#15 From Broadway to ALS: Aaron Lazar on Redefining Success and Healing Mindset

Curveball with Scott Reich

In this special two-part episode, host Scott Reich sits down with the remarkable Aaron Lazar, a Broadway, film, and television star whose artistry and resilience have inspired countless fans. But beyond his career as an acclaimed performer, Aaron offers a deeply personal look at his journey living with ALS, opening up about loss, ambition, family, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Together, Scott and Aaron explore what it means to chase impossible dreams, navigate trauma and setbacks, and intentionally reframe life’s curveballs as opportunities for growth. Both men share candid stories of wrestling with high expectations, personal and family health crises, and the internal work required to cultivate hope in the face of uncertainty. With warmth and honesty, Aaron describes how his diagnosis has reshaped the way he connects with his children, approaches fatherhood, and finds fulfillment—while Scott reflects on his own journey as a parent to a child with severe special needs.

Join us for an episode filled with grounded wisdom, actionable insight, and genuine connection as Aaron and Scott remind us all: while we can’t always control what life throws at us, we do have a choice in how we respond—and in the meaning we give to our experiences.

What Listeners Will Learn:

• Aaron Lazar talks about redefining success after his diagnosis with ALS.
• Both Aaron and Scott discuss the idea of “chasing the next mountain.”
• Aaron speaks openly about trauma, resilience, and the pressures of show business.
• Parenting dynamics come up several times in the episode, especially as Aaron’s children take on caregiving roles.
• Aaron decided not to tell his children about his diagnosis for a significant period.
• The theme of surrendering versus fighting comes up, particularly around illness.
• Both speakers reflect on learning to savor everyday moments—the wind in the trees, being present.
• Spirituality is a recurring topic, with Aaron discussing a shift from traditional religious views to a more expansive understanding of God and meaning.
• Aaron mentions the power of belief and mindset in shaping one’s experience of illness and life’s hardships.
• The episode is framed around turning curveballs—unexpected life events—into opportunities for connection and growth.

Key Moments:

(04:37) Passion's Role in Success & Growth

(09:13) Chasing Success: The Endless Cycle

(10:45) Life-Altering Perspective Shift

(14:53) Impossible Dream: A Life Transformed

(16:16) Silent Struggle for Self-Healing

(19:59) Mission to Heal and Inspire

(24:48) Parenting Challenges and Role Reversal

(27:22) Redefining Disease Conversations with Kids

(32:42) Embracing Imperfection in Overachieving

(35:53) Seeing Life Through Fresh Eyes

(37:10) Embracing “Patient Acceptance”

(40:46) Learning Life's Lessons Without Suffering

(45:25) Patterns or Choices: Self-awareness Realized

(47:10) Faith, Doubt, and Understanding