Dive deep into Hollywood's inner workings with Maureen Ryan on Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon. As a seasoned critic and editor with three decades of experience, Maureen discusses her latest book, 'Burn it Down,' featuring insights from over 150 interviews across Hollywood.

Welcome Maureen:

We’re joined on the Starline by a critic, editor and reporter for three decades. She’s covered the entertainment industry and is a contributing editor for Vanity Fair. Her latest project is her book  “Burn it Down”. We welcome Maureen Ryan.

Mo, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “Burn it Down” has at its base more than 150 interviews from all levels in Hollywood. Why was it important to have so many viewpoints at so many levels?

With all the money that Hollywood lost during the pandemic, wouldn’t trying to keep the creators happy be in the execs best interest?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Marvel owns the silver screen but DC owned television, which do you prefer more?

2. Should Ted Lasso have a 4th season?

3. Best TV show in the last 5 years?

4. What was your 1st tattoo of?

5. Best gift you’ve ever been given from Hollywood?

6. What was the moment you will never forget from your trip to Costa Rica?

7. Who was the best character on Farscape?

8. One dream that may never come true in Hollywood?

The Back Half:

There is so much online bile thrown at creators, but a majority of the issues come from industry execs and showrunners. How do people get their message if the execs don’t want to hear it?

How has careers being cancelled changed the way your career in media and contacts were influenced?

Will Johnny Depp return the “Pirates of the Caribbean”?

“Because I’m an asshole at the cinema, I still have a lot of awkward- and, I think important questions” – So Maureen, what’s the one question that still needs to be examined in Hollywood?

One Big Question:

During the pandemic assistants, who are normally overworked, watched their take-home pay shrink sometimes to barely $20,000. Would you tell someone’s daughter or son who was gung ho on working in Hollywood to follow their dreams or not now?

Why should people read “Burn it Down”?

Where can people find you online and join your free newsletter?

Sneaking in One More Question:

What’s the one thing you want people to know about Hollywood?

The Wrap:

Her son’s name Sean is spelled correctly, she loves photos of her backyard landscaping, cats and she wants you to read “Burn it Down” Maureen Ryan, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.