Adventurous 

with Playboy New Zealand November 2025 cover star Shannon ueberfluss / @bass.Angel.Shannon 

Photographer Mike Cohen / @mikecohenphotos 
MUA Name: Stephanie Emma / @StephanieEmmaMakeup 

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Such an absolute honour to have you on Playboy: Can you give us a bit of a background on your career as a model and where it all started? Thank you so much! It truly is a massive honor to be here, especially as this has been a lifelong dream. My journey into modeling started with beauty pageants. It’s funny because, looking back at 
my middle school years, I was the furthest thing from a confident model. I was incredibly 
shy, a bit awkward, and definitely felt like the “ugly duckling”.I was actually bullied quite a 
bit, and I remember dreaming of one day being a Playboy model or a Victoria’s Secret 
Angel, it was this far-off goal that seemed impossible then. But with time, I started to gain confidence. By the time I reached college, I felt I had blossomed not just externally, but internally, with so much ambition. I decided to compete in pageants, which were instrumental in teaching me how to walk, how to speak up, and ultimately, how to own my presence. That path opened the door to modeling, and I’ve been dedicated to it for about eight years now. I truly believe this is a powerful lesson for anyone who didn’t ‘peak’ in high school: never give up on your timeline. God works in mysterious ways, and you always have time to shine and accomplish those impossible-seeming dreams, even ten years later. 

What’s a project or goal you’re currently working on that you’re really excited about? 
What is at the top of your list to achieve the most in 2025? I have two major goals I’m intensely focused on right now, and one involves finally achieving a lifelong dream. 
First, on the academic front, I’m thrilled to be finishing up the Doctor of Nursing Practice 
(DNP) program at the University of Florida. After almost three years, I’ll be graduating 
this spring, and plan to take my Family Nurse Practitioner licensing exam by the end of July. This will officially mark my fourth college degree, so my friends joke that I’m just preparing to go back for a fifth! I love showing that you can absolutely have both beauty and brains ambition isn’t limited to just one path. Second, making the cover of Playboy New Zealand is the culmination of a dream I’ve held since I was watching Girls Next Door. I recognize there can be a stigma, but I believe strongly that women should feel empowered, strong, and confident in their own skin without any shame. This is about celebrating the beauty and power that God has given us, and that’s a message I want to champion. Finally, looking ahead to 2026, my goal is to continue my quest to visit every country in the world by the time I turn 40. I’ve currently explored 50 countries, and I’m hoping to kick off 2026 by crossing Brazil off the list in January. 

What does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? To be seen as strong, intelligent, and ambitious is incredibly meaningful because those 
qualities reflect the journey it took to get here, especially coming from a place of shyness and insecurity. It proves that you should never give up on your dreams, even if you face 
setbacks, if you are bullied, or if you struggled to find who you were in high school or 
college. For me, strength isn’t just about physical power; it’s the resilience to pursue goals despite setbacks, like pushing myself through intense academic programs or traveling alone to unknown countries. Intelligence means continually being a student of the world, which is why I prioritize higher education and actively immerse myself in new cultures through my travels. And ambition isn’t about being relentless; it’s about having a clear vision for the life you want, whether that’s graduating with a DNP, visiting every country, or celebrating my femininity on a cover like this. Ultimately, I want to show that these traits, strength, intelligence, and ambition, are not exclusive of being feminine, sexy, or playful. They actually enhance each other. Being a strong, intelligent woman means having the freedom to define success entirely on my own terms, and I hope that inspires others to do the same. 

 
What would you say makes you stand out in the industry? What makes me stand out in this industry is the fact that I genuinely don’t fit into a single box. I embody a blend of qualities that people often think are mutually exclusive. First and foremost, it’s the “Beauty and Brains” factor. I’m someone who can celebrate my femininity and confidence on a cover like this while simultaneously working toward a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. I’m proof that you don’t have to choose between academic ambition and embracing your sexy, playful side. I love to show that you can still be responsible and successful while also having amazing fun, like diving into the energy of a music festival! Secondly, it’s my dedication to being Travel Barbie. My extreme goal to visit every country in the world, and the genuine immersion I seek in every new place, provides a truly unique backdrop to my work. My life isn’t just a series of glamorous photoshoots; it’s a constant, authentic global adventure that my audience gets to come along for. Finally, I bring an unwavering positivity and a resilient backstory. I started as the shy, nerdy kid who dreamed of this moment. I think that journey, combined with my contagious playful energy and spontaneity, makes me relatable. My message is simple: never let anyone dull your sparkle and always keep your inner child alive. I offer a refreshing balance: I am the perfect mix of level-headed professional, spontaneous adventurer, and fiercely loyal friend. 

What are some of your biggest passions? My biggest passions really define who I am, and they all revolve around growth and exploration. At the very top is global travel and cultural immersion. My nickname ‘Travel Barbie’ isn’t just a title; it’s my mission! My goal of visiting every country in the world isn’t just about seeing landmarks; it’s about learning, connecting with new people, and gaining a truly global perspective. Living abroad in places like Rome and Barcelona cemented my love for deep cultural understanding. 
Equally important is my passion for personal and academic growth. I am a firm believer 
that you should never stop learning, which is why I’ve dedicated myself to completing my 
Doctorate in Nursing Practice. This drive for knowledge and self-improvement is central to my identity. Finally, I am incredibly passionate about cultivating joy and fun. Whether that’s embracing the spontaneous energy of music festivals, prioritizing playful moments, or maintaining that ‘childlike sense of wonder,I live to spread positivity. I love showing people that you can be highly successful and responsible while still embracing the exhilarating, fun side of life. These three passions are what truly energize me. 

If you weren’t in the entertainment world, what career would you love to explore? 
If I weren’t in the entertainment world, I would absolutely pivot back to my deepest passion: working with animals. When I was little, I was completely obsessed with Steve Irwin. I even used to tell my mom I wanted to be just like him! I’ve always felt a profound connection to wildlife, and in my spare time, I often volunteered at local wildlife refuges. There is nothing more grounding or joyful than spending time with animals, which is why I love the idea of ‘puppy yoga’ and supporting shelters. My academic focus right now is in the medical field, and as I transition into aesthetic nursing, my long-term goal is to circle back to this passion. I hope one day to be able to use the success and flexibility from my career to dedicate time and resources to helping animals again, perhaps working with international conservation efforts. That truly feels like another piece of my ultimate dream life. 

3 ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men? That’s an easy one, though they are non-negotiable! Given how much I love to push my boundaries and explore the world, my deal breakers focus on shared values and energy. First and foremost is complacency or a lack of ambition. I am relentlessly focused on growth, whether that’s finishing my DNP or reaching my 50th country, and I need a partner who is equally driven, someone who is excited about their own life path. Second is a lack of a sense of humor and overwhelming cynicism. I am built on unwavering positivity, playful energy, and a commitment to keeping my inner child alive. I need someone who isn’t afraid to laugh at themselves, joke around, and embrace those ridiculous, joyful moments, like maybe making cookies in animal onesies at 5 AM! Anyone who constantly tries to dim that light or is too serious about every single thing simply wouldn’t be a good match for the joyful life I want to create. And finally, resistance to spontaneity and adventure. As ‘Travel Barbie,’ I get bored easily and thrive on those last-minute trips and unexpected plans. If a man can’t keep up, if he doesn’t embrace that thrill of diving into a new country or experiencing a music festival with me, he’s not ready for life with me. 

We are taking you out on your ultimate date, and we really want to knock this one out 
of the ballpark. What would that entail? To truly knock an ultimate date out of the park, it has to be a dynamic mix of spontaneity,luxury, and cultural immersion. It wouldn’t be just a dinner; it would be an experience. We would start the day with a surprise trip. You have to capture that immediate sense of adventure, after all, one of my most memorable dates was flying out on a trip to Mexico! So,we’d hop on a last-minute flight to somewhere completely unexpected. That thrill of the airport and the unknown is the best kind of adrenaline. The core of the day would be total cultural immersion and adventure. That could be exploring a new city’s hidden gems all afternoon, or maybe even spending the day at the zoo. The evening would be pure, cosmopolitan luxury: a phenomenal dinner at a fancy, highly-rated restaurant, enjoying great food, great wine, and genuinely engaging conversation. We would cap it off by embracing the unexpected maybe finding a local, spontaneous music event, or just heading back to a gorgeous hotel with luxury amenities for a late-night cuddle session and deep talk. The ultimate date for me is about sharing high-quality, memorable experiences that test our compatibility and leave us with a great story. 

 
What are some of the things that attract you to a man? When it comes to attraction, it goes well beyond the surface. I’m looking for a total package that can match my own energy and ambition. First and foremost, I am deeply attracted to intelligence and drive. A man who is actively working towards his own goals, who has a passion for learning (like me, with my DNP pursuit!), and who can engage in sharp, thoughtful conversation is incredibly sexy. He needs to respect my ambition and be ambitious himself no complacency allowed! Second, he must possess a sense of humor and genuine playfulness. Life can be serious enough, so I need someone who embraces joy, can make me laugh constantly, and isn’t afraid of a little silliness. If he’s willing to be spontaneous and lean into those ridiculous moments, like making cookies at 5 AM, he’s already winning. Finally, the blend of loyalty, a spirit for adventure, and a commitment to fitness is key. As the ultimate ‘Travel Barbie,’ I need a partner who is eager to keep up with me and share in those spontaneous global experiences. Since prioritizing my morning workout gives me that ‘pump’ and energy, it’s important to me that he values health and fitness too. That loyalty and reliability, paired with a willingness to book a last-minute flight and hit the gym together, is the absolute formula for attraction. 

 
You have one last chance to do something you have always wanted to do, with no limits on anything. What are you doing? If I had one last chance with absolutely no limits, I would combine my biggest passions into the ultimate global adventure. 
I would charter a private jet and fly to the Galapagos Islands. Since I adore animals and have always dreamed of working like Steve Irwin, I would spend that entire final day assisting with a critical, hands-on wildlife conservation project there, perhaps helping relocate giant tortoises or working with marine life. I would want to be completely immersed in nature, fulfilling that childhood dream. To end the day, I would gather every single person I have ever loved, my family, friends, and closest confidantes, and fly them all to that remote location. 

 
That said, what advice would you give to all the women out there when it comes to love and relationships? The most important piece of advice I can give women when it comes to love is this: Prioritize your own growth and happiness above all else. Don’t Settle for Less Than Your Ambition: You need a partner who celebrates your success, whether that’s achieving your DNP, chasing your travel goals, or just hitting a new fitness milestone. Never dim your own light just to make someone else feel comfortable. You should be with someone who is motivated and who matches your drive. Insist on the Fun: Don’t let a relationship become boring or overly serious. Hold out for a man who loves to laugh, is spontaneous, and values keeping that playful, inner child spirit alive. Life is too short for anything less than pure joy. Demand Unwavering Loyalty: Loyalty is the foundation of any successful relationship. You need a partner you can trust completely, someone who is your rock, your most loyal friend, and who shows up for you every single time. In short, never forget your value, never stop growing, and never sacrifice your own joy for a relationship. The right man will see your confidence and ambition as the sexiest things about you. 

Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? Thank you so much again, it’s been wonderful! If your readers want to keep up with my adventures, they can follow along where I share all the chaos, spontaneity, and glamour of my 
life. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok, where I share the real-time adventures, frolick at music festivals, as I tick off new countries, share my DNP study struggles, and definitely let my playful, silly side show. My main platform is Instagram @bass.angel.shannon , and you can catch my travel vlogs and behind-the-scenes fun on TikTok at travelbarbiedoll. I love connecting with everyone, so come say hello. 

 
We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words out there for our 
readers? The pleasure has truly been all mine! I’ve loved sharing my journey with the Playboy New Zealand readers.My final words would be a message of empowerment: Don’t ever be afraid to define success and happiness on your own terms. Remember, it is never too late to accomplish your dreams, whether you are 20 or 80 years old. You should never let your downfalls define you instead, use them as fuel, keep chasing that next goal, and always prioritize your growth and inner joy. Be ambitious, be intelligent, be kind, and be undeniably sexy. The world is yours for the taking. Never let anyone dim your sparkle, and I hope to see all of you out there exploring this incredible world.