On this episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 71-year-old author Amy Tan. Amy tells Julia how she’s learned to deal with the expectations following her successful debut novel The Joy Luck Club, the power of an apology, and the practical ways she’s preparing for getting older. And Julia and her mom Judith recall the disastrous first time Judith met J ... Show More
Jan 31
Listen Again: Julia Gets Wise with Catherine O’Hara
We are heartbroken by the news of Catherine O’Hara’s sudden passing at the age of 71. Her brilliance, humor, and kindness touched so many of us, and we’ve taken comfort in listening back to Julia’s conversation with her from last year. We’re sharing it now as we mourn her loss an ... Show More
1h 8m
Jan 14
Julia Gets Wise with Diana Nyad
This week, Julia talks with 76-year-old legendary endurance swimmer Diana Nyad about obsession, the body, and attempting extraordinary feats later in life. Diana reflects on the evolution of her extreme swims, the chosen family that sustains her, and why loyalty and friendship ar ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2023
Dancing, Writing, Laughing, Crying (with Amanda Kloots)
Every week my son August and I would watch our favorite ever dancer Amanda Kloots perform on Dancing with the Stars. She was truly amazing, and that's just one of the reasons I’m so excited she’s joining us today. We talk about her son Elvis, writing through grief, and the joys o ... Show More
35m 46s
Sep 2023
Building the Perfect Ice Cream Sundae (with Maria Bamford)
Clog lover, author, and princess of the Midwest Maria Bamford has landed! Put simply, she is a freaking icon, from viral tik tok-worthy character work in her seminal Maria Bamford Show, to her amazing standup career, Maria has always been comedian's favorite comedian. Her new boo ... Show More
36m 3s
Jun 2023
Getting Failure Out of the Way Early (with Natalie Morales)
I giggled so hard during this episode that I nearly lost it, but it's no surprise considering our guest, Natalie Morales, is an incredibly delightful person. You may know her from performances as Lucy on "Parks and Recreation," in the dark comedy-drama "Dead to Me," and her recen ... Show More
40m 34s
Mar 2023
Hiring Everyone Except A**holes (with Chelsea Devantez)
Chelsea Devantez is a comedian, writer, producer, podcaster and my burning question for her is: how does she balance it all? Chelsea generously shares with me her advice for navigating the big world of entertainment. She teaches me the importance of writing a good first page, and ... Show More
36m 3s
Dec 2022
Making You Look (with Meghan Trainor)
When I met Meghan Trainor, I found out she mixes her own songs on top of writing, performing, and generally being amazing. What you don’t see behind her greatest hits is just how hard she’s worked. Meghan talks about how she went from performing in a cover band with her family to ... Show More
46m 50s