Miss Represented: Miss United States 2023- Addison Hadley [Episode 46]

Summary

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)

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Dive into summer with Vizkaya swimwear. Stylish, comfortable, unforgettable. Make a splash with Vizkaya swimwear. Discover your beauty with Lady Code cosmetics. Bold colors, flawless finishes. Unleash your confidence with Lady Code. Hello and welcome back to Misrepresented. I'm your host, Lisa Opie, and we're coming to you from Memphis. Just kidding. This is pre recorded. Before I introduce today's guest, I want to thank Pink Apple dresses for dressing our outfits today. We love Pink Apple. And now I said Memphis because I have missed United States. Here, Addison, with me. How are you?

[B]

I'm so good. How are you?

[A]

Good. So you are giving up your crown next week?

[B]

I am. You and I will meet in Memphis, I think, on. On Thursday of this week, and then the competition's the next week.

[A]

Oh, I need to pack all my makeup. Oh, my gosh. So we'll be there by the time this episode goes live, but I want to, like, probably start from the beginning. What got you into competing for Miss United States?

[B]

Yeah, funny story, actually. I aged out of the Miss America, Miss Volunteer America system, and I decided to sort of take a break, maybe fully retire, but just kind of see where my head was at. And I was pursuing my master's degree at the time, and so it made sense for that to be the stopping point. Thank you.

[A]

Master's in what?

[B]

I have two master's degrees. One in clinical mental health counseling and one in professional school counseling, which I don't really care about, but it's good job security and public schools give you pensions.

[A]

Wow. So why did you choose that career path?

[B]

I had a good therapist when I was a kid or when I was a teenager. Some family members of mine also moved into the therapy track after graduation, and I just felt really drawn to it. I really enjoyed it. I'm tired of numbers and datas and figures, so I lean away from the research side of things. But I'm a really big fan of social science sciences.

[A]

Wow, that is crazy. And how old are you again?

[B]

I'm 28. And 11.

[A]

12. And two master's degrees. Oh, my God.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Okay. Wow. You are amazing. So back to Miss United States. So you aged out. Why did you choose this system specifically?

[B]

I chose this system specifically. One, because I wasn't too old for it, and two, 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. You know, I'm just looking to have some fun, so I go compete for Miss United States. And it's in Memphis. And my first year, you and I were there and I got third runner up, as I always do.

[A]

Is that like a thing for your loyal listeners?

[B]

My WI FI network is named third runner up because that's where I always place in every pageant. I'm always a third runner up and it's like a running joke among my friends. I'm not bitter about it. So I went back this year and expecting to get third runner up, and I had 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. And lo and behold, I got a new job.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

So a quick adjustment to getting used to that one, but it was. It was a really happy surprise.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Before we go back to that experience, why summer camp and what summer camp?

[B]

This is summer camp. Pageants are summer camp.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Pageants are.

[A]

Oh, so you're calling that summer camp?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. I was like, what summer camp are you going to?

[B]

Sparkle Summer Camp.

[A]

That is awesome.

[B]

Which I love. And it's. 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. It's also just very fun to compete and hear people clap for you. The attention and validation is, I think, a big part of why most of us enter pageants.

[A]

Yeah. I love that you're being real with it.

[B]

You need to be.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it. It feels good to be a world changer and to say that you're making this great impact in the world and most of us, if not all of us, are genuinely making great impacts in the world. But it's also, I feel, almost misogynistic and anti feminist to reduce the beauty and the glamour and the glitz from pageantry and turn it into instead something where women are supposed to be bold and strong and brave, but not pretty, but not delicate. But she can't enjoy her glitter and her sequins too much or we won't be able to take her seriously. I just find that to be anti feminist. So Sparkle Summer camp.

[A]

I love that you're very bold for saying that, but I completely agree with you. So how do you feel about, like, a lot of new directions that pageants are taking? Not Miss United States, but there's other systems that don't do swimwear anymore and they focus more on interview. Like, how does that make you feel?

[B]

I actually was competing in the Miss America system when they decided to remove swimwear. And luckily, because I lived in the state of Tennessee, I competed in Tennessee at the time. I had the opportunity that women across the country outside of Tennessee didn't have, which was to move to the Volunteer America system in its first year of. Of organization, of operation. So I was able to continue competing in swimsuit. I was also able to make that choice for myself, which felt more empowering than suddenly some Fox News anchor who won Miss America 800 years ago saying, swimsuits are misogynistic so you're not allowed to wear one anymore. Yeah, that, to me, doesn't feel empowering. So it was valuable to me to have the opportunity to choose.

[A]

I love that. And there's a system for everybody out there now. I feel like there's so many pageants out there, everybody has the right fit for them. And I think that's also empowering that, like, you can't judge people based on what they choose to do.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Yeah. And as like, a owner, a co founder of a swimsuit line and a makeup artist, I'm like, I live and breathe for the glitz and the glamour, you know, But I respect the women that don't want that. I understand completely. Yeah, absolutely.

[B]

It's everyone's choice, what they want to be involved with. The thing that I've been seeing in a lot of social movements and a lot of cultural movements that I don't love about the pageants is, well, she has to be more than that. But she doesn't like. She usually is more than that, and that's awesome. But if she's happy and feels empowered and peaceful being just hot, she can be just hot. That's fine. She's no less of a woman because she's not brilliant or funny or brave.

[A]

Wow. You are brave.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

So, okay, back to competing in Memphis last year. Right. So you were expecting third runner up.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And so you were just like, okay, I'm here for a good time, making friends. And then what happened? Like, at five, finals night, they just kept calling you. And then with that top five announcement, how did you feel when somebody else got third runner up?

[B]

I actually, if you'll watch back the footage, you can see me kicking my dress out of the way. When they start to call, they're like, third runner up is. And I'm like, moving my dress. That's me. And then they don't call me. And I remember feeling really grateful, really shocked, but I was like, heck, yeah, man. This was my last pageant ever. And I'm going out with a bang. And I didn't even get third runner up this time. This is awesome. And then they called second and then it was just Samantha and I standing there. And I remember standing there and thinking, God, she's going to be the best Miss United States. She is so ready for this. She's so awesome. And they called my name and I kind of panicked a little bit in the moment. I was going through some really difficult emotional stuff in a relationship that I was in at the time. And so it felt in the moment like added stress and added pressure and it felt overwhelming and like something I couldn't do. But 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 and for my career and for this year, which wouldn't have been possible without that support.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah. At the time, pretty shocking and almost felt like a bad feeling. But the next morning when I woke up, I had that motivation and that I felt like I had the support behind me. And so I was able to make some changes that I really needed to make.

[A]

Do you think the title helped you making that decision?

[B]

500%.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I don't know.

[A]

It could have saved your life.

[B]

I don't think it absolutely did. I don't think that it was I Miss United States. So I can't take this anymore. It was more of the. The time pressure that comes with a state title holder or a national title holder. You have a year or you have less than I had 50 weeks. So you have about a year to make your impact, to do what you want to do. And then you can never put the crown and sash back on again. You can never go back and be Miss USA or Miss United States or Miss America again and do that one thing that you wanted to get done. So I'm sitting in this place where I'm living in Colorado and I'm feeling really beaten down and I'm feeling really bad about myself. And I'm getting a lot of reassurance for those insecurities from the outside sources that I'm getting. Trying really hard not to, like, slander this man because I'm still afraid of him. But I'm sitting there and I'm going through all of this and I'm looking at this sash and the crown that's sitting on my dining room table. And every day I'm walking past it and I'm not doing anything with it. And. And so on New Year's Eve, I Packed up my car and I left. It was like, I'm running out of time. I'm not only am I running out of time for this, but I'm running out of time to spend with my family. My parents are aging, my friends are moving away and moving into their careers. And so 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.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's an amazing story. I'm so proud of you. Thanks. So after New Year's Eve, January 1st is like a new start for you. What was it like? What did you do first?

[B]

First I. Well, so I stayed, actually. Funny pageant story. I competed in this sweet Corn pageant like five years ago. The national pageant. It's at the National Sweet Corn Festival.

[A]

Did you win?

[B]

I did not. Jane Kennedy win one, and she deserved it. But I met two of my very best friends at that pageant. Jessica, who, you know, who was New Jersey.

[A]

Oh, I love her.

[B]

And Amy, who competed as Miss Missouri. Halfway point between where I was living with my troubled ex partner and where I moved back home in Nashville to is about maybe two hours from St. Louis, Missouri. And so I just kept going to St. Louis, called Amy, who I hadn't seen in person since the pageant. I said, hey, I'm leaving a domestic violence situation. I really need your help. Can I spend the night? And she said, yes, absolutely. And she sent me her address. I start routing to her house. She calls me back later and she says, hey, Seth and I are going on a trip at the end of February. So you'll be by yourself at the house if you need to stay that long. Just without a second thought.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

It was just beautiful. So I get to her house. It's like 11 o'clock at night. Her babies are awake because they're all sugared up from a party she's got at the time. I think a two and a half and an eight month old snuggled with her babies, took a long shower, fell asleep. And I woke up safe in a home that was full of love. And I can smell cinnamon rolls baking. And it's the first, first day of the year. I was tearing up. I felt really emotional that day.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

I walk out of the guest room and she hands me a big old fat bab, big old plate of cinnamon rolls. And I'm thinking like, this is the. Is the best start to the year.

[A]

Wow. And you met her through pageant? Yes. The sisterhood. Wow, that is so incredible. So did you stay the whole month?

[B]

I did not. I Stayed one night, which was always my original plan, but I was just really taken aback by the kindness of, like. Yeah, a person I haven't seen in person in five years. You can come stay at my house indeterminately. You'll be here by yourself if you're still here in two months. Wow, that's amazing.

[A]

So you just, like, got in the car and, like, started driving?

[B]

Packed everything that I could, everything that would fit, and got on the road.

[A]

Good for you.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. So you, like, kind of took advantage of, I'm sure, your reign as soon as you got out of that situation. What did you do with your title? Tell me about your year once it.

[B]

Started on a lighter note.

[A]

I know. Stop crying.

[B]

It took a minute to get back into the swing of things. The month of January was pretty much just like a full stop appealing for me. A lot of rest, a lot of recuperation. I went to therapy, like, three times a week. But once I got the ball rolling, I kind of did it in a really big way. I had co written a bill with a friend of mine who was doing a neurosurgery residency at Vanderbilt when I was doing my master's degrees there. And the bill seeks to increase folic acid fortification of certain flowers to address a health care discrepancy that affects the Latino and Hispanic populations.

[A]

What?

[B]

And also, like, prevent some medical abortions? Because the medical abortions are chosen because of these congenital defects like fetal anencephaly and spina bifida, which are 100% preventable and also saves billions of dollars a year in Medicaid and Medicare expenditures. Oh, my God. So I. As Miss United States.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

Thank you. I think you and I were talking about this earlier. The title just gets your foot in the door. People will listen to you if you're like, see my hat? See my sash? I'm important. So I was able to go and meet with 11 Congress members on Capitol Hill and talk to them about the bill. And then I teamed up with an organization called Unidos, and they actually just pushed to have the bill passed in California. It's just waiting on the governor's signature. So that was kind of cool.

[A]

Wow, that's amazing.

[B]

Yeah, it's been really great to see the rippling impact of something that I've never been a part of, something that was that big before. I've done local fundraisers. The governor has honored me in Tennessee a couple of times for various charity things, but I've never been able to, like, Go to members of a federal government and say, hey, I have an important idea. And have them be like, it is important. Here's my card. Let's talk about it. Can you email that to my staffer? Here's a ticket. Come to watch Congress.

[A]

Oh, my God. Did you go tickets?

[B]

I didn't because I had to leave D.C. the next day. But he said they're good. All such. I guess they're not good anymore. Don't they close up shop?

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

I have a degree in political science and I don't know.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Me too. But that was a long time ago. I do makeup now. I just work here. Oh, my gosh. Wow. So I know you've been traveling non stop, right? You said Miami is your last stop, but you just came from Alaska last week. So, like, how did you get inspired to travel everywhere? And where have you gone?

[B]

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. I wanted to keep up that momentum. And then in January, when I started to get my feet back under me, it was really important to me personally to meet the goal that I had set previously. And I lost some time in it, but that's okay. I was still gonna do it, still gonna get it done. And my very best friend in the entire universe, Jessica, who I met at Sweetheart, planned every trip. Just sat up one night with insomnia, couldn't sleep. And so did she go with you.

[A]

On all these trips?

[B]

Almost every single one of them. There were nine states that she didn't go to with me that I went to with my mom or by myself or with my boyfriend. So.

[A]

Wow. So did you do all 50 states?

[B]

I did all. This is my 50th. I am in my 50th state. I've also been to D.C. and I've traveled internationally.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Went to Canada.

[A]

Okay, where in Canada?

[B]

Ontario.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Okay, so all 50 states. Which one's your favorite?

[B]

Alaska was the most beautiful. Iowa had the nicest people.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Which is not what you'd expect.

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, have I even been to Iowa? Where's Iowa? What's Iowa? I'm just kidding.

[B]

Des Moines. Des Moines, Iowa. It's next door to Wisconsin. Wyoming. It's over there.

[A]

It's in that area?

[B]

Yes. It's on the way to California somewhere.

[A]

It's between Virginia and California.

[B]

Yes. Yes, it is. Des Moines. The people were so kind there. I went to a Labor Day parade and that was a great experience because in the Labor Day parade in Des Moines, you're going straight through people's neighborhoods, so I get to see, like, little kids on their front porches with their pets, like, waving. And it was really cool.

[A]

They were so excited to see you. What about the most exciting state?

[B]

Ooh, this one's pretty exciting because I flew into a hurricane and got to shoot with you guys.

[A]

Oh, I know. She came here to shoot bikinis.

[B]

We didn't get to do that.

[A]

And I was like, so, what are we shooting today? She's like, I don't have wardrobe. I'm supposed to shoot for Viscaya.

[B]

And I'm like, well, well, it's raining.

[A]

Yeah, it's hurricane. Oh, my gosh. It's crazy.

[B]

But we worked it out.

[A]

Yeah. We did some epic stuff. We did some fashion swimwear inside. I'm so excited to share everything we did today. It'll probably be up by the time this episode's posted, actually. But, yeah, So I have more questions about states, because I don't know anybody that's been to all 50.

[B]

I don't remember. What. Do you not recommend driving into Wyoming from South Dakota just to say that you were in Wyoming to make a charitable donation somewhere? I've made a difference, but I wasted Wyoming. I know, I know. I would like to go back when there's more time, but we. We kind of sandwiched Wyoming in there with the Dakotas, and, oh, my God, that was a big trip. We were gone, I think, 11 days and traveled 10,000 miles.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. So who's driving?

[B]

We are flying most of the time. Jessica's usually driving. I did volunteer to drive in South Dakota, and then we got the last rental on the entire lot, which was a Toyota Tundra. I don't know. Are you familiar with.

[A]

Is it like, a truck?

[B]

It's a huge truck that my Z4 could fit under. And so we got out there. I just tossed her the keys. I said, I'm very sorry, but you drive your dad's truck, and I don't. You're passing your princess here. I'll put the stops in the gps.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. So do you have any advice for the women competing right now in Memphis?

[B]

Oh, right now. And this will be out probably the weekend, so they're about to get started on prelims. Dude, be yourself. Everybody says it, and I heard it so often my first five years of competing, but I never saw any true success until I just gave up with, I'm competing. I have to be perfect, I have to be the best. And I just wanted to have fun. And that's when the biggest change was made for me. As far as pageant accomplishments go, I was who I was. I said the things that people might find controversial, and I felt really proud of myself. They asked me my on stage question, and I took the mic and I said, hi, mom, because I got to say it on live TV for the first time ever.

[A]

And, oh, my God.

[B]

Yeah, I was being judged, but I don't. It was like a.

[A]

You were having fun summer camp vibes.

[B]

Summer camp. So just enjoy yourself and be yourself. Being a national title holder has been a learning experience.

[A]

So what are some things that you learned during your reign?

[B]

To always travel with vacuum seal bags and take your little vacuum sucker so you can pack 11 days and 10,000 miles of outfits into suitcases.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Yeah. Because you're not just, like, traveling, you're, like, doing appearances. It's not just like you're packing, like, changes of clothes. Like, you need, like, dresses and shoes.

[B]

And tippy tops are heavy. Yeah, tippy tops are heavy. And they take up a lot of room.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

That's something I've learned. What's another? I was just thinking about that. Oh, you gotta let yourself introduce yourself on a plane just one time. Like, flying incognito is a key to maintaining, like, peace as a national title holder. In the first couple of days, it feels fun to be like, I'm Miss United States. I'm Miss United States. Then after that, you're like, I'm a woman. Don't look at me. I'm in public. I don't want to be perceived. But I did last week. Tell our flight attendant. On the way from Anchorage to Honolulu, I told her that I was Miss United States when she asked why we were traveling. So then she made a little announcement on a plane and asked, were you, like, ready for me? And I.

[A]

No.

[B]

I was wearing sweats.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

I got my sash out of my bag. So I was like, well, I love.

[A]

That you're keeping it real, though. You know, it's like, I'm also a person, right?

[B]

I am a human being who just happens to have a hat.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

It felt almost uncomfortable when she did, only because she said, we have so many members of the military on this flight, and we want to thank them for their sacrifice. Please clap for them. And everyone clapped. And then she said, and also, Ms. United States is here. Please clap. And I was like, I don't really.

[A]

Qualify, but you are so accomplished. Oh, my gosh.

[B]

They'll fight and die. And also, she's pretty. Like, that didn't feel super comfortable, but I was glad that I did it.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. So everyone's going to be asking you all week. I'm sure you're going to go through it. What is next for you?

[B]

I'm so glad you asked. I have no idea. I am probably going to settle into my career a little further and start doing in person counseling with my clients, as opposed to the telehealth that I've been doing over the past year. I'd like to read more books, and I'm going to have to find a new hobby. I came to terms with that a couple of days ago because pageantry is something that I've done for the past six years. And it started out, I'm gonna win a bet. And then it turned into, I can win scholarship money. And then it turned into, well, eff it. This is fun. And everyone's clapping for me, and I'm good at it.

[A]

Tell me about that bet.

[B]

My brother bet me a dollar I would lose Miss Mtsu, and so I borrowed some shoes, and I was like, I have a bikini. I can play the piano. I can do this. Nobody told me about stage lights. I wore a beige bikini. I flashed my armpit tattoo just like that right there. Girl power. And then I won. And I was just as confused and shocked as I was when I won this year. But I went back. I went to Miss Tennessee, and I got a thousand dollars for school.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

And I had a really nice time there, and I sucked at it. And that bothers me to my core every time I suck at something. So I. I wanted to get good at it, and then I didn't. I started to love it.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I love that story. The tattoo is everything. And the judges were, like, 10. Yeah, that's her.

[B]

She's the one. She's controversial. My directors had no idea what they were getting into with me, and I love their patience with me because not only did I have no. No answers, only questions. Also had no idea what I was walking into. I had no polish, no preparation. I didn't know you were supposed to wear a nice outfit for orientation. What did you wear? I drove there in my pajamas and then was talking to my director on the phone.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

And she was like, you can't wear your pajamas. This is like an event. And so I grabbed something out of my. But it just said, hotel, check in.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

So I was like, all right.

[A]

I check in and like, sweat.

[B]

And then I, like, wear this T shirt that I got at Goodwill. It says, Big Robbie D's Bachelor Party 2004.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. So have you ever gotten coaching?

[B]

I did get coaching. Finally. This past year, I worked with a walking coach in Denver, Colorado. Her name's Lauren Campbell. She was Miss Colorado usa. And she helped me with some interview as well, which felt. It felt good to have the coaching. I've been kind of flying blind with great directors for most of the time. And then I worked with Lauren last year. My walk has never been my strong suit. I always say that I win a pageant, an interview, if I win it. I am not a supermodel. I've been a walk.

[A]

Well, so the walk is just what needed to be fixed. I think it worked.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, yeah, it did. And ironically enough, I won a swimsuit award this year, which is something that I've never won before. And I was at my body's healthiest and heaviest at the pageant last year. So for years I had been, you know, I've got to be as skinny as possible. Before Miss Tennessee 2019, I went raw vegan for six weeks and was doing two hours a day of Orange Theory. I got down to double digit weight and looked horrible. So proud of myself. But I looked gross and it was really sick. And so this year I am not going to talk about my weight because it doesn't matter and it might trigger someone else, but it was higher than it had ever been and I felt stronger and I felt more well rested and more energetic. And I won a swimsuit award.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I won the pageant. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, wow. That's amazing. Is there anything else you want to share with our audience before we go to the this or that portion of the show?

[B]

Yes. Registration for voting is always open and there's a big election coming up. And if you live in a city or a town or a village or a township or a county, if you live somewhere, voting is important and you should do it. And you can vote.gov love that I'm registered to vote.

[A]

And, well, I'm scared because if you're registered to vote, you're also like, I guess in the drawing pool for jury duty. So I'm like, yeah, don't get scared. Still vote.

[B]

I want jury duty so bad. I'm dying for it. Really. I got summoned for a jury once, but my brother was currently incarcerated at the time. And they said when they did the selection thing, they said that I couldn't do it because I had a family member who was in prison, and I was, like, really bummed.

[A]

I mean, it could be fun, like. Yeah. So it could be a pro for me. I'm like, I can't. I'm too busy.

[B]

I love other people's drama.

[A]

I know.

[B]

And being on jury duty would 100% be other people's drama.

[A]

Yeah. And, like, their life is in your hands. Pretty much.

[B]

I'm just watching and listening, and someone's gonna ask me for my opinion. This is amazing. I usually get it unsolicited question randomly.

[A]

While I pull up these questions. Did you want to be a lawyer? Is that why you did poli sty?

[B]

I did. I used to want to be an attorney, and then I worked in a law office, and I interacted with some attorneys. The law office that I worked for was lovely, but the other attorneys that I interacted with and my brother's criminal defense attorneys as well, were just such disappointments at their job and seems to be really disappointing people, and I didn't want to be surrounded by them all the time, so I chose to be a therapist instead of an attorney. Kind of opposite ends of the spectrum.

[A]

Right. It's like you're healing people so they don't need a lawyer. Right. Okay. This or that? The first one is steak or sushi.

[B]

Sushi. I am not eating meat right now, so I have to go sushi.

[A]

But no shellfish.

[B]

No shellfish.

[A]

Road trip or fly?

[B]

Fly.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I have clear.

[A]

Oh, yeah, we love.

[B]

It's so easy.

[A]

You can do clear without your id. I forgot my ID one time, and they're like, oh, you're fine. Just scan your eyeball. I'm like, okay. Yeah. East coast or west coast?

[B]

Tough one. East coast, I think.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I just saw the coast of Maine for the first time. I was in Rhode island for the first time. My best friend lives, like, 40 minutes from New York City. I've seen some of the great lakes, which are sort of on the east coast. I'm a big fan of the east coast after this year.

[A]

Wow. I've never been to Maine, but I need to. Did you go to Acadia?

[B]

We drove to Ogunquit, which is like a southern.

[A]

I have to look that up.

[B]

It's super cute.

[A]

I want to go. That sounds so cute. Photo shoot or fashion show?

[B]

Photo shoot, duh.

[A]

Crown or sash?

[B]

Sash.

[A]

Love it. It's easier and it doesn't fall off, but it's heavy. Well.

[B]

And I went to reach for it as though it's going to Be there. The one with the tiara comb stays in better, but it sits in between the track of my tape and my head, and so it pulls on them. Wow. So I'm just. I prefer this guy.

[A]

Swimsuit or gown? Gown.

[B]

I think that's a tough choice. I love them both for very different reasons. But gown.

[A]

What are the reasons?

[B]

I like wearing my swimsuit, especially now, because I. I like walking around half naked. I'm really proud of my body. I like living in my body. And I spent a long time hating my body. I almost did the pageant Patty thing of, like, it makes me feel empowered and I'm so strong. No, dude, I'm hot. And I'm so glad that I know that I'm hot. And I love competing in swimsuit because I no longer feel dreadful, awful, insecure feelings about it.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

So I love it because I love it. If that makes sense.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And gown is gown. Liquid beading. Chiffon trains.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Gloves. Gloves are in now. Amazing.

[A]

So you just love pageants? I love sparkling platform heels or sandal heels?

[B]

Platforms.

[A]

Samesies.

[B]

I'm cursed. I'm 5 4.

[A]

Me too. We're the same height.

[B]

Tip tops.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Hair or makeup?

[B]

Am I doing it or am I getting it done?

[A]

Getting it done.

[B]

Hair.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I cannot do my own hair.

[A]

I cannot do your hair. It doesn't really hold a curl. It might be because we're in Florida. Yeah. I would, like, curl it. And it's like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Shopping online or in person?

[B]

In person, if I have the spoons. I think I really like to try things on. And I always forget to do my returns.

[A]

I know.

[B]

I have a graveyard of clothes that do not fit that I cannot return.

[A]

Yeah. Because you have to go to the post office.

[B]

Who goes to the post office?

[A]

It's so much work.

[B]

It's so much work.

[A]

Just donate it. I'm sure they're fabulous. Reels or Tick Tock.

[B]

I have actually never been on Tick Tock, so it would have to be reels, but I didn't have an Instagram account until last October. I know I've made three reels in my life.

[A]

I think I was doing her makeup today, and she's like, oh, we don't follow each other. And I'm like, wait, the last time I saw you, you didn't even have Instagram. I tried to look for her, but then she got official Miss United States. So you got a huge account.

[B]

I inherited an Instagram.

[A]

Yeah. You just instantly became a social media star. How's Reels? Going.

[B]

I made one to a Gavin DeGraw song that got a lot of plays. I think it was a lot of plays.

[A]

Yeah. Are you having fun?

[B]

I am having fun.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm like a grandma on Facebook. I don't really know what I'm doing, but I just like, like to put photos out there that I enjoy and, like, tick tock. I've never heard of her. Look at this meme I found on the Instagrams.

[A]

Oh, my gosh, it's so funny. Okay, last one. It might be a little bit outdated, but Mob wife or clean Girl? Ooh, you're such a mob wife. Don't even.

[B]

I'm trying to remember if I have them correctly, but a mob wife is a fur coat and a red lipstick and. Oh, yeah. Then yes, this is yes.

[A]

Yeah. Clean girl is just like that natural makeup. We're mob wives together.

[B]

I can't do a slink bun. My tapes pop out of it. It's got to be messy and poofy or you're gonna know that I'm faking it.

[A]

Yeah. No, they look so good. The tapes look like.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Your natural hair. Okay, so that is the end of our show. It was fun. I love it. I had so much fun. We did this, like, winging it. No talking points.

[B]

Yep.

[A]

No plan ahead. She showed up and I'm like, by the way, you're doing my podcast.

[B]

Hanging Out. We did good, but Pink Apple hooked us up.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So at least we look cute. Yeah.

[A]

Makeup done.

[B]

Yeah. I got lady code in today, and I actually. Look, let me just come over here. I got lady coded and I look really good.

[A]

I was gonna say you won your second time because JC did your makeup and that's the reason why, but no.

[B]

J.C. beat my face. It looks so good.

[A]

Yeah. When I walked into that room and you were done, I was like, let me get my camera. I was like, running 10 girls, and I was like, I don't even care. Let me get this video.

[B]

He stepped aside so I could see the mirror, and I was like, who is this woman? I love her.

[A]

I know. So where can we follow you on social media?

[B]

You can follow me for the next three days or so at. At official Ms. United States on Insta. I do not have a tick tock. My personal Instagram is @ag. Hadley, if you have a ghost looking account, I'm not going to accept it. It's private due to aforementioned human beings. Yeah. Awesome. That's about it.

[A]

I don't.

[B]

I'm offline. Oh.

[A]

Well, thank you for coming on.

[B]

Thanks for having me. This is fun.