Wiser Than Me™ Season 3, Episode: "Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Julie Andrews"

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Guest: Dame Julie Andrews

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the season finale of Season 3, Julia Louis-Dreyfus sits down with the legendary Dame Julie Andrews, marking the culmination of a season filled with insightful conversations with extraordinary older women. The episode promises a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and profound wisdom.

2. Celebrating Julie Andrews' Iconic Career

Julia begins by reminiscing about her lifelong admiration for Julie Andrews, highlighting her enduring love for The Sound of Music.
Julia (00:01):
"I've seen it more than I've seen any other movie. I mean, I've seen it dozens of times."
Julie acknowledges her extensive career, reflecting on her beginnings in vaudeville and her transition to Broadway and Hollywood. Julia marvels at Julie's versatility, from originating roles in My Fair Lady and Camelot to her unforgettable performance as Mary Poppins.
Julie (09:00):
"I've been working professionally since I was just 10 years old...and I'm still working today."

3. The Reality of Aging with Grace and Humor

The conversation delves into aging, where Julie shares her perspective on the joys and challenges it brings. She candidly discusses how aging has led her to cherish solitude and has allowed her to focus on her passions like writing and gardening.
Julia (10:28):
"What do you think is the best part of being your age, Julie?"
Julie (10:28):
"The best part is to a certain extent, people leave me alone. And that I rather like."
Julia and Julie exchange humorous banter about cursing, revealing a lighter side to Julie often unseen in her roles.
Julie (12:20):
"On an average every day there's a couple of shits that pop in."
Julia (14:00):
"It's fuck."

4. Overcoming Vocal Challenges and Embracing New Talents

A pivotal moment in the interview is when Julie discusses her vocal challenges, including surgery that altered her singing capabilities. She poignantly narrates how this setback led her to explore new avenues like writing with her daughter, Emma.
Julie (48:47):
"It led to my finding a new life, which is the one with my daughter and writing."
Julia (51:58):
"What advice would you say to those who are trying to, you..."
Julie (52:32):
"Find what you love, keep doing something. Because women of my age can keep being useful, that really can keep giving pleasure."

5. The Depth of Friendships and Family Bonds

Julie shares anecdotes about her enduring friendship with Carol Burnett, emphasizing the importance of loyal and supportive relationships. The dialogue underscores how strong friendships contribute to personal well-being and longevity.
Julie (43:51):
"We bonded tremendously straight away...and we laugh a lot."
Julia (47:25):
"Is there any advice you might have to give to people who are listening to this, to younger people about cultivating and maintaining friendships..."
Julie (47:56):
"I just think it's great...I just think it's such a good fortune."

6. Personal Reflections and Life Lessons

Julie reflects on her tumultuous upbringing and how it shaped her resilience and passion for performing. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and finding joy in helping others through the arts.
Julie (28:24):
"They have physical love and adoration and admiration... there's so many phases that one goes through."
Julia (32:39):
"The lyrics for that tune are great, aren't they?"
Julie (33:07):
"If you can find your way into a song...it can be enormously helpful."

7. Interactions with Julia’s Mother, Judy Bowles

Towards the end of the episode, Julia connects with her mother, Judy Bowles, who shares her own experiences with hearing loss and the parallel journey of finding new passions through adversity. This heartfelt segment highlights the mutual wisdom exchanged between generations.
Judy (66:02):
"It equipped me to know that these wonderful things that we have, that we take for granted, that we have..."
Julia (69:26):
"You understand it."
Judy (70:16):
"Women to do... it's such a wonderful thing."

8. Concluding Wisdom and Future Aspirations

As the conversation winds down, Julie imparts final pieces of advice for embracing aging with positivity and looking forward to future endeavors like directing and writing. She emphasizes the importance of love, laughter, and continual personal growth.
Julie (59:54):
"Finally learning the pleasure of singing and giving it back to others."
Julie (60:11):
"I would say if you're passionate, do your homework... it's all about doing your homework and then giving."

Notable Quotes:

• Julie Andrews (10:28):
  "The best part is to a certain extent, people leave me alone."

• Julie Andrews (52:32):
  "Find what you love, keep doing something. Because women of my age can keep being useful, that really can keep giving pleasure."

• Judy Bowles (66:02):
  "It equipped me to know that these wonderful things that we have, that we take for granted, that we have..."

Conclusion: This episode of Wiser Than Me™ offers an intimate glimpse into the life and wisdom of Dame Julie Andrews. Through candid conversations, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Julie Andrews explore themes of aging, resilience, friendship, and personal growth, providing listeners with both inspiration and heartfelt moments.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been intentionally omitted to focus solely on the core conversation and insights shared during the episode.