Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus Episode: Julia Gets Wise with Isabella Rossellini Release Date: November 20, 2024

Introduction

In the Season 3 premiere of Wiser Than Me, Julia Louis-Dreyfus sets the stage for a deeply personal and insightful conversation with the legendary Isabella Rossellini. Julia shares anecdotes about her dog George and her 90-year-old mother, Judith, highlighting the themes of love, animal companionship, and the wisdom that comes with age.

Meet Isabella Rossellini

Isabella Rossellini, an iconic actress, model, and filmmaker, joins Julia to discuss her multifaceted life. Known for her roles in cult classics like David Lynch's Blue Velvet and her groundbreaking work in the Green Porno series, Isabella brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the conversation.

Notable Quote:

Isabella Rossellini [11:30]: "Wow, Julia. This introduction is so. I moved. I'm about to cry."

Aging with Grace and Freedom

The discussion begins with Isabella reflecting on her age and how she perceives it. At 72, Isabella feels younger inside, maintaining the spirit of her teenage years despite societal expectations surrounding aging.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [12:17]: "Yes. I don't know. I never really think of age."

Julia Louis-Dreyfus [12:44]: "So what do you think is the best part about being your age?"

Isabella emphasizes the serenity and freedom that come with accepting one’s age, allowing her to pursue passions she previously set aside, such as studying ethology—a science not available during her college years.

Life on Mama Farm

Isabella shares her life on Mama Farm in Long Island, a haven for sustainability, community, and artistic endeavors. She manages a diverse array of animals, including over 150 chickens, goats, ducks, turkey, and rare breeds of sheep named after female artists.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [15:42]: "But the only thing I do because everybody's afraid is the bees."

Isabella Rossellini [17:14]: "Because in Italy, where I grew up, farm is around. The culinary tradition in Italy is so present that farmers market, we only ate food from the farmer's market."

Isabella discusses the challenges and joys of farm life, including managing a large flock of female animals to avoid the complexities of meat production and the ethical considerations of animal care.

Beekeeping and Animal Behavior

Delving into her expertise in animal behavior, Isabella provides an in-depth look at beekeeping. She explains the intricate life cycle of bees and the concept of "cryptic female choice," where female animals control mating processes to maintain autonomy.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [17:22]: "Male bees. They have a grandfather but not a father. How do you like that?"

Isabella Rossellini [70:54]: "Cryptic female choices instead is what the female might do to keep control and not succumbing to a male."

Isabella illustrates these concepts with fascinating examples from her chickens and ducks, highlighting the complex behaviors that ensure survival and autonomy in the animal kingdom.

Reinventing Beauty and Aging

Isabella recounts her long-standing relationship with Lancome, her challenges with aging in the modeling industry, and her eventual return to the brand under a new, inclusive leadership. She discusses how she transformed her approach to makeup, using it as a form of creative expression rather than a tool to hide her age.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [50:15]: "Women dream to remain young. Advertisement is about the dream."

Isabella Rossellini [53:47]: "I'm going to do your makeup. Tell me, what are you using?"

Isabella’s journey with Lancome serves as a powerful narrative on the evolution of beauty standards and the importance of embracing one’s authentic self.

Legacy and Family Bonds

The conversation shifts to Isabella’s personal life, focusing on her relationship with her parents and her twin sister. She reflects on the profound impact of losing her parents and how it reshaped her understanding of life and legacy.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [37:54]: "I think he would love my green porno and my work at the farm, but he would be uncomfortable with me as an actress."

Isabella Rossellini [44:00]: "I couldn't read them because she wrote them in Swedish and I couldn't read Swedish."

Isabella shares touching stories about her parents, particularly her mother’s diaries and her father's support, providing a glimpse into the foundational influences that shaped her resilience and creativity.

Community, Laughter, and Aging

Isabella emphasizes the importance of community and laughter in aging gracefully. She recounts her interactions with her mother via Zoom, highlighting the joy and connection that family and community bring, even in the face of challenges like dementia.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [85:02]: "Community and laughter is a very good combination."

Judith Bowles [83:20]: "We all talk about communities so that we have a group that we think about. But it has to be nurtured."

The episode culminates with a heartfelt interaction between Julia and her mother, Judith, reinforcing the podcast’s central theme of drawing wisdom and joy from the older generation.

Conclusion

Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Isabella Rossellini wrap up their conversation with final reflections on aging, reinvention, and the ongoing journey of life. Isabella shares her aspirations, regrets, and profound understanding of living authentically, leaving listeners with inspiration to embrace their own paths with grace and wisdom.

Notable Quotes:

Isabella Rossellini [74:00]: "I should have been a direct film director earlier."

Isabella Rossellini [75:20]: "Laughter helps a lot, isn't it? I'm not worried."

Key Takeaways

• Embracing Aging: Accepting and finding freedom in one’s age allows for pursuing long-held passions and maintaining serenity.
• Animal Companionship: Relationships with animals, such as dogs and bees, enrich human life and provide emotional support.
• Reinventing Beauty: Shifting the perspective on beauty and makeup from concealing flaws to artistic expression fosters self-acceptance.
• Importance of Community: Building and nurturing a strong community and maintaining humor are vital for a fulfilling life.
• Legacy and Resilience: Personal experiences, especially those involving family and loss, shape one’s resilience and approach to life’s challenges.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Isabella on Aging (12:17):

  "Yes. I don't know. I never really think of age."

• Isabella on Beekeeping (17:22):

  "Male bees. They have a grandfather but not a father. How do you like that?"

• Isabella on Lancome (50:15):

  "Women dream to remain young. Advertisement is about the dream."

• Isabella on Community and Laughter (85:02):

  "Community and laughter is a very good combination."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Wiser Than Me offers a profound exploration of aging, beauty, animal behavior, and the enduring strength of community and family bonds. Isabella Rossellini’s insights provide listeners with valuable lessons on living authentically, embracing change, and finding joy in every stage of life.

All quotes are provided with speaker attribution and timestamps as per the transcript for accurate reference.