Podcast Summary: Everything is Fine – Episode: Rethinking 'The Dream' with Jane Marie

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction of the Episode

In this episode of Everything is Fine, hosts Jennifer Romolini and Kim France welcome Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist Jane Marie. They delve into Jane's recent experiences, including her candid interview with Marc Maron, her ventures into the dating scene over 40, and her evolving podcast, The Dream. The conversation offers profound insights into navigating life's complexities in midlife, handling public scrutiny, and redefining personal dreams.

1. The Backlash from Marc Maron Interview

Jane Marie discusses her recent interview with Marc Maron, which became a focal point for this episode. She reflects on the unexpected backlash she received solely based on her participation in Maron's podcast.

• Jane Marie (02:57): “I found it really interesting to have a person I'm fairly close to be interviewed by Marc Maron. And then the backlash she got just because she was a lady on his podcast I thought was interesting.”

Key Points:

• Jane was surprised by the negative reactions from Maron's predominantly male audience.

• The criticism mirrored political discourse, with common complaints about her confidence and demeanor.

• Jane emphasizes the rarity of models for confident, successful women who aren’t perceived negatively.

• Kim France (03:35): “It [perceived confidence] always feels so perform. Like, where do you go with.”

2. Navigating the Dating Scene After 40

The hosts and Jane explore the challenges and unique experiences of dating in midlife. Jane shares her journey on various dating apps, highlighting the differences compared to her younger years.

• Jane Marie (12:15): “I've had luck in that one [Field] lately than Tinder or, you know, all the Christian ones, which I haven't really tried, but.”

Key Points:

• Jane finds success on Field, a dating app catering to older adults, where men have fewer strict expectations about marriage and children.

• She contrasts past traumatic dating experiences with more respectful and straightforward encounters now.

• Emphasizes the shift from seeking partners for procreation to seeking companionship and mutual respect.

• Jen Romolini (13:37): “What does luck look like? Like, I can't even. I've been, I've been in this, you know, heteronormat, you know, sex jail for so long. I just am curious.”

3. Handling Negative Feedback and Trolls

Jane shares her strategies for managing negative comments and trolls online, advocating for a positive and non-confrontational approach.

• Jane Marie (17:19): “What I do is I respond to everything with very kind of naive positivity. Almost everything.”

Key Points:

• Jane avoids engaging with antagonistic comments, choosing instead to offer polite and constructive responses.

• She believes not feeding into trolls diminishes their impact and maintains her peace of mind.

• Highlights the importance of cultivating a supportive and positive online community.

• Jane Marie (18:44): “Just don't feed them. You know, starve them of the thing that they're probably looking for.”

4. The Male-Female Biological Differences in Dating

A discussion emerges around the biological imperatives driving male and female behaviors in dating, influenced by Jane’s reflections on her father’s views.

• Jane Marie (37:21): “Men have at least 1 million opportunities a day to procreate. And he's...My dad thinks everything comes down to the RNA and the DNA like that.”

Key Points:

• Jane explains her father's perspective that men are biologically driven to seek multiple partners.

• She contrasts this with the limited reproductive opportunities for women post-menopause, creating different dynamics in dating behaviors.

• The conversation touches on societal expectations and the biological underpinnings of relationship pursuits.

• Jen Romolini (39:05): “We are the only adults who can't procreate anymore.”

5. Menopause and Identity Shift

The hosts and Jane delve into the profound identity changes associated with menopause, highlighting its unique impact on women.

• Jane Marie (38:27): “We're one of three species that don't die at menopause.”

Key Points:

• Menopause marks a significant transition, rendering women infertile and altering their societal roles.

• Jane reflects on the emotional and physical liberation that comes with no longer being able to conceive.

• Discussion includes the separation from the rest of society, as women navigate life without the biological imperative to procreate.

• Jen Romolini (39:28): “It's like bonus time, man. That's what it is.”

6. Foster Parenting through CASA

Jane discusses her role as a foster parent through the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, emphasizing its fulfillment despite systemic challenges.

• Jane Marie (42:38): “I'm a foster mom. And through the CASA, a court-appointed special advocate program that's all over the country.”

Key Points:

• Jane highlights the critical need for dedicated advocates in the foster system, especially for the most vulnerable children.

• She shares personal fulfillment derived from supporting children who face tumultuous circumstances.

• Encourages listeners to get involved with CASA to make a meaningful impact.

• Jane Marie (43:37): “Los Angeles has the worst, like, the most foster kids. We have, like, a really screwed up system here.”

7. Meeting Harry and Meghan: Royal Encounters

Jane recounts her experience meeting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, offering personal observations on their demeanor and challenges.

Key Points:

• Jane describes Harry and Meghan as genuinely lovely and in love, countering public skepticism.

• She observes Meghan's consistent fashion choices and their calm presence despite intense public scrutiny.

• The conversation touches on the pressures faced by royals in maintaining creativity and personal freedom.

• Jane Marie (44:25): “They are so lovely. They are clearly in love.”

• Jane Marie (48:35): “They're frozen with, you know, out of fear in terms of their creativity and what they can. What they feel like they're allowed to do in the world.”

8. The Future of The Dream Podcast

Jane outlines her vision for her podcast, The Dream, focusing on authentic conversations with intriguing individuals beyond conventional topics.

Key Points:

• Transitioning The Dream from a seasonal to a weekly format to align with new personal and professional circumstances.

• Embracing a talk show format that prioritizes genuine curiosity and unique guest perspectives.

• Plans to cover a broad range of topics, from ancient human practices to modern societal issues, without being confined to the traditional American dream narrative.

• Jane Marie (51:18): “It's like whatever tickles my fancy. Really?”

• Jane Marie (53:15): “It doesn't have to be about the American dream. It doesn't have to be about this and that.”

9. Debunking Myths: Stonehenge and Beyond

The conversation shifts to debunking historical myths, using Stonehenge as a prime example of practical human endeavors rather than mystical constructs.

Key Points:

• Jane introduces alternative theories about Stonehenge, suggesting it was used for practical purposes like processing pig meat.

• Emphasizes the importance of factual understanding over romanticized myths in historical interpretations.

• Encourages critical thinking and skepticism towards widely accepted narratives without evidence.

• Jane Marie (54:22): “Like, they were moving the pig between the stones to keep them in the shade as you were processing the pigs throughout the day.”

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jane Marie shares her social media handles and encourages listeners to engage with her work across various platforms. The hosts express their gratitude for her insightful contributions, highlighting the enriching dialogue on navigating life beyond forty.

• Jane Marie (56:42): “My handles are all C, Jane Marie. So that's S E E Jane Marie. And I quit Twitter after the Nazi stuff. So I'm on blueskyjmarie, Instagram, TikTok.”

Key Points:

• Reiteration of the episode's themes: resilience, redefining personal dreams, and fostering meaningful connections.
• Emphasis on the importance of community support and personal growth during midlife transitions.

Notable Quotes

1. Jane Marie (02:57): “I found it really interesting to have a person I'm fairly close to be interviewed by Marc Maron. And then the backlash she got just because she was a lady on his podcast I thought was interesting.”

2. Jane Marie (12:15): “I've had luck in that one [Field] lately than Tinder or, you know, all the Christian ones, which I haven't really tried, but.”

3. Jane Marie (18:44): “Just don't feed them. You know, starve them of the thing that they're probably looking for.”

4. Jane Marie (37:21): “Men have at least 1 million opportunities a day to procreate. And he's...My dad thinks everything comes down to the RNA and the DNA like that.”

5. Jane Marie (38:27): “We're one of three species that don't die at menopause.”

6. Jen Romolini (39:05): “We are the only adults who can't procreate anymore.”

7. Jane Marie (42:38): “I'm a foster mom. And through the CASA, a court-appointed special advocate program that's all over the country.”

8. Jane Marie (51:18): “It's like whatever tickles my fancy. Really?”

9. Jane Marie (54:22): “Like, they were moving the pig between the stones to keep them in the shade as you were processing the pigs throughout the day.”

Conclusion

This episode of Everything is Fine offers a candid and introspective look into Jane Marie's experiences and insights as a woman navigating life over forty. From handling public criticism to redefining personal dreams and engaging in meaningful relationships, the conversation provides valuable perspectives for listeners embracing their midlife journeys.