Spike Jonze

More than a decade ago, the film Her imagined a love story between a human and an artificial intelligence. Today, it no longer feels like fiction. In this special live taping of Where Should We Begin? from the Vox Media Stage at SXSW, Esther Perel is joined by Academy Award–winning filmmaker Spike Jonze to explore what happens when technology captures our affection. Drawing on a recent therapy session ​on the podcast with a man in a romantic relationship with his AI companion, Esther brings the audience into a deeply human story—one that raises new questions about intimacy, attachment, the state of "love," and what it means to feel seen. What happens when the being that understands you best isn’t a human being? As AI moves closer into our emotional lives, this conversation invites us to consider not just what technology can do, but what it awakens within us. Producer’s Note: When our anonymous guests do a session with Esther for the podcast, it is an act of generosity for everyone who listens. These sessions are meant not only to support the people in the room with Esther, but all of us who learn from their stories. Our stories have many chapters, and what you hear is just one moment in someone’s journey. So even though the sessions are anonymous, please remember that real people are behind them and they may be reading your comments. Also, please join me on Entre Nous, my new home on Substack for anyone who wants to live, love, and work with more connection and imagination. I invite you to sign up and become a free or paid member at estherperel.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Director Jeff Tremaine discusses his new film, Jackass Forever, with fellow director Spike Jonze in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The original Jackass crew return after 11 years to push the envelope with another round of hilarious and absurd displays of comedy. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/April2022/JackAssForever_QnA_0222.aspx

Director Mike Mills discusses his new film, C'mon C'mon, with fellow director Spike Jonze in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. The film tells the story of a man who forms a bond with his sister's son when they are thrown together on a cross-country trip. Please note: spoilers are included. See photos and a summary of this event below: https://www.dga.org/Events/2022/January2022/CmonCmon_QnA_1121.aspx

Director Rian Johnson discusses his new film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, with fellow Director Spike Jonze. As the eight installment of the blockbuster franchise, the film continues the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, as Rey develops her Force abilities with a reluctant Luke Skywalker while Finn, General Leia Organa and the resistance continue their battle against Kylo Ren and the First Order.

Director Greta Gerwig discusses her new film, Lady Bird, with fellow Director Spike Jonze. The film follows Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson and her relationship with her wildly loving, strong-willed mother, who works tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird's father loses his job. The film looks at both the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between mother and daughter.