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.