Episode 7: Drew Lachey – From 98 to Broadway & Beyond Spotlight

Episode Summary:

What happens when fame finds you early… and you spend the rest of your life building something that matters even more?

In this powerful conversation, Drew Lachey—singer, Broadway performer, HGTV host, and co-founder of Lachey Arts—opens up about the journey from pop stardom to building a life of purpose beyond the spotlight. From topping charts with 98° to winning. Dancing with the Stars, performing on Broadway, and creating accessible arts programming in his hometown of Cincinnati, Drew’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and staying rooted in what matters most.

This episode goes beyond the fame and explores the mindset shifts, personal lessons, and pivotal moments that shaped Drew into the husband, father, entrepreneur, and community leader he is today. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, redefining success on your own terms, or simply looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Drew’s story will remind you that true breakthrough happens when you build something meaningful—even when the spotlight shifts.

About Drew Lachey

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Drew Lachey is best known as a member of the multi-platinum pop group 98 Degrees, which sold over 15 million records worldwide and achieved eight top 40 singles in the United States. He also appeared on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and was crowned Season 2 Champion.

A Broadway veteran, Drew starred as Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT, and as King Arthur’s right-hand man, Patsy, in Mike
Nichols’ Tony Award-winning production of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. Other onstage work includes Corny Collins in HAIRSPRAY, Charlie in KINKY BOOTS, and Zach in Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s A CHORUS LINE.

In addition to his work in television and film, Drew has hosted the Design Network’s Date My House, ABC’s Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, HGTV’s $250,000 Challenge, America Sings, The Price is Right Live, Let’s Make a Deal Live, and the Miss USA Pageant. Drew has also written the book for multiple musicals, including the Off-Broadway show LABEL•LESS.

Beyond entertainment, Drew is co-founder of Lachey Arts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making creative expression accessible to all. He lives in Cincinnati with his high school sweetheart and wife, Lea, and their family.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode

✨ How early fame shaped (and tested) his resilience — and what it taught him about staying grounded.

✨ Why creative collaboration is a long game — and how 25 years of partnership with Lea have built trust, patience, and shared vision.

✨ The role of family, faith, and community in building a life beyond the stage — and why Cincinnati keeps him centered.

✨ What it really takes to transition from celebrity culture to purposeful work — from Broadway to Lachey Arts to HGTV.

✨ How home renovations became a metaphor for growth — proof that your physical space mirrors your inner world.

✨ Why joy and fulfillment come from elevating others — and how empowering the next generation through Lachey Arts redefined his success.

✨ How risk, redirection, and authenticity shape every new chapter — and the legacy of work ethic and respect he’s passing to his kids

Breakthrough Lessons

⭐️ Beyond the Spotlight: 4 Lessons in Staying Grounded and Growing Forward

What does it mean to keep evolving when your dream never really ends? Drew Lachey has spent decades in the spotlight — from touring the world with 98 Degrees to performing on Broadway to hosting on HGTV. But what stands out most isn’t fame — it’s how he continues to grow, lead, and lift others along the way. Whether you’re chasing your next big moment or refining what success means to you, here are a few takeaways inspired by Drew’s journey:

1. Lead with curiosity. Every new stage — literal or figurative — begins with a willingness to learn again.
   
2. Create space for others. True leadership isn’t about the spotlight; it’s about sharing it.
   
3. Keep your craft sharp. Mastery is a moving target — the more you evolve, the more your skills evolve with you.
   
4. Stay rooted in gratitude. Joy and longevity come from remembering why you started.
   
   ✨ Reflection prompt: What stage are you in right now — debut, encore, or reinvention?
   
   🎧 Loved this episode?
   
   Keep your own story in motion with The Story Reset Method Workbook — a guided process to help you reflect, reframe, and rewrite your next chapter.
   
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Episode Chapters

0:00 – Intro
2:11 – Creative Collaboration: 25+ Years Working With Lea
4:30 – Home Renovations: How Physical Space Reflects Internal Emotions
7:02 – From Spotlight to Support: Finding Joy in Elevating Others
9:48 – Staying Rooted: What Cincinnati Taught Drew About Success
15:00 – Lessons from Lachey’s Bar: Risk & Redirection
19:58 – Lachey Arts: Making Creative Expression Accessible to All
22:27 – Mentor Moment: The Teacher Who Changed Everything
25:41 – Dancing with the Stars: Stepping Into Solo Spotlight
31:25 – Brother Bond: Favorite Memories with Nick
35:41 – Tour Tales: White Water Rafting Gone Wrong
38:08 – The Storyteller’s Thread: Authenticity Across All Platforms
40:40 – High School Sweethearts: Growing Together with Lea
42:30 – Legacy for His Kids: Blue Collar Work Ethic and Respect
44:08 – New HGTV Chapter: Empowering Others to “Drew It Themselves”
44:57 – Life Philosophy: The Quote That Guides Him
47:23 – Turning the Tables: Drew’s Question for Traci

Resources & Links

Ready for Your Breakthrough?
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📖 The Story Reset Method Workbook. Rewrite the stories holding you back and design your next chapter.
👉 Learn More: https://offers.thisistbc.com/the-story-reset-method

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Connect with Drew Lachey:
Instagram: @DrewLachey
Lachey Arts: www.lacheyarts.org
98º: www.98degrees.com
label•less: www.labellessmusical.com
HGTV: Date My House & Rock the Block

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Sources: Guest bio and photo provided by Drew Lachey; episode content from The Breakthrough Collective Episode 7