🎙️ Episode 7 — “That Joy!”

In this episode, Rashad reconnects with actor and artist Paul Deo, Jr., his NYU Grad Acting classmate whose creative journey has been anything but linear.

From performing in Shakespeare in the Park to building storyboards in the Vegas desert during the pandemic, Paul shares how life’s detours shaped his art — and how losing an agent in the middle of nowhere became an unlikely turning point.

This conversation digs into the reality of the “working actor”: regional theater runs, creative side hustles, content creation, and learning to keep joy alive through it all.

Rashad and Paul talk about what it means to stay curious, to reinvent yourself when the industry slows down, and to find the beauty in waiting seasons that don’t look the way you planned.

🎧 Episode 7: “That Joy!”

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, Broadway actor Andrew Hovelson (Stranger Things: The First Shadow) sits down to talk about the realities of building a life in the arts — on stage and off.

Andrew shares candid stories about juggling family responsibilities, making ends meet through odd jobs when acting work is scarce, and the small joys that come with realizing you’re not as crazy as you sometimes think.

This conversation is a reminder that the actor’s path isn’t just about opening nights and red carpets — it’s about resilience, balance, and learning to embrace the messy, beautiful waiting periods along the way.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, actor Michael Gaston (Jack Ryan, The Leftovers, Prison Break, The Man in the High Castle) joins Rashad for a conversation that goes beyond career credits and into the heart of why we tell stories.

Michael reflects on his journey from grad school to stage and screen, and opens up about the deeper purpose behind the work: acting as a reflection of humanity. Along the way, he shares how he approaches complex characters — including the surprising backstory behind his HBO role and his character’s obsession with “shooting all the damn dogs.”

This wide-ranging conversation touches on:

• 🎭 Acting as more than performance — a service to humanity
• 📚 Lessons from grad school and sustaining a long career
• ⚖️ Balancing career choices with deeper calling
• 💡 Why art must connect to something bigger than ego or accolades

Michael’s honesty, humor, and wisdom make this a standout episode for actors and non-actors alike — a reminder that the craft is about more than success; it’s about connection, truth, and love for humanity.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this solo episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, Rashad dives into an old interview with Viola Davis where she spoke out about the pay gap between herself and actresses like Meryl Streep.

Why does a performer as gifted and accomplished as Viola continue to face such disparities? Rashad unpacks the issue using insights from economist Thomas Sowell, breaking down the basic market forces that shape Hollywood pay: scarcity and demand, substitutes, and incentives.

This week’s episode is a little different — no guest, just fun commentary and straight talk about the business side of acting. Because to survive in this industry, artists need more than talent; they need to understand the economics that drive it.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Episode 3 — Marchant Davis: Choosing Roles & Facing the Industry’s Strange Truths

In this episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, actor Marchant Davis (The Day Shall Come, A Journal for Jordan) joins me for a raw and unfiltered conversation about how actors navigate the business behind the art.

We dive into:

• The metrics Marchant uses to decide which roles to take
• The strange reality of workshops — actors building shows without the promise of being cast when productions move forward
• The heartbreak and resilience it takes to keep going in this industry
• Why making choices aligned with your values matters more than ever

This is a must-listen for actors, artists, and anyone who’s ever wondered what it really takes to sustain a career in entertainment.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, Rashad sits down with the multi-talented Zoey Martinson — actor, director, writer, and co-founder of Smoke & Mirrors Collaborative.

Zoey shares wisdom every actor needs to hear: the importance of staying in your lane, letting go of the pressure to do everyone else’s job on set, and finding joy in the craft. With her unique journey across stage, screen, and behind the camera, Zoey reminds us that sometimes the most powerful choice an actor can make is to simply have more fun.

✨ Episode 2: That’s Not Your Job 🎭

Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

In this episode of In the Waiting Room w/ Rashad Edwards, Rashad sits down with the incredible Victor Williams (The King of Queens, Happy Together, The Affair) for a candid conversation about his journey as an actor. From growing up in Brooklyn to landing roles that became household favorites, Victor shares insights on longevity in the business, the power of humility, and what it takes to stay grounded in an unpredictable industry. With humor, heart, and wisdom, this episode is both inspiring and entertaining for actors and fans alike.