Zoë Gregory Chats Book From Britain to Bunny, Detailing Her Life as a Former Playboy Bunny - Ballast Book Launch

Transcript

A (0:00)

Foreign.

B (0:08)

Book launch. Zoe Gregory, author of Britain From Britain to Bunny. Very happy to have you in studio today. Welcome.

A (0:16)

Good to be here.

B (0:17)

Yeah, yeah. Your book is a really fun book. Great story, you know, really well written too. I want to, I want to tell you that it's just really, it's so to the point and blunt and that seems to be the way that you are. What. Tell us a little bit about your book and why you decided to write From Britain to Bunny.

A (0:34)

Okay. So by the way, that book was made from a lot of notes and like diary things that I had written. It wasn't necessarily written as I wanted to make it a book, but it just took a lot of chapters of my life and, and journey from my childhood. I feel like I had a pretty colorful childhood and I documented a lot of it in my diary and I went from one extreme to another. But you know, being a kiddie model, I grew up all in like the fashion industry, how you look, looking your best. But I was at school being teased by kids as well because they'd seen me on TV as a, as a, a young kid. But yeah, it was just one extreme to another. I had a great childhood with my family in London. In London, yeah. Yeah, I remember just, you know, writing a lot of things down of what I observed, how I felt, what's going on. Yeah, even as a kid, my dreams and I always had a dream of living in America. Not that I knew much about it, but during my teens, Baywatch was on. So Baywatch like kind of stole my heart back then. And the next Pamela Anderson. Yeah, I was like, that's it, I'm going there, I'm doing that. That's what I want to be. So that kind of drift drove me to, you know, stick to the vision and you know, accomplish that. But you know, I got pregnant really young and I thought, shit, it, it's kind of put the brakes on all the things I wanted to do and go to America and this, that and the other. But in actual fact, it kind of did the opposite for me. It kicked me into gear and made me realize that I didn't want my child to grow up in England where I grew up, because it became, it become very poverty stricken.

B (3:04)

Yeah, you grew up in a rough, a rough, rough neighborhood. Rough part, right. A lot of, a lot of crime, a lot of. Within your, your peer group.

A (3:10)

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. I grew up as a tomboy as well because it was mostly boys around the way. So I was one of the boys. But yeah, I just never wanted my Child to grow up like that. So it kind of pushed me even more to do the most to get out of England and try and give him a better life and still live the dream that I wanted to. But the funny thing is, it's like as far as I can remember, I remember just like stone stepping, stones falling in my path, like giving me a link to the next thing that was supposed to happen. It's really weird. You know how they say, oh, things just fall in my path and it's just like destiny and it's meant to be. This kept happening to me as a, as a kid, you know, now.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ballast Book Launch – Zoë Gregory Chats "From Britain to Bunny"

Host: Ballast Media Group (Andy Symonds)
Guest: Zoë Gregory, former Playboy Bunny and author
Date: April 13, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid and riveting episode, Ballast Books CEO Andy Symonds sits down with Zoë Gregory to discuss her memoir, "From Britain to Bunny." Zoë chronicles her astonishing journey from a tough childhood in London’s rough neighborhoods to international notoriety as a glamour model, and ultimately, life as a Playboy Bunny at the legendary Mansion. The conversation delves into her motivations, challenges, and the nuances of her relationships inside and outside the Mansion, complete with Zoë’s trademark bluntness and humor.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Origin and Purpose of the Book

Early Documentation:
Zoë reveals the book was born from years of diary writing, originally not intended as a book but reflecting her keen observations and dreams from childhood.
Quote: “I documented a lot of it in my diary... just writing a lot of things down—what I observed, how I felt, what’s going on. Even as a kid, my dreams.” (00:34)
Desire for a Better Life:
A teen pregnancy acted as a motivator, not a setback. Zoë explains she wanted more for her son than what England could offer at the time.
Pursuing Childhood Dreams:
Significant inspiration came from 'Baywatch' and Pamela Anderson, fueling her determination to reach America.

2. Childhood and Modeling in England

Young Model and Tomboy:
Zoë describes starting modeling at 6 or 7, being featured in TV commercials and catalogs—a path she actually disliked due to missing school and friends. Quote: "I hated it because it took me away from school... I just wanted to be with my friends." (05:28)
Family Dynamics:
Early modeling led to friction with her mother over finances and priorities.

3. Teenage Motherhood and Entry into Glamour Modeling

Struggles as a Single Parent:
Had her son at 17; father was largely absent (“The dad was in jail a lot, right?” (07:32)).
Transition to Glamour Modeling:
Lacking catwalk height, she turned to glamour modeling—a popular niche in England’s tabloids.
Page 3 Breakthrough:
Featured topless at age 18/19 in a major English tabloid (Page 3), which was pivotal for her career.
Quote: “As soon as it happened... I’d entered an arena that there was no way back from... I was okay with that.” (09:54)
Financial Savvy:
She saved her modeling earnings and side hustles to fund her ticket to the US.

4. Making the Leap to America

Strategic Relationships:
Met an American rave promoter/producer, used the connection to arrange her move to the US.
Model Agency Sponsorship:
On her first trip to LA, she landed a modeling agency sponsorship, securing a three-year work visa within days.
Quote: “Went into a model agency and said, you know, I’m looking for a sponsorship. Here’s some pictures. They loved me.” (14:18)

5. Introduction to Playboy

Initial Reservations:
Despite previous Playboy shoots in the UK (non-nude), Zoë saw the Playboy Mansion—and Hef—as “ew, gross,” at first. Quote: “All I had in my mind was, ew, Hef. He must be a pervert. He’s an old guy.” (16:28)
First Encounter with Hugh Hefner:
Attended a Mansion pool party, was stunned by the extravagance, met Hef for the first time.
- Memorable Moment:
  “He pulls a pad out from his pocket with a pen. He says, 'Please write your number down. I’d like to invite you out next week.'” (17:00)
Transition to Playboy Girlfriend:
Quickly invited to join Hef’s 'party crew' (Wednesdays/Fridays out); made a strong first impression and was soon given 'drive on privileges.'

6. Life Inside the Playboy Mansion

Daily Routine and Rules:
Strict lifestyle—home by 9pm, limited dating (forbidden), weekly allowance of $1,000, and various perks (car, insurance, wardrobe budget).
- Quote: “We got a thousand dollars a week for that allowance…but with that comes a new car, your insurance, your health insurance, your dental, your beauty, your wardrobe.” (35:04)
Relationships with Other Bunnies:
Details of house politics—jealousies, alliances, and the pivotal role of Tina Jordan in championing Zoë’s move-in.
Relationship with Hef:
Evolved from intellectual connection (bonding over the history of England) to trusted confidante and eventually “right hand man.”
- “We had an intellectual bond at first…He respected me in a different way.” (26:19)
Social Life & Afterparties:
Describes clubbing with Hef, the rituals, and the infamous Mansion bedroom escapades.
- “As soon as he starts feeling it, he’ll get up and he’ll start dancing. He dances and dances and dances the night away.” (23:53)

7. The Playboy Bedroom: Myths and Realities

Addressing the Gossip:
Explicitly discusses the notorious group activities, Hef’s preferences, and use of substances. Quote: “Hef was a great lover, even though he didn’t do any of the work in the bedroom…He loved his Viagra, you know, and we loved the Quaaludes.” (46:04, 46:07)
Memorable Party Details:
“All you could hear was, oh, yeah—whether it was real…” (47:25)

8. Leaving the Mansion

Tensions and Farewell:
Left the Mansion after four years due to conflicts with other girlfriends and a desire for new chapters.
- Intimate moment:
  “He came in and sat on my floor…He held my hands, and he’s like, honey…if you guys carry on, you know you’re going to kill me…I think it’s time.” (37:49)
Aftermath & Regrets:
Regrets not protecting Hef longer, reflects fondly on their unique bond.
Post-Mansion Relationship with Hef:
Describes heartbreaking decline in Hef’s memory and their contact in later years.

9. Perspectives on Hef & Media Portrayals

Defending Hef’s Legacy:
Rebuts posthumous negative portrayals, noting everyone’s experience with Hef was different. Quote: “He’s my hero. What can I say? Every person that has a bad experience with him is the one that’s going to talk negative.” (41:04)
Truth versus Tabloid:
Denies witnessing any of the salacious behaviors alleged by others; emphasizes she felt safe enough to have her child in the house.

10. Post-Playboy Career and Personal Growth

Diverse Pursuits:
- TV appearances (e.g., regular on 'Two and a Half Men')
- Personal training, nutrition advice, and fitness competitions
- Luxury private jet flight attending, leveraging Mansion contacts
- Venturing into peptide, beauty, and longevity wellness industries
Notable Anecdotes:
Charlie Sheen Parties:
- Candidly describes the wildness of Sheen’s parties as “crazier than Hef’s…a notch up from Hef’s parties.” (50:38, 51:41)
- “He’d be at the party…literally get up from doing the line and he’s…going to set—whacked out of his mind.” (50:58)
Immigration Journey & Aspiration to Join ICE:
- Discusses the challenges of attaining a green card and the motivation to become an ICE agent so she can help other women and children navigate immigration humanely.
- Frustrated by those who “step all over” the legal process after her own hardships. (54:26)

11. Reflections on Writing the Book

Honesty and Rawness:
“My journey is so, like, raw. It has to be told raw. If I sugarcoat and don’t tell the crazy things about it, it doesn’t make it as exciting…” (45:11)
Lost Manuscript Saga:
- Book was nearly lost after a laptop theft but recovered via an old emailed draft (43:32).
Audience Feedback:
- Friends surprised by how much she went through, demand “more tea” (59:27), praising the memoir’s candid, unsanitized tone.

12. What’s Next for Zoë

“ICE thing is hopefully going to happen very, very soon…the audiobook…a sequel book with even more ‘crazy situations’ post-Mansion.” (57:44, 58:10)
Current Projects:
- Peptide and longevity business
- Project collaborations with former Mansion resident Tina Jordan
- Hints at even wilder stories in a potential sequel

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On Modeling Childhood:
“I was a cute kid…But then, you know, I’d been working for years…Where’s all the money, mom?” (06:03)
Balancing Grit and Dreaming:
“All those tools that I was taught as a young kid…really applied to everything I did.” (04:21)
Page 3 Breakthrough:
“Overnight I became a success over there.” (08:34)
Moving to the US:
“I was so determined to get something going…sent my bikini pictures to a model agency. And just like that, took off.” (07:18)
First Mansion Encounter:
“Pulled a pad out…‘Please write your number down.’” (17:00)
Hef’s Leadership:
“He’s such a don…as soon as he starts feeling it, he’ll get up and he’ll start dancing.” (23:53)
On Mansion Rules:
“We had to be home at 9. We couldn’t be out every night…couldn’t really be out seen with guys.” (30:10)
Departure Conversation:
“He sat on my floor and patted the floor and said, ‘Sit down’…he held my hands and said, ‘If you guys carry on, you’re going to kill me.’” (37:49)
About Negative Portrayals:
"He had different relationships with every single one of us...People that didn’t have good experiences...were probably not treated as well." (41:16)
On Immigration and ICE:
“I want to be there for the women and the children to know that they go through it smoothly…Because I did it the right way…” (54:26, 56:14)
Book Honesty:
“If I could have put everything in the book, I would have. But legally I really couldn’t go to that extent. But I can save some tea for podcasts, you know.” (25:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Zoë’s Motivation for the Book: 00:34 – 04:17
Modeling Childhood: 05:18 – 07:03
Page 3 and Glamour Modeling: 08:34 – 09:54
Going to America: 11:20 – 14:43
Playboy Mansion Entry: 15:29 – 19:37
Mansion Life and Clubbing: 22:08 – 24:33
Mansion Rules and Jealousy: 29:06 – 31:12
Green Card & Immigration: 31:50 – 33:43
Leaving the Mansion: 33:52 – 39:11
Life After Mansion & Charlie Sheen Parties: 48:07 – 53:33
Immigration and ICE Ambition: 54:05 – 56:43
Book Process and Sequel Hints: 57:44 – 59:47

Final Thoughts

Zoë Gregory’s “From Britain to Bunny” and this interview offer an unflinching look at the grit, heartbreak, humor, and ruthlessness required to transform extraordinary circumstances into the fulfillment of a dream. Her story is both an unvarnished memoir and a testament to persistence, rebirth, and never taking no for an answer—a lesson she hopes to pass on to other ambitious young women.

For more: Find "From Britain to Bunny" wherever books are sold, and stay tuned for a potential sequel and more candid, wild stories from Zoë’s remarkable life.