Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Episode: Presenting: Julia interviewed — On with Kara Swisher
Release Date: November 6, 2024

Introduction and Promotion

Julia Louis-Dreyfus kicks off Season 3 of her acclaimed podcast, *Wiser Than Me™, by introducing new merchandise to celebrate the season's launch. She highlights items such as a classic bagu tote bag, a kitchen tea towel featuring her grandma Dede's peanut butter cookie recipe, and a hardcover notebook designed to capture the season's wisdom.

Quote:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:01]: "We're back for season three of Wiser Than Me™. We've got so much more wisdom to share from the magnificent old ladies featured this season."

Feature Promotion: Kara Swisher's Podcast

Julia transitions to promoting her friend Kara Swisher's podcast, On with Kara Swisher. She praises Kara as an award-winning journalist and a formidable interviewer who engages with influential women across various sectors, including politics and media.

Quote:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:50]: "Talk about how you decided to do this and the way you conceived of it."

In-Depth Interview: Kara Swisher with Esther Perel

The core of the episode features an excerpt from Kara Swisher's interview with renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel. This segment delves into topics such as human connection, the commercialization of art, death, comedy in contemporary times, and Julia's journey in creating her podcast.

Podcasting and Female Wisdom

Esther Perel discusses the inception of Julia's podcast, inspired by a desire to amplify the voices of older women. She emphasizes the importance of creating a space for intimate conversations that transcend traditional media formats.

Quotes:
Esther Perel [04:27]: "I wish there was a place where we could just only hear from old women. And so that's where it sort of began."
Esther Perel [07:42]: "There's nothing but value in finding ways to take action, to connect with other people in every sense."

Impact and Popularity

Perel reflects on the unexpected success of the podcast, attributing its popularity to the genuine and in-depth conversations that resonate with listeners seeking meaningful connections.

Quote:
Esther Perel [05:51]: "I wasn't really thinking about how it would do. I was just thinking about doing it... trying to think of people that would be interesting to talk to at great lengths."

Themes of Aging and Radicalization

The conversation explores how interactions with wise, older women have profoundly influenced Perel, leading to a form of radicalization rooted in wisdom and authenticity.

Quote:
Esther Perel [11:50]: "I always think it would be great if an army of gray-haired women could take over the earth."

Character Development in Julia's Film "Tuesday"

Perel discusses her role in Julia's film Tuesday, which tackles themes of grief and existentialism through a surreal narrative involving a talking macaw representing death. She highlights the transformative parent-child dynamics portrayed in the film.

Quotes:
Esther Perel [27:45]: "Zora comes to realize how she must parent her child in a functional way, which includes accepting the realities of her situation."
Esther Perel [30:09]: "As death, she has to come to her daughter. Oh, my God. I can't stand even saying it."

Comedy and Drama in Julia's Career

Perel reflects on Julia's versatile acting career, noting the seamless blend of physical and intellectual comedy in her performances. She also touches upon Julia's recent ventures into dramatic roles, showcasing her range as an actress.

Quotes:
Esther Perel [39:40]: "I think comics are funnier than anyone else... Physical comedy and intellectual comedy has never been more interesting."
Esther Perel [41:20]: "There's nothing more exciting than having really good material and then elevating it if you can."

Legacy and Personal Reflections

Addressing legacy, Perel shares her personal reflections on what constitutes her "echo"—the lasting impact she hopes to leave through her children and personal relationships.

Quote:
Esther Perel [49:53]: "My echo is my two boys and them being good human beings and good citizens."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Perel sharing her views on the importance of community and collective action in addressing complex emotional and existential issues. She underscores the necessity of human connection in overcoming isolation and fostering resilience.

Quote:
Esther Perel [17:28]: "The key is connect, connect, connect... there's nothing but value in finding ways to take action, to connect with other people in every sense."

Key Insights and Takeaways

1. Amplifying Older Women's Voices: Julia Louis-Dreyfus's podcast creates a valuable platform for older women to share their wisdom and life experiences, fostering intergenerational connections.

2. The Power of Intimate Conversations: The podcast's success stems from its ability to engage in deep, meaningful dialogues that resonate with listeners seeking authentic human connections.

3. Redefining Aging: Discussions highlight how aging can lead to a shedding of societal expectations, allowing older women to embrace their true selves with confidence and assertiveness.

4. Balancing Comedy and Drama: Julia's versatility as an actress is showcased through her ability to blend physical and intellectual comedy with dramatic storytelling, as seen in her film Tuesday.

5. Legacy and Personal Impact: The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal legacy through relationships and nurturing future generations, rather than solely through professional accomplishments.

6. Community and Connection: Esther Perel underscores the critical role of community in navigating complex emotional landscapes, advocating for proactive human engagement to combat isolation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:01]: "We're back for season three of Wiser Than Me™. We've got so much more wisdom to share from the magnificent old ladies featured this season."

• Esther Perel [05:47]: "I wasn't really thinking about how it would do... trying to think of people that would be interesting to talk to at great lengths."

• Esther Perel [11:50]: "I always think it would be great if an army of gray-haired women could take over the earth."

• Esther Perel [27:45]: "Zora comes to realize how she must parent her child in a functional way, which includes accepting the realities of her situation."

• Esther Perel [39:40]: "I think comics are funnier than anyone else... Physical comedy and intellectual comedy has never been more interesting."

• Esther Perel [49:53]: "My echo is my two boys and them being good human beings and good citizens."

This episode of Wiser Than Me™ offers listeners a deep dive into the intersection of wisdom, media, and personal legacy through the lens of influential women like Kara Swisher and Esther Perel. The discussions provide valuable insights into the evolving roles of women as they age, the significance of authentic conversations, and the enduring impact of personal connections.