Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Episode: Julia Gets Wise with Julie Andrews
Release Date: June 5, 2024
Host: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Guest: Dame Julie Andrews
Production: Lemonada Media
1. Introduction
In the season finale of Season 3, Julia Louis-Dreyfus welcomes the legendary Dame Julie Andrews to Wiser Than Me. Julia sets the stage by sharing her enthusiasm for capturing wisdom from iconic older women, emphasizing the creation of Wiser Than Me notebooks to help listeners jot down their favorite insights.
Notable Quote:
"All Hail Old Women!" – Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:01]
2. Julie Andrews’ Journey and Career Highlights
Julie Andrews reminisces about her early days, from performing in a vaudeville act at age 10 to starring in iconic roles such as Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music. She reflects on her extensive career, including Broadway successes like My Fair Lady and Camelot, and her continued relevance in modern films and voice acting roles.
Notable Quotes:
"I've seen The Sound of Music more than any other movie. I've seen it dozens of times." – Julie Andrews [09:00]
"I thought, if you let me, I'm coming rain or come shine." – Julie Andrews on embracing roles [29:04]
3. Navigating Age and Image
The conversation delves into the nuances of aging gracefully, with Julie discussing the balance between appreciating the solitude that comes with age and the physical challenges it may bring. Julia and Julie humorously explore the dichotomy between Julie's "good girl" on-screen persona and her unapologetically candid nature in real life.
Notable Quotes:
"The best part is, to a certain extent, people leave me alone." – Julie Andrews [10:29]
"I think that's a good question." – Julie Andrews on the good girl image [15:16]
4. The Power of Friendship
Julia brings up her friendship with Carol Burnett, prompting Julie to share heartfelt anecdotes about their bond. They discuss how their shared experiences, such as battling family challenges, have strengthened their friendship over the years, illustrating the importance of loyal and supportive relationships.
Notable Quotes:
"We're very similar in some ways... we bonded tremendously." – Julie Andrews [45:03]
"It's a true friendship." – Julia Louis-Dreyfus [47:19]
5. Overcoming Vocal Challenges
A significant portion of the episode focuses on Julie Andrews' struggle with vocal nodules, which eventually led to her surgery and the loss of her singing ability. Julie candidly discusses the emotional impact of this loss and how it redirected her passion toward writing and other creative outlets, particularly her collaborations with her daughter, Emma.
Notable Quotes:
"I miss singing very, very, very much." – Julie Andrews [52:23]
"The penny dropped in my brain and I became a lot more content." – Julie Andrews on finding new passions [54:27]
6. Love, Marriage, and Resilience
Julie recounts meeting her second husband, Blake Edwards, and navigating their relationship amidst professional collaborations. She speaks about Blake's depressive episodes and how they worked together through therapy and understanding to maintain a strong marriage built on laughter and mutual support.
Notable Quotes:
"If you don't laugh with that man, then you better get out of the room." – Julie Andrews on marriage [17:50]
"You drive me up the wall sometimes, but he was wonderful." – Julie Andrews on Blake Edwards [56:22]
7. Embracing Grandmotherhood and Legacy
As a great-grandmother, Julie reflects on the joy her descendants bring into her life. She emphasizes the importance of cherishing every generation and imparting wisdom through storytelling and shared experiences, aligning with the podcast's theme of learning from older women.
Notable Quotes:
"Whether it's a grandchild or a great grandchild... they're so adorable." – Julie Andrews [58:54]
"Granny Jules." – Julie Andrews’ nickname from her family [59:50]
8. Final Reflections and Advice
Julie offers heartfelt advice to younger generations, stressing the importance of passion, continual learning, and giving back through one’s craft. She underscores that aging, while challenging, is an opportunity to explore new avenues and continue contributing meaningfully.
Notable Quotes:
"Aging sucks, but it doesn't really. And since there's no alternative, why bitch so much about it." – Julie Andrews [61:48]
"Finally learning the pleasure of singing and giving." – Julie Andrews on advice for young people [60:24]
9. Closing Conversations and Family Ties
The episode culminates with Julia introducing her mother, Judy Bowles, who shares her own experiences and wisdom. The intimate family dialogue reinforces the podcast's mission of intergenerational learning and the enduring bonds that shape one's journey.
Notable Quotes:
"Season two, if you can believe it." – Julia Louis-Dreyfus [71:36]
"There you go, honey. You're wiser than me." – Judy Bowles [72:20]
Conclusion
Wiser Than Me with Julie Andrews offers a profound exploration of aging, friendship, resilience, and legacy. Through candid conversations and shared vulnerabilities, Julia and Julie provide listeners with invaluable insights into navigating life's challenges while maintaining joy and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace aging by finding new passions and cherishing solitude.
- The strength of meaningful friendships can provide unwavering support.
- Overcoming personal challenges can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.
- Legacy and storytelling are vital in imparting wisdom across generations.