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✨ RHONDA SHEAR: THE WOMAN BEHIND THE ICON ✨
From beauty queen to Hollywood actress, stand-up comedian, beloved late-night television host and successful entrepreneur, Rhonda Shear has lived several extraordinary lives in one remarkable career.
On this episode of The Bunny Chronicles, Echo Johnson sits down with Rhonda for a fascinating conversation about her journey through entertainment, comedy, television, business, relationships and reinvention.
Many remember Rhonda as the glamorous and hilarious host of USA Up All Night, the cult-favorite late-night movie program that became a defining part of 1990s television. But there is so much more to her story.
Rhonda shares insights into her years in Hollywood, her experiences as a comedian and actress, the behind-the-scenes world of USA Up All Night, and what it was like becoming a recognizable face of late-night television.
And then she did something that few Hollywood personalities manage to accomplish—she completely reinvented herself.
Rhonda went from the entertainment world into entrepreneurship and created the Ahh Bra, turning a simple idea born from her own frustrations with uncomfortable lingerie into a hugely successful business.
In this conversation, we explore:
✨ Rhonda's journey from Miss Louisiana USA to Hollywood
✨ Her experiences as an actress and stand-up comedian
✨ The story behind USA Up All Night
✨ What really happened behind the scenes of the iconic late-night show
✨ Her experiences navigating Hollywood as a beautiful woman and comedian
✨ Her appearance in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs
✨ The story behind the creation of the Ahh Bra
✨ Reinventing yourself after achieving fame
✨ Love, relationships and finding your way back to someone special
✨ Women, confidence, beauty and feeling comfortable in your own skin
✨ The importance of following an idea when you believe in it
✨ Rhonda's advice for women who want to create something of their own
Rhonda Shear's story is ultimately a story about reinvention.
She didn't allow Hollywood to define her. She didn't allow one successful television show to define her. And she certainly didn't stop when one chapter of her career ended.
She kept evolving.
And that's exactly the kind of story we love telling here on The Bunny Chronicles.
💋 ABOUT THE BUNNY CHRONICLES
Hosted by Echo Johnson, The Bunny Chronicles explores the people, personalities, stories and experiences connected to a fascinating era of glamour, entertainment, photography, beauty, culture and the Playboy world.
Echo was herself featured in Playboy Magazine beginning at age 18, appearing as a German Playboy centerfold in October 1992 and as Miss January 1993. Today, she brings that firsthand perspective—and more than three decades of experience in beauty, wellness, photography and storytelling—to conversations with fascinating people from the past and present.
If you enjoy stories about Hollywood history, Playboy, classic television, beauty, glamour, entrepreneurship, relationships and fascinating people with extraordinary lives, subscribe to The Bunny Chronicles.
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next Bunny Chronicle!
#RhondaShear #USAUpAllNight #TheBunnyChronicles #Hollywood #80sNostalgia #90sNostalgia #ClassicTV #Entrepreneur #AhhBra #WomenInBusiness #StandUpComedy #HollywoodHistory #MelBrooks #Spaceballs #LateNightTV
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The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
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Join us as Mitch Rosen shares fascinating stories from his years at the Playboy Mansion, his relationships with iconic figures, and insights into the legendary Hugh Hefner. Discover behind-the-scenes details and personal anecdotes that reveal the true character of this iconic era.
Playboy Mansion, Hugh Hefner, Mitch Rosen, celebrity stories, behind the scenes, Hugh Hefner stories, Playboy history, celebrity interviews, mansion life, iconic moments
key topics
Mitch Rosen's experience at the Playboy Mansion
Personal stories about Hugh Hefner and celebrities
Insights into mansion life and celebrity culture
The story behind Carrie Leigh and Hefner
Music and entertainment at the mansion
takeaways
Hugh Hefner was a man of class and generosity.
Mitch Rosen had unique access to legendary moments.
The mansion was a family-like environment for staff.
Many stories about celebrities reveal a different side of fame.
The importance of authenticity and truth in storytelling.
sound bites
"He told me he had a fling with Marilyn Monroe"
"Hefner sat down and asked what he could get me"
"Hefner was a man of class and generosity"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mitch Rosen and his Playboy Mansion experience
02:00 Mitch Rosen's background and early career
03:57 First days at the Playboy Mansion and iconic parties
07:05 Memories of Hefner and mansion safety
10:01 Stories about Carrie Leigh and her relationship with Hefner
15:00 Music, DJing, and entertainment at the mansion
20:00 Celebrity stories: Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, and more
24:58 The story of Hefner's kindness and personal moments
30:00 Reflections on Hefner's legacy and personal words
35:04 The impact of the mansion on Mitch Rosen’s life
40:04 Final thoughts on Hugh Hefner and the mansion experience
content type
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CAMEO: @echo_bunny93
INSTAGRAM:
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@theroguebunnies
FACEBOOK:
@bunnychroniclespodcast
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SUBSTACK: substack.com/@echobunny93
The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
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From Bunny to Playmate to Set Designer: Liz Stewart's Playboy Journey
Inside the Playboy Club: The Untold Stories of Liz Stewart
Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Liz Stewart, a former Playboy Bunny and Playmate, who shares her experiences from the 1980s to her behind-the-scenes work in set design and digital content creation. Discover the history of Playboy, the significance of the Bunny and Playmate roles, and insights into the entertainment and design worlds.
Key Topics
The role of Playboy Bunnies and Playmates
Liz Stewart's journey from Bunny to Playmate to set designer
The history and atmosphere of the Century City Playboy Club
The creative process behind Playboy magazine and videos
The impact of Hugh Hefner on the lives of Playboy staff
Sound Bites
"It changed my life."
"HEF introduced me and welcomed me into the family."
"He impacted every one of our lives."
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to Becoming a Playboy Bunny
01:55 Life as a Playboy Bunny and Playmate
04:24 Behind the Scenes at Playboy
04:24 The Evolution of Playboy and Its Culture
10:56 Guidance and Growth in the Playboy World
12:06 The Journey to Becoming a Playmate
13:29 The Unique Cabaret Room Experience
14:51 The Allure of the Cabaret Bunny Costume
16:15 A Special Moment with Hef
18:12 Transitioning from Bunny to Centerfold
19:24 The Significance of the Centerfold
22:03 Balancing Bunny Life and Playmate Responsibilities
25:46 The Evolution of the Bunny Costume
26:37 From Playboy to Set Design
32:15 Creating Iconic Sets for Playboy
35:40 Behind the Scenes of A House Divided
36:20 The Art of Set Design in Playboy Productions
37:36 Reflections on Playboy's Impact and Evolution
39:02 The Transition of Playboy Studios and Digital Shift
42:04 Creating Glamorous Content: The Playmate Videos
52:34 Legacy of Hugh Hefner and Personal Reflections
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The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
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From Playboy Records to Urban Cowboy: Mickey Gilley's Legendary Journey
Get ready to dive into the captivating story of Mickey Gilley—country legend, Playboy Records star, and part of an era that defined American music. In this episode, Mickey shares the real story behind his rise, the wild ride of Playboy's music venture, and how a small Texas club turned into a cultural phenomenon. If you love stories of grit, legendary tunes, and legendary figures, this is your front-row seat.
Explore the fascinating history of Playboy Records, its impact on music and culture, and hear firsthand stories from Mickey Gilley about his career and connection to the label. Discover how Hugh Hefner's vision extended into music and the legacy it left behind.
Sound bites:
"Playboy had a music division in the early 70s."
"Meeting Hefner at the mansion was a memorable moment."
"Gilley had 17 number one records, mostly with Playboy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Playboy Records
02:35 The Vision Behind Playboy Records
05:32 Challenges Faced by Playboy Records
08:13 Mickey Gilley's Journey with Playboy Records
13:33 Mickey Gilley's Success and Legacy
22:51 Reflections on Hugh Hefner and Playboy's Cultural Impact
Gilleys Store: https://gilleys.com/
Hugh Hefner Official Website - https://www.hughhefner.com/
Mickey Gilley Official Website - https://mickeygilley.com/
Urban Cowboy Movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075179/
Playboy Records on Discogs - https://www.discogs.com/label/12345-Playboy-Records
Barbie Benton on Twitter - https://twitter.com/BarbieBenton
Official Website - https://mickeygilley.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mickeygilley
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FACEBOOK:
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SUBSTACK: substack.com/@echobunny93
The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
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In this engaging conversation, Echo Johnson shares his unique experiences as a butler at the Playboy Mansion from 2001 to 2018. He discusses how he got the job, his impressions of Hugh Hefner, and the dynamics of working in such a famous environment. The conversation delves into the various events held at the mansion, the evolution of technology in entertainment, and the introduction of the Mopar car show, highlighting the blend of celebrity culture and personal anecdotes that shaped his time there. In this engaging conversation, Echo Johnson and Corinna Harney-Jones delve into the rich history of the Playboy Mansion, sharing anecdotes about car shows, fight nights, and celebrity gatherings. They reflect on the impact of Crystal Hefner and her family on the mansion's legacy, as well as the decline of Hugh Hefner's health and the subsequent transformation of the property. The discussion highlights the importance of networking within the mansion's unique environment and concludes with thoughts on the mansion's haunting and its historical significance.
Takeaways:
Dann Gib worked at the Playboy Mansion for 17 years.
The mansion operated with a surprising level of conservatism.
Hefner had a unique way of checking on the butlers.
Every night at the mansion had a specific theme or event.
Dann made a trade for tours between Hearst Castle and the mansion.
The Mopar car show was a significant event at the mansion.
Hefner's interactions were always professional and polite.
The mansion's technology evolved from film to digital over the years.
Dann observed many similarities between Hefner and Randolph Hearst. The mansion hosted various car shows and events, showcasing its versatility as a venue.
Fight nights were a significant part of the mansion's entertainment history, attracting celebrities and athletes.
Dann emphasizes the rich history of the mansion, filled with fascinating stories and events.
The impact of Crystal Hefner and her family changed the dynamics of the mansion significantly.
Networking was crucial at the mansion, with many lasting relationships formed among staff and guests.
Hugh Hefner's health declined rapidly in his later years, affecting the mansion's operations.
The guest list at the mansion became more exclusive after Hefner's passing, limiting access to longtime friends.
The mansion underwent significant transformations after Hefner's death, altering its historical essence.
Dann Gib shares personal experiences of navigating life at the mansion, including humorous anecdotes.
The mansion is not haunted, according to Dann, who spent many nights there, when the property was vacant and under construction without experiencing anything unusual.
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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 the evolution of Playboy's culture over the years. In this engaging conversation, Leland shares his unique experiences as a butler and writer within the Playboy Mansion, reflecting on the creative freedom he enjoyed, the camaraderie among playmates, and the impact of notable figures like Hugh Hefner and Dorothy Stratton. The discussion delves into the complexities of relationships, the challenges of navigating fame, and the lessons learned from a life intertwined with celebrity culture.
Takeaways
Leland Zaitz began his journey with Playboy after discovering a magazine as a child.
The 70s and 80s were marked by sexual freedom and a vibrant party culture.
Working at the Playboy Mansion was both glamorous and challenging.
Leland's role as a butler allowed him to interact with numerous celebrities.
The Playboy Mansion was a private and exclusive environment before the rise of social media.
Cocaine became rampant in the mansion, changing the party dynamics.
Leland had close relationships with iconic playmates and witnessed their struggles.
The shift in Playboy's culture was evident as it transitioned into a corporate entity.
Leland's writing career began with erotic content for Playboy, leading to feature films.
The perception of Playboy as a corporate entity often conflicted with its public image. Leland Zaiz reflects on the creative freedom experienced while working at Playboy.
The transition from butler to writer opened new opportunities for Leland.
The camaraderie among playmates created a unique community at Playboy.
Life lessons learned from the experiences at the Playboy Mansion are invaluable.
Navigating fame and identity was a significant challenge for Leland.
The Playboy lifestyle had its downsides, impacting personal and professional growth.
Memorable encounters with celebrities shaped Leland's perspective on fame.
The tragic story of Dorothy Stratton remains a poignant part of Playboy's history.
Hefner's legacy is complex, blending empowerment with controversy.
Relationships in the Playboy world often faced challenges due to jealousy and possessiveness.
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The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
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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 discussion also touches on the complexities of feminism in relation to Playboy and the creative challenges posed by censorship in the film industry.
The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is one of the nation’s preeminent centers for the creation, study, research and development of film, television and interactive media.
Since its founding in 1929 as the first course of study in film at any college or university in the United States, USC’s cinema program has consistently set academic and professional standards for excellence. In addition, the school has a record-breaking number of endowed chairs in the discipline; production facilities that rival industry counterparts and extraordinary faculty and staff.
Richard B. Jewell is Hugh M. Hefner Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A leading institution for film, television, and interactive media. The author of The Golden Age of Hollywood and The RKO Story, among other works, as well as coauthor of Primary Cinema Resources. In 2008, he was named Academy Film Scholar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Named one of two 2008 Academy Film Scholars was rewarded a $25,000 grant from the Institutional Grants Committee of the Academy Foundation.
Thanks to SCA’s location in Los Angeles, students have access to the country’s leading film, television, animation and video game producers; world-class literary and talent agencies; libraries and archives brimming with research materials; and alumni that support the school and the men and women in its academic body.
Takeaways -
Hugh Hefner significantly contributed to film preservation.
Censorship in cinema has a long and complex history.
Rick Jewell had a personal and professional relationship with Hefner.
The production code enforced in 1934 changed film content.
Censorship can destroy careers, as seen with Mae West.
Hefner was passionate about First Amendment rights.
Film education was greatly influenced by Hefner's donations.
Censorship often led to more creative filmmaking.
Hefner's legacy is multifaceted and complex.
Conversations about feminism and Playboy are ongoing and nuanced.
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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 legacy it leaves behind. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share humorous and insightful anecdotes from their experiences in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on their time at Playboy Radio and interactions with celebrities. They discuss the wild world of celebrity gossip, unexpected connections, and their reflections on Hugh Hefner's legacy. The conversation flows through various themes, including the challenges and triumphs of working in media, the dynamics of celebrity culture, and personal stories that highlight the unique experiences of those involved in the industry.
TAKEAWAYS:
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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 highlights the sense of family within the Playboy community and the lasting impact of these tournaments on pop culture. In this segment, the conversation delves into the unique experiences and stories surrounding the Playboy golf tournaments, the financial strategies behind them, and the relationships formed with Hugh Hefner. The speakers share anecdotes about memorable events, the importance of philanthropy, and the evolution of Playboy over the years. They emphasize the trust and protective nature of Hefner towards the Playmates and the fun, wild experiences that defined their time in the Playboy world. In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on their experiences with Playboy, sharing nostalgic memories, personal connections, and the unique culture fostered by Hugh Hefner. They discuss the impact Hefner had on their lives, the friendships formed, and the importance of capturing the stories of those who contributed to Playboy's legacy. The conversation culminates in heartfelt messages of gratitude and admiration for Hefner's mentorship and influence.
Takeaways:
Playboy Golf was a unique blend of golf, parties, and celebrity culture.
AJ Pathak played a crucial role in shaping Playboy Golf's identity.
The events were designed to be upscale and fun, attracting a diverse audience.
Playboy Golf created a sense of community among participants and playmates.
The tournaments featured local celebrities and aspiring models, enhancing the experience.
The events were held in various cities, including mid-America, to reach a broader audience.
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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 professional work environment at Playboy, emphasizing the pride employees felt in their roles. In this engaging conversation, the speaker reflects on their experiences within the Playboy brand, discussing the glamour and challenges of working in promotions, the legacy of Hugh Hefner, and the importance of kindness and philanthropy. They share personal anecdotes about their time at Playboy, the relationships formed, and the lessons learned, emphasizing the significance of reinvention and the impact of Hefner's vision on their lives and careers.
Takeaways
· Andy Schreiber started at Playboy as a temp in 1991.
· He innovated the After Dark brand to increase revenue.
· The Playboy library was a valuable resource for new content.
· The Golden Rabbit award recognized extraordinary contributions.
· Playboy was a professional and open-minded work environment.
· Employees felt pride in their work at Playboy.
· The entertainment industry has evolved significantly since the 90s.
· Networking and relationships were key to success at Playboy.
· The company invested heavily in production quality.
· Recognition and awards motivated employees to excel.
· Building relationships was key to success in promotions.
· Hugh Hefner was a gentleman and a visionary.
· Playmates often had long careers beyond their initial shoots.
· Reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
· Personal stories can reveal deeper insights into the industry.
· Philanthropy was a significant part of Hefner's legacy.
· The importance of kindness in professional settings.
· Networking and being good to others pays off.
· Creativity often flourishes when stepping out of comfort zones.
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CAMEO: @echo_bunny93
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FACEBOOK:
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SUBSTACK: substack.com/@echobunny93
The Bunny Chronicles Podcast & all of its entities are neither endorsed nor affiliated with PLBY GROUP or any of their entities.
From the publisher's feed
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…

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