Rashida Jones on Identity and Growing up in Hollyweird
Jul 23, 2024
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Gwyneth Paltrow chats with Rashida Jones, an actress known for her roles in 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation.' They dive into the nuances of growing up in Hollywood and the impact of her mother's guidance on her identity. Rashida shares insights from her new Apple TV+ show set in Kyoto, exploring themes of loneliness and cultural richness. The conversation also touches on motherhood, the evolution of personal health practices, and the transformative power of love and loss, providing an engaging look at her creative journey.
Rashida Jones highlights the importance of intentional parenting in grounding her children amidst the challenges of growing up in Hollywood.
The podcast reflects on the evolving ways we consume art and media, contrasting nostalgia for analog efforts with today's instant gratification.
Jones shares valuable cultural lessons from living in Japan, emphasizing mindfulness and respect for nature as transformative influences in her life.
Deep dives
The Impact of Criticism in Pioneering New Ideas
Introducing new ideas to culture often invites criticism from others. The speaker reflects on how finding a respected partner can transform a concept into a shared vision. This collaboration can provide emotional grounding, which is essential when facing external skepticism. The discussion suggests that criticism is a natural part of innovation, highlighting the necessity of support when navigating such challenges.
The Role of Upbringing in Personal Development
Growing up in Hollywood, the speaker describes the importance of intentional parenting to avoid becoming entitled. Their parents emphasized community and grounding, which helped instill a sense of normalcy regarding their biracial background. Despite the allure of fame, they focused on raising their children with strong values and limited privileges. The speaker admires their parents' ability to navigate the complexities of fame while still fostering independence.
Evolving Perspectives on Art in the Digital Age
The discussion contrasts the past and present experiences of consuming art and media, reflecting on the anticipation of waiting for albums to release versus today's instant access. The speaker shares nostalgia for the effort involved in curating playlists and mixtapes, signaling an appreciation for the analog era. Yet, they acknowledge the rapid evolution of how we consume art, prompting questions about the implications for future generations. The challenge lies in balancing appreciation for traditional artistry with acceptance of modern innovations.
Cultural Lessons Learned from Living in Japan
The speaker recounts their experience of living in Japan while filming a show, emphasizing the cultural lessons learned during that time. They highlight the deep respect for nature and attention to detail prevalent in Japanese society, which contrasts with the fast-paced lifestyle often seen elsewhere. Simple actions, like maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, resonated with them and inspired a continued appreciation for mindfulness. These experiences created an ongoing list of lessons to bring back into everyday life.
The Transformative Journey of Motherhood
Becoming a parent later in life profoundly changed the speaker's perspective, particularly after the loss of their mother shortly after their child's birth. They describe a combination of overwhelming love and the complexity of navigating grief that shaped their identity as a parent. Reflecting on their mother's nurturing qualities, the speaker expresses gratitude for the guidance she provided and the lessons learned from her approach to parenting. This journey reinforces the impact of love and the importance of familial bonds in shaping one's life.
Gwyneth catches up with her longtime friend, and they cover a lot of ground: friendship, motherhood, how Jones made her way to The Office, what is was like growing up in Los Angeles, and where to eat in Tokyo today. Plus, Jones shares a few stories from filming her new Apple TV+ show, Sunny.
