Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with legendary endurance swimmer Diana Nyad to discuss obsession, aging, and the role of close relationships in achieving the seemingly impossible. Nyad reflects on her marathon swims, the incremental evolution of her ability, and the loyalty of friends who sustained her. The episode also features Julia's 91-year-old mother Judy Bowles, who compares notes on wrinkles and aging.

Julia speaks with 86-year-old death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean about her Southern childhood, the path that led her to decades of death row ministry, and what she has learned about people and power. The conversation also touches on lighter ground, including Sister Helen’s charming refusal to bet money on card games. Julia’s 91-year-old mother, Judy, joins to reminisce about Catholic grade school, and Julia recalls her own childhood “Catholic makeover.”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks with 84-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer Darlene Love. Darlene shares her journey from singing gospel in her father's church to backing icons like Elvis Presley, finally going solo at age 40. She reflects on raising her sons while building her career, the balance between strength and kindness, and what drives her to deliver her best performances. Julia also recounts a personal story with her mom Judith about a misfired laugh on the set of 'Hannah and Her Sisters.'

On this special crossover episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with Seth and Josh Meyers, along with her sons, to share stories from her family's most unforgettable vacations. They discuss the challenges of traveling with kids, laugh about disastrous moments, and reflect on what makes family trips so memorable. The conversation originally aired on Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

In this special holiday episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia Louis-Dreyfus presents her recent appearance on Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend. The two comedians discuss the inspiration behind launching Wiser Than Me, the grade-school play where Julia first discovered her comedic talent, and the importance of continuously trying new things.

This episode of Wiser Than Me is a feed drop from Good Hang with Amy Poehler, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Amy sits down with brilliant guests for carefree conversations about careers, mutual friends, and things they're excited about. There's no self-improvement agenda—just a good hang. Julia's appearance is a lighthearted chat between two comedy icons.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with 78-year-old Glenn Close, who opens up about her childhood in the Moral Re-Armament cult, her iconic role in Fatal Attraction, and the blend of tenacity and forgiveness that has powered her career. Close also reflects on the impact of her grandmothers and reveals a surprising story from the set of The Natural. Later, Julia and her mother Judy trade tales about the formidable women in their family lineage.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with photographer Annie Leibovitz for a conversation about ambition, aging, and the magic of being truly seen. They explore Leibovitz’s obsessive attention to detail and how motherhood rewired her creative instincts. Later, Julia’s 91-year-old mother Judy joins to discuss family photos and why a genuine smile is harder than it looks.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus revisits her conversation with chef Alice Waters, founder of Chez Panisse and pioneer of the farm-to-table movement. They discuss Waters’ philosophy of food, aging, and beauty, and how pausing to savor meals can bring meaning to daily life. Julia’s mother Judith also shares memories of her family’s WWII victory garden, adding a personal layer about food, care, and community.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks with New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast about anxiety, caregiving, and using humor to cope with life’s chaos. Chast discusses raising kids with constant worry and the experience of caring for her aging parents, which she chronicled in her award-winning memoir. Julia’s mother Judy also joins briefly to share a memory of how she handled the sex talk.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks with 78-year-old comedy icon and Saturday Night Live original cast member Jane Curtin. They reflect on the 50th anniversary of SNL and the lasting friendships among the women of that first cast. Jane shares the story of meeting her husband Patrick Lynch, their 50-year marriage and hands-on parenting, and how she navigates grief after his recent passing. Julia's 91-year-old mom Judy also joins to recall the moment she learned Julia was cast on SNL.

A special between-season episode celebrating the wisdom found in everyday women. Julia Louis-Dreyfus shares a listener's story, street-side interviews with women on wisdom, and a look back at memorable moments from past episodes. It serves as both a reminder that wisdom is everywhere and a teaser for the upcoming season premiering November 12th.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus honors the late Jane Goodall with a re-air of their conversation from one year ago. They reflect on Goodall's pioneering chimpanzee observations in Gombe and the storytelling methods she uses to motivate global conservation efforts. Julia also chats with her mom Judith about a memorable camping trip organized by Julia’s friend Paula.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with comedy legend Catherine O'Hara for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation. They delve into their early improv days and the creative freedom those experiences offered. The pair share funny stories, including a memorable trip to the Vatican, and reflect on why they both find genuine laughter to be incredibly attractive. They also tackle the habit of over-apologizing, and Julia's mother Judith makes a charming attempt at telling a joke.

In this encore episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with Julie Andrews, the legendary star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. They explore the restorative power of nature, reveal their favorite curse words, and reflect on Andrews' six-decade friendship with Carol Burnett. Later, Julia's mother Judy joins to share how a life-changing health crisis unexpectedly opened the door to her own creative expression.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus appears on IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson for a conversation about friendship, community, and aging. Julia discusses the importance of building community in adulthood, while Michelle reflects on her approach to life in her 60s and reveals a surprising strategy she used to maintain friendships during her time in the White House. Together, they answer a listener’s question about making adult friends at every stage of life, offering practical wisdom and personal stories.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with award-winning author Isabel Allende to discuss her latest novel, the concept of 'organic justice,' the lost art of letter writing, her experiments with blueberry weed edibles, and the surprising wisdom gained from motherhood and otherworldly signs.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg about relationships, aging, and the most important relationship in her life. Diane shares why she’s always looked forward to getting older, reveals the one piece of clothing she believes every woman should own, and explains how her mother made her fearless. Julia and her mom Judith also have a humorous debate about a fashion choice Julia nearly made.

In an Earth Day episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus speaks with 89-year-old marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, who joins from a research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico. Earle shares what it's like to walk untethered on the ocean floor, how her first dive changed her life, and the essential role the ocean plays in humanity's survival. Julia also recounts a comical failed scuba diving attempt, and she and her 91-year-old mother Judy reminisce about snorkeling adventures and a unique 90th birthday gift.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with 90-year-old comedy legend Carol Burnett for the season one finale of Wiser Than Me. Carol shares how she learned to accept rejection, what Lucille Ball taught her about being a boss, and how a spontaneous ride on a beer truck led to a CBS special with Julie Andrews. The conversation takes a touching turn when Carol gives Julia a compliment that makes her cry, leading to a reflection with Julia's mom Judith.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus welcomes actress Isabella Rossellini, who shares insights from her life on a Long Island farm, her unapologetic embrace of aging, and her evolving perspective on romance and sexuality in later years. Julia's 90-year-old mother Judith also makes an appearance to recite a Mary Oliver poem.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with music legend Bonnie Raitt for a wide-ranging conversation. They explore the difference between external and internal validation in a performer's life, how to navigate grief, and fresh perspectives on songwriting. Julia also talks with her mother Judy about the intense emotions of meeting one's heroes.

In the Season 3 finale of Wiser Than Me, Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews 84-year-old House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi reflects on the power of public sentiment in politics, the roots of today's political vitriol, and the influence of her pioneering mother. She also shares her love for the Grateful Dead and fields Julia's offer to help with an SNL audition. Julia's mother Judith adds her perspective on how Pelosi inspires future generations, including Julia's daughter Fia.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with EGOT-winning actress Rita Moreno on her 93rd birthday. They discuss Rita's near-withdrawal from her Oscar-winning role in West Side Story and the emotional aftermath of her husband's death after 45 years of marriage. The two also share a lighthearted moment discovering they both find Mel Brooks sexy. Later, Julia's 90-year-old mother, Judith, joins to reflect on seeing the original West Side Story on Broadway and the storytelling power of musicals.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with 80-year-old singer, actress, and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle. They discuss LaBelle's legendary Grammy-winning music career and her reputation for cooking for icons like Nina Simone, Elton John, and Prince. LaBelle also opens up about a time she was convinced she wouldn't live to see 50, and Julia's 90-year-old mom Judith adds a lighthearted coda by trying to recall racy song lyrics from her own youth.

In this special cross-post episode, Julia Louis-Dreyfus shares Ina Garten's 'Be My Guest' podcast, where the two spend the day together in Ina's Hamptons home. Over cooking and conversation, they discuss Julia's early challenges at Saturday Night Live, her most memorable Seinfeld moments, and the personal insights she's gained from hosting Wiser Than Me.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with 76-year-old culinary icon Ina Garten. Ina recounts her improbable career trajectory from White House nuclear policy to running the Barefoot Contessa store and building a cookbook and TV empire. The conversation covers how aging has reshaped her palate and her practical methods for dealing with passive-aggressive people.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus talks with actress Isabella Rossellini about life on her Long Island farm, why she embraces describing herself as 'ancient,' and her evolving relationship with sexuality and romance as she's gotten older. The conversation also touches on a Mary Oliver poem recited by Julia's 90-year-old mother, Judith, and a potential adventure the two are plotting.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with 94-year-old labor activist Dolores Huerta to discuss her iconic 'Sí Se Puede' slogan, her evolution on marriage and divorce, and how she reconciles her Catholic faith with her activism. Huerta reflects on the profound influence of her mother, a community leader who ran a small hotel. Julia also recalls her own early act of activism, and Julia’s mother Judith shares how her views on reproductive rights have changed over time.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus appears on On with Kara Swisher to discuss how her podcast, Wiser Than Me, has changed her through deep conversations with iconic older women. She shares concerns about commercialization in independent cinema and reflects on the state of comedy, calling it risky but still possible. The conversation explores the impact of listening to older generations and the challenges facing artists today.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with legendary NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg. They discuss Nina's nearly 50-year friendship with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the challenge and reward of maintaining relationships across political divides, and the personal toll of long-term caregiving. Julia's 90-year-old mother Judith also reflects on how attitudes toward women's ambition have shifted over her lifetime.