The Versha Sharma Story Behind Teen Vogue's Evolution

Jill sits down with Versha Sharma, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, for the story of her climb to EIC at one of America's most influential youth publications. Sharma has taken the baton and is continuing Teen Vogue's mission to be more than a glossy guide to prom dresses by expanding it into a powerful platform for political discourse, social justice advocacy, and inclusive storytelling. Drawing from her Louisiana upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants, Sharma opens up about dealing with feelings of otherness and isolation that ultimately fueled her passion for amplifying marginalized voices in the magazine. The conversation traces her path from political activism on Obama's 2008 campaign through her evolution into journalism, shaped by pivotal cultural moments during her college years. Sharma describes the strategic evolution she's guided at Teen Vogue, from embracing a digital-first model to prioritizing video content that resonates with Gen Z and millennial audiences. She describes the unique pressures of assuming leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic while navigating the social justice reckoning of 2020. The conversation highlights Teen Vogue's groundbreaking editorial choices under Sharma's guidance, from their powerful feature on Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk's transgender daughter, to their cover story on Representative Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress. These stories underscore the magazine's commitment to spotlighting young political voices and their role in driving societal transformation. Looking ahead, Sharma shares her vision for the magazine's evolution, from potential print revival to international growth. Follow on Instagram and Threads at @goingrogue.podcast and @jilldemling Follow on Bluesky Follow on TikTok

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?