Get Messy with Maddie

Hey there! Welcome back to Get Messy - This episode is a heart-to-heart with my best friend Flannery, a Hollywood writer and creative producer who's learned that the path to success doesn't look anything like what we were told.

We're getting vulnerable about our early years in LA—when we were told to sacrifice everything or leave, to show up perfect, to never have a plan B. Spoiler alert: that advice nearly broke us.

From meeting a French sculptor on our girls’ trip in Paris who never discusses work with friends, to navigating vocal damage from years of pushing too hard, this conversation explores what it really takes to build a sustainable creative life. We dive deep into the writing process, learning to take feedback without losing your voice, and why calling red flags "pink" cost us years of our twenties.

Timestamps:

[00:00 - 06:45] Identity Beyond Your Job Title

[06:46 - 13:00] The Paris Lesson: How Americans Lost Themselves

[13:00 - 22:00] The "All-In" Myth That Nearly Destroyed Us

[22:00 - 31:00] Writing Real: Structure, Soul & Starting Scared

[31:00 - 42:00] What Success Actually Looks Like

[42:00 - 50:56] Selah: The Power of Pausing

[50:56 - 56:18] Red Flags Aren't Pink: Boundary Setting 101

[56:18 - End] Everything Is Messy (And That's the Point)

5 Key Takeaways

1. Your art gets better when you live a full life. The industry has shifted from wanting "types" to craving authentic, multifaceted humans. If you're not living, experiencing, and connecting with the wider world, your work suffers. Permission granted to have interests outside your career.
2. Red flags stay red—stop calling them pink. When someone shows you who they are through their words and actions, believe them the first time. Protecting your time and energy isn't rude; it's survival. This is especially crucial for empathetic, caretaking personalities.
3. Just write the damn thing. You'll learn more from writing a messy first draft than from endless prep. Structure matters, but not more than getting started. You're going to rewrite anyway—even working writers do "a zillion million rewrites."
4. Success without presence is empty. If you're living for someday (retirement, that big break, when things are perfect), you're missing your actual life. The pursuit of success IS your life—make sure you're spending it in alignment with your values.
5. Radical honesty unlocks authentic connection. Flannery's marriage and closest friendships only happened when she stopped performing and started being brutally honest about what she wanted. The people who can't handle your truth aren't your people.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Forged in Fire, Held in Love by Nomad The Poet

✨Connect with Flannery Maney✨

Explore Flannery’s Website | @flannerymaney

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

I recently did this gratitude practice that had me talking to my 22-year-old self—the girl in the thrift store crop top heading to auditions with way too much eyeliner and so much hope. And when I looked at everything I've accomplished since then, I realized something powerful: I'm still in the game. I'm still choosing myself every single day. In this episode, I'm getting vulnerable about what it means to build a legacy instead of just padding your resume, why "you always got you" has become my life philosophy, and how the most important relationship you'll ever work on is the one with yourself. I share my journey of expanding into grad school for therapy, investing more in my voiceover career, and navigating that weird space of feeling bold and directionless at the same time. I talk about impact over achievements, staying in the game even when you're unsure of the next play, and why feeling a little lost might actually mean you're honoring yourself and creating your own blueprint. If you're navigating the messy middle of building your dream life, questioning your next move, or wondering if you're "doing enough"—this one's for you. Consider this a love letter from me to you.

Timestamps

00:00 Gratitude Practice with My Younger Self

01:00 The Thrift Store Shirt and LA Auditions

02:00 Still in the Game: Reflecting on a Decade

03:00 Expanding the Game: Grad School and Growth

04:00 You Always Got You

05:00 Living a Life of Impact

06:00 Don't Wait for Coach—Storm the Field

07:00 Building Your Legacy, Not Your Resume

08:00 What My Grandpa's Eulogy Taught Me

09:00 A Love Letter to You

Key Takeaways

1. The relationship with yourself is the only one you can never escape—make it beautiful by always having your own back.
2. Building a legacy is more important than building a resume; focus on the virtues of your eulogy, not just your achievements.
3. Feeling directionless while being bold might mean you're honoring yourself and following your own blueprint instead of someone else's.
4. Impact matters more than accolades—whether through storytelling, counseling, or your unique gifts, lead with how you want to affect others.
5. Stay in the game, whatever game you choose—show up, be present, and throw yourself full body into what matters to you.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Activations App - Meditations and activations for personal growth

· "The Mountain Is You" by Brianna Wiest - On self-sabotage and building the life you want

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

Welcome back to Get Messy! I got to sit down with the amazing Kim Kressal—she’s a writer, director, teacher and all-around creative powerhouse. We get real about what it’s actually like to chase your artistic dreams (spoiler: it’s messy, but so worth it). Kim opens up about the ups and downs, the rejections, and how she’s learned to find her own voice and build a community that lifts her up. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered if you’re “doing it right,” this one’s for you.

00:00 Introducing: Kim Kressal!

00:56 Kim's Journey from Theater to TV Writing

02:13 Finding a New Path in TV Writing

04:27 Winning Pitch Fest and Its Impact

09:10 Moving to LA: A Leap of Faith

11:42 Navigating the Highs and Lows of a Creative Career

13:04 The Importance of Community and Support

17:12 Balancing Craft and Business in Writing

21:59 Producing Your Own Work: Challenges and Rewards

25:02 Overcoming Financial and Emotional Obstacles

29:41 Struggles with Valuing Creative Work

30:20 The Emotional Journey of Writing

32:11 Building and Nurturing Creative Communities

38:07 Challenges in the Entertainment Industry

44:51 Advice for Aspiring Writers

51:39 The Concept of Idea Lab

56:29 Embracing Messiness in Creativity

Key Takeaways

1. Embracing the messiness of the creative journey leads to growth and unexpected opportunities.
2. Building resilience is essential—rejection is part of the process, not a reflection of your worth.
3. Community and collaboration fuel creativity and help sustain long-term passion.
4. Authenticity in your work attracts the right opportunities and audiences.
5. Success is personal—define it for yourself and celebrate every step forward.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Check out Kim’s Upcoming Classes

· Watch Jackrabbit Homestead

· Entertainment Community Fund

✨Connect with Kim Kressal✨

Explore Kim’s Website | @kkressal | @tvwritingfortheactor

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

In this episode of Get Messy, I chat with speaker, author, and former entertainer Alex Weber about his inspiring journey from acting and standup comedy to coaching, motivational speaking, and writing. Alex shares how following his deepest passions, embracing grit, and learning from each chapter of life have shaped his dynamic career. We discuss the importance of going “all in,” overcoming self-doubt, and redefining success to include both professional achievement and personal fulfillment. Alex also opens up about the messiness of ambition, the value of intentionality, and what’s next on his horizon.

00:00 — Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:29 — From Acting to Coaching: Alex’s Career Pivot

02:25 — Transitioning to Motivational Speaking

05:08 — Overcoming Fear & Obstacles

07:05 — The Importance of Social Circles

09:00 — Clarity & Goal Setting

10:05 — Going All In: Commitment & Grit

15:16 — Holistic Success & Personal Growth

18:23 — Final Thoughts & Farewell

Key Takeaways

1. Following your deepest passions and saying “yes” to what excites you can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career chapters.
2. Grit and hands-on effort are irreplaceable—shortcuts may offer temporary wins, but real growth comes from doing the hard work.
3. Overcoming self-doubt and fear often means embracing discomfort, seeking clarity, and being honest about what’s holding you back.
4. Success is not just about professional milestones; holistic achievement includes nurturing relationships and personal well-being.
5. Intentionality and focus help transform messy ambition into meaningful progress—prioritize what matters and let go of frantic energy.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Alex’s Book: Fail Proof

· Listen to The Alex Weber Show

✨Connect with Alex Weber✨

Explore Alex’s Website | Follow @imalexweber on Instagram

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, and in this solo episode, I open up about what it feels like to be in a season of transition. I share how walking the metaphorical bridge between my past and future selves has brought up feelings of presence, uncertainty, and growth. From embracing the fog of the unknown to finding clarity in small steps, I reflect on the messy, beautiful process of change. I talk about my journey into grad school for clinical mental health counseling, the bittersweetness of shifting client relationships, and the ongoing challenge of balancing structure with flexibility. Through it all, I’m learning to hold space for every version of myself—past, present, and future—and to trust that even when the path isn’t clear, moving forward with intention is enough.

00:00 Soul Searching and Self-Reflection

00:15 Walking the Bridge of Life

01:13 Balancing Productivity and Peace

02:45 Life Changes and New Beginnings

03:58 Pursuing Passions and Career Shifts

05:44 Navigating Uncertainty and Clarity

08:08 Embracing Multiple Identities

08:51 Raw and Unfiltered Self

10:39 Conclusion and Encouragement

Key Takeaways

1. Embracing transitions means accepting both clarity and uncertainty—progress is made step by step, even when the destination is foggy.
2. Presence is about noticing the journey, not just racing toward the future or dwelling on the past.
3. Letting go of old identities and roles can be bittersweet, but it opens space for new growth and self-discovery.
4. Structure and flexibility can coexist; sometimes, a “done list” is as important as a to-do list.
5. Support systems—coaches, friends, and faith—help anchor us during times of change.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Actors Encouraged with Amy Austin

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Explore Maddie’s Website | @maddiemcguirecoaching | ⁠ @maddiemcguire4

In this episode of Get Messy, I chat with artist and actor Jim Meskimen about his dynamic creative career. Jim shares insights from his experiences as an illustrator, painter, cartoonist, voiceover artist, and actor. We discuss the importance of maintaining creativity, honing curiosity, and allowing flexibility in work. Additionally, we talk about Jim’s experience working on the show Landman, the release of season two, and the value of persistence as an artist and creative.

00:00 Introducing: Jim Meskimen!

02:04 Jim's Creative Journey

03:24 Philosophy of Creativity

05:08 Challenges and Problem-Solving in Creativity

07:07 Trusting Instincts in Acting

13:20 Balancing Craft and Business

16:49 Navigating the Industry's Ups and Downs

21:21 The Importance of Community in Acting

25:09 Directing and Performance Insights

26:17 Embracing Actor Creativity

27:42 The Renaissance of Visual Arts

29:55 Challenges in Developing a Movie

34:29 Freedom in Self-Tapes and Auditions

37:01 Returning to Landman Season 2

41:53 Advice for Aspiring Actors

45:16 The Messy Side of Creativity

46:11 Where to Find More of Jim

Key Takeaways

1. Creativity is about generating something from nothing—don't wait for the perfect moment or resources; start creating with what you have and trust your own energy and ideas.

1. Engaging with a group or community can help overcome creative blocks and foster a sense of connection, making the creative process more collaborative and rewarding.
2. Embracing problems and challenges as part of the creative journey is essential; each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.
3. Your first idea is often good enough to start—trust your instincts, and let your mind generate more ideas as you go.
4. Curiosity and flexibility are key drivers of creativity; staying interested and open to new experiences fuels ongoing creative growth.

✨RESOURCES✨

· The Acting Center

· Watch Landman on Paramount Plus

· Watch The Big Door Prize on Apple TV

· My Days: Happy and Otherwise by Marion Ross

✨Connect with Jim Meskimen✨

Explore Jim’s Website | Connect on LinkedIn

@jimpressions on Instagram | @jimmeskimen on TikTok

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Schedule a Call with Maddie | Explore Maddie’s Website

@maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

In this episode of Get Messy, I sit down with actor, communication coach, and podcast host Michelle Simone Miller (Mentors on the Mic) to unpack the messy, beautiful realities of a creative career.

Michelle opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, launching her podcast, and learning to embrace uncertainty in the entertainment industry. She shares what it’s really like to balance acting, coaching, and entrepreneurship—and how self-compassion, curiosity, and joy have reshaped her definition of success.

You’ll hear honest insights about navigating creative pivots, finding confidence through creation, and why giving yourself permission to pause is often the most productive thing you can do.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your path as a creative, this episode is your reminder that growth happens in the mess.

Key Topics + Timestamps

[00:04:00] Starting Mentors on the Mic & overcoming imposter syndrome

[00:13:00] Finding confidence through creative control

[00:21:00] Balancing multiple creative careers with self-compassion

[00:38:00] Using your strengths for consistency and happiness

[00:42:00] Redefining success and embracing joy intentionally

Key Takeaways

1. You don’t need permission to create—start messy and refine later.
2. True confidence grows from curiosity and consistency.
3. Success is less about achievement and more about intention.
4. Creative balance begins with self-compassion, not perfection.
5. Every “pivot” teaches you something valuable about yourself.

✨RESOURCES✨

· Atomic Habits by James Clear

· The Pursuit of Happiness: Free Course

· The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

· Email [email protected] to schedule a one-on-one session with her!

✨Connect with Michelle✨

Mentors on the Mic | @michellesimonemiller

@mentorsonthemic | Explore Michelle’s Website

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Schedule a Call with Maddie | Explore Maddie’s Website

@maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

Welcome back to Get Messy! This episode, I sit down with the wonderfully talented Ashley Dulaney! Ashley opens up about her journey from Mississippi to Los Angeles, sharing the highs and lows of her 15-year acting career. We discuss her mindset strategies, her unique approach to branding, and how she deals with industry shifts like COVID-19 and AI. Additionally, Ashley stresses the significance of human connection, self-trust, and staying true to your essence.

— Introducing: Ashley Dulaney!

— The Value of a BFA in Acting

— Mindset and Mental Health in Acting

— Astrology and Fun in the Acting Process

— Balancing Craft and Business in Acting

— Embracing Your Essence in Branding

— The Power of Positive Mindset

— Unexpected Breakthroughs

— Manifestation and Letting Go

— Passion in Careers and Relationships

— Navigating Industry Changes

— Balancing Career and Personal Life

✨RESOURCES✨

· Tilly Norwood AI Actress Debacle on Instagram

✨Connect with Ashley Dulaney✨

Follow @ashleydulaney on Instagram | Follow catsonlyashleydulaney on TikTok

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Schedule a Call with Maddie | Explore Maddie’s Website

@maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

In this episode, I sit down with the lovely Perrin Duvall to talk all about her journey becoming a successful realtor in Virginia Beach — and what it really takes to build a thriving, people-first business in today’s market. Perrin shares how she made the leap to launch her own team after seven and a half years in the industry, how real estate coaching and mentorship helped her level up, and why she’s so passionate about blending lifestyle and marketing on social media.

We also get real about the messy side of entrepreneurship — from anxiety and boundaries with social media to learning when to slow down, delegate, and trust yourself through transitions.

— Introducing: Perrin Duvall

— Journey into Real Estate

— Starting a New Team

— Embracing Creativity and Social Media

— The Importance of Coaching

— Balancing Business and Personal Life

— Navigating Client Relationships

— Dealing with Real Estate Challenges

— Maintaining Personal Values and Relationships

— What’s Next for Perrin!

✨Connect with Perrin Duvall✨

Follow @perrinduvallrealestate on Instagram | Explore Perrin’s Website

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Schedule a Call with Maddie | Explore Maddie’s Website

@maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4

In this episode, I sit down with the wonderful Olivia Sarafina Washington. Olivia shares her incredible journey from studying musical theater to booking major campaigns for brands like SoFi and Dunkin'. She provides an in-depth look at the highs and lows of the voice over industry, recounting her unique entry and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

— Introducing: Olivia Sarafina Washington

— Early Career and Nickelodeon Tour

— Transition to Voice Acting

— First Major Voice Acting Break

— Navigating the Industry

— Auditioning and Improvisation

— Investing in a Professional Setup

— The Rituals and Challenges of Voice Over Work

— Navigating Isolation in the Voice Over Industry

— The Business Side of Voice Over

— Adapting to Industry Changes and Direct Marketing

— Financial Lessons and Managing Ebbs and Flows

— The Importance of Financial Planning and Investments

— What’s Next for Olivia!

✨RESOURCES✨

·Listen to Get Messy: Tracy Lindley Talks VO Strategies, Marketing, and Family Balance

· The Voicecaster

✨Connect with Olivia Sarafina Washington✨

@oliviasarafina on Instagram

✨Connect with Maddie✨

Schedule a Call with Maddie | Explore Maddie’s Website

@maddiemcguirecoaching | @maddiemcguire4