Miss Represented Podcast Episode 46: In-Depth with Miss United States 2023 Addison Hadley

Release Date: October 5, 2024

In Episode 46 of the Miss Represented Podcast, host Lisa Opie engages in a heartfelt and empowering conversation with Addison Hadley, the reigning Miss United States 2023. The episode delves into Addison's journey through the pageant world, her academic pursuits, personal challenges, and significant accomplishments during her reign. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key moments, insightful reflections, and inspiring advice.

1. Introduction to Addison Hadley

The episode begins with Lisa Opie introducing Addison Hadley, setting the stage for an authentic and spirited conversation. Addison, a two-time master's degree holder in clinical mental health counseling and professional school counseling, shares her initial foray into pageantry.

Addison:
"I aged out of the Miss America, Miss Volunteer America system, and I decided to take a break, maybe fully retire, but just see where my head was at."
(01:10)

2. The Path to Miss United States

Addison explains her transition from considering retirement to embracing the Miss United States pageant system. Her decision was influenced by her admiration for the movie Miss Congeniality and a desire to have fun while potentially winning a title.

Addison:
"I loved the Miss Congeniality movie, and I thought that it would be a fun title to go for now that my serious career is over."
(02:10)

Despite consistently placing as a third runner-up in previous pageants, Addison approached her latest competition with a relaxed mindset, aiming to enjoy the experience rather than secure a crown.

Addison:
"I have no interest in winning the title. I didn't feel ready for it. I just wanted to go to summer camp and hang out with some new friends."
(02:33 - 03:07)

3. Embracing Pageantry and Feminism

The conversation shifts to Addison's perspective on the evolving landscape of pageants, particularly the shift away from swimwear competitions. She highlights the importance of choice and autonomy in empowering women within the pageant system.

Addison:
"Pageants are summer camp... It's so much fun to go and hang out with a bunch of women who are like-minded, who have their own specific skills and talents and interests that you can learn from."
(03:17 - 03:36)

Addison critiques the anti-feminist undertones she perceives in some pageant systems that discourage glamour in favor of stereotypically "strong" traits, asserting that women should have the freedom to embrace both strength and beauty.

Addison:
"It feels good to be a world changer... but it's also, I feel, almost misogynistic and anti-feminist to reduce the beauty and the glamour and the glitz from pageantry."
(03:39 - 04:13)

4. A Pivotal Moment: Letting Go of the Crown

A significant portion of the episode covers Addison's emotional journey leading up to her decision to relinquish her Miss United States title. Facing personal turmoil and an abusive relationship, Addison recounts the intense pressure and time constraints associated with holding a national title.

Addison:
"The time pressure that came with a national title holder position was probably the key catalyst in me leaving that relationship and being safe again."
(07:44 - 09:07)

She describes the moment during the pageant when she unexpectedly did not place as third runner-up, leading to a pivotal decision to prioritize her mental health and personal well-being over the title.

Addison:
"I leaned on my village and I was able to leave that relationship and re-establish myself back in Tennessee, which has been really important for me, for my healing."
(06:23 - 07:27)

5. Building a Support Network and Achieving Personal Growth

After leaving her relationship, Addison sought refuge with friends she met through pageantry. Their unwavering support played a crucial role in her healing process and rebuilding her life.

Addison:
"I met two of my very best friends at that pageant... she sent me her address... it was just beautiful."
(09:16 - 10:15)

Embracing a new chapter, Addison focused on personal growth, including co-writing a bill aimed at increasing folic acid fortification to address health disparities in Latino and Hispanic communities. Her role as Miss United States provided a platform to advocate for meaningful legislative changes.

Addison:
"The title just gets your foot in the door. I was able to go and meet with 11 Congress members on Capitol Hill and talk to them about the bill."
(12:26 - 12:52)

6. Travel and Outreach: Covering All 50 States

Austen shares her ambitious goal to visit all 50 states, inspired by the previous Miss United States. With meticulous planning involving her best friend Jessica, Addison embarked on a nationwide journey, fostering connections and promoting her initiatives.

Addison:
"I wanted to travel to all 50 states, mostly because the last Ms. United States did it. I thought it was really a great accomplishment."
(13:58 - 14:00)

Her travels included significant engagements such as attending a Labor Day parade in Des Moines, Iowa, where she experienced the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

Addison:
"The people were so kind there. I went to a Labor Day parade and that was a great experience."
(15:03 - 15:40)

7. Advice for Current Competitors

Addison offers heartfelt advice to women currently competing in pageants, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and enjoying the experience rather than striving for perfection.

Addison:
"Be yourself. Everybody says it... but I never saw any true success until I just let go and was competing to have fun."
(17:24 - 18:09)

She encourages contestants to embrace their individuality and highlights how embracing one's true self can lead to genuine fulfillment and success.

8. "This or That" Fun Segment

The episode transitions to a light-hearted "This or That" segment, where Addison and Lisa answer fun, rapid-fire questions, revealing personal preferences and quirks.

• Steak or Sushi?
  Addison: "Sushi. I am not eating meat right now, so I have to go sushi."
  (25:35 - 25:42)

• Road Trip or Fly?
  Addison: "Fly. It's so easy."
  (25:43 - 25:46)

• East Coast or West Coast?
  Addison: "East Coast. I saw the coast of Maine for the first time and loved it."
  (25:46 - 26:16)

• Photo Shoot or Fashion Show?
  Addison: "Photo shoot, duh."
  (26:27 - 26:32)

• Crown or Sash?
  Addison: "Sash. It’s easier and doesn’t fall off, but it's heavy."
  (26:37 - 26:42)

9. Reflections and Future Plans

As the conversation concludes, Addison reflects on her journey in pageantry, highlighting her growth in body positivity and self-acceptance. She touches on her initial motivations, such as winning a bet, and how her perspective has evolved over time.

Addison:
"I like living in my body. I spent a long time hating my body, but now I feel stronger and more energetic."
(27:05 - 27:33)

Looking forward, Addison plans to focus on her career in counseling, engage more deeply with her clients, and explore new hobbies beyond pageantry.

Addison:
"I have no idea what's next. I'm probably going to settle into my career a little further and start doing in-person counseling."
(20:05 - 20:39)

10. Conclusion and Social Media Outreach

The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can follow Addison's journey on social media, encouraging support and engagement.

Addison:
"You can follow me for the next three days or so at official Miss United States on Instagram."
(30:59 - 31:17)

Notable Quotes

• Addison on Empowerment in Pageantry:
  "It feels good to be a world changer... but it's also, I feel, almost misogynistic and anti-feminist to reduce the beauty and the glamour and the glitz from pageantry."
  (03:39 - 04:13)

• Addison on Overcoming Challenges:
  "I leaned on my village and I was able to leave that relationship and re-establish myself back in Tennessee, which has been really important for me, for my healing."
  (06:23 - 07:27)

• Addison on Advocating for Change:
  "The title just gets your foot in the door. I was able to go and meet with 11 Congress members on Capitol Hill and talk to them about the bill."
  (12:26 - 12:52)

• Addison’s Advice to Competitors:
  "Be yourself. Everybody says it... but I never saw any true success until I just let go and was competing to have fun."
  (17:24 - 18:09)

Episode Highlights:

• Personal Growth: Addison's transformation from a pageant runner-up to a national titleholder underscores the power of resilience and self-discovery.

• Advocacy and Impact: Her legislative efforts demonstrate a commitment to creating tangible change within her community, showcasing how pageant titles can be leveraged for meaningful advocacy.

• Support Systems: The episode emphasizes the crucial role of friendships and community support in overcoming personal adversity.

• Authenticity Over Perfection: Addison's advice to embrace one's true self serves as an empowering message for both pageant contestants and listeners alike.

Final Thoughts

Episode 46 of the Miss Represented Podcast offers a compelling glimpse into Addison Hadley’s multifaceted life as Miss United States 2023. Through candid storytelling and genuine reflections, Addison inspires listeners to pursue their passions, embrace their identities, and use their platforms for positive change. This episode is a testament to the strength and grace that define true empowerment.