My Slice of Life

This week, Madison sits down with her dear family friend Natasha Mynhier—director, AFI fellow, and film extraordinaire—for a cozy, conversation-meets-“how-to” episode centered around tea and matcha. As they share their love for the ritual, they reflect on the beauty of slowing down and creating small, meaningful moments in your day. Part guide, part heart-to-heart, this episode is a reminder that a little whimsy can be found in even the simplest routines. Shout outs from this episode include- Tea Sommelier: @ohhowcivilized  Brands: @kettltea @fellowproducts @Yalacoffee @Traderjoes @Malkorganics 

This one is especially close to home 💛 Madison is joined by her brother, Max, for a cozy, heartfelt conversation about stepping into the new and beautiful world of fatherhood. Over shared brownies and gentle reflection, Max opens up about what this chapter has really felt like—and how all the unexpected twists and turns in his life seem to have led him right here. Together, they talk about the little moments that feel bigger now, the shift in perspective that comes with becoming a parent, and the quiet realization that maybe everything really does unfold the way it’s meant to. It’s warm, honest, and full of love—a simple conversation about family, growth, and finding your way exactly where you’re supposed to be.

This episode is a sweet blend of ambition and simplicity. Madison sits down with friend Ashlyn Bradshaw to talk about her journey through the world of filmmaking—from assisting, to producing, to stepping into her new role as Chief of Staff. But beyond the fast-paced industry, Ashlyn shares her quiet pull toward a softer, cozier life, inspired not only by her love of all things Animal Crossing, but also by the grounding, intentional life she’s building with her husband. Over a homemade ice cream sundae—strawberry ice cream piled high with chocolate sauce, fresh raspberries, whipped cream, and mini M&M’s—they reflect on balance, burnout, and the beauty of slowing down. A reminder that even in the midst of big career moments, there’s magic in choosing a life that feels gentle, joyful, and your own. @ashlynbradshaw

Grab something warm and settle in. This week’s solo episode is inspired by Jenna O’Brien’s piece for Feeling! Magazine, “Advice for Making Life More Whimsical and Joyful.” With a cup of hot cocoa in hand, Madison reflects on how we can intentionally add joy, wonder, and even a touch of playful whimsy into our daily routines. Because maybe life doesn’t have to feel so serious all the time. Maybe it just needs a little sweetness… and the courage to seek delight. Substack Link: https://substack.com/@feelingmagazine/p-165205564

A Galentine’s sleepover… but make it a podcast episode! For this special night, I invited almost my entire friend group over, we cozied up in our comfiest clothes, passed around homemade chocolate covered strawberries, and hit record. We’re celebrating adult friendship, reminiscing on the memories that shaped us, laughing at old versions of ourselves, and debating which rom com or “chick flick” perfectly captures our dynamic (and maybe exposed us a little). There’s something really special about having all your people in one room — the ones who’ve seen every season of you and loved you through it. This episode feels like a love letter to the girls who grow up together. Sweet, a little chaotic, and full of heart. The kind of night — and friendship — you just want to savor.

This episode is a love letter to simple moments. Madison is joined by her mom, Meg, as they share a chocolate chunk espresso coconut oatmeal cookie and reflect on what makes life so sweet. From gratitude to perspective, they talk about letting go of the little things and holding onto what truly matters. A gentle reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the sweetness already in your life.

Season two of My Slice of Life is officially here! After a short break, Madison returns with a sweet, easygoing catch-up episode — vanilla fig matcha latte in hand — to share what life’s been serving lately. She chats through exciting updates, sets the tone for this new chapter, and introduces three New Year pillars she’s focusing on: creativity, curiosity, and consistency. It’s a warm, welcoming reset that reminds us growth can be intentional, joyful, and best enjoyed with a sweet treat on the side.

This week, Madison sits down with her cousin, Trevor Pepe, for a deeply personal conversation about resilience, the realities of sports injuries, and the enduring love of the game. They swap stories about football, family, and the foods that shaped their childhoods—all while sharing a homemade Dubai chocolate bar Madison created just for this episode. It’s an intimate slice of life that blends heart, humor, and a little sweetness.

In this week’s episode of My Slice of Life, Madison rings in the big 3-0 with a fabulously unserious list of thirty things she considers chic. From fancy butter and decanters she barely understands to good posture and thank-you notes, Maddie reflects on the little luxuries that make adulthood feel just a bit more glamorous. Equal parts playful and reflective, this episode is a love letter to growing up — with humor, intention, and just the right amount of gingham.

In this week’s episode of My Slice of Life, Maddie is joined by her dear friend and fellow producer, Alessia Cruci. The two dive into everything from life pivots to recipe pivots, celebrating the rabbit holes we wander down, and the joy of having more than one passion to chase. Of course, no good conversation is complete without something sweet — this one’s served alongside a lava cake with homemade whipped cream, a fittingly rich companion to a conversation that’s just as warm and decadent.

This week on My Slice of Life, Madison sits down with actor and director Sof Puchley for a warm and thoughtful conversation. Together, they explore what it means to break through a male-dominated industry by leading with generosity, Sof’s personal journey with plant medicine, and—of course—why banana bread is the perfect treat any time of day. Tune in to this sweet (pun intended) episode and leave feeling inspired to sprinkle kindness wherever you go.

In this week’s episode, Maddie is solo once more! It’s the catch up we needed with a little dose of tough love, going out of your comfort zone, growth(yay!!), and lots of guava matcha latte. Essay referenced in episode - "discomfort is the price you pay for a fulfilling life" by Jacqueline (Shoes and Shots) 

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.

She’s back! After a brief hiatus, Madison returns solo to My Slice of Life with an intimate, unfiltered episode. Amid the chaos of the world and some internal soul-searching, a perfectly-timed quote—of course, by Joan Didion—landed in her lap and changed everything. Tune in as Maddie unpacks the delicate balance between self-belief and self-doubt, ambition and inertia, and the quiet fear of regret. This one’s for anyone feeling a little lost, a little inspired, and ready to take that next small step forward.

In this episode of My Slice of Life, Maddie catches up with a familiar favorite—Ruth Devereaux, co-host of Fem Tell All. The two dive into what’s making Ruth’s life feel especially sweet these days, from personal milestones to creative passions and career wins! The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as Ruth opens up about her fears surrounding AI and its impact on the world. Listeners also get a sneak peek at what’s ahead for Fem Tell All. It’s a heartfelt, insightful, and sometimes humorous look at life, tech, and the power of women telling their stories.

In this episode of My Slice of Life, Maddie sits down with actor, writer, stunt performer, and aspiring director Veronica Maccari for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about fear, growth, and creative courage. Veronica opens up about how intentionally stepping outside her comfort zone has helped her not only as a performer, but as a person—especially during her wildly successful film festival run. Together, they explore the idea of finding joy in discomfort and using fear as a tool for transformation. Recorded over a plate of homemade gluten-free, sugar-free, seed-oil-free Tagalong copycat cookies (baked by Maddie!!), this episode serves up vulnerability, wisdom, and a few good laughs—perfect for anyone looking to conquer their own fears, one bite-sized challenge at a time. @veronica_maccari

In this heartwarming episode of My Slice of Life, Madison is joined by her dear friend Ariana—performer, educator, and all-around light in the world. Over a freshly baked key lime pie (made with love just for her!), they dive into what it means to be a "teaching artist" and how Ariana finds genuine joy in blending creativity with community. From stories of the stage to the classroom, she shares the passion and purpose behind her work, reminding us of the beauty in pursuing what lights us up. Grab a fork and enjoy a sweet slice of inspiration.

This week’s episode is a special one—because Maddie is joined by someone who helped shape the magic behind the scenes: her dad. With over 40 years in the film and TV industry as a special effects artist, he’s the man behind the sparks, smoke, and cinematic chaos. But today, he’s in the spotlight (well, sort of). Maddie baked him one of his favorite treats—a rich, fudgy brownie—and sat down to talk about what he's learned over his 70 years of life. From wild on-set stories to reflections on creativity, aging, and fatherhood, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and the kind of wisdom you only get from someone who’s truly lived it. Grab a cozy snack, and join us for a sweet, slow moment of connection.

This week on My Slice of Life, Maddie and Mac sink their teeth into a chewy Funfetti Blondie and the even sweeter topic of lasting friendship—17 years strong. "The Giggle Girls" (gender neutral) reminisce, share real-talk advice, and laugh their way through the highs and lows of keeping a friendship thriving. Tune in for a heartfelt, hilarious convo that's as warm as a fresh batch of blondies.

Welcome to the very first episode of My Slice of Life, hosted by Madison Bellissimo! In this episode, you'll get a sneak peek into what you can expect from the podcast in the future, along with a chance to get to know your host a little better. Tune in, enjoy the journey, and stay tuned for more exciting episodes to come!