I have to say, you know, I've seen so many people go through the

Host: The room feels reflective as Jack and Jeeny sit with Rashida Jones' words. There’s a sense of contemplation about the cyclical nature of fame and how it shapes people’s lives and priorities. Jack looks at Jeeny, his tone thoughtful as he considers the implications of the quote.

Jeeny: "Rashida Jones once said, 'I have to say, you know, I've seen so many people go through the cycle and become famous and not famous anymore and, you know, want - have their priorities change and want different things.' It’s a really interesting perspective, isn’t it? The idea that fame isn’t permanent, and as people go through those cycles, they realize their priorities shift. What do you think she means by that?"

Jack: "I think Jones is pointing out the ephemeral nature of fame. It's something that can come quickly and leave just as fast. People who achieve fame often go through this cycle where they’re on top, but then they fade away, and in that process, they realize that the things they once valued—like fame, recognition, or material success—don’t have the same weight anymore. As they experience the transience of fame, they start to reassess their priorities and long for different things, things that are more lasting and meaningful, like relationships, personal growth, or peace." He pauses, his voice softening. "It’s about the realization that fame isn’t everything, and what truly matters changes over time."

Jeeny: "Exactly. Fame can feel like this intense, magnetic force that draws people in, but when it fades, it often leaves people feeling empty or disconnected from what they truly want. I think Jones is saying that fame forces people to confront the emptiness of external validation and the realization that it’s the deeper, more lasting things in life that bring fulfillment." She smiles gently, almost wistfully. "It’s a reminder that fame can change everything, but it doesn’t change what truly matters."

Jack: "And I think what’s fascinating about that cycle is how it can serve as a wake-up call. You’re at the top, and suddenly, the things that once defined you—the awards, the recognition, the constant attention—start to lose their grip. When that happens, you’re forced to look inward and reassess what you actually want out of life." His voice grows more reflective. "Maybe, for some, it’s about finding more meaningful connections, or pursuing something that isn’t dictated by public opinion, but something that feels authentic to who they really are."

Jeeny: "Yes, it’s about finding what really matters beyond the noise of fame. The desire for fame and recognition might feel all-consuming in the beginning, but over time, you start to realize that what you love and what truly brings you joy isn’t tied to how many people know your name or how much attention you get. It’s about authenticity and having the freedom to pursue things that align with your core values, not what society expects of you." She pauses, her voice thoughtful. "It’s almost like fame can be a mirror—it shows you what you want, but it also makes you question whether that’s what you really need."

Jack: "Exactly. Fame has this unique way of stripping away the superficial, forcing people to look deeper. At first, fame might seem like the answer to everything—the solution to feeling validated or important. But when it fades, people often discover that it’s the simpler, more genuine things that bring them the peace and contentment they were really looking for all along." He smiles slightly. "It’s a powerful lesson, really—the idea that what we pursue in the moment isn’t always what will bring us lasting fulfillment."

Jeeny: "I think that’s why people who have been famous often have this perspective. They’ve seen both sides of it—the highs and the lows—and they realize that the search for fame can be a trap. It’s like they’ve walked through the fire and come out the other side with a much clearer understanding of what truly matters." She smiles gently, her voice softening. "It’s a reminder that our priorities are always changing, and what feels important now might not be what matters in the future."

Host: The room feels quieter now, as Jack and Jeeny sit with the realization that fame, while alluring, is fleeting. Rashida Jones’ words serve as a reminder that external success doesn’t guarantee internal fulfillment, and the things that truly matter—relationships, authenticity, and personal growth—are often realized only when the temporary thrill of fame fades away.

As the evening continues, their conversation lingers in the space between them: a reminder that priorities evolve, and true fulfillment comes not from external recognition, but from deeper, more enduring sources of happiness and meaning. The cycle of fame, like all things, eventually fades, but what remains is the power of authenticity and the joy of living life on your own terms.