Podcast Summary: "Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Doing Death, Truth-Telling in Comedy and Getting Wiser"

Worklife with Adam Grant brings you an insightful and engaging conversation with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, exploring themes of mortality, authenticity in comedy, and personal growth. Hosted by Kara Swisher and produced in partnership with Transmitter Media, this episode delves deep into Julia’s illustrious career, her latest creative endeavors, and her perspectives on aging and community.

Introduction to Julia Louis-Dreyfus

The episode opens with Kara Swisher introducing Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a comedy legend renowned for her award-winning performances across three iconic sitcoms:

• Elaine Benes in Seinfeld
• Christine Campbell in The New Adventures of Old Christine
• Vice President Selina Meyer in Veep

Julia Louis-Dreyfus highlights Julia's impressive accolades, including 11 Emmys, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and the National Medal of Arts. She expresses deep admiration for Julia’s versatility and impact on comedy.

Kara Swisher [02:18]: "She's obviously a comedy legend. I'm an enormous fan."

Exploring "Wiser Than Me" Podcast

Julia discusses her new podcast, Wiser Than Me, which features life lessons from women over 70, including notable figures like Jane Fonda, Fran Lebowitz, Gloria Steinem, Patti Smith, and Anne Lamott. The podcast aims to uncover wisdom gleaned from decades of experience, focusing on profound topics such as death and grief.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus [05:14]: "We are really not hearing from them. And I wish there was a place where we could just only hear from old women."

The Medium of Podcasting

The conversation shifts to the podcasting medium, with Julia explaining why she chose it over more traditional formats like television. She emphasizes the intimacy and depth that podcasts allow, creating a relaxed environment conducive to meaningful dialogue.

Esther Perel [06:44]: "I just find it interesting to communicate that way."

Julia reflects on the challenges of maintaining a podcast, acknowledging it as a marathon but noting its rewards in connecting deeply with listeners.

Insights from the Conversations

Julia shares insights from her interviews, highlighting the joy and resilience of her guests. She recounts her conversation with Isabel Allende, who expressed immense joy in her later years.

Esther Perel [09:21]: "I was struck by her complete joy in life. I was overcome by it."

Julia adds her perspective on aging, emphasizing the freedom that comes with age, such as not needing to please others.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus [10:07]: "You don't have to follow anybody's lead. You don't have to follow fashion or nothing."

Community and Connection

Addressing a question from Esther Perel about the role of community in processing complex emotions, Julia underscores the importance of human connection. She illustrates this with a personal story about engaging in meaningful conversation with a stranger at a grocery store when feeling lonely.

Esther Perel [17:32]: "The answer is yes, the collective is the way out."

Julia echoes this sentiment, sharing her own experiences and reinforcing the necessity of community in combating isolation.

Discussion on Julia’s Latest Film: "Tuesday"

Julia introduces her latest film, Tuesday, a surreal exploration of death and the parent-child bond, featuring a talking macaw representing death. She explains her attraction to the film’s themes of grief and acceptance, drawing parallels to her personal experiences with loss.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus [22:23]: "What attracted me was the ferocity of the parent child bond… the lengths that a mother would go to keep death away."

Esther delves into the film's symbolism, discussing how the character Zora evolves to accept mortality and shift her role in her relationship with her daughter.

Esther Perel [26:32]: "By the end of the film, Zora comes to realize how she must parent her child in a functional way, which includes accepting the realities of her situation."

The Art of Comedy

The conversation transitions to Julia’s views on comedy, particularly the balance between physical and intellectual humor. She asserts that both forms are equally challenging and rewarding, highlighting the importance of material quality.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus [36:07]: "I don't think it's hard… It's as much fun."

Esther agrees, noting that comedy thrives on risk and truthfulness, which makes it both enjoyable and impactful.

"Seinfeld" and Its Enduring Appeal

Julia reflects on the enduring popularity of Seinfeld, attributing its success to its universal humor and timeless portrayal of the human condition. She mentions specific episodes that stand out, such as "The Soup Nazi" and "The Subway."

Esther Perel [37:44]: "It's undeniably funny. It speaks to really universal truths."

Julia expresses delight over the show's resurgence on streaming platforms, ensuring that new generations continue to connect with its humor.

Navigating the Entertainment Industry

The discussion moves to Julia’s experiences in the entertainment industry, including her overall deal with Apple TV and concerns about the corporatization of the arts. She shares her selective approach to project development, preferring to maintain control and avoid the overwhelm of managing a production company.

Esther Perel [40:10]: "I'm not going to be Reese Witherspooning it… I approach projects very specifically."

Julia touches on her involvement in political events, like moderating at the Democratic convention, and her advocacy for down-ballot races as crucial for sustaining democracy.

Esther Perel [43:29]: "I'm involved politically. I do a lot of work in down ballot races… with a vengeance."

Personal Reflections and Future Endeavors

Towards the end of the episode, Julia discusses her reflections on legacy and the importance of her children as her true "echo."

Esther Perel [45:08]: "My echo is my two boys and them being good human beings and good citizens."

The conversation concludes with Julia humorously addressing questions about her future projects and the challenges of maintaining privacy, emphasizing her commitment to meaningful and controlled creative endeavors.

Conclusion

Julia Louis-Dreyfus offers a profound exploration of life's complexities, blending humor with deep philosophical insights. Her discussions on aging, community, and the art of comedy provide listeners with valuable perspectives on navigating both personal and professional landscapes. This episode is a testament to Julia's enduring legacy and her continual evolution as an artist and thinker.

Notable Quotes:

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus [10:07]: "You don't have to follow anybody's lead. You don't have to follow fashion or nothing."
• Esther Perel [17:32]: "The collective is the way out."
• Esther Perel [37:44]: "It's undeniably funny. It speaks to really universal truths."
• Esther Perel [45:08]: "My echo is my two boys and them being good human beings and good citizens."

Timestamp Highlights:

• [02:18]: Introduction of Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her achievements.
• [05:14]: Genesis of the Wiser Than Me podcast.
• [09:21]: Insights from Isabel Allende’s interview.
• [10:07]: Freedom and authenticity in aging.
• [22:23]: Discussion on the film Tuesday.
• [37:44]: Seinfeld's universal appeal.
• [43:29]: Julia’s political involvement and advocacy.

This episode is a compelling blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, offering listeners a chance to gain deeper understanding of life's profound moments through the lens of one of comedy's most beloved figures.