Podcast Summary: Dumb Blonde
Episode: Tanner Adell: From Buckle Bunny to Going Blonde
Host: Bunny XO, Dumb Blonde Productions
Release Date: March 31, 2025
1. Introduction and Guest Background
Bunny XO welcomes Tanner Adell to the episode, expressing her excitement about Tanner's journey from her beginnings as "Buckle Bunny" to her evolution into "Going Blonde." The hosts establish a warm and supportive atmosphere, highlighting their mutual admiration and the long-awaited conversation about Tanner's personal and professional growth.
Bunny XO [01:05]: "You have been so busy, and I'm so fucking proud of you, girl."
2. Early Life and Adoption Story
Tanner opens up about her early life, revealing that she was adopted as a newborn into a biracial Mormon family. She shares the challenges of growing up between two different environments—California and Wyoming—and how this duality shaped her identity.
Tanner Adell [03:39]: "I grew up in a really unique kind of household... between school year in California and Wyoming."
3. Finding Her Biological Family
During her teenage years, Tanner began to feel different from her friends and family. At 16, she received a mysterious bracelet from someone named Gilbert, sparking her curiosity about her biological father. This led her to reconnect with her birth family, uncovering that she is biologically related to her half-siblings and discovering the truth about her mother’s past.
Tanner Adell [10:52]: "I had pictures of him, but I didn't have pictures of her yet."
4. Impact of Religious Upbringing
Tanner discusses the profound impact of her Southern Pentecostal upbringing, highlighting the trauma caused by rigid religious expectations. She explains how these experiences contributed to her anxiety and the feeling of not fitting in.
Bunny XO [07:46]: "Religion being pushed on you... It's pretty fucking heavy, dude."
5. Music Career and Alter Ego
Tanner delves into her passion for music, tracing it back to childhood influences like the musical Grease. She explains how her alter ego, Buckle Bunny, served as a shield, allowing her to express herself while keeping her personal struggles private.
Tanner Adell [30:35]: "My love for music and theater and drama was so early... my parents saw it so early on and were always supportive."
6. Collaboration with Beyoncé and Achievements
A significant highlight of the episode is Tanner's collaboration with Beyoncé, including performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. Tanner describes the surreal experience and the honor of being embraced by an icon she deeply admires.
Bunny XO [51:29]: "When I saw that, I was so giddy... Can we talk about it?"
7. Upcoming Album: "Going Blonde"
Tanner reveals details about her debut album, Going Blonde, inspired by her late biological mother who resembled Dolly Parton. The album reflects her journey of self-discovery and healing, blending country with pop and other genres to create a cohesive yet diverse sound.
Tanner Adell [43:26]: "I wanted to do that, but you'd think it was gonna be cheeky, but it's actually just the real reason why I am blonde like this."
8. Healing and Personal Growth
The conversation delves into Tanner's healing process, emphasizing how her music has become a therapeutic outlet for her emotions and experiences. She shares how her recent work is more introspective, addressing themes of heartbreak, identity, and personal growth.
Bunny XO [35:07]: "With the mind, what the heart wants to heal."
9. Future Projects and Closing
Tanner discusses her upcoming projects, including performing at international music festivals like Sea to Sea and other global appearances. She also touches on her plans to continue healing and recharging as she prepares for the release of her debut album.
Tanner Adell [54:13]: "I am the most excited for Sea to Sea... It's a music festival... overseas."
Notable Quotes
- Bunny XO [08:13]: "It's a. It's a crazy story that I... that I didn't even know."
- Tanner Adell [17:13]: "So yes, my bio family did find me, but I've met my birth father was not able to meet my mom."
- Tanner Adell [33:20]: "It's really hard for me to write happy music."
- Bunny XO [48:38]: "So I completely relate to the going blonde thing."
Conclusion
In this heartfelt and engaging episode, Tanner Adell shares her profound journey from being an adoptee facing identity struggles and religious trauma to becoming a rising star in the music industry. Her collaboration with Beyoncé and the forthcoming Going Blonde album mark significant milestones in her path of healing and self-expression. Bunny XO adeptly navigates the conversation, allowing Tanner to reveal her vulnerabilities and triumphs, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in personal growth, music, and overcoming adversity.
Where to Follow Tanner Adell:
- Instagram: @TannerAdell
- TikTok: @TannerAdell
- YouTube: Tanner Adell's official channel
Stay tuned for Tanner's debut album Going Blonde, set to release later this year, and her exciting performances at international festivals!