Behind New York's Velvet Rope: An Intimate Conversation with Billy Norwich

Jill sits down with the incomparable Billy Norwich for an intimate conversation about his remarkable 40-year reign chronicling New York society, from dishing gossip at the Daily News and Post to his glamorous two decades shaping stories at Vogue. Billy spills on his storytelling philosophy, shaped by Anna Wintour's advice to "edit your life" and his personal theory of the "anthropology of style." The conversation takes a very personal turn as Billy opens up about losing his father at nine and mother by nineteen. These heartbreaking losses could have destroyed him but instead deepened his determination. He found his chosen family among industry powerhouses like the iconic gossip columnist Liz Smith, who didn't just mentor him—she masterminded his transformation from Billy Goldberg to Billy Norwich, a reinvention that still stirs complex emotions. Billy shares unforgettable stories, from his exclusive scoop on Caroline Kennedy's engagement to surviving the cutthroat world of high-stakes fashion events and A-list encounters. His insider perspective reveals the artful dance between professional curiosity and personal discretion that made him the trusted confidant of New York's elite. Through candid anecdotes and hard-earned wisdom, this intimate conversation paints a portrait of New York society while sharing Billy's personal journey of resilience and reinvention. Whether you're interested in gossip journalism's inner workings, New York’s high society dynamics, or one man's story of finding family and purpose after profound loss, you won't want to miss this unguarded exchange. For a who's who of everyone mentioned in this episode CLICK HERE Follow on Instagram and Threads at @goingrogue.podcast and @jilldemling

Om Podcasten

Welcome to the ultimate insider's guide to the world of fashion, celebrity, and media—straight from the heart of Vogue. I’m Jill Demling and for nearly two decades I was the Entertainment Director of Vogue. I've booked over 200 American Vogue covers, 30 covers for British Vogue, and more than 50 covers worldwide. That's nearly 300 covers that shaped pop culture, defined fashion, and captured the zeitgeist. But those perfect images? They're just the tip of the iceberg. "Going Rogue" is your backstage pass to the moments that never made it to print. The stories from the photographers who captured magic, the stylists who created iconic looks, and the writers who know every secret. You'll hear about the celebrities, the shoots that almost didn't happen, and the untold drama behind fashion's most memorable moments. Remember "The Devil Wears Prada"? That fictional 11-month snapshot? I was there for the real story—I even hired the person the book was based on and appear on page 21 of the book. But this isn't about one story. It's about hundreds of stories, from someone who was on the inside. This podcast is not an exposé, it's a celebration of the brilliant people behind the scenes that made all the famous moments possible at Vogue. It isn't just a podcast about fashion. It's about creativity, ambition, art, and the human stories behind the images that helped define a generation. We'll reveal how the talents behind these shoots got their start, and they'll share masterclass-level advice for a new generation of stylists, photographers, and creatives looking to make their mark. We're going behind the scenes of a world most people only glimpse through glossy pages and red carpet moments. Are you ready to go rogue with me?