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Model Wars

Model Wars

By: iHeartPodcasts
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On the surface, the modeling industry in the 80s was about parties and pretty clothes, but underneath the flash, there were drugs, sex, and violence. And Paul Fisher, a former straight-A student from the San Fernando Valley, rose to prominence amidst the turmoil. After a chance encounter with an alleged mobster, Paul suddenly found himself with a million dollars in funding and the chance to start a modeling agency in New York City. The city was then embroiled in a “model war” between industry titans Eileen Ford and John Casablancas, and Paul tried to make his mark. But even as Paul thrived in the party-heavy culture of the time, burning cash like a furnace, he came face to face with the darkest forces in the industry. As his shady backers put the screws to him, Paul faced down deadly consequences, trying to make a star while saving his soul.

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Episodes
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    In this episode, Omar Albertto tells his story. As he takes us on the wild ride that is his life—from partying at Studio 54 to modeling in Milan—he considers the racism he battled to find a place in the industry for himself and others.

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    We talk to Kara Young, a model who made the cover of many top magazines, and model agent Suzie Sugarman about how modeling has–and has not–improved.

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  • End of the Runway
    Oct 22 2025

    Now a big shot, Paul recruits his old friend David to run It Models, but Paul’s erratic behavior and impulsiveness put everything at risk. He’s finally at the top, but deep down he knows the modeling industry is a terrible business. Has Paul’s life’s work made the world a worse place?

    Learn more about this show and others we're working on at joincampsidemedia.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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