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Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic – A Modern-Day Memoir from the Trailer Parks of Vegas to Nashville and Podcast Stardom
From the trailer parks of Vegas to the mansions of Nashville, Bunnie Xo has lived a lot of lives and seen the darkest sides of humanity. Her memoir, Stripped Unfiltered and Unapologetic, is cold, clear evidence that no one is irredeemable. With a heavy dose of humor and a refreshing sense of self-awareness, Bunnie pulls no punches as she shares her journey of redemption while offering some homespun wisdom to those who need a little saving themselves.
Alisa DeFord, known to her millions of fans as Bunnie Xo, started at the bottom and spent the first part of her life falling even deeper. Now, Bunnie Xo is one of today’s most successful podcasters and has paved her way through the entertainment industry as the owner of Dumb Blonde Productions, building an empire with heart and personality at the forefront.
Stripped Down is the story of how Bunnie Xo rose to the top, how she used her own wiles to reach her goals, how she knew redemption was up to her—and that no one could hand it to her—and a message to anyone who needs advice on breaking their own cycles.
Hilarious, earnest, thought-provoking, and occasionally downright shocking, Stripped Down is a modern-day rag-to-riches story and a message of hope to anyone struggling to redeem themselves.
Alisa DeFord, known to her millions of fans as Bunnie Xo, started at the bottom and spent the first part of her life falling even deeper. Now, Bunnie Xo is one of today’s most successful podcasters and has paved her way through the entertainment industry as the owner of Dumb Blonde Productions, building an empire with heart and personality at the forefront.
Stripped Down is the story of how Bunnie Xo rose to the top, how she used her own wiles to reach her goals, how she knew redemption was up to her—and that no one could hand it to her—and a message to anyone who needs advice on breaking their own cycles.
Hilarious, earnest, thought-provoking, and occasionally downright shocking, Stripped Down is a modern-day rag-to-riches story and a message of hope to anyone struggling to redeem themselves.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 17, 2026
3841 people are currently reading
5581 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 878 reviews
February 18, 2026
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! I listed to the audio version, and so happy I did. Hearing Bunny’s voice as she read, you could feel her emotions. Listening to her choking up, and hear her sniffle had me in tears. Even listening to the acknowledgments had me in tears. She is an excellent writer, I hope she continues writing.
February 18, 2026
Stripped Down is a raw, unfiltered journey of self‑exploration, survival and transformation. I listened to the entire audiobook in one day because Bunnie’s voice and honesty pulled me in completely. She shares the trauma of her childhood — abandonment, SA, instability and being consistently overlooked — and the painful moments in her teens and adulthood that shaped her. She opens up about the struggles in her relationship with Jelly, the hard truths they faced, and how they rebuilt with honesty and commitment.
What moved me most was watching her grow into the woman she needed as a child: a steady mother figure for Bailee, a partner who shows up, and a woman who finally learns to show up for herself. Her story is heartbreaking, healing, and ultimately empowering. She doesn’t just survive — she rises.
What moved me most was watching her grow into the woman she needed as a child: a steady mother figure for Bailee, a partner who shows up, and a woman who finally learns to show up for herself. Her story is heartbreaking, healing, and ultimately empowering. She doesn’t just survive — she rises.
February 19, 2026
Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic by Bunnie XO is exactly what the title promises a raw, honest, and completely unfiltered memoir. Alisa (Bunnie XO) doesn’t shy away from any details. She owns her mistakes, embraces who she is, and never apologizes for it.
Listening to her narrate her own memoir adds an extra layer of impact, especially in the vulnerable & heartbreaking moments. She’s funny, she’s real, and she brings her story to life in a way that feels deeply personal.
I highly recommend the audiobook!
Listening to her narrate her own memoir adds an extra layer of impact, especially in the vulnerable & heartbreaking moments. She’s funny, she’s real, and she brings her story to life in a way that feels deeply personal.
I highly recommend the audiobook!
March 12, 2026
RESILIENCE—RECOVERY—TRIUMPH
Bunnie spent the majority of her life going through the shit mill.
Her story brought back traumatic memories of my childhood and reminded me of the hell a friend of mine went through too. We found ways to cope, support and move forward.
I know of Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll simply by reading celebrity articles about them. I haven’t tuned into her podcast or listened to his music, yet.
Well written, heartbreaking with a happy ending.
Bunnie spent the majority of her life going through the shit mill.
Her story brought back traumatic memories of my childhood and reminded me of the hell a friend of mine went through too. We found ways to cope, support and move forward.
I know of Bunnie XO and Jelly Roll simply by reading celebrity articles about them. I haven’t tuned into her podcast or listened to his music, yet.
Well written, heartbreaking with a happy ending.
February 25, 2026
First thing always first - CHECK. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. Lots of them for this book.
Now. I always struggle to rate a memoir poorly because it's THEIR story to tell... However, similar to other celebrity memoirs written seemingly "too soon" after/in pain (see also: not healed but I say I am/I act self-aware, but I still deeply need more therapy), it's very self-righteous and hard to read. You can share your real raw struggles (done fabulously in this book) without claiming to now have it all together (done constantly in this book).
Also. Your life is tragic enough you don't need to embellish stories for shock value. You don't remember what your mom looks like from when you were 3 months old, and you didn't get depression from touching a dead person. Let's just, stop. Ok thanks, had to let that out. Phew.
Now. I always struggle to rate a memoir poorly because it's THEIR story to tell... However, similar to other celebrity memoirs written seemingly "too soon" after/in pain (see also: not healed but I say I am/I act self-aware, but I still deeply need more therapy), it's very self-righteous and hard to read. You can share your real raw struggles (done fabulously in this book) without claiming to now have it all together (done constantly in this book).
Also. Your life is tragic enough you don't need to embellish stories for shock value. You don't remember what your mom looks like from when you were 3 months old, and you didn't get depression from touching a dead person. Let's just, stop. Ok thanks, had to let that out. Phew.
February 20, 2026
I have so many mixed emotions about this book. The story was good and solid. I struggle with the cavalier attitude towards sobriety and what comes across as arrogance of her spiritual development. I also don’t doubt her self awareness or growth but at times she still comes across as very angry and there are times when there is no accountability for her role in some of these situations. Overall I enjoyed reading it as it was a reminder of what happens in addiction & trauma.
February 27, 2026
Bunnie is an amazing example of "do whatever the fuck it takes to survive".
She didn't dwell on the shit hand she was dealt; she adapted and kept on. That is a quality everyone needs to have...She deserves every ounce of the love she and Jelly have created.
She didn't dwell on the shit hand she was dealt; she adapted and kept on. That is a quality everyone needs to have...She deserves every ounce of the love she and Jelly have created.
February 16, 2026
If you love Bunnie, you’ll love this truly Unapologetic and Unfiltered story. There were no bars held with this one. Bunnie had me laughing, crying, and wanting to stand next to her ready to defend her. Whatever you thought you knew about Bunnie, this sheds more light on how she became the truly amazing person she is today.
February 23, 2026
I hate only giving this book a 2/5 stars because who am I to “rate” someone’s retelling of their lives, especially whenever it is full of heartbreak, trauma, abuse, and violence? I will say that I give her a 5/5 stars for her honesty, her resilience, and her strength. There were a couple things that bothered me, the story jumped around a lot and at times were hard to follow. I think she is still healing and it’s very obvious in this book. At times it feels like a self help book more than an autobiography and if that is what she was aiming for, that’s great. It just felt like it didn’t stick with a genre and was a little chaotic. I still love her though and will continue to follow her journey!
February 19, 2026
If you listen to her podcast-you have already got this whole story. I did appreciate her reading it as it added emotion. And the message in the end was heartfelt. Just disappointed that there wasn’t anymore storyline that what the world has already heard if your an avid listener.
February 20, 2026
Ok so my review is absolutely honest because unlike a lot of these reviews I was not a huge Bunnie fan. Now, I say that lightly because I do listen to her podcast. Not because I love her but because I do think she’s an empathetic journalist. I know some people might not see her as a journalist but she does a lot of research prior to guests and she seems to always ask the right questions.
I am so far from being like bunny, I’m a tomboy, I hate rich men, I don’t like that look, being in Playboy never appealed to me. In other words we are total opposites, or so I thought.
From page one until the end her life and my life had so many parallels. Not exact situations but the feelings behind those situations were much like mine. Guilt, shame, independence, toxic relationships, addiction, anxiety, depression, chaos, mommy issues, daddy issues, resilience, independence, etc etc. When I stopped comparing and started identifying with her story I was able to see the strength and determination in her life but also IN MINE! Inspiring book to say the least. Not to be cliche but Bunnie and this book prove you can NEVER judge a book by its cover. The only reason why it’s not a 5 star review is because I only give 5’s to the greats. (Example: Toni Morrison) I will read or listen to anything Bunnie does because one way or another I will be able to learn something about myself or this world. ❤️❤️❤️
I am so far from being like bunny, I’m a tomboy, I hate rich men, I don’t like that look, being in Playboy never appealed to me. In other words we are total opposites, or so I thought.
From page one until the end her life and my life had so many parallels. Not exact situations but the feelings behind those situations were much like mine. Guilt, shame, independence, toxic relationships, addiction, anxiety, depression, chaos, mommy issues, daddy issues, resilience, independence, etc etc. When I stopped comparing and started identifying with her story I was able to see the strength and determination in her life but also IN MINE! Inspiring book to say the least. Not to be cliche but Bunnie and this book prove you can NEVER judge a book by its cover. The only reason why it’s not a 5 star review is because I only give 5’s to the greats. (Example: Toni Morrison) I will read or listen to anything Bunnie does because one way or another I will be able to learn something about myself or this world. ❤️❤️❤️
March 2, 2026
This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. It's real, raw, and heartbreaking. My heart broke at her childhood. I firmly believe some women are going to be saved from this book. I'm here for it.
February 20, 2026
This book is raw emotional Bunnie style. I’m so glad to have read this. She’s done it classy from start to finish or I should say current chapter of her life quickly and with only 32 chapters. she’s done more in this book than authors who have been seasoned can do so proud of you.
PS I use voice to text as I put my child to sleep. I have no desire to go back and edit this deal with that.
PS I use voice to text as I put my child to sleep. I have no desire to go back and edit this deal with that.
March 4, 2026
I'm only on chapter 10 and I'm struggling to get through it. I've always kinda liked Bunnie to some degree, more indifferent, didn't dislike her, watched some of her content.. now I very much dislike her.
This book comes across so self-righteous, arrogant, and zero accountability. The story jumps around, timeline doesn't always make sense and she contradicts herself. I have no doubt that her home life was toxic in certain ways and that's unacceptable for any parent, but a lot seems embellished to justify her poor behaviour and choices. She was beaten over and over by the step mom and aunt but no one saw bruises and said anything despite the uncle apparently being so great? They on/off switch nice to her but beat her as soon as they were alone? Sounds like a evil stepmother Disney movie that she watched too many times. I believe she's convinced herself this was reality so she can justify her choices, I'm just unsure if it's actual reality.
I think she was definitely neglected and craved attention that she didn't get. The whole back to back, 2 guys in a van try and kidnap her and then the milk a snake guy while she's playing on the boat in yard? No one notices these people in the yard? The blankets levitating ghost stuff, or the she felt herself get pregnant immediately and started gaining weight within what, 3 weeks... she sounds desperately in need of attention and not truthful, so I get why her parents mights not always have believed her.
The chicken cacciatore story of that was her stepmother being cruel by making her a very nice homemade lunch? At another point all in the same paragraph she says she had height on her, was strong, would fight boys, but then her mom lifted her off her feet and rammed her head through a door?? Is the stepmother a 6'2" built man? Did no one notice the busted door or cuts I would imagine to be on her face? The aunt trying to drown the half sister, I dunno... everything seems to be significantly embellished.
I don't think her parents were amazing, I think there are some aspects of truth to her stories, but I think a point came where they tried to clean up and do better.. like putting her in private schools, they not often but sometimes went on vacations, she played sports, she obviously had swimming lessons far enough to get her lifeguard certification as she talks about working as a lifeguard. At the moment I'm at the shoplifting stuff where she talks about it with pride and zero accountability. I don't know if I can finish this, my eyes hurt from rolling them so much. I thought I would empathize with her as I grew up with a lot of emotional neglect/abuse, and I was molested at 6 years old almost everyday for several months, but I don't empathize with her at all, instead all my flags are being raised that this whole book and her stories feel very off, untruthful and almost insulting.
I've kept reading and adding thoughts, not because the book is good, but because I'm truly in awe of how this got published with so many inconsistencies and blatant untruths (like the picture in the book of her with her mom, dad, and the dog - yet she clearly states several times in the book that her mom left when she was 3 months old and she never saw her again until she was 36)
Why am I still reading this awful book... is she completely delusional? She left home at 14, she was expelled, now she's 16 "on the streets" but staying at friends, she's back at the school she was expelled from?? She's pregnant again and felt it immediately at conception like the first time, goes back home, them taking her to hospital is just for show, now Tony took his own life because he couldn't get over their 16 year old teen pregnancy that she lost, and their breakup? Is she serious? Also, in most of her running away, "living life on the streets", she's staying with Stacy, who is her cousin... so she's staying at her aunts, who I'm sure is in contact with her father. This woman is so full of herself and full of shit!
She even tells on her own lies in the book, she clearly says in chapter 2 that her mom (Vanessa) left when she was 3 months old, then the 1 phone call when she was 8, then the AOL chat at 22... but in the pictures in her book there's one of Vanessa, Bill, herself and a dog.. and she sure isn't a 3 month old baby in that picture. Also, when she saw Vanessa at 36 she had no stove, gas, running water (shit in a bucket or something she said), but she had a computer with internet and found her magically on AOL?
I'm barely scratching the surface of all the contradicting bs in this book, this review would be as long as the book. Page 186 she says karma went to prison in Feb. 2016, she talks about still working with lawyers to get him out etc... then on page 197/198 she says it would take over a decade for the wounds to start to heal from that relationship... umm can she do math? Feb. 2026.. this year is exactly a decade. What is she talking about, over a decade...
Who is actually believing her version of events? Who edited this book? It's so bad. I really regret buying this and giving my money to support her in any way. She is the same person she always was, hasn't changed. The way she's proud of stealing from stores and clients, she stole from us selling a story that she had changed but her attitude in this book proves she hasn't. She's a lying, immature, shit human. This book is going straight where it belongs... the trash.
This book comes across so self-righteous, arrogant, and zero accountability. The story jumps around, timeline doesn't always make sense and she contradicts herself. I have no doubt that her home life was toxic in certain ways and that's unacceptable for any parent, but a lot seems embellished to justify her poor behaviour and choices. She was beaten over and over by the step mom and aunt but no one saw bruises and said anything despite the uncle apparently being so great? They on/off switch nice to her but beat her as soon as they were alone? Sounds like a evil stepmother Disney movie that she watched too many times. I believe she's convinced herself this was reality so she can justify her choices, I'm just unsure if it's actual reality.
I think she was definitely neglected and craved attention that she didn't get. The whole back to back, 2 guys in a van try and kidnap her and then the milk a snake guy while she's playing on the boat in yard? No one notices these people in the yard? The blankets levitating ghost stuff, or the she felt herself get pregnant immediately and started gaining weight within what, 3 weeks... she sounds desperately in need of attention and not truthful, so I get why her parents mights not always have believed her.
The chicken cacciatore story of that was her stepmother being cruel by making her a very nice homemade lunch? At another point all in the same paragraph she says she had height on her, was strong, would fight boys, but then her mom lifted her off her feet and rammed her head through a door?? Is the stepmother a 6'2" built man? Did no one notice the busted door or cuts I would imagine to be on her face? The aunt trying to drown the half sister, I dunno... everything seems to be significantly embellished.
I don't think her parents were amazing, I think there are some aspects of truth to her stories, but I think a point came where they tried to clean up and do better.. like putting her in private schools, they not often but sometimes went on vacations, she played sports, she obviously had swimming lessons far enough to get her lifeguard certification as she talks about working as a lifeguard. At the moment I'm at the shoplifting stuff where she talks about it with pride and zero accountability. I don't know if I can finish this, my eyes hurt from rolling them so much. I thought I would empathize with her as I grew up with a lot of emotional neglect/abuse, and I was molested at 6 years old almost everyday for several months, but I don't empathize with her at all, instead all my flags are being raised that this whole book and her stories feel very off, untruthful and almost insulting.
I've kept reading and adding thoughts, not because the book is good, but because I'm truly in awe of how this got published with so many inconsistencies and blatant untruths (like the picture in the book of her with her mom, dad, and the dog - yet she clearly states several times in the book that her mom left when she was 3 months old and she never saw her again until she was 36)
Why am I still reading this awful book... is she completely delusional? She left home at 14, she was expelled, now she's 16 "on the streets" but staying at friends, she's back at the school she was expelled from?? She's pregnant again and felt it immediately at conception like the first time, goes back home, them taking her to hospital is just for show, now Tony took his own life because he couldn't get over their 16 year old teen pregnancy that she lost, and their breakup? Is she serious? Also, in most of her running away, "living life on the streets", she's staying with Stacy, who is her cousin... so she's staying at her aunts, who I'm sure is in contact with her father. This woman is so full of herself and full of shit!
She even tells on her own lies in the book, she clearly says in chapter 2 that her mom (Vanessa) left when she was 3 months old, then the 1 phone call when she was 8, then the AOL chat at 22... but in the pictures in her book there's one of Vanessa, Bill, herself and a dog.. and she sure isn't a 3 month old baby in that picture. Also, when she saw Vanessa at 36 she had no stove, gas, running water (shit in a bucket or something she said), but she had a computer with internet and found her magically on AOL?
I'm barely scratching the surface of all the contradicting bs in this book, this review would be as long as the book. Page 186 she says karma went to prison in Feb. 2016, she talks about still working with lawyers to get him out etc... then on page 197/198 she says it would take over a decade for the wounds to start to heal from that relationship... umm can she do math? Feb. 2026.. this year is exactly a decade. What is she talking about, over a decade...
Who is actually believing her version of events? Who edited this book? It's so bad. I really regret buying this and giving my money to support her in any way. She is the same person she always was, hasn't changed. The way she's proud of stealing from stores and clients, she stole from us selling a story that she had changed but her attitude in this book proves she hasn't. She's a lying, immature, shit human. This book is going straight where it belongs... the trash.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2026
Bunny reminds me of Phoebe from Friends. She seems so cool and down to earth and then she tells you a story from her time on the streets and suddenly you’re thrust into a reality you forget exists. She can shock you into a moment of silence…that’s for sure.
I don’t believe in ghosts and I’m not as spiritual as she is, so I couldn’t relate to a lot of that but that’s okay. What I really admire most in a memoir is vulnerability and Bunny delivered.
I don’t believe in ghosts and I’m not as spiritual as she is, so I couldn’t relate to a lot of that but that’s okay. What I really admire most in a memoir is vulnerability and Bunny delivered.
March 9, 2026
Heartbreaking and healing all in one.
Raw as hell and absolutely powerful.
I’m not even sure I can write a proper review.
I went through so many different emotions while reading her story. Anger, extreme anger. Hurt, heartbreak, pure agony and absolute happiness, I’ve never been so proud of one individual. Breaking the abusive cycle is never an easy thing to do. ❤️
Raw as hell and absolutely powerful.
I’m not even sure I can write a proper review.
I went through so many different emotions while reading her story. Anger, extreme anger. Hurt, heartbreak, pure agony and absolute happiness, I’ve never been so proud of one individual. Breaking the abusive cycle is never an easy thing to do. ❤️
March 10, 2026
I listened to this as an audio book and it was by far one of the best memoirs I have ever come across. She was raw, vulnerable, genuine, and truly unapologetic. I am so inspired by her story and am motivated to always better myself the way she always does. Must-read/listen for SURE!
February 24, 2026
“I’m no role model.
But I am honest to God, Cinder-fucking-Ella.”
But I am honest to God, Cinder-fucking-Ella.”
February 26, 2026
If I could give 6 stars, I would. Bunnie is a damn strong woman who went through hell and back. She is proof that you can get through anything. Loved this book and how open she was!
February 26, 2026
Best book ive Read so far this year!
February 27, 2026
This was SO GOOD!! I think she told her life story in such a raw way and I couldn’t put it down.
March 3, 2026
A worthy rollercoaster.
March 6, 2026
Just WHOA 🤯
March 6, 2026
Just goes to show you can go thru the worst but God will still be there and you can still succeed.
February 20, 2026
After listening to bunnies podcasts && seeing her reels & tik toks, I was really nosey and curious about what her life had been like cuz whewwww does it sound like a colorful past && this book didn’t disappoint. From little baby Alissa to current Mrs Bunnie Deford she tells her story in full. I wish I knew who Karma really is cuz what a dick.
March 2, 2026
I don’t care what the haters say— i love me some Bunny and Jelly
February 17, 2026
A work of art 😭👏🏼 forever a Bunnie XO fan and her story is a testimony of perseverance and overcoming the depths of hell.
March 1, 2026
My heart breaks for her childhood but I just find her inauthentic
February 23, 2026
OK, so my 3 stars is a little weird on this one because I did devour this book in like 1.5 days. So further explanation below.
What I loved about this book:
The title is very fitting. Definitely unfiltered and unapologetic and I very much appreciate that. It was well written and a very compelling read.
Also love her honesty and how much her own voice shines through and her telling her story to help others who have been in her situation and need inspiration to know they can make it through / get out / get help. Kudos to her and her courage in writing this and being authentically herself.
Problems I had with this book:
Definitely don't agree with the spirituality and religion stuff but that's fine, those are her own personal choices. However, I had a real problem with her continually saying God was looking out for her and saving her. Kinda of seems like a slap in the face to all the people out there who don't get saved. Are they not worthy?! Or is she just particularly special for some reason? And I've always had a problem with people saying stuff like this when people have died in the Holocaust, slavery, other genocides, starvation, etc. etc. Why didn't God save them?! It just seems arrogant and self-centered. Also, while definitely being thankful for her friends and talking about repaying them etc, I felt like not enough acknowledgment was given to her safety net of family (even though they were awful) and friends. A lot of people in these domestic abuse situations don't have money, family, friends, etc. to easily get out. I just felt like it was a big "plot hole," for lack of a better term.
What I loved about this book:
The title is very fitting. Definitely unfiltered and unapologetic and I very much appreciate that. It was well written and a very compelling read.
Also love her honesty and how much her own voice shines through and her telling her story to help others who have been in her situation and need inspiration to know they can make it through / get out / get help. Kudos to her and her courage in writing this and being authentically herself.
Problems I had with this book:
Definitely don't agree with the spirituality and religion stuff but that's fine, those are her own personal choices. However, I had a real problem with her continually saying God was looking out for her and saving her. Kinda of seems like a slap in the face to all the people out there who don't get saved. Are they not worthy?! Or is she just particularly special for some reason? And I've always had a problem with people saying stuff like this when people have died in the Holocaust, slavery, other genocides, starvation, etc. etc. Why didn't God save them?! It just seems arrogant and self-centered. Also, while definitely being thankful for her friends and talking about repaying them etc, I felt like not enough acknowledgment was given to her safety net of family (even though they were awful) and friends. A lot of people in these domestic abuse situations don't have money, family, friends, etc. to easily get out. I just felt like it was a big "plot hole," for lack of a better term.
February 25, 2026
Nothing but respect & admiration for Alisa and Bunnie. Yes, they’re the same person in body, but in spirit they survived different things individually. Simply put, a beautiful human. “Another In The Fire” is a fitting song for her life story 🖤🙏🏻
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