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 Isabella’s Long Island farm, why she loves referring to herself as ancient, and her perso...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 managing grief. Julia also gets Bonnie thinking about her songwriting in a whole new light. C...
Dec 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 the current vitriol in politics. Plus, Julia's 90-year old mom Judith reflects on the myriad wa...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast 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, Julia talks with her 90-year-old mom, Judith, about seeing the original West Side Story on Broadw...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast 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 remember any racy song lyrics from her youth. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagr...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 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 favorite standout "Seinfeld" moments and what she’s learned from making this podcast, Wiser Than Me. Lis...
Nov 30, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 aging has changed her taste in food and how she deals with passive-aggressive people. Follow Wiser Th...
Nov 27, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follo...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 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, o...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast 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 V...
Nov 06, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. ...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast 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 w...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Tha...
Oct 16, 2024•59 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 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&...
Oct 09, 2024•59 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast 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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Sep 25, 2024•1 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Sep 18, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and T...
May 29, 2024•55 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at face...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wise...
May 15, 2024•52 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok...
May 08, 2024•59 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast . Keep up with Patti ...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast 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 th...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me o...
Apr 17, 2024•56 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikT...
Apr 10, 2024•58 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikT...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast . ...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Julia Louis-Dreyfus is back with season 2 of her award-winning podcast! This season promises more hilarious and intimate conversations with iconic women, brimming with wisdom and the kind of attitude that only comes with age. Tune in to laugh, cry, and maybe… get wise. All Hail Old Women! Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast . Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms. Joining L...
Mar 13, 2024•4 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
