New season of hit podcast 'Power' explores the complex story of Hugh Hefner through the eyes of Playboy women

Somethin’ Else, in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment, today announced the premiere of its newest season of the hit investigative podcast series Power. The season explores the complex story behind legendary Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s rise and the legacy he left behind, told through the eyes of the women who knew him best. The first episode is available now.

Hosted by journalist and author Amy Rose Spiegel, the series will delve into Hefner’s rise to power and the origins of Playboy and investigate questions around the dark side of the brand, including notorious Mansion parties and Hefner’s manipulation and control of his girlfriends and other associates. Featuring conversations with several of the women directly involved with Playboy, including Bunnies who worked in the clubs and the model and TV personality Holly Madison, Power: Hugh Hefner will tackle important questions around the brand’s complicated role in contributing to both progressive movements and oppression.

“As a journalist who examines power and gender dynamics, Playboy has been a constant source of fascination and influence in my work and life. I’ve always wanted to know more about the women who were really responsible for its power: How did Playboy affect the courses of their lives, for better and for worse? I was totally drawn to the story of how a multi-million-dollar business that was supposed to be socially progressive force for good actually affected the people who built it up.” Amy Rose Spiegel said. “With this series I have the enormous pleasure and privilege of uncovering the personal stories of women who knew Hugh Hefner and used the clubs, magazine, and man himself to find their way.”

Several Bunnies, Playmates, magazine employees and feminist activists join this season to offer their first hand experiences with Playboy, including Linda Smith, the daughter of Janet Pilgrim, Playboy’s first magazine star; Jaki Nett (Playboy Bunny and Bunny Mother from 1967-79 and ‘Bunny Mother’), Diane Crothers (who debated Hefner on The Dick Cavett Show); Jeanne Bell (one of the first Black Playmates); Marilyn Grabowski (Playboy’s photography editor for 43 years); Suze Randall (pioneering photographer and pornographer), Marilyn Cole (first full-frontal nude centerfold), and more.

Dave Anderson is the series producer and Peggy Sutton is the executive producer. Paul Smith, Georgia Mills, and Cheeka Eyers also produced the show.

Follow Power: Hugh Hefner and subscribe on Apple Podcasts for The Bunny Tapes, which includes ad-free episodes plus weekly bonus episodes featuring extended interviews from guests.

Earlier this year, the show’s first season, Power: The Maxwells, captivated listeners around the world, climbing the global Apple Podcast charts and reaching the #1 spot on UK and Canadian charts and #3 on U.S. charts in its debut week.

Listeners can subscribe to Power: Hugh Hefner on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on Power: Hugh Hefner and all other Sony Podcasts shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.