Anderson Cooper in conversation with Lisa Ling at Live Talks Los Angeles

Anderson Cooper in conversation with Lisa Ling
discussing his book, Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty
Anderson Cooper is an anchor at CNN and a correspondent for CBS’ 60 Minutes. Cooper has won 18 Emmys and numerous other major journalism awards. He has written two books which topped the New York Timesbestsellers list. Dispatches From The Edge - A Memoir of Wars, Disasters, and Survivaland The Rainbow Comes and Goes, which he co-wrote with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt. Cooper lives in New York with his son, Wyatt. The book is co-authored with Katherine Howe.
Lisa Ling is the Executive Producer and host of This is Life on CNN, now in its eighth season. For five seasons prior, She was Executive Producer and hosted Our America on OWN. She was also a field correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show and contributor to ABC News’ Nightline. Lisa was the first female host of National Geographic’s flagship show Explorer. She got her start in journalism as a correspondent for Channel One News where she covered the civil war in Afghanistan at 21 years of age. She later went to become a co-host of ABC Daytime’s show The View, which won its first daytime Emmy during her time at the show. She is the co-author of Mother, Sister, Daughter, Bride: Rituals of Womanhood, and Somewhere Inside: One Sister’s Captivity in North Korea and The Other’s Fight to Bring Her Home that she penned with sister Laura.
“A dramatic tale expertly told of rapacious ambition, decadent excess, and covert and overt tyranny and trauma. . . . With resplendent detail, the authors capture the gasp-eliciting extravagance of the Vanderbilt Gilded Age mansions. . . . With its intrinsic empathy and in-depth profiles of women, this is a distinctly intimate, insightful, and engrossing chronicle of an archetypal, self-consuming American dynasty. . . . Irresistible.” - Booklist (starred review)
When eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt began to work on his father’s small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor at the beginning of the nineteenth century, no one could have imagined that one day he would, through ruthlessness, cunning, and a pathological desire for money, build two empires-one in shipping and another in railroads-that would make him the richest man in America. His staggering fortune was fought over by his heirs after his death in 1877, sowing familial discord that would never fully heal. Though his son Billy doubled the money left by “the Commodore,” subsequent generations competed to find new and ever more extraordinary ways of spending it. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakers-the seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, that Cornelius’s grandson and namesake had built-the family would have been unrecognizable to the tycoon who started it all.
Now, the Commodore’s great-great-great-grandson Anderson Cooper, joins with historian Katherine Howe to explore the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the family’s empire, basked in the Commodore’s wealth, hosted lavish galas, and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the lavish drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other.
Written with a unique insider’s viewpoint, this is a rollicking, quintessentially American history as remarkable as the family it so vividly captures.

[@LiveTalksLA]

Purchase a copy of the book with a signed book plate here: livetalksla.square.site/product/andersoncooper/451

[@AH-he2xw]

Anderson is such a good story teller.

[@maynewzion2661]

Have so much respect for both Anderson and Lisa. Both so smart and decent. So many wonderful life experiences that they share with us. Love you both. ❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@tracey9754]

I could sit in a room listening to Lisa and Cooper all day. Excellently story telling. I 💘 my CNN!

[@lindapartosan2207]

The best story tellers Anderson Cooper and Anthony Bourdain

[@tammycappelli7886]

I love and respect Lisa Ling and Anderson Cooper! This was so very interesting and inspiring. What an extraordinary history of a family!

[@hyejeongchang9153]

I loved listening to his storytelling.

[@AnnoulaXeni]

It was long, Anderson, but not a moment of it boring, and I love how comfortable and animated you are in this ...

[@DonnaAmarant-bg4fh]

I have thoroughly enjoyed Anderson Cooper!!

[@xiesalicaceae2482]

Yay, Lisa Ling and Anderson Cooper are my favorites! Thanks for hosting and posting it on KZbin!

[@hestergreen2031]

The history of the Vanderbilt family is quite interesting. To hear Anderson talks about it brings it to life. I’m so happy he talks about it. A great storyteller

[@KitsyHiggins]

Oh my, it is Channel One all over again! :-) Will never forget watching it in middle school! Have been a follower of Lisa Ling since!

[@lisaoster4043]

Yes… my high school experience with these two!

[@meredithtornbom]

Me too!!! Love starting the day in Homeroom watching it 👍

[@johnscanlan9335]

WOW!!! I'm genuinely surprised at how impressed I am by Lisa Ling here. I can't say enough about how she took on this interview in a way that not only just shines a spotlight on Anderson Cooper and his remarkable family but actually takes the viewer by the hand to see exactly what she's seeing. Ironically given Lisa's professional background, I have to say I think she outperformed anything Barbara Walters ever did on terms of interviewing a well-known personality. I'm really serious about this and I just wish there was a way I could get this message to her about how she's outperformed her former boss!

[@jostrong2385]

I could listen to this man all day. His stories are amazing...and him being so humble is amazing.

[@di2743]

I absolutely have always thought the world of Anderson Cooper n each time I learn more about him I have even more respect for this GENUINE man!

[@hml808]

Love - love - love both of them ……. Big time!

[@sandydixon9020]

I love Anderson, he’s such an incredible man! His boys are so lucky to call him Daddy! They will have a wonderful life. ❤️❤️❤️ I have your book in audio I love listening to your voice Anderson! It is just incredible to hear you speaking!

[@paulvoorhies8821]

You’re an amazing storyteller.

[@eileenhoffmann701]

YES! his family history is mind blowing!!!! I could have listened all day!

[@angiehh516]

Loved watching these two on channel 1 in highschool!

[@hestergreen2031]

This is an absolutely terrific interview between Lisa Ling & Anderson Cooper. I could listen to Anderson speak on this hands down.,

[@jeankroeber2481]

What a wonderful interview, like a familial chat, between Ms. Ling and Anderson Cooper. I will certainly buy the book, which is, after all, the point of this entertaining discussion.

[@whatthecrux2212]

Channel One was a great way to start the mornings every school day. Good work, thanks for being apart of my childhood.

[@Leahd501]

Wow I could just listen to these two all day ~

[@trilabradorable]

I highly recommend visiting and touring the mansions in Newport, RI. The Vanderbilts and Asters were intriguing.

[@darlyne9079]

Loved how he would go to where the stories are!!! Much respect for him and then to have learned he was a descendent of the Vanderbilt family. ❤️

[@jaimebronoske7936]

I could listen to the stories for hours!!

[@rc1983]

I like the statement, ‘… the curse of money’, very true!

[@lblough9881]

Very interesting. The historical background which Cooper talks about is what held my attention. This was a very well done piece. Ling was very effective. Glad he now has two children who will learn about and hopefully continue to keep Anderson’s family’s “story” alive. Despite his ancestors and their flamboyant past, AC has done ok done himself while carving out a very different profession and path for himself. No longer a fan of CNN for years now, but I do enjoy Cooper as a journalist….on his own. Wish he’d move to a different network.

[@patgorham4796]

I don't agree with you, I don't know where you want Anderson to move to, I believe Anderson knows where he belongs.

[@bayoubabe6698]

I love LL and AC🥰

[@kb9847]

I really like Anderson. Great interview!

[@christinecrosby6697]

What a wonderful human being ❣️

[@meredithtornbom]

Channel One was my favorite part of Jr High! It was a great start to the day in Homeroom. Love these 2 💜💙

[@scrappingranny]

I love listening to him

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

Modest of him, Cooper, to acknowledge that there's been a fall.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

He’s sooo adorable.

[@MsAlexis]

Smart Man he made an excellent choice, some last names carry family curses. I'm so happy Anderson turned out so successful good looking, no nonsense guy

[@vivianperez280]

Excellent!! Delightful!! Love the interview and content, story!! Great!!

[@NEngler]

I rew up in the 90's and know these two from Channel One News. We watched it in home room. We're old now!

[@J.C...]

Isn't weird that we've grown up with them as our newscasters? Literally from childhood.

[@NBportofino]

My mother-in-law used to meet GV for lunch in the city once a month.

[@gracezydor5856]

Supper supper interesting…maybe not for you Anderson !!!!!!!???????good to know and reminiscent!!!!!👍❤️🌹🙏😍

[@Suzibird307]

Being from Staten Island, I never knew why The Vanderbilt Crypt was located there. Now I know.

[@leslieshaw1421]

Loved channel one

[@J.C...]

I remember Channel One. Jeez.

[@bettyboop1954]

I love you Anderson, to help your mom monetarily even if she didn't need it, he just wanted to be her protector. I have a son who's 25 if he cares about me I'll never know, I've let him know how I can barely make it after my accident. My rent check bounced on my Birthday and nobody cares. I don't talk to him right now, this makes hime happy so I just don't even want to make him uncomfortable. 2022 I pray that you see how many of us are hurting and need help. Come on taxt time! Thank everone for listening, we all have hard times, lets pray for eachother. My life will get better once my useless left arem is operated on. Goodbye 2021, I hope all your BS you've tried to kill me with is over.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

Your ancestors are your history not, your past. You are not responsible for what they did or didn't do. I have been to the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park NY. We were told that nothing in the place was chosen by the Vanderbilts. They sent people all around the world to pick out wall coverings ......... The only thing Louise wanted was for "her" bedroom to be built just like the queen of Englands. Since she would never know what the queen of Englands bedroom looked like ,architects just made up a design. . The home with 54 rooms was actually was just their cottage in the country

[@judyivie4181]

I had a knowledge of Rwanda.

[@eleanorbertuch135]

What a magical visit. Wishing you both all of God’s choicest blessings 🥰

[@gracezydor5856]

Supper supper love ❤️ too good 👍 bout of you 💝🌹❤️

[@lynndenault8198]

Doesn't this sound like parts of The Gilded Age tv show?

[@steelsheen]

They're talking about the Vanderbilts. of course its gonna sound like that TV show. but this time its one of the Vanderbilts talking about people he shares genes with, and lots of stories that isnt public or have been misconstrued by the public. this is the same Vanderbilt man who made his career getting to the truth of events and people he covers. suffice it to say Anderson has a bit of an edge over the Hollywood writers of the TV show eh?

[@marieazrak1951]

I didn't know that there were gay Vanderbilt I think that's pretty cool

[@darlyne9079]

Wow! I would love to hear about his mother’s life! So interesting.

[@teefarox92]

There is a documentary he made with her Called Nothing Left Unsaid. It’s all about her life and his and it is really fascinating. I recommend it if you’re still interested.

[@mae8861]

How did a rich heiress hookup with a poor farmer?

[@joycedominguez1828]

Percy let me know if you can go to store

[@lendoahistoriaeafins3664]

A verdadeira mãe do filho de Anderson Cooper.

[@eugenio1542]

Golden nugget 😂☝️❤️✌️🌍🙏

[@marieazrak1951]

That's not necessarily what it is for people with disabilities like myself I currently live in North Carolina I would love it if you came to our fundraiser show in February for next clubhouse Mr Cooper this way you could spend a day at next step clubhouse volunteering and just be around people with disabilities and hear our stories because people with disabilities we try to save money but we're taught to always fall back on somebody wealthier and we want to go school specially me but I have disabilities

[@marieazrak1951]

I have epilepsy as well

[@raboldrt]

Frugal 😊❤

[@marywolters3612]

The lives of the rich and famous.

[@dafinker3443]

The original Vanderbilt man and many other self made billionaires were peasants and if some of those did possess dignity and compassion / kindness and love .... seemed to be an enigma ....

[@anthonylagunas6737]

He was not raised on Vanderbilt money. What Vanderbilt money his mother had was stolen by lawyers and advisors.

[@genevievebahrenburg]

Anderson copper LOVE to come w we you and set up interview

[@MrBranz29]

Ask the Rothchild’s to send some money Old money

[@lieuphuongmai9592]

Xin chị lisa ling chồng con em ở tivi cnn xin chị giúp đở cho tụi em được đoàn tụ ở mỷ xin cảm ơn

[@dafinker3443]

Yes what a story to tell ... Anderson however is soo intense , nervy , and if he were to take a breath ..... he would be much more impactive .... Scott Fitzgerald summed up , THESE SORTS OF TRANSPARENT PEOPLE .. excellently

[@user-xr5hx8ve7s]

do you think unlawful survalliance should be a resort our sons should protect or resent ?

[@th2k864]

How is it this guy is good friends with Andy Cohen a guy who represents and promotes all the worst things about celebrity and celebrity culture in our current time?

[@Joy-W777]

They are a couple. I don’t think any of us who are not in their intimate circle of friends really “know” them.

[@sj8205]

Per Andy, they never dated

[@mayaenglish5424]

It makes a weird kind of sense. If I had to think about Wars and Murders and Crime and Genocide and Terrible Politicians all day, it might be nice to be able to turn my brain off and have a fun party friend who talks about frivolous, low stakes things that don't matter and distracts me from the horrors. (Not to mention that we don't actually know Andy irl and he probably has more substance in personal relationships than on trashy reality shows).

[@lyndapierson6338]

i couldn't tolerate 1 minute

[@pholliez]

And yet you took the time to comment. 😂

[@barbiedardon447]

Anderson 🤢🤮

[@elviramartinez4131]

The moment these two people spoke of the death of someone and quickly passed on to talk about themselves was the moment I got turned off by them.

[@robynrains7252]

It was someone who died long ago that they didn’t know personally, I’m not sure how you expect them to act

[@user-nq6mf2gu7z]

Well Anderson is doing a podcast about grief and death if you're interested. You'll hear him choking on his words if that's what you want to hear

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

My parents and older sister have died. I can't talk about them and change the subject and not have to get therapy . Most of the people he talked about weren't nice people . Anderson and Stephen Colbert have an interview where they talk about the deaths of their siblings and parents .

[@kurtcameron723]

Lost all respect for this individual when the pics came out of him in leather.

[@user-xd1ll8fo3k]

Why???