
artsMay 7, 202537:00pending
Graydon Carter: "When the Going Was Good"
About this episode
In this episode of The Book Club with Michael Smerconish, Michael sits down with Graydon Carter, legendary former editor of Vanity Fair, to discuss his captivating new memoir, "When The Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines." The conversation is filled with sharp wit, rich anecdotes, and reflections on a media era defined by luxury, talent, and cultural influence—from eyebrow ladies at Condé Nast to Concorde flights, iconic writers, and unforgettable stories. Graydon opens up about what made that era "golden," his life lessons, and why gratitude and grit were at the heart of his editorial success. After the interview, stick around around as listeners weigh in with their own "rules for life," inspired by Graydon’s and Michael’s personal philosophies. Original Air Date 6 May 2025
The book was published on 25 March 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Book Club with Michael Smerconish publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Book Club with Michael Smerconish

Jim VandeHei: "Simplify"
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Sep 9, 202619:39completed

James B. Steele Revisits "America: What Went Wrong" 35 Years Later
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Sep 4, 202659:44completed

Jake Tapper: "The Hellfire Club"
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Aug 31, 202614:59pending

Stephen Prothero: "Why Liberals Win the Culture Wars (Even When They Lose Electi...
Book Club with Michael Smerconish
Aug 26, 202612:03pending