(BNS) Susan Lyne Part 1

Nov 27, 2025 55m

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Episode Description

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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.