Shifting Focus with Ashleigh

Posted on by Team Penthouse

An Ashleigh Skies Conversation

I’m sitting here with Ashleigh Skies, Penthouse Pet of the Month.

Ashleigh: Yay! [laughs]

How do you deal with creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?

Ashleigh: Hmm … That’s a good one. I feel like everyone gets those hate comments — or like push back on what they’re doing. … I even told my friend earlier who came here with me, I deal with them just by pushing past them. Tell yourself ten good things to the one bad thing that happened that day, or that you’re telling yourself. It can really change a lot about how you feel about yourself, or how you project yourself to other people … or even how they feel about themselves. Women sync up their periods. That means we can sync up emotions. I was thinking about that the other day. It’s like a tree. If you grow good roots yourself, you’ll plenish good fruits for other people.

I love that. As someone in the public eye, how do you manage the responsibility that comes with influence?

Ashleigh: I would say public influence is one of the most important things that you can do when you are viewed by so many people, and you just have to take rateability with what you really believe in and not try to skew it — not just in a way where people might understand you, but to where people might find you on a personal level … where you relate to them and how you are a real person, and how you deal with things because everybody deals with stuff differently.

100%. Great answer! What would you like your next big breakthrough to be?

Ashleigh: [laughs] I’ve been talking about this so much lately, actually. I’ve been swapping a lot more to more of a wholesome type content, right? Obviously, we all have to get our sexual energy out in the open where people can feel comfortable with it, but we also have to feel comfortable with ourselves and what we project ourselves to be. So, maybe we’re more modest about it, or maybe we’re more open about it, but me personally … Women are so different to where every year we change what we want and how we want to be loved — how we want to show our sexual animal. Every year I feel like I change. This year, I more so want to show my home ec, housewife type sexuality — not just pure I want to jump your bones, more let me cook for you and then let’s see where things go. So, I’m changing gears as to less people porn, more food porn. [laughs]

I love that. That’s a great one. Imagine if you could erase one memory from your past, would you? Or is there something you would want to relive?

Ashleigh: I would probably want to relive a moment. Every moment makes us who we are, so I wouldn’t take anything away necessarily, but I would definitely add more of a good moment and that moment would definitely be where I fell out of love with what I truly liked and loved and resonated with and could study and rabbit hole in which was my faith. Doing what I do now kind of took me away from that but realizing that I could also be who I am and believe in what I do really got me further into what I am doing next. So, leaning into my faith has been one of the things that has been really monumental. I’m living this way and, yes, I do porn, but at the same time, I want people to know that they can do this and also turn it into something that is beautiful and not just looked as at one type of way. As a society, we can accept each other for who we are and truly just love what we love — not judge each other, just help each other our journey. We’re all just Polly Pockets trying to get through life.

What would you do if you woke up one morning and no one knew or recognized your name?

Ashleigh: I would get a regular job, and I would probably be pretty happy about it. Yeah! Honestly, it’s a fresh start! It’s like a restart at life. I already consider myself to have lived like one life already. This is a second life. That would be a third life. So, it’s like restarting. It’s really nice. That’s a fresh start. I would embrace it.

I love that answer. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Ashleigh: Read more books. Read more books and learn about other people’s experiences before you experience it yourself. Ask more questions. Seek out more answers from people who are older than you. Listen to your grandparents. Wow, can I keep going? [laughs]

Yeah! [laughs]

Ashleigh: I mean there’s so many things you want to ask when you’re growing up, and you don’t have answers to that you just … education. Educate yourself. Never stop learning. Never think you know everything, cause you don’t. Just learn everything about whatever you want to learn. Don’t be a … good at everything but a master of nothing. Learn and hone in on what you truly love and believe in and don’t lose your passion for it.

Can you recall a time that you had to make a difficult decision that went against the grain?

Ashleigh: Yes. Constantly in camming, you have a lot of decisions to make: who you’re going to work with and who you trust with your wallet. I would say that was one of the biggest things that affects you personally, so you have to look at finance — who you trust, and who you want to build the trust with.

So, with all that being said … all the women and the people in the industry here are choosing to go with certain media or influence. You have to pick what models you the best and how you feel about yourself, where you want your brand to go. The hardest part is picking people who align with that in this business. So, where you want to go with your life, and what you want to do with it right now.

Image is very important when it comes to the internet, because it’s forever. And … a lot of people like to joke and say “Oh, good thing the internet’s not forever!” But it is. So, you have to pick the people that you trust the most with that and, for me, the hardest decision that I’ve had to pick as far as to steer my life, and how I want my image pursued … or portrayed in the future, would be put in the hands of my future and image. Your likeness is the biggest thing that you have here and, unless you’re willing to give all of that up and become somebody else, you have to pick somebody who models that. For me, myself, it has just been me. I haven’t picked anybody, because nobody knows you how you know yourself.

So, my biggest decision has been to step back from the mainstream having somebody do your stuff for you and stepping up and doing myself, which is very hard. Maybe it loses a little bit of money, but at the same time, you … what do you gain? You gain yourself, your image, and you have your own likeness in your hands. That’s been a big thing for me for like five years now. This will be the 5th year.

Wow … Great answer!

Ashleigh: Thank you!

What’s a misconception about your life or career that you wish you could dispel?

Ashleigh: Who I really am. What I really do for fun and what I really am about … I feel like Hannah Montana. I’m living one life, but truly everything that makes me happy is the complete opposite, and you know it’s fun that people know one image of me, and then I get to go home and be myself. Um … There’s a lot of things, but that would be one of them. [laughs]

That’s amazing. How do you define happiness, and what does it mean to you personally?

Ashleigh: Happiness … Happiness isn’t just a feeling; it’s a verb. It’s what you do, because what you do can mentally change how you are and how you react to every situation, just like love. Both of them are verbs. It’s what you choose to do, and it can affect you in so many ways. It can affect your mentality. It can affect your friends around you, your group. You are the five people you hang around with most, so if those people have the best energy, you will be a ball of energy and be able to give that to the people around you.

That’s good. Ok. Social medias … What’s your socials?

Ashleigh: So, I changed my handles a little. I felt like it was time for a little upgrade on that, although my OnlyFans is still badbabysitter because I am for hire. [laughs]

As we understand recent events, and even as hinted to here, Ashleigh has changed her focus a bit over the past few months and — surprised though some may be — we wish her peace and happiness on her new journey. People change over time, and really only in retrospect might we determine whether they evolved or devolved, but either way, we each choose our own paths. If you have forgotten, feel free to compare and contrast. … We love doing that. For our part, at the very end we simply hope we can say, “what a long, strange trip it’s been.” … Also, we might need to reconsider the five people we hang around with most.

A Cash Register’s Ka-CHING!

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Pink Floyd’s Cash Register

Did you know that the cash register in Pink Floyd’s “Money” was also used for The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine”? That is so weird to me. Both songs were recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and apparently they have a cash register in their quiver of instruments. It was first employed by The Beatles during the recording of “Yellow Submarine” amid the cacophony of noise at about the 1:30 mark of the song where the lads attempted to create the atmosphere of a submarine (“Full speed ahead, Mr. Parker, full speed ahead!”). The Beatles apparently had a rollicking good time banging on shit to make this part.

“At one point,” Bob Spitz writes in The Beatles: The Biography, “the studio cupboard was hijacked for any and all special effects which included chains, a ship’s bell, tap dancing mats, a tin bath filled with water, whistles, wind and thunderstorm machines, and a cash register. That cash register would later become royalty in pop music when it was later used for the recording of Pink Floyd’s ‘Money.’”

The cash register, as you know, plays a much more prominent role in Pink Floyd’s composition. “The intro was recorded by capturing the sounds of an old cash register on tape,” says songfacts.com, “and meticulously splicing and cutting the tape in a rhythmic pattern to make the cash register loop effect.” This was, additionally, one of the first and most successful instances of looping, an effect we now take for granted.

I’m not a hoarder and I don’t collect anything, but I want that cash register. What a weird object.

How is this thing not a National Treasure in The British Museum, or on display in a Hard Rock Cafe? It was employed by two of the greatest bands on the planet, in two of the most popular songs ever written. It would be a magnificent centerpiece for any gentleman’s cabinet of curiosities. I decided to go to the source and contacted Abbey Road Studios.

“A cash register wasn’t actually used in ‘Yellow Submarine,’” Kayla, from Abbey Road Studios, said in her reply to my email, “but you are correct about Pink Floyd’s ‘Money.’ What did you want to find out? I’ll see if we can help.”

I politely explained to Kayla that she was mistaken because the internet says that the same cash register was employed by both bands in their respective songs. “So cut the crap, lady,” I said, “and show me the cash register!” I didn’t say that, but I did send her a sampling of the evidence I had uncovered.

“Well what about all this then, huh?”

“The sound of the cash register probably came from the old EMI sound effects tape library,” Kayla replied. When bands found out about the library, they would often raid the collection looking for weird and wonderful sounds.”

No, no, no, I replied to Kayla, surely you’re mistaken. EVERYONE says there’s a cash register. There is no mention of sound effects. I pointed out that even the Abbey Road Studios website itself boasts of a cash register: “…They followed this up with their masterpiece, Dark Side of the Moon. Using everything from cash registers to the Abbey Road doorman Gerry O’Driscoll…”

“Unfortunately,” Kayla replied, “all the staff that would have worked on those sessions aren’t with the company anymore.”

Phooey! I said. I decided Kayla didn’t know what she was talking about. So I did the unthinkable and looked at page 3 of my search. Crazy, I know. And that’s where I found this quote from Pink Floyd’s drummer, Nick Mason: “Roger and I constructed the tape loop for ‘Money’ in our home studios and then took it to Abbey Road. I had drilled holes in old pennies and then threaded them onto strings; they gave one sound on the loop of seven. Roger had recorded coins swirling around in the mixing bowl Judy used for her pottery, the tearing paper effect was created very simply in front of a microphone, and the faithful sound library supplied the cash registers.”

The faithful sound library. Goddamn you internet, goddamn you to Hell. I, of all people, should know that the internet is total bullshit. According to the internet, for instance, I invented the word “bromance”: some anonymous kid in Australia wrote it in his blog, and then Otto4711 cut and pasted that into his Wikipedia entry for “bromance,” and now everyone from GQ Magazine to MSNBC takes this as fact: Dave Carnie invented the word “bromance.” I’m not going to dispute it, but I will say that it’s only half true. Much like Pink Floyd’s cash register.

I shared Nick Mason’s quote with Kayla and apologized for doubting her. As conciliation, I offered Abbey Road Studios my own sound effects library: a 45-minute cassette tape filled with recordings of my farts. “Maybe the bands will enjoy these weird and wonderful sounds?” I said.

Interesting how bitter looks good on absolutely no one, right? We will say that a YouTube short tells a wonderfully fun story about the cash register, although to be perfectly honest, we still think Kenna makes for a much better illustration of pretty much anything. … Oh! And we did pull this from a 2016 issue of the magazine, so at least we were consistent on the decade part. We credit Kenna for that too.

The War of Art

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Art, War, and the Human Condition

As I sit down to write this month’s column, it’s 13 years to the day that the American military invaded Iraq.

That invasion, and the subsequent nine years of war and occupation, irrevocably ruptured the lives of millions of Iraqis, as well as hundreds of thousands of American service-members and their families. The war still isn’t over for Iraq, nor is the fallout from the war even close to seeing its end back here. And now it looks like we’ll be a part of whatever comes next in Iraq — though how much we’re involved, and for how long, has not yet been determined.

Which brings me to the crossroads of War and Art. Since at least the time of the Iliad, war has been an artist’s subject. It is one of life’s great ironies that one of the most destructive human endeavors can lead to creations of utter poignancy and beauty. Yet anyone who’s ever walked along the black panels of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, or gazed up at Picasso’s Guernica, or sat down with the poetry of Wilfred Owen, intuitively understands this contradiction. Each of those experiences are fucking DEEP … and connects with the human condition in ways that are somehow both universal and specific.

Now, 13 years after the beginning of the Iraq War, a new moment in the arts is upon us: one in which that war and war stories are penetrating our cultural consciousness. From story collections like Phil Klay’s Redeployment to Hollywood blockbusters like American Sniper to the paintings of Iraqi artists like Qasim Sabti, art is again proving to be a salvation from the destruction human beings have wrought upon the world.

What does it mean? Does it affect the wider culture at all, or is it just nothing but an expression for the self-selected part of the citizenry already engaging in these issues of war and peace? How will it shape the future, or can art ever do such a thing so grandiose? Hell if I know. I just work here. But while these questions may not have clear answers, they’re still worth considering. Though perhaps I’m a bit biased considering my own soldier-to-artist transition.

The futility of war must be related anew in every generation.

Like many writers and artists whose work touches upon war and armed violence, and the effects of that armed violence upon human communities and individual souls, I wrestle with issues of message and fears of glorification. After all, Full Metal Jacket is a stridently antiwar film — yet nearly every soldier and Marine of my generation could quote it verbatim. (And with good reason — it’s a film filled with fantastic lines.)

But ignorance of something done in our collective name hardly seems the answer, either. So one writes, and tries to write well, and be purposeful about it. One wants to keep it real, and be emotionally truthful to the moment and experience, but do so in a way that doesn’t cheat the subject matter. The late, great E.L. Doctorow said, “The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like.”

That’s sound advice for all creatives and seekers, I think, not just novelists. The feel of something can be slippery, but when a story or piece of art gets it right, the reader/viewer/observer feels it right back, interpreting and internalizing in a variety of ways.

“How is contemporary war literature different from the war literature of the past?” This question was posed to me recently at a college. It was an earnest question, and deserved an earnest response, though there was a certain undertone to it: “Why should we care?” There’s an earnestness to that undertone, too, I suppose, though there was also bite to it. I took a deep breath and did my best.

I talked about how every American service member who served in Iraq and Afghanistan at one point volunteered for duty. That needs to be explored, not just in individuals, but what it means for our military at large, how it conducts itself in warfare, and how it impacts us all as Americans, soldier and citizen.

Then I talked about how more and more contemporary war lit is finding realized and dimensional local perspectives — “the others” to use a literary term, “the enemy” to use a military one. Maybe this is due to the nature of counterinsurgency operations. Maybe it’s the understanding that these wars ultimately aren’t about us. Maybe it’s just good storytelling. Regardless, one would have to go back to the modernist revolution of World War I to see such vibrant empathy for and with “the others” in war literature.

That’s interesting, I think. And hope.

There’s another reason that art emerges from the wreckage of war. A broader reason, and unfortunately, a timeless one. The futility of war must be related anew in every generation for it to be heard at all. In that way, it’s happening now because it has to happen. If it wasn’t, we’d not only be failing what comes after, but we’d also be failing what came before.

Gee. It could be that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. … Someone should write that down. … We would also suggest the referenced book on – pointedly to this article – art, war, and the human condition. You can watch the movie if you must, but you’ll be experiencing the condensation rather than the rain. … Hmm. Maybe somebody really should write that one down.

Campus Humor as Politics

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The Hard Left is Killing College Humor

Humor is often the first casualty of repression. Comedians were among the first victims of Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Castro, and Kim Jong-un, in particular those who mocked the tyrants and their political cronies and programs. In fact, the concept of “political correctness” developed under Stalin as a rigid test for “acceptable” humor, art, and even music.

Now political correctness is running amok in American universities, and its first casualty is college humor. Today’s repressives are not the right-wing McCarthyites or religious fundamentalists who tried to censor the humor of my college generation; rather, they are the self-proclaimed “progressives” of the hard left—the new Stalinists on campus who shape the terrain of permissible speech in general, and humor in particular. These political-correctness police demand “safe spaces” and “trigger warnings” to protect their thin-skinned lemmings from micro aggressions, including sexist, racist, homophobic, and other “offensive” jokes.

An example in point from my own grandson, who is a senior at Harvard and a member of the Lampoon, the college-humor magazine. He and a friend attended the Harvard-Yale football game and his friend held up a sign reading, “Tackling is a micro aggression.” Offended students screamed at them, “You’re mocking our pain! You should be required to undergo sensitivity training!” Yes, my grandson and his friend were mocking the excessive efforts of the hard left to control campus humor. That’s what comedy at its best does. But the radical censors of the hard left have no sense of humor, and they don’t want anyone else to laugh at the serious issues they raise, either.

“Self-censorship, enforced by university administrators, is the current mechanism of suppression of offensive humor.”

A recent documentary on campus humor, Can We Take a Joke?, showed how widespread the problem has become. Comedians are now refusing to perform on campuses lest they be attacked by hard-left censors. Teachers are reluctant to use humor, not only in the classroom but in the cafeteria. Students risk discipline for telling a dirty joke to an overly sensitive friend.

To be sure, the real tyrants killed their politically incorrect comedians. There’s a wonderful 1993 film, Genghis Cohn, about a German-Jewish comedian who’s murdered by Hitler and comes back to haunt his killers with jokes. No doubt Hitler would have executed Charlie Chaplin for making his 1940 comic masterpiece, The Great Dictator, if he could have.

Of course today’s college censors merely seek to discipline comic offenders, but the impact is discernible. Self-censorship, enforced by university administrators, is the current mechanism of suppression of offensive humor. And the impact is similar: a humorless campus on which fear of offending destroys spontaneity.

The real concern is that today’s universities are miseducating tomorrow’s leaders. The real world into which students graduate is filled with micro and macro aggressions. There are no “safe spaces” or “trigger warnings” on Main Street, Wall Street, or Pennsylvania Avenue. Current students will be unprepared for that world. Or, worse, they will try to change it into a replica of their repressive university world in which sensitivity trumps liberty.

As usual, there are some heroes, but not many. The University of Chicago felt it necessary to send a letter to all incoming freshman, telling them, “We do not support so-called ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.”

The very fact that a top university felt it necessary to send such a letter speaks volumes about the current stifling atmosphere on many campuses. The fact that other schools would be afraid to send such a letter speaks even more loudly.

Students, faculty, and alumni who value freedom of expression might fight back against bullies who would tell them what to say, think, and believe. One can be sensitive without being stifled. An organization called the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) has taken the lead in opposing campus repression. But they, too, are being subjected to censorship and harassment.

There is bigotry and a double standard at work here. Many of the same censors who want safe spaces—for themselves and their partners in paranoia—are among the leaders of groups that aggress against religious Christians, Jewish Zionists, conservatives, free-speech activists, and other politically incorrect groups who are denied even physically safe spaces against both micro and macro aggressions.

“Free speech for me but not for thee” is a common refrain for hypocrites. The new refrain is “Safe spaces for me but not for thee.” The only acceptable approach is physically safe spaces for all, but intellectually safe spaces for none. And no protection against humor. If you don’t like a joke, don’t laugh!

Frirst off, be careful of the watchdogs. Secondly, of course we understand that none of these Pets from 2024 have anything to do with attacks on college campus humor a decade ago. To be purely transparent, ten years ago, not a single one of these women would have been old enough to be in an institution of higher education, what with them being busy dealing with regular education and all. … However, we have always seen the Pets as shining examples of free speech, and since it tends to be ultra-conservatives who criticize their life choices, we felt like we should try and offer room for the other side to complain too.

Also, the Pet of the Year announcement featuring these contestants will be in just a couple of weeks in Las Vegas, so we really should appreciate them all together one more time. Viva la Campus, and … um … Pets!

Arch Enemy Alissa White-Gluz

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Alissa White-Gluz: Metal’s Artful Genius

Arch Enemy’s gorgeous growler Alissa White-Gluz, 38, elevates the Swedish band’s melodic death metal riffs with her powerful vocals. The Canadian-born artist joined the group in 2014 — but she’s long had a passion for performing.

Before Alissa took the place of outgoing frontwoman Angela Gossow — who now serves as Arch Enemy’s manager — she was the lead vocalist and founding member of the metalcore band The Agonist.

As a fan of grunge and punk, this child of the ’90s was inspired by the era’s badass female artists from group such as Hole, Garbage and No Doubt. Alissa admits her vocals have little in common with the idols from her youth, but she explains their stage presence and attitude has influenced her own style.

As Alissa soaked up the local music scene as a teen, she considered a career out of the spotlight as a stage manager or crew member. But when a band told her they needed a singer, she screwed up the courage to anonymously cover Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and handed over her tape.

“They’re like, damn, she’s pretty good. Is she hot? And I was like she’s me. And that’s how I started singing in my first band,” she says.

But Alissa’s life took an even more interesting turn when Gossow — another idol — contacted her about picking up the mantle as Arch Enemy’s frontwoman.

“When I first started doing metal and I discovered her, I was like she’s the best. She’s amazing,” says Alissa, who calls Gossow her biggest female metal influence. “We’re kind of like twin flames.”

Alissa’s growling and clean vocals are equally impressive. However, her intricate costumes — which sometimes coordinate with her outrageous hair colors — also make her a standout in the industry.

“Metal is a very testosterone-driven music scene, and there’s this thing metalheads say: passion not fashion. So I’ve had to deal with the brunt of that a little bit just essentially for being myself,” she says.

Having previously painted theater set backdrops, Alissa is very attuned to how colors and costumes can help accentuate different characters and advance stories. Now, she puts that knowledge — and her attention to detail — to work for Arch Enemy. As for her stage looks, Alissa works to keep things “fresh and exciting” — but also ensures none of her costumes or makeup contain components derived from animals. She sketches out her ideas, creates her own concepts and also works with independent designers. She says wearing such inventive creations is “how I truly feel like myself.”

She adds, “I know if I quieted down — like maybe some people want me to — then I just wouldn’t feel right in my own skin onstage. There’s this concept called enclothed cognition, which is actually really interesting, where somebody’s performance in any given field improves if they dress the part. So for me, I feel I need to dress the part to really be myself on stage.”

Alissa is also intimately involved in every aspect of the band’s live performances.

“When people come to see an Arch Enemy show, I want them to have that full experience because we put so much passion, and thought, and time and effort into each and every one of our songs, each and every note of the guitar, each and every screech and every drum hit,” she shares.

“I want to make sure when someone comes to see the show, it’s not just like they’re hearing the CD. I want them to be experiencing something else, so I will talk with our lighting designer, our production manager, our stage manager. I’ll be like: OK, what colors are we looking at for the backdrop? What colored gels for the lights are we using on each song? It’ll be like ‘Ravenous’ has red, ‘My Apocalypse’ is green, and ‘The Eagle Flies Alone’ is blue.”

That artistry also extends to her solo clips on her Patreon site and Arch Enemy’s elaborate music videos.

“We released this video for ‘Poisoned Arrow,’ for example. That’s another single off of our album Deceivers. There’s this this shot where I appear as a blind archer. I thought that was a really interesting concept to tie into the lyrics of the song.

“Then I was like, OK in post-production, they’ve gotta give me big dragon wings because this is the opposite of Cupid here, and I want a demon flying around shooting people with arrows. We did that, and I think it looks really, really cool. I was happy to be able to express myself more and more through the music videos.”

A vegetarian since birth — and a vegan for 25 years and counting — Alissa has also become known for her animal activism and says, “I’ve always thought what’s the point of screaming if I’ve got nothing to say? So, I like to encourage people to think about their food choices.”

In addition, she continually expands her musical landscape via interesting collaborations with fellow artists — including Nita Strauss, whom she partnered with on “The Wolf You Feed.” But in recent years, the bulk of her work has been with her Arch Enemy bandmates — guitarists Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis, drummer Daniel Erlandsson and bassist Sharlee D’Angelo.

Alissa attributes the group’s appeal to the level of sophistication in their songwriting and the melody of its guitars saying, “People ask me sometimes: Why don’t you do more clean singing in Arch Enemy? I’m like, well, the guitars are doing the singing. So I’m kind of a rhythm instrument in this band. I’m delivering the words with passion and conviction, but the guitars are doing the singing. We have Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis. Every time I get on stage with them, I’m amazed I’m standing next to those two guys because they’re world-class guitarists.

“Even if you’re not into metal, you may like Arch Enemy for the musicianship — and even if you’re not into extreme metal, which is kind of what we do, we’re pretty different than most bands. So I would say, check out the music videos. Then if you like what you see, come to a show because the show is a whole new experience on top of that.”

Alissa White-Gluz on Stage

Honestly, we’d agree with the overall melodic feeling, even within the Metal genre. You can find the band as well as Ms. White-Gluz online, of course, should research be your thing. For what is may be worth, you will likely find it worth your time to take a quick look at their YouTube channel for a quick analysis. Play even just a couple of their tracks for a couple of minutes, and you will understand the appeal.

While you will find life full of people that do not exactly sound like they look, in any ranking of such a group Alissa White-Glutz would appear high upon that list. Also noteworthy might be the fact that between when the magazine did this profile and this online publication, Alissa has split out onto her own. Interesting in addition to wildly talented, that one. You don’t see that combination very often.

Nude Artistry with Nicole

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A Nicole Vaunt Conversation

Nicole Vaunt, Pet of the Month. First I want to say, what have you been doing, ‘cause I haven’t seen or spoken to you in a while … So just give me a synopsis of everything.

Nicole: I have been continuing to do photo shoots all over the world, which I’m so excited to be able to do! I’ve gotten to shoot on — I think even more continents than I did last time we spoke. I’ve also started doing mainstream porn back in July, which is really exciting. I’m with Spiegler, which is so amazing, and I’ve been loving being involved in this new community. It’s like a whole new world for me.

Wow, what was the catapult that made you dip into mainstream adult?

Nicole Vaunt: It had been something that I had been considering for a while, and I had sort of gotten to a plateau in my career. I was talking with some friends and my business partner, trying to figure out what I could get out of it potentially, what the options were. This was one of the options that came up, and I knew some people who were already involved in it, obviously. I’ve been around the industry for a long time, just not personally involved. Then I reached out to them. I wanted to know answers about the lifestyle, and all those sorts of things. Of course I know sex, but I didn’t necessarily know what the requirements were for actually doing it in mainstream. So I reached out to them. I did a tarot reading, and it just really felt like it was the right time for me to pursue it. It felt like it was an organic evolution of the work that I’ve been doing for the past 15 years and now was the perfect time.

What were the requirements?

Nicole: Oh, just things like the hours are earlier … I’m a night owl, so you know, most sets you have there between 8 … 9 … 10 a.m., and that’s usually earlier than I’m used to things like that. … Also, me needing to come down to LA more which is where the main work happens, those sorts of lifestyle changes. Consequently, I’ve definitely been making trips down to LA, although I still live up in Portland with my partner and my adorable dogs. I always go down to LA for work, and I’m really enjoying it so far, but those were the main lifestyle changes. Basically, I wanted to know what the expectations were so I could provide my best self. I wouldn’t want to overpromise and underdeliver.

Of course. Are you doing Boy/Girl, Girl/Girl? What are you doing?

Nicole: I’m doing all of it really. I love it all. I love sex, so I’m down for all of it. [laughs]

I do believe that to be with Spiegler, you have to do everything.

Nicole: Pretty much. Yeah. I mean he’s an amazing agent.

I’m happy he signed you.

Nicole: Absolutely, I know I’m super lucky. And all of the other Spiegler girls, every single one of them, are just cool, reliable, down to do whatever, they know themselves. … I feel like I’m in a very special group of women when I’m with them.

I love it. How do you stay grounded and connected to your roots despite your fame or success?

Nicole: I love to be in nature. That’s a huge thing for me, especially having to go down to LA so frequently. I love being able to go back to Portland and being in nature. It serves as such a beautiful reset for me. I also read a lot. I’m a huge reader. If anyone out there listening is into fantasy romance novels, get at me, let’s talk about it! Let’s hear your spicy theories! So, I read a lot and that really helps calm me down. It’s just something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ll paint sometimes, and honestly just hanging out and playing games with friends can be a huge thing. I started playing D&D with a friend, which has been really exciting. I’m doing more fun nerd stuff, not being restricted in the things that I find fun just because they might not be as trendy or cool. Overall, being authentic to myself and doing the things that I authentically enjoy, I think that works as the best way I can keep myself grounded. I’m lucky I have an amazing support system around me. If I start getting any kind of ego, I get a check from them [laughs] and it brings me right back down! [laughs] Honestly, I appreciate the love.

Yeah, I think that’s important. … To stay focused and grounded, you have to have people that are honest with you and that do check you, because if they let you get away with shit then you’re never going to learn anything.

Nicole: Absolutely. I need to have friends who feel safe enough and comfortable enough to bring up confrontation or criticism if I do something unwittingly that upsets them. I need to know that my friends will be able to come to me and tell me about it. I can’t deal with people who do not deal with conflict. I need you to be able to give me criticism and know that I will be able to give that in return. That’s how we make each other better. My friendships and my partnerships are what have made me a better person, and I am so, so grateful for that.

I love it. That’s a great answer. Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years, both personally and professionally?

Nicole: That’s a great question. The future’s a little scary. I am not someone who has ever had big goals or things that I desperately want to do. I’ve really enjoyed going through my life and my career with a more organic process. That said, in 5 years I would definitely love to be working on bigger, more creative, porn projects and art projects. I have a really ambitious project with my partner, who is the photographer for my Pet of the Month set. We are trying to do nudes on every continent, so that is my really long-term goal, including Antarctica, so …

We published those photos.

Nicole Vaunt: Yes, yes! Yes!

Gorgeous! Those were so spectacular! I’ve never seen anything like it. Like … Just the most artsy, amazing, beautiful … I mean …

Nicole: He’s an artist.

And your body was beautiful and just the way you posed on that ice with the different rocks and natural configurations … It was really cool!

Nicole: Yeah! I love posing in unusual and unexpected places, especially nude, because it gets such a response. Also I find it kind of a test of endurance for me, which I really appreciate.

I was going to say — How cold was it in Antarctica?

Nicole: I haven’t been to Antarctica yet. I’ve been to Iceland. I’ve posed on the icebergs in Iceland and in the ice lagoon. It’s definitely cold, but the trick is: you shoot very, very quickly. You get in, you get out, and you get warm. That is the key, without doubt.

Great answer. What’s a guilty pleasure or something that you do for fun that people wouldn’t expect?

Nicole: Oooh, I love video games! I really enjoy puzzle games especially, and I really enjoy co-playing games too Because I didn’t grow up with a gaming system, I’m not as good with the mechanics and fighting and stuff, but I’m with someone who is. I love exploring new worlds, figuring out puzzles. I thought that The Witness was an incredible game. God of War, the last 2, were both emotional and beautiful and involved games — just absolutely incredible. Then I just played Baldur’s Gate 3, which was so much fun! And I’ll tell you a little secret … I don’t know if this will make me sound … like … a crazy perv, but in the camp … when all your characters are in camp, there’s actually an option where they can all be naked, and so … whenever we’re in camp, all my characters are naked hanging out. [laughs]

Oh my God! That is so funny!

Nicole: Yeah! It’s really funny! They did a very good job articulating dicks. I’ll tell you that. You get to choose your dick.

No, you don’t!

Nicole: You absolutely do. There’s 3 different options. You can choose your own pubic hair. You can choose all of it.

Wow …

Nicole: So, shoutout to whoever the developer or designer was who did the genitals on BG3. I salute you.

If you could live in any other time period, other than your own, when would it be and why?

Nicole: I always find this question difficult because I love my life as it is now. I think that as complicated as this era is, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere in the past.

If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Nicole: I wouldn’t switch with anyone. I don’t need to do that. I want everyone to have their best own lives. I don’t need to take over someone else’s.

If you could have any superpower for a day, which one would you choose, and what would you do with it?

Nicole: I always debate between invisibility or flying, and I think I would choose invisibility because it would be so nice if you were at an event, or somewhere where you just got tired of being looked at, you could disappear for a few seconds — [laughs] — then come back refreshed. I think that would be really nice.

That’s a good one. I like that. As someone in the public eye, how do you manage the responsibility that comes with influence?

Nicole: This is a great question. It’s something that I’m still struggling and dealing with. The industries that we’re involved with are kind of complex, always leading to ethical questions that need to be considered. I’m just trying to be as hardworking as I can, while also maintaining my own sense of integrity and authenticity. But it is complicated. I don’t think that I do a perfect job of it. Not that I believe in perfection, but I think that there are things that I need to work on — and that the industry needs to work on. I’m hopeful that as I go through it, because I do have the privilege of choice, that I can continue to choose projects that feel good for me and everyone involved in them.

Do you think there’s a difference between nudity in art, because you were a nude art model for a while, right? Versus the nudity in pornography? If so, how do you differentiate your own work?

Nicole: I don’t really like the line that gets drawn between art and porn because it’s really not relevant, It feels like a way to just further divide the community instead of joining the community together. So there’s really not a line between art and porn to me. I think that you can create art or create media with different intents, and you can be someone who creates imagery with the intent just to be visual — like a sculpture, very fine art based — or you can be creating content for titillation and excitement. You can also create in both of those world simultaneously. I don’t think those divisions are really relevant, and I try not to think of them. Put a more academic way, I don’t believe in the Whorearchy. I think that everyone who gets even remotely naked online should be in the same boat, because the people outside of it are going to think negative of you whether you’re sucking dick online, or if you have your titties out online. They don’t differentiate between the two and us differentiating between them divides us.

Did you call it Whorearchy?

Nicole: The Whorearchy. Yeah. The Whorearchy is real. I recommend everyone look up Whorearchy. I definitely did not come up with that phrase, but it is very, very, very relevant.

We included the link there to our 2024 Pet of the Year’s article on the academic part of Nicole’s interview, but f you want to check out one of her favorite puzzle games, we can offer an overview on her behalf as well. As she mentioned, in the years since becoming a Pet, Nicole has transitioned into the adult movie part of the industry as well — a decision we continue to applaud. The database shows nearly 40 projects complete as of this writing, which means, (A) You now have much more to talk about with her on Instagram, and (B) We really need to bump up our DVD library.

Pet Playoffs 2025

Posted on by Team Penthouse

POY Playoffs 2025

If this feels sudden, you need not worry. No reason to question your sanity.

Remember that reality updates faster than your phone software. You blink, go about your day, cast a vote (or eight, if you’re organized), and suddenly — the playoffs 2025 appear. Welcome to that ultimate festivity.

Naturally, twelve incredible women entered this year’s competition. Now, your votes have whittled us down to six.

The math is simple. The decision? Not so much. … If numbers represented the whole story, we’d all be done now — but anyone paying attention certainly knows better. You knew this moment loomed on the horizon since our first announcement. The Playoffs 2025 round hardly represents a plot twist. Now we have a final (and fun) decision narrowing — where enthusiasm turns into commitment, support stops being casual, and every vote starts to feel just a little more intentional.

Of course, that always makes this part bittersweet.

Narrowing the field means celebrating some while saying so long (for now) to others who left a real impression. Each of these women brought personality, presence, and plenty of unforgettable moments to Penthouse — things that don’t disappear just because the list gets shorter. Once a Pet enters our world, she becomes a part of the story. Always. At the risk of belaboring the obvious, this competition has never been merely about a title.

The Pet of the Year competition rewards showing up month after month. Penthouse values confidence, creativity, and bringing something unmistakably her own to a brand with decades of beauty and charm behind it. We proudly spotlight women who know themselves fully and have never been shy about it. To put it simply, some moments simply cannot live in spreadsheets or vote totals — they revel in a look, a laugh, or a line that sticks with everyone longer than expected.

Now, about those six finalists. At this point, as they say, things now get very real.

We can now Reveal your Pet of the Year 2025 Playoff Finalists

Thus, we present the top vote recipients for our 2024 Pets: Kassie Wallis (March), Elly Clutch (April), Caryn Beaumont (May), Adrianna Eves (June), Autumn Ren (July), and Krystal Harper (November).

Should you need a quick refresher on who made it this far, you can click each name to read their answers to our questions and relive their Pet videos. …

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Kassie WallisKassie Wallis (March)
Kassie commands attention without ever raising her voice. Dark hair, captivating hazel eyes, and a gaze famously capable of accidentally eye-fucking anyone who meets her field of view — intentional or not, it works. The spotlight doesn’t need chasing; it finds her.

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Elly ClutchElly Clutch (April)
Elly races in her own lane. Red-haired, proudly nerdy, and refreshingly self-aware, Elly pairs humor with confidence in a way that feels effortless. She leans into what makes her different — all the while making it look unfairly cool.

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Caryn BeaumontCaryn Beaumont (May)
Caryn brings Australian ease and a grounded perspective which fans connected with immediately. She exhibits an appreciation for the moment in everything she does — present, poised, and fully aware that confidence thrives as much mindset as presentation.

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Adrianna EvesAdrianna Eves (June)
Adrianna always shows up with raw intention. With her striking brunette-to-blond ombré and Cuban roots, her presence emerges in equal parts polished and powerful. Never one to wander looking for inspiration — she personifies it at every turn.

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Autumn RenAutumn Ren (July)
Autumn carries an impossible to miss open-road energy. Blonde waves, warm brown eyes, and Kentucky roots keep her grounded, while her love for nature and travel hints at a curiosity that never stays still for long. That sense of positivity reads clearly — and, more importantly, you can feel it.

POY Playoffs 2025 Finalist Krystal HarperKrystal Harper (November)
Krystal rounds out our finalists, simply by nature of being published most recently, while standing quite literally above the rest. At six feet tall, this blonde powerhouse owns her height with pride, humor, and undeniable charm. Strength and softness coexist easily within — particularly if dogs get involved.

What happens next will be familiar to anyone having been through a Playoff season before, even though this one will be atypically short. Group chats light up. Screens-shots get shared. Arguments get made — sometimes passionately, sometimes with presentations. Everyone suddenly becomes an expert, armed with strong opinions accompanied by very specific reasons. Favorites get defended. Second choices start getting a lot more attention – especially once you have traveled back in the bios, scrolling, rereading, and realizing why these extraordinary women stood out in the first place. We can tell you from experience, more than a few voters catch themselves thinking, Wait … am I really about to change my mind?

Therein lies the magic of this round. The Playoffs don’t just reveal leading vote-getters, they reveal the true stars people care enough about to talk through, rethink, and show up for again.

More than anything, that interaction comprises the core of the playoffs..

Close races tighten. Surprise ties appear. And suddenly, it becomes impossible not to notice just how much pull each unique Pet truly controls. These women did not just wander into this round — they earned it through consistency, charisma, and staying power.

Make No Mistake: Staying Power Matters in the Playoffs 2025

Getting this far takes stamina, professionalism, adaptability, and the ability to remain visible in an era where attention spans last seconds. Think of the Playoffs 2025 as an endurance sport — albeit one holding an unusual glamorous prize.

From this point, it will be a straight shot to Las Vegas. As per our (recent) history, Penthouse crowns The Pet of the Year winner at the Adult Entertainment Expo put on by AVN in January 2026. Honestly, it feels appropriate in a city that understands drama, glamor, and the art of making an entrance. For now, use your votes and your social media to continue shaping the momentum, spotlighting the standouts, and influencing who ultimately rises to the top.

Most importantly, remember voting should not be a click-and-forget affair: Treat it as a strategy, possessing both timing and momentum. Playoff voting runs from 12/28/2025 at 12:01 AM through 01/04/2026 at 11:59 PM PST. You can vote every day this round too — giving just enough time to feel confident… and then immediately question yourself. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

With great power comes great second-guessing.

Six finalists. One title. Let the Playoffs do what they do.

Everyone who has ever visited can tell you that the Pets come out at night in Las Vegas. So start building your stamina now. The race has begun, and Playoffs wait for no one — and yet everyone. They can be quirky that way. As a final suggestion, you might see if you can fit AEE 2026 into your schedule in January. You never know what you might witness. … From the 2025 event, internally, we call this one Danger Us.

Danger Us ... Renee Olstead, Lacy Lennon, Violet Brandani

Mia Nix

Posted on by Team Penthouse

Know When to Fold ‘em…

Originally the team had set a sort of “lookee where we are today” sort of thing featuring a holiday gift guide from a decade ago, comparing it to now to see what has happened. (OK. So nobody said it would be tough to guess what has happened in 10 years.) … Well, it did not take long to discover that half the companies did not even exist anymore. Even among those that made it, most of the products lines had changed, thus making accurate comparisons as to specific products impossible. Among the few items that did still exist today, we basically found that everything cost 25-50% more today. Yeah, so that seemed less than noteworthy.

Then we came up with Plan B, which despite the rather mundane copy one accidentally finds in the magazine, still has the benefit of being lost more interesting that a coat, a watch, or a bicycle. Consequently, we pivot to:

Our Mia Nix Fix

Age: 21
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Perm, Russia

The perfect blend of sweet and spice, Mia Nix dazzles her online audience with a tender heart, mesmerizing gaze, and delicate yet provocative presence. This issue’s Cyber Cutie is a Russian angel who delivers a heaven-on-earth experience through a balance of sensual elegance and soulful depth that her audience delights in. Residing in the culturally rich Perm, Mia Nix enjoys strolling through the scenic Kama embankment, taking in the stunning sunset and local creative atmosphere, such as chamber festivals and art objects all while leaving time to sample local coffee shops. Partaking in the arts herself, Mia Nix’s world moves to its own soundtrack as she enjoys dancing to vinyl retro hits at 3:00 AM, and embracing the craft of some of her favorite artists such as Lana Del Rey’s poetry-like lyrics and the electronic elements of Rüfüs Du Sol.

More than just beauty, Mia Nix has a romantic spirit that she is eager to share with those precious to her. Honing her culinary passion, Mia Nix dreams of cooking breakfast to “Sway” in a home by the sea with the love of her life. Whether she’s laughing to tears with her sister, sharing a warm family dinner, or cuddled up with her vast collection of books alongside her cat, Bella, Mia Nix is someone who treasures authentic connections. Driven by love and grounded in gratitude, she invites her fans to feel something deeper and we’re happy the cameras can help share her allure.

At the risk of irritating important editorial people with a yada-yada kind of comment, we shall at least move on to the more interesting aspects of our investigation.

What is your favorite thing about your hometown?
I like the green and cozy center of Perm, the Kama embankment with stunning sunsets and the local creative atmosphere — especially art objects and chamber festivals. There are also cool coffee shops here!

Favorite fantasies?
My sexual fantasy #1: meet the love of my life and cook breakfast in our house by the sea to the song Sway. It drives me crazy when they relax my body with oil before sex, then cover it with kisses.

Any fetishes?
I have a fetish for rough sex, even in front of other people, so I have to behave quietly. I also have a fetish for a certain type of male hands on which veins are visible.

Hobbies?
My hobbies are my way of getting high from life! Culinary extremism — I’m learning to bake croissants like in Paris. Dancing to everything — from vinyl retro hits to a random tiktok at 3 a.m.. The body moves. The soul flies.

Favorite movies?
Romance with a hint of sadness — Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Favorite shows?
Twin Peaks — strange, but hypnotic, like a dream after a cup of latte at 4 a.m..

Favorite books?
Psychology + hints of Over the Abyss in the Rye by Salinger — if my inner monologue became a novel.

What is the most exciting place you’ve ever had sex?
The most passionate sex was in the shower.

What is your biggest turn-on?
Most exciting is caresses before sex itself, gentle touches, passionate kisses and love in the air.

Describe your ideal man/woman?
What attracts me the most in men is actions, I’m crazy when a man not only speaks but also confirms his love with actions and deeds

Describe your ideal date?
The perfect date: a cozy coffee shop with delicious cappuccino, then a walk along the embankment or park with heartfelt conversations and laughter.

Do you collect anything?
No matter how trite it may sound, I like to collect books, buy collectible editions. In the future I would like to have my own library.

What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
For me, the most daring thing was to buy my mother’s dream car. She dreamed about it for 4 years, and when I had the opportunity to do it, I bought it without hesitation. Seeing her burning eyes, tears of happiness are the most valuable thing.

Do you have a hidden talent or skill?
My hidden skill would be emotional alchemist. I know how to turn other people’s anxieties into calmness, and ordinary moments into warm memories.

Favorite food?
Thai tom-yum. Spicy, but with a hint of sweetness — like my perfect date.

Favorite drink? Homemade lemonade with crushed ice and mint leaves — to crunch on the teeth.

Favorite way to get a workout?
Yoga at dawn. Clear asanas + breathing — so that the body and thoughts are perfectly aligned.

Favorite way to relax?
When you need to let out steam, a blow to the pear = the best therapy.

Regular visitors will know that among our favorite things has to be glimpsing into cultures across the world. While admittedly not familiar with the term, we have a pretty good idea what “a blow to the pear” probably means. Naturally we would encourage a visit to Twitter, Instagram, or the (current) Mia Nix cam home, if for no other reason than to ask Mia about that pear.

The Lindemulder Continuum

Posted on by Team Penthouse

A Janine Lindemulder Recap

“Penthouse got me known,” says Janine, the always beautiful, sometimes blonde star of over 100 adult video features. Penthouse was a magazine I’d always looked up to. I grew up on it. I aspired to be a Pet. That was really something I set my sights on. I remember looking at the girls and thinking, ‘I’ll never be able to look that womanly.’ Still to this day it’s hard for me to see myself that way.”

In this edition of The Girls of Penthouse we throw a spotlight on Janine Lindemulder, a Penthouse Pet who went on to become one of the most beautiful women to work in adult entertainment. Janine sat down with us to look back at her appearances in our sister magazine and to talk about where she’s going next.

It may be hard for her, but not for the legion of fans who first saw her as the December 1987 Penthouse Pet of the Month. “It was kind of by accident,” Janine remembers of that photo shoot. “I answered an ad for a figure model, not knowing that the ad meant naked figure model! Photographer David Schoen told me what was expected and it didn’t even faze me. I said, ‘Great! Let’s get to it!’”

And get to it they did. But what started as a normal modeling session ultimately became something special. “We took some test shots on Malibu Beach, and those test shots were chosen for the set. I find it funny looking back now, but I wasn’t aware of acrylic nails or the right kind of shaving techniques girls were using. You’ll notice that in some of the pictures I have absolutely no fingernails — I was a ball player — and in other pictures I have Lee Press-On nails,” she laughs. “Also we had no makeup artist and no wardrobe, so in some of the pictures I’m wearing my mom’s bathrobe and my grandma’s earrings. It was like dress-up time!”

Another scenario that would become an important part of her adult-film persona is seen in the all-girl layout “Janine, Donna & Audrey”. “I remember that set fondly,” she says. “It was still kind of new to me, working with beautiful women, and I felt … an exhilaration. I was nervous — actually I was very nervous — but once we were all in our characters for the day I did my thing and took charge.”

Perhaps the most spectacular images we’ve chosen are a black-and-white set photographed in a junkyard. “I take full credit for that,” Janine says. “I went to Earl Miller and told him I wanted it gritty and dirty. To me, that’s the best time, when I get to just unleash. I love any set that involves water or mud or dirt, where I can just let go. When I told him what I wanted to do, he jumped all over it. With his mind going and my mind going, we came up with something really good.” One bit of inspiration came directly from Miller, though. “The mace was Earl’s doing. He had gotten an extraordinary wardrobe person and designer and they brought that mace to the table … I think maybe I’ve swung that thing around in another life!” she says with a laugh.

The spontaneity that seems to follow Janine’s collaborations with Penthouse was obvious that day as well. Some of the pictures of me with the hose were just kind of a bonus. I had gone into the back room and was rinsing off some of the grime and Earl was like, ‘Whoa, let me get that, too!’ Those photos were almost taken by mistake, but they made it into the magazine as well.”

“Patrick was my boyfriend at the time,” Janine says of her co-star in the Wicca-inspired “Patrick & Janine”. “We had been seeing each other for about five months, and he loved getting dressed up as much as I did. That whole scene came very natural, but I was much more at ease and willing to do it than he was. He had a little bit of stage fright in the beginning. It was his first time doing anything like that, so I just told him to stay focused on me. He did, and we got some pretty hot stuff.”

Of what it is about her that leads to such hot stuff, Janine says, “It must be the Scorpio in me. I love to push the limits. It’s exciting. Anybody can do the ‘pretty-girl-on-the-comfy-bed,’ but I like working for my dinner. I’m a tomboy at heart, so anytime I get to go the extra mile or show my adventuresome side, I’m all for it. That’s just part of the excitement.”

Daring Janine Lindemulder
Daring Janine Lindemulder
Daring Janine Lindemulder

Lindemulder Recap: Pet of the Month December 1987

“Ever since I was little girl, I’ve been fascinated by the women in Penthouse. They are so beautiful and perfect.”

“To Be in Penthouse is an honor,” says Janine Lindemulder. “It makes me feel very special. Posing was very natural and easy. It was wonderful to be nude in the outdoors with the sun and wind. I don’t think I’m a tease, but I like thinking about all the people admiring my naked body.”

“Being sexy-looking is great.” Janine Says Secure in her own beauty, she wouldn’t change places with anyone. There’s only one drawback, she admits: “I attract too many people. Sometimes I could do without them.”

Lovely, 34-22-34, 19-year-old Janine says she hasn’t had time for all the adventures she wants, “but I’m working on it.” Janine likes her sex rugged, and can tell by the first look if a man’s the right one.

Janine thinks rock-n-roll is the biggest turn-on of all. Its no wonder that her boyfriend is a singer in an L.A. band. “The first night we met we made love, and the feeling inside me was incredible.”

Busy these days with her acting lessons, brown-eyed Janine wishes she had more free time to sunbathe, “I love my body and I wish I could be nude more often.” She sees herself as a sunny California type — “the look that says I’m not taking things too seriously.”

Janine’s ideal man has long hair, a beautiful smile, and will play hard-to-get. In her future she sees travel, adventure and eventually, a man with sense of humor who will appreciate her easy-going nature. Settling down and raising a big family would make everything nearly perfect.

The Lindemulder Ladies

Lindemulder Recap: With Donna & Audrey in Designing Women

“Janine, Donna, and Audrey had modeled their original designs all day for one another, tucking here, smoothing there, to prepare for their fist fashion show. Between changes these designing women wore only smiles.”

Excited by the new fashion line, the talented beauties were eager to turn heads with their sexy designs, outfits for passionate encounters. Sensational models were booked for the “by invitation only” gala affair, and everyone was coming. “I really think we’ve inspired each other this time,” said Audrey as she warmed to her partners’ anticipation of a successful debut. “But there’s one more little detail, ladies. Have you thought of what we’re going to wear?”

“Just relax… breathed Donna as Janine caressed Audrey. “You’re beautiful with nothing on.”

These were women of exquisite taste, but never more than when they were in their birthday suits. They explored one another’s hot, wet places with deep kisses and caresses, tongues on sweet lips, fashioning a menage a trois with great style that went on and on.

Donna favored a tight and trim fit and colors that looked good enough to eat. Janine reminded her of the peaches-and-cream shade that became her so well. She had a taste and craved more.

The designing women would be fashionably late for their own fete, since dressing was not on the menu for the moment, but grand entrances were part of the fun. Let everyone think it was simply the glamour and lavish public attention that raised the color in their cheeks. Only they know about their own private show. Later they’d get creative with a little champagne and really celebrate.

Lindemulder Recap: The Junkyard

Adored by millions in the world of adult entertainment. Janine Lindemulder possesses an elemental sensuality that makes her unique among today’s top models and photographers.

“I wanted a real street-rat look for this shoot.” Our very own road warrior tells us, “I took the heels off and let my makeup run.”

On the prowl like a junkyard dog, gritty Janine is ready to grind her gears with a willing participant.

“I would love getting down and dirty,” says Janine. “Being a girl glamour girl has its moments, but I’m a lot more basic than that.”

As Pet of the Month in December 1987 and our Pet of the Year Runner-Up — not to mention her many other highly charged pictorials, videos, and films — Janine is a much-beloved and longtime member of the Penthouse family. As she says so succinctly, “My heart belongs to Penthouse!”

“I was a tomboy when I was little,” declares our feisty Pet. “Let’s just say I’ve had my share of mud fights.”

Any good mechanic knows the importance of scrubbing up and hosing down, but Janine’s method is far more heartfelt than any car wash…. Excuse us, you missed a spot.

Early Janine Lindemulder
Early Janine Lindemulder
Early Janine Lindemulder

The winter solstice is upon us, a time to celebrate the gifts we create without bare hands.

How rare to experience a religious moment so unique and rapturous one can drink of another not for intoxication but for clarity. The depths of the soul can be plumbed only when the earthly senses are allowed full rein over the body. Christmas, after all, began as a pagan celebration of sex and birth.

The object of worship inspires a first, breathless kiss… then more.
Rich as velvet, with the taste of raw earth, our passion engulfs this day as no other.
And how can it be that the simple becomes sublime, the ephemeral folds into pure passion?
The seed be not cold, but the origin of creation that in essence is our right.
Blessed be this time of simple enlightenment, when all of life’s truths converge into light.
The passage of yuletide winds through a forest of silk, a gossamer of gold, yet all that truly matters is contained in the hearts of lovers, in the gilt-edge cry of ecstasy.

Or at least that’s what they said in Penthouse, circa 1997 in a feature called “A Christmas Corrolary” in fact. As the editors in PenthouseGold pointed out, Janine has an unusual way of celebrating Christmas.

Quintessential Janine Lindemulder

While we considered this Lindemulder Recap great fun, we do enjoy larger picture looks as a rule. … First off, we know Janine better than many people, and we can tell everyone one thing for certain: If Ms. Lindemulder ever writes a book about her life, we’re signing up for that baby the second we hear preorders have become available. Until then, in case you missed it, Janine’s “Confidential” with Sam Phillips and the concurrent “27 Things You Don’t Know About Her” list will well be worth your time. And that one’s free.

POY Vote 2025

Posted on by Team Penthouse

Penthouse POY Vote 2025

If 2025 has taught us anything, it might be that reality now updates more often than our phone’s software. From the Great Social-Media Migration (where everyone simultaneously claimed they were “logging off for good” and then reappeared 48 hours later), the nationwide obsession with productivity apps that somehow made everyone worse at being productive, AI that now writes break-up texts, and news cycles that ping-pong people between having strong opinions and being too tired to care — sometimes within the same sentence — the only thing more unpredictable than this year’s chaos has to be the commentary people feel compelled to have about it.

Naturally, with all that happening (and all that you’ve forgotten since breakfast), this seems as good a moment as any to remind everyone that our Pet of the Year 2025 voting has officially gone live. According to half our leadership, readers must be told things repeatedly or risk wandering into traffic. According to the other half, no one will notice this article unless we set it to music and choreograph a dance challenge. Since we are neither babysitters nor TikTok influencers, we’re settling for a straightforward announcement: The vote is happening, and you get to help pick a winner.

Shocking, we know.

As has recently been our custom, we will crown the 2025 Pet of the Year at AVN’s Adult Entertainment Expo next January in Las Vegas. Where better to celebrate the glamor, charisma, and a year’s worth of unforgettable moments than a city where even the slot machines have a dramatic flair?  

This prestigious title has previously gone to absolute stunners: Renee Olstead (2024), Tahlia Paris (2023), Amber Marie (2022), Kenzie Anne (2021), and Lacy Lennon (2020) to name only the most recent. Each brought her own spark — some mischievous, some luminous, some deliciously naughty, and all so magnetic, we found ourselves asking “Is she even a real person?” This year’s contenders stand ready to follow in those footsteps, heels and all.

While it may be easy to presume this whole contest comes down to  looks — beautiful women in Penthouse, who would’ve guessed? — those of us working on the project know better. Entertainment counts for a tremendous amount in these halls, and we’re certain many of you would agree. Personality has always been the secret competitive ingredient. … Wit. Charm. The ability to answer our questionnaire without giving the impression they are negotiating a hostage crisis. These things matter.

It remains our ongoing effort to pull gems that reveal our who are Pets are beyond their beauty. No trick questions (though “Describe yourself in three words” can certainly lead to an existential crisis). Instead, these prompts show how these women think, laugh, flirt, dream, and occasionally roast themselves. The results rarely disappoint. So, without further ado, here are our Pets’ sharpest, funniest, strangest, or most “I did NOT see that coming” moments — proof of their charm when they’re not posing under soft-boxes and an LED panel.

Corrie Yee — January 2024
What is your favorite animal? … “I like cats. They are kind of like me. They like to do their own thing, and they like to eat and sleep a lot. I like their independent nature.”
Angel Dreaming — February 2024
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? … “Learn from a psychic medium how to channel my abilities to talk to ghosts lol.”
Kassie Wallis — March 2024
What gets you in trouble? … “I have a seductive gaze. I accidentally eye fuck anyone that makes eye contact with me.”
Elly Clutch — April 2024
Favorite social media platform? … “They’re all a little funky… Instagram, I guess? Am I allowed to say PornHub?”
Caryn Beaumont — May 2024
When you are about to be photographed in the nude, how do you prepare? … “Remind myself I’ll never look like this forever”
Adrianna Eves — June 2024
Who is your hero and why? … “I don’t have a hero. I’m my own hero.”
Autumn Ren — July 2024
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? … “I would live in an RV and travel the world. I want to see it all!”
Grace Elizabeth — August 2024
Where do you see yourself in five years? … “In five years, I will be 28 years old. I would love to be living on my little farmhouse near the ocean with tons of dogs and farm animals.”
Keira Jackson — September 2024
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why? … “If I could have any job in the world, it would have to be an astronaut. Ever since I was a child I dreamed of being in space.”
Alli Cat — October 2024
How would you describe your personality? … “I like a little spice. Adrenaline junkie, trying things and experiencing new places.”
Krystal Harper — November 2024
What qualities do you like most about yourself? … “I love my ambition and the way I chase after my dreams without hesitation. And, of course, my playful side that keeps life fun! My height is a great advantage. Being 6ft is no joke!”
Gracewearslace — December 2024
What’s your hidden talent/skill that people don’t know you have? … “I can do the splits and count to 100 in Cambodian.”

As for the rudimentary basics:

  1. Your initial vote period will be open from 12/07/2025 at 12:00 AM until 12/21/2025 at 11:59:59 PM PST.
  2. This year, we’re continuing our Playoff format, trimming the roster down solely as the vote naturally splits.  The Play-Off will begin with 6 finalists from 12/28/2025 at 12:00 AM until that same magical 11:59:59 PM on 01/04/2026 at PST.

If you’ve ever wanted the power to help shape an outcome without algorithms or someone asking you … if you’ve tried turning it off and back on again … this will be that moment. So, take a minute and look through the contestants.  Read the highlights. Pick the woman who makes you smile, laugh, or think, “Okay, she’s the one.” You have the power to vote every 2 days — not necessarily for the same star — and by doing so you’ll enjoy more influence here than almost anywhere else these days.

Use it.

And make sure to bookmark Penthouse.com/vote2025 so you can keep coming back to cast your vote. We know you want to.

For those of you curious about the header image on this page, with a slight nod to another upcoming project debut, we chose a shot of Stephanie McLean from the April, 1970, issue of Penthouse Magazine for that spot. Stephanie happened to be the very first Pet of the Year winner announced way back in 1971 — when tik-tok was just something a clock did.

Angel Wings on Cloud Nine

Posted on by Team Penthouse

An Angel Dreaming Conversation

A bit of a mini Penthouse crew wrangled Angel aside from the barrage of sights and sounds at the Las Vegas convention so they could dive into her emotions a bit. An atypically thoughtful person, this one.

I’m sitting here with Pet of the Month Angel Dreaming How do you define happiness, and what does it mean to you personally?

Angel: Oh, this is such a deep question. I feel like happiness is so subjective and it can mean anything. It’s kind of just like success. I mean you can be happy with no money to your name, but as long as the relationships that you have with other people are so genuine and positive, and they add so much to your life, and I feel like that’s the most important thing really. I mean I could have no money in the world, but as long as I have my sister, my family, I feel rich, you know? Rich in my life. So, I feel like it’s very subjective, but happiness means being so content with what you have and just feeling good.

That’s good. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

Angel: Hmm, I feel like the easy answer is to say “I wish everybody would get along,” but I think the one thing would be the diseases that we have. I personally think Alzheimer’s is such a sad disease and to watch people, especially family members, go through that – it’s just so hard. I mean being specific with that one example. Being more broad with diseases in general, cures could alleviate so much pain and sadness in the world. So, if I could change anything, it would be to take away all diseases. It would be amazing.

I love that answer! Can you recall a time when you had to make a difficult decision that went against the grain?

Angel: Honestly, the one thing that stands out to me is what I do right now. I mean I model for Penthouse and that is a bit taboo in some societies. However it felt so right to me. And I feel like some family members can be so against it, like, oh you know, “you’re doing porn” or “you’re shooting nude!” and “That’s just absurd!” But for me, it felt so good and empowering, and I loved it. I’m proud of it and I’m honored to be a part of Penthouse family! So, I think that, really, just my job and doing nude shoots and feeling comfortable and confident! But, to others they might see it and perceive it as something so tragic when really, for me, it’s not. Maybe for you. For me, I am enjoying this though. [laughs]

[laughs] How do you handle criticism, both constructive and negative?

Angel: I think conflict is a good thing. I don’t know if everybody has that point of view, though. Consequently, I believe criticism should be taken with a grain of salt, because maybe somebody is just hating on you — but also maybe you can learn something from it. So I think taking it gracefully and accepting [what they’re saying] instead of coming up with a barrier and a shield, saying “No! No! No!” I think the opposite end of that spectrum is saying “Ok, well, maybe there’s something that I should look at within myself and maybe there’s something that I can change.” Just doing some self-reflection. I think that’s great. So, criticism is welcome. Some people can be more negative, so yeah, take that with a grain of salt, but as long as you can stay positive and self-reflect in a way that’s only going to make you better, I think that’s wonderful.

Love it! Do you feel that your work challenges societal norms or perceptions about body image? If so, in what ways?

Angel: Yes, I do. I know that modeling can sometimes bring insecurities onto the model itself and also the people who are viewing. Like with the magazine or whatever. There is a lot of editing, and even with social media, people edit, and it’s hard to tell these days, because the editing software is so good. People do compare themselves to people online and compare themselves to others, and sometimes you know you meet someone in person you look up to, and I mean [sigh] – Yeah, I can go on and on about this, but people get so starstruck, and they get so narrow-minded, and they idolize things that may not be realistic. … So, grounding yourself and knowing who you are and even though you might touch up a photo or two — or touch up every photo — that’s fine! And maybe that’s what you want to do and that’s fantastic. As long as you’re happy, and your mental health is clear, I think that’s good. I honestly think you shouldn’t be comparing yourself to anybody. You should be comparing yourself to who you were a minute ago, and yesterday — just working to be better and focusing on the positive aspects of yourself instead of the negative, because you want to manifest all of the positive energy!

Great answer! I love it! If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Angel: Oh, so many things. The first thing I want to say is be confident. Even nowadays I will have a photo shoot, and I’ll think “Ugh! I didn’t like that!” Then a day later I’ll look at the photos, and I’m thinking to myself, “Why did I ever think I didn’t look good? I look great!” You know?

So, I think that the piece of advice I’d give myself is just to have confidence and truly believe in yourself. I know that’s such a generic thing, but truly, I think that is what I would say, and even the little girl knows that. I think she really knows that. … I will tell you a little extra from this. … I used to work out. I couldn’t sleep at night, so my mother told me, “You know you can read or draw or work out,” and she’s on the phone. She’s just like, you know, “Handle it yourself”, so I tried drawing and that didn’t work, and I tried reading and that didn’t work, so I’d work out. I’d be in my room doing sit-ups, and I’d think to myself for motivation, “I’m going to be in a magazine one day,” and “I’m going to walk the runway one day,” and “I’m going to be that girl!” and “I’m going to model,” and “I’m going to have fun and be just proud of myself for that!” And I’ve done those things! I feel so proud of myself! But you know on the way to getting there, you doubt yourself, so, from the stage of being that little girl deciding that while she’s working out at night, because she couldn’t sleep to the person I am today: the cover of Penthouse … you have those dips, and you have those highs, just to remember … be true to yourself and have that confidence. You’re going to get there one day because you believed in yourself.

And also have a dream

Angel: Yes.

Because, if you know what you want to go after, you will make it happen if you have a passion for it.

Angel: Totally. Totally understand.

Love it. What habits or routines help you stay productive and focused?

Angel: I work out every day in the sense of physical, mental, and emotional.

So the main thing is really the discipline in my mind, and I can relate that to going to the gym because I have to be disciplined in the gym. When I’m disciplined, my mind is focused and I’m on track, and then I can apply that to my daily life, like making your bed in the morning or completing the tasks that you need to do. Do what you need to do, so you can do what you want to do, and that’s the discipline in my mind.

I love it. Can you share a personal story of when you almost gave up but decided to keep going?

Angel: Hmm… I can make this really dirty… [laughs]

Yeah, do it!

Angel: I was going to go the route of anal. So, I don’t know that one’s not – [laughs] No… [laughs] “You can do it girl! Chugga! Chugga! Put it in there!” You know? [laughs]

Best Answer. We love surprise answers.

Angel: Yeah! You know they were all so warm. I got to spice it up a bit. [laughs]

Who or what inspires you to keep striving for more?

Angel: My future self and my future family. I want to do this for future Angel and possibly kids one day. I want to be happy in my home with just a little bit. I don’t need too much, so that really motivates me.

I think that’s great. If you could collaborate with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Angel: You know… I really like Riley Reid, and I love Lena! Icons! They’re beautiful. They know what they’re doing. Yeah, that would be a dream.

Agreed!

Angel: [laughs]

If you could live in any other time period other than your own, when would it be and why?

Angel: I’ve always felt connected to the 1800s. Not exactly sure why. But I love their style and their floofy dresses, and the carriages and I know it is much harder than it is today. We have so much more technology, but the 1800s always fascinated me. And in Minnesota, we have a mansion on the way to Duluth, or in Duluth, called the Glensheen Mansion. It has a rich history and a rich story to it, and I’ve always felt drawn to it and connected to it. I just feel like I’m teleporting when I go in there … to way back when. I just — I don’t know. It’s history and I would love to be part of that history, even if it’s just wearing a floofy dress! [laughs]

You should do a scene, or some content dressed in a Victorian style with the corset and you should get a white wig. I think you’d look so beautiful.

Angel: I will vow to do something like that! Yeah, I should, huh? [laughs]

If you could switch lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Angel: Hmm… Probably Ariana Grande! She sings like a queen! Her voice is butter! It just flows effortlessly, and I don’t know – she’s like my sister in my head. I adore her, so switching lives with her would be so cool!

Well, you kind of look like her.

Angel: I get that a lot actually!

Did you see Wicked?

Angel: I did! And I want to see it every other day of my life! I’m dying to watch it again. I know my friends have watched it like 20 times. I’m like “I need to!” Ugh! It’s so good. I can’t wait for the second one.

If you could have any superpower for a day, which one would you choose and what would you do with it?

Angel: For a day I would love to do teleportation, including that whatever is touching me could teleport with me. So I could teleport a bunch of people. We could go traveling the world in just a moment’s notice. That’d be so cool … because I love traveling!

Where do you want to go? Where would you teleport to?

Angel: Oh gosh! I would go to Italy, all over Italy! And Greece!

What advice would you give to someone who might be interested in starting their own journey in content creation or modeling?

Angel: Be consistent. You have to make a decision before you start. Ask yourself what kind of content you want to make. Is your family comfortable with that? Do you care if they’re comfortable with that? What do you want to do in the future? Do you care if possible jobs would be ok or not with that? And, once you start, if you truly want to do it, be consistent. Even if you doubt yourself, keep doing it … and do it again. Eventually when you set your goal and you take steps to reach it, you’re going to reach it!

How is it for you – this being your first AVN. How do you feel? Tell me a little bit about how you feel.

Angel: I feel just like amazed right now. It’s a little overwhelming because there’s so much to look at, so I’m a little like “Boom! Boom! Boom!” with my eyes. It’s hard to focus on one person at a time. So, I’m like trying to connect with people [laughs] even though I’m like “Wah!” looking around like “Oh my god! There’s so much happening!” It’s crazy, you know? There’s a bunch of toys out there and those are something else, to say the least.

The big dicks?

Angel: I was like – “What is that?! Décor?!”

Who takes that?

Angel: I don’t know! Not anyone I know! [laughs]

Weren’t you talking about pushing past earlier? [laughs]

Angel: Yeah, that’s right! [laughs] “Push girl, push! Chugga! Chugga!” [laughs] Oh my god, that one – no not that. A tentacle? I’m like “I can’t do it.” I’m not into that. [laughs]

That’s the exception. You should stop. [laughs]

Angel: Yeah, definitely it’s not there. There’s a limit. [laughs] Exactly!

Yeah, I think that’s the limitation. Definitely.

Angel: We stop at that large piece of décor and the tentacle.

We do not traditionally do a BTS photo gallery from our Pet shoots, but on this one Sam Phillips took some excellent shots, so it seemed a shame to ignore them. It would be groan-inducing to describe Ms. Dreaming as heavenly, so obviously we will not do that. … But we could, because the description certainly fits. Still (per orders), we’re being all professional and stuff here now, so we will send you off to Angel’s Pet page along with a link to her Instagram, and you can decide for yourself. … How about “celestial” instead? Would that be better?

Early Penthouse, circa 1975

Posted on by Team Penthouse

Early Penthouse in Homespun Hardcore

Before we get to explaining the header image on this page, it seemed appropriate to set the mood. Fortunately, we were able to quickly set the mood as to the interests of the early Penthouse reader with a small section called “Happenings” in the January, 1975, publication.

Early Penthouse Warmth

Nothing is sacred anymore. Even quilts, pottery, and stained glass have now been injected with a substantial dose of erotica-erotica that sometimes borders on pornography.

Three artists of this newest erotica are Rhett Delford Brown with her “pornographic tapestries” (quilts), Jeffrey John Speeth with his “dirty windows” of stained glass, and Susan W. Beecher with her ceramic “pot erotica.” They’ve made it possible to have sexy bed quilts, windows, and even punch bowls.

If you think quilts are made by little old ladies in New England sewing their arthritic fingers to the bone, you definitely haven’t seen Rhett Delford Brown’s erotic quilts. Some people have used her creations of stuffed and stitched sex scenes for bedspreads, but the artist prefers to hang them on her walls and calls them “pornographic tapestries.”

“I regard my work as expressions of my sexual fantasies and my friends’ fantasies,” Delford Brown explained in her genteel Southern accent. “That’s why I put a voyeur in each piece; voyeurism is my thing.” Some of the sexual activities the fifty-year-old artist has illustrated in her tapestries include lesbianism, bestiality, homosexuality, and plain, old-fashioned oral-genital sex play.

The whimsically primitive people in her quilts are made of stuffed pink satin. Details are stitched in with crewel embroidery. Yarn serves for head and pubic hair, and weird buttons provide eyes popping out from sexual ecstasy and/or lust. “My yarns are my pal­ette,” Delford Brown noted and showed off the fine detail work in her lesbian-fantasy quilt, “I Wanna Go Back to My Redneck Ways.” This pornographic tapestry depicts two nude female figures joyously grappling with one another’s private parts. Their nipples, made of rosy, pink satin, stand firmly erect. One of the girls’ fingers grope up the other girl’s vagina, which is rendered in loving detail. “See that diamond in her pussy?” Rhett asked. “Well, really it’s a rhinestone, but I thought it made a rather nice clit. And see here,” she continued in refined Southern lady accents, while lifting the diamond girl’s three-dimensional buttocks, “I even gave her an asshole.” You peer discreetly under the satin buns and, sure enough, there’s a neatly embroidered rectum. Rhett thinks of every­thing.

“I Wanna Go Back to My Redneck Ways” also features a male voyeur in the back­ground, frantically clutching his cock, from which spurts delicately embroidered diamond semen. In another section of the quilt, two little furry bunnies are cheerfully having intercourse. Yes, Rhett thinks of everything.

There are several other “pornographic tapestries” hanging on the walls of the artist’s home, an 1887 public library in New _York’s Greenwich Village, which has been converted to a modernistic, funky-Bauhaus interior. She and her husband, avant-garde artist Robert Delford Brown, call their multileveled den of erotic art “The Temple of Hilarity.” The hilarity is provided by their extensive collection of antique erotic art, as well as Rhett’s quilts.

“At my gallery,” Rhett says, “people stand around and laugh at the exhibitions. It’s very smiley all the time.” You can see Rhett’s porno quilts at the Great Building Crack-Up Gal­lery in Manhattan. The quilts cost $1,000 each, but she has done “a pair of moles fucking for $100, because that was all that girl could afford.” Besides her pornographic tapestries, Delford Brown collects and sells Victorian pornographic photographs and 18th­century miniature erotic etchings, which she hand-tints ($75).

How does she get such rare and weird antique erotica? “That’s easy,” Robert Delford Brown grinned. “My wife just walks into shops and very sweetly says, ‘Show me your hard-core porn.’ “

Early Penthouse Views

Stained glass usually evokes images of majestic cathedral windows, of Gothic rosettes and illustrated lives of the saints. But to Jeffrey John Speeth, stained glass means erotic windows. He calls them “dirty windows,” but they’re really his search for freedom in a beautiful but largely unexplored medium of artistic expression. “All I care about is that people open their eyes and see stained-glass windows as something other than religion or cutesy-poo daisies or little owls,” the bearded Speeth explained. “That’s why I’m trying to do cocks and cunts in stained glass as graphically as possible —  to zap people in the face.”
Since pornography struck him as an obvious way to change people’s ideas about stained glass, Speeth deliberately set out to render his porno window, “The Blow-Job,” in glowing shades of green, brown, and flesh; it shows an erect male phallus just about to be inserted in a girl’s wide-open mouth. Her eyes are humorously blacked out, so she can’t be identified in this “shameless” act. “I’ve tried to do a real porn window,” Speeth said, “but there’s no way. Stained-glass windows have too much inherent majesty in them, so I have to settle for being just erotic. But I’d still love to make windows that people could get hard-ons from.”

For seven years, Jeffrey Speeth created modernistic windows for the rock nobility of southern California. “I’d make windows that people’d either bust holes in walls for or build their houses around,” he stated proudly. But about two years ago, Speeth decided to go back to nature and moved to a large farm on R.D. #1 in Friendship, New York, and plunged into the realm of erotica. The result was his first series of “dirty windows,” which sold for about $250 each.

Perhaps Speeth’s most impressive erotic work is “The Double-Hung Window.” It is ac­tually a two-window set, showing a woman’s thighs, buttocks, and vagina in the upper window, with a man’s midsection and powerfully erect phallus in the lower window. When the two windows are slid together, the cock and vagina mesh. As light pours through the kaleidoscopic colors of the window, the glassy genitals of man and woman shimmer together sensuously, and the vibrant, pulsing colors of the glass elevate the sex act into an event of great spiritual and artistic beauty.

“When I showed my ‘dirty windows’ back on the West Coast, all people kept saying was, ‘Is that all you think about back East in the woods?’ “ Speeth chuckled. “Now I’d love to do enormous classic rosettes of cunts in Gothic arches. That would really zap people in the face, wouldn’t it?”

Early Penthouse Pottery

Early Penthouse, circa 1975Portable orgy scenes are potter Susan W. Beecher’s specialty. She calls her work “pot erotica” — and that’s exactly what the ceram­ics are. Beecher’s bowls, vases, pitchers, and boxes start out as ordinary, hand-thrown pottery, but she adds on little four-inch-high figures who do the most amazing things. They copulate, masturbate, and just plain fool around with one another’s bodies, and it’s all captured under a heavy ceramic glaze. “Pot erotica” is certainly an eye-opener, especially if your idea of sexuality in pottery stops at a bunch of horny ancient Greek shepherds chasing some nymphs around an earthen­ware bowl.

To advance the art of pottery, Beecher paradoxically had to compromise for less-delicate, advanced styles in her work: “I have to make everything thicker, so the pots won’t collapse, so they’ll hold up under the people.” The little people themselves are a cross be­tween primitive and modernistic art styles, and they’re always naked — the better to see what’s happening and the easier to glaze.

“Pot erotica” is more functional than most forms of erotic art. “Since the objects can be utilized, people have an excuse to keep them around,” the potter said. Some of her minor pieces, which sell for $100 and up at New York’s Show of Hands Gallery, include a large candleholder embellished with an entwined couple, or “boxes with a little couple screwing on top. They’re sweet,” Beecher said, “the perfect coffee-table item.”

Masturbation is one of Beecher’s favorite subjects. In her “Masturbation Pitcher,” each handle is made of a masturbating male or female figure. Her “Deep Throat” boxes, memorializing the controlled gag mechanism, were also popular sellers.

Being an erotic potter does cause some social problems, she admitted: “My two kids are nine and seven, and they’re very noncha­lant about the whole erotic thing, but some of their friends’ parents have forbidden them to visit us.” Problems occurred, too, when she needed models for her sex scenes. “You have to pay professional models. I tried to use my friends,” Beecher sighed, “but they all got too nervous to perform.”

Early Penthouse Censorship Fight

The LA Star is an adventurous Los Angeles bi-monthly paper, whose existence is being severely challenged by the 1973 Supreme Court ruling on obscenity and pornography. Some people think it’s a hardcore porn tabloid, and unfortunately, the southern California police happen to be among them. In the past year no less than eleven separate busts have been made on the Star.

This is a publication with an incredibly liberal and diverse editorial content, from “Was it the CIA that Shot Wallace?” to “How to Make an Obscene Phone Call and Score.” The Star is proud of printing pictures and stories from their readers, a generally creative lot, and the paper is thoroughly imbued with the age-old journalistic spirit: “You Read It-or Saw It Here First.” In its search for truth and beauty, the Star leaves no labia or engorged member hidden.

There are some “liberals” who poo-poo the Star’s point of view, saying it has no social or political value. But the Star’s editor, Paul Eberle, says, “If everyone in America could get turned on to balling and good times, all the crooks would be out of power.” Who can disagree that this is sexual politics at its strongest?

Mickey Leblovic, the paper’s co-founder and associate editor, is naturally aghast at the bustings. Because his family was run out of Czechoslovakia by the Communists, he is familiar with repression. “When I came here as a child,” remembers Leblovic, “we were taught that this stuff happens in Russia, but not here!”

The Star borders on financial crisis every day. Three of the eleven charges resulting from the busts were dismissed through deals in which the Star agreed not to distribute in certain cities. This has cut its circulation from 70,000 to 50,000. Moreover, thanks to the parodies the Star ran of every other publication in the area, it has gotten no press support on its home turf. “They said we didn’t deserve it because we made fun of them,” says Eberle.

But then everybody at the LA Star seems to thrive on official abuse. The paper started on $157, and It’s been going for over three years, even though Eberle and Leblovic have resisted the temptation for a large profit. “We didn’t go into this as a money hustle, and we haven’t made any money,” says Eberle. “It’s a love affair with journalism.”

Early Penthouse on Gifts

Finally to the header image we go, as the photograph (by XXX) represents what Penthouse considered to be the excellent Christmas gifts of the year. To be fair, we cannot be sure what manufacturers did — if anything — to be included on this list, but we present it simply as it was a half a century ago.

Front and center Is a contemporary “antique,” the Kentucky Flintlock pistol by Replica Models ($28.77), around which are displayed the Scarab Snake Bracelet ($40), Closed Tango Bracelet ($130), the Rocket Ring {$120), and the Baby BB Bracelet {$40) from the Barry Kieselstein Collection, all available at George Jensen. A Bowman pocket calculator ($79.95) leans against a rich Ventura 24K suitcase (S60), which contains a Snail Basket tor the escargot connoisseur from Hammacher-Schlemmer ($32). One Exquisite Goblet ($15), also from Hammacher-Schlemmer, holds a brass bell buckle from Shamey’s of the Shores ($75), behind which Is an original Mickey Mouse watch (S40) from the Tony Goodstone Collection.

Tucked Into the reading pocket of the traveling case is the Penthouse’s own Petlolio ($9.95). The Craig Stereo System ($233.95) supports a rare bottle of Remy Martin’s blend of fifty-to-one-hundred-year-old cognacs ($275) and a Canon F1 35mm camera ($699). In front of the sound system is a Minolta XL400 movie camera (S290) and a Sliver Roll Top Caviar Server ($35.50) from Hammacher-Schlemmer. The Scarab Box ($700) from the Kleselstein Collection Is tucked behind the elegant fruit cake. Atop the Akai Receiver ($349.95) is a quilt-framed porcupine box ($90) from Niall Smith. A Chinese wicker rooster ($275) from Hammacher-Schlemmer stands behind Electronic Table Tennis by Control Sales ($550), on which sits a Corn-Copia Mug ($12.95) from Hammacher-Schlemmer and a Kaywoodle Magnum pipe ($15.95). The Grand Com Ericphone ($59.95) sits atop a black leather telephone memo book from T. Anthony ($25): and a Nixon/ Agnew inaugural memorial coin from Harmer and Rooke ($80) is displayed on the Phone-Butler ($99.95) by BSR, behind which is Continental’s Conalr pro-style hairdryer ($28.99). In the far-right corner are three pieces of jewelry from the Swank collection (at $6, $7.50 and $10).

While early Penthouse highlights and education might be fascinating, do remember the time period in which this all originally appeared. … Yes, there was a time when playing “electronic table tennis” on your TV was worth $600 to some people. Heck, they even bragged about it. Even back then, though, we cannot imagine why one might desire a putter made from a bull’s penis, but maybe we need to ask somebody from Texas. Also, an Original Mickey Mouse watch these days will cost a lot more than forty bucks, whereas a similar Remy Martin fine cognac might cost you $13,000 today. … Finally, and for the record, despite the claims here, there was no such thing as an elegant fruit cake in 1975, nor is there such a thing today. Should some evil person convince you to actually taste a fruit cake this season, however, you may come away convinced it was originally baked in 1975. Those be nasty.

As for what we might be foreshadowing, hang in for a couple of weeks. If you liked this, you’re going to love the surprise.

Down the Rabbit Hole with Sky

Posted on by Team Penthouse

A Sky Wonderland Conversation

I’m sitting here with Sky Wonderland, Penthouse Pet.

Sky: Hello!

Where do you find inspiration, both in your work and in life outside of work? What inspires you?

Sky: People that are very driven. I love watching my Twitter feed, and seeing people go super hard. I love watching Summer Vixen just go hard as fuck, and I’m like, “That is inspiration to me.”

I love that. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received related to your craft or profession?

Sky: Take the good and bad for what it is. Just take it for what it is. Don’t think too hard about it. Just like, “that’s life” and move on.

That’s great. How do you deal with creative blocks or moments of self-doubt if you have any?

Sky: I kind of go to my best friend about it. She’s also in the industry, and we kind of just bounce off of each other, so if one is not feeling up to it, the other will always pick the other back up.

It’s so important to have friends like that, you know?

Sky: It is.

Is she older or younger?

Sky: She’s one year older than me. [laughs]

How do you stay grounded and connected to your roots despite your fame and success?

Sky: Ooh! I mean, I just keep doing me! Like, I’ve always been a nerd at heart. I still game. I still do my twitch. [laughs] Yeah!

What’s your favorite game, and what system do you use?

Sky: I’m a PC gamer. I like playing Fortnite, and I like playing Skyrim.

I know nothing about games [laughs] What’s something that you’ve always wanted to achieve, but you haven’t yet?

Sky: Ooh, I want to win an AVN or XBiz award.

What’s stopping you?

Sky: Nothing! [laughs]

So great! Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years, both personally and professionally?

Sky: Professionally, very successful, and also personally, just successful in the sense of being happy.

That is the best form of success, just being happy because they say that money buys happiness, but –

Sky: It doesn’t.

It really does not. How do you envision the future of your industry, and where do you see yourself fitting into that vision?

Sky: Ok, I see the future of the industry… because we’ve come a long way, we really have, we’ve opened doors for a lot of different types of people, and I see myself fitting in right in.

That’s so true. I think it’s also the industry has become so much more mainstream, and acceptable from mainstream people that it’s very easy to cross over to do other things and not just be on one platform.

Sky: Right. Yeah! You can literally do whatever you want. The world is your oyster.

That’s so true. What’s a guilty pleasure or something that you do for fun that people would not expect? Besides gaming…

Sky: Oh, well, that was my answer. [laughs] But, I have a favorite food that people wouldn’t expect. I really like hot dogs! Like, that’s my guilty pleasure food. I fucking love hot dogs!

Really? What do you like on your hot dogs?

Sky: I like ketchup, onions, a little bit of mustard, not too much, and that’s it. [laughs]

Ok. It sounds like a New Yorker.

Sky: [laughs]

Do you like white or wheat bun?

Sky: White!

[laughs] And do you like boiled, grilled or on a flat top?

Sky: Grilled.

Ok, there you go. If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be?

Sky: Ooh, gymnastics… Dude! Those girls go hard! They are flexible! They are strong! That would be so much fun!

And it would also help with the industry.

Sky: It would! Oh yeah!

Oh, you could do things no one else could.

Sky: Yes!

What’s one thing that always makes you laugh no matter what?

Sky: My best friends. [laughs]

What would you do if you woke up one morning and no one recognized you or knew your name?

Sky: I would have so much fun! [laughs]

[laughs]

Sky: I would get away with things that I would never get away with! [laughs]

[laughs] That’s so great. If you could have any superpower for a day, which one would you choose, and what would you do with it?

Sky: Ooh, teleporting, and I would travel the world.

Where in the world?

Sky: Italy. Greece. Anywhere in Europe, really. I’ve never been, so that would be really cool.

I love it. What inspired you to start creating nude art and content?

Sky: You guys.

Penthouse? Yes?!! … Explain more. Tell me a little bit more about your journey. Like, how did that happen?

Sky: Well, obviously, I had been in the industry for a little bit before you guys reached out, but I had never really gone full head-on into it, and after Penthouse reached out, I was like “I can do so much with this!”. I don’t just have to do just this one modeling thing. I can really expand and make the most out of this.

Oh yeah, and I loved your layout!

Sky: Oh yeah! Oh my God, it was beautiful!

Your cover and your layout… it was beautiful. And you know, you were on a very famous issue, because you were the first double cover that we ever printed. It was you and Cherie Noel.

Sky: Yes! She’s a very sweet girl.

She is! How do you see your work impacting your audience? Whether it’s inspiring, provocative, or even educational?

Sky: Oo, I think all of it. Educational on the side that if you follow me on my social media, I kind of just say things how they are. Provocative, obviously, in my shoots, but inspirational to girls who want to do this, you know. I came from, like, a normal suburban area, and now look. Look at where I am. So, I think that’s inspiring to people.

What is one misconception about your profession that you wish people would understand?

Sky: That not everything is exactly how it seems. Chemistry is so, so important, and you can’t really force that. So, when it looks really good on camera, it is really good on camera. When it doesn’t look really good on camera… you know?

Yeah, there’s just not really probably an attraction. Yeah, they weren’t vibing.

Sky: Yeah.

Can you share an experience where you felt particularly proud or accomplished in your work?

Sky: Yeah, when I got reached out to shoot Vixen. Yeah, that was really fun.

Tell me more.

Sky: Yeah, they reached out to my agent, and they were like “We want her for BlackedRaw” and I also shot a scene just for Vixen, and that was really, really cool. It was a really nice experience.

What is your creative process when preparing for a shoot or creating new content?

Sky: I usually just see something and like… For example, on Twitter, if I saw a girl wearing all pink, maybe I’ll take something from that and wear all blue. Take something inspiring, and kind of make it my own.

I like that. How do you protect your mental and emotional wellbeing while working in a space that often invites judgement or objectification?

Sky: I go to therapy. [laughs]

[laughs] You’re so funny. What role do you think social media has played in the changing landscape for creators, especially those in the adult or alternative art spaces? How has social media impacted it?

Sky: I would say social media impacted it good and bad. Bad in the sense that I feel like there’s more judgement, but good in the sense that there’s a whole new way for us to all connect and be supportive of one another.

And also, it’s a great form to reach out to fans, and you are able to obtain them from all over the world instead of just like –

Sky:… in one area, yeah.

Yeah, exactly. How do you handle criticism when it comes to your body or the type of content that you create?

Sky: Really? I just fucking laugh at it. Because it’s like… Who are you talking to right now? [laughs]

What gave you that confidence?

Sky: It took a while, but I really just found it in myself, and learned to love who I am, and my body for what it is, rather than compare it to everyone else.

And there’s like a million internet trolls too…so…

Sky: There is.

And who gives a fuck what they think?

Sky: No one. [laughs]

And then if you could just tell us on what social medias we can find you on? Like Twitter, Instagram?

Sky: Oh, yeah. Well, I did change my social media from the last time I talked to you guys.

Oh my god, ok, so explain really quickly the whole “Sky”, “Ali” and then “Sky”.

Sky: So, when I first joined mainstream, I had not the best agent in the world, and she was like “You should choose something different”, and then I was like, “Ok, maybe I’ll choose something different”, but then I was like, “People are going to be so confused, like who are you?” and I was like, “Well, I already shot for Penthouse. I love the name Sky . I think I should go back to that…So Ali Summers was just kind of like… What do you call it?

Like a pseudonym?

Sky: Yes! Yes, [laughs] and then I was like “Wait, nevermind… Nevermind!”

I’m so happy you’re Sky again.

Sky: Me too! Me too.

Because also, that’s what you built up your brand as.

Sky: I did… I did. So yeah, stick to the roots always, and you can find me @skibbsky on my Twitter, my Instagram. That’s also my TikTok, and that’s also my snapchat. It’s literally everything.

It would be disrespectful to the serious amongst us to say the sky’s the limit with this special Pet, right? So we will not. … We will absolutely think it, but we will not say it out of respect for all the serious people (one of whom may or may not sign the check here). We will make what Sky says easier for you, though, at least as of this update. It gets kind of wispy up there in the sky, in case you had not noticed. These social handles seem to change a lot.