My Slice of Life

The Journey to Optimism, Courage, and Curiosity with Isabella Björkman

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.

Cutting Career Codependency with Lara Repko

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.

Navigating Joy and Unkept Promises

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.

Reunited And It Feels So Good with Ruth Devereaux

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.

Finding Joy in Facing Your Fears with Veronica Maccari

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

Where Passion Meets Purpose with Ariana González

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.

The Man, the Myth, the Movie Magician—My Dad with Tom Bellissimo

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.

17 Years and Counting with Mac Thurston

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.

Hi Sweetie Pies

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!