The New Yorker Radio Hour: Barbra Streisand on “The Secret of Life”
Episode Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker, Hosted by David Remnick
Introduction and Career Overview
David Remnick opens the episode by celebrating Barbra Streisand's illustrious 60-year career in the American entertainment industry. He highlights her numerous achievements, including being the youngest person to achieve an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) at age 28 with her groundbreaking film, Yentl. Remnick remarks,
“With the movie Yentl, she became the first woman to star, direct, write, and produce a major studio movie.”
[01:01]
Streisand responds with playful humility:
“Anyway, you're interesting.”
[01:45]
Memoir Writing and Family Relationships
The conversation delves into Streisand's recent memoir, Wait for it, My Name Is Barbra. Remnick inquires about the emotional journey of revisiting her life, to which Streisand candidly shares:
“No, emotionally, it was a pain in the ass. I mean, the point is, I knew I should, you know, for the ages, for the next millennium, I should have a review of my life.”
[02:10]
Relationship with Her Mother:
Streisand discusses her complex relationship with her mother, revealing feelings of jealousy and understanding:
“I feel sad for her. Not angry anymore. It's a sadness that she was unfulfilled.”
[04:54]
Her Father's Absence and Legacy:
She reflects on the mystery surrounding her father's early death and its impact on her upbringing:
“I would ask my mother, why didn't you speak about him? Why didn't you tell me about my father?”
[03:06]
Musical Journey and Voice
Remnick praises Streisand's innate vocal talent, which she attributes to her upbringing:
“The way you describe it, you began singing. You had maybe one lesson, but it was like you emerged from Zeus head with that voice.”
[05:38]
Streisand reminisces about her early singing experiences:
“I would sometimes sing in that lobby with nobody there. I never would sing around anybody.”
[06:27]
Collaboration with Bob Dylan and Other Artists
Discussing her new album, The Secret of Life Partners, Volume 2, Streisand shares insights into her collaboration with legendary artists like Bob Dylan:
“Bob loved that song. The Little ordinary things that everyone ought to do I'm living in a kind of daydream.”
[10:50]
She recounts an anecdote about Bob Dylan's request to collaborate:
“Bob loved that song. The Little ordinary things that everyone ought to do... he was wonderful to work with.”
[10:50]
Views on Performing and Current Projects
Streisand expresses her evolving relationship with performing live, citing physical ailments and changing passions:
“I never really enjoyed... the only problem I have would be because my back hurts.”
[14:20]
She discusses her reluctance to return to Broadway despite persistent offers:
“But why would I ever do anything on the stage again like that?... I could never end my career like bookends, you know.”
[20:00]
Reflections on Ambition and Personal Life
Exploring her current motivations beyond professional ambitions, Streisand emphasizes family and personal fulfillment:
“I love my grandchildren. I love family. I craved to have a family, you know, I love my son.”
[26:17]
Memory and Personal Anecdotes
Streisand shares intriguing memories from her memoir, including interactions with Marlon Brando and Warren Beatty:
“I met him when I was five years old and he was 21, I think.”
[18:57]
She candidly discusses selective memory regarding intimate moments:
“I know I slept in the bed with him, but I can't remember if we actually had penetration. I swear to God, I can't.”
[18:30]
Conclusion
David Remnick wraps up the interview by highlighting Streisand's latest projects and expressing gratitude for her contributions:
“Barbra Streisand is Barbra Streisand. Her new album is called the Secret of Life, including duets with Bob Dylan, Ariana Grande, Tim McGraw, and a slew of others.”
[27:07]
Streisand responds warmly:
“Oh, it's nice to talk to you and I've always enjoyed your writing.”
[26:54]
Notable Quotes:
-
Barbra Streisand on Writing Her Memoir:
“Emotionally, it was a pain in the ass... I should have a review of my life.”
[02:10] -
On Her Mother’s Unfulfilled Dreams:
“I feel sad for her. Not angry anymore. It's a sadness that she was unfulfilled.”
[04:54] -
On Her Innate Musical Talent:
“You emerged from Zeus head with that voice.”
[05:38] -
Regarding Collaboration with Bob Dylan:
“He was wonderful to work with.”
[10:50] -
On Her Evolving Relationship with Performing:
“I never really enjoyed... the only problem I have would be because my back hurts.”
[14:20] -
Reflecting on Family Over Ambition:
“I love my grandchildren. I love family.”
[26:17]
This comprehensive discussion offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Barbra Streisand's personal reflections, professional insights, and enduring legacy in the entertainment world. From her early days singing in Brooklyn lobbies to her latest collaborative endeavors, Streisand shares candid anecdotes that underscore her resilience, artistry, and deep appreciation for family.