Julia Louis-Dreyfus chats with Gloria Steinem about embracing aging without shame, Gloria's journey as a pioneering feminist, and her advice for women in the world. They also discuss the power of female friendships, reproductive freedom, and the idea of fundraiser funerals. Plus, Julia's mom shares her early career ambitions and reservations about working outside the home.
Gloria Steinem's feminist legacy and activism are highlighted, emphasizing her pivotal role in the movement.
The importance of female friendships is underscored, acknowledging the deep emotional support and nurturing bonds they provide.
Aging is portrayed as a time of empowerment and authenticity, allowing for radical self-expression and rebellion against societal norms.
Deep dives
Grandma Diddy's Peanut Butter Cookies
The speaker recalls the sentimental value of her grandmother Diddy's peanut butter cookies, sharing that she still has the handwritten recipe and even printed it on a tea towel for baking convenience. This unique teatowel is part of the merch collection and showcases the speaker's deep appreciation for femininity and emotional intelligence associated with being a woman.
Importance of Female Friendships
The podcast delves into the significance of female friendships in the speaker's life, highlighting the critical role of close female friends during challenging times like battling breast cancer. The speaker expresses immense gratitude for the emotional support, shared history, and nurturing bonds she shares with her female friends, emphasizing the deep sense of ease and connection these friendships bring.
Women's Empowerment and Female Intuition
The episode explores women's empowerment and the concept of female intuition, with the speaker reflecting on the emotional intelligence and female intuition she values. Female intuition is described as a powerful force guiding decisions with unwavering certainty and surpassing rational reasoning. The speaker acknowledges the strength and wisdom that emanate from this unique aspect of femininity.
Legacy and Continued Activism of Gloria Steinem
Gloria Steinem's enduring impact and activism are highlighted, emphasizing her pivotal role in the feminist movement. The podcast discusses Steinem's founding of Ms. Magazine, her advocacy for women's rights, and her unwavering commitment to activism even in her later years. Steinem's legacy as a feminist icon and her relentless pursuit of equality are showcased through her numerous accolades and ongoing contributions to social change.
Perspective on Aging and Wisdom of Experience
The episode touches on aging and the wisdom that comes with experience, suggesting that age often brings greater authenticity and freedom. The speaker shares insights on how women's perspectives may become more radical with age, shedding societal expectations to embrace individuality and self-expression. Aging is framed as a time of empowerment and reward, fostering a sense of rebellion and embracing one's true self without constraints of societal norms.
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.
