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Ever wondered how those seemingly perfect pet influencers balance it all? Maddie from @myboyrudder pulls back the curtain on her journey from creating a ”digital baby book” for her dog to becoming an educational content creator with a passionate following—all while maintaining a corporate career.

When her dog Rudder underwent TPLO surgery during a snowy Chicago winter, Fresh Patch became an unexpected solution that would later prove invaluable during a move to apartment living in Brooklyn. Maddie thoughtfully addresses the misconceptions about using potty solutions for dogs, explaining how her educational approach naturally led to a community that understands and supports her philosophy.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Maddie reveals how social connections made through Instagram DMs have blossomed into meaningful real-world friendships. ”As an adult, it's always more difficult to make friends,” she shares, ”but especially when you have a more niche interest.” Her authenticity has created a network of people who not only follow her content but feel genuinely connected to Rudder—often approaching them on the street with the warmth of meeting an old friend.

Balancing content creation with a full-time job isn't without challenges. With refreshing honesty, Maddie discusses the emotional ups and downs of managing expectations, creating valuable content, and maintaining partnerships while protecting her mental health. Her advice for aspiring influencers emphasizes passion and authenticity over trends or forced personas, offering wisdom gained through years of navigating this complex landscape.

The episode culminates with the heartwarming story of an impromptu cross-country road trip with Rudder following an unexpected layoff—a reminder that sometimes our pets inspire us to embrace adventures we might otherwise miss. Tune in to discover how one pet parent transformed her genuine love for dogs into educational content, meaningful community, and even her own supplement brand, all while navigating the realities of modern life.

Follow Maddie and Rudder on Instagram and TikTok @myboyrudder and discover Fresh Patch's real grass solutions at freshpatch.com.

Thanks for listening to the potty talk podcast brought to you by Fresh Patch. We hope you enjoyed the show. Give us a like or a follow, or shop all of our real grass supplies at freshpatch.com.Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Youtube, Reddit