What does it really mean to be an artist today?

In this deep, honest conversation, actor, director, and professor Zeke Bocklage sits down to talk about growing up an old soul, falling into theater, rejecting Broadway, teaching the next generation of actors, and why listening matters more than perfection.

From being born three months premature to discovering performance through vaudeville, PBS, and classic film… from nearly becoming a Catholic priest to directing hit productions like Young Frankenstein… Zeke reflects on art, education, community, and why he unexpectedly found home in Nacogdoches, Texas.

This episode dives into:

Acting vs directing (and why listening is everything)

Generational differences in students today

Theater vs film performance

Trusting instincts instead of chasing perfection

Why small towns and community still matter

Teaching empathy in an overstimulated world

If you love deep conversations, theater, education, creativity, or the human side of art, this one’s for you.

If you enjoyed this episode of Made in Nacogdoches with Brad Maule, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a story from the oldest town in Texas. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who love great stories, rich history, and the magic of East Texas.

Brad Maule is an accomplished American actor, director, and educator best known for his 22-year run as Tony Jones on General Hospital. With a career spanning television, film, and stage, Maule has worked across classical theater, contemporary drama, and musical performance, earning respect for his range, discipline, and longevity in the industry. Beyond acting, he is a dedicated teacher and mentor, shaping the next generation of performers through his work in higher education.

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Thanks again for being part of the journey. See you in the next episode!

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