Podcrushed Episode Summary: Madeline Brewer

Podcast Information:

• Title: Podcrushed
• Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kaplan, Sophie Ansari
• Guest: Madeline Brewer
• Release Date: April 30, 2025
• Description: Podcrushed explores the heartbreak, anxiety, and self-discovery of being a teenager through stories and conversations about middle school. In this episode, Madeline Brewer delves into her personal experiences and professional journey.

1. Introduction to Madeline Brewer

The episode opens with the hosts welcoming Madeline Brewer, known for her roles in Orange Is the New Black and The Handmaid's Tale. Penn Badgley introduces her as a pivotal figure in the fifth and final season of You and highlights her current promotion of The Handmaid's Tale.

Notable Quote:

• Penn Badgley [03:00]: "Welcome to Podcrushed. We have one very special guest for the fifth and final season of You."

2. Madeline’s Early Years and Middle School Memories

Madeline shares insights into her upbringing in Pitman, a small town in South Jersey. She reflects on her 12-year-old self, describing the challenges she faced, including academic struggles and her passion for theater.

Key Points:

• Academic Challenges: Madeline discusses failing math in middle school and the lack of academic motivation, stemming partly from her parents who were also not academically inclined.
• Passion for Theater: From the age of seven, she was deeply involved in theater, participating in community productions and leading roles.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [04:23]: "I was not academically motivated, like by any means."
• Madeline Brewer [05:19]: "I did theater since I was seven. That's what I cared about."

3. Family Influence and Personal Growth

Madeline talks about her father, a U.S. history teacher and singer-songwriter, and his influence on her love for history and storytelling. She also touches upon her brother Nick, highlighting their differing interests and his support of her career.

Key Points:

• Father’s Influence: Her father's passion for history and writing inspired her own interests.
• Sibling Relationship: Despite being three years apart, Madeline and her brother share a close bond, with Nick attending her shows despite it not being his interest.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [06:35]: "He is truly the smartest person I've ever met."
• Madeline Brewer [20:21]: "My brother is the best. He's the quietest, biggest fan."

4. Transition to Professional Acting

Madeline recounts her journey from community theater to landing her first major role in Orange Is the New Black. She describes the audition process, her surprise at the show's success, and the rapid rise to fame that followed.

Key Points:

• Breaking into TV: Her first TV audition was for Orange Is the New Black, which unexpectedly became a significant breakthrough.
• Industry Challenges: She highlights the competitive nature of acting, emphasizing the numerous auditions that did not lead to roles.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [31:25]: "I had no idea Orange Is the New Black would be what it was."
• Madeline Brewer [35:14]: "That was my first TV audition ever."

5. Experiences on Set and Character Development in The Handmaid's Tale

Madeline discusses her role as Janine in The Handmaid's Tale, detailing the evolution of her character over the series. She shares personal anecdotes about working with Elisabeth Moss and the emotional depth required for her role.

Key Points:

• Character Complexity: Janine’s transformation from a seemingly unstable character to a more grounded and pivotal figure in the revolution.
• Collaboration with Elisabeth Moss: Madeline expresses admiration for Moss, highlighting the supportive and constructive environment on set.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [54:21]: "Elisabeth Moss said that Maddie is the greatest talent of this generation."
• Madeline Brewer [56:37]: "Janine never hurts anyone. She never kills anyone. That's her nature."

6. Addressing Challenges and Personal Boundaries

Madeline reflects on difficult experiences on set, including the absence of an intimacy coordinator during her early roles. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and the improvements in industry practices over time.

Key Points:

• Intimacy Coordination: Early challenges in maintaining personal boundaries led her to advocate for better on-set protections.
• Personal Empowerment: Learning to speak up and establish boundaries has been crucial in her professional and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [44:29]: "I felt really unprotected and taken advantage of."
• Madeline Brewer [45:46]: "I love intimacy coordinators. I'm so glad that they exist."

7. Reflections on Critical Episodes and Final Season

Madeline delves into specific moments from the finale of The Handmaid's Tale, particularly focusing on her character’s pivotal scenes and the emotional weight they carry. She discusses the thematic significance of these moments and their impact on viewers.

Key Points:

• Final Scenes: The gravity of Bronte's confrontation with Joe and the resolution of her character arc.
• Thematic Exploration: The portrayal of power dynamics, resilience, and justice within the narrative.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [83:38]: "The fantasy of a man like you is how we cope with the reality of a man like you."
• Madeline Brewer [86:06]: "This is the passing of the baton... It's a brilliant moment."

8. Personal Insights and Advice

In the concluding segments, Madeline offers heartfelt advice to her younger self and listeners, emphasizing self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of pursuing one's passions despite challenges.

Key Points:

• Advice to Younger Self: Encouraging her past self to embrace her uniqueness and assuring her that life improves with time.
• Personal Growth: Acknowledging the difficulties of adolescence and the growth that follows.

Notable Quotes:

• Madeline Brewer [90:51]: "Being 12 is hard. It gets better. It gets so much better."
• Madeline Brewer [90:51]: "Don't take that one job. It'll get you out of being a waitress. But at what cost?"

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look into Madeline Brewer's journey from a small-town theater enthusiast to a celebrated actress grappling with complex roles and personal challenges. Through her candid reflections, listeners gain valuable insights into the struggles and triumphs that shape a successful career in the demanding world of acting.

Final Thoughts:

• Madeline Brewer [93:12]: "It's a beautiful chapter to close. Maybe I'll be able to play a woman who's not suffering."
• Madeline Brewer [94:01]: "Thank you so much for having me. It's an honor to be on Podcrushed."

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Madeline Brewer [04:23]: "I was not academically motivated, like by any means."
• Madeline Brewer [05:19]: "I did theater since I was seven. That's what I cared about."
• Madeline Brewer [31:25]: "I had no idea Orange Is the New Black would be what it was."
• Madeline Brewer [54:21]: "Elisabeth Moss said that Maddie is the greatest talent of this generation."
• Madeline Brewer [90:51]: "Being 12 is hard. It gets better. It gets so much better."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Madeline Brewer's appearance on Podcrushed, highlighting her personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and the profound lessons she shares about resilience and self-discovery during adolescence.