The Bunny Chronicles | The History of Hugh Hefner | The Empire He Built | Playboy Magazine

The Bunny Chronicles | The History of Hugh Hefner | The Empire He Built | Playboy Magazine

HOSTED by ECHO JOHNSON Miss January '93 & CORINNA HARNEY-PMOY '92The show takes a DEEP DIVE into the fascinating history of PLAYBOY with LASER FOCUS on Hugh Hefner. A collective of dynamic conversations with those that had the privilege and honor of working with HUGH HEFNER & the magazine. An homage to the incredible MAN behind it all, as told from the ones that were an intricate part of the iconic company PLAYBOY. The magazine was launched in 1953 and held strong for 60 years until HEF's passing in 2017 . The massive impact the publication had on our world is undeniable. Playboy Magazine in and of itself was responsible for revolutionary social & cultural changes. The magazine consistently produced cutting edge journalistic material & the cherry on top were the Centerfolds known as Playboy Playmates. Guests ranging from Butlers & Security @ the Mansion to PLAYBOY STAFF Photographers, Editors, Writers, Bunnies, Celebrities and of course the Playmates! SUBSCRIBE NOW-Don't miss a beat! Echo & Corinna

Episodes

March 15, 2025 75 mins

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In this engaging conversation, Leland Zaitz shares his unique experiences as a butler at the Playboy Mansion during the 70s and 80s. He reflects on the era's cultural significance, the glamorous yet challenging life of working with celebrities, and the dynamics of relationships within the mansion. Leland also discusses his transition into writing for Playboy, revealing insights into the entertainment industry and...

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In this engaging conversation, Echo Johnson and Corinna Harney-Jones discuss the profound impact of Hugh Hefner on film preservation and censorship in cinema with Rick Jewell, a professor who had a close relationship with Hefner. They explore the historical context of censorship, the evolution of film, and the legacy of Hefner's contributions to film education and advocacy for First Amendment rights. The discussi...

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In this engaging conversation, Eric Middlemann and Farrell Hirsch, both veterans of Playboy and Playboy Radio, share their experiences and insights from their time in the adult entertainment industry. They discuss the evolution of Playboy, the challenges faced in maintaining its image, and the memorable moments that defined their careers. The conversation also touches on the impact of Playboy on entertainment and the ...

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In this episode, hosts Corinna Harney-Jones and Echo Johnson reminisce about the iconic Playboy Golf tournaments of the 2000s, featuring an interview with AJ Pathak, the former president and CEO of Playboy Golf. They discuss the origins of Playboy Golf, its evolution, and the unique experiences it offered to participants, including celebrity encounters and the vibrant atmosphere of the events. The conversation highlig...

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In this engaging conversation, Andy Schreiber shares his journey from being a temp at Playboy to becoming the Vice President of International Home Entertainment. He discusses the innovative strategies he implemented, such as the After Dark brand, which significantly increased revenue. The conversation also highlights the recognition he received through the Golden Rabbit award and reflects on the unique and professiona...

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Welcome to a dual a unique show! Corinna and Echo sit down with our fellow Playmate Sister Victoria Fuller and Brian Olea, former Playboy Mansion Butler and co-host to Victoria Fuller and Jennifer Pershing from the podcast "Rogue Bunnies Mayhem."

Who are the Rogue Bunnies? Founder and Creative MasterMind Victoria Fuller has brought this super unique project to life, and it continues to unfold into ...

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Victoria Fuller has accomplished a multitude of successful ventures in her lifetime. She was not only featured as Playboy's Miss January 1996 Playmate of the Month but has also appeared in numerous Playboy Special Editions. Nine years after her Playmate appearance, she posed for Playboy again in the May 2005 issue.

Victoria also appeared on multiple reality TV shows: In 2004 she was in the sixth season ...

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Bill Farley would wear many hats during his extensive career in the world of Media / PR & Communications.  Farley began his career as a newspaper reporter, a radio newsman and a DJ.  In the late 70's  Farley found his home with "ABC the NETWORK. "
Upon departing ABC's Prime Time Television Operations in Los Angeles in 1981, Farley was brought in as a consultant with Playboy to help launch P...

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Stephen Wayda: PLAYBOYS REVERED PHOTOGRAPHER for 30 YEARS

Internationallypublished photographer best known for his demonstrative images of celebrities, women. and lifestyles.  In his creation of entertaining and compelling images he is regarded as a master in the use of composition and light, both natural and artificial.

Wayda’s photographs of A-list celebrities, Pop Culture icons, supermodels, musicians and t...

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 Kane’s appearances on the big screen include Just Married  - Secondhand Lions - Taxi - Life or Something Like ItFriday Night Lights, and Summer Catch.

From 2008 to present day: Kane appeares on the TNT television series Leverage as Eliot Spencer. Kane performes all his own fight scenes and also choreographed fights for the series. Kane plays the same character in Leverage:Redemption, which premiered in ...

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Greg Gorman is a world renowned photographer who is known for his stark, honest portraits of the most famous and infamous faces from the worlds of entertainment, art, sport and music, Greg Gorman’s images have intrigued the viewer from the onset of his career. Over the years Greg has been acknowledged for his contribution to the world of photography, most recently being recognized by The Professional Photographers of ...

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Cindy Rackowitz joined Playboy in 1986 and stood at the helm of Playboy Promotions for 16 years, as the Corporate Vice President of Promotions ( all divisions-worldwide ) and as the President of Playmate Promotions & Modeling Agency.

Cindy held a very important position with great significance in the 1st decade she was with Playboy. The role was a tough one and a huge challenge as Playboy entered the nineties and h...

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Ever wondered what life was like behind the scenes at the iconic Playboy Mansion?

 Join Carrie Yazel and Echo,  as we sit down with two former Mansion butlers, Bryant and Carlena, who share their fascinating stories and unique experiences from their time working at the legendary estate. From meeting Hugh Hefner for the first time to rubbing shoulders with celebrity guests and attending unforgettable parties, ...

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Imagine having exclusive access to Hugh Hefner's personal scrapbooks – a treasure trove of free speech and free press history. Join us as we chat with Stuart Brotman, author of "The First Amendment Lives On: Conversations Commemorating Hugh and Hefner's Legacy of Enduring Free Speech and Free Press Values," who had the extraordinary opportunity to explore Hefner's extensive collection. Stuart ...

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It was 1990  when Richard Bann first visited Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion.   
Cinema and the importance of film preservation sparked a 30 year friendship. One that evolved into being closest of friends and an invitation to "Manly Night."
Monday was always Manly Night, a gathering of Hef's closest friends who would nominate and vote on what film to screen after dinner: Dick Stewart, Ray Ant...

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Carrie Jean Yazel was featured as Playboys Playmate of the Month in the May 1991 issue.

While interviewing Carrie she asked if I knew where the Bunny Head was on my cover? "I said no - do you?'  She said: "No I have no idea." So with that said we created a contest!

The 1st person to send us an email through our website:  www.thebunnychronicles.com and tells us where the BUNNY HEA...

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Join us for a special episode of the Bunny Chronicles as we welcome our dear friend Sophronia Williams, who had the amazing opportunity to shoot for Playboy's Newstand Specials. Listen in as Sophronia shares her experience attending a casting call at the University of Texas, being selected for the Big 12 edition, and how her time with Playboy was both comfortable and professional. We also reminisce about our own ...

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We're absolutely thrilled to welcome the fabulous Sandra Taylor to our show, as she shares her incredible journey through her long-standing career in the entertainment industry. Starting as America's number one selling poster model to multiple Playboy covers, and even working with legends like Marilyn Grabowski and Gary Marshall, Sandy's experiences are truly captivating. Join us and our dear friend Cat...

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“Victoria Valentino, Playboy's Miss September 1963 is ONE of the Top 100 Centerfolds of the 20th Century. Victoria started her career with Playboy as a Bunny @ the LA Club on NYE in 1964.

A media personality, keynote speaker, author, activist, SAG/AFTRA actress, performs live theater, Spoken Word, AND she mentors sexual assault survivors as she is one of Cosbys rape survivors!

In 2016 - always ...

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CANDACE JORDAN: Award-winning media personality and social scribe, founder
CandidCandace.com, Associate Publisher & Editor Chicago Star Media, former Chicago N"Candid"

Candace Jordan has been a notable fixture on the Chicago social scene since
her arrival in 1974 from a small town (Dupo) in Southern Illinois. Her long-running (10
year) Chicago Tribune column covered the nonprofit co...

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