I am really happy to be welcoming a guest to this episode of The Accidental Leader! Self-employed musician Valerie Sassyfras joins me to discuss her life and her career. She is truly a force of nature, a New Orleans legend who has had some incredible viral moments, from appearing on The Ellen Show multiple times to making it on America's Got Talent. Beyond the fame and the entertainment, though, there is a deep, authentic person behind the Sassyfras persona.

Valerie opens up about her incredible love story with her late partner Johnny and how they built a music career together traveling around the country. Even after Johnny's passing, Valerie has kept the music and the spirit alive, performing with the same infectious energy and joy. We also discuss Valerie's documentary Nobody May Come - a project that she didn't even initiate and doesn't own the rights to but has championed and supported over the years, and of course, we had to talk about Valerie's wildly creative and fun songs, from "Girls Night Out" to "Hide the Pickle."

Throughout the conversation, you'll note Valerie's resilience, positivity, and sheer passion for life! She is a true inspiration, and I am honored to call her a friend. I hope you enjoy listening to this fun, heartfelt conversation with Valerie as much as I did having it!

Time Stamps:

[0:49] - I am finally interviewing Valerie Sassyfrass, someone I hoped to have on the podcast before the podcast even began!

[2:10] - Valerie reveals how a viral video led to national fame and also touches upon unexpected family drama that briefly derailed her life.

[5:39] - Hear how MTV paid Valerie for her music and let her choose how she’d be portrayed.

[7:10] - Though she dislikes the title, Valerie has no creative control over the documentary about her and dislikes the title.

[8:52] - Valerie reflects on how playing for one person launched her documentary when a filmmaker saw her perform by chance.

[11:37] - Valerie met her soulmate unexpectedly at work; he was kind, steady, and completely unlike her exes.

[14:08] - We learn that Valerie coped with grief by performing, eventually becoming the confident frontwoman she is now but wasn't always.

[17:57] - Valerie reveals what inspired songs like “Girls Night Out” and “Hide the Pickle.”

[20:40] - Despite being unconventional, Valerie persists in music, even when venues don’t know how to place her.

[22:27] - Valerie explains how a family betrayal over her mother’s care inspired her emotionally raw and cathartic songwriting.

[25:33] - Outside of New Orleans, Valerie mixes covers with originals to meet audiences' expectations for familiarity.

[27:18] - Valerie honors her late partner Johnny and audience connection by creating space rather than demanding their attention.

Resources:

The Accidental Leader - Website

yournarketing.co

[email protected]

Bo McDonald on LinkedIn

Valerie Sassyfras’ Website

Valerie Sassyfras on Facebook

Valerie Sassyfras Appreciation Page on Facebook

Valerie Sassyfras on LinkedIn

Valerie Sassyfras - “Girls Night Out”

Valerie Sassyfras - “Babysitter”

Valerie Sassyfras - “T-Rex & Me”

Valerie Sassyfras - “Hide the Pickle”