Susan Gold learned to read people early. The awareness that helped her navigate a difficult childhood later became part of her work connecting talent, brands, and opportunities.
Susan joins Jay Hicks to talk about life in the entertainment industry, recovery from alcohol addiction, and the move from Los Angeles to Montana. Stories about talent brokerage and Andy Warhol sit alongside a more personal question: what happens when achievement and other ways of coping stop keeping the pain at a distance?
She reflects on therapy, competitive swimming, and writing about her childhood. Looking back through the eyes of “little Susie” gave her a different understanding of what she had lived through. The conversation explores self-forgiveness, compassion, and the possibility of loving family while being honest about harm.
Content note: Discussion of childhood trauma and alcohol addiction.
What We Explore
* Reading people and working in talent representation
* An early deal involving Andy Warhol
* Moving to Montana and beginning a different chapter
* Alcohol, recovery, and seeking help
* Achievement and the ways people cope with pain
* Writing Toxic Family and seeing childhood with compassion
Chapters
00:00 — Opening conversation
02:47 — A new chapter in Montana
11:30 — The Andy Warhol deal
26:13 — Facing life without alcohol
30:25 — Swimming, achievement, and identity
34:35 — Seeking help and talk therapy
40:03 — Writing her story
59:17 — Naming Toxic Family
About Susan Gold
Susan Gold is a producer, talent broker, coach, and author of Toxic Family. Her work and writing draw on her experiences in entertainment, recovery, and understanding the effects of childhood trauma.
Connect with Susan
https://www.susangold.us/ • https://www.instagram.com/susangoldismagical/
The Tragedy Academy
Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.
Hosted by Jay Hicks.
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