Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Glenn Close, a veteran actress and activist, shares insights from her remarkable life, including her unique upbringing in a Moral Re-Armament cult. She opens up about her iconic roles in films like Fatal Attraction and her experiences as a grandmother. Close reflects on generational trauma and the impact of her grandmothers on her career. Through heartfelt stories, she discusses motherhood, advocacy for mental health, and the joys of aging with vitality. Her reflections are both deep and inspiring, revealing the power of forgiveness and the importance of family.

Annie Leibovitz, a celebrated photographer known for capturing iconic cultural moments, joins Julia for an enlightening chat. They delve into the nuances of aging and the creative reinvention that comes with experience. Annie shares her thoughts on photographing comedians and the vulnerability of older subjects, emphasizing authenticity over staged smiles. The duo also discusses how images shape women’s self-perception and the intimacy found in domestic portraiture. Plus, Annie reflects on the legacy of her late partner Susan Sontag and her approach to parenting later in life.

Because Thanksgiving is basically Ruth Reichl season (the holy trinity of food, family, and feelings) we’re serving up a rerun of Julia’s lovely conversation with her from Season 1.   On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia gets enlightened by 77-year-old food writer, magazine editor, and author Ruth Reichl. From her infamous New York Times review of Le Cirque to greenlighting a controversial David Foster Wallace article in Gourmet, Ruth is as gutsy as they come. Ruth talks to Julia about living with a mom who has bipolar disorder, processing grief through food, and why you should always do things that scare you. Plus, Julia asks her mom Judith for a recommendation on what to cook when Ruth accepts an invitation for dinner.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast.   Keep up with Ruth Reichl @ruth.reichl on Instagram.    Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we ease into Thanksgiving week, we’re bringing back Julia’s beautiful conversation with Alice Waters from last year, a chance to revisit her ideas about food, care and community.    On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia welcomes 81-year-old legendary chef, author, and farm-to-table pioneer Alice Waters. They discuss Alice’s incredible career at her groundbreaking restaurant Chez Panisse and 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 91-year-old mom, Judith, about the victory garden she grew up with during World War II.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast.   Keep up with Alice Waters @alicelouisewaters on Instagram.    Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today by hitting 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or lemonadapremium.com for any other app.    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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia sits down with 70-year-old New Yorker cartooning legend Roz Chast, whose humor and unforgettable illustrations Julia has adored for decades. They dive into Roz’s anxieties, obsessions, and the worldview behind her award-winning memoir “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” Roz chats about raising kids through constant worry, caring for her aging parents, and how her work helps her make sense of the chaos. Plus, Julia’s mom Judy recalls how she handled the sex talk with Julia when she was growing up.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast. Find us on Substack at wiserthanme.substack.com.   Keep up with Roz Chast @rozchast on Instagram.   Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today by hitting 'Subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or lemonadapremium.com for any other app.   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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus chats with comedy legend Jane Curtin about her journey from SNL's original cast to navigating grief after losing her husband. They reflect on their close friendships with fellow cast members and the unique camaraderie among women in comedy. Jane shares her childhood influences and balancing motherhood with her career, revealing heartwarming stories about her family. As they discuss aging, loss, and joy in work, Jane offers timeless advice on living without regrets and staying active.

Hello listeners, get ready … because a NEW season of Wiser Than Me drops November 12th! In the meantime, we wanted to bring you something a little different: a celebration of wise women everywhere. With a special story directly from a listener, snippets of wisdom from women out and about, and a look back at some of our favorite Wiser Than Me moments, it’s proof that wisdom is all around us. You just have to listen!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a heartfelt conversation, the late Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, reflects on her groundbreaking work in chimpanzee research. She shares enchanting stories about her early days at Gombe, the power of patience, and the profound lessons chimps teach us about human behavior. Jane also discusses the emotional bonds within animal families and her perspective on motherhood. Filled with wisdom, she inspires listeners to embrace each day as an adventure and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in conservation efforts.

Catherine O'Hara, a comedy icon known for her roles in Beetlejuice and Schitt's Creek, shares her improv roots and experiences in the entertainment industry. She recounts her exhilarating journey with the Practical Theater Company and the unique pressures of auditioning for Saturday Night Live. The conversation covers the humorous epidemic of over-apologizing and reflects on aging in showbiz. Catherine also shares whimsical stories, including a memorable Vatican visit, alongside Julia's heartfelt anecdotes about motherhood and creativity.

Julie Andrews, the beloved Academy Award-winning actress known for her enchanting roles in 'Mary Poppins' and 'The Sound of Music,' joins to share her wealth of wisdom. They dive into the restorative power of nature and the joy of laughter, highlighting the depth of their long-lasting friendship. Julie reminisces about her complex feelings on winning an Oscar and her cherished bond with Carol Burnett. The conversation is rich with heartfelt reflections on creativity, the joys of grandparenthood, and the importance of storytelling among women.