Rogue Bunnies Mayhem

Stephen Wayda "The Most Published Photographer In Playboy History"

Stephen Wayda worked as a Playboy photographer for 30 years and shot with everyone, in and out of Playboy. But, his numerous shoots with Pamela Anderson have to be considered his most famous or what he's best known for. Pam made her way onto a lot of Playboy covers and Stephen was there, behind the lens.
Stephen grew up as a "news man"  in the Salt Lake City area, working as a newspaper reporter. Stephen tells Brian and Victoria all about his beginnings and how he got his foot in the door at Playboy. He's a self-proclaimed "cowboy and rancher" at heart. Stephen will tell us that he's not a "traditional photographer" but maybe that's what sets his work apart. Not too bad for a guy who would go on to work with Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Denzel Washington and many of Playboy's finest, including Miss January '96. 
Stephen recalls his first night at The Playboy Mansion. Let's just say he didn't meet Mr. Hefner the most conventional way. Do you count seeing a silhouette as meeting someone? You'll have to listen to that story! Stephen also shot part of Victoria's pictorial but Victoria remembers how Stephen kept getting interrupted by a certain Playmate that made red bathing suits famous. Speaking of that certain someone, Stephen was there when the romance started with Tommy Lee and even took some legendary photos of Pam in her "after glow", as Victoria likes to say. 
One episode was never going to be enough for Stephen so he'll be back for part two. More stories of "PAMdemonium" and an amazing story about his shoot with Kim Kardashian, right before her popularity went to another stratosphere! To see his amazing work, please visit https://stephenwayda.com/ and take a look at some of the stars he's worked with. Also, check out his Makers Place to see more and even buy some of his amazing art. https://makersplace.com/stephenwayda/gallery/created/90s-icons-seen-in-a-new-age...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

It's Time For "Our Road To The Playboy Mansion"

After almost a year and a half of doing this podcast, and hearing all of our Family's great stories, we thought it was time to share how Victoria Fuller, Jennifer Pershing and Brain Olea got to The Mansion!
Victoria Fuller never thought she'd make it to the gatefold of Playboy Magazine. She was turned down a few years before gracing the issue and you'll have to hear why. That wasn't her only setback. Playboy had intended to make her Playmate of the Month for January '95 but pushed her back a full year. As Victoria remembered thinking, "a lot can happen in a year". Luckily, Playboy made the wise decision and kept her right where she was and will forever be, Miss January '96! However, she wasn't the only Victoria in '96. Our Victoria and Brian share some great stories about the ever-popular Victoria Silvstedt. 
Jennifer Pershing is big on manifestation. She always knew that she was going to be famous but it could have been her daily "mantra" that got her onto the centerfold of the March 2009 issue of Playboy. Or, it might have been the numerous Monday Steel Panther shows, at the Key Club in Los Angeles, that got people's attention. She tells us that Jersey Girls were known for the act that got her noticed. You'll have to listen to what she did because we're not giving away that nugget. 
Finally, Brian Olea always wanted to be a musician. It was that path that started his journey to Hef's House. While attending broadcasting school and in need of some money, Brian met a guy that would change the trajectory of his life, although he didn't believe it at first. All it took was working one party for The Mansion staff to realize that Brian was destined to be a Playboy employee, which he was for over 20 years. Brian loves being a part of the Playboy Family and you'll hear that it was definitely reciprocated. 
We have so much fun doing this show. We hope you enjoy going inside, around and through the Playboy Life with us too. As Brian says, "it was pretty dang magical"...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟
 

Dutch Bihary - Body Paint Artist Extraordinaire & Skin Wars "Villain"

When it comes to art, there isn't much Dutch Bihary can't do but he is the master of body painting. As stated on the Rogue Bunnies website, he's a "bad ass artist".
Before we get into Dutch's background, Brian has a little fun with the "hawk tuah" craze that took over social media. But she doesn't need any more exposure so let's focus on Dutch. Victoria starts off by asking Dutch about his time on the hit reality show Skin Wars. Dutch goes into detail about how the show portrayed him as the "villain" because if it was a real skills competition, it would not have been close. (our words, not his). 
Dutch talks about what made him interested in art. Like most kids, it was the comic books. That passion for art has led him to teaching Master Classes and even getting to work with the legendary special effects make-up artist Stan Winston. If you've ever seen any movie, you've seen Stan's work. The conversation gets back to body painting and Dutch lists the do's and don'ts and how to deal with sweaty skin.
Dutch does amazing work for the Rogue Bunnies. He and Victoria discuss how they met one another and how they began working together. Jenn then asks Dutch if he was a fan of Playboy before collaborating with Victoria and if he has a favorite issue. If you'd like to see more of Dutch's amazing work, please check out https://www.contoursfx.com. We're definitely lucky to have someone this talented...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

Liz Stewart Part II - Bunny Dips & Landing Strips

Liz Stewart, Playmate of the Month for July '84, was so good in her last episode that we had to have her back for Part II. If you read the episode title, the stories only get better.
Victoria Fuller begins by taking Liz back to the infamous Bunny Club. If you remember the last episode, Liz began her long Playboy career by working as Bunny at The Club, when she was only 20. If you didn't listen, shame on you! Victoria asks about the extensive training to become a Bunny which turns into a discussion about the "Bunny Dip". Never heard of it? It will be explained. Jennifer Pershing even had to learn that to be an extra on the hit series Mad Men. It's not an easy move, but the ladies got it down. Interested to know who helped design the iconic Bunny Suit? Here's a hint, he had a familiar last name.
After discussing the Bunny Club, Brian Olea had an interesting query. Since there were three different decades of Bunnies represented, the gang take you on a colorful tour of the pubic region. Just like the magazine, it's done with class. Victoria was told that she might have been the first to don a certain style. 
Since we just celebrated the 4th of July holiday, the group reminisced about how special that holiday was at The Mansion and how inspiring the fireworks display was. As we close, Jenn asks Liz to pay her "Homage to Hef" which is so touching. Liz also reflects on another Hefner, Cooper, and how much she reminded him of his dad, both visually and professionally. With stories like Liz told, we will definitely have her back soon...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

Liz Stewart: From Bunny Club To Miss July '84

Liz Stewart started her Playboy journey by going to an “open call” at the Playboy Club in Los Angeles. From there, it took her to the centerfold of the July ‘84 issue to a career as Playboy’s set designer. 
It seems like Liz was “destined” to be a Playboy Bunny, as Brian told her. How else can you describe her path? As she recalled, she was one of a few hundred models that was chosen to be a Bunny, at the legendary Playboy Club, then went to another open call and became Miss July 1984. Not too bad for a self-proclaimed “shy” person who hadn't even celebrated her 24th birthday. Speaking of being shy, Liz, Jenn and Victoria have a great conversation about the confidence they felt wearing the iconic bunny suit. 
After leaving Playboy to start a family and new career, Liz talks about why she came back. Maybe it was to design the set for Jenn’s centerfold pictorial (and over 100 more Playmate sets), which she did for over 13 years. The gang then discusses how the sets were determined and how meticulous Mt. Hefner was. There’s also a “hidden” item in each centerfold and we’re not talking about The Bunny. You’ll have to listen to find out what that is.
Liz loved her time at Playboy, the people she met and those she got to work with but she’s thriving in her new endeavor. Do you want to know more? You’ll have to listen to next week’s show because one episode wasn’t enough with Liz. In the meantime, check out lizstewartproductions.com or @lizstewartproductions on Instagram and Facebook...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

James Gonis: The Bunny's Zen Master

James Gonis worked in Playboy Promotions for 21 years. Jenn, Victoria & Brian all remember his innate ability of staying calm and keeping the Playmates hectic schedule running like a well-oiled machine. He did have help from some "worry beads', which you'll hear all about. 
James begins by talking about how he ended up at Playboy. The man loved his job and according to the three hosts, he was very good at it too. There is a great discussion about the "Playboy Standard" and what all the Playmates of the Month are told at Bunny Orientation, which was conducted by James. After that topic, it's on to Mansion Tours. Who was better, Victoria or Jenn? You'll have to listen for yourself. Brian still has the pamphlets that were created for the guests. We'll have to get him to read one on one of these episodes.
After his Playboy days, James continues to help models. His current company helps models file Class Action lawsuits against those individuals or companies that use/steal the models image and likeness. He’s also been hosting a podcast called Monster Party with another Playboy “family” member, Larry Strothe. As you've probably noticed, this tight Playboy family sticks together and always helps one other out...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

Amanda Rome West - The New Age Playboy Creator

Amanda Rome West is ONLY 26 but she's already living out her dream as a model, recording artist, runs her own entertainment group and even finds time to host her own podcast. And, she's not done. 
Amanda tells Brian & Victoria about her road to becoming a Playboy Creator back in 2022. Starting as a young girl, Amanda was always enamored with the Playboy Brand, with names like Pamela Anderson and Anna Nicole Smith, but it was The Girls Next Door that really piqued Amanda's interest. She even puts on her hosting hat and asks Brian and Victoria what it was like when The Mansion turned into the site of one of the most popular reality shows of all-time. (we did mention that she hosts her own podcast ARW Raw) 
Modeling isn't the only thing that Amanda excels in. She's also a recording artist and a member of the Grammys Recording Academy. We even get to hear an impromptu rap and a snippet of her song "Pour It Up". Amanda tells us that she's very close to releasing her 2nd album, It's West's World. 
The girl can do it all, as you'll hear in this episode. We can go on-and-on about this impressive young woman but go and see for yourself, visit her website - amandaromewest.com. Also, follow her YouTube channel, @AmandaRomeWest. The only thing left for her is world domination and she's getting closer to that by the day...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

Butler Bryant Horowitz Back By "Popular Demand"

We had to have Bryant Horowitz back for another round of stories. Between Bryant and host Brian Olea there's almost 40 years of experience inside the Playboy Mansion "Butler's Pantry". 
Bryant, Brian and Victoria Fuller have been at The Mansion together since '97, with Bryant coming a year after the other two. They share stories about Mansion life in the late 90's, starting with The Mansion being a family home to the amicable split between Kimberly Conrad and Mr. Hefner. 
With all of that time in the Butler's Pantry came a lot of great memories. Bryant and Brian share with Victoria and Jennifer Pershing the "Legend of Diane". You have to hear the stories about her. The pantry was technically the switchboard for The Mansion. With all of those calls, the butlers found some fun and clever games to entertain themselves. 
The butlers at The Mansion didn't have defined roles, they did it all. As Bryant likes to say, "we were rovers". Jenn had a good analogy for their job duties too. One day, Bryant had to go out and get a bathing suit for a former President. There were also a few parties where Bryant was saddled with being a "celebrity spotter". Tough job, huh? Sometimes, they were lucky enough to babysit Victoria's daughter, Trease. Speaking of kids, Jenn regrets that her two boys never got to experience one day at The Mansion but Bryant recalls the time when Hef met his son for the first time. Speaking of Bryant's son, find out what "Carterisms" are.
The Playboy "family" is a strong one and that will never change…And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

Prepare To Be Entertained By Entertainer Chuck Williams

Chuck Williams has amassed a long list of Hollywood credits but Playboy fans may know him as the man from Girls Next Door that produced Bridget Marquardt's "scary movie", The Telling. 
Right from the start, you'll hear that Chuck is no stranger to entertaining and is definitely not lacking in energy. Chuck talks about his introduction to The Mansion, which might have been helping with Playboy's annual Haunted House. That haunted house had one billionaire hotel heiress screaming for the exits.
Chuck is a huge fan of horror, just look at his resume, which is why it wasn't a shock that Mr. Hefner and Girls Next Door co-creator, Kevin Burns, asked him to help produce Bridget’s film. Chuck talks about how that all went down, in the only way that he knows how, sheer entertainment. Speaking of entertainment, you don't want to miss Brian Olea's Dracula impression.
In recent years, Chuck has gotten back into acting. One of his biggest credits would have to be Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Victoria was shocked to hear what Chuck's first residual check was for that. The man has worked with a lot of Hollywood's finest and his stories are endless. The jury is still out if he ever dated Jennifer Pershing but after hearing this episode, you'll know that the chemistry is definitely there. (at least in Chuck's head)...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟

To Protect (Mr. Hefner) & To Serve (The Bunnies)...or is it the other way around?

Toni DiSalvo has been with the Playboy Family for over 40 years, the last 36 were as Playboy Mansion Security. Toni saw a lot during his time at Hef's "Shangri-La", and shares a few of those memories. 
Toni's long tenure with Playboy started by answering an ad in one of his hometown Colorado newspapers. He shares the story of how he got hired, what his first job at The Mansion was and his first interaction with "The Boss". 
The gang ask Toni what security was like when Mr. Hefner went outside of The Mansion. Brian and Toni share a few incidents they encountered at local restaurants. Toni also confirms how everything was logged at The Mansion. The man started before the Security Log database was created but it was still ALL documented, from what Mr. Hefner ate down to the very last visiting guest.
Between Toni, Brian, Victoria and Jenn there's almost 100 years of time spent on the grounds at The Mansion. With all of that experience, the group discusses some of the more popular conspiracy theories, like the underground tunnels and the "gift room". Jenn and Victoria even share how protected they always felt because of Toni and The Mansion Security Staff. We barely scratched the surface with Toni so he'll definitely be back...And the Mayhem continues! 🤟