THE BUNNY CHRONICLES - a History of Hugh Hefner & the Empire He Built - Playboy Magazine

By: Echo Johnson & Corinna Harney
  • Summary

  • 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

    © 2025 THE BUNNY CHRONICLES - a History of Hugh Hefner & the Empire He Built - Playboy Magazine
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Episodes
  • Censorship in Cinema: USC Film School: a Conversation with Professor Rick Jewell | Chair of the HMH Censorship in Cinema Course|
    Mar 6 2025

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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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    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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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • PLAYBOY RADIO: The Pinnacle of Playboy Corporate Debauchery: Featuring Playboy Night Calls Producers: Eric Mittleman & Farrell Hersch
    Feb 8 2025

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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:

    • Eric and Farrell have a long history with Playboy, both personally and professionally.
    • Hefner's presence at events was both revered and controversial.
    • Playboy Radio evolved significantly, becoming a major part of the brand.
    • The challenges of maintaining a respectable image in the adult industry were constant.
    • Celebrity encounters often led to unexpected stories and insights.
    • The impact of Playboy on entertainment is profound and multifaceted.
    • Memorable moments from their careers include parodies and celebrity interactions.
    • The legacy of Playboy continues to influence the adult industry today.
    • Behind-the-scenes stories reveal the complexities of working at Playboy.
    • The evolution of media consumption has changed how adult content is perceived. Celebrity encounters can lead to unexpected friendships.
    • Gossip often has roots in truth but can spiral out of control.
    • Working in media requires navigating complex relationships.
    • Hugh Hefner was a gracious and unique figure in entertainment.
    • Playboy Radio was a successful venture with a high ROI.
    • The entertainment industry is filled with humorous and bizarre stories.
    • Personal anecdotes can reveal deeper insights into celebrity culture.
    • The legacy of Hugh Hefner continues to influence media today.
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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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    57 mins
  • PLAYBOY GOLF TOURNAMENTS: Celebrities | Playmates | Day Drinking | Epic Parties
    Feb 7 2025

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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.





    Welcome to the Bunny Chronicles Podcast

    Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!
    Start for FREE

    Support the show

    VISIT PATREON for UNEDITED FULLY LOADED CONTENT on our PATREON CHANNEL.

    FOLLOW US on IG:
    @bunnychroniclespodast
    @corinnaharneypmoy
    @echobunny93
    @theroguebunnies

    FOLLOW US ON FB:
    @bunnychroniclespodcast FAN PAGE
    @theroguebunnies FAN PAGE
    @corinnaharney FAN PAGE

    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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    1 hr and 3 mins

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