From high school teacher to actor, musician, and risk-taking coach, Adam LaSalle shares how courage, belief, and creativity can change your life.

This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world.

In This Episode

In this episode, Michael talks with New York-based actor, musician, and coach Adam LaSalle about the art of taking risks, believing in yourself, and helping others find their creative spark. After a decade as a high school teacher, Adam left the classroom to pursue acting and music full time—while also building a practice that helps others make bold moves in their own lives.

Adam shares his early love for the arts, the anxious tendencies that made risk-taking feel impossible, and the moment he realized creativity was essential to his wellbeing. From his most challenging stage role in Two Pianos, Four Hands to his pilot group program connecting “rebels in waiting,” Adam’s story is about alignment, persistence, and using personal experience as a model for others.

The conversation wanders through New York moments, from bagels in pajamas to advice from strangers, and touches on everything from instruments as self-care tools to the song he and his fiancée sing daily to their cat, Iris. Adam’s advice to would-be rebels? Acknowledge what you feel, believe change is possible, and have the courage to try—before you think you’re ready.

Quotable Quotes

“I’m hoping to use my life as an experiment and model what it means to take a risk.”

“You stop being creative when you’re an adult… that’s when I went out of alignment.”

“People are kinder than we think they’re going to be.”

“The process is the product.”

“You have more access to your potential than you realize.”

Episode Highlights

From Teacher to Actor | Leaving the classroom to pursue music, theatre, and coaching.

Creative Childhood | Band, drama club, and finding community in the arts.

Out of Alignment | Losing creativity in adulthood and its impact on wellbeing.

Two Pianos, Four Hands | Preparing for a nine-minute double concerto on stage.

Human Conversations | Why “fine” isn’t enough when someone asks how you are.

The Process Is the Product | Lessons from music that apply to life and growth.

Instruments as Self-Care | Keeping guitars, piano, and bass within arm’s reach.

Most New York Moments | From bagels in pajamas to sushi in gym shorts.

Rebel Advice | Acknowledge, believe, and have the courage to try—before you’re ready.

LINKS FROM EPISODE

Adam’s Website (http://www.adamlasalle.co/coaching)

Adam on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jennlynnmaclean/)

Adam on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AdamLaSalleOfficial)

Adam on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-lasalle/)

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