Recently, I started listening to a podcast called “Wiser Than Me,” hosted by actress, comedian, and activist Julia Louis-Dreyfus. On her show, she interviews influential women who are older, and therefore wiser, than she is; along the way, the audience gets to hear incredible stories, advice, and jokes from icons ranging from Billie Jean King to Jane Fonda. First, I love listening because of how charming Julia Louis-Dreyfus is–her quick wit, relatability, and stunning conversational skills (seriously–she can sound like she’s best friends with anyone) are so impressive. Her voice is perfect for a rainy day, a long fall walk, or any time you need a bit of comfort. 

Besides sharing fabulous advice and funny stories, the guests on this podcast have demystified aging for me. I know I am not alone in my fear of getting old. The mental and physical challenges associated with old age are terrifying. The fear of wrinkles and grey hair is basically instilled in American women. I swear I hear something along the lines of, "Your teenage years are the best of your life! Don't waste them!" almost every day. It seems as if the world ends once you hit your thirties. However, if I have learned anything from listening to these episodes, it is that getting old is not scary. At the beginning of every interview, Louis-Dreyfus asks each guest how old they are. While usually that is a taboo question, "Wiser Than Me" treats age as a badge of honor. Every guest answers proudly. I noticed that even ninety-year-olds, like Jewish feminist Gloria Steinem, have not lost an inch of their personalities. In “Wiser Than Me”, Steinem is just as sharp and introspective as in her books and interviews from the seventies. Dolores Huerta, a renowned labor activist, said in an episode that, with age, she feels like she has expanded her mindset and learns more every day. Previously, I was worried that getting older would mean falling victim to a scattered, less adaptable mind. However, Dolores Huerta and women like her have proven that getting older can mean just getting wiser.

Listening to this podcast has also made me think about the women in my life and what I can learn from them. They may not be famous writers, activists, actresses, or comedians, but their stories are just as valuable. My older sister sets up boundaries and does not get stepped on, possessing a confidence I can only wish to have. My aunt is a curator–of clothes, books, things, and people. I hope to one day have the same impeccable taste she has. My mom has taught me the importance of being a life-long learner. She is committed to educating herself on new topics, immersing herself in new cultures, and seeing new places. I navigate my life and overcome challenges according to the lessons learned from their bazaar adventures and obstacles. I can guarantee you that behind every “old” woman is a library of rich, insightful stories waiting to be told. You will be surprised how much you can learn from just asking.