Michael Gaston

Explicit
In the Waiting Room with Rashad Edwards by Rashad Edwards
S1 · E5
Sep 18, 2025
01:20:42

Episode notes

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.

Keywords

Acting Career
Auditioning
Grad Acting
actor mindset
HBO
DEAN
Michael Gaston
Tom Perrotta
Damon Lindelof
SVU
Law&Order