Today I'm joined by Alex Joseph Grayson who is currently playing Dallas Winston in Broadway's hit musical The Outsiders. This conversation blew me away as Alex opened up about the reality behind one of Broadway's most physically demanding roles and shared his knowledge that will resonate with anyone chasing their dreams.
What we dive into:
The Real Broadway Experience:
- What it actually takes to perform 8 shows a week in one of Broadway's most physical roles
- How Alex stepped into The Outsiders mid-run and made the character his own
- The intense workout routine and recovery process he needs just to survive the show
- Honest talk about injuries and the athlete-like demands of commercial theater
Rejection and Resilience:
- Alex's journey from discovering theater at 19 to landing on Broadway at 36
- His powerful mindset shift: "their loss" when facing constant industry rejection
- The "Four Daily Wins" system he uses to build self-worth
- Why creating value outside the commercial system is essential
Mental Health in High-Pressure Careers:
- The decompression techniques he uses after each intense show
- His approach to shame work and building daily practices of self-respect
- Why "the body keeps the score" applies to performers and everyone else
Real Success Strategies:
- Why taking calculated risks is non-negotiable when following your dreams
- How to channel aggression and energy into "ferociously" pursuing your goals
- The art of reading workplace culture before making your mark
- Building relationships across different departments and industries
My Biggest takeaways:
- "I've lost if I'm worried about looking good" - Alex's philosophy completely changed how I think about authentic performance
- The game-changing difference between "eustress" (stress you choose) and reactive stress
- Why technique and safety should never be compromised for commercial success
- How to maintain your artistic soul while working within commercial systems
This episode is perfect for:
- People struggling with rejection in their careers (honestly, everyone)
- People looking for real strategies to build genuine self-worth
- Fans of The Outsiders who want to see behind the curtain
This conversation combines brutal honesty about the entertainment industry with life advice that goes way beyond theater. Whether you're chasing Broadway dreams or just trying to build resilience in your own path, Alex's insights on technique, self-worth, and staying authentic will hit you right where you need it.
I'm genuinely excited for you to hear this one. Alex brought such depth and vulnerability to our conversation, and I think his perspective on channeling energy into "ferociously" pursuing your dreams while maintaining your humanity is something we all need to hear.
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Follow Alex: @AlexJGSings on Instagram | Alex Joseph Grayson
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See you next Tuesday!
