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Gandhinagar: Stassi Schroeder, a reality TV personality, best known for her role on Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. secured a multi-year, seven-figure deal with PodcastOne for her self-titled podcast in November 2024.
This move to PodcastOne, a leading podcast platform with a network of over 200 podcasts, marks a significant career boost for the reality TV personality who was fired from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules in 2020. PodcastOne executives expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Stassi’s ability to connect with women through her content and genuine conversations.
The company has ambitious plans for Stassi’s podcast, aiming to integrate it into their promotional and marketing initiatives and explore opportunities for live shows, merchandise, and adaptations. PodcastOne is heavily investing in Stassi’s brand, confident in its potential for growth .
Stassi’s Podcast History and Style
Stassi’s podcast has been running for over nine years, consistently ranking among the highest-rated podcasts across platforms. She has also successfully taken her podcast on the road, with multiple sold-out tours across the US under her belt. On her podcast, Stassi shares personal stories, reflections, and commentary on a wide range of topics, including pop culture, relationships, and style. Her approach emphasizes “real talk” and “authentic storytelling,” creating a sense of intimacy and connection with her listeners.
Stassi’s Firing from Vanderpump Rules
Stassi’s departure from Vanderpump Rules stemmed from a 2018 incident where she and another cast member, Kristen Doute, allegedly falsely accused Faith Stowers, who was then the only Black cast member on the show, of a crime. They reported Stowers to the police, an action that resurfaced in 2020 amidst the social justice movement sparked by George Floyd’s murder, leading to their firing.
Faith Stowers’ Lawsuit and Critique of Bravo
Faith Stowers later filed a lawsuit against Bravo in April 2024, alleging racial discrimination during her time on Vanderpump Rules. The lawsuit details a harrowing experience where Stowers was allegedly subjected to racism, sexual harassment, and physical assault. She also criticized Bravo’s decision to rehire Kristen Doute for the Vanderpump Rules spin-off The Valley in 2024, viewing it as a superficial response to the 2020 racial reckoning and evidence that the network has returned to “business as usual”.
Stassi’s Career Comeback and the Controversy
Stassi’s podcast deal with PodcastOne and her upcoming Hulu series mark a significant career rebound for her. However, this resurgence unfolds against the backdrop of Stowers’ lawsuit and ongoing conversations about racial justice in the entertainment industry. Critics argue that Stassi’s comeback, coupled with Bravo’s alleged actions, sends a message that racist actions have few consequences.
PodcastOne’s Future Plans with Stassi Schroeder
PodcastOne plans for Stassi Schroeder’s podcast a significant investment in her brand, with the goal of expanding her reach and exploring various revenue streams.
Podcast Promotion and Marketing
PodcastOne intends to leverage its existing network and resources to heavily promote and market Stassi’s podcast. This will likely involve integrating her show into PodcastOne’s promotional initiatives across multiple genres, aiming to attract new listeners and solidify her position as a prominent voice within the platform.
Live Shows
Expanding upon Stassi’s history of successful live tours with her podcast, PodcastOne plans to further explore opportunities for live shows. This could involve organizing larger tours, incorporating special guests, and creating unique live experiences for her fanbase.
Merchandising
PodcastOne aims to develop and launch merchandise related to Stassi’s podcast. This could include apparel, accessories, and other branded items designed to appeal to her existing fans and further monetize her brand.
Adaptations
PodcastOne mentions the possibility of exploring adaptations for Stassi’s podcast. This could involve developing her content into other formats, such as television shows, documentaries, or even scripted series, leveraging her existing fanbase and the themes explored in her podcast.
