalmatian). His hobbies are reading, singing, and blogging are among Max’s favorite things to do. He especially enjoys helping others find their bliss in life. Max and doggie Penny reside in Conroe, TX.