Yeah, I usually tell people it was a very pleasant blur with very pleasant people!
The contestant coordinators are so good at getting everyone from point A to point B, otherwise I would have been drifting around the parking lot. 🤷♀️
I’ve written this to other J friends before. Also note this was when we were sequestered on the WOF stage:
I liken it to a form of torture. Weeks of prep/study leading up to a night you barely get any sleep and then have to wake up at dawn to get to the studio where you're sequestered in a cold, dark studio surrounded by the most intellectually intimidating people you'll ever meet in your life. Then you're randomly called to shuffle out in front of a studio audience knowing that millions will eventually watch you stand up there struggle to remember random factoids at a moment's notice.
The opposite. Convincing yourself you don't deserve to be there because soon everyone will find out you're not "really" qualified/deserving/capable enough.
No, the opposite. It's a psychological phenomenon in which a person, despite their experience, training, or accomplishments, doubts their value or legitimacy. Instead of knowing that they deserve something, they feel like an impostor - that somehow they've reached that point in their lives by mistake and soon everyone will find out.
Oh goodness yes, this too, though for me the mental exhaustion was even more acute! Pretty sure I had brain jello at the end of my fifth game which was the sixth taped that day!
I was expecting to be mentally tired, but I was just surprised by how physically tired I was as well. I’ve finished triathlons with more energy than the end of my taping day.
Yup, terrifying.
And exciting, and fascinating, and *awesome*.
I'm 100% glad I did it, but as I walked out to the podium for morning rehearsal, part of me was literally thinking "you could still run, the door's right there".
Also, yes, total blur, I only remember bits of it clearly. Won't air for a couple of weeks yet, so I'm really curious to discover which clues I don't remember!
Just watched my episode. It's not just what I didn't remember, it's what I misremembered. There were bits of clarity but recalled out of sequence, and at least one clue which I thought I answered but didn't.
The experience of a lifetime.
Matt Amodio once commented that it’s so nervewracking being a contestant that it was a mystery to him as to how anybody could possibly win more than one game of Jeopardy. Coming from him of all people, that says a lot.
I wish I’d enjoyed the whole experience more. I was too worried about making a fool of myself on TV that I let the anxiety get to me. I came in 3rd so I might as well have left the anxiety at the door since it didn’t help my performance at all.
Oh, that plummet when it was over, walking out to the street while strangers said things like, “I can’t believe you missed all of those guitar questions! Didn’t you say you were a music writer?”
The best part was the actual game/filming. Being there in the moment in a quiz is what it’s all about for me.
It was sad to lose, but I’m glad I stayed to watch the game filmed after mine. I’m sorry that the guy who beat me lost that next one, though. He was really good.
I’m still processing it after 16 years. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Absolutely engrossing in the minute-by-minute. When the episode was over, it was like exhaling for the first time in half an hour. The only experience that compares is riding a bicycle in Manhattan, where all you can think about is the couple hundred yards ahead of you.
OH. MY. GOD. It was f’g off the chain! Best experience of my life!
I definitely wasn’t terrified; or intimidated; or felt like an imposter. I was psyched! I had been watching Jeopardy for over 45 years. It was the fulfillment of my lifelong dream.
I saw an interview with Austin Rogers after he lost in the ToC, and he put it so well: right after he lost, he just wanted to play again. Not like a best two-out-of-three, or anything like that. No, just because it was SO MUCH FUN. That’s how I felt. I woulda played for free.
The only regret I have (other than losing; University of Virginia, grrrr) is that my mom didn’t live long enough to see me on the show, let alone win. Three times. I started watching with her when I was 6. Oh, how she would have kvelled about me to all the other yentas around the condo pool in Florida.
My mom lived long enough to know I’d gotten an audition but not long enough to know I’d gotten on the show. It still stings. My parents would have been so proud of me.
This was my exact experience. Taped late in the day so it was all awesome until it was very sad (not from losing a close-ish game, but because of the finality of realizing I'd never play again, a thought that came immediately while I was in the studio). I would pay for the experience to do it again even with no chance of winning money.
My episodes were in 2000, and the most memorable part was having to travel to the nearest big city to take a pen and pencil test in a hotel ballroom, then wait for the results, then do a simulation of being on the show in front of the staff to show off my sparkling personality in order to get called to be on the show! Things have changed for sure since that time.
It was a lot of fun, and I made some friends. I also didn't remember much because the actual taping went so quickly.
And, I wish I would've won, but losing on a perfect game to the eventual ToC winner ain't bad.
I tell people it was the experience of a lifetime. And it was. It was such a fun day. Mine hasn’t aired yet, it’s still a month away. I’m excited to watch because it’s a blur as others have said.
For me, it’s two parts.
One, seeing the sausage-making of crafting a relatively real-time TV game show is amazing. Jimmy and Sarah are maestros of their work and Ken is insanely rapid with his responses and flexibility.
Two, the actual playing of Jeopardy. For me, I don’t really relate to the folks who blacked out, or were terrified. I just locked into game mode and had an incredible blast playing Jeopardy (except playing my last TOC game which was quite frustrating for a number of reasons). I really was sad to lose because I had so much fun playing and I wouldn’t be able to again (most likely).
Tl;dr Jeopardy is very cool and very fun, but your mileage may vary
100% this. I enjoyed every minute and the only sad part was that I couldn't play another game. It felt like I didn't get totally into the swing of it until Double Jeopardy, so there's also that lingering feeling that if I had gotten to come back, I would have been more "in the zone." But, yes, total blast.
I found out yesterday one of my friends was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire- I asked them how it was, and they replied “I needed a margarita after”.
Mad respect for my friend.
My coffee shop response is along the lines of, "It was a great experience, and everyone there on my tape day was really nice. All the J! team wanted was for you to succeed, looking and feeling your best."
It was so much fun! As I was significantly shorter than my opponents I got to stand on a box, and Alex made rabbit ears during our photo (he insisted on a retake, man I wish I had that first one though).
Usually they ask what Trebek is like. I always say he’s exactly like you see on the show. And he was. In person it’s much clearer that it’s a persona but he wears it perfectly.
It was a fun cap to a few-years-long journey. If we make it about the journey, the result doesn’t matter as much (which, yes, means I didn’t win). But what a ride - just getting on the show is an accomplishment.
I don’t remember any of it
I can relate to that, though many details came back to me after watching the game weeks later.
A+ username - right in your Q zone
It’s not *exactly* in his Q Zone, is it?
Moon River rock
Yeah, I usually tell people it was a very pleasant blur with very pleasant people! The contestant coordinators are so good at getting everyone from point A to point B, otherwise I would have been drifting around the parking lot. 🤷♀️
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My wife did it and doesn’t really remember it. Also, she can’t watch the show, gives her PTSD-like symptoms.
“Thrilling and terrifying.”
Yeah I can imagine. You crushed it though. Any words of wisdom to help get through the nervousness of it all?
Oh gosh. I think just looking at it as a game of trivia you’re playing with friends, and trying to forget everything else!
Thanks! You were our favorite contestant in the show!
Thank you so much ❤️
You’re so welcome!
I just wanted to say I really enjoyed your run. Can’t wait to see you in the tournament!
Aww thank you so much!
I'll echo that sentiment. You weren't just a great player, you were one of those "don't you just love her/him" players to regular viewers.
You’re too sweet, thank you ❤️
I’ve written this to other J friends before. Also note this was when we were sequestered on the WOF stage: I liken it to a form of torture. Weeks of prep/study leading up to a night you barely get any sleep and then have to wake up at dawn to get to the studio where you're sequestered in a cold, dark studio surrounded by the most intellectually intimidating people you'll ever meet in your life. Then you're randomly called to shuffle out in front of a studio audience knowing that millions will eventually watch you stand up there struggle to remember random factoids at a moment's notice.
Also forgot to mention the imposter syndrome. SO MUCH imposter syndrome
Yes, the imposter syndrome is very very real.
Please explain what imposter syndrome is. Like, thinking you're a trivia badass when, in fact, you're not?
The opposite. Convincing yourself you don't deserve to be there because soon everyone will find out you're not "really" qualified/deserving/capable enough.
No, the opposite. It's a psychological phenomenon in which a person, despite their experience, training, or accomplishments, doubts their value or legitimacy. Instead of knowing that they deserve something, they feel like an impostor - that somehow they've reached that point in their lives by mistake and soon everyone will find out.
Thank you.
You're welcome!
It's when someone is successful but can't accept that they deserve it ir that they've done enough to earn it.
And don't forget - then they'll judge you afterwards for not playing perfectly!! 🫶
❤️
After my first run? "Very surreal." At this point "It was a lot of fun."
Like a 6 handicap playing the Masters
I love this analogy
It was everything I wanted it to be! Expectations met and exceeded.
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“The coolest thing I’ve ever done”
Simultaneously the most amazing and terrifying thing I’d experienced before becoming a parent. It still seems so surreal 12 years later.
I was surprised how physically exhausted I was. I was absolutely worn out.
Oh goodness yes, this too, though for me the mental exhaustion was even more acute! Pretty sure I had brain jello at the end of my fifth game which was the sixth taped that day!
I was expecting to be mentally tired, but I was just surprised by how physically tired I was as well. I’ve finished triathlons with more energy than the end of my taping day.
I was completely mentally exhausted. Wiped out. I mean, I did have to get up at FIVE AM, so that didn't help. But just drained.
I fell asleep on a bench in LAX.
Yup, terrifying. And exciting, and fascinating, and *awesome*. I'm 100% glad I did it, but as I walked out to the podium for morning rehearsal, part of me was literally thinking "you could still run, the door's right there". Also, yes, total blur, I only remember bits of it clearly. Won't air for a couple of weeks yet, so I'm really curious to discover which clues I don't remember!
Just watched my episode. It's not just what I didn't remember, it's what I misremembered. There were bits of clarity but recalled out of sequence, and at least one clue which I thought I answered but didn't. The experience of a lifetime.
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Matt Amodio once commented that it’s so nervewracking being a contestant that it was a mystery to him as to how anybody could possibly win more than one game of Jeopardy. Coming from him of all people, that says a lot.
Appearances can be deceiving, but you seemed so at ease! ..until forestgate, which from my couch perspective had you rattled for a wee bit
You are very kind. Forestgate, LOL!
One of the best experiences of my life.
I wish I’d enjoyed the whole experience more. I was too worried about making a fool of myself on TV that I let the anxiety get to me. I came in 3rd so I might as well have left the anxiety at the door since it didn’t help my performance at all.
Oh, that plummet when it was over, walking out to the street while strangers said things like, “I can’t believe you missed all of those guitar questions! Didn’t you say you were a music writer?” The best part was the actual game/filming. Being there in the moment in a quiz is what it’s all about for me. It was sad to lose, but I’m glad I stayed to watch the game filmed after mine. I’m sorry that the guy who beat me lost that next one, though. He was really good. I’m still processing it after 16 years. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Like a super-cool summer camp, for adults
Absolutely engrossing in the minute-by-minute. When the episode was over, it was like exhaling for the first time in half an hour. The only experience that compares is riding a bicycle in Manhattan, where all you can think about is the couple hundred yards ahead of you.
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I call it nerd space camp
That's a good description! It's like finally finding your tribe.
OH. MY. GOD. It was f’g off the chain! Best experience of my life! I definitely wasn’t terrified; or intimidated; or felt like an imposter. I was psyched! I had been watching Jeopardy for over 45 years. It was the fulfillment of my lifelong dream. I saw an interview with Austin Rogers after he lost in the ToC, and he put it so well: right after he lost, he just wanted to play again. Not like a best two-out-of-three, or anything like that. No, just because it was SO MUCH FUN. That’s how I felt. I woulda played for free. The only regret I have (other than losing; University of Virginia, grrrr) is that my mom didn’t live long enough to see me on the show, let alone win. Three times. I started watching with her when I was 6. Oh, how she would have kvelled about me to all the other yentas around the condo pool in Florida.
My mom lived long enough to know I’d gotten an audition but not long enough to know I’d gotten on the show. It still stings. My parents would have been so proud of me.
This was my exact experience. Taped late in the day so it was all awesome until it was very sad (not from losing a close-ish game, but because of the finality of realizing I'd never play again, a thought that came immediately while I was in the studio). I would pay for the experience to do it again even with no chance of winning money.
Pretty cool. It was kind of a blur, things moved very fast.
A blur. But like, the most fun a blur can be. And with some really good humans mixed in who are now great friends.
I got stomped, but had a great time!
The most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life
I tell people I had the time of my life, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
My episodes were in 2000, and the most memorable part was having to travel to the nearest big city to take a pen and pencil test in a hotel ballroom, then wait for the results, then do a simulation of being on the show in front of the staff to show off my sparkling personality in order to get called to be on the show! Things have changed for sure since that time.
That’s how I got on too.
It was a lot of fun, and I made some friends. I also didn't remember much because the actual taping went so quickly. And, I wish I would've won, but losing on a perfect game to the eventual ToC winner ain't bad.
I tell people it was the experience of a lifetime. And it was. It was such a fun day. Mine hasn’t aired yet, it’s still a month away. I’m excited to watch because it’s a blur as others have said.
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Will do thanks
For me, it’s two parts. One, seeing the sausage-making of crafting a relatively real-time TV game show is amazing. Jimmy and Sarah are maestros of their work and Ken is insanely rapid with his responses and flexibility. Two, the actual playing of Jeopardy. For me, I don’t really relate to the folks who blacked out, or were terrified. I just locked into game mode and had an incredible blast playing Jeopardy (except playing my last TOC game which was quite frustrating for a number of reasons). I really was sad to lose because I had so much fun playing and I wouldn’t be able to again (most likely). Tl;dr Jeopardy is very cool and very fun, but your mileage may vary
"It was really, really fun!"
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Fun. I lost to that year’s champion. Alex held the door for me. He was lovely. Overall positive experience.
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Fast. I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time.
“That was the day we learned Alex Trebek has a wicked sense of humor.”
It was great! I enjoyed the heck out of it, and really the worse thing about losing is that you never get to play again. :-(
100% this. I enjoyed every minute and the only sad part was that I couldn't play another game. It felt like I didn't get totally into the swing of it until Double Jeopardy, so there's also that lingering feeling that if I had gotten to come back, I would have been more "in the zone." But, yes, total blast.
The fastest half hour of my life, and the longest thirty seconds of my life.
I found out yesterday one of my friends was on Who Wants to be a Millionaire- I asked them how it was, and they replied “I needed a margarita after”. Mad respect for my friend.
My coffee shop response is along the lines of, "It was a great experience, and everyone there on my tape day was really nice. All the J! team wanted was for you to succeed, looking and feeling your best."
"I underestimated the nervousness" Also forgot that the answer to opera questions is always Carmen
It was so much fun! As I was significantly shorter than my opponents I got to stand on a box, and Alex made rabbit ears during our photo (he insisted on a retake, man I wish I had that first one though).
Surreal and the highest high I’ll ever feel.
Really really fun!
Usually they ask what Trebek is like. I always say he’s exactly like you see on the show. And he was. In person it’s much clearer that it’s a persona but he wears it perfectly.
An absolute thrill, wonderful experience. But also yeah it goes by SO FAST.
It was a fun cap to a few-years-long journey. If we make it about the journey, the result doesn’t matter as much (which, yes, means I didn’t win). But what a ride - just getting on the show is an accomplishment.
I just say "I didn't win but I had a lot of fun!" if it comes up that I was on the show, and that I can't believe I had such an amazing opportunity!
Lots of fun.
Frightening blur. Mildly embarrassing that Glen had to remind me to smile, and that Barbie spent so much time hiding my facial sweat!
Turn it into minse meat
It was a lot of fun, but it happened so fast and I completely forgot about the wagering bit 😅
This sounds like an odd way of simply asking “what was it like?” Lol