When youth so often takes centre stage, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ podcast, Wiser Than Me, continues as a refreshing beacon celebrating the wisdom and accomplishments of older women.
Through the podcast, Julia amplifies the voices of women who are frequently underrepresented in mainstream culture. Each week, she engages in funny, touching, and personal conversations with iconic older women who exude an unapologetic attitude and the kind of wisdom that only comes with age.
And, the guests are truly iconic – Bonnie Raitt, Nancy Pelosi, Ina Garten, Isabella Rossellini, Jane Goodall, Gloria Steinem, Vera Wang, Billy Jean King and Fran Lebowitz. For older women, each of these women are iconic in their field. For younger women, there may not be the awareness of how the efforts of these women paved the way for generations after them. Therein lies the importance of multi-generational storytelling.
Finding Confidence in the Fifties and Beyond
As a woman in my 50s, I’ve found that this decade has been where I’m truly at the top of my game—professionally thriving and personally content. Yet, navigating different environments to maintain the confidence to be my true self hasn’t always been easy. A combination of traits such as snort-laughing, being weird and very sweary (plus others I won’t mention) means that I didn’t always fit neatly into traditional workplace moulds.
Yet, when you listen to Julia and her guests, suddenly, you’re celebrating voices and victories of women who have aged with grace, grit, sweary-words and tales of bloody awesome adventures. Seriously, actress Rita Moreno (93 years) dropping the F-bomb and talking about her shag list is nothing short of iconic.
It’s not that shagging and swearing makes you iconic. Rather, it’s the recognition that as we age, we don’t need to leave behind the characteristics and lived experiences that make us, us.
Wiser Than Me celebrates our individual journeys, offering episode after episode of reflections on the struggles and triumphs we face as older women. It’s a testament to how the 50s and beyond can be the most fulfilling and vibrant years of our lives.
Ageism remains a pervasive issue, particularly in the workplace (thankfully, not mine!) and broader society. Older women often find their contributions undervalued and their potential overlooked. Wiser Than Me challenges this narrative by showcasing the immense value that comes with age and experience. The podcast highlights how wisdom isn’t just a byproduct of living longer—it’s an active, powerful force that can drive meaningful change and inspire younger generations.
By celebrating the accomplishments and insights of older women, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is helping to dismantle stereotypes and promote a more inclusive view of what it means to age gracefully and powerfully. It’s not about ticking boxes or fitting into a trendy narrative; it’s about meaningful dialogue that respects and values the lived experiences of older women. This approach not only enriches the listeners’ understanding but also creates a space where older women feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
A Community of Wisdom and Support
This podcast has plays a powerful role in fostering a community where wisdom and support flourish. It encourages intergenerational listening, allowing younger audiences to gain valuable insights from their elders while giving older women a platform to share their knowledge and experiences. Cross-generational dialogue is crucial in bridging gaps, fostering mutual respect, and building a more cohesive and understanding society.
The wisdom, resilience, and unapologetic spirit of the women featured on the podcast serve as powerful reminders that the best years of life are not behind us—they’re right here, ready to be lived fully and joyously.
Final Thoughts
Wiser Than Me is a beacon of light for ageing women everywhere, offering a platform that honours their wisdom and celebrates their achievements. It reinforces the idea that ageing is not something to fear or hide but something to embrace and celebrate. By valuing the contributions of older women, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is helping to create a world where every stage of life is celebrated and every voice is heard.
Here’s to embracing an unapologetic attitude and wisdom that only comes with age.
