Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

This week, Julia sits down with 76-year-old trailblazing actress Pam Grier, Hollywood's first female action star. Pam opens up about the childhood injury that left her with a stutter, and how a giant draft horse healed her. She reflects on channeling her mother's quiet strength into the iconic titular character Coffy, gets candid about her Stage 4 cervical cancer diagnosis, and shares thoughts on the unexpected pleasures of aging you did not see coming. Plus, Julia tries to explain karaoke to her 92-year-old mom Judy.  Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast. Find us on Substack at wiserthanme.substack.com. Pre-order the latest book from Julia’s mom Judy Bowles here: https://finishinglinepress.com/product/they-spoke-of-the-river-by-judith-bowles/  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.

On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 74-year-old scene-stealer Jean Smart. They get into the final season of Hacks, the highs and lows of a career in Hollywood and what it feels like when great material finally meets the actor it was meant for. Jean opens up about parenting a teenager in her 70s, dating as a widow, and her family’s witchy past. Plus, Julia shares behind-the-scenes Seinfeld writer’s secrets, and her 92-year-old mom Judy reflects on her days as a beauty queen. 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 Jean Smart @realjeansmart on Instagram. Pre-order the latest book from Julia’s mom Judy Bowles here: https://finishinglinepress.com/product/they-spoke-of-the-river-by-judith-bowles/  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.

We’re coming back with more episodes of Wiser Than Me, and Julia’s still asking older, wiser women to tell her everything they know. It's all on the table – the triumphs, the missteps, and the wisdom that comes from surviving it all. And of course, each episode ends with a check-in from Julia's 92-year-old mom, Judith. New episodes start May 6th, from Lemonada Media.

Cyndi Lauper, legendary singer-songwriter and style icon behind hits like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," shares stories from her music career. She talks about her trailblazing voice and look. She reflects on the highs and the painful interviews and how resilience kept her going. Short, vibrant, and full of personality.

Catherine O’Hara, veteran actress and comedian known for SCTV, Beetlejuice, and Schitt’s Creek, recalls early improv roots and fearless experimentation. They trade Vatican anecdotes and comedy-making memories. Conversations touch on balancing motherhood and career, improvisation techniques, and how aging and gratitude shape their work and lives.

Diana Nyad, a legendary long-distance swimmer and motivational speaker, shares her incredible journey of swimming from Cuba to Florida at age 64. She discusses the importance of resilience, loyalty, and the chosen family that supports her. Topics include overcoming past trauma, adapting to aging through fitness, and the mental challenges faced during ultra swims. Diana also reflects on her career in broadcasting and the regret of not speaking out against sexism while navigating her path. It's a powerful conversation about endurance, both in athletics and life.

Sister Helen Prejean, an 86-year-old Catholic nun and fierce advocate against the death penalty, shares her journey from a joyful Southern childhood to becoming a moral voice in the fight for justice. She discusses the impact of Vatican II on her life, her political awakening influenced by liberation theology, and her experiences accompanying death row inmates. With humor and warmth, she emphasizes the importance of listening to victims' families and advocates for a more inclusive role of women in the church. Julia even invites her mom for a lighthearted chat!

Join Julia Louis-Dreyfus as she converses with Darlene Love, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer known for her soulful voice and iconic holiday hits. Darlene shares her inspiring journey from gospel roots to solo success at 40, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. She talks about balancing motherhood and a demanding career, recounts experiences with legends like Elvis, and reflects on personal growth after health challenges. With warmth and wisdom, Darlene encourages listeners to pursue their dreams while staying true to themselves.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the award-winning actress from Seinfeld and Veep, joins her sons Henry and Charlie for a delightful chat about family vacations with the Meyers brothers. They reminisce about a chaotic Thanksgiving gone wrong and share humorous stories from a wild safari in Tanzania. Julia also reflects on her childhood trips, including a memorable rainy adventure in Scotland. Henry talks about surf trips to Indonesia, while the family shares funny anecdotes about meeting LeBron James and other holiday fiascoes, filled with laughter and love.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the celebrated actor and comedian known for her roles in Seinfeld and Veep, shares insights in this engaging conversation. She reveals how Jane Fonda's documentary sparked her podcast idea focused on older women's life wisdom. Julia recounts discovering her comedic talents in grade school and discusses her exciting journey into the Marvel universe. The duo touches on the importance of trying new things, embracing aging, and finding humor in family experiences. Tune in for wisdom and laughs!