If you think back to the days when Britney dominated the radio and we were all stressing over our MySpace Top 8, you probably remember The Girls Next Door. With a TV lineup featuring Room Raiders and Parental Control, to Punk’d and The Buried Life, MTV had us all in a chokehold with their juicy reality shows. Though many of these series are long over, the stars they launched are still influencing pop culture in the 2020s.
Recently, we came across The Girls Next Level podcast—hosted by former Playboy model Holly Madison—and were instantly reminded why she’s such an icon. To catch up and get the scoop on what she’s doing now, Lauryn and Michael interviewed her on the TSC podcast.
It’s a must-listen, so definitely tune in below. But if you’re dying for a quick update on what Holly Madison is doing now, keep reading!
What is Holly Madison Doing Now: Life After The Girls Next Door
In this post, we’ll explain who Holly Madison is and why she’s famous. Then, we’ll dive into her many accomplishments since leaving Playboy. The change of scenery definitely didn’t hold her back!
Here’s what you should know about this iconic ‘00s reality star:
Who Is Holly Madison?
Holly Madison is an American reality TV star, producer, model, and author. She got her start on The Girls Next Door on MTV as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends. From there, she quickly became a fan-favorite Playboy model. Since leaving the reality TV scene, Holly has stayed busy writing bestselling books, hosting her podcast, and raising her two children, Rainbow and Forest.
Why Is Holly Madison Famous?
Holly Madison was a main cast member of The Girls Next Door from 2005 to 2008. The show offered audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the Playboy Mansion and the world of models, bunnies, socialites, and celebrities that populated the infamous property.
While the show featured many likable personalities, Madison quickly became a fan-favorite. Despite living a seemingly glamorous lifestyle, she came across as approachable and relatable. She often shared her insecurities and personal struggles, which made her feel more authentic and down-to-earth than others living in the mansion.
If you’re wondering what the other models and girlfriends have been up to, you’ll be happy to hear we’ve interviewed a few of them! Listen to these podcast episodes next:
How Long Was Holly Madison in the Playboy Mansion?
Holly moved into the Playboy Mansion in 2001. In 2005, The Girls Next Door premiered, and she quickly became a central figure on the show. However, in 2008, Madison left the mansion, seeking independence and a life outside the Playboy fanfare.
Madison claims in her books that life in the mansion wasn’t as it appeared on TV. She described the power dynamics, rules, and expectations as difficult to live up to, which stifled her independence. Essentially, if she wanted a career and a life of her own, she had to leave the property. This led to her splitting from Hefner and his control in 2008, later describing their relationship as “manipulative and confusing.”
Hefner rarely spoke publicly about the breakup, though he did express disappointment. He even went as far as telling an interviewer, “If Holly says it’s over, I guess it’s over.” If you want to hear more, listen to Madison discuss all the reasons she left the mansion in the Him & Her Show.
What Is Holly Madison Doing Now?
Raises Her Two Children
After leaving Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Mansion, Holly Madison began dating Pasquale Rotella and focused on building a life on her own terms. In March 2013, they welcomed their first child, Rainbow, and later that year, they married in Los Angeles. She later gave birth to her son, Forest.
Madison and Rotella divorced in February 2019, but maintaining a positive and supportive family life remains a priority. They’re still great friends and co-parents, allowing them to raise their children in a loving, stable, and nurturing environment. Madison is an extremely dedicated mother, and we couldn’t admire her more for how far she has come!
Hosts The Girls Next Level Podcast
We love a good rewatch podcast! Holly Madison co-hosts The Girls Next Level with her fellow Playboy alum, Bridget Marquardt. Together, they revisit old episodes of The Girls Next Door, giving behind-the-scenes commentary. That’s not all, though. The duo also opens up about their lives today, the lessons they’ve learned, and their journeys of personal growth. They bring on guests from all walks of life—making this podcast the perfect mix of nostalgia, self-improvement, and fun.
Produces True Crime Series
Holly Madison is also an executive producer for the Investigation Discovery (ID) true-crime series The Playboy Murders. The show explores tragic stories connected to Playboy, giving victims a voice and shedding light on the risks behind industries that often look glamorous from the outside.
In addition to The Playboy Murders, Madison hosts and executive produces Lethally Blonde. This is another ID true-crime series that premiered in March 2024. It pulls back the curtain on fame, revealing how the pursuit of celebrity status can put young women in dangerous situations.
You can stream both series on HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. But, for the inside scoop, listen to Madison talk more about her true-crime projects on the Him & Her Show.
Advocates for Mental Health and Personal Growth
Holly Madison, Bridget Marquardt, and Kendra Wilkinson have all opened up about the mental health challenges they faced after their Playboy years. For Madison, that meant dealing with unhealthy relationships, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
Over time, she pulled herself out of that struggle through therapy, self-reflection, and building healthier relationships. Today, she uses her podcast to promote self-growth and the importance of leaving toxic environments.
Promotes Her Two Memoirs
In 2015, Madison released her first memoir, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny. It reveals what life in the Playboy Mansion was really like, highlighting her need for independence and escape. The book concludes with her leaving the mansion, but there was still more of her story to tell.
In August 2016, she released part two: The Vegas Diaries: Romance, Rolling the Dice, and the Road to Reinvention. This memoir chronicles her move to Las Vegas and how she built an identity outside of Playboy. Both books are New York Times bestsellers and definitely deserve a spot on your reading list!
Makes Media Appearances
Madison is such an inspiring figure that she’s spoken all over the world. You can catch her covering topics like women’s empowerment, independence, mental health awareness, personal growth, resilience, and the realities of the entertainment industry. And where can you find her? Conferences, live events, book tours, and, of course, podcasts! If you want to listen to one right now, check out Holly Madison’s episode of TSC.
Holly Madison continues to show us that reinvention is always possible.
Through challenges and personal growth, Holly Madison has built a life on her own terms. The best part? It’s one that expertly balances career, creativity, and family. Whether you’re revisiting The Girls Next Door, listening to The Girls Next Level podcast, or diving into her true-crime projects, it’s clear that Holly continues to inspire, entertain, and lead by example.