Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Listen back to this fascinating interview from season one, where Diane von Furstenberg talks about the relationships in her life – and who she believes the most important one of all is.    Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 76-year-old fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg. In this conversation, Diane tells Julia why she’s always looked forward to getting older, the one piece of clothing sh...

In this special Earth Day episode, Julia chats with 89-year-old marine biologist and oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, who joins from a boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Sylvia shares what it's like to walk untethered on the ocean floor, how her first dive changed her life, and the ocean's vital role in our survival. Plus, Julia tells a comical story about the one-and-only time she went scuba diving. She...

In honor of Carol Burnett’s 92nd birthday later this month, we wanted to re-share the heartwarming conversation she and Julia had back in season one.   On the season one finale of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down in person with 90-year-old groundbreaking actress, comedian, and writer Carol Burnett. Carol tells Julia how she learned to accept rejection, what Lucille Ball taught her about being a boss...

Isabella Rossellini is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at this weekend’s Academy Awards. Before the big show, we wanted to give you a chance to listen back to her incredible conversation with Julia.   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 Isabel...

In celebration of the recent Kennedy Center Honors where Julia helped honor Bonnie Raitt for her music and advocacy, we wanted to share Bonnie’s episode from Season 2 of Wiser Than Me.   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 mana...

In the final episode of Season 3 of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 84-year-old House Speaker Emerita and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi. Nancy shares her love for the Grateful Dead, discusses the power of public sentiment, and fields Julia’s offer to help with a Saturday Night Live audition. Julia also asks Nancy about her pioneering mom, the recent presidential election, and the roots of t...

On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with EGOT-winning actress, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno on her 93rd birthday. The two discuss why Rita almost backed out of her Oscar-winning turn as Anita in West Side Story and the complex emotions Rita experienced after her husband of 45 years passed away. Julia and Rita also bond over the fact that they both find Mel Brooks sexy. Later, Jul...

Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia welcomes 80-year-old singer, actress, and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle. The two discuss Patti’s legendary Grammy Award-winning music career and what the “Godmother of Soul” has cooked for friends like Nina Simone, Elton John, and Prince. Plus, Patti tells Julia why she was convinced she wouldn't live to see 50. Also, Julia asks her 90-year-old mom, Judith, if she can re...

Today, we’re excited to feature an episode of Be My Guest with Ina Garten, one of our favorite podcasts! On Be My Guest, Ina welcomes a different friend over to her Hamptons home to share stories about career, love, and life – all while cooking up an amazing meal. On this episode of Be My Guest, Ina and Julia spend the day together and talk about Julia’s challenges at Saturday Night Live, her favo...

On this encore 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 a...

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 re...

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...

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...

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. P...

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-te...

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...

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, Judi...

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. Pre...

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 e...

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 Burnet...

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...

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...

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 inevitab...

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 –...

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.    Follow Wiser Than Me on Ins...