Chapter Ten: From Open Heart Surgery to Hosting Her Own Show with Madison Tevlin

In this week's chapter of The 20 Something Playbook we sat down with actor, host of "21 Questions", advocate and public speaker Madison Tevlin. Back in 2021, Madison interviewed our co-host (Madison MacGregor) for her show "Who Do You Think I Am". Madison Tevlin has been nominated for a Canadian Screen Award. Madison, only 23, bravely shares her personal experience of undergoing open heart surgery, revealing the highs and lows of her journey. Madison holds nothing back, giving us a candid look at what it's like to go through such a life-changing event while pursuing your dreams... Get ready for a heartfelt and inspiring chat, Madison has let nothing stop her in the pursuit of her passions, and she's only just getting started!

For more of Madison Tevlin: https://www.madisontevlin.com/ I

nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisontevlin/

Maddie's podcast "21 Questions" coming soon: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-sxsw/page/community-voting/session/1753389225843001bJwc

Follow Madison, Ava, and Elle: Instagram @20somethingplaybook TikTok @20somethingplaybook

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Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-20-something-playbook/id1801522743

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Watch Volume One of "The 20 Something Playbook" on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEcNigeakfAcHDyKl2mSlAJ6&si=Krq-KY-PoR_uK9gJ

Behind The Scenes | Filming the Podcast in NYC and California: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNaj9QhEOls&list=PL1Rs9oUYUlEf6yeVawHLs6G3UUaj4EACf Thank you West Gate New York Grand Central for hosting our interview space (and stay in NYC).

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Transcript:

For me, I know Gal and you were Contronic. Yeah. Yeah. So, we just copied her completely. Basically, they're all three copycatter. Maddie wanted just love her too much.

I think it was my open heart surgery. I was in the hospital bed by myself struggling. But because of that, I knew that I can push myself and that just changed the whole world for me. My dad was the one that helped me with my first steps. Even getting out of that bed. I couldn't even walk, nothing. I was doing everything literally in that chair and that's how I got Madison on my show. While I was recovering, I was practicing, getting ready, researching everything of you. We're all just humans and we're all making mistakes and everyone should feel good about themselves too and be able to express their stories and what they have to share with the world. I'm just getting started. I love that attitude. Oh my god, James. We love We do that all the time.

Hey, it's Madison. Ava and I'm L and this is the 20some playbook and today we are joined by a very special guest. We're joined by Maddie Telin. She's in the we're actually I was going to say she's in the house but we're in her house. So true. And it feels so good to have you guys here. Thank you for being here. Maddie and I met actually on the set of Who Do You Think I Am? Which was an amazing show that she hosted. Now I get to interview her, but now you get to interview me. Love it. A nice full circle moment for both of us. Yeah, we love it. And you may recognize Maddie from Champions with Woody Harrelson. Beautiful, beautiful. We've got a movie star. Yeah, we are in the house with the movie star today. She's also been nominated for Canadian Screen Awards. She's currently hosting a podcast called 21 Questions that's coming out in May. Um, Maddie, you are booked and busy, girly. Congrats. Well, thank you. I feel like I've always busy and I'm doing all the things. That feels so good. And that's why we want to have Maddie on because she's only 23, but you've done so many amazing things. So, thank you. You do are killing it. If you have three words to describe your 20 so far, what would they be and why? It would be fun, challenging, and thankful. I love that. Fun because what I'm working doesn't even feel like working. I'm having so much fun. I'm living my dream life. Yeah. But challenging also because there's so many obstacles and everything I had to overcome and there's when I when I keep doing it, I get better at it and I want to work extra harder. And I'm just so thankful of everything that I have in my life. That's so nice, Maddie. I know, too. When we were filming, who do you think I am? I think you just had heart surgery or something like that. Yeah, I had open heart surgery. It was a very tough time. Yeah, very tough time. And then you were just sitting there in front of me just killing it, hosting this this amazing show. Like the way the things that you have overcome and how you handle them with so much grace is is very admirable and inspiring to everybody. Yeah. Yeah. Hi, Maddie. Has there been a moment in your 20s when you felt completely lost? And what helped you find direction? Well, I don't think I have had a moment when I felt completely lost, but my family and my friends, my caregivers, and my music makes the whole world change for the better for me. Oh my gosh, your music. Yeah, music is my life. Music is my everything. When I listen to my music, I go back in a better headsp space and everything for myself. And I just when I listen to it, it makes me just feel so good. Yeah. Who's your favorite artist? Oh, these are really good questions. So, Teddy Swims, Luke Combs, but I also love Shaniah Twain. Who doesn't love Shaniah? I know, right? Like, who doesn't? But I also love um Luke Combs, Teddy Swims. I love I'm a country girly. Okay. I love country music, but I also love like the pop and like all the other things, too. Yeah. Yeah. She's into all of us. You got range. I got a lot of good range of music. And we were just talking off camera, too, about how your uncle's a musician and he's going to be doing music for your podcast. He's do Well, he's a I always say that I get my talent and everything from him. Shout out to my uncle right now. That he gets to hear this cuz I say this all the time, but people sometimes don't agree with it, but we agree with it. Oh, yeah. You're like, I get all my I get all my talk from my uncle and that's not okay. People, on that. She said what she said. She said what she said. So true. She's spitting facts right now. Facts. Yes. My uncle's doing music and everything for my podcast and it became a family thing and I'm so happy about it. I love that. And what's your podcast called? So, it's called 21 Questions. Love it. Love it. And we're filming LA, New York, and Toronto. And Fairmont Hotel is a sponsor of our show. Love it. Love that. And by the time this comes out, it'll be out and we'll definitely link it all in the show notes. Everyone has to go check it out. I can't wait to see it. What's a belief you've had in your 20s that turned out to be completely wrong. I'm actually happy you're the one asking me this question. When I was younger, I believed that other people did did not get judged like I did. And I feel like everyone struggles with being judged. And I know that's not a really good feeling. It's a terrible feeling. So I know especially in our 20s. Yes. 100%. Like And we don't care what other people think of us. We just want to keep doing our normal life. And it and it hurts so much when you when you're judged by other people because they don't know you. True. And you you never know. You never know. Yeah. Yeah. It's like this what other people see. No. And it's and it's a very um unfair, hurtful thing that that happens, right? And it's true that everybody goes through it. I know. I also I don't know if you felt this way, but I feel like we think all of that goes away after our teenage years, you know? Like I feel like we think teenage years are going to be the hardest, but it still happens in your 20s. True. Like anything can happen for anybody. Yeah. You could be judged in your 50s and you I just don't even know it. Yeah. So true, too. Yeah. I think that's a great point that you brought up because it's actually one of the hardest things that you can go through. So, thank you for sharing that. Thank you for sharing. Yeah. I feel like anyone listening, you know, it makes me feel so much better hearing you say that as well that you feel judged like we all feel judged a lot in all different ways. I know you're continuing like good for you for continuing to being you. And I think one question I have if you're comfortable answering this is how do you navigate that because that's such a hurtful hard thing to go through. What helps you get through that? Again, back to my music. It really goes back to music again. It's my music that makes everything just go away for me and talking to the people that I trust and feel right to talk about those things. Yes. Yes. It's so important to have a good support system. A big support system and especially my caregivers, my family, my friends. Yeah. That's so beautiful. We've noticed that too actually. Like I had a rough moment last week where you know I had a couple people who unfollowed me on Instagram. Oh my god. Seriously. that I knew and it hurt me so much. Yeah, she had a big moment where she was like that hurts and it feels judgmental. And were you guys to help her and support her through it? Of course. I wanted her to know that it's actually probably not personal. A lot of people experience despite the fact that it does feel personal, right? Like it actually hits home for you. It does. It does. And I think the hard part too is that these people I was like I haven't spoken to these people in such a long time and and what they do such a thing. Yeah. Exactly. Yeah. It feels like it comes so out of the blue. And the thing is too where I tried to support Maddie as well is that I have gone through that as well. And I was like, you know what, we all experience things like that, have moments like that, and you're not the only one. Which is exactly what you're saying, too. You're not the only I'm agreeing with all of you guys. Yeah. You're not the only one. Anyone listening isn't the only one who's going through that. Yeah. And I think you, you know, like what you said, Maddie, about talking to people who love you and and who know you because those are the people who know the real you. Um, I was just going to say that he took the words out of my mouth cuz it's Maddie squared. Matty squared. Yeah, we're so good though. Just reading each other's minds and we vote the best we can. Yeah, we're actually talking about this off camera, but we So, for this podcast, we've filmed in LA, New York City, and Toronto. And for me, I filmed LA, New York, and Toronto. Yeah. So, we just copied her completely. Basically, they're all three copycaters. I don't know why they did that. We are Matty W. We just love her too much. We just love her too much. Is there a book, podcast, or life experience that shifted your entire perspective on your 20s? Well, I think it was my open heart surgery. Yeah. Wow. Yeah. Cuz I remember just struggling through that. It was a tough time for everybody, my family, friends, everybody was doing everything for me and it didn't feel right for me cuz I was in the hostel bed by myself, struggling and couldn't do anything and everything for myself. I'm watching everybody do everything else around me. Something that I couldn't do. But because of that, I knew that I can push myself and that just changed the whole world for me. Wow. So, it showed you how strong it showed me how how strong and powerful that I could myself. And for people who don't know like what open heart surgery was like, right? And I was like se I was 17 turning 18 when I had it, but also when I was 18 months old, too. I had So, I had it twice. Wow. And what was that recovery time like? Like how long did it take? I got a lot of time to just relax at night. Yes. Taking it easy. my time with my music and everything, just watching my favorite shows, doing eating all the food and drinks, even though sometimes I didn't even feel like it. My dad was the one that helped me with my first steps even getting out of that bed. I couldn't even walk, nothing. He was the one that really helped me throughout the whole thing. You were so so so strong. My mom and dad did everything together, but my dad was the one that helped me get out of that bed and made me want to be better for myself. And I never said I want my dad like that. I'm really happy that I did. Yeah. Oh my gosh, man. It's been so hard. It really was. How long did it take you to like was it months? Like what was that like? Well, it was whole prepping and everything for my show. Who do you think I am? It was all behind that. I was doing everything literally in that chair with Sylvia talking about that specific topic and that's how I got Madison on my podcast. Madison on my show. Yeah. While while you were recovering? While I was recovering, I was practicing, getting ready, making sure that I knew everything that that she does. Like, I was researching everything of you before I even wanted to talk to I was like, "So, yeah, I want to talk to her." Maddie, I am honored. I'm truly honored. And the fact that you did all of that after that surgery, like, no one has any excuses. And I have that power within myself and that strive and that drive. I want to keep going. Like, these are people that I really want to talk to like the bird papaya, Sarah, Nicole, Maddie, of course. You're like literally the top of my brain. Oh, Maddie, thank you. You're at the top of our list, too, by the way. No, seriously. Yes. Yes. Well, I think I think you were like the second episode, right? Yeah, I think so. I don't even remember now. Yeah. Or second or third, for sure. Yeah. I think, you know, something you and I both have gone through is health struggles. True. You know, and that that's a really sucky thing to go through. And I think you and I both have relate to each other that way. And you also both handled it with such grace. Can I just say, yeah, that determination, but I think those kinds of things when you go through those hard things, it shows you, like you said, how strong you are and what you're capable of cuz you never know what can happen. Yeah, 100%. It's completely true. And you can learn so much more about yourself that you never knew you had in yourself before. And you learn about so many other people, too, when you do that. Yeah. Well, I'm sure you've learned so much about yourself, even like the drive that you had. Yeah. And you feel that connection to other people, too, cuz you know. Yeah. Yeah. And I want to ask you, Maddie, what's been your biggest career pivot or unexpected twist in your 20s and how did you handle it? Well, I have not really experienced a career pivot or unexpected twist before, but something that I that has happened in my 20s is my podcast. Yes. But I feel like I talk about so much now. I have to keep putting it out there and I think this is really my dream and something that I really want to do. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I feel like you have such an interest in people. Like even you were saying you really want to talk to to Madison about it. I'm and also like not just talking to Madison who think I am but I became into a podcast called 21 questions and I love doing everything that I'm doing and talking to these people and even bigger celebrities not just the same as Maddie. We're all just humans and we're all make mistakes and I want to feel good about themselves too and be able to express their stories and what they have to share with the world. Yes. Are you okay sharing cuz I really liked why you named it 21 questions for someone who might not know or make the connection. Are you okay sharing that? Yeah, I'm okay with sharing that. So every person with Downream has that extra chromosome number chromosome extra copy 21. So it's I could play 20 questions guess but because people have the duplicated chromosome number 21 we wanted to do 21 questions. I love that. And also connection. You're in your 20s asking 21 questions.

There's something perfect there right now. It's got like a triple meaning. I know. And all in all different ways. Yes. Yes. Yes. And I love too what you talked about too with your podcast how you said sometimes it's going to go deep and sometimes it's not. We don't know. Sometimes it's fun. Sometimes you deep. You never know what can happen and everything too. Like you pick a question out and like oh we're going this route. Okay. Let's go for it. Yeah. I love that. Oh, nice honey. Hey, no, we're good. Oh my god, I love her. I know, right? Moms are the best thing in the world, aren't they? They really are. They really are. I just have a moment for moms right now cuz my mom has helped me get through my 20s for sure. I mean, every year, but I feel like because of my mom, I have the perfect life and everything that I want right now. And what I said before when I talk about like the ones like the words about me when I say thankful and it all goes back to her. I'm very thankful for her. I'm thankful about everybody but one specific person will have to be her. She she's at the top of the list. She's on the top of that list and my cheerleader for life. Yes. Isn't that what moms are? I know. Who doesn't love moms? Seriously. I mean if you don't love your mother then what do you do? What's wrong with you? I know, right? Very lucky that we all have good moms. True. We are lucky. Yeah. Like like you said, thankful, right? Like that's that's something to be very thankful for. Yeah. And I love family gatherings. Yes. Okay. What is your favorite part about a family gathering? Cuz Aanel and I love dance parties with our family. Same. But for me, I love like all the holidays and everyone coming together again cuz I know we see my whole entire family. Like my whole mom's part of the family, they're huge big everyone. So when I say my cousins again, like on Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Everyone come together just chatting, talking, laughing, doing all the things, everything over food and drinks. That's like the best. Oh, I agree. Those are like my happiest moments. Same. But with me and my mom, we do have a lot of dance parties in the house. When it's just us alone, we just blast music so loud that sometimes she doesn't even care when it's her favorite artist. Like Teddy Swims, cuz that's her favorite. Every time I play, he's like, "Okay, I have to put it louder." I got it. Thank you. This is like a dream. That's good. You both have a similar taste in music. We do. And I get all my dancing and everything from her, but also my dad, too. So, I like half. Best of both worlds. I get best of both worlds together allin one. And you know, pivoting into this question here. How do you define success in your 20s? And how has that definition evolved? I have had a lot of success in my life, but I'm just getting started. And the more I do, the more I want to do things more for myself. Wow. So, it just makes you more of a drive. extra harder. I love that. That's really interesting. I love that because you know some people when they experience success they kind of you know, oh, I've made it. I can just whatever. Right. But actually, that's not right. I'm just getting started. I love that attitude. Oh my god, James. I'm glad we do that all the time. We love that you're just getting started cuz we haven't had enough of you. That's so true. Seriously. Yeah. And I think that attitude has probably contributed to your success because, you know, you're committed. You're working hard. You don't want to stop. You want to keep going. And what is one piece of relationship advice from your 20s that actually proved true or totally miss the mark? Well, I would say to take it slow and don't rush rush things. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's a really good thing to say. So, patience is key. Patience is key. Yeah. Take it slow. I feel like people feel this pressure in their 20s to like get going on it. Take it easy. Go very fast with them, but just take it easy and take your time. No rush. Yes. Yes. You want to enjoy your relationships. I know. You really do. Have you ever had a rock bottom moment in your 20s? And how did you pull yourself out of it? What did it teach you? I have not ever hit rock bottom, but I do have hard days and hard moments. But music and talking to my friends and my family and dancing. And I know that we're all human. We all make mistakes. Yeah. And we all do things that sometimes we don't like and we just do it anyways. M so like forgiving yourself for not being perfect. Yeah. Forgive myself not to be perfect and don't and I always say to myself to not always be hard on myself even though I want to at times. Such good advice cuz I feel like like I'm hard on myself a lot of the time and I struggle and it gets and through my head and everything too and I hate that feeling. I also feel like you're a high achiever. It's easy to be hard on yourself when you're striving for such amazing things like you. So good for you for being easy on yourself. Yeah. So, what's a fear or insecurity you had in your 20s and how did you grow past it? For me would be public speaking to continue to challenging myself and the more I do the better I'll be and positive selft talk and affirmations when cuz you just brought that up. Whatever I do, I know it makes me feel so much better and you talk to yourself and you know that you got it and just keep going. Also, I want to add when I start speaking, like I just feel like all my fears just go away and everything, too. Like when I get on the stage, I'm feeding off everybody's energies, the crowd, everything around me. I pick up theirs and they pick up mine and I just I just put my heart out and I do everything that I love to do. And feeding off of other people makes it life for me so much easier. Yeah. Yeah. Wow. That's a great tip, too, to feed off of people's energy. If anyone feels nervous, you know, like feed off the energy of like the crowd and that kind for you cuz even like you walk into a room and you light it up. Oh yeah. You know, you bring that energy. You seem like someone who would be nervous about public speaking. Cuz I love it. I love saying my story and I love sharing experiences with people. I feel like that confidence is so admirable and I feel like you sharing your story and anyone sharing their story allows for people to feel less alone in their experience. Yeah. Well, I'm so happy I got to talk to you guys today. We are too. We are too, Maddie. Thank you so much for fitting us into your crazy crazy busy schedule. That's actually true. But I always say that I always have time for you. Thank you. Yes, Maddie. There's a Matty love affair going on here. A big Matty love affair. Matty squared. I love it. We just love each other. Yes. Thank you so much, Maddie. We love you so much. Thank you for being on. And we're going to link everything where you can find her in the show notes. and I'm just proud and I'm so excited to follow in your journey. You're just amazing. And and I don't know if we said this yet, but Maddiey's only 23. Like she's just getting started. And I just love how you have really like taken your 20s, I mean, even before your 20s, you've taken your young adulthood by the reins. And you're just like, "This is what I'm doing, and I'm going." You're literally saying all the words coming out of my mouth right now. Every single one of you. We're reading her. I know I know you don't know El and I as well, but ever since you interviewed Maddie, we've just been watching you and we are just so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. Thank you. I'm very happy to be talking with you guys, too. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you everyone for listening and for watching. Thank you. And thank you, Maddie. We had the best. Thanks. Bye, everyone.