Tech Brew Ride Home
(BNS) Susan Lyne Part 1
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Susan's upbringing in Boston shaped her perspective on expectations and identity.
- Her time at UC Berkeley was transformative, exposing her to diverse ideas.
- Freelancing in journalism helped her develop a passion for storytelling.
- Working at City Magazine under Francis Ford Coppola was a unique experience.
- The Village Voice was a golden era for alternative media in New York.
- Susan's transition to Hollywood was driven by her love for storytelling.
- Premier Magazine aimed to provide in-depth insights into the film industry.
- At ABC, she focused on creating shows that appealed to women.
- Susan learned the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership.
- Her experience at ABC taught her valuable lessons about resilience and change.
Summary
From Boston to Berkeley: A Transformative Journey
Susan Lyne shares her upbringing in Boston, marked by traditional expectations from her Irish Catholic family. Moving to UC Berkeley during the transformative late 60s allowed her to explore her identity amidst diverse cultural movements, shaping her worldview and career aspirations.
The Rise of Alternative Media: Village Voice Era
Susan discusses her time at the Village Voice, highlighting it as a golden era for alternative media in New York. She recalls the vibrant community of writers and the creative environment, which fostered her passion for storytelling and journalistic integrity.
Hollywood Calling: The IPC Films Experience
Transitioning to Hollywood, Susan recounts her experience with IPC Films and her realization that the film industry lacked the immediacy of feedback she cherished in journalism. Despite her admiration for collaborators like Jane Fonda, she chose to return to the magazine world.
Launching Premiere Magazine: Inside Hollywood
At Premiere Magazine, Susan aimed to provide in-depth stories about filmmaking, focusing on the behind-the-scenes processes. She emphasizes the balance between access and candor in reporting, which was crucial to the magazine's success and relationships within the industry.
Navigating the ABC Landscape: A New Era
As President of ABC Entertainment, Susan oversaw the launch of groundbreaking shows like Grey's Anatomy and Lost. She discusses the strategic focus on female-oriented programming during a time when most networks weren't prioritizing such narratives, showcasing her leadership in navigating industry challenges.
Lessons in Resilience and Leadership
Reflecting on her dismissal from ABC just before the launch of major successes, Susan discusses the harsh realities of leadership and the importance of having a supportive partner. Her journey underscores the resilience needed to thrive in high-stakes environments.
Sponsors
- Ford BlueCruz · Hands-free highway driving takes the work out of being behind the wheel, allowing you to relax and reconnect, while also staying in control. Enjoy the drive in BlueCruz-enabled vehicles like the F-150, Explorer, and Mustang Mach-E. Available feature on equipped vehicles terms applied does not replace safe driving, see 4.com slash BlueCruz for more details.
- McDonald's · Extra value meals are back. That means 10 tender juicy magnets and medium fries and a drink are just eight dollars. Only at McDonald's for limited time only prices and participation may vary prices may be higher in Hawaii Alaska and California and for delivery.
- State Farm · Having State Farm help you create a competitive price when you choose to bundle home and auto.
- Plod · Plod is giving Techbury Red Home listeners 20% off.
- Amazon Prime · Black Friday Game Day on Prime is an epic day of live sports.
Show notes
I’ve maybe never interviewed anyone in my entire time as a historian and podcaster who has had a career as broad and varied as Susan Lyne. Yes, I obviously wanted to talk to Susan about her role helping startup Gilt Group, and her current role as the managing partner of the VC firm BBG Ventures. But, holy how. Susan also launched and oversaw the golden era of Premiere Magazine. She was the CEO of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia when Martha had to step away to, you know, go to prison. And she was the President of ABC Entertainment. She oversaw the development of shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. So, like, yeah. We needed to do two episodes. So this is part one, with the great, Susan Lyne.
Chapters
00:00 From Boston to Berkeley: A Transformative Journey
08:00 The Rise of Alternative Media: Village Voice Era
16:06 Hollywood Calling: The IPC Films Experience
23:12 Launching Premier Magazine: Inside Hollywood
36:14 Navigating the ABC Landscape: A New Era
40:28 Developing Grey's Anatomy And Lost
Takeaways
Susan's upbringing in Boston shaped her perspective on expectations and identity.
Her time at UC Berkeley was transformative, exposing her to diverse ideas.
Freelancing in journalism helped her develop a passion for storytelling.
Working at City Magazine under Francis Ford Coppola was a unique experience.
The Village Voice was a golden era for alternative media in New York.
Susan's transition to Hollywood was driven by her love for storytelling.
Premier Magazine aimed to provide in-depth insights into the film industry.
At ABC, she focused on creating shows that appealed to women.
Susan learned the importance of having a supportive partner in leadership.
Her experience at ABC taught her valuable lessons about resilience and change.
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account