In this episode of My Slice of Life, Maddie is joined by her dear friend Tez Soloman for a heartfelt chat about the messy relationship we all seem to have with social media, and how politics can make us feel divided before a real conversation even begins. Together, they reflect on the pull of old comforts—whether that’s the familiar structure of academia, the nostalgia of rewatching The West Wing, or even finding reassurance in Substack articles that have offered a surprising sense of calm during this time.

And because no good conversation is complete without something sweet, this one happened over what they both deemed the perfect chocolate cupcake.

Join them for an easy, thoughtful exchange between friends, full of honesty, warmth, and a little bit of nostalgia.

In this episode of My Slice of Life, Madison is joined by Isabella Björkman—a passionate and fearless actor who left Sweden to chase her dreams. Over a cozy bowl of homemade apple crisp, they dive into an honest conversation about rewiring the brain for positivity, embracing creativity with courage, and finding joy in the journey.

This week on My Slice of Life, Maddie is joined by independent filmmaker, actor, and writer Lara Repko! Over freshly baked salted chewy chocolate chip cookies, they explore the sweet and salty sides of creative careers—especially the struggles with codependency and finding your own path. Lara opens up about how she reclaimed her independence, carved out her artistic niche, and why stepping into her 30s feels like the beginning of her most fulfilling chapter yet. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation that’s equal parts rich, reflective, and heartwarming.