A talk with trailblazing author Michael Gross
Jane’s very special guest today is Michael Gross, the New York Times best-selling author of acclaimed books that explore the hidden worlds of wealth, power, privilege, and the people who shape them. With a career spanning decades in investigative journalism and social history, his celebrated works—including 740 Park, House of Outrageous Fortune, Rogues’ Gallery, Focus, and Flight of the WASP—have earned him a reputation for uncovering the untold stories behind America’s most influential families, institutions, and cultural icons. His newest book, Treasured Island: The Story of St. Barth… and Its Barbarians, Billionaires, and Beauties, traces the remarkable transformation of the once-sleepy Caribbean island of St. Barth into an international playground for billionaires, celebrities, and royalty. Filled with unforgettable characters, hidden history, and surprising revelations, Michael’s latest masterpiece is a fascinating exploration of the intersection of wealth, fame, ambition, and paradise. Among the many topics discussed, Michael also reflects on who first inspired him to become a journalist and author, the advice he offers aspiring writers, what drew him from reporting on fashion and real estate to chronicling old-money families, and now the allure of St. Barts. He also shares what continues to fascinate and motivate him after an extraordinary career. All in all, it’s a captivating conversation with one of the world’s most prolific and respected authors.
