Take time to yourself for self-reflection. While it may seem like you’re never doing enough, or you aren’t as advanced as others… take a deep breath and count your blessings!
As a part of my interview series with popular culture stars, I had the pleasure of interviewing Entertainment host, producer and writer, Madison Conklin. Madison was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri and attended the Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri –Columbia. She received a Bachelor’s of Journalism with an emphasis in Radio & Television. Upon graduating in 2014, Madison packed up her bags and headed to Los Angeles, California to pursue a career in entertainment news. She has been in Los Angeles for four years and plans to make it to a network entertainment news source.
Thank you so much for joining us Madison! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
MC: I started out working in local news in Columbia, Missouri, but grew dissatisfied with local news. I wanted more excitement, I wanted the glitz and glam of entertainment news, so I switched gears upon graduating in 2014.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
MC: Entertainment news is a wild card, so a lot of interesting things have occurred since embarking on this career path 4 years ago. I would have to say the most interesting story that’s happened since I started working in entertainment news is getting the opportunity to improvise a song with Craig Robinson at the Hollywood Improv.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
MC: I was covering my first ever red carpet while interning at CNN-Entertainment. It was the 21 Jump Street red carpet and I was getting in everyone’s camera shot trying to get a good picture of Channing Tatum for my step-mom.
First of all, that is a BIG ‘No-No” and I learned to not let my excitement get the best of me, especially on a red carpet. People will remember you for being “THAT PERSON” at any celebrity event.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
MC: I started a podcast called “Two Blondes And A Bottle” back in October. That is my “baby” if you will, so I am working hard to gain traction with that and get sponsors. In addition to my podcast, I am starting the brainstorming process for a book. I love writing and comedy, so I’d like to write a funny story about my dating life in LA. There is endless content there!
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
MC: I had a very solid conversation with Justin Hartley before he blew up on “This Is Us.” We chatted about his career and daughter over a glass of wine during the NBCUniversal up fronts back in 2016. This past February I entered my late 20s and Derek Hough sang “Happy Birthday” to me via phone video!
(I LOVE DEREK HOUGH)
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
MC: Take time to yourself for self-reflection. While it may seem like you’re never doing enough, or you aren’t as advanced as others… take a deep breath and count your blessings!
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
MC: I’m very environmentally conscious, so a movement I’d like to start would be to help improve the environment, the air we breathe and water we drink. We have one life to live and on planet to live on, so we really need to make a conscious effort to keep it in the best shape we possibly can.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- There’s no hard, fast or straight and narrow way of being successful
- It’s okay to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and change for the better
- Smile and laugh, often
- Try not to compare yourself to others in the same industry
- For every success there will X amount of failures. Appreciate the journey
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
MC: Your biggest competition puts their socks on the same way you do, one foot at a time.
I’ve carried this saying since I was young and trying out for select soccer and field hockey. My dad taught me this quote and he has always told me: “There’s no reason to be intimidated, because at the end of the day… they (your competition) is just like you, human.”
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
It’s so cliché, but my parents. They never told me I couldn’t accomplish my dreams. If there is a will there is a way.
Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
MC: Prior to his tragic death, I always dreamed of meeting Robin Williams and spending the day with him. I guess now I’d love to a private breakfast with Will Ferrell or Steve Carrell. They are both insanley talented, funny and diverse in their craft.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Follow me on Instagram @maddiesaysthis and @twoblondesandabottle
Website: madisonconklin.com
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational!
