In episode 167 of the Say It Skillfully podcast, Molly is joined by Ezekiel Andrew, an amazing human being and performing artist who has sung in operas and operettas, performed in musical theater productions, and acted in plays including his Broadway debut in 2021. Ezekiel shares what it was like for him growing up as an “artsy kid”; singing in a choir, playing in a marching band, always loving drawing and painting. He talks about how his gospel-singing father was a huge inspiration to his musical career, and shares the story of his first real audition in early high school, as well as how he was blown away by hearing a live opera voice from his 1st voice teacher. Then, Ezekiel opens up about his dark years in Cincinnati where he fell on his face over and over again. Don’t miss how he powered through tough times of failure, financial hardship, and not finding a role by embracing fear and moving forward, refusing to stop. Eventually, Ezekiel found success in a big way after years and years of honing and polishing his craft; he secured multiple theatrical roles including his Broadway debut acting in “The Lion King”, where he acted alongside the same “Mufasa” actor he was inspired by way back in 2008! Molly’s thought for the week: Embrace fear while moving forward, do not stop.