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cover of episode Graydon Carter on Vanity Fair, Editing & a Short-Fingered Vulgarian Named Trump

Graydon Carter on Vanity Fair, Editing & a Short-Fingered Vulgarian Named Trump

2025/3/27
logo of podcast On with Kara Swisher

On with Kara Swisher
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Graydon Carter discusses his memoir and the golden age of magazines, sharing insights into his career trajectory from Canada to Vanity Fair, and the essential role of editors.
  • Graydon Carter's memoir, 'When the Going Was Good,' chronicles the last golden era of magazines.
  • Carter transitioned from a Canadian upbringing to becoming a significant figure in the magazine industry.
  • His early career included work as an art director and eventually editor, highlighting his love for magazines.
  • Carter emphasizes the role of editors in inspiring writers and shaping stories.
  • He notes the changing role of editors in today's media landscape, with AI potentially replacing traditional roles.

Shownotes Transcript

Graydon Carter is the co-founder of Spy Magazine and Air Mail), and for 25 years, he was the editor of Vanity Fair. His memoir, When The Going Was Good), chronicles a time when the going was extremely good for glossy magazines and their star editors. During the golden age of magazines, Vanity Fair combined celebrity profiles with deeply reported journalism to great acclaim, and Carter, arguably, became more famous than many of his extremely talented writers. 

He and Kara discuss everything from office politics at Vanity Fair to Canadian politics, including President Trump’s (possible) descent into madness, the artistry involved in making a restaurant cool (as opposed to hot), and why anxiety is an essential ingredient for editors.  

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected] or find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher.

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