Inside George Magazine: Lisa DePaulo on JFK Jr., Journalism, and Getting the Story Right

What happens when the opportunity that changes your life sounds like a joke?

In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with investigative journalist Lisa DePaulo, who nearly dismissed the voicemail that would define her career. When John F. Kennedy Jr. first called to hire her for George Magazine, she did not believe it was real. He had to call back again.

That second call brought the Dunmore, Pennsylvania, native into one of the most influential media spaces of the 1990s.

DePaulo shares what it was like to work with JFK Jr. as an editor, how he shaped her approach to reporting, and what he understood about the balance between access and restraint. She reflects on the culture inside George, where politics and celebrity met, and where strong journalism still drove the work.

The conversation also turns to the FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. DePaulo offers a measured perspective on what the show captures well and where it misses, especially when it comes to the emotional truth behind public figures.

This episode is about judgment.
Protecting sources.
Standing by your work.

And it is about the moment that stayed with her.
The call she planned to make.
The news that followed instead.

Clear, thoughtful and grounded, this conversation reflects what journalism looks like at its best.

Inside George Magazine: Lisa DePaulo on JFK Jr., Journalism, and Getting the Story Right
What happens when the opportunity that changes your life sounds like a joke?
In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with investigative journalist Lisa DePaulo, who nearly dismissed the voicemail that would define her career. When John F. Kennedy Jr. first called to hire her for George Magazine, she did not believe it was real. He had to call back again.
That second call brought the Dunmore, Pennsylvania, native into one of the most influential media spaces of the 1990s.
DePaulo shares what it was like to work with JFK Jr. as an editor, how he shaped her approach to reporting, and what he understood about the balance between access and restraint. She reflects on the culture inside George, where politics and celebrity met, and where strong journalism still drove the work.
The conversation also turns to the FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. &amp; Carolyn Bessette. DePaulo offers a measured perspective on what the show captures well and where it misses, especially when it comes to the emotional truth behind public figures.
This episode is about judgment. Protecting sources. Standing by your work.
And it is about the moment that stayed with her. The call she planned to make. The news that followed instead.
Clear, thoughtful and grounded, this conversation reflects what journalism looks like at its best.

HarmonyTALK is an inspirational podcast featuring ‘dreamers and doers’ who turned ideas into action. Explore creativity, perseverance, leadership and the human stories behind meaningful success through candid conversations designed to spark reflection, motivation and possibility, and join a growing community inspired to dream boldly and live intentionally.

HarmonyTALK is an inspirational podcast featuring &lsquo;dreamers and doers&rsquo; who turned ideas into action.&nbsp;Explore creativity, perseverance, leadership and the human stories behind meaningful success through candid conversations designed to spark reflection, motivation and possibility, and join a growing community inspired to dream boldly and live intentionally.