Talented as every Playboy model is, Carter Ryan can do what few people on the planet know to do: help perform surgery. The Alabama native sat down with us to chat about becoming enthralled with the medical field at a young age, the talent she just can’t crack, and what constitutes the best barbecue.
Playboy: So, to start us off, where were you born?
Carter Ryan: I was born in Alabama. I grew up in the southeast corner, right above Florida, close to Ozark. But seriously, in the middle of nowhere. Now, I live in the Pacific Northwest. And it’s like a whole different world. It is currently down-pouring for the last week and it probably won’t stop anytime soon. The whole stereotypical thing about the Pacific Northwest “It rains 300 days a year” is accurate.
Playboy: What did you most enjoy in school, growing up?
Carter: I loved anything having to do with science or the medical field. I was always really good at medical terminology, and was really always drawn to the human body and everything that goes on inside of it.
When I was in high school, I was like, “I’m going to be a nurse when I grow up!” And I didn’t really think anything further than that. But now, since I am in the medical field, I’m learning about all of these different jobs, different niches within the medical field that I never even knew existed, when I was back in high school. So, I definitely love things more on the surgical side.
Playboy: What are you passionate about?
Carter: I love hiking. I’m passionate about animals. That’s definitely something I’m passionate about. And football. That is the other love of my life.
Playboy: Who’s your favorite team?
Carter: Alabama Crimson Tide! But also the Oklahoma Sooners. I love softball as well. I grew up around Oklahoma Sooners for softball. And then as far as NFL, I just kind of follow all of my favorite college players as they go through their careers. I do fantasy football too.
Playboy: What would make you ghost a potential suitor?
Carter: I think just rudeness. That’s one of the biggest things for me. I love personality and I love humor, but I think rudeness is one of my biggest turnoffs.
Playboy: Who is a woman that inspires you?
Carter: I’m inspired by my stepmom. And Beyonce! She inspires me.
Playboy: That is such a common response. What do you love about her?
Carter: I love that she does not give a shit. She does her thing. Her body is incredible, and she knows how to work it. She knows how to use her talents, and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks or says about her. Beyonce just does her thing. And she’s just so talented, she’s a perfectionist. And I’m definitely a perfectionist myself.
Playboy: Totally. She’s also one of those celebs you never hear awful stories about.
Carter: Exactly!
Playboy: What is your favorite thing to splurge on?
Carter: Clothes and shoes. That is the easiest question ever [Laughs]. I love shopping. I bought a pair of Golden Goose shoes for $700. They have the stereotypical Golden Goose star on them. And they’re silver and sparkly. I think the back, the heel portion is like a brown leather. But the rest of the shoe is like a cream color. My favorite part about them is the sequin silver star.
Playboy: What meme, tweet, or viral video speaks to you?
Carter: I saw a meme the other day that said “Me trying to use my last two brain cells” and it was literally just two alpaca. And one alpaca was underneath the other trying to walk around and couldn’t figure out its way out.
Playboy: Well that’s incredibly relatable. What quality do you think is most desirable in a person?
Carter: I love a good sense of humor, for sure. And patience.
Playboy: What’s a talent that you wish you had?
Carter: I wish I could dance. That is something that I’ve always admired about people is their ability to move their body. And that is one thing I definitely lack. I can’t even twerk! Which really irritates me. I can’t tell you how many hours of YouTube twerking videos I’ve seen and I still can’t figure it out.
Playboy: You’ll get it eventually, I’m sure! Do you believe in astrology?
Carter: Yes, and I’m a Libra. And I am the epitome of Libra, for sure. I am incapable of making decisions when it comes to food or clothing or any just general life decision. If I have too many options in front of me—even with these questions! I cannot make a decision to save my life.
I’m definitely neutral on so many things in my life and I tend to be more nurturing. And I’m just always the person that people go to for anything they need. I’m like the nurturer of the relationship or the friend group.
Playboy: What was the last thing you Googled?
Carter: Probably what the hours were of this barbecue place that I’m obsessed with. It’s called Flaming Pig BBQ. And being in the Pacific Northwest, barbecue isn’t obviously that huge. But Flaming Pig does it so well. The only thing they’re missing that every other place that I love in the South has is sweet tea. Which is irritating. But they have fried okra, which is one of my favorite things ever.
Playboy: People have really big opinions on barbecue. What does the word “barbecue” mean to you?
Carter: I know some people like their Tex Mex, Mexican barbecue, or Texas barbecue. For me, it means I need to taste the smoke on the meat. And then I also need a wide array of side fixings. I need okra, I also need some form of southern dessert like banana pudding. And I love sauce, but I have a baby mouth. I’m such a wiener when it comes to spiciness. I’m really trying to work on that. But sweet honey barbecue for sure.
Carter Ryan is on The Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
