logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
56m 34s

The Cult of Playboy

Studio71
About this episode
Playboy sold the world a fantasy of luxury and sexual liberation, but behind the velvet curtains, the reality was far more complex. This week, Amanda, Chelsea, and special guest Amy Rose Spiegel (@verymuchso) dive into the Playboy phenomenon…not just as a magazine, but as a carefully curated world built on power, control, and illusion. From the mystique of t ... Show More
Up next
Sep 15
The Cult of Shrek
Grab your onions, this week, Reese and Iman are entering The Cult of Shrek, a fandom that somehow evolved from a beloved children’s movie into an online religion (or dare we say... cult). Joining them are Bechdel Cast hosts (@bechdelcast) Caitlin Durante (@caitlindurante) and Jam ... Show More
52m 13s
Sep 8
The Cult of Incels
We’re taking a little holiday break this week, but unfortunately, incels are not. With the “male loneliness epidemic” becoming a bigger part of the cultural conversation, we’re revisiting one of the internet’s darkest and most tragically cringey cults: self proclaimed “involuntar ... Show More
1h 16m
Sep 1
The Cult of Bellum Entertainment
This week, Chelsea and Iman investigate The Cult of Bellum Entertainment, the true crime production company whose founder, Mary Carol McDonald, allegedly spent years building a very different kind of crime empire behind the scenes. True crime podcaster Jami Rice (@jamionair) join ... Show More
59m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2021
Introducing Power: Hugh Hefner
Who was Hugh Hefner? Centerfold models, Playboy Bunnies, and other women from the Playboy founder’s inner circle, like TV personality and author Holly Madison, tell journalist Amy Rose Spiegel their side of his story. We hear how Playboy changed their lives, for better and for wo ... Show More
3m 7s
Jun 2025
The Rules, the Shade, and the Truth About the Playboy Fantasy with Holly Madison
What really went down behind the gates of the Playboy Mansion? Author, advocate, podcaster, producer—and former Playboy Bunny—Holly Madison is here to expose the truth behind the fantasy, and baby, she’s not holdin’ back. We’re talking beauty, power, survival, and that wild ride ... Show More
45m 43s
Feb 2024
Crystal Hefner’s memoir Only Say Good Things (with Cookies Amy and Beth)
Dust off your Playboy Bunny belly button rings! Chelsea tackles Crystal Hefner’s memoir along with Cookies Amy and Beth. Together they go inside Hugh Hefner’s empire and examine if there’s anything worse than a moldy mansion with boring orgies.  Show Notes: Holly Madison episode ... Show More
1h 33m
Oct 2011
History of The Playboy Club
<p>The first Playboy Club opened in 1960. Waitresses called "bunnies" earned up to $1,000 per week, and the club aimed for a certain cachet. Yet when Gloria Steinem went undercover as a bunny she called it deplorable. So what happened? Tune in to find out.</p><p> </p> Learn more ... Show More
26m 4s
Nov 2021
Hugh Hefner | 1. How To Sell A Fantasy
How did Hugh Hefner persuade the world to buy into his fantasies? Who was the first girl next door? And what was it really like to work in the glitzy Playboy Clubs at their peak? Power is a Somethin’ Else production with Sony Music Entertainment. Find more great podcasts from Son ... Show More
48m 45s
Feb 2024
Crystal Hefner: Objectification, control, and Playboy
<p>The Playboy mansion was supposed to be a place of freedom, expression and empowerment for Crystal Hefner, but it turned out to be the total opposite. As one of the girlfriends – and then wife – of Hugh Hefner, she had to be seen and not heard.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this chat w ... Show More
44m 38s
Jan 2024
Playboy with Rory Uphold
Dom and Chris are reeling from The Oscar Nominations, the back of Justin Timberlake's head, and whatever the fuck it is that JLO posted on social media. Then, Rory Uphold joins to unpack the institution of Playboy. The gang chats early nefarious Playboy dealings to The Girls Next ... Show More
1h 26m
Sep 2021
Girlbossing Too Close to the Sun
In this episode, the ladies break down multi level marketing businesses, how they prey on the loneliness of women, and explain why they're basically all cults. Digressions include why men need to stop overstaying their welcome, the rich cosplaying as poors, and a special birthday ... Show More
1h 8m
May 2018
BONUS NXIVM: Hollywood Sex Cults, MKULTRA and Illuminati Symbolism!
On today’s special episode of the Conspiracy Theories and Unpopular Culture podcast we discuss that NXIVM sex cult! Find out how the Illuminati makes its self known here with elements of MKULTRA, magical sigils, alter egos and six degrees of separation between Suge Knight, INXS, ... Show More
36m 39s
Dec 2021
Holly Madison Shines the Light on Playboy's Dark Side
<p>WARNING: Major ick factor ahead. Former Playboy playmate Holly Madison is best-known as the star of the early-aughts reality show&nbsp;<em>The Girls Next Door</em>. But she’s infamous for ‘dating’ the magazine’s mogul-lech Hugh Hefner. And with stories of drugs, manipulation, ... Show More
10m 25s