In this episode, we’re joined by Thomas G. Waites—acclaimed actor, playwright, musician, and star of the raw and riveting one-man show Lucky Man, A Warrior’s Journey, currently playing in New York and produced by Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Goodman. With a storied career spanning film, television, and stage—including cult classics like The Warriors and The Thing—Tom pulls back the curtain on his rollercoaster life, sharing openly about both meteoric highs and hard-won lessons in redemption.

We journey with Tom through his early struggles, the car accident that changed his trajectory, and the drive that led him from the wrong side of the tracks to Juilliard and beyond. But fame wasn’t the final destination—instead, it was his battles with addiction and eventual recovery that truly reshaped his life. Tom’s story is a testament to the messy, nonlinear path of transformation, showing how setbacks, loss, and even self-destruction can become fertile ground for reinvention. Today, he channels his hard-earned wisdom into his art, his teaching, and his commitment to service—reminding us that real success is about who we become and how we help others along the way.

The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway

“Love others into being and you will be.”

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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.

Resources:

• Learn more about Thomas’ work at thomasgwaites.com
• Follow Thomas’ band on Instagram: @heartbreakwaites

Produced by NOVA