In this episode of The Stiletto Room, I sit down with one of my favorite people on the planet - Allison Statter, CEO & Founder of Blended Strategy Group and XOa Fragrance, and devoted boy mom. She is the daughter of my dear friends, legendary music executive Irving Azoff and powerhouse matriarch Shelli Azoff, and she is a true baller in her own right.

We get real about what it actually feels like to be stretched in a million directions as working mothers, entrepreneurs, and connectors in an industry that still doesn’t put nearly enough women in the top jobs. Allison talks about what it was like for her growing up Azoff, going on the road in the summers with the Eagles, and how listening in on her dad’s calls and watching her parents build community made the business feel like it was “in her DNA.”

Allison breaks down why authentic partnerships beat clout-chasing every time, how her intuition drives fast, decisive choices for brands, and the unglamorous truth about launching and sustaining a business — from Blended Strategy Group to her signature fragrance line, XOa. I share the wild story of my clair-sentient astrologer’s predictions, and we dive into energy, karma, and the power of trusting your gut.

This episode is a front-row seat to a conversation between two women who love hard, work hard, and refuse to apologize for being both: mothers, bosses, and believers in our own magic.

About Allison Statter

Allison Statter launched entertainment marketing agency Blended Strategy Group in 2015 with her business partner Sherry Jhawar. Allison is a forward-thinker with deep experience in talent management. She spent 10+ years at Azoff Music Management where she managed A-list talent such as Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Levine, Jewel and Mariah Carey to name a few. She also led the brand division negotiating major deals with top brands from American Express to L’Oréal, and Weight Watchers among many others. Allison created Blended Strategy to help brands develop integrated 360 marketing initiatives that focus on the unique intersection of brands & talent within pop culture. What started as a celebrity procurement and influencer marketing business now includes Marketing Communications, Social Media and Paid Growth services. BSG’s client roster includes top household names like Shake Shack, Schwarzkopf, OLLY Wellness, and the Radio City Rockettes to talent and founder-led brands like GXVE Beauty by Gwen Stefani, Rael Holistic Cycle Care and Jennifer Meyer Fine Jewelry. Allison currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and 3 boys.

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What happens when you tell a little girl her voice is “weird”? She grows up to be Morgan Wade — one of the most powerful songwriters of her generation.

In this brutally honest and deeply moving episode of The Stiletto Room, Dina LaPolt sits down with country-rock phenom Morgan Wade to talk about everything — from growing up in small-town Virginia and discovering Elvis, to battling addiction, rebuilding her life, and rewriting the rules of country music.

Morgan opens up about getting sober at 22, the moment that changed everything in New York, and how fitness, discipline, and authenticity became her survival tools. She also talks about the story behind her latest record The Party Is Over (Revisited), her Guinness World Record pull-up goal, and the next chapter of her creative empire.

This is Morgan like you’ve never seen her — raw, grounded, and powerful as hell.

About Morgan Wade

Virginia-born singer-songwriter Morgan Wade has carved out a reputation as one of country music’s most authentic and fearless voices. After breaking through with her debut album Reckless and earning nominations from the Academy of Country Music and Americana Music Association, Wade found herself longing for simplicity amid the chaos of fame and touring.

That search for clarity fuels her latest album, Obsessed—a raw, 14-track project written entirely by Wade and produced by her guitarist Clint Wells. Returning to her roots as a storyteller, the record captures themes of love, home, heartbreak, recovery, and self-reflection. From the driving opener “Total Control” to the soulful “2AM in London,” Wade balances the ache of distance with the pull of connection.

Highlights include “Moth to a Flame,” a testament to lasting love; “Juliet,” a reimagined tale of forbidden affection; and “Walked on Water,” a stirring duet with Kesha that showcases Wade’s emotional depth, lyrical honesty, and vocal power. Through Obsessed, she chronicles growth, vulnerability, and a reckoning with her past—emerging renewed, grounded, and unapologetically herself.

Wade’s evolution proves why she remains one of modern country’s most compelling artists, blending country, Americana, and rock influences into bold, honest storytelling that continues to resonate deeply with fans. Her music speaks to resilience, redemption, and the courage to face change head-on—a reflection of her personal journey toward balance, healing, and artistic freedom.

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What happens when the daughter of a rock legend decides to write her own story?

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Stiletto Room, I sit down with Jesse Money, daughter of the late, great Eddie Money — my former client and dear friend — to talk about love, loss, recovery, and finding her voice as an artist and woman.

We go deep: from life on the road with her dad and the family band, to how the Real Money TV show came to be, to the heartbreak of losing both her father and grandfather — and finding sobriety in the middle of it all. Jesse opens up about carrying her father’s legacy through her new music, her stunning new song “Legacy”, and the moment Eddie told her, “I’m leaving you with my legacy.”

This conversation is raw, real, and full of heart — about breaking cycles, honoring family, and finally stepping into your own light.

Jesse Money’s Bio:

Jesse Money is a singer/songwriter and the daughter of Rock legend Eddie Money. Jesse grew up in the music business, touring alongside her Dad and singing on stage with him since she was a little girl. Her vocal influences range from Etta James to Janis Joplin, Paul Rodgers, and many more, including of course her dad. Jesse's new music is an expression of her journey while going through the different stages of the grief that she experienced after losing her father. Each song on her EP expresses all of the emotions of loss that she went through, while also trying to break through her addiction to drugs and alcohol. Jesse hopes to reach others that are going through similar journeys by sharing her story . Her Rock/Pop sound is raw and soulful, while showcasing the pain and resilience through her songs. 

Jesse continues to honor her father’s legacy by paying tribute to his music and performing his songs onstage alongside her brother Dez.

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What do you do when everyone tells you you’re crazy for leaving a cushy executive job to run a haunted hayride? If you’re Melissa Carbone, you go all in—and end up creating what becomes  the largest Halloween-themed entertainment company in the world.

From building LA’s iconic Haunted Hayride out of her own front yard to securing the biggest Shark Tank deal in history with Mark Cuban, Melissa has redefined immersive entertainment. She now co-owns Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, runs attractions across 19 markets, and continues to innovate in live experiences.

In this episode of The Stiletto Room, Melissa opens up about her early days in Connecticut, the power of believing in yourself, being a gay woman breaking into a male-dominated industry, and how failure became her superpower. She also teases her next project—an unprecedented event coming to Los Angeles that will be the biggest of its kind.

This is a masterclass in risk-taking, resilience, and creativity.

Melissa Carbone Bio:

Melissa Carbone is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and owner/producer at Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group (TFEG), the largest themed entertainment company in the world. After a decade leading major markets for Clear Channel Media + Entertainment (now iHeart), Melissa founded Ten Thirty One Productions (TTO), the first company to create and produce live horror attractions. She made history on ABC’s Shark Tank with the show’s largest deal, partnering with Mark Cuban and later Live Nation. After selling TTO, she launched Tailgate Fest and Dirt Road Entertainment, while publishing her best-selling book “Ready, Fire, Aim: How I Turned a Hobby into an Empire.” TTO’s LA Haunted Hayride became one of the country’s top independent haunted attractions before Melissa sold the company to TFEG in 2018. Today, TFEG operates in 16 markets with more than 20 attractions, drawing millions of visitors annually to its immersive entertainment experiences. Her Tailgate Fest redefined the country music festival scene, featuring Toby Keith, Florida Georgia Line, Brett Eldredge, Nelly, and Hardy. During the pandemic, she partnered with LA County Parks to produce the first Drive-In Movie Series and launched Boat Cinema, a sellout hit that earned the 2022 “Best Experience” Award. Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Entrepreneur, Inc., and Bloomberg, Melissa is recognized as a pioneer in immersive entertainment. She lives in Los Angeles with her dogs Macy, Gwen, and Gayle, and loves horror films, country music, and fitness.

If you love the topics we unpack in the podcast, then you'll love Dina LaPolt's new motivational book, Street Smart: Succeeding in a Man's World. Order Now!
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You’ve seen the helmet, you’ve heard the music—but you’ve never heard deadmau5 like this. In this episode of The Stiletto Room, Joel Zimmerman (aka deadmau5) sits down with me for a rare, unfiltered conversation about his journey from taking apart TVs as a kid in Ontario to headlining festivals across the globe.

Joel opens up about teaching himself computer music before the Internet, creating his own opportunities, and how a fried mouse inside his PC became one of the most iconic names in electronic music. We dive into the business side, too— building his own in-house empire at mau5trap, and the constant reinvention required to stay relevant in a cutthroat industry.

This episode isn’t just for EDM fans—it’s for anyone who wants to understand what it takes to build a brand, protect it, and survive the low highs and lows of global fame.

About deadmau5
Joel Zimmerman, more commonly known as deadmau5 (pronounced “deadmouse”), is one of the world’s most respected electronic music producers of modern times. Enjoying international chart success with his 2x platinum-certified single Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff, as well as Professional Griefers, Sofi Needs a Ladder and I Remember, he has also released seven critically acclaimed albums.

The multiple JUNO Award-winning and GRAMMY®-nominated artist’s ability to push the boundaries of his talent grows at an equal rate to his fan base, which counts 15 million and more across his combined social media channels.

His latest music offerings include Pomegranate with The Neptunes, Bridged by a Lightwave with Kiesza, Channel 43 with Wolfgang Gartner, Hypnocurrency and Infraliminal (as REZZMAU5) with REZZ, When the Summer Dies with Lights, Hyperlandia featuring Foster the People, this is fine. with Portugal. The Man, XYZ, My Heart Has Teeth featuring Skylar Grey, Jupiter and his latest EP, some ep.
In 2022, deadmau5 teamed with longtime friend and collaborator Kaskade on the new music project Kx5, releasing the Top 40 smash and #1 dance music radio single Escape featuring Hayla, leading into the release of their 2023 GRAMMY-nominated debut self-titled album Kx5.

deadmau5’s 2019/20 U.S. cubev3 tour ranked in the Top 10 of Pollstar’s top tours globally. In 2022, he completed the We Are Friends North American tour and, as Kx5, headlined the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in December, breaking records as the largest single-day concert event headlined by an electronic music artist ever in North America. Billboard confirmed Kx5 at the Coliseum as the biggest ticketed global headliner dance event of 2022.

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What happens when a Florida girl with zero connections hops off a plane at LAX convinced she’s “arrived”? If you’re Alexis Fisher, you turn that delusion into destiny.

From unpaid internships and 6:45 a.m. calls with Hollywood legends, to being one of the first to take YouTubers seriously at Maker Studios, Alexis saw the creator economy coming before anyone else. That leap of faith became Timeline Management, the company she founded from her apartment—and grew into a powerhouse representing talent across entertainment, music, and live touring.

In this episode of The Stiletto Room, Alexis and I talk about everything: the hustle it took to get into the room, how she turned influencers into global brands, why she partnered with Live Nation to revolutionize live touring, and what it means to juggle being a CEO, wife, and mom without losing yourself.

This is a story about guts, grit, and betting on yourself when no one else will.

About Alexis Fisher:

Alexis Fisher is a trailblazing entrepreneur, talent manager, and Founder & CEO of Timeline Management, a premier talent management firm in Beverly Hills, CA. With roots in public relations at R&CPMK and Disney’s Maker Studios, Alexis has built a career championing talent and driving results.

In 2015, Alexis saw opportunity in influencer marketing. She transitioned her roster of public relations clients to talent management, founding Timeline. Under her leadership, it grew into a top full-service management and branding firm representing Young Hollywood’s leading influencer talent.

With a 360-degree approach, Alexis expands clients’ reach across entertainment and beyond. Her expertise spans social media, endorsements, touring, appearances, products, and music. Timeline has facilitated record deals, branding partnerships, fashion lines, and licensing agreements—redefining how talent bridges digital and traditional spaces.

In 2024, Timeline Management was acquired by Live Nation Entertainment, marking a new era of growth. Alexis continues to lead the company, amplifying its influence in entertainment, touring, and partnerships.

As she shapes the future of entertainment, Alexis is launching new ventures—Timeline Touring and Timeline Rollout—keeping Timeline at the forefront of talent management and branding innovation.

Alexis has been featured on Variety’s Dealmakers Impact Report and spoken at major events, including Billboard’s Live Music Summit. A passionate advocate for women, she leads an all-female staff and represents a female talent

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When Tee Kissen walks into the room, the vibe shifts—high frequency, high standards, and high heels. She’s the actress, artist, model, entrepreneur, and unapologetic original behind the viral mantra: “Bad bitches got feelings.”

In this episode of The Stiletto Room, Tee opens up about her new single “Bad”, blending R&B and pop with raw vulnerability, and why independence has always been her power play. We get into everything—her start as a commercial kid with brands like Google and CoverGirl, her breakout Netflix series, creating music that’s more than just pretty packaging, and why trusting her intuition has saved her from the industry’s traps.

We also talk about mentorship, wellness, astrology, and what it takes to manifest a career that’s truly your own. Tee is proof that you don’t need permission to shine—you just need vision, grit, and a little bad bitch energy.

Tee Kissen Bio:

About Tamera “Tee” KissenTamera "TEE" Kissen is a dynamic force in entertainment, blending her talents as a TV personality, actress, influencer, and artist. She is a true multi-hyphenate in every sense of the word. Tee recently wrapped a recurring role in Netflix's Tyler Perry series "Beauty In Black," which debuted as the network’s #1 most-watched series within its first four days, rising to the top of TV streaming charts with 8.7 million views in its opening week. As a standout personality on Zeus Network’s “BaddiesEast,” Tee’s presence in the industry is undeniable. With over 2.2 million followers on both Instagram and TikTok, 602k monthly Spotify listeners, and 500k YouTube subscribers, Tee has cultivated a loyal fan base that amplifies her every move. Her hit podcast, “Hot Tee,” has featured high-profile guests like Nick Cannon, The Game, and Yung Bleu, achieving viral success. Tee’s brand transcends entertainment, encompassing major partnerships with Google Chromecast, Adidas/Finishline, and eBay, alongside her independently released music, which is gaining momentum. As she dives deeper into her music career, Tee showcases her versatility with a unique fusion of R&B and pop. Through her latest single, “Bad,” Tee seeks to convey that “being a BadBitch isn’t just about making money, partying, or looking good; it’s about being emotionally intelligent, strong, independent, and in tune with one's femininity. She continues to explore this message in her subsequent songs, aiming for "high vibrations and soft girl vibes” that infuse positivity into the lives of girls and women. With her talent and ambition, Tee is poised to leave a lasting impact

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What happens when two badass songwriters get a $4.78 royalty check for a global hit? They start a revolution.

In this episode of The Stiletto Room, I sit down with my dear friends Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo, “Here & Now”) and Michelle Lewis (Cher, Little Mix, Andra Day) to revisit the wild story of how we founded SONA (Songwriters of North America). From walking into my office with questions, to organizing hundreds of writers overnight, to suing the Department of Justice (yes, we really did that)—this is the untold story of how songwriters finally got a seat at the table.

We also get real about sobriety, survival, chasing each other down the street into rehab, motherhood, and why protecting creators isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity.

This conversation is funny, fiery, and historic. If you’ve ever loved a song, you owe these women—and every songwriter—a listen.

About Kay Hanley:

Kay Hanley is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning songwriter, activist, and lead singer of Boston alt-rock band Letters To Cleo, known for hits like Here and Now and Awake. After acclaimed albums and her solo release Cherry Marmalade, the band reunited in 2016 for sold-out U.S. tours and new music. Kay’s voice and songs appear in films like Josie and the Pussycats and 10 Things I Hate About You, and she co-wrote the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds musical episode Subspace Rhapsody. She has written songs for Doc McStuffins (Peabody Award), Vampirina, Ada Twist, Scientist, and Emmy-winning We The People. Hanley co-founded SONA (Songwriters of North America) and serves on the Mechanical Licensing Collective, advocating for songwriter rights in the streaming era.

About Michelle Lewis:

Michelle Lewis is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning songwriter, composer, and advocate for music creators’ rights. She has written singles for Cher, Amy Grant, Andra Day, and Little Mix, and Emmy-winning songs for Bubble Guppies, The Loud House, Julie and the Phantoms, and Disney’s Doc McStuffins. Michelle co-created and executive produces Disney Jr.’s Kindergarten The Musical. As co-founder and CEO of SONA (Songwriters of North America) and the SONA Foundation, she helped pass the Music Modernization Act, fought for fair streaming royalties, healthcare, and protections, and now advocates for ethical guardrails in AI. She also serves o

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Jason Lee is not here to play small — and he never has. From surviving foster care and gun violence to becoming Vice Mayor of Stockton and founder of Hollywood Unlocked, Jason’s life is a masterclass in using street smarts, grit, and unapologetic truth-telling to shake up every room he enters.

In this episode, we go all in: how he went from labor organizing and taking on corrupt unions to building one of the most influential media platforms in urban culture. We talk about running for office after a brutal political betrayal, holding brands accountable for fake “diversity” pledges, and why he refuses to play nice when the stakes are our communities, our kids, and our culture.

Jason is equal parts activist, dealmaker, and disruptor — the rare leader who will sit in a City Council meeting one day and in a room with Cardi B the next. This is a conversation about power, purpose, and the courage to say what everyone else is too scared to.

About Jason Lee:

Jason Lee is a seasoned entrepreneur, media innovator, and community advocate recently elected to represent District 6 on the Stockton City Council. As CEO and founder of Hollywood Unlocked, a leading multimedia entertainment platform valued at over $50 million, Jason’s dynamic career spans labor relations, business development, and civic engagement. After six years in education and probation, Jason transitioned to labor relations in 2006, joining the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Rising from union representative to staff director within the Kaiser Permanente division, he later became a labor representative for the California Nurses Association, where he negotiated contracts for registered nurses and earned a reputation for resolving complex issues. In 2015, Jason launched Hollywood Unlocked, now a major force in entertainment and cultural commentary. Its rapid growth, combined with the launch of The Jason Lee Show in 2023, cemented Jason’s role as a key voice for underrepresented communities. Beyond entertainment, he spearheaded Healthcare Unlocked, an initiative to provide affordable healthcare to one million Americans, blending business innovation with meaningful social impact. In 2024, Jason ran for Stockton City Council’s District 6, a diverse community facing economic inequality, public safety challenges, and limited youth opportunities. His campaign focused on public safety, economic growth, youth programs, and affordable housing. His historic victory reflects his deep understanding of the community’s struggles and his vision for transformative change.

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What do Jessica Alba, Hollywood’s elite, and my own face all have in common? Shani Darden. She’s the esthetician-turned-entrepreneur who went from rolling around in music videos to creating the go-to skin care line trusted by celebrities and Sephora shoppers worldwide.

In this episode of The Stiletto Room, Shani opens up about her journey from a small town in upstate New York to becoming one of the most respected Black female founders in beauty. She talks about her obsession with skin care as a kid, the leap from giving facials in her back house to opening her own energy-infused studio, and the product that changed the game: Retinol Reform.

We get into it all — building a business as a woman of color, the pressure of perfection in Hollywood, surviving the pandemic launch of her Sephora line, and why reputation is the only real currency. And yes, we even talk about her pet turtle Mitch.

This conversation is raw, funny, and full of wisdom — a must-listen for anyone chasing their passion and glowing while doing it.

About Shani Darden:

Considered the secret behind Hollywood’s most flawless faces, expert esthetician Shani Darden sets herself apart with her results-oriented approach to skin care. Her passion for simple, yet effective solutions has earned her clients’ trust and respect in a town where beauty, health, and wellness standards are high. Shani trained as an aesthetician under a leading dermatologist, eventually going out on her own. She developed a passion for creating products she could not find, sending clients home with custom-made formulas between visits. Her Retinol Reform® serum quickly built a huge celebrity following. Today, Shani is sharing her proven formulas and trusted expertise so people everywhere can achieve their best skin. In June 2019, Shani opened her first flagship studio in Beverly Hills where she treats clients, develops high-performance formulas, and shares her expertise with her followers on social media.

If you love the topics we unpack in the podcast, then you'll love Dina LaPolt's new motivational book, Street Smart: Succeeding in a Man's World. Order Now!
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