Broadway’s Nick Barasch on Perfectionism, Permission, and Coming Home to Himself

Let us know what you enjoy about the show! What happens when your talent starts steering your life before you’re old enough to drive it? We sit down with actor and singer Nick Barasch to trace the tender, sometimes turbulent path from child performer to self-possessed adult artist—and the surprising practices that made space for joy along the way. Nick opens up about the thrill and pressure of growing up on stage, the moment he chose agency over autopilot, and how therapy reframed his relationship with perfectionism and approval. We dig into Thema Bryant’s Homecoming, the art of telling yourself the truth, and why meditation and simple rituals help him return to his body when the industry’s noise gets loud. He shares the difference between structure imposed by schedules and structure you design for yourself—projects, community, and habits that won’t vanish between gigs. You’ll also hear the unexpected magic of TV life in Vancouver, how variety refreshed his craft after eight-show weeks, and the friends who helped him loosen the screws on self-critique. We explore fear, inner critics, and the practical work of giving those voices a new job. Nick’s core values come through clearly: integrity, kindness, justice, and curiosity. He talks candidly about solitude versus isolation, building a life that’s bigger than work, and a future that might include Santa Fe, more service, and a steady practice of gratitude. If you’ve ever chased perfection, felt pulled by others’ expectations, or wondered how to build a rhythm you can keep when the curtain falls, this conversation is your permission slip. Press play, then tell us what ritual brings you back to yourself. If the show resonated, follow, rate, and share with a friend who could use a gentler definition of success. If you are enjoying the show please subscribe, share and review! Word of mouth is incredibly impactful and your support is much appreciated! Support the show 🌟✨📚 **Buy "The Places Where There Are Spaces: Cultivating A Life of Creative Possibilities"** 📚✨🌟 Dive into a world where spontaneity leads to creativity and discover personal essays that inspire with journal space to reflect. Click the link below to grab your copy today and embark on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected joys! 🌈👇 🔗 Purchase Your Copy Here: https://a.co/d/2UlsmYC 🌟 **Interested in finding out more about working with Lisa Hopkins? Want to share your feedback or be considered as a guest on the show?** 🔗 Visit Wide Open Stages https://www.wideopenstages.com 📸 **Follow Lisa on Instagram:** @wideopenstages https://www.instagram.com/wideopenstages/ 💖 **SUPPORT THE SHOW:** [Buy Me a Coffee] https://www.buymeacoffee.com/STOPTIME 🎵 **STOPTIME Theme Music by Philip David Stern** 🔗 [Listen on Spotify] https://open.spotify.com/artist/57A87Um5vok0uEtM8vWpKM?si=JOx7r1iVSbqAHezG4PjiPg