

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Lemonada Media
Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns for Season 4 of her award-winning podcast, Wiser Than Me™. Each week, she has funny, touching, personal conversations with iconic older women who are brimming with the kind of unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age. Julia sits at the feet of some extraordinary teachers this season, and of course her 91-year-old mom, Judith. Tune in to laugh, cry, and get wise. All Hail Old Women!
Photo: Ryan Pfluger and August Image
Photo: Ryan Pfluger and August Image
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 59min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Ruth Reichl
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.

Nov 24, 2025 • 59min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Alice Waters
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.

Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
Julia Gets Wise with Roz Chast
Roz Chast, a celebrated New Yorker cartoonist and author of the acclaimed memoir 'Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?', joins Julia Louis-Dreyfus for a candid discussion. They explore the ups and downs of aging, revealing Roz's blend of anxiety and delight in life. The duo chats about the challenges of caregiving for aging parents and the humor that arises from family dysfunction. They also share quirky parenting stories, including hilarious sex talk memories, showcasing how laughter weaves through life's challenges.

15 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 59min
Julia Gets Wise with Jane Curtin
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.

Oct 16, 2025 • 14min
Wise Women Are Everywhere (And Update on NEW Episodes Coming Soon)
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.

5 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 59min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Jane Goodall
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O'Hara
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.

29 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Julie Andrews
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.

Jul 16, 2025 • 41min
Presenting: Julia on IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, an Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in Veep and Seinfeld, joins Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson for a heartfelt conversation. They discuss the challenges of sustaining friendships in adulthood, especially after major life changes like retirement. Michelle shares her surprising strategies for maintaining ties while in the White House. The trio also reflects on the women who inspire them, the importance of community, and how to navigate loneliness. It’s both insightful and filled with laughter!

4 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 15min
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Isabel Allende
Isabel Allende, the acclaimed Chilean-American author known for her impactful narratives, shares her wisdom in a captivating dialogue. She discusses organic justice and the joys of letter writing, reflecting on her unique encounters with motherhood and the supernatural. The conversation spills into the healing power of storytelling and the struggles of navigating familial legacies. Allende's delightful insights into aging and self-acceptance leave listeners inspired to embrace their own journeys, peppered with humor and heartfelt anecdotes.


