MaDi Tells All - Buffalo to Building Brands

Join me as I sit down with Sam Hubbard (@sammysep), a 15-year New York police officer who somehow ended up on one of Netflix’s biggest shows, Million Dollar Secret. We talk about what it takes to stay composed when the world’s watching, how control turns into confidence, and what strength looks like when you finally let people see it.

In this solo episode I go from signing t-shirts at a Buffalo beach party to taking Zoom calls in a Manhattan penthouse overlooking Billionaire Row. Between birthday dinners, boxing matches, Seagram shoots, and rebranding chaos, I share how wild it feels to live between two worlds at once. This one’s about the hustle, the heart, and the reminder that no matter how far you go, home will always keep you grounded.

In this episode, I sit down with Alexa Zappia, an Emmy-nominated reality TV casting producer known for her work on shows like The Bachelor, Squid Game: The Challenge, and Love Is Blind. Alexa shares her inspiring journey from teaching to casting, and how she turned personal tragedy into purpose. After losing three close family members in three years, she channeled her grief into creating Rocks of Unity™, a global initiative promoting inclusion and kindness. We discuss the power of community, the importance of honoring loved ones, and how Alexa continues to carry their guidance forward in her work and life.

I sit down with Adam Metwally to hear how he bounced back after losing a quarter million dollars and moving to NYC with no plan just hustle and heart. Adam shares how he bridges the gap between health, hustle, and happiness, building a life focused on resilience, mindset, and balance. We dive into his journey of reinvention and how he stays grounded while chasing big goals.

In this solo episode, I share stories from my July trip back to Buffalo, where catching up with family and friends quickly turns into a full work trip supporting local resturants and longtime brand partners, while also working on launching my hot sauce. Then it’s right back to NYC for events, branded content, and the nonstop hustle of social media, because in this world, the grind never stops. A candid look at balancing community, creativity, and constant momentum.

In this episode, I sit down with Maria-Isabelle, the dynamic voice behind @sportsgirlnyc, who has turned her love for sports into a career as a reporter for the New York Mets. We discuss how she built her social media presence, the challenges and triumphs of breaking into sports journalism, and what it's like covering the Mets from the press box to the fan zone. Maria shares invaluable tips for aspiring creators and insights into the evolving landscape of sports media.

Join me as I chat with Reme, a New York City, based drone pilot and travel influencer with over a quarter-million followers and adventures spanning 63 countries (and counting!). Reme shares how he combines his passion for drones and travel, hosting immersive trips designed to teach others the art of drone flying. We dive into the challenges and rewards of building a global brand, capturing breathtaking visuals, and inspiring a community through storytelling from above.

In this solo episode, I share how I rebranded a Dubai-based chocolate company’s social media overnight and took over their accounts for four days as the face of the brand. I talk about representing them at the Fancy Food Show and how this led to a unique collaboration with Syndicate 11 at a NASCAR influencer event. Listen in as I break down how strategic branding and influencer marketing opened doors across industries and continents.

I sit down with my best friend and biggest inspiration, Ryan Monolopolus, a Buffalo native, high school classmate, and multi-talented filmmaker, writer, director, and producer. You may have seen his work on Stranger Things, Cobra Kai and the Marvel movie franchise. Ryan’s passion and hustle in the industry inspired me to dive into media, and in this episode, he shares his journey from Buffalo to award-winning projects, the creative grind behind filmmaking, and the importance of friendship and mentorship along the way.

From Buffalo roots to the high-stakes world of New York City luxury real estate, Jon Antonio has carved his path at SERHANT, the powerhouse brokerage led by Ryan Serhant, star of Netflix’s Owning Manhattan. In this episode, Jon shares how hustle, content strategy, and Buffalo grit helped him break into one of the most competitive markets in the world. Plus, he spills behind-the-scenes stories from working with one of the most-watched real estate teams on the planet.

From my college days to years in the hospitality industry, this episode traces the moments that shaped who I am today. I share the challenges, turning points, and lessons learned along the way, the real story behind how I got here.Email me your questions, thoughts, and more: [email protected] and make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

From childhood memories and my years in school, this episode traces the moments that shaped who I am today. I share the challenges, turning points, and lessons learned along the way, the real story behind how I got here.Email me your questions, thoughts, and more: [email protected] and make sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode!

Hi Friends, welcome to MaDi Tells All - From Buffalo to Building Brands!I started this podcast because I got tired of people telling me I wouldn’t make it, that I was too loud, too edgy, too much. Or that not finishing college meant I wouldn’t get far. So I created my own lane and built something real.From late nights in Buffalo kitchens to long days grinding in New York City, I’ve turned side hustles into brands and moments into movements. Why am I here now? Because people kept asking me, ‘How did you do it? But the truth is I’m still doing it, and I'm taking you on the ride with me.This show is for the ones who’ve been underestimated, overlooked, or told to tone it down. You don’t have to fit in to make it, you just have to start. And I’m here to tell all.If you’re ready for the behind-the-scenes, the untold stories, and real advice on building a brand, running a business, and staying true to yourself. Follow, subscribe, and get involved! Write me letters, pitch yourself, send in your questions. This podcast is mine, but it’s also yours. Let’s build this thing together.Socials: @maditellsall @buffalofoodslut @madelinehall.nycThis podcast is produced by Gotham Production Studios and is a part of The Gotham Network.