Hugh Hefner On Early ‘Playboy’ And Changing America’s Values

In 1999, Hefner told Fresh Air that his iconic magazine was inspired by his own repressive upbringing — he described his parents as typical “Midwestern Puritans.”

“I saw things in growing up in my own home and in society around me that I felt were hurtful and hypocritical,” he said. “… I believe and hope that Playboy [has] played some small part in changing the values — social and sexual — of our time.”

.. [After World War II]:

“There were powerful forces urging women to return to the home. (2:30)

.. Hefner’s first wife had an affair, which was the single most devastating experience of his life