My Best Friend's POV On My Bachelor Journey with Erica Hardesty

Mar 16, 2026

01:05:15

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Episode notes

Welcome back to another episode of Stay True Podcast! This week, Madi is joined by one of her closest friends, Erica Hardesty, for a conversation that is hilarious, heartfelt, and eye-opening. For the first time, Erica shares her behind-the-scenes perspective of Madi's journey on The Bachelor… including stories and moments that have never been shared before. From watching everything unfold in real time to supporting Madi through the highs, challenges, and public attention that came with it, Erica gives listeners a unique look at what that season was really like from the perspective of someone who knew Madi long before the cameras.

But this conversation goes far beyond reality TV. Erica also opens up about something deeply close to her heart: the foster care crisis and the work she's doing through her nonprofit, Make It Matter, which supports young adults aging out of the foster care system. Together, Madi and Erica talk about the realities many of these young people face and how we can all play a role in bringing hope and practical support.

Questions/topics discussed and answered:

-What it's really like to experience The Bachelor from the outside

-How friends can support and encourage you through high-pressure experiences

-Balancing public attention with staying true to yourself

-Navigating friendship, trust, and loyalty in unexpected seasons

-The challenges young adults face when aging out of foster care

-Practical ways you can get involved and make a difference

Helpful Resources:

Make It Matter: The Collective: www.makeitmattercollective.com

Noella's Flowers: https://www.noellasflowers.com/

Dare To Be True by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5

Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com