In this episode, we sit down with 25-year veteran actor Russell Andrews, known for his roles on TV, film, and stage. He shares his journey from acting to writing his debut novel, *Shoes*, a story inspired by a family he observed 38 years ago that has stayed with him all his life. Here's what we covered:

- From Acting to Writing: Russell discusses the transition from acting out others' stories to creating his own, with *Shoes* marking his debut as an author.

- The Origins of "Shoes": The inspiration came from a brief but impactful encounter with a family in a Salvation Army store, a moment Russell never wanted to forget.

- Creative Courage: Russell reflects on overcoming the fear of writing such a simple story without dramatic elements like drugs or violence.

- The Power of Storytelling: We explore how Russell's career has been centered around telling meaningful stories, whether on stage, screen, or in print.

- What’s Next: Russell shares upcoming projects, including a short film adaptation of "Shoes" and ongoing auditions.

Key Quote:

"I just didn’t want to forget that young man. He’d be 49 right now, and I never saw them again, but that moment has lived with me ever since." — Russell Andrews