I know acts and I'm not going to name names but these people sold

Host: The room feels cozy, the soft glow of a table lamp casting its light across the space. Outside, the night is deepening, and the quiet hum of the world feels distant as it blends with the soft music playing in the background. Jeeny sits on the couch, legs crossed beneath her, a cup of tea cradled in her hands, her expression contemplative. Jack leans against the window, arms crossed, staring out at the dark street as though the words he’s heard are still swirling around in his mind.

Jeeny: “Jack, I came across something today that made me think,” she says softly, her voice drawing his attention. “It’s from Gerry Beckley. He said, ‘I know acts and I'm not going to name names but these people sold ten million copies the first time and the second album sells three million and it’s considered a failure and they’re dropped and that’s really a shame.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He turns, a slight frown crossing his face as he considers her words. “That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? Three million copies and still considered a failure? It’s hard to wrap my head around that. If I sold three million albums, I’d call that a success, no questions asked. But I get the frustration — the industry can be tough, and the standards they set are unrealistic.”

Jeeny: “I think that’s exactly the point, Jack. It’s the way the music industry works, right? The pressure to constantly outdo yourself, to hit those same numbers or higher, no matter what. It’s crazy that something like three million copies can be considered a failure when, for most people, that’s a huge accomplishment. But in that world, anything less than a record-breaking hit is seen as a step back.”

Host: The soft glow of the lamp creates a warm contrast to the coldness of the outside world, but in their conversation, there’s a reflection on how success and failure in the entertainment industry can feel warped. Jeeny speaks with the understanding of someone who’s seen how harsh that world can be, while Jack seems to be grappling with the disconnect between real success and what’s considered success in the industry.

Jack: “So you think it’s the expectation that makes people feel like they’ve failed? That no matter how much they achieve, if it doesn’t meet that sky-high standard, it’s like they’ve done something wrong?”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And it’s not just about numbers — it’s about the pressure to constantly be bigger than your last success. And that takes a toll on people, both professionally and personally. Three million copies, in the grand scheme of things, is still a huge win, but the way the industry judges it makes it feel like they’re being punished for not doing better than before.”

Host: The room feels a little quieter now, the weight of the conversation settling in as Jeeny’s words echo a quiet understanding of the unrealistic pressures that come with success in certain industries. Jack stands still, his thoughts wandering, the idea of constant comparison playing out in his mind.

Jack: “It’s almost like there’s no room to just be satisfied with what you’ve done. Like you’re constantly chasing something that doesn’t even exist — a perfect, unbroken streak of success that, honestly, no one can maintain forever.”

Jeeny: “And that’s the problem, Jack. There’s no room for failure or growth in that kind of environment. If you don’t top your last achievement, it’s seen as a setback. But true growth comes from being able to bounce back, to learn, and to still find meaning and fulfillment in what you’re doing, even if it doesn’t hit the same heights every time.”

Host: The quiet stillness in the room holds the weight of what they’ve just discussed. Outside, the world continues on, but inside, there’s a deeper understanding of the unrealistic expectations that plague industries where success is measured by numbers, and anything less than extraordinary is deemed a failure.

Jack: “It’s frustrating to think about, isn’t it? You’re only as good as your last success, and that’s just a terrible way to measure your worth.”

Jeeny: “It is. It’s easy to forget that real success isn’t about constantly topping your achievements. It’s about doing something that matters to you, that you’re proud of, even if it doesn’t meet the world’s inflated expectations.”

Host: The conversation falls into a quiet lull, both of them reflecting on the nature of success and the damage that unrealistic expectations can do. In the warmth of the room, with the sound of the world outside fading into the background, Jack and Jeeny find a shared understanding — that true success doesn’t come from numbers alone. It comes from the meaning behind what we do, the fulfillment we find in our work, and the growth we experience along the way.