The podcast "Big Lives" explores the life and legacy of Jane Fonda, challenging simplified portrayals of her. It examines her evolution from a "nudie cutie" sex symbol in films like Barbarella to a controversial anti-war activist known as "Hanoi Jane," highlighting her involvement with the American Indian Movement and Veterans Against the Vietnam War. The hosts discuss her 1972 trip to North Vietnam, where she made radio broadcasts and posed with an anti-aircraft gun, sparking outrage and solidifying her image as a figure of woke excess. Later, Fonda's unexpected turn to fitness videos, selling 17 million copies and funding her activism, further complicates her narrative. The conversation emphasizes Fonda's willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her struggles and political awakening, positioning her as a symbol of cultural shifts that continue to provoke strong reactions.
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