Episode 30: Advocacy and Identity: Madison Tevlin’s Creative Journey

Episode 30 Show Notes

Advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating real change.

Madison Tevlin is an actor, Host, Model, and Advocate. She is known for her impactful work in the "Assume That I Can" campaign for World Down Syndrome Day and her role in "Champions" alongside Woody Harrelson. Madison shares her wonderful journey and passion for music and storytelling.

Madison talks about her upcoming podcast, "21 Questions," featuring stars like Paris Hilton and Nelly Furtado. Madison opens up about the challenges of breaking stereotypes associated with Down syndrome and emphasizes the importance of community support in her life.

Connect with Madison Tevlin on Instagram and her website.

Transcript

Lily Newton:

Hey, listeners. Welcome to another episode of everything you know about disability is wrong.

Erin Hawley:

Today on the show, we have Madison Tevlin.

Lily Newton:

Madison is an actor, content creator, model, and advocate. She's also an award nominated talk show host, 3 time Webby Award winner, 5 time Cannes Lion winner, and her onscreen credits include mister d, Who Do You Think I Am, hosting the red carpet at the Canadian Screen Awards, and her iconic role as Cosentino in the film Champions, starring Woody Harrelson and directed by Bobby Farley.

Erin Hawley:

In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, the Assume That I Can campaign, starring Madison, took the world by storm, accumulating over a 150,000,000 views in under a week.

Lily Newton:

Madison strives to shatter the expectations people have towards individuals with Down syndrome. She's always said it's the least interesting thing about her, and we will get into that. Welcome to the show, Madison. We're so excited to have you.

Madison Tevlin:

So much for having me, and I'm so excited to be on this podcast with you today.

Lily Newton:

Oh, we are so excited to have you here. We love the work you do, and we are absolutely part of that 150,000,000 people who you took us by storm with that assume that I can campaign. Just absolutely incredible. We are so excited to talk to you. Before we get into the interview, let's go ahead and do our audio descriptions. I can actually start. This is Lily speaking. I am a white passing mixed race woman.

Lily Newton:

I have half of my hair is black and half of my hair is dyed blonde, like a total Cruella De Vil. And I have, my usual outfit, which is my black turtleneck and, the necklace that I will probably fidget with during the episode. And, Erin, take it away.

Erin Hawley:

Hi. This is Erin. I have red hair, blue eyes, and I'm sitting in my chair wearing a blue and white striped shirt.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you. So I have beautiful long brown hair stitched back in a high ponytail with a big smile up on my face, and I'm wearing this really cute gray shirt right now. And it's, like, all heart hearts all over it. The black shirt and jeans.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Wonderful. I am so glad you shared that you have a big smile on your face because, Madison, it's one of my favorite things about you. Your smile is so contagious. Truly incredible. Thank you so much for being here. We are so excited. Erin, you wanna take it away with our starter question?

Erin Hawley:

Yeah. So our podcast is called everything you know about disability is wrong. And our first question is always, what do people get wrong about you?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I think my biggest challenge is when people assume that I can't do things. I sometimes get treated like I'm a little kid, and I that I can't speak up for myself or stand up for myself.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's a really good point, the that you can stand up for yourself. I think that is so important, because sometimes people think that they're trying to be, like, a a good person or trying to do the right thing by speaking up or speaking over people with disabilities, and in reality, you can stand up for your staying self.

Madison Tevlin:

I know. Like, you really can.

Lily Newton:

That that's a really good point. We we ask everyone that question, and, you know, there's a lot of different things that come up with, like, ableism people face, and, I think that what you said is is really important of that. Just like you're your own person. No one else needs to step in and try to do things for you.

Madison Tevlin:

I totally agree with that.

Lily Newton:

Also, I love your heart sweater. It's very, very cute, and I was gonna say something before we even started recording.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you. It's one of my favorite sweaters that I own.

Lily Newton:

Own. Oh, I love that. It's so great to have, like, the outfit you go to when you know you have, like, something you have to do that day.

Madison Tevlin:

To oh, it's always so cute and comfy and cozy and comfortable whenever I have to do anything.

Lily Newton:

Yes. That I'm so glad you wore that for this podcast too because the whole point of this podcast is to be, like, authentic and cozy. And, you know, if we could all be in person, I think this podcast would be best filmed if we were all wearing, like, sweatpants, sweatshirts, drinking, like, hot cocoa.

Madison Tevlin:

Yeah. And, like, a really cozy, nice, warm tea always makes us so much better.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Okay. So

Madison Tevlin:

I'm a favorite tea. Mhmm.

Madison Tevlin:

Oh, I'm a big tea drinker, but my favorite tea would have to be ginger tea. And I like, like, really, like, herbal tea, like peppermint. I like a whole, like, thing at home. Like, the whole steak, you know, just tea that I drink every morning and every night before I go to bed.

Erin Hawley:

I love it. I love tea. It's my favorite. Peppermint tea, ginger tea, black tea, and I know.

Madison Tevlin:

I love, like, lemon ginger. Like, all the herbal things are my favorite. And caramel too.

Lily Newton:

Oh, yeah. Camel is a good one. I was really into coffee, and then Erin has actually helped convert me to be more of a tea drinker. Erin, what was the tea that I had at your house that was, like, purple?

Erin Hawley:

Oh, it was, like, magic tea. I don't remember the name of it.

Lily Newton:

It was, like, lavender blueberry.

Madison Tevlin:

Love it.

Lily Newton:

Oh, it was so good. And Nice.

Madison Tevlin:

She got a good logo. Like, I'm loving both of you right now.

Lily Newton:

Well, we love you too, Madison. This is absolutely great. And just speaking of excitement, sharing more excitement, you have had such an incredible year. Congratulations. Just have to say that out the get.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you.

Lily Newton:

So incredible. So with all of the success and new attention that you've gotten, especially with that we mentioned that 150,000,000 views, that was so quick and suddenly everyone saw your face. How do you manage to stay calm and stay grounded and take care of your mental health with all of this new attention?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I do listen to music a lot, and it heals me. It is the number one thing I use to take care of my mental health. I walk outside as much as I possibly can, and I go on the treadmill for 50 minutes every single day. When I get outside, I always feel so much better about myself, and I love spending time with family and friends.

Lily Newton:

Well, that's super great.

Erin Hawley:

What's your favorite music to?

Madison Tevlin:

Oh, my favorite music. Thank you so much for this question. I could literally go on and on and on about it. The music is basically my life. But I love, like, the rec laws to to the Backstreet Boys to another part of it because I love her music because I love her music, and I love Adele.

Lily Newton:

Oh, love Adele.

Madison Tevlin:

I know she's so good.

Erin Hawley:

What's your favorite song?

Madison Tevlin:

My oh, from all those artists. Oh, Adele. Oh, I said fire to the ring. So good. So good.

Lily Newton:

That's such a good one for, like, hyping yourself up and, like, feeling powerful.

Madison Tevlin:

I so agree. Yes.

Lily Newton:

I when we did our little preproduction call, you had mentioned that music was something that was really important to you. And this morning, I woke up, and I was I was just having a very anxious morning. And I literally remembered you saying that on the call and was like, music is a really great thing for calming and, like, helping mental health. I'm gonna take Madison's advice. I just put in my headphones and went for a walk, and I'm, like, super calm now. So literally before our even recorded episode, you have already influenced me, Madison.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you. Because music is really part of my life. Like, since I was a little girl, I had always music playing around in the house, like, all the time. And my uncle used to be in a band. My nonna used to play the accordion all the time. He was put it all around me. So I listened to, like, a lot, a lot of music and a variety of artists.

Lily Newton:

That's so incredible. And growing up in a family where, like, music is everywhere is so important. I I personally don't understand people who don't listen to music because it's such a big part of my life. I'm the same way. My my brother's a musician, and he's...

Madison Tevlin:

Oh, it's so cool.

Lily Newton:

He's a lot older than me. So when I was, like, a little kid, he was a teenager, and his band would be, like, practicing. So there was always just, like, music playing throughout my house, and now I'm the same as you or, like, I just have to have music playing at all times.

Madison Tevlin:

I also have a question for you. What is your favorite artist?

Lily Newton:

I do.

Madison Tevlin:

My for me.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. So my it's kind of a double answer. My favorite artist of all time is the Jonas Brothers because...

Madison Tevlin:

Jonas Brothers.

Lily Newton:

They they were my, like, first special interest as a young autistic child. I got, like, really into them and I I researched, like, I knew a million facts about all of them and their music was, like, really important to me as a young, like, teenager. Like, it just helped me feel so calm, and I just stuck to it. So that's kind of my, like, nostalgic answer, my, like, what was, like, my all time favorite, like, what means the most to me. My favorite music right now is Phoebe Bridgers.

Madison Tevlin:

Oh, that's interesting.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Erin, what about you?

Erin Hawley:

My favorite is Mariah Carey.

Madison Tevlin:

Mariah Carey. I love her. I'll tell you I'm tired of this story. So my dad took me for my birthday, and he took me to Mariah Carey concert, and I had so much fun with him.

Erin Hawley:

What concert was it?

Madison Tevlin:

It was Mariah Carey.

Erin Hawley:

Is it like a Christmas trip?

Madison Tevlin:

Yes. It was Christmas related. It was so much fun.

Erin Hawley:

I love I love you so much. I've been a fan for, like, let's see, since 1990. So that was, like, a long time ago.

Madison Tevlin:

Wow.

Erin Hawley:

Yeah. I'm a fan.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. That was, like, one of the first things I feel like Aaron and I clicked on was having, like, a nostalgic favorite artist, and we talk about Mariah and the Jonas Brothers a lot. Thank you for asking us a question, Madison. We love it when guests come on and do that. That's so nice.

Madison Tevlin:

I really wanted to ask because I was very curious.

Lily Newton:

I'm so grateful you did. I I'm like you. I I mean, we have more questions, so listeners, I promise we'll move on. But, truly, you could get us talking about music for hours, and we would just be happy to.

Madison Tevlin:

Music and tea combined together.

Lily Newton:

Oh, yes. Of course. Incredible. I mean, that's now this is, like, on my checklist of something I want to do in the future is get the 3 of us in a room, listen to music, sip tea, have a great time.

Madison Tevlin:

Perfect. I would love that.

Lily Newton:

So incredible. Now I wanna do that. Okay. I promise we listeners, I promise we'll move on. It won't be music the whole time. So, listeners, you may recognize Madison from the assume that I can campaign that was so amazing this year. Truly, like, Erin and I had so many conversations about how working in disability advocacy, like, that campaign was so incredible. It communicated such an important message in such an amazing way.

Lily Newton:

So let's talk about that campaign a little bit. How did you get that part and get involved with that campaign?

Madison Tevlin:

K. So the NDSS reached out and told me that the small agency in Cordaam were shooting a new campaign for World Downstream Day, and that and that I should send in a self tape. So I did. When I found out I I got it, I was so excited. But I had no idea what to expect. It was a full 2 days of shooting in Barcelona. And it was one of a lifetime experience. The crew and everyone on set made me feel so comfortable.

Madison Tevlin:

It made everything so easy for myself and so comfortable. I had no idea that I was gonna be the main star of this whole campaign. The shooting days were long, but I would do it all over again because it was so fun and so powerful.

Lily Newton:

I'm so glad it was a great experience. Like, that makes total sense and makes sense why it was such a good campaign because clearly you were having a great time while you were filming it.

Madison Tevlin:

And I wanna say, may feel like that I could do this more.

Lily Newton:

Oh, absolutely, and you should do this more. Like, truly, the casting people who cast you in that commercial or that campaign did such an amazing job because you are the perfect person to communicate that message. You, like, radiate confidence, and, like, I really admire that about you. There's such a level of confidence and strength that you show that, you know, is the perfect you're the perfect person to deliver that. Like, just assume that I can.

Madison Tevlin:

So maybe I will. That's the whole point.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Absolutely.

Erin Hawley:

What was it like, what was the reaction like that people saw it?

Madison Tevlin:

The response has been so overwhelming in the best way possible, and seeing the impact that it made on so many other people out there in the world has been so incredible. When it was released in the 1st week, it was watched over 150,000,000 times So that was a real eye opener to understanding that this work does make a difference. And it started as a conversation with people, and all of a sudden, they were talking about assumptions and that they were really connected with it and connected to it.

Erin Hawley:

That's amazing.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. That makes total sense. And I love that it went straight to assumptions because so many episodes that we have done of this show, when we ask that initial question, the so what do people get wrong about you, A lot of our guests' answers have been they make assumptions about me, and they're usually not the positive assumptions that you're giving us.

Madison Tevlin:

True. They're not always right, but sometimes they can be.

Lily Newton:

Yes. And especially if people kind of reframe to have those more, like, competent assumptions, like assume. And, you know, it's I think it's best to assume that people can do things until they say they need help or they say they need, support in any kind of way. Erin, I know you've talked about, like, assumptions, and I think I think about you tell talking to me about, like, your college experience and how so many people just assumed that you wouldn't go to college, and you have a master's degree. Like

Erin Hawley:

Yeah. No. Yeah. That was always a thing. And one of the other assumptions that I get is that I'm a I'm a writer. I've written books that have been published, and people think that I'm cheating, that I didn't write it. Like, I wrote it. I'm a good writer. Get over it.

Lily Newton:

That is, like, the quintessential assume that I can moment there. Like, that's ridiculous that people immediately jump to just assuming that there's no way you could have done that, which is wild because Erin is a phenomenal writer, and everything she writes is incredible. So we've touched on this a little bit, but why was it important to you as an advocate to be a part of that assume that I can campaign?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I think it was so important to me because people were are talking taking the time to listen to our stories. There was a time when I didn't even wanna talk about my disability. This campaign was about not judging people for the way they look, for who they are. Yeah. That's Not assuming things about people before they get to know them. They really did made me realize how important it is to talk about it. I realized that my disability is a part of me, but it's not all of me. And making this campaign with a small agency in core down made me wanna advocate even more because there's still a lot of work that needs to be done.

Lily Newton:

Absolutely. 100%. So much work needs to be done, and I think that's really interesting that it, even though you still have the, you know, the position that disability is just a part of me, But being a part of this campaign kind of helped you wanna start speaking about your disability more.

Madison Tevlin:

Even more and really, like, taking the time and listen to other people's story and what they had to share with the world is also super important.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. Absolutely. That is really interesting. Do you think before Mhmm. You just didn't like to talk about disability because everyone wanted to make that your whole thing?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I always knew that I had down syndrome, but I never really knew that I want to talk about it. But my friend one of my friends actually made me open up and talk about it, but more be because I didn't want to. And that was a whole part of why I'm I was kinda making who I think I am was getting my branding and what I really wanted to do for myself. And then I realized that talking about this made me realize that I can't listen to other people's stories. Maybe they have the same thing to me. Like, we're related to each other and we're connecting in that way, and it feels so good.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Absolutely. I mean, I even think like this podcast, if, like, before this podcast, I had never publicly shared that I was autistic. I always kind of just, like, kept it hidden or I didn't wanna share that with people. And then this podcast, it was like, well, I, of course, wanna be open about this is the point. And, like, through hearing other people's stories and sharing their disability, I've gotten so much more comfortable with, like, owning using the word disabled and being proud of it and sharing rather than it being something that I feel like needs to be, like, disguised or hidden away.

Madison Tevlin:

That nobody knows about, but we should just always be ourselves, and that's what's so important. Just being ourselves. Then we get those opportunities. Then we have the chance to do whatever we want and do what we love and stand up for what we believe in.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Absolutely. And I love that way you believe in even evolved a little bit. Like and now you're like, I believe in sharing this part of myself, and it's important to

Madison Tevlin:

That people listen to me.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. Yeah.

Erin Hawley:

Yeah. Totally. Yeah. You should never no one should ever be ashamed of who they are. It's hard sometimes because there's, like

Madison Tevlin:

I know. But we're all in this together, and we're all doing this together. So that's the whole point.

Erin Hawley:

Yeah. Being like, talking to other people who have disabilities is really powerful because it makes it you know, the bad days or the bad experiences is not as bad when you have somebody else to talk about that can understand your experiences.

Lily Newton:

Yes.

Erin Hawley:

So let's, jump to your other work. I know you filmed Champions. Can you tell us about that?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I would love to talk about Champions. I could talk about it for as long as you want me to. It's my favorite thing to talk about. So when I walked on set, I didn't know what to expect because it was my first ever movie. I was the only girl, on the set with a team of boys. Everyone let me just be myself, and that's how Constantino really did come to life. I was just being myself. And Constantino was so like me, and playing her was so much fun. I would do it all over again for sure. I became best friends with everyone on the film and how they're like my family now. And being honest with the cast of people who had disabilities was amazing because representation is more important and that our voices matter.

Erin Hawley:

Perfect. Absolutely. That's a great answer. I love that.

Lily Newton:

Yes. And it goes with everything we've been saying of that, like, representation community. It's so important, and, I feel like champions was such a great film in terms of showing that, like, representation does not just mean having 1 person with a disability play your disabled character in the film. Like, there are stories to be told, and I love that it's there's a whole team in champions and characters with different, like, stories.

Madison Tevlin:

And we're all involved in it.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Absolutely. So you said that the character you play, Constantino, was, is a lot like you. Did you, like, get to help kind of create that character?

Madison Tevlin:

I kind of did it my in through myself because when I walked there, it was just, like, me just being myself. And then they picked, like, me as Constantino, and they thought that I would be a really good fit for it. And playing pro is so much fun because I really got to see the different side of it that I didn't know was possible.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's so fun. And I think it it's funny the way that you were picked for that role and the assume that I can campaign. It, makes it, like, clear that you worked really hard on your own personal branding, because I feel like, yeah, you're perfect for those characters, and you can see that even just hearing you speak, like, one time, you know that you're perfect for those 2 people. That's incredible. How long did you film for?

Madison Tevlin:

I think it was, like, 2 to 3 months for sure. I know it's filmed in Winnipeg.

Lily Newton:

Okay. So while you were filming, did you get to, like, hang out with the cast?

Madison Tevlin:

Everyone.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's so fun.

Madison Tevlin:

But I have, like, a group of boys that are, like, my like, my really good good friends. I got this core people, but I also made a lot of friends throughout the whole team, but I had these people that I would always wanna hang out with. And I till this day, I'm always talking with them and texting with them.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's great. That's what I was gonna ask next was are you still in touch with the cast? That's so much.

Madison Tevlin:

I am. Only a few, but not everyone.

Lily Newton:

That's so fun. I feel like when you make something together, it is, like, the best place to just make lifelong connections, especially 2 to 3 months in Winnipeg. Like, I don't know how busy Winnipeg is, but I feel like you definitely made a lot of memories together.

Madison Tevlin:

We really did, and I loved every minute of it.

Lily Newton:

And so what was, like, the filming process like?

Madison Tevlin:

There's a lot of cameras, like, everywhere. And and working, I wanna add this, working working with Woody Harrelson was, like, a dream because we had this, like, really cute banter between each other, and it it worked really well for both of us. It was so easy to work with him, and he pushed me to become a better actor because of I knew that I really wanna do this even more.

Lily Newton:

Yes. And he's so talented. He's played so many, like, varied roles. That's so cool.

Madison Tevlin:

But I also wanna I also wanna add Kayla Olson because she's basically my soul sister for life. And, also, because I was the only girl, she really helped me in different scenarios with all the boys of why what what to do with them.

Lily Newton:

And for our listeners that know nothing about champions, can you fill them in who is Caitlin Olson?

Madison Tevlin:

So Caitlin Olson is sorry. It's hard to explain.

Lily Newton:

No problem.

Madison Tevlin:

It is yeah. So it's a sit so Caitlin Olson is a sister of Johnny in the movie champions and also Woody Harrelson's girlfriend in the film.

Lily Newton:

Cool. Cool. Cool. Cool. So good to have that. Gotta have a little bit of sisterhood on set if you're gonna be around a bunch of dudes.

Madison Tevlin:

And he was basically, like, my sister, and he, like, really helped me open so many doors. Give him better things.

Lily Newton:

That's so incredible. Do you have, like, a favorite memory from set?

Madison Tevlin:

There's so many memories. Oh, I can't choose. It's this is gonna be a hard question. But if I had to pick 1, god. This is so hard.

Lily Newton:

It doesn't have to be qualified as your favorite. It could just be 1.

Madison Tevlin:

Okay. True. Okay. So when everyone came to my everyone came to my birthday because we didn't have, like, a wrap party for the movie. My mom threw, like, this, like, big party in the hotel room. It was, like, we used up the whole entire hotel just for my birthday. I was turning 20, and it was so much fun for everyone of the team to just go to my birthday. We all had so much fun, like, with all my favorite things, all my favorite food, all everything I wanted in one place, and I had so much fun with the whole team.

Madison Tevlin:

Anna, no. Tell me. The cabin crew came as well. It was, like, the whole thing.

Erin Hawley:

That's fun.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. That sounds like a perfect birthday celebration. And nice because you didn't get the wrap party. Nice to have some kind of fun To

Madison Tevlin:

To end off the to end off the movie for everybody.

Erin Hawley:

Yes. Okay. So, Madison, you hosted your own talk show called, please, who do you think I am? And it's amazing. And now you're gonna be hosting your own podcast called 21 Questions. What made you want to host a talk show?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I love talking and asking lots of questions and getting to the heart of people's stories. I want I want the world to change and to see other people for who they are and to celebrate our differences.

Lily Newton:

I love that. I love how dedicated you are to storytelling, Madison. It is I feel like, your, like, dreams and the way you wanna change the world, it it fits so well with what Erin and I wanna do with this podcast, and I think you're going to be an amazing podcast host.

Madison Tevlin:

Yes.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you. I'm really excited about it.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. That's gonna be so fun, and I and I do feel like you work really hard to based on what I've seen in because I watched the episodes of Who Do You Think I Am, and you're really good at, just, like, getting to get people to feel very comfortable and open up and really share their story. And authenticity is just so important. So, I wanted to ask, you know, we have sim similar themes of what you do and what we do about letting people tell their own stories and dismantling stereotypes. And Erin and I have learned so much just from talking to our guests. So I'm wondering, is there anyone in particular that you are really excited to talk to that's gonna be on your podcast that you wanna learn their story?

Madison Tevlin:

I'm very excited to answer this question. So there's so many people that I really wanna talk to, but I have to say I'm very excited about Woody Harrelson because even though I know him and I made a movie with him, people may not know his whole story and the things that he's been going through. And also, Paris Hilton. I also invited Paris Hilton to come on the show, and she said yes. There's so much more to Paris than a lot of people realize. She's a singer and an actor and a girly girl just like me. But she's also an advocate like me, and she make and she's making a real difference in the world, and I just can't wait to learn even more about her.

Lily Newton:

That's so amazing. Literally, this morning, Erin and I were talking about wanting to get Paris on this show because she is such an she's, like, she's doing really great things advocating for, especially mental health, and now she talks about ADHD. Like, really incredible.

Madison Tevlin:

She's a very good girl, and it's okay that I get to interview her.

Lily Newton:

Yes. That's gonna be so fun. And the Woody Harrelson interview is gonna be incredible because you know him, so, like, you're gonna be able to get really comfortable and really tell that story. That is so fun.

Madison Tevlin:

I know. I'm, like, so excited to speak with him. And, plus, I haven't seen him in a really long time, but we're so excited to reunite with him again.

Lily Newton:

Oh my gosh. Yeah. It's gonna be so good for him to see you, especially, like, since filming champions, you have had, like, a rocket launch of your career. You've been doing so incredible, so I bet he's so excited to talk to you too. That is so fun. And I've seen, like, some of the press you guys did for champions, both you and him talking about it. It seems like you two definitely had an amazing connection and,

Madison Tevlin:

Mhmm. I was gonna say that we've had a really strong bond by working with each other.

Lily Newton:

That's so great. And I really, like, just shout out to all the actors out there who have been working for a very long time. And, you know, they take their time on set to when there's, like, newer actors or it's someone's first film to really make them feel comfortable. I think that's in any industry. I just really applaud people who try to make those bonds with people who are, like, new to the industry. I think that's really important. Very cool. Do you have before we move on, because I know you said you want love talking about champions. Is there anything else you wanna share? Is there anything else you wanna share about champions or your upcoming podcast?

Madison Tevlin:

I definitely have more moments to share for sure of champions. And, also, I didn't really know Woody. So I remember the RV scene. I don't know if you guys watched the movie. But in the RV scene, I really got to know him even more than other people did because I was by myself with him, and a lot of people were like, do what they have to do. And it was just us who's sitting together. And I never knew he lived in Hawaii, if he does.

Lily Newton:

Yeah. That's nice.

Madison Tevlin:

And I never been there before, so I really, really wanna go and maybe to visit him.

Erin Hawley:

Oh, yes. Oh my god. Hawaii is so beautiful. That's right.

Madison Tevlin:

I just wanna go so bad and know that he will be there. He could show me all around.

Lily Newton:

So fun. Are you Madison, are you in Canada right now?

Madison Tevlin:

Yes. I am.

Lily Newton:

Very cool. Very cool.

Madison Tevlin:

And I'm basically everywhere.

Lily Newton:

You are everywhere. Do you listen to Charlie xcx at all? Have you listened to that new album? Okay. Well, there's a new line in in one of the songs. It's like, I'm everywhere. I'm so Julia. But, really, it's like, I'm everywhere. I'm so Madison. Like, you are everywhere. It's incredible. You're in a girl right now. It's amazing. Wanna go to the next question?

Madison Tevlin:

Yeah. Let's do it.

Erin Hawley:

Let's do it. So you often say, Down syndrome is the least interesting thing about me. Can you share what that means and how you came up with that?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I would love to. I always say that I have Down syndrome, but it's the least interesting thing about me because I think there's more interesting things about me than my disability. And that tagline has stuck with me until this day.

Lily Newton:

Yeah.

Erin Hawley:

I totally understand that because it's like people assume make assumptions that your whole life revolves around your disability, and that's just not true because you've done amazing things besides just having a disability.

Madison Tevlin:

You know, I always say it's almost it's always so much fun proving people wrong.

Lily Newton:

Yes. That's so really that feels, Erin, like, it could be one of your mantras and that you you love proving people wrong. And, like, I I like to tell people, like, feel free to make wrong assumptions about me. I'll be happy to prove you wrong. Like, it's just so nice. I love that energy, and I think that that we just align so well, Madison, and you could hang out with me and Erin anytime because we align we literally align so well on that. Like, everything you just said is part of why we wanted to make this podcast because we like, there were a couple of times that Erin and I would have opportunities to do things, and then the opportunity would turn out like, the questions they would ask would just be for me about autism, for Erin about muscular dystrophy. And it's like, hey.

Lily Newton:

We have, like, more to offer. Like and don't get me wrong. I love talking about being autistic. It's very important to me. It's a big part of my identity, but it's not all who we are. Like, we're also just cool girls.

Madison Tevlin:

That's true. You you guys do a lot.

Lily Newton:

Yes. All 3 of us, and I think that that so, yeah, I really I love that phrase. Did you do you like, do you remember how you came up with that, like, when you first said the it's the least interesting thing about me?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, it was always my me and my mom had this conversation, and we were trying to figure out what my time line would be in the future and what I really wanted to do. And I never wanted to talk about my disability with any of my friends or any any of my family. And then when I had that first brand new conversation with one of my friends, that's also a producer of my show, Who Think I Am, and helping with 21 Questions. She was the one that made me open more and wanna talk about it more.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's amazing. And I love that your mom helped you with, like, branding and coming up with that. Erin, we haven't said it in many episodes, but go, moms.

Madison Tevlin:

I know. Right? Like, my mom like, I feel like my mom and dad, both of them are, like, really fierce parents, and they get what they want. And that's what I love about them.

Madison Tevlin:

Mhmm.

Madison Tevlin:

We enjoy that. Me to be the better version of myself. And just because of them to where I am today. Yes.

Madison Tevlin:

I love my mom so much.

Erin Hawley:

It's so, like, fortunate for us to have parents that really pushed us to be the best that we can be because all people don't have that. So it's just really nice to hear that your parents were so important to you.

Madison Tevlin:

And they go through a lot of stuff, so that's why they just have helped me throughout my whole life and to in supporting me along the way.

Lily Newton:

Yes. It's kind of like an inside joke slash just recurring theme on this show, Madison, that we say go moms because it does seem to be a theme, and I think that it is a testament to the impact that, like, really supportive parents can have on people, because our guests are all doing amazing, incredible things, so it makes total sense that so many of them are like, my mom helped me so much. My mom pushed me. And I think it is really cool that that's a theme and, yeah. Love supportive parents. My go moms, go dads. My dad listens to every episode of this podcast.

Madison Tevlin:

It's very sweet. So cute.

Lily Newton:

It is so cute, and he'll always text me afterward and be like, listen to this episode. It was so great. And he'll have, like, specific comments about things we said. And, you know, like, I guess that's, like, normal expected for that, but, you know, it's those little things where when your parents, like, really support you and just see, like, the potential in you, that's for I'm I'm just like you. I like, everything good that I accomplish in life, I have to say, like, it's due to, like, the amazing support I had in both of my parents for my whole life.

Madison Tevlin:

I so agree with you, and I couldn't say that any better.

Madison Tevlin:

Yay. That makes sense. Say hello to Louie's dad. How are you? I don't think my parents listen to any episodes, which is fine, but I think, my partner listens to every episode.

Lily Newton:

That's very sweet.

Erin Hawley:

That is very sweet.

Lily Newton:

It's always fun. And, Madison, I can't wait for you to have this experience once your podcast episodes start coming out when, like, someone you know will casually be like, oh, I listened to this episode. It was really good or this happened. And I'm like, oh, you listened to my oh, okay.

Madison Tevlin:

I know. Like, it feels so good.

Lily Newton:

Yes.

Madison Tevlin:

I know my dad will definitely listen to it, like, every single day too. He's, like, so on it with me. I love when my dad goes to my social media because he, like, looks at, like, everything. Then he texted me after, like, oh, Madison, I'm so happy for you. I love you so much, sweetie.

Lily Newton:

Our dads would get along. My dad does, like, the exact same thing, and he'll he'll, like, randomly just text me, like, hope you're having a good day, thinking about you, my beautiful child. Do. Oh, it's so sweet.

Madison Tevlin:

Like, it would say like, it would help out him right now. Like, today, he would have him sing, have a good day, honey.

Lily Newton:

I love that. I really supportive and, you know, if you're listening to this and you're like, oh, I'm not close with my parents. I don't have that relationship. You know? Like, it doesn't necessarily have to be biological. You just have to find those people in your life who root for you and are willing to do something, like send you that. Like, I hope you have a good day, Tex. It's it's such like a little thing, but it really does make such a big yeah. It really does.

Lily Newton:

And it's like, when I see a text from my dad that's, like, just thinking of you, I'm like, oh, that just makes me feel so special. And, like

Madison Tevlin:

No. And, like, even when I'm traveling, I go away a lot and stuff. I don't I'm not really with my parents, so they don't really travel with me. But when I text them or if I call them, I always feel so much better to continue on with my day.

Lily Newton:

That's so good. I it's so important because, like, I always Erin and I have talked about that. We always try to, like, let these parent conversations happen when they come up on the podcast because parenting a child with a disability, like, can be difficult, and a lot of parents make, like, the difficulty of it kind of their entire identity. And I feel like it seems like all 3 of our parents all three sets of our parents did a really great job in instilling exactly what we've talked about this whole episode of that, like, yes, we have these things about us that might be a certain part, but we can do whatever we put our hearts to, and we are supported and,

Madison Tevlin:

And we we do all the things.

Lily Newton:

Absolutely. Things done. And we can prove people wrong if they don't think we can't.

Madison Tevlin:

Right. And it's so much fun.

Lily Newton:

It's so important to be like and and, you know, I really do keep that in my back pocket at all times. Like, if someone doesn't believe in me, I'm like, well, that's okay. Like, my dad believes in me. My mom believes in me. That's all I need. Yeah. Yes.

Madison Tevlin:

And now all you need all you need is your friends and family to to build you back up again.

Lily Newton:

Yes. I was literally just gonna say, and now, Madison, you can have in your back pocket, like, Erin and Lily believe in me, and I'll keep in my back pocket that you 2 believe in me. And, Erin, you can keep in your back pocket that we believe in you. Oh, I love that. So given everything we've said, I know we have talked about that we like to talk about things other than just our disability. What would you say to people specifically about Down syndrome? How what do you wanna change in the way people think about Down syndrome?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I want people to recognize that having Down syndrome doesn't limit so much potential. Anyone can learn something new every single day of their lie lives, and it's so much fun proving people wrong, like I say all the time. And I really do wanna end those stereotypes.

Lily Newton:

Well, I think you are doing an incredible job ending those stereotypes. I think that, like, even just episodes like this are so important to ending stereotypes about all 3 of our disabilities. Like, I think that there are a lot of people who, you know, would think would, like, have a whole bunch of assumptions about what the 3 of us would have to talk about, but we're just, like, cool chatting. Yeah. Like, of course, we have stuff to chat about. We're women. We have, like, womanhood in common. We all are, like, creatives in some way. We all are advocating. Like, we have so much in common to talk about outside of disability even. True.

Madison Tevlin:

And, also, what I'm doing next is I'm going to be hosting my own podcast called 21 Questions. I I got to announce it on What What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. And we've already booked Woody Harrelson, Nelly Furtado, because I love her music, Paris Hilton, and Emma Roberts to be my guests. And I'm so, so, so excited. We're gonna be shooting in Toronto, LA, and New York because I love those places, and I hope to live there one day. And we're gonna stay in Fairmont Hotels. I'm going to be learning all about guests and stories and who they really are as people.

Erin Hawley:

That is so exciting. I love that for you.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you.

Lily Newton:

You're gonna have so much fun filming that. Just I can already tell, like, you're gonna have such a blast. And those are amazing guests. Cannot wait to listen. Guests, get ready, and make sure you follow Madison on all of her social media. It'll be linked in this episode description, all of her social profiles and stuff so that, you can follow along and make sure you're ready to subscribe to that podcast because I have a feeling if you are an everything you know about disability is wrong listener, then you are absolutely gonna want to listen to Madison's podcast. We clearly have so much in common and are, you know, doing the work that needs to be done, dismantling what people assume about us, and, destigmatizing just so much. So I definitely think listeners, you're going to want to tune into that one. We don't have too much time left, so I'm going to transition into the fact that this is an Easter Seals podcast, obviously. And thank you, Easter Seals. And Easter Seals is working for equity and access when it comes to education, employment, health care, community and transportation. So we like to talk to our guests just kind of about some of those topics. I know we chatted with you beforehand, and wanted to get into a little bit about education and community. So, Erin, will you take us away with our first education question?

Erin Hawley:

Totally. So, Madison, what was your education like, and what kind of educational support was helpful for you?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I had 1 on 1 support until grade 8. My school provided educational assistance, and I was fully integrated with the typical developing kids every day. When I went to high school, my mom and dad chose one that had design classes for students with a disability, and there were 3 EAs always around in the classroom at all times. And they would always rotate in helping the students out. All of my teachers meant so much to me and really helped and supported me along the way.

Lily Newton:

That's incredible. That seems like an amazing level of support to having a rotating set of 3 education assistants. That's a really great way to do it. Obviously, your education was a lot different than ours because you're in Canada. We're in the US. Right. But that is that's really interesting, and I love that you had a fully integrated experience, that you were in the classroom with other kids whether disabled or not.

Madison Tevlin:

And we're because we're all and it made me feel so good because we really are all the same.

Lily Newton:

Absolutely. And I think so many education programs, like, were trying their hardest when they created, like, separate classrooms and things, but that full integration is really where it's very important because, you know, you were able to see that you your potential was just the same as every other kid learning around you. I think that's really important, and, certainly, having those education assistants is what makes integrated education possible. So if you're a listener and you're trying to decide what you wanna do and you think you have a passion for education, I definitely recommend getting whatever you need to, like certifications, learning about disability, etcetera, so that you can, like, help make schools more integrated and get, all of us in the same classrooms. That's really incredible. Speaking of the, like, fully integration, I feel like that probably helps you kind of build your community. What does the word, like, community mean to you?

Madison Tevlin:

Well, I have so many people that I can lean on to. I still talk to a lot of cast of champions, and they always make me feel so much better when I talk to them. And they always put a big smile up on my face. And, also, NDSS and Best Buddies Organizations have also been supportive and so important in my life.

Lily Newton:

Oh, that's amazing. Seems like those organizations and projects you've worked on where you've gotten to meet other people with disabilities doing the same kinds of things that you're doing has been really helpful. That's amazing. That's so, so cool. And you do you have, like, a go to person that you if you know, you're like, I need support right now. I need advice that you go to?

Madison Tevlin:

My mom Amazing. Sure. Amazing. Back to the parents, obviously, but also my core people, like my friends that are always around me all the time of every day of my life. When I'm home, I have those people that I'm just I can go to and talk to them. And then when they explain things to me, I feel so much better.

Lily Newton:

Ah, I love that. And I also my team.

Madison Tevlin:

I love my team.

Lily Newton:

Oh, yeah. Your team is amazing. They've been wonderful to chat with as we've been, like, organizing this episode. Do you think that having such, like, a solid group of friends and support, is, like, helped your confidence and, like, helped you be, like, really strong in who you are?

Madison Tevlin:

I I would say they do we do have each other's backs all the time, and we build each other up.

Lily Newton:

That is so crucial. I think that that is, like, such an important part of my journey with disability acceptance. Like, accepting my own disability has been making friends with people who accept me for exactly who I am, and, like, I love those friends. So when I'm having a day where I don't feel so good about myself, I can, like, remind myself, well, I have amazing friends, and they wanna be around me, so I must be worth it some like, that must make mean something. Yeah.

Madison Tevlin:

And then you feel so good about it after you talk to them.

Lily Newton:

Yes. Absolutely. Isn't it wild how sometimes you just, like, you just ramble at a friend for a little while?

Madison Tevlin:

You can just they have, like, open ears and they listen to you. And then if you just need them to talk, they will, but they're just there to, like if you need them present.

Lily Newton:

Literally, how many times a week, Erin, do I message you on Teams? Just like, hey, just gonna rant for a second. And I'll just, like, ramble about random stuff. And then almost always, I follow-up with, okay, I feel better now.

Madison Tevlin:

I do that too.

Madison Tevlin:

It's so good. That only with scared and people.

Lily Newton:

Absolutely. You gotta know who to call when you need to, like, feel good because there are some people who you can, like, commiserate with and kinda feel sad with, but there are some people who are really good at, like, I'm gonna make you feel good.

Madison Tevlin:

And then and talk through everything with you. Yes.

Lily Newton:

Yes. I definitely, like, process decision making verbally. Like, I need to talk about it a lot before I make a decision. Right. Well, this has been amazing. I can't believe the hour is nearly up. We could chat with you forever. Like, this is so fun.

Lily Newton:

Thank you for coming on our show.

Madison Tevlin:

Well, thank you so much for having me, and I was so happy to talk with you 2 today.

Lily Newton:

Truly amazing. Before we close out, anything else you wanna say to our listeners?

Madison Tevlin:

That ever everyone can reach me on social media at Madison Teplin on Instagram and TikTok.

Lily Newton:

Yes. And you better go follow her. She is a rising star, and I I mean, I I can't wait to see everything you do, Madison. I think you are an icon and a legend and, are amazing. And I know that I know that getting to say I interviewed Madison Tevalent is like a big thing on my resume now, so I'm excited. Like, I think you're so cool. Thank you so much for being on our show. Listeners, she said her socials will also have them linked below, and you can stay tuned for her podcast.

Lily Newton:

As always, Erin, thank you for hosting this show with me. I love you so much.

Erin Hawley:

Of course. I love you too. And, Madison, I'm so excited that, like, now we're friends. So definitely stay in touch, please. You're amazing.

Madison Tevlin:

Thank you, Will. For sure. Thank you for having me.

Lily Newton:

And listeners, tune in next time to another episode of everything you know about disability is wrong. See you then.

Erin Hawley:

If you like what you heard, go ahead and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts.

Lily Newton:

Thank you to our listeners. And as always, thank you to Easterseals for giving us the space and resources to share such authentic conversations from within the disability community to our listeners.

Erin Hawley:

And I'll see you next time for another episode of Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong.

Lily Newton (commercial segment):

This is a podcast brought to you by Easterseals.

Erin Hawley (commercial segment):

You know, we actually work for Easterseals, but maybe our listeners don't know what we do.

Lily Newton (commercial segment):

That's true. Easterseals is leading the way to full access, equity, and inclusion for disabled people and their families.

Erin Hawley (commercial segment):

And did you know we've been doing this for more than a century?

Lily Newton (commercial segment):

This includes helping disabled people find meaningful employment and addressing health care needs for all ages.

Erin Hawley (commercial segment):

We're proud to serve communities across the country and ready for the next 100 years. For more, check out easterseals.com.