Julia Louis-Dreyfus Wants to Hear ‘Wisdom’ From Older Women: Behind Her Podcast Motivation

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is not only an award-winning actress and comedian — she is now also the host of the award-winning podcast, Wiser Than Me . Louis-Dreyfus sat down with Stephen Colbert to share all about the meaning behind her podcast, how it really started and why she wants to hear from older women

Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast features iconic women in media and entertainment

Wiser Than Me began in March 2023 as a way to bring the voices of wiser, older women  to a platform. On each episode of the podcast, Louis-Dreyfus interviews an iconic older woman, whether that be Jane Fonda or Julie Andrews , where they share their knowledge and advice.

The actress and host recently accepted a Webby Award for her show, where she had to give a five-word acceptance speech. That speech was, “Listen to old ladies, motherf—s,” an iconic five words that just makes sense coming from the comedian.

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus shares the reason behind her podcast

The comedian explained to Colbert during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert that she had seen a documentary about Fonda that had her “blown away,” so she got to thinking.

“ We never hear from old women . We don’t,” Louis-Dreyfus told the late night host of the motivations behind her podcast. “We hear from old men, sorry, we do, but we don’t really hear from old women and their wisdom… I need to hear from old women , I personally do.”

Louis-Dreyfus shared that she sits at the feet of these icons to receive their insights on life. The actress has had a number of women guest on the podcast, including Vera Wang , Gloria Steinem , Billie Jean King , Carol Burnett and Rhea Pearlman .

“ I feel older women sort of disappear from our culture and our society,” the actress explained. “And there's a lot of wisdom to be gained from these ladies. They are on the frontlines of life. And I want to hear from them.”

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What is ‘Wiser Than Me’ about?

Topics with the podcast guests range from iconic roles to more personal topics like aging and sexism. “It sort of brought certain things into sharp focus for me, in a way. It's been a great gift to have the opportunity to talk to these women and to explore these subjects,” Louis-Dreyfus said of the interviews she conducts as part of the show.

While the Veep star  found her personal interest of getting to speak with accomplished older women about their views on life, she shared that society is not geared toward the same thing. “ We’re certainly not in the habit of listening to old women who have had life experience,” she told The New York Times. “I mean, I would posit that our culture is much more inclined to listen to the wisdom of old men, specifically old white men.”

Some of the advice the actress has received from these women is more than memorable and she has taken it with her. She said that Ruth Reichl told her to do things that scare you, which Louis-Dreyfus has said she is doing with this podcast.

Fonda shared with the host, “People think it’s hard to be old, but it is so hard to be young,” to which Louis-Dreyfus agreed, while Mary Poppins star Andrews revealed how grateful she is to have been able to age, learn and share.

‘Wiser Than Me’ and the future of the podcast

The series just kicked off its second season in March 2024 with special guest Sally Fields. There have been 44 episodes thus far, all featuring incredible women with a lot of life advice and knowledge to share with Louis-Dreyfus, as well as anyone tuning into the show.

And as for advice that Louis-Dreyfus can give? She shares what she would say to her 21-year-old self, “ Three things . Trust your instincts. It’s all going to be OK. And wear sunscreen.”You can catch new episodes of Wiser Than Me weekly every Wednesday to hear more knowledgeable advice from these icons.