From the minute you enter a room with Madison, you can tell that she’s born to be behind the mic. Shoes off, iPad on, lights, camera, action.
I had the privilege to witness Madison work, and saw what being the host of “The Jersey Girl” podcast entails. From prepping for an interview to shooting behind-the-scenes content and most importantly, connecting with her guests, she’s a self-proclaimed “one-woman show”.
Madison was born and raised in, you guessed it, New Jersey. While her peers were thinking about college parties or the typical next steps for a high-schooler, Madison thought of something bigger, and definitely brighter. She felt called to start her own business and use her voice.
Madison officially launched her podcast four years ago. Being so young at the time, she dared to adventure into an intimidating industry where vulnerability and self-confidence is necessary. She took a risk and bet on herself, and we (her loyal listeners) are glad she did.
“What made you want to start the podcast?”
“I’ve always wanted to do a podcast. In 2022 I started to think about different jobs that I could pursue, and after talking to people in different businesses I realized that you really can turn your passion into a business.” Mind you, Madison was a Junior in high school. Talk about Jersey Girl ambition.
“Why not do what I love? Why can’t I build a business around something I love doing?” This is the question that sparked within Madison, and fueled her to dare to try. As it does with many passionate founders.
Madison explains that she started her podcast by interviewing family and friends who own different businesses. “The Jersey Girl” podcast started within her own personal network and has snowballed into a much larger community, that both her ambition and genuine curiosity have helped her achieve. She now focuses on building a female-focused podcast to inspire and empower other women to also take a chance on themselves.
What inspired the name “Jersey Girl”?
Madison, a born and raised Jersey girl, explains that she moved to upstate New York for 5 years, doing long-distance with her beloved Garden State. “I moved back to Jersey, and then I was like, I just love Jersey so much.” She says that the name was supposed to feel fun at first, but it turned into something deeper. “It has really transformed now because my fans are my ‘Jersey Girls’.”
Madison explains that to her, “Jersey girl” personifies being powerful, edgy and unapologetic. Sounds about right to me.
What problem or feeling did you want “The Jersey Girl” podcast to speak to?
“I wanted to solve the loneliness that comes with being a female founder.” It’s a lonely path being an entrepreneur. Madison explains that among her peers she didn’t see herself in their ambitions and life goals. She wanted to start her own business, and felt isolated in that aspiration. She continues, “I luckily have seen how great the community of female founders truly is, but I think growing up I felt really lonely in the fact that I didn’t know anyone who wanted to start their own business. I don’t want entrepreneurship to be lonely anymore, I want to inspire people. My podcast is a way to connect with our female founders and support them.”
What do you hope people take away when listening to your podcast?
“I hope they feel empowered and inspired to take control of their life. You only get one.”
Not Just a Podcast Host, She's a Human Junction
Madison Hawkins is not just a podcast host or an entrepreneur, she’s a human junction, connecting people on different parts of their journeys and giving them the platform to share their stories. She has a special way of bringing women together, shedding light on small businesses, and empowering her community. Do yourself a favor and go listen to “The Jersey Girl” podcast, today!
P.S. If you love everything Frequency, check out our founder’s episode on “The Jersey Girl” podcast, where Madison interviews Liana Zaino to learn more about how business meets self care and the origin of Frequency.
