"If you want to maintain a friendship, you have to be intentional. You really have to work at it." — Jane Fonda
"But I remember I had my first hip replacement surgery. I was living in Atlanta and it didn't go well and I was in real pain and kind of hazy from anesthetics and stuff like that. And I felt somebody at my feet. It felt really good. And I looked down in my darkened bedroom and it was Evancelor, the playwright, vagina monologues, who's my friend and who had flown down from New York to massage my feet and make me feel better." — Jane Fonda
"The scientists who all agree that there's a crisis and that it's caused by fossil fuels and that people have to act. They're unanimous. And they're telling us time is running out, but you still have time to reverse this and do something about it." — Jane Fonda
This episode features an in-depth conversation between host Alex Cooper and legendary actress and activist Jane Fonda. The discussion highlights the importance of intentionality in maintaining friendships, emphasizing that effort is required, and understanding that friendships can ebb and flow with life's circumstances. Fonda shares personal anecdotes about the strength of her friendships, including a moving story about a friend flying to be with her after surgery, underscoring the value of support and vulnerability.
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Jane Fonda's journey into activism, revealing how her perspective shifted after encountering Vietnam War veterans. She articulates the profound impact this had on her life, transforming her from a self-described hedonistic and uninvolved individual to someone with a clear sense of purpose. Fonda also discusses her early career struggles with an eating disorder and the societal pressures on women regarding their appearance, particularly within the entertainment industry. She reflects on her personal growth, moving from a belief in independence to understanding the vital concept of interdependence and the necessity of collective action.
The dialogue also touches upon the challenges faced by young women today, especially with the pervasive influence of social media and objectification. Fonda offers advice to her younger listeners, stressing that life becomes easier with age and encouraging them to focus on crucial issues like the climate crisis. She advocates for systemic change, urging listeners to engage in activism, elect responsible leaders, and find strength in unity and collective action to shape a livable future.