Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 72-year-old actress, director, and model Isabella Rossellini, currently starring in the film Conclave. The two dive into a conversation about Isabella’s Long Island farm, why she loves referring to herself as ancient, and her personal journey with sexuality and romance, particularly in her later years. Plus, Julia asks her 90-year-old mom, Judith, to recite a perfectly timed Mary Oliver poem and plots a potential adventure with her.

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On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia talks with 94-year-old trailblazing labor activist Dolores Huerta. Dolores reflects on her iconic “Sí Se Puede” (“Yes We Can”) slogan, shares her views on healthy divorces, and opens up about confronting some of her own long-held Catholic beliefs. The pair also discuss the lasting influence of Dolores's mother, while Julia recalls what may have been her own first act of activism. Plus, Julia’s 90-year-old mom, Judith, opens up about the evolution of her views on women’s reproductive rights.

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Wiser Than Me will be back with a brand new episode next week. In the meantime, we wanted to share an episode of another podcast where Julia was a guest – On with Kara Swisher. In this episode, Kara and Julia discuss how in-depth conversations with iconic older women have radicalized her, her concerns about the commercialization of art films and why she thinks comedy is risky – but still very much possible. Listen to On with Kara Swisher every Monday and Thursday from New York Magazine and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 70-year-old comedy icon – and star of Beetlejuice and Schitt’s Creek – Catherine O’Hara. Catherine and Julia share their improv origin stories and reminisce about the freedom and experimentation of their early comedy careers. They also swap stories about visiting the Vatican, over-apologizing, and how they both find laughter incredibly sexy. Plus, Judith, Julia’s 90-year-old mom, tries very hard to tell a joke.

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Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with legendary legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg. Nina is one of the founding mothers of NPR and has been covering the Supreme Court for over 50 years, longer than any justice has sat on the bench. Julia asks Nina about her friendship with the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, balancing relationships across political lines, and the emotional toll of long-term caretaking. Plus, Judith, Julia's 90-year-old mother, tells a story about how attitudes towards women’s ambition have changed in her lifetime.

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On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia welcomes legendary chef, author, and farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters. They discuss Alice’s incredible career at her groundbreaking restaurant Chez Panisse and turning 80. Together, they explore the philosophy of age, food, and beauty. Julia also asks Alice about the meaning she finds in moments of pause, and later talks with her 90-year-old mom, Judith, about the victory garden she grew up with during World War II.

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This episode of Wiser Than Me is sponsored by Mill. Go to Mill.com/Wiser for $100 off your Mill bin.

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On the Season 3 premiere of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with visionary scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall. Jane shares her reflections on turning 90 (spoiler: she’s just getting started) and what she considers her next great adventure will be. The pair also discuss Jane’s trailblazing work in Gombe, and how she uses storytelling to drive change. Plus, Julia and her 90-year-old mom, Judith, discuss the thrilling prospect of surviving a camping trip, courtesy of Julia’s bestie, Paula—because what better way to bond than trying to survive in the wilderness?

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This episode of Wiser Than Me is sponsored by Mill. Go to Mill.com/Wiser for $100 off your Mill bin.

For exclusive discount codes and more information about our sponsors, visit https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/. 

For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com.

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This fall, Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns with Season 3 of Wiser Than Me! Tune in for fresh conversations with trailblazing women who’ve been there, done that, and have the wisdom to prove it. Each new episode dives into life lessons and stories about living boldly and standing up for what really matters. Also, each episode ends in an unmissable chat between Julia and her 90-year-old mom, Judith. Premiering October 9th, from Lemonada Media. 

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Today, we’re excited to share Julia’s appearance on another Lemonada Media series: Podcrushed. In this episode, Julia talks about standing up to a major studio that wanted to sue her as a young actress, how fighting breast cancer felt like surviving a shark attack in open waters, and why she stays open to life’s great mysteries.

Hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, Podcrushed explores the heartbreak, anxiety, and self-discovery of being a teenager. The stories are sometimes awkward, sometimes heartwarming, but always relatable.

To hear more of the show, head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/podcrushedfd

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On the Season 2 finale of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits at the feet of 88-year-old Academy Award-winning icon Julie Andrews. Acclaimed for her enduring roles in “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” Julie brings a depth of wisdom from a lifetime in the spotlight. The pair discuss the restorative feeling of being in nature, their favorite curse words, and Julie’s 60-year friendship with Carol Burnett. Plus, Julia and her 90-year-old mom, Judy, talk about a life-changing health scare in Judy’s past and how it helped her find her creative voice. 

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In this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 90-year-old author and revolutionary Gloria Steinem. The two delve into Gloria's remarkable journey as a pioneering feminist and discuss joining the army of gray-haired women who will take over the world. Gloria also gives Julia THE most incredible advice for aging without shame. Plus, Julia’s mom, Judy, recounts her early ambitions in acting and her initial reservations about working outside the home.

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This week on Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with 74-year-old fashion designer and visionary entrepreneur Vera Wang. Get ready for some serious insight. Vera shares wisdom on good sleep, redefining herself after marriage, and her perspective on aging in the fashion industry. Plus, Julia and her mom, Judy, delve into the influence of mothers' style on their children and reminisce about their all-time favorite outfits.

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This week on Wiser Than Me, Julia gets schooled by 70-year-old author and Sunday school teacher Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird). Julia finds solace in subtle signs from the universe and learns the importance of shutting the hell up when it comes to parenting adult children. Anne also shares wisdom on recovery, perfectionism, and falling in love at 65. Plus, Julia and her mom, Judy, explore the inevitable role reversal that comes with aging parents.

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On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 74-year-old Debbie Allen, the iconic talent known for her work as a choreographer, actor, producer, director, and founder of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Debbie shares wisdom on mentorship, tough love, and thriving after rejection. Additionally, Julia talks about the origins of the “Elaine dance” and discusses longevity with her mom, Judy – inspired by Debbie's own mother, who is 101 years old.

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On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with legendary 77-year-old musician, poet and author Patti Smith. Julia and Patti reflect on the importance of expressing gratitude daily, life-changing friendships, and saying goodbye to the people we love through art. Plus, Julia talks to her mom, Judy, about a misleading family truism that ends in a nice little nap. 

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Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 80-year-old tennis pro, activist, and LGBTQ+ icon Billie Jean King. Billie Jean delves into the nature of leadership, visualization, and her long journey towards self-acceptance. Inspired by the sports legend, Julia asks Billie Jean for advice about her niece’s college soccer career, as well as revealing the original spark that lit her own love of sports. Additionally, Julia’s mom, Judy, reflects on her generation's acceptance of societal norms and the transformative power of the feminist movement.

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On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia gets enlightened by 76-year-old cook and author Ina Garten. From working on nuclear policy at the White House and operating her famous specialty food store Barefoot Contessa, to penning best-selling books and hosting hit TV shows – Ina has done it all. Her culinary influence goes beyond technique; it's about simplicity and connection. Ina shares how aging has changed her taste in food and how she deals with passive-aggressive people.

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This week on Wiser Than Me, Julia spends time with 71-year-old supermodel and trailblazer Beverly Johnson. Julia and Beverly dive into modeling in the 1970s, including what it was like for Beverly to find out she would be the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue. Julia and Beverly discuss self confidence, and the two open up about their experiences with menopause. Plus, Julia follows up with her mom, Judy, about being in front of the camera.

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Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 74-year-old music legend and Grammy Award winner Bonnie Raitt. Bonnie talks to Julia about performing live, the experience of external vs. internal validation, and managing grief. Julia also gets Bonnie thinking about her songwriting in a whole new light. Crying, laughing, raging -- this episode has everything. Plus, Julia discusses the deep emotions tied to meeting your heroes with her 90-year-old mom, Judy. 

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On the premiere episode of Season 2 of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with the one-and-only Sally Field. With a spectacular film career spanning over six decades, Sally – now 77 years old – candidly discusses the introspection that comes with aging, shyness, and playing characters who are taking back their power. Plus, Julia asks her 90-year-old mom, Judy, when she feels most confident. 

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