News and Happenings

On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia is joined by 78-year-old actress Glenn Close, who reflects on growing up in the Moral Re-Armament cult, her iconic work in Fatal Attraction and the new Knives Out, and the tenacity, talent, and forgiveness that have shaped her life. She also shares the impact of her grandmothers, how becoming one has changed her, and an incredible reveal from the set of The Natural. Meanwhile, Julia and her mother Judy dive into the fiery women in their own family tree.

In this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with visionary 76-year-old photographer Annie Leibovitz for a conversation about ambition, aging and the strange magic of being truly seen: both on camera, and in life. They dig into Annie’s relentless eye for detail and how motherhood rewired her creative instincts. Plus Julia speaks with her 91-year-old mom, Judy, about family photos and why smiling for the camera is harder than it looks.

Julia sits down with 70-year-old New Yorker cartooning legend Roz Chast, whose humor and unforgettable illustrations Julia has adored for decades. They dive into Roz’s anxieties, obsessions, and the worldview behind her award-winning memoir “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” Roz chats about raising kids through constant worry, caring for her aging parents, and how her work helps her make sense of the chaos. Plus, Julia’s mom Judy recalls how she handled the sex talk with Julia when she was growing up.

Today on the premiere episode of our new season, Julia sits down with 78-year-old comedy icon and Saturday Night Live original cast member, Jane Curtin.

In celebration of the recent Kennedy Center Honors where Julia helped honor Bonnie Raitt for her music and advocacy, we wanted to share Bonnie’s episode from Season 2 of Wiser Than Me.

In the final episode of Season 3 of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 84-year-old House Speaker Emerita and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi. Nancy shares her love for the Grateful Dead, discusses the power of public sentiment, and fields Julia’s offer to help with a Saturday Night Live audition. Julia also asks Nancy about her pioneering mom, the recent presidential election, and the roots of the current vitriol in politics. Plus, Julia’s 90-year old mom Judith reflects on the myriad ways Nancy is inspiring future generations – including Judith’s granddaughter Fia – and gets an incredibly unhelpful suggestion from Siri.

On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with EGOT-winning actress, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno on her 93rd birthday. The two discuss why Rita almost backed out of her Oscar-winning turn as Anita in West Side Story and the complex emotions Rita experienced after her husband of 45 years passed away. Julia and Rita also bond over the fact that they both find Mel Brooks sexy. Later, Julia talks with her 90-year-old mom, Judith, about seeing the original West Side Story on Broadway and how musicals can be an important vehicle for storytelling.

Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia welcomes 80-year-old singer, actress, and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle. The two discuss Patti’s legendary Grammy Award-winning music career and what the “Godmother of Soul” has cooked for friends like Nina Simone, Elton John, and Prince. Plus, Patti tells Julia why she was convinced she wouldn’t live to see 50. Also, Julia asks her 90-year-old mom, Judith, if she can remember any racy song lyrics from her youth.

Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 72-year-old actress, director, and model Isabella Rossellini, currently starring in the film Conclave. The two dive into a conversation about Isabella’s Long Island farm, why she loves referring to herself as ancient, and her personal journey with sexuality and romance, particularly in her later years. Plus, Julia asks her 90-year-old mom, Judith, to recite a perfectly timed Mary Oliver poem and plots a potential adventure with her.

On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia talks with 94-year-old trailblazing labor activist Dolores Huerta. Dolores reflects on her iconic “Sí Se Puede” (“Yes We Can”) slogan, shares her views on healthy divorces, and opens up about confronting some of her own long-held Catholic beliefs. The pair also discuss the lasting influence of Dolores’s mother, while Julia recalls what may have been her own first act of activism. Plus, Julia’s 90-year-old mom, Judith, opens up about the evolution of her views on women’s reproductive rights.