Widly talented Orianthi is a phenomenal singer, savvy songwriter and world-class guitarist. Since bursting onto the scene nearly 15 years ago with her rock-infused pop smash “According to You” — which is now RIAA-Certified Platinum and has over 17 million streams on Spotify — she’s performed alongside a veritable who’s who of global superstars, including Michael Jackson, Prince, Carlos Santana, Steve Vai, Richie Sambora, Carrie Underwood and Alice Cooper.
The Aussie beauty effortlessly slides from pop to rock to country to heavy metal and back again. But what never changes is her passion for performing, which shows through in every concert she plays and every track she touches.
“I love music so much that I don’t like to put barriers on anything,” says Orianthi, 39. “I just feel like if you play with conviction — if you play it, you love it and you mean it — that’s what it’s all about.”
“When you’re authentic yourself and everything has integrity, that’s what people see and feel.”
As an ambitious newbie, Orianthi self- produced her very first record, 2006’s Violet Journey. Taking inspiration from Prince, she did more than just sing. She played every instrument on the album, showcasing her immense talent, and mailed out CDs to industry heavy hitters.
From there, she demonstrated her guitar- playing skills at the National Association of Music Merchants Show (NAMM) in Anaheim, signed with Interscope Records, moved to L.A. and professionally dropped her last name Panagaris.
Orianthi was on the fast track to success, and as she worked on Believe — her breakout album — she received a message that would change her life.
“I was in the studio with Diane Warren — who’s an incredible songwriter — and was putting down a vocal. This is when MySpace was going on, and I got a message through MySpace that Michael Jackson was watching my videos, and Prince had told him about me. Carlos Santana had told him about me, and he was looking for a guitar player,” she recalls.
Later that night, Orianthi had a phone call with Jackson himself and auditioned for him the very next day. After she played three songs — including “Beat It” with its iconic guitar solo — the King of Pop immediately hired her as the guitarist for his This Is It tour.
That led to lengthy days of rehearsals with Jackson and his band, which went on for nearly four months — until the legend’s untimely death in June 2009 after going into cardiac arrest at age 50.
Weeks later, as she grieved for her friend and collaborator, Believe was released and “According to You” raced up the charts.
While her career was skyrocketing, Orianthi admits, “Mentally, I was not in the best place — I’ve got to be honest — because I was trying to process the loss. I can’t say that I enjoyed that time. … Everyone who knew Michael loved him. He was big teacher, and he made me a better performer. So I have mixed feelings about that whole time of my life. But I am very grateful I had the opportunity to work with one of the biggest pop stars in the world and learn a lot from him and that whole band.”
Orianthi followed up Believewith her third album, Heaven in This Hell, and also served as guitarist for rocker Alice Cooper from 2011 to 2014. She recalls touring as a “zombie covered in blood for four years,” and adds, “It was wonderful.”
The blonde stunner considers guitar god Santana one of her biggest musical influences, but when it comes to her varied stage looks, she follows her moods and takes inspiration from her personal style icons — Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Nicks and Brigitte Bardot.
Orianthi is a woman of substance, but being an attractive female in the public eye, who excels in a male-dominated industry, means she’s also had to deal with her share of insults and crazies.
“On Instagram and Twitter, I do get some haters,” she confides. “I’ve had quite a few kind of stalkeresque people and had to get the police involved. One camped under my balcony in a tent — in a loincloth with a didgeridoo. That was really weird. Some people cross the line, for sure.”
Orianthi reveals one of her proudest accomplishments has been the release of her very own Gibson guitar. The fiery red instrument boasts a Sitka spruce top and flamed maple back. But the stylish axe is truly unique for having an acoustic body, an electric neck and a pickup modified to her exact specifications. While the guitar’s launch was met with plenty of positivity, it also attracted cruel critics.
“Like ‘Who is she? She doesn’t deserve it.’ You know, all this stuff,” she shares. “A lot of my dear friends reached out to me — including incredible male artists — who said, ‘Don’t worry. They’re just miserable people.’”
However, no amount of dismissive comments can erase the fact that the guitar is one of the company’s bestsellers, which she calls an “honor.”
Orianthi tells Penthouseshe’s currently focusing on her solo work with her own personal band and has both a radio-friendly collection of singles and a bluesy rock album in the pipeline after releasing Live from Hollywood and Rock Candy in 2022.
“We’ve been touring since the end of 2022, playing back-to-back shows — heading off to Japan, heading off to Europe, doing tons of festivals. It’s been very good for my spirit, my soul,” she says.
“It’s been very fulfilling. I feel like I’m on the right path now because there’s a peace within the storm of crazy.” The philosophical artist says, “There are lights and drains in life. You’ve got to find the right people who resonate with you. Then you can really be your authentic self who can create the best possible music. You can create, and you can really focus, have a focus on your art. Because if you’re distracted by the wrong energies around you, that’s the worst thing.”
And as Orianthi dedicates herself to her creative efforts, she reveals, “My number one goal in life is to inspire more people to get into music — whether it be an outlet or a profession — because it helped me save my life. I wouldn’t know what else to do without holding my guitar and getting to express myself through that. It brings me a lot of joy.”
“Music is such a form of magic. It’s a wonderful thing. I’m grateful I get to share it.”
At least one of us, admittedly more a fan of other music forms, nonetheless found himself embarrassed at how someone this extraordinary had completely passed his notice — and this from a guy that spent a summer hanging out at Eddie Van Halen’s house listening to him play. In case you too have missed Orianthi somehow, you can do the Instagram thing, or even check out her website to check out tour dates or grab some merch. Better yet, though, set aside an hour or so to ramble through YouTube following her name. Then do those other things and go out and turn your friends on to her music.
Hey Penthouse fam, it’s your girl Jisel — your January 2019 Pet of the Month checking in! Back then, I was living in Miami, gearing up to move to Toronto for grad school, and dreaming of traveling the world. Well, guess what? I did all that and then some.
Jisel … January 2019 — The Big Moment Being named Pet of the Month was like a dream come true. Getting that call had me pinching myself: “Is this really happening?” The energy on set in Beverly Hills was electric, and seeing my published photos felt surreal. I knew this milestone would open doors, and it definitely did.
Jisel … Mid to Late 2019 — Miami to Toronto Right before my feature went live, I left sunny Miami for a new challenge in Toronto: grad school plus modeling. Snow boots were a shock for this beach girl, but it was worth it. I also fed my travel bug, hopping from Yellowknife (hello, Northern Lights) to Dubai, San Francisco, and back to Miami whenever I needed my sunshine fix. The highlight? Snagging my scuba certification in Fakarava now I’m hooked on the underwater world!
Jisel … 2020 — Shifting Gears Grad school and modeling kept me on my toes. I snuck in a Puerto Rico visit to see my mom just before COVID turned the world upside down. Toronto went into lockdown, so I focused on my studies and got creative with my content, which really boosted my OnlyFans presence. It was a strange time, but it pushed me to evolve.
Jisel … 2021 — Penthouse Letters Cover & More Fast-forward to 2021: I was shocked and surprised when I found out I was on the Penthouse Letters cover in October (still can’t stop smiling about that!) and finally wrapped up my master’s degree. Balancing classes with shoots wasn’t easy, but celebrating both achievements in the same year felt like a huge win. Travel was limited, so I explored more of Canada, Niagara Falls, Montreal, and, of course, more trips back to Miami.
Jisel … 2022—2024 — Career & Adventures With my degree in hand, I jumped deeper into modeling, launched fresh brand collabs, and even got into ring-girl gigs at boxing events. I also consulted with Toronto businesses, blending my academic background with my creative side. Between all that, I found time for quick getaways to New York City, the Bahamas, Vegas, D.C., and Chicago
Jisel … 2025 — Finding My Next Move With school behind me, I’m focusing full-time on modeling and deciding where to put down roots. Toronto’s been amazing, but I still miss that Miami sunshine. I’ve been traveling around the States for shoots and exploring potential new hometowns. There might even be someone special in my life—wink, wink. I’m staying open and letting life lead me to whatever comes next.
A Look Back & Ahead From the Northern Lights to scuba diving in the South Pacific, this journey has been wild. Travel continues to fire me up I love trying new foods, meeting new people, and creating content. Europe and Asia are definitely on my radar, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds.
So there you have it, Penthouse fam, my life since 2019 has been one big adventure. Thank you for riding this wave with me and cheering me on. I’ve got a feeling the best is still to come, and I promise to keep you posted every step of the way!
Until next time, Jisel
Because we always find education important, we did a bit of further research and uncovered that Jisel’s undergraduate degree was a B.S. in Business Admininstration, while her Master’s came in Communication. … Overall, both of those disciplines sound ideal for model setting out to make her mark in the world. You’d better learn business if you do not want to be broke when you stop being a public figure, and, well, if you cannot communicate, you probably would not get very far in the first place. That said, some initials after your name cannot hurt, and you just might find the topic interesting. Truth be told, we’ll pretty much make up any excuse to get in touch with Jisel. Research of your own can start here and happen further with Instagram. We suggest careful study.
I remember the first time I smoked weed like it was five minutes ago.
I was 13 years old and had gone to see a movie with a group of my girlfriends. My hair was permed and my tits were nonexistent. I had yet to be punished with braces (that would come the following year) and my only care was pleasing my parents just enough for them to leave me alone. My girlfriends and I snuck out back of the strip mall complex and behind a restaurant beside the theater. My friend, Liana, pulled out an apple and a bag of pot from her Jansport backpack.
She had prepared the apple at home, so the holes were set and we were ready to smoke. When the apple got to me, I sucked face with it like a horny Snow White and tried my best to inhale the way Liana was instructing. I had smoked a total of seven cigarettes in my life, so taking smoke was foreign to my teenage lungs. We refilled the apple bowl over and over. Whenever someone dropped it, we’d all started laughing hysterically while scrambling to collect the charred nugs. Suddenly a dishwasher from the restaurant stepped out the back door and we ran like criminals.
I didn’t feel stoned right away, but once that first fistfull of popcorn missed my mouth and landed on my chest, I doubled over in laughter. Yes, I was stoned. Colors, sounds, and textures were amplified. I was suddenly so aware of how sticky my hands were. I tried to ignore the urge to go wash them in the girls’ room but it was pestering me like water torture. My mind did somersaults as I sunk into the theater seat. Why had movies never been this funny before?
From then on, I smoked a lot of weed in my youth because that’s what you do in your youth. It’s easy to put back a joint or two a day when your responsibilities are homework, learning to drive, and doing the dishes. We made “lungs” out of two-liter soda bottles and plastic bags. We smoked out of cans when we couldn’t find papers. We built makeshift bongs out of plastic 7-11 novelty items and watched Half Baked on repeat.
This was British Columbia, and everyone was into weed. My family is peppered with casual pot users. I used to have to buy my Uncle Chris $200 worth every time he came into town for a business trip. The first time I smoked with my dad I was 15 years old and on a family vacation with a bunch of my relatives and younger cousins. He took my brother and me to the beach before dinner. When we were good and stoned, we went inside and sat down at the table. My mom immediately knew what was up and stared daggers into my dad’s glossy red eyes. He just poured himself another gin. “Come on,” he laughed. “We’re on vacation!”
That’s the thing about weed and what eventually made me stop in my twenties: It put my mind on vacation. I was never good at portion control and usually got too stoned. Like the time my friend Sarah gave me four pot cookies to take home, and I ate them all while walking to another friend’s house to finish a group project for French class. By the time I knocked on her door and opened my notebook, my brain had crash-landed on the moon. Have you ever listened to North American teenagers try to speak French while high out of your skull? I was laughing so hard I forgot my native tongue. I ended up puking a little bit, then passed out on the couch. I didn’t try edibles again for over a decade.
The first time I smoked weed with my dad I was 15 years old.
When I worked at the local grocery store, I would smoke weed with the produce boys on my breaks and after work every night. Being a stoned cashier sent me into Rain Man mode. I would try to solve math problems no one needed to, like figuring out how many times the scanner beeped during a shift by averaging the beeps per minute by my hours clocked. (My math was definitely not accurate.) Driving home stoned took years. I once caught myself doing a steady 20 in a 55 mph zone.
Smoking weed and going to class was an even bigger waste of brain. By the time college came around, I decided it was time to drop the daily bong rips and just binge drink and dabble in cocaine like a normal person. Except when it came to sex. I liked taking a modest hit of weed and fucking, especially with someone I actually liked. By the time I was in my mid-twenties, weed had become a novelty that usually accompanied dick. (And that dick usually provided the weed.)
A few years ago, while pushing 30, I was assigned a story about the latest development in sexuality and women’s health: an all-natural, THC-infused sexual enhancement oil called Foria Pleasure. Everyone from ABC News to Cosmopolitan to Bill Maher was calling it “weed lube.” Then I met up with the brand’s California cofounder, Matthew Gerson, to talk about it.
“I have some marijuana plants growing right now,” he explained to me across the table. “If you spend time with this plant, it’s a fascinating weed. Marijuana is essentially a very horny female plant. It’s the female that is harvested and secretes the fluid, wants to be pollinated, and when it’s pollinated becomes stressed out and produces more and more. There’s this weird connection between he human female and the female plant. We have evolved with plants. We have a receptor that successfully absorbs THC. We have that capacity to absorb the pollen the plant secretes because our physiology coevolved.”
In my entire history of smoking weed, I never actually thought about its harvest. Or that it was as horny as I was.
There are two dominant cannabinoids in the marijuana plant: cannabidiol (CBD), which is the non-psychoactive, pain-relieving element, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which releases dopamine in the brain, but also stimulates a neurochemical called anandamide, or “the bliss molecule.” THC is the cannabinoid that makes you feel high as a kite. However, it has many other positive functions when used on the body in different ways.
Cannabinoid extraction methods have gone from nonexistent to NASA-level. Today, cannabis cultivators have created ingenious ways of sucking the drugs out of the plant, liquifying them into new forms like concentrates or oils. What Foria discovered is that THC helps increase blood flow when applied topically to the clitoris and labia. The lining of the vagina quickly absorbs it into the bloodstream. This is the genius of Foria: it’s getting your vagina, not your brain, stimulated.
It wasn’t like I had trouble enjoying sex. I didn’t need any chemical assistance or to trick my pussy into sex by getting it “stoned.” Foria became this new bonus. It was more lubricating than my favorite water-ased lubricant, Slippery Stuff, and I required a fraction of the amount. Foria is a pre-sex mist, not an actual lube you continue to apply throughout. When I spritzed it onto my clit, the THC never crossed my blood-brain barrier, which means I didn’t feel stoned in my head. However, when my husband licked it off me, he got high.
After a week of using it, we had mastered our method: two sprays in the mouth, and three down south. (We keep a bottle on our bedside table to this day.) Foria wasn’t this magical oil that made orgasms shoot out of me like fireworks. Cannabis doesn’t work like that when it’s being absorbed through the mucus membranes and labia. I think that’s what I liked about it. It was aiding my body in a new way that was improving my sex life and overall health. My body was doing the portion control for me.
I kept in touch with Gerson and he informed me about Foria’s new creations with the horny girl plant. Within a year, Foria had linked up with celebrity urologist Dr. Jen Berman to create a wildly successful vaginal suppository, Relief, designed to reduce menstrual pain. Half a year later came their rectal suppository, Explore, for anal sex play and pain relief. I tried them both and was hooked.
Have you ever shoved cannabis up your asshole? Of course you haven’t! It’s never been a “thing” until now. Why do you think British schoolgirls used to soak tampons in vodka and shove them up their butts? It was so they could be drunk undetected at school. Stevie Nicks didn’t have her assistant blow cocaine into her ear, now did she? No, she went straight for the b-hole.
I may not smoke weed anymore, but I’m more than happy to put it on and inside myself.
I didn’t need any chemical assistance or to trick my pussy into sex by getting it “stoned.”
“THE best thing we have found to normalize the human body is cannabis,” California-based chiropractor Dr. Allen Miller tells me. He specializes in chronic pain and sports-injury management, and we met at a cannabis event in Malibu. “Our bodies were made to take this plant, just like vitamin C or D or any other mineral in your body. The body is very organized and if it needs something, it has receptors for it. CBD and THC sit like a lock and key to the receptors in the body.”
Men have Viagra and Cialis, but the lack of pharmaceuticals created to aid women’s sexual dysfunction is less about gender discrimination and more about science. Numerous studies have linked erectile dysfunction to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol, so although your boner is a quality of life issue, it can also be connected to serious medical issues. On the other hand, the link between female sexual-arousal problems and high-risk conditions is yet to be determined.
Miller believes cannabis oil is the perfect aid for sexual health, especially for older men and women who are facing the biological realities of being post-reproduction. A decreased amount of estrogen results in the thinning of the vaginal walls, which is extremely painful for women; THC helps stimulate the blood flow in that area.
However, many studies insist that there’s a link between erectile dysfunction and marijuana users. A Journal of Sexual Medicine study suggests that when THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it impairs function. Because there are also cannabinoid receptors in the penile tissue, researchers concluded THC could likely cause erectile dysfunction. Then again, it might also be helpful in preventing premature ejaculation.
Allegedly, a low dose of cannabis can increase sexual appetite, while a high dose could quell it. Portion control is key when using cannabis, which is why topically applying it to my labia is going to result in increased pleasure, while smoking it straight to my head will make me rethink the fact that I even have a labia.
Maybe I wasn’t back on board with bong rips, but using cannabis to increase my sexual health restored my interest in the plant. You could say that my vagina is now addicted to weed, which I now use regularly to manage my period cramps and increase the intensity of my orgasms. But using weed to enhance sex is nothing new.
In the 1930s, Russian brides mixed cannabis with lamb’s fat to consume on their wedding night to enhance sexual pleasure. In west Uganda, men use cannabis as a traditional remedy for erectile dysfunction. Hindu and Buddhist tantric cannabis practices date back to 700 A.D. Cannabis has been with us for centuries, and yet we are only in the infancy of discovering its healing properties.
I spent years away from cannabis because I thought I always got too stoned from smoking, and I started to worry more about what went into my body, too. Nowadays, you don’t need to smoke; with all the oils, tinctures, vapes, and sprays, there are so many means of taking cannabis. Being able to use it on my pussy was the gateway to getting it back into my life.
Cannabis has gone from being just something teenagers do to get fucked up and have fun to a respected method of pain relief and healing. A physician now writes you a recommendation script for weed so you can use it to improve your sex life.
Now tell that to your grandmother.
As many of you may know, Ms. Barber-Way was destined to become Editor in Chief of our publication for a time. Those of us that knew her origin story had great fun watching the younger members of the team be shocked at the revelations in this article, not the least of which being the embrace of weed. Our Mish has a lot of depth to her, and we really hope she finds time to come back and share some more with us. We encourage you to discover more as you find your own. No matter what the project, Mish will always make it more interesting.
Just to be perfectly clear, neither of the women in the header image happen to be Mish. They are models (and friends) Riley Reid and Kimmy Granger who just happened to have a layout in the same March, 2017, Penthouse Magazine where this article originally appeared. If you want to know more about Mish Barber-Way — “backwards” on purpose as we learn quickly — we highly recommend a lengthy YouTube interview that you could still catch at least as of this publication. Turns out boobs made her learn how to play guitar. The world needs more people like Mish, however they decide to pronounce their last names. …
It may come as a surprise to some —although not to many who have attended many industry conventions — but a surprising number of women who happily pose naked have a lot of brain-power behind those fine looks. Even among that crowd, though, Misty Stone ranks among the cerebral elite. She rarely does anything but smile, yet look into those eyes (y’know if you can tear yourself away from the rest of her) and you embrace an infectious joie de vivre that most of us can only wish we could possess.
The first time this author ran across that novelty happened to be on a movie set, strangely enough. I arrived to find Misty on set ready to shoot as a new director provided the ever-so-helpful advice, “Just jump up on that pool table and make mad, passionate, love to yourself.”
Misty looked past the director and the camera at me —because you can make ridiculous faces and inappropriate gestures if you happen to be behind everyone else — and she smiled that million-dollar smile. Truth be told, Misty herself likely has zero recollection of this chance meeting, but to a random guy who met her cute little puppy that day, it instilled a lot of hope for the future as the younger generation moves into leadership roles. Something just twitches inside you when you look into a set of eyes and your brain says, “Oooh. Smart.”
Of course at that point Misty spun around, hopped up on the pool table and began … um … following directions, so like every other person in the room, I pretty much ceased contemplating intellectual prowess. As much as possible, then, although we would suggest that you look deeper than the surfaces presented in Misty’s photographs, we also understand how difficult that may be.
As for the insights Misty chose to share herself, we provide 31 of our requested 25 Things No One Knows About Misty Stone…
I don’t use workout clothes to work out. I wear them as a fashion statement.
My nickname growing up was “Boobie” because I always had a full diaper as an infant, and it’s just kind of stuck with me.
I played basketball for Crenshaw High, #31. I was a shooting guard and was very much a tomboy in High School.
I used to be very shy and timid. Porn is the reason I broke out of my shell.
I masturbate standing up. I can make myself cum in 30 seconds “Caveman style”, meaning with my fingers – not toys.
I enjoy mental sex as opposed to physical.
I can wiggle my ears.
I can squirt pure water (Aqua Fina, baby). P.S. It’s not piss.
I don’t have any full-blooded brothers or sisters, all of them are either ½ or step, but I have over 20 siblings.
I prefer baths to showers. Whenever I take a bath, I have a bottle of Moet chilled on ice, tub-side.
I’m a couch potato. I’d rather spend time on my couch more than anywhere else.
The #1 rule in my house currently, you can’t pet my dog Monkey-Poo, If you want to do that, you have to go outside because her shedding hair drives me crazy.
I’m very clean, and I like to clean a lot when I’m bored. If u bored, clean up. There’s always something to clean.
People wonder why I’m so late. I have OCD, and things have to be a certain way before I leave the house. I’m Miss Perfect.
I was the 3rd African-American to grace the cover of Penthouse Magazine (Vanessa Williams, Skin Diamond, me!)
I’m ¾ Creek Indian (the meanest Indians you can encounter, ask your Grandma).
I don’t have any debt. I don’t owe anyone any money. I don’t owe any banks money. I’m debt free, baby.
I’ve always wanted to be an aerialist.
I’m a typical Aries, the ‘leader of the Zodiac’. I’m always leading, but a great leader knows when to follow. I’m no stupid leader!
I really love Dorothy Dandridge, like how people love Marilyn Monroe. She’s on artwork, t-shirts, look her up. They should have more merchandise to purchase so I could buy it.
I’m 420 friendly.
I love sour gummies.
I’m a ‘dog person’. I like spending time with my 6-year-old female pit bull terrier mix, Monkey-Poo. We take long walks together while she leads the way with the leash in her mouth.
Monkey-Poo plays “Ding Dong Shit” with an old lady in my neighborhood. Monkey-Poo won’t let me pick it up after she goes and just wants to run away.
I don’t pick up dog shit at night.
One of my favorite TV shows is, Snapped.
When I’m home, I tend to wear a robe, a scarf on my head, and glasses.
I’m a very spontaneous person. Please don’t plan my life for me. Let life plan life for me.
I have post-it notes all over my kitchen with instructions for my friends regarding recycling, and the care and upkeep of my dog.
I was born in Inglewood CA, but half my life I was raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Go! Corn Huskers!
I can’t multi-task when I’m getting ready. No talking please!
Well, now that covers a fairly broad range of interest, although in fairness, bright people do tend to have relatively broad perspectives. Given that, then, we felt the need to add one more little Misty Stone on (at least one) set story. As you may or may not know, in addition to hanging around looking beautiful and posing for magazine shoots, Misty has made a substantial mark on the adult entertainment movie industry. While attending such a movie set one day, we happened upon Misty leaving no Stone unturned in the other room. Quite clearly one could hear, “Oh my goodness! Oh my fuckin’ goodness!” But never did we hear any dieties invoked. Later, when I asked her about this, Misty told me that she didn’t want to invoke the name of God in vain, and that “Oh my goodness” had become her trademark! … Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire! (Somebody already has that one, right?)
When Sam reached out for insight into how life has been treating Ms. Stone, we got a prompt — not to mention perfectly Misty — response.
“Over the years the adult industry has watched me grow showering me with numerous awards that I am very proud of and grateful for. My biggest accomplishment has been being inducted into sooo many ‘Hall of Fames’ throughout my time in the industry. I take pride in being a pioneer, and now I am on a new journey of reinventing myself again. Watch me grow!!!”Misty Stone
Should you wish to reach out to Misty Stone, you have many options, although the linktree page will give you insght to all of them, even if Misty adds, substracts, or otherwise alters at some later date. No matter where you find her, you will find no moss growing on this fine lass.Oh, and for the record, we could not find anyone who felt comfortable telling us whether or not Misty really say, “Oh, my goodness!” when she’s having sex in private. We did, however, find many, many people willing to do the research. Buncha givers here, really.
This would be about that time Jimi Hendrix punched Television’s Richard Lloyd.
The foursome came of age in the seventies CBGB era alongside Patti Smith, the Ramones, Dead Boys, Blondie, Iggy Pop, and all those other rock junkies who happened to pull it together long enough to make iconic albums.
Inspired by writers like Jim Carroll and William Burroughs, and the garbage dump that was NYC in the late seventies, the CBGB scene was a potent cocktail of artists, musicians, punks, and emaciated misfits who shared a common love of not giving a shit. Television climbed the social hierarchy to star status when Smith took a liking to the band during a residency the two acts shared at the downtown club (Smith would eventually shack up with the band’s frontman, Tom Verlaine).
Verlaine took himself and the music very seriously, while bassist Richard Hell and lead guitarist Richard Lloyd were more interested in having a good time. Hell quit the band before Marquee Moon debuted, but Lloyd stuck around, and his style went on to influence bands like R.E.M., Echo and the Bunnymen, and Joy Division.
Long before Lloyd played onstage with Television, he was a baby-faced teenager roaming the streets of New York. And like most boys in the sixties who wanted to play guitar, Lloyd idolized Jimi Hendrix.
According to Lloyd, sometime in early 1968, he and his friends managed to pool together enough money to buy some hash. While they were waiting for the delivery at his friend’s house, a 16-year-old Brooklynite named Velvert Turner showed up. Turner started talking about how he knew Jimi Hendrix, and while the other boys mocked him, Lloyd says he knew “to an absolute degree of certainty that [Turner] knew Jimi Hendrix.”
As Lloyd tells it, Turner called the Warwick Hotel in Manhattan and asked for a name nobody recognized. He passed the receiver around so the others could hear it ringing, and when it got to Lloyd someone picked up. “‘Hey man, what’s up? Who is this?’” Lloyd said he heard, adding, “He must have been really asleep, ’cause it rang about 14 times.”
Lloyd pretended to be Turner then quickly shoved the receiver into the kid’s hands. When Turner got off the phone, he announced he was on the guest list for Hendrix’s show that night, with a plus one. Turner invited Lloyd, the quiet kid, and the only one who hadn’t mocked him.
For Lloyd, the show was life-changing.
“It was like looking into a nuclear furnace — otherworldly and everybody was freaking out,” he said in an interview with the punk history website Please Kill Me. “It was the first time I ever saw a wave because the stage rotated. When Jimi was in front of your side, you stood up and everybody screamed and yelled and then when you couldn’t see [the band] anymore you sat back down and there was a new group standing.”
Turns out Turner knew Hendrix pretty well. Hendrix had been teaching him guitar, and Turner soon started sharing everything he’d learned with Lloyd. The two boys became best friends, toting around their Stratocasters to school and sneaking into any show they could.
In November the following year, Hendrix was playing a small club called Salvation in Greenwich Village — an intimate warm-up show to kick off a long tour, and an early birthday party for Hendrix, who was turning 26. To keep fans away, the band was billed as the Black Roman Orgy, but the sound system sucked and Hendrix left the stage, retreating to his table, where Lloyd had somehow scored a seat.
Over the course of the evening, Hendrix opened up to Lloyd, confessing how he felt stifled by fame, and was sick of performing on command. He wanted to explore new musical styles but “they” wouldn’t let him. Awestruck, Lloyd gushed about how much Hendrix’s music meant to him, and encouraged him to do what he wanted despite what anyone thought. Then out of nowhere, Hendrix reached out and punched him three times — twice in the face, once in the gut.
Shocked and humiliated, Lloyd slunk out of the booth and hid in the back of the club, until the cleaning guy asked him to leave. Outside in the parking lot, Lloyd ran into Hendrix who was waiting in his Corvette.
“He called me over and asked for my hands,” Lloyd remembers. “He apologized and began weeping on them.” Lloyd stood motionless as his hands were soaked with Hendrix’s tears. The rock star mumbled near-inaudible apologies, before finally rolling up his window and driving off.
When Lloyd told Turner what happened, he laughed. Hendrix hated compliments, he explained. He thought they were patronizing — basically an insult.
But those three punches didn’t matter to Lloyd. “I didn’t care that he hit me,” he says, looking back. “He gave me something that I’ve carried to this day. It was a gift.”
Suzie Banks is a writer and music nerd based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her record collection spans two rooms and is in perfect alphabetical order.
Beyond wanting to pause a moment and consider a mental image of Jimi Hendrix driving a Corvette, we felt a need to share just a little bit more from the man himself. The header image for this article represents a monument in Germany where Jimi played his last live concert, if you’re curious, and aside from learning — once again, that heroin is bad, we can continue to be amazed at the brief time we were given.
Purple haze all in my brain. Lately, things just don’t seem the same. Acting funny, but I don’t know why. Excuse me while I kiss the sky…Jimi Hendrix
In November and December 2004, U.S. military forces took part in their bloodiest battle since 1968. For the six weeks the Second Battle of Fallujah raged, U.S. Marines and Army soldiers led some of the heaviest urban combat American forces had faced in decades—even going as far as to use white phosphorus, a highly controversial chemical agent often compared to napalm, to target insurgent forces.
Nicknamed Operation Phantom Fury, the battle resulted in an estimated 6,000 total casualties, including: 95 U.S. forces, between 1,200 and 2,000 Iraqi insurgents, and an estimated 800 or more civilians.
Now, the battle is being waged once more—in the new first-person-shooter game SixDaysinFallujah,which features real-life stories of U.S. Marines and soldiers, as well as those of Iraqi civilians. The game launched in June 2023 in early release for Microsoft Windows, but developers promise an even more lifelike experience when the full game makes its debut on Xbox and PlayStation in 2024, saying, “The full version will offer a complete single-player story campaign that recreates true stories of Americans and Iraqis during the battle, as well as a robust special operator mode, more player roles, more co-op missions, and AI teammates.”
The game’s Steam site proclaims: “Six Days in Fallujah is a highly realistic first-person tactical shooter developed with help from more than 100 Marines and soldiers who served in the Second Battle of Fallujah.“
Based on true stories from one of the world’s toughest modern battles, Six Days drops you and your team into real-world scenarios that require real-life tactics to overcome.”
But it’s exactly this promise of a “true” experience that’s riled up military veterans and gamers alike as they debate whether such an experience really should be turned into entertainment.
The game, which was initially pitched to Atomic Games, was proposed by Sgt. Eddie Garcia, a Marine Corps veteran who fought in the battle. Following four years of development, the game was slated for release in 2009. Before the game could launch, however, Atomic’s publishing partner pulled out of the deal because of the controversy surrounding its release.
More than 14 years later, the Falluja debate rages once more.
One facet of the controversy: the accusation that the game was designed as a recruitment tool for the U.S. military. In 2020, after using the streaming app Twitch to reach gamers, the military was barred from the platform. At the time, it was revealed that gamers who tuned in to the U.S. Army’s streaming channel were lured to a recruitment page by links that were shared as part of alleged contests to win gaming gear. According to The Nation, users who followed the links were presented with “a recruiting form with no additional mention of a contest, odds, total number of winners, or when a drawing will occur.”
Rod Breslau, an e-sports industry consultant and insider, told The Nation, “You can say what you want about people who serve in the military and what that says about them. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be able to play video games or e-sports, but I do think it’s more insidious to have the military using it as a recruiting tool for young, impressionable people.”
The game’s publishers have denied any connection to recruitment, stating that they only worked with members of the military community as “private citizens” to get their input on the realities of the battle.
Another part of the controversy: the battle is too real to be a game. TechRadar Editor-in-Chief Jake Tucker had a chance to play the early release version of the game when it launched. In his review, he wrote, “It’s intense, brutal and the sort of tactical shooter that’s best suited for a dedicated team. Sadly, the horror doesn’t end when you come out of the mission. … Wading through the bloodshed of the Second Battle of Fallujah certainly left me feeling like I needed to take a shower.”
Cat Bussell, a staff writer for TechRadar and former political analyst, also questioned the game’s reality and motives in her review. “SixDaysdoes little to address the extremely blurred lines between civilians and combatants that defined the Iraq War. While many accounts of the conflict, including Six Days, paint the insurgent/civilian dichotomy as a binary contrast, the reality was not nearly as cut and dry,” Bussell wrote. “The Iraqis of SixDays… are either corpses or part of an indistinguishable militant horde, with no room for nuance. While the stories of the Marines absolutely deserve to be told, the same is true for the locals, whether or not they fought against the invaders, were bystanders, or found themselves being something in-between.”
Middle East Eye, in their article about the game, referenced a since-deleted tweet by a user whose commentary was a little more pointed: “Experience what it’s like to be a war criminal as you kill, rape and torture innocent Iraqi civilians because you’re a career terrorist.”
In 2021, when the game’s revival was initially announced, Middle East analyst Ahmed Twaij called out the game and its creators for devaluing Iraqi lives. “Preying on these real-life tragedies for entertainment is morally reprehensible, and the opportunity to play as U.S. soldiers in Fallujah and conduct virtual crimes only compounds the ongoing trauma suffered by Iraqis around the world,” Twaij wrote in ForeignPolicy. “For Iraqis, there is no off switch, and as the effects of the war continue to ripple through civilians’ daily lives, they deserve better than having their trauma flattened into 2D narratives for Western entertainment. Their lives are not a game.”
“We’re not asking players to commit atrocities in the game.”
Others, however, view the game as just that—a game. Six Days’ mastermind and longtime champion Peter Tamte has stood by it since its conception. He’s argued in the past that if television and movies could tell real-life war stories for entertainment, then games should be allowed to take inspiration from actual battles, too. “We’re not asking players to commit atrocities in the game,” he told GamesIndustry.biz in 2021. “Are we effectively sanitizing events by not doing that? I don’t think that we need to portray the atrocities in order for people to understand the human cost. We can do that without the atrocities.”
Tamte added, “Very few people are curious what it’s like to be an Iraqi civilian. Nobody’s going to play that game.”
Eddie Garcia, who initially conceived Six Days in 2004, also stands behind the game. “I always felt a movie would be too narrow of a lens to capture our experience in Iraq. A game on the other hand was perfect,” Garcia told Military Times in June 2023. “A game could capture various perspectives, stories, ideas and feelings in a way that was personal and intimate. My hope for the project was that the game could be a medium for all those things, for a diverse group of Marines, and I believe it succeeded.”
Veteran Read Omohundro, who served as a consultant on the original game concept and the final game, is equally supportive and finds the controversy around Six Days to be nonsense. According to Omohundro, the issues being raised against the game are those of policy and politics, something he says has little if anything to do with the actual battles waged by American servicemembers. “When [U.S. soldiers are] in the middle of a combat zone, they don’t give a shit about the politics of why they’re there. They’re just there. They’re taking care of their buddies, and their friends are doing their mission,” he told Polygon. “And that’s what this game is about. Not about what policymakers did up to that point.”
U.S. Marine veteran John Phipps, who fought in Fallujah, agrees the policies and politics that led to the battle are different from the actual fighting. But he also worries ignoring those foundational elements of the war takes away from the reality the game can offer. “Here, specifically, the insurgency was something of our own making. We created that,” he told GamesIndustry.biz.
However, regardless of the game’s inclusion of policy and overt politics, Phipps doesn’t believe it can engender a remotely realistic battle experience. “[This game] will not give you anywhere near an accurate sense of what it’s like to be near a battlefield, what it’s like to not just experience death in front of you, but to smell it, to hear it,” he said. “It’s not going to tell you what it’s like to watch a gunnery sergeant get reduced to ash in front of you, or having to clean him up afterward.”
Eddie Garcia ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, but lost in the Republican primary to someone who lost the general election by nine points. Obviously we cannot say whether the ultimate result might have changed in Virginia had the primary race come out differently, but we can confidently opine that the fact a primary battle far too often determines the ultimate Congressional representative in elections across the country these days makes us sad. It seems like we should at least try to get along.
We will leave to you the personal rumination as to whether “games” should this accurately reflect real life. Given the nature of the part of our company in the more explicit genres, we have our own views regarding how much reality one should glean from fantasy.
With explosive energy and aggressive vocals, Heidi Shepherd brings the heavy metal thunder to Butcher Babies with equally fierce co-frontwoman Carla Harvey. Take this incendiary pair, add the brutal riffs and hard-pounding beats of their fellow band members — bassist Ricky Bonazza, drummer Chase Brickenden and guitarist Henry Flury, Heidi’s longtime partner — and you have a formula for vicious perfection.
Born and raised in Utah as one of six kids in a musical Mormon family, Heidi forged her own path. The budding track and field star was an avid athlete in high school and college — and even competed in the 2003 Junior Olympics in Moscow — before breaking her back while training for the pole vault.
Heidi persevered through her long recovery, was briefly a Utah Jazz cheerleader and worked in radio. But she truly flourished after diving into the L.A. music scene.
She and Harvey were two of the sexy snarling hellcats in the successful cover band Switchblade Kitty, which played up and down the Sunset Strip. Heidi says the “crazy” group was “like Spice Girls on crack.”
Upon meeting Harvey, Heidi recalls thinking, “We were either going to be best friends or mortal enemies.”
She adds, “Luckily, we became best friends and created Butcher Babies. And it’s really just been a whirlwind ever since.”
For Heidi, her passion for the job entails more than the music.
She explains, “It’s about the performance, too, and the way it makes me feel. There was always just something inside of me that screams [onstage is] where I am supposed to be. I feel like a lot of people have that when they find their calling in life. It’s the aha moment.”
After self-releasing their first EP in 2011, Butcher Babies signed a worldwide record deal, toured with Marilyn Manson and recorded their raw and remarkably powerful debut album Goliath.
However, the band still faced criticism from small-minded naysayers who refused to accept a heavy metal band fronted by two gorgeous women.
“It was something that was really, really difficult at the time. A lot of people didn’t want to have anything to do with it,” Heidi admits.
She recalls having two female vocalists was “definitely a barrier” and confides, “We weren’t going out there with the intention of let’s break down barriers. We just decided to do what we wanted to do.”
Butcher Babies forged ahead, sensing the time was right for boundary-pushing acts.
“It was totally natural for us to feel like, OK, this is something that will be unique. This is something that will be different because everything was about being unique and different. I feel in different times in the past, they wanted you to fit in tight to this tiny little box. Being different was so exciting and so fun, and I’d always been kind of different.”
As Butcher Babies found their fame soaring, they were socked by some shockingly vile reactions.
“I was not prepared as an early 20-something for the backlash we got,” admits Heidi, who recalls people wishing her ill and hurling “death threats.”
She says, “It was so weird to me. That people would look at someone living their dream and want them to fail.”
But Heidi and her bandmates didn’t back down.
“I’ve always been driven by people telling me no. It’s just more of a reason for me to push back and say, Oh yeah? In a way it’s been a blessing in disguise the way we weren’t so easily accepted right away. We had to prove ourselves over and over again. That’s really what’s pushed us to become veterans in this genre.”
As far as creating Butcher Babies records, Heidi says she has a “creative bond” with Flury and the pair often works together in their studio and collaborates with bandmates.
Though Heidi doesn’t play an instrument, she has a keen ear for the kind of music the group is aiming for.
“Henry really, really does have the majority of the hand in the musical side of everything,” she says.
“I love being able to sit there and watch him be creative and be like, yeah, a little bit more of this. What if you change the key here? It’s something that we bonded over almost 15 years ago.”
However, Heidi is quick to add, “Everyone is welcome to express their creativity.”
She points out bassist Bonazza, who four years ago replaced Jason Klein after the musician took his leave to spend more time with family, wrote songs for Butcher Babies’ recently released dual-titled double album — Eye for an Eye… and …Til the World’s Blind — the group’s first full-length records since 2017’s Lilith.
“He brought such a fresh look into it. And so, we really love to open ourselves up to writing with everybody,” Heidi says. “It’s really an open-door policy for us, and it’s served us well.”
Diving into the visual aspects of the band’s creative endeavors is especially fulfilling for Heidi. She filmed most of the video for “Red Thunder” — a hard-driving track from …Til the World’s Blind,which features Evanescence-like pop elements — with Flury taking the camera to record her parts.
“It’s just kind of a something that I love. It’s another form of expression for me,” she shares. “It’s not just about the sound. There has to be really cool and unique visuals, too. [Creating videos] is something I love, love, love to do.”
Heidi says the band’s name was taken from The Plasmatics’ single “Butcher Baby” and reveals she and Harvey were inspired by the in-your-face attitude and barely there costumes of the late Wendy O. Williams, the punk group’s brash lead singer.
The women have since toned down their audacious stage looks and left their nipple tape shields behind. But it’s all part of their evolution into heavy metal’s leading ladies.
“I realized this band has taken on a life of its own, and I noticed there were young kids coming to shows and we were becoming role models,” Heidi says.
“I realized if I’m going to be a role model, I could still have that attitude. I just need to do it in a more positive way. The way I spoke became different, the language I use became different, and everything kind of became different. And I just wanted to be a positive influence to young girls and young women, [saying] you know, this is a boys’ club. But we can go in there and we can shake it up — and we can do it wearing stilettos.”
The famous Hollywood actress and dancer Ginger Rogers famously said, “I do everything the man does, only backwards and in high heels!” … Having said that, Ginger probably had a slightly different style than Heidi Shepherd, but that does not minimize the pro-woman power of each entertainer. Heidi, though, has Instagram and even a website for Butcher Babies. Ginger never did that, now did she?
This brainy babe Beautiful Blair Sander is fluent in English, Spanish and Romanian, has a degree in psychology and possesses a limitless hunger for knowledge. She loves learning from new people and connecting with her fans. If the bewitching brunette wasn’t working as a performer, Blair tells Penthouse she’d like to be a researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. “I am fascinated by the potential of AI to solve real problems and make the world a better place,” she says. “I think AI will become a great pivot in the evolution of humankind.”
Blair has undergone her own evolution as a model, dancer and actress — and grown more gorgeous with each passing year. Read on to learn more about this intriguing talent and feast your eyes on her fabulous photos!
[Odds seem good that if you have not noticed the fabulous photos by now, putting that sentence in was not really going to help much. -Ed.]
As for the basics::
Height: 5’3″ Measurements: 36C-24-36 Native Country: Romania
What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
It’s beautiful, peaceful and safe. Bucharest is a beautiful city full of history. You will always find something to do — no matter what you’re interested in. The nightlife is great; we have clubs and bars that are open 24/7.
How did you get involved in the adult industry?
I started as a camgirl years ago. Since then, the entire camming industry has grown a great deal. I’ve been able to meet a lot of great, genuine people online from whom I’ve managed to learn a lot.
Are there any celebrities you admire and why?
Elon Musk for what he does for the world of technology. He’s a brilliant mind.
If you could live the life of anyone in history, who would it be?
Eleanor of Aquitaine. She was rich, beautiful, brainy — and queen of two countries by end of her days!
Favorite way to relax?
I usually relax by watching a movie that features some delicious food.
What do you think is the hottest movie sex scene?
Sexy honeymoon scene in Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2, Edward and Bella were awesome.
What is the biggest turn-on for you?
A man who isn’t afraid to show his emotions,skillful flirtation, charismatic nerds, respectful dominance, competence. Everyone loves a good-looking man but looks fade. I personally seek someone who is emotionally mature, not afraid to be vulnerable. Communication is vital. He has to stimulate my mind.
When are you the happiest?
When my bank account is not empty.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?
I would choose to be a researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. I am fascinated by the potential of AI to solve real-world problems and make a better place. I think that the AI will become a great pivot the humankind evolution.
What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
It’s beautiful, peaceful and safe. Bucharest is a beautiful city full of history. You will always find something to do no matter what are you interested in. The night-life is great, we have clubs and bars that open 24/7, the cost of living is small compared to other countries. In and around the city there are lots of natural parks and places to relax. People are very friendly and welcoming and they will make you feel like you are part of the family.
For the record, Ms. Blair Sander answered our questions some time ago, so we cannot be 100% sure she would answer the same way today. We do know that you can still find her at Flirt4Free and ask her yourself. … We try to stay far, far away from controversies like that.
Renee Olstead took the Penthouse family to new heights with her outstanding modeling, robust advocacy work, and authenticity. The Penthouse family could not be prouder and happier to announce Renee as our newest Penthouse Pet of the Year – this time for 2024.
I was able to catch a call with Renee in between some of her meetings, which hopefully will help shed some insight for those who are new to meeting the lovely lass and even share insights for others interested in a deeper dive. Trust us when we say that when you develop an interest in our POY 2024, you’d best be ready for swimming in the deep end. Feeling forewarned, then, let’s jump into the mind of not only the sexiest redhead that I have met but also one of the sharpest brains I have come to know in our frisky community!
Do you want to go ahead and just give me a little introduction of yourself?
My name is Renee Olstead; I was January 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Month and am the POY 2024. I find it all very exciting, even being a former child actress. I call myself a kind of Kirkland-brand Jessica Rabbit. I’m a redhead. I was a brunette when I posed for Penthouse, but even then I was a redhead in disguise.
I’m honestly a very dichotomous person. Sometimes, people don’t know exactly what to expect when they meet me. For example, after spending years acting and dallying in music, I earned my Master’s Degree in clinical psychology. So you know, one side of me perhaps more professional and buttoned up, and then there’s another side of me that tends toward more outwardly sexy and a lot more spontaneous.
Tell me more about this degree. How long did it take to get it, and did you enjoy the schooling? Would you say you’re still a very active learner today, or are you more in teaching?
Olstead: A combination of both. I hope that I never stop learning. It took me a long time to finish my undergrad because I was also working at the time. I would take classes on weekends. However, for my master’s, I was penalized because I had petitioned the dean to take full time and a half for courses, and I didn’t have enough residency months or residency quarters on my record. Since I finished the program rather quickly, I had to stick around and take a couple of bonus classes just so I could be on campus long enough. That went really fast, whereas undergrad went slowly. I also think that when you are finally in a program learning specific, favorable, personal interests, engaging with the work becomes easier.
Does this degree intertwine with your POY 2024 accomplishment and future plans?
Olstead: Well, it’s interesting. I work to keep a separation between those two worlds. But I will say that a lot of my learning and the work that I’ve done outside of modeling also helps to inform a lot of the work I do around advocating for sex worker rights, something I’m truly passionate about. I do feel like that a combination of anyone’s worlds helps us figure out how to serve our community best by distilling what we care about. I actually had my first meeting with a lawmaker that I have a lot of respect for a couple of days ago, kind of proposing some legislation that would target particularly at assisting sex workers and decriminalizing sex work within Wisconsin.
How’s that going?
Olstead: We are in the initial stages, but I got a good reaction. I’m hoping that I can follow up on that.
Well, tell me more about yourself and your experiences in sex work, especially with your shoot that happened for your Pet of the Month layout.
Olstead: I moved into sex work around 2020, which was a time when I think a lot of people kind of moved into that space because of how COVID impacted society. I had just gone through a breakup with a long-term partner, and I feel like that year was a chance for me to replace a lot of things in my world. I had a lot of changes happening and took some time figuring out what I wanted to put in place of what was previously there.
I’ve been a fan of Penthouse and smut in general for decades. At that point, I had a pretty extensive collection of vintage magazines, vintage memorabilia, and other tangible erotica. I decided to see if I could move into this space, and so far I have found it to be such an amazing experience. I have absolutely no regrets, and I love my community. I had no idea that I would end up on the cover of Penthouse. That was far beyond my expectations.
Do you have any previous models that really stood out in those vintage magazines?
Olstead: It depends on the decade, too, right? Because I feel like there are so many people who are amazing now, and then there are people who were amazing in the 70s and amazing in the 60s. Specifically, I collect magazines from the ’60s to the ’90s. I truly adore Anna Nicole!
Grab the closest magazine you have right now and tell me who’s on the cover!!
Olstead: The closest one that I have to me is actually Sam Phillip’s issue of Penthouse from 1993. I will put her up there next to Anna as one of my favorite 90s models, amazing.
As you’ll learn, there was a big party celebrating the POY 2024 announcement in Las Vegas this past January, which our top event photographer attended. The photos you see illustrating this interview (mostly) come from that experience. One should always take time for beautiful, happy, people, after all.
People might like to know exactly what’s on your nightstand! Ha!
Olstead: I actually recreated the June 2004 issue, which is kind of outside of the years that I normally collect. But I actually did a retrospective a while ago where I shot a bunch of my favorite Penthouse covers. … Let’s see Dominique Dane. It was photographed by J. Stephen Hicks, a beautiful shot of her lying on a pink carpet. I worked with a friend of mine named Isaiah Mays, who is a fantastic photographer, and we recreated some of my favorite covers. That was a really fun shoot. I love it when I can be in my creative, sexy, feminine energy and have time to create fantasies with depth.
What does that exactly look like for you? And how do you make sure that when you’re on those sets, you’re creating that energy?
Olstead: I can best describe it by discussing the contrast between that type of shoot and what I’d call more pure “content” creation. You know, content can be great fun, and sometimes I just snap a picture in the mirror when I’m feeling sexy. On the other hand, I feel like when I have a vision or something that I want to bring to life it becomes a lot more work-intensive for the most part. You probably know that I shoot most of the stuff I put up online. Occasionally I’ll work with a photographer, but a lot of times, it comes down to me just me doing it myself. So that means gathering the prompts and creating the references, including what kind of poses, what kind of accessories, what kind of shots, and what kind of location.
As a model, how do you bring that divine femininity onto sets?
Olstead: I will say this might be an area where my background in acting helps a bit because I feel like sometimes you want to have that transformation, right? You want to get into the energy of the person that you are portraying, this character that you’re becoming. That changes based on the fantasy.
What’s more important, having a good wardrobe on set or having really good hair and makeup on set?
Olstead: Hair and makeup!
What specifically drew you to Penthouse?
Olstead: Well, I was already transitioned out of mainstream. At that point, I was living in LA, I was still in school, and I got a DM on Instagram from the Penthouse account, but I didn’t open it immediately because I thought it was spam. I thought it was a fake account pretending to be Penthouse. I didn’t think it was real initially, and then I opened the message! After I responded, I got a call from Sam saying they’d like to ask me if I’d be up for shooting with the magazine, I – number one – started freaking out. And number two, I started crying. It was absolutely incredible and a total dream come true. It was magical!
Tell me what type of modeling you want to do next, and are there any types you do not want to do?
Olstead: I know I mentioned before that I recreated some of my favorite covers, and seeing as I am such a fan of the Penthouse archive, I think that could potentially be cool as a concept. But yes, I think I’m really excited about the POY 2024 shoot. That would definitely be next on my radar.
What exactly are you passionate about?
Olstead: I am passionate about my values, when I see people moving in the world and doing things that uplift others. I find that very sexy. I know that sounds trite, but it’s true: if I really respect someone and they’re doing cool stuff, I find it very sexy.
I’ve always seen kindness as really sexy. When I see guys put their money where their mouths are beyond what I call empathic, it’s being protective of people. I think it’s inherently masculine and sexy to step up and protect others. So, people who are outside of individualism and willing to do something about what they believe will be the ones that probably catch my eye.
What made you decide to be a Penthouse model and accept the Pet of the Month and the Pet of the Year?
Olstead: It was a no-brainer accepting Pet of the Month and POY 2024. I mean … that’s the dream. The way that Penthouse has treated me has made me feel like family, which created immense loyalty. I sort of came to them and told them basically my whole deal about sex workers’ rights. I wanted to write about the current state of affairs and educate the masses about the people for whom I am advocating. Having that opportunity was another reason why I fell in love with Penthouse. They’ve always believed in me.
In what way have they guided and uplifted your brand more than mainstream companies in the past?
Olstead: I’ve had more of a chance to collaborate in how I am presented and what feels authentic. More so than any other job I’ve been on, and I will say, more so than working in mainstream. At least for me, it has been different in adult. “Out there” you’ll find one person you have to answer to or one person that decides whether or not you’re right for the part. Now, I have many more opportunities to create and have a say when presenting myself.
How would you like people to experience you and your brand, and what kind of person do you want to be in the world?
Olstead: I think people don’t always know what to make of me when they meet me. Or rather, they have one kind of conceptualization of who I am, and then they get to see the other side. I guess the way I like to be experienced would be maybe like a flower – where people, the longer they get to know me, the deeper into my petals they get to go, the more they get to find out about me.
Protected at The POY 2024 Party
The POY 2024 achievement happens to be a big deal – around at least the adult world – and as you can see the celebrations can get quite festive. They do not get so raucous, however, that the big boss lets us risk copyright violations in the music. Executives have no sense of adventure.
What’s your greatest accomplishment, and what are you still hoping to accomplish?
Olstead: My most significant accomplishment? I am proud of myself for finishing my Master’s, and next year I’m hoping to apply for a PhD program. That definitely lives on my vision board for 2025. Initially, I was looking at a PhD specifically in human sexuality. After doing some research, however, I found only two campuses that offer that. That would mean either going to San Francisco or, I think, Philly. I’ll most likely pursue a PhD in social work, specifically organizing and figuring out how to make common objectives happen – you know, for our community as a whole.
What is the goal, and what inspires you and pushes you forward to get another degree?
Olstead: I think sex workers know better than anyone that oftentimes we have targets on our backs. There’s so much legislation, even beyond just decriminalization around sex work, that needs to be changed.
Specifically in Wisconsin, for example, you can still be charged with prostitution if you are under the age of 18. Many districts have reported that they have arrests for people who are under 18. However, they reported zero cases of human trafficking. That would be one example of how you know somebody who’s being trafficked and being exploited gets further exploited by the system. That was one component; another example would be de-banking. I personally lost two bank accounts last year. Most people outside of sex work don’t know that we face financial discrimination, such as getting PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App just shut down. You know, I wish that there were more people out there advocating for us. I think there are so many different ways to show up.
Tell me what’s on your bucket list, both off the clock and sexually.
Olstead: I used to have a little black book where I would write down all of the locations where I had sex … Oh, I know, have sex in a Tokyo love hotel!!
I read about one with mirrors on the floor and the ceiling, which I thought was sexy. Or, you know what, if they had a Neon Genesis Evangelion-themed room, I would have my little Asuka roleplay moment.
Regular life bucket list? I would like to write a memoir. That’s absolutely on my list. I’m also a big reader, so I guess writing a book and publishing it should be on my bucket list.
Tell me your favorite thing about a quickie.
Olstead: My favorite thing about a quickie has got to be the sense of urgency. The “I can’t keep my hands off you for a minute longer.”
And in your opinion, what does it mean to be good in bed?
Olstead: I’m gonna say communication, having an open line of communication where you can ask your partner if that feels good. Do you want me to go faster? Do you want me to touch you like this, or do you like it when I touch you like that? Even conversations around consent can be so sexy, and I feel like a lot of times it’s forgotten about, but asking somebody or saying that I’ve been thinking about doing this to you all day long, or I can’t stop thinking about when you did that thing to me. It can be such a fucking sexy conversation. I believe that communication is what leads to great sex.
Is there anything that you won’t do in bed? Any icks?
Olstead: I would say extreme humiliation.
What are the green and red flags when dating men?
Olstead: When a guy isn’t super individualistic, cares about the world, and cares about other people, it is my major green flag. A major red flag would be guys who aren’t nice or act like they aren’t interested. That’s such a turn-off for me. Negging does not work on me. If you act like you don’t care about me, I’m gonna take you at your word and move on.
What does self-worth mean to you? And how do you hold onto your own self-worth?
Olstead: That’s an excellent question. Showing yourself kindness, self-care, and appreciation of your own value helps you find and maintain your self-worth. I acknowledge my worth by doing something good for myself; then, I can externalize it. I have less to offer when I am doing too much and not taking care of myself.
What makes you happy?
Olstead: My dogs, dive bars, movies, friends, and great sex!
What’s your favorite holiday?
Olstead: Halloween!!
What’s one movie that you can watch over and over again?
Olstead: Showgirls. I probably watched it a couple dozen times in the last year.
The old one or the new one?
Olstead: The old one!
How important is foreplay in the bedroom?
Olstead: Very important. I think it starts before the bedroom. Such as sexy text messages, “I can’t wait to see you,” and “This is what I want to do to you.” I feel like it just ups the ante on the arousal.
Favorite position in the bedroom?
Olstead: Well, I love to be on top! My neck is super sensitive as well. When my neck gets caressed and kissed, that always puts me in the mood the fastest.
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened during sex?
Olstead: I was dating someone and broke his headboard the first time from riding on top! Oh, and with my college boyfriend, we were having sex in his car and I put my heel through his AC vent. He wasn’t even mad, green flag!
What is next for you? Do you have upcoming projects or upcoming releases?
Olstead: Well, I hope to do a little touring this next year. I want to make the most of my POY 2024 status while I can. I would love to visit the Penthouse clubs and do signing events with the fans. More advocacy work, of course, too.
Miss Renee, our newest Penthouse Pet of the Year, why don’t you give me a little sign-off so that fans can find you online?
Olstead: I’m Renee Olstead, the POY 2024. You can track me down through xorenee, which has all my social links!! Go to Instagram for a big gallery of photos of me in clothes. If you’re looking for a more naughty and expressive side of me, head to my X! The Penthouse family hopes you enjoyed this interview, and we thank you readers for your active support across all of our platforms. Until next time, Lacy Lennon signing out! Xoxo
The last thing one really needs to do in a Lacy Lennon POY 2024 announcement article would be to add more text in a footnote. That said, our earlier-mention event photographer did manage to grab – in a single photograph – the number one reason that everyone loves going to Pet events. You’ll see more about that soon on these pages, but now you’ll already have just a little more insight than everybody else. … Everybody likes being one of the cool kids, after all.
Let’s talk brass tacks. The rub. The skinny. The straight dope. The benefits, yo.
Yes, the military’s an excellent place for young (and young-ish) hard-chargers and gung-hos to make a difference, to put their ideals into practice, to serve their nation, and, of course, to blow shit up with big-ass guns. These are the usual reasons trotted out when people are asked why they joined up, and they are good reasons. Like many readers, I lived it, loved it, sometimes miss it, sometimes don’t, and know it’ll always be a fundamental part of whom I am going forward.
I especially miss the blowing-shit-up-with-big-ass-guns part. There’s nothing in this world like letting a Mark 19 rip ….
But there are other reasons service members enlist. There are other reasons they stay in, too, past their initial contract. These aren’t hidden reasons, exactly. More like layered, subtextual reasons. The benefits: medical, financial, college, all that jazz. They matter, and they matter a lot.
Now 2018 America seems hell-bent on returning workers to the labor underclass of the nineteenth century. At this rate, the American military might well be the last place where the word “pension” is a real goal and not a cruel joke.
The military is a bureaucracy, though, and like any bureaucracy, navigating it can be a maze. Many – too many – service members and veterans don’t know what they’ re entitled to and what they’ve earned through their service. Through my work and travels as a veteran-writer, and a few years working for a veterans’ national nonprofit organization, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I wish I’d known about that earlier!” (often accompanied by a few F·Bombs for effect).
So. What exact benefits did service members and vets most appreciate? Which ones do they wish they’d learned about earlier? I asked some folks to share their wisdom.
Stephen, retired Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force
“Without a doubt, the VA Home Loan. I don’t how I didn’t know about it earlier, but it was my wife who pointed me to it a year out [from retirement]. It was huge, letting us direct the money saved for our post-military home to funds for retirement and our kids’ college. And can I say the VA was pretty good to deal with for this? I know. I couldn’t believe it either:’
I Can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I wish I’d know about that earlier!”(often accompanied by a few F-Bombs for effect).
David, former Specialist, U.S. Army
“I didn’t know I qualified for VA medical health care. No one told me during TAP [transition assistance program]. I thought you had to do twenty years and get full retirement for it. I got out after four years. But because of our combat tour to Iraq, I do get VA medical. It’s not good but it’s better than the shit I had before. The mental health program at my VA has helped …. I still can’t believe no one at TAP told us this. Those two years [before finding out about qualifying for VA care] were fucking hard
Kate, active Sergeant, U.S. Army National Guard
“This is probably an obvious one, but the post-9/11 G.I. Bill is amazing I I’ve been able to go back to school and have my books and housing all covered. It’s crazy to me that more of us [veterans] don’t use it. I know school’s not for everybody, but this is here. We earned it. Set yourself up for success. Though I have some friends who aren’t using it so they can save it for their kids, someday. That’s amazing they have that [transferability] option?’
Marla, former Major, U.S. Army
“Not sure this counts as a benefit exactly, but when I was a captain and thinking about getting out, DOD [Department of Defense] was offering cash bonuses to extend. $30,000 for four more years in my subject field [transportation]. I weighed the pros and cons with my family, of course, and ultimately decided to do it. It allowed me to keep serving, and when I ended up separating four years later, my resume was that much stronger for civilian employers.
“That’s something I think more young people should know when considering the military. It’s not all infantry and tanks. A lot of these career fields do transfer over to the civilian world. Mine did. Day one of my civilian job, I was 33 years old but had more experience and subject-matter knowledge than people ten years older, who’d been with this company for twenty years. It’s not just about patriotism. There are practical benefits, too, that help us as individuals, and help communities as a whole, from what we’ve learned and know.”
Glen, former Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps
“You mean other than being a Marine the rest of my life? [Makes woofing sound to signify his Devil Dog-nessJ Free dental, I guess. They fixed my teeth. Not an easy fix. I looked gnarly before. Like a wombat or some shit. Now I got that straight-teeth shine.”
Terance, active Ensign, U.S. Navy
“1 just joined the Navy myself, but I grew up a military brat. Both parents were in. I swore I’d never be like them … but after college, I was like, ‘Now what?’ The job market out there is crazy. And my dad, he retired from the military-I’m looking at him, mid-forties, already on a second career, getting a retirement check every month. It’s a hard life, but it’s a good life. A fulfilling life. And my dad told me when I commissioned, be smart, work hard, and the Navy will look after you. No Fortune 500 Company does that. They may say it, but they don’t mean it. The Navy really means it.”
By no means are the benefits mentioned above comprehensive. I’d encourage any service members, veterans, or family members reading this to look into what’s available to you or yours. Whatever it is, it’s been earned. Utilize it. Check out military.com/benefits and explore.va.gov for more information. [Hopefully there will still be someone around to help. -Ed.]
Matt Gallagher is a U.S. Army veteran of Iraq and the author of the novel Youngblood (Atria/Simon & Schuster). We feature his work here as often as he lets us, and we appreciate it every time. … Full disclosure, we honestly schedule this piece well before the current administration decided to kneecap the entire Veterans Administration as a department. Maybe “go fast and break stuff” works better with actual stuff rather than human beings. Who knows?
Ten years after launching her career on the cover of Penthouse Magazine, Kenna James has a lot to celebrate. In commemoration of her 10th year in the industry, we sat down with the ‘16 Pet of the Year to talk career, co-stars, and what it’s like on top.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since you first appeared on the cover of Penthouse’s February ‘15 issue. How did your journey into adult begin? How did you decide that the adult industry was the right place for you?
Ms. James: So funny enough, I was actually camming when I first heard about the industry, I always knew it was there obviously, but I never really considered it a viable option until an agent approached me on my webcams one night and offered me the opportunity. I was like — this is how girls get trafficked, I’m not doing that! Then I started talking to him more, I did my homework. I found out it was legit — he was an actual agent. So I considered the option. I made the decision to go ahead and try. Then got scared and canceled — right before my trip!
You almost passed up becoming a performer?
Ms. James: Well, it’s such a big decision. Once you’re out there, you’re out there and it doesn’t go back. The reason I got into the industry was because of Penthouse. [The agent] came back to me after I was like, “Hey, I’m gonna put a hold on this” and he goes, “I sent out your images and Penthouse wants to make you a Pet”. I didn’t really know what that meant at the time. So I went to talk about it with a few friends of mine. They were like, “Do you know what that means?” I didn’t. They had to explain it. That was why I took my first leap out to LA, almost 10 years ago.
What was it like after you know, you started shooting? You mentioned it was a big decision. Like, was it a conversation that you had with your parents?
Ms. James: No, I didn’t tell my parents until after!
What was that conversation like?
Ms. James: Well, I did a parody and I knew my parents liked the show, but I didn’t know what their porn habits were, so I just went ahead and said, “Hey, guys, there’s this movie. Don’t watch it. I’m in it. By the way, this is what I do.
Did you have any mentors in the industry when you were first getting started?
Ms. James: There’s been a few. Sam [Philips]. The first time I met Sam was in her old apartment in Hollywood. She was set to be my chaperone for Sturgis in 2016 for Penthouse Pet of the Year. I wanted to meet her first to make sure everything’s cool and make sure we vibe well. … I went over to her house and we hit it off pretty quick but it wasn’t until we actually got to Sturgis that our friendship solidified. We had the best week together hanging out at all the events, hanging out at the bar, just hanging out in our rooms together. And now she’s been my best friend for the last eight years almost?
Was she helpful when you decided to make the transition from Pet to performer?
Ms. James: Sam gave me a place to stay after I left my agency in 2016. She gave me advice on how to contact people, how to hold myself during business meetings, and gave me a place to crash. She’s been like a mother figure to me more so than any other person in my life. Really.
Were there any other people that helped you when you first entered the industry?
Ms. James: Dani Daniels. She’s a phenomenal performer. She was one of the first girls I ever worked with — actually the first girl I ever worked with in the industry. She gave me such helpful advice and made me feel so good about myself and what we did. James Dean was actually another one, he met with me at a Starbucks for a couple hours in California. Just to teach me how to brand myself and what branding really was, like, how to have longevity, how to have a career that’s strong.
Now that you’re an established performer, what advice would you give to somebody who’s new?
Ms. James: Don’t do anything that you don’t want to do. Don’t let anybody push you in any direction you don’t want to go. It’s okay to take your time. Just explore yourself and be comfortable. I always went to like other performers that I knew [for advice]. Like, “Hey, I’m having this issue.” I find that’s still where a lot of people go. Like, if you’re staying in the model house, or you have close friends that have been in for a while, we typically tend to try to gravitate to [new performers] and tell them, “Hey, this is how you do it.” Especially if I see someone younger on set that is newer to the industry. Like, “Hey, do you have any questions?”. I try to help as many people as I can and I know a lot of people in my position also do.
It sounds like performers really show up for one another.
Ms. James: There’s so much discrimination, so much bias toward us. People don’t really understand you know, how our industry works or how we work or that we are really just normal people that choose to do sex work.
What do you feel are the biggest misconceptions about adult performers?
Ms. James: I think the biggest thing that we have is that people think we’re just dirty, filthy people that will do anything. When in reality, we’re one of the cleanest groups of people you’ll ever meet in your life. Fourteen-day standard testing, blood and urine swabs. Most people that aren’t in the industry haven’t had a single STD test in their life. I mean, I think that’s probably one of the biggest things. That people think that we’ll do anything for money, but in reality, no. … I have such a list of things I won’t do.
It seems like there’s been a lot of change to keep up with in the industry, too. How have you seen the adult industry transform in the last ten years?
Ms. James: Oh, God, it changed massively. Honestly, it goes back to COVID. That was really the big change. Before you were really focused on studio work and, you know, trying to build there. Now that you have all of these methods, OnlyFans, LoyalFans, or whatever. Now you have an avenue to create your own content. So now not only are you really kind of working with studios to stay relevant, you’re now creating all of your own content. So you’re working twice as much if you keep up the same progress. I’ve noticed a lot of girls have slipped off from working studios as much, and are really trying to market their own image, which is also great.
It sounds like a lot of the mainstream work that you’re doing now, serves more to support and advertise?
Ms. James: Pretty much. You just got to use that as an avenue to like keep your fans going and keep that audience coming in to get new eyeballs on you.
So when performers are going from a mainstream set to shooting their own content, it seems like there’s a lot of work involved. Now you’re the performer AND the cameraman, the lighting guy, you’re booking the location…
Ms. James: You’re booking talent, if you don’t want to [do a content trade with another performer]. You’re your own studio, basically at this point. Yeah. It’s been a hell of an adjustment for me personally.
What would you say are the most challenging parts of being a content creator?
Ms. James: Consistency. Consistency is the hardest part for me, because I’m still trying to, I guess, in a way, hold on to the old part of the industry. I like shooting for companies. I like shooting with studios. I like doing fun projects, everything. But I also know that I have to keep up the stock side of revenue now. So in between all of that, you’re scheduling content, sometimes I’ll hire somebody [to shoot], sometimes I won’t. Sometimes it’s really good, sometimes I just put [the camera] on the tripod and we just go.
Do you have any advice for staying motivated and keeping up the consistency that’s required?
Ms. James: I just remember what my fans tell me in those moments. They’re like, “We just like you. We don’t really care what it is.” You’re always gonna have certain people that are like, “Hey, we like it like this. We like this way or we like it this way.” But the core group of my people — like I’m a very natural person, I don’t wear a lot of makeup. Generally, if I get away with it, I don’t wear makeup at all. I don’t really dress up all that much. I just like to chill. I’ve really tried to incorporate that into my content. So I don’t have to stress and be like, I have to put on this whole glammed up version of me. In reality, here’s what I am. Love me or like me, or don’t. It’s cool either way.
What’s it like meeting your fans in real life?
Ms. James: I love interacting with my fans. The majority of them are such wonderful people and they’ve been fans for several, several years. I’ve seen them consistently at AVN, at XBIZ, at feature shows. I really love seeing them, but by the end of the [event], I’m also so exhausted.
Do you have any funny stories from on-set that fans don’t know? You don’t have to name names.
Ms. James: I actually do have one! There was this guy and it was the first time we’d ever worked together — the only time I think we’ve ever worked together actually. We start going at it, and it’s literally five minutes, and he’s like, “Oh! Oh! Oh!”. He comes and then he goes, “Alright, I’m good!” He just wipes it off, and we just go. I’ve had moments where guys pull out, they’re like, “I need a minute”. I’ve had guys pull out and like, full off smack their fucking dick just to [keep themselves from climaxing]. But I love it. Those moments are honestly, like, “Oh, yeah, I’m so good. I know. I know”.
Well, you certainly know what you’re doing! What else do you love about what you do?
Ms. James: I love the freedom that my job gives me to do anything I like. I get to make my own schedule, I get to go and do my own things, I get to decide who I want to work with, who I don’t want to work with. I don’t feel like you get that in most other jobs.
Is there a specific type of content that you like to make the most?
Ms. James: Anything passionate. I like to really incorporate what I like into my content — and that’s just passion.
Obviously there are many places one can find Kenna, so we shall settle for Instagram (and remind you — at least as of right now — of her famous boyfriend too). Honestly, wherever you find Ms. James, you will be happy you took the time. In a land overwhelmed with fakes, it can be inspirational to hang out with someone real for at least awhile. … Of course you can also catch a pic of Kenna at this most recent Expo in Las Vegas if you look carefully. She had on much more hilarious shorts on a different day, but the bosses here would not let us use that photograph. Bosses are always way too concerned about getting sued, y’know?
We know that we have covered the 2023 Pet of the Year announcement, but apparently we had such a good time with that we somehow completely missed the magazine profile of our lovely lass – a fact the editor here ever-so-sweetly pointed out recently. Naturally we agreed to fix that real speedy quicko, and thus we bow with both reverence and pride (the first for us, the second for Tahlia, obviously).
The (Big) 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Year Achievement
Tahlia Paris has carved out a successful career in modeling, but our 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Year also values staying grounded and true to herself. From being named Penthouse Pet of the Month back in February, 2022, to sharing her journey with her fans, Tahlia has always been real about her experiences.
We caught up with recently crowned queen to learn more about her career, her personal life, and the advice she has for those looking to follow in her footsteps.
Tahlia’s career has been full of milestones, but she says winning 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Year was a real highlight. “It was an amazing moment for me. I’ve always loved the art of nude photography, and being recognized for it was incredible. It was a dream come true.”
2023 Pet of the Year Tahlia Paris
For Tahlia, the award has never been simply about recognition. Rather, as with life in general for her, Tahlia revels in doing something she truly loves while being able to share that with others.
So where does our 2023 Pet of the Year excel?
Tahlia considers her biggest strength to be empathy. “I’m a really empathetic person. I care about others, and I try to be there for people as much as I can. Being kind and understanding is something I value a lot.”
On the flipside, Tahlia offers, “I do think I can be too forgiving sometimes, though. I want to see the good in people, but I’ve learned the hard way that not everyone deserves that kind of grace.”
How does Tahlia balance work and life?
Even though she remains dedicated to her career, Tahlia knows the importance of self-care. “If I could change anything about myself, I’d probably focus more on myself. I’m always checking in on other people, but I forget to take care of me sometimes.”
But one thing that always brings her back to center? Her family and her dogs. “They’re the best part of my life. They make me feel grounded and keep me happy.”
When it comes to hobbies, Tahlia has a soft spot for Fortnite on her Xbox and MySims on her Nintendo Switch. “And I know I’m going to get some hate for this, but I love Xbox! Sorry, PlayStation fans!” she laughs. She’s also passionate about sports, especially hockey. “The Las Vegas Golden Knights are my team. I’ve got to rep my city!”
Highlights not Technically Related to Being the 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Year
When asked, Tahlia revealed that favorite career moments came when she DJ’d at the Flirt Summit in Vietnam. “It was such an incredible experience. The energy was amazing, and I’ll always remember that trip. Penthouse gave me the chance to do something I’ll never forget.”
Tahlia also finds herself currently obsessed with SZA. “Her voice is so soothing, and I just love her vibe. Her music is everything right now.”
Tahlia’s Advice for Future Pets
For anyone thinking about joining the modeling world or becoming a Penthouse Pet, Tahlia’s advice reigns as profound in its simplicity: Be yourself. “You don’t need to wear a ton of makeup or have extensions to be beautiful. Confidence in yourself will always be what really matters. And if you’re thinking about becoming a Pet, just reach out. I’ve had a lot of conversations with people who want to get into this industry, and the other Pets are super supportive too. We’re a family here, and we’re always happy to help.”
She adds, “It can feel intimidating, but it’s all part of the journey. The Pets have been nothing but kind to me, and they’re here to help you succeed.”
Having completed our due diligence in providing the magazine presentation of Tahlia in their polished editorial fashion, we wanted to drop in a couple of Q&A topics that got skipped for space (we presume). Consider these more directly the 2023 Penthouse Pet of the Year in her own words.
Any books or tv shows captivating your interest lately?
I’m currently reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series; they are amazing. Fairy smut is so hot! … As for streaming, I’m currently obsessed with The 100 on Netflix. I almost finished every single episode in a month.
Do you prefer texting or face-to-face conversations?
Usually texting. I’m kind of a loner and introvert at times. I really enjoy being home alone with my dogs, cozy in bed watching tv.
Why did you want to win this title?
I wanted to win 2023 Pet of the Year because not only do I consider Penthouse an amazing magazine – that I have looked up to since before I can remember – but also I have found Penthouse to be very ‘family’ oriented. If you know me, you know that in my world family is everything. … We all look out for each other and care and really make efforts to stay involved. It’s such an honor to be able to represent such an amazing company who looks out for me and everyone else as the woman of the year, so to speak
Oh! One more bit of due diligence: 2023 Pet of the Year Tahlia Paris on Instagram. … Whew diligence can be really hard, y’know? Regarding that confidence thing Tahlia talks about? As with another famous category, it may be hard to define, but you know it when you see it.
Las Vegas has always been one of those places where every sense comes alive the moment you arrive, and my weekend at the Adult Entertainment Expo (AVN 2025) was a shimmering testament to that very magic. I touched down on a bright Thursday afternoon at exactly 3 p.m., rolling into valet with flashy cars all around — limos, custom-wrap Jeeps, even an iridescent Rolls-Royce or two. The desert sun bounced off each hood, making the entire arrival feel like a scene from a blockbuster movie. With my suitcase in hand (plus a little teddy friend tucked safely inside), I made my way through the resort’s buzzing lobby.
As the elevator whooshed upwards, the energy of the city seemed to follow me, echoing in my ears even after the doors slid shut. Once I reached my room, I couldn’t resist collapsing onto the plush bed — there’s something about crisp white sheets after a day of travel that feels heavenly. But my rumbling stomach soon reminded me that a quick refuel was in order. Since there was no room service at the time, I headed down to the lobby to grab a massive slice of pizza and a little gelato. The gooey cheese dripped in that oh-so-perfect way, each indulgent bite making the long trip feel instantly worth it. When I finally made it back upstairs, the hours that followed were blissfully lazy: pajamas on, curtains drawn, and a cuddle session with my beloved teddy bear. It was a nap for the books — exactly what I needed before diving into the extravaganza that awaited.
Time for an AVN 2025 Sneak Peek
Friday kicked off bright and early with a quick trip to the gym. I know, I know, it sounds ambitious, but there’s something about Vegas energy that makes you want to stay on your toes — literally. The gym was surprisingly busy, filled with everyone from professional trainers to half-awake travelers. Afterward, I grabbed a light breakfast of fresh fruit, tea, and an omelet to set a balanced tone for the rest of the day.
Post-breakfast, I headed back to my room for some “glam mode” to get properly AVN 2025 prepared. Brushes fanned out across the counter, sparkly rhinestones at the ready, and setting spray on standby for that long-lasting finish. Once I was satisfied with my reflection, I made my way downstairs — conveniently, the expo was in the very same hotel. Even in the short walk across the property, I could feel the excitement humming through the corridors.
Inside the expo, it felt like stepping into another world. One minute I was passing a row of whimsical vending machines promising mysterious goodies, the next I was dodging stray rhinestones that had popped off someone’s sparkling outfit. Life-size dolls, extravagant costumes, and an endless river of fans and creators spread across the convention hall. The place had a kind of electric charge, buzzing with laughter, camera clicks, and excited chatter.
I browsed countless booths, snapping up a few novelty items that caught my eye. Before I knew it, it was time for my scheduled interview with Penthouse — though it wasn’t at a booth at all. We met in the hotel lobby, where they’d set up a casual meet-and-greet area rather than a formal pop-up studio. It turned out to be a perfect spot: plush chairs, mellow lighting, and an easy vibe. We talked about my experiences, upcoming projects, and the general whirlwind that is AVN in Las Vegas. Their questions were thoughtful yet fun, and the conversation flowed like a perfectly scripted scene.
Afterward, I refueled with a quick snack (sweet potato fries and a fruit smoothie) and headed out to continue the day’s adventures. As evening approached, it was time to trade the bustling expo floor for my first AVN 2025 night out at Hakkasan, located in the MGM. On the way to my rideshare, at the Virgin Hotel entrance, stilt walkers in glittering carnival-style outfits greeted visitors. It was a snapshot moment: glitzy costumes, towering performers, and me weaving through the crowd in my heels.
A short drive later, the MGM buzzed with energy: weekend travelers lining up for clubs, restaurants, and just about everything else Vegas has to offer. Hakkasan was in full swing, the neon swirling over a packed dance floor. My heart practically jumped at the sight of the Penthouse Pet of the Year, gleaming under the lights and all smiles as her entourage toasted to her success. The night became a swirling blend of music and dancing, neon lasers and confetti bursts. By the time I made it back to my room, I was thankful for those cool, crisp sheets — and my teddy, of course.
An AVN 2025 Intermission
Pre-Opening at the AVN 2025 Convention
Just in case you have never been able to attend a show yourself, we took a quick time-lapse of AVN 2025 inside the convention room from just before the doors open to the public. Honestly had we done this much later, you would have just been looking at a sea of butts for 30 seconds. People have a really good time at these AVN conventions, so it gets crowded. But happy and crowded is always fun. Angry and crowded might require a Presidential Pardon, as we have learned.
Back to Krystal’s AVN 2025
Saturday was the big day, the main event that had been circled on my calendar for months. I woke up with that telltale mix of butterflies and adrenaline, knowing the day would be nonstop. After a warm shower, I did my own hair and makeup — no glam team in tow, just me, a mirror, and a bit of determination. Satisfied with my final look, I hustled back to the expo space to set up for the day. There were no big banners this time around, but I had plenty of magazines, merch, and little freebies to line up. Before long, a queue started to form. Within minutes, it snaked around the convention floor, filled with amazing fans eager to chat, snap photos, and catch up on my recent work. Their genuine excitement — and the stories they share — always leaves me deeply humbled and energized.
After a solid stretch of meeting and greeting, I took a much-needed break in the “model lounge,” a curtained-off area reserved for creators to recharge. AVN 2025 outdid themselves here too, as they provided a mini feast of Mexican delights — tacos, fresh fruit, and plenty of iced drinks — laid out on linen-covered tables. A quick shoulder massage turned out to be the perfect remedy for hours of waving, signing, and posing. As I sat there, nibbling on a taco, my mind leapt ahead to the red carpet event happening that evening. A jolt of nerves collided with excitement, and I scurried back to my room to start the transformation.
I had exactly one hour — just one tiny hour — to shift from “booth-ready” to “red carpet siren.” Even though I didn’t have a dedicated glam squad, I knew the look I wanted: a form-fitting dress that shimmered under the lights and a vintage-inspired hairstyle. With some strategic pinning, a dust of highlight, and just the right shade of lipstick, I was ready. I slipped into my dress, checked my reflection twice, and hurried out the door.
The AVN 2025 Awards Show
The red carpet outside the awards venue was aglow. Photographers lined both sides, flashes sparking like firecrackers on the Fourth of July. I walked forward, heart pounding, grateful I’d perfected my walk in heels throughout the day. The entire carpet felt electric — performers and personalities hugging, posing, and beaming under the spotlight. Once inside, the curtains rose, and the show erupted with a stunning display of lights, dancers, and none other than Jason Derulo belting out crowd-favorite tracks. The performances were a spectacle — a blur of music, and dramatic stage décor. Each awards segment brought heartfelt thank-yous, comedic moments, and the occasional emotional tear. One of my close friends took home a coveted “podcast winner” title, and I jumped up, cheering with an enthusiasm that made my cheeks hurt from smiling.
By the end of the show, the entire auditorium was on its feet, roaring and applauding. The energy spilled out into the corridors, where everyone lingered, congratulating winners, snapping group selfies, and planning after-parties. My phone buzzed incessantly with texts and tags from friends who had followed the livestream. By that point, my feet were screaming for relief, but I was running on pure excitement.
Eventually, a hush fell over the crowd as people trickled off, either seeking the next party or turning in for the night. I had an early flight the next morning, so I chose the latter, heading upstairs for one last meltdown of suitcase packing. The bed became an explosion of magazines, sparkly attire, and freebies from the expo. I even found a few extra rhinestones clinging to my shoes — souvenirs from the weekend’s chaos. A quick check around the room ensured nothing was left behind. I took a final peek at the Las Vegas skyline, glittering in the distance, said a sleepy goodnight, and dozed off with teddy in tow.
Morning came faster than I’d have liked, and the day was all about that final hustle: lugging suitcases, returning room keys, and checking that my phone charger was actually in my bag. One last glance around the lobby, and I was off. The swirl of the last few days — cars glinting in the sunshine, the gym, the expo’s neon glow, that spectacular award show — raced through my mind as I waited for my flight. There’s something about Vegas that always leaves you both exhausted and exhilarated, and this trip was no exception. I settled into my seat on the plane, closed my eyes, and smiled at the memories.
Another adventure wrapped, with endless AVN 2025 stories to share — and countless rhinestones left behind.
A Mini AVN 2025 Photo Gallery
You can find all sorts of photos of the pretty people at the convention on all sorts of sites, so we decided to offer a bit more of an eclectic finale to our time at the show this year. At least one of us her can verify that AVN has set the standard for these conventions and awards shows for at least 35 years now — meaning a more than decade+ longer than many of these participants have even been alive. Excited people never change, though, and we have yet to leave a convention without feeling rejuvenated and honestly very comfortable with our industry progression. The combination of Vegas and AVN history never fails to satisfy, and we thank them publicly for our access here. You just never know what you might see at “AVN” as we call it. You might consider taking your vacation in January next year.
“I love music so much that I don’t like to put barriers on anything,” says Orianthi, 39. “I just feel like if you play with conviction — if you play it, you love it and you mean it — that’s what it’s all about.”
