This episode is a masterclass in following your gut, showing up fully, and creating your own path—even when it’s not the one you planned. Nick Rashad Burroughs joins us to share the wild and wonderful story of how a missed ride after school led to an accidental audition… and an entirely new life trajectory. From growing up in a deeply religious, sports-focused family in Alabama to starring on Broadway in Kinky Boots, Something Rotten, and Tina, Nick has lived a life powered by guts, grit, and creative risk.
Nick opens up about the struggle to reconcile his artistic truth with his upbringing, the challenges of coming out, and what it meant to have his mother watch him perform in drag on Broadway. He also shares the deeply personal origin of his music career, his viral music video that Beyoncé reposted (!!!), and how he’s living in the center of a manifestation with his latest role in Goddess at The Public Theater. This conversation is packed with honesty, vulnerability, inspiration—and a whole lot of laughter.
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS:
- Inspiration is a gift—don’t waste it.
- You can do it scared.
- Self-advocacy creates opportunities.
- Your unique voice and background are assets, not limitations.
- Fear doesn't go away—it just gets quieter when you're doing what you love.
Connect with the Hosts & Show:
- 📩 Email us at wasitchancepodcast@gmail.com
- 🎧 Follow Was It Chance on your favorite podcast platform
- 📱 Connect with us on TikTok and LinkedIn
- ✨ More about Heather at her website, subscribe to her Substack and on LinkedIn, YouTube, and BlueSky
- 🎭 More about Alan via @theatre_podcast and check out The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales