cover of episode Julia Gets Wise with Nina Totenberg

Julia Gets Wise with Nina Totenberg

2024/10/23
logo of podcast Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

AI Deep Dive AI Insights AI Chapters Transcript
People
J
Julia
J
Julia's Mother
N
Nina Totenberg
Topics
Julia分享了她作为陪审员的经历,肯定了司法系统的公正性,但也表达了对当前美国司法系统和宪法未来命运的担忧。 Nina Totenberg回顾了她几十年的新闻生涯,分享了她职业生涯中遇到的挑战和感悟,以及她与Ruth Bader Ginsburg的友谊,并对当前美国政治环境下新闻报道的客观性提出了挑战。她还谈到了女性在职业发展中面临的性别歧视和自我怀疑等问题。 Julia的母亲分享了她那一代女性在职业发展中面临的社会压力和对自身抱负的压抑,并将其与Nina Totenberg的经历联系起来,认为这可能是许多女性在职业生涯中感到自我怀疑的原因之一。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Nina Totenberg feel the need to prove herself as a journalist?

Nina felt the need to prove herself due to the pervasive sense of being a 'fraud' that many women experience in professional settings. This feeling persisted until her fifties, driven by the constant pressure to demonstrate her competence and worth in a male-dominated field.

How did Nina Totenberg manage her temper in professional settings?

Nina learned to manage her temper by recognizing the physical and emotional toll of losing it. She adopted the strategy of walking away when feeling the urge to explode, which helped her avoid saying things she would later regret.

What was Nina Totenberg's approach to covering the Supreme Court?

Nina's approach involved maintaining a professional distance and not engaging in personal relationships that could compromise her objectivity. She also cultivated relationships with retired justices to gain historical insights without influencing current court dynamics.

How did Nina Totenberg handle the backlash from her Anita Hill story?

Nina handled the backlash by staying true to her journalistic integrity, refusing to reveal her sources, and relying on her experience and support from colleagues and family to navigate the intense public and political scrutiny.

What advice would Nina Totenberg give to her younger self?

Nina would advise her younger self to calm down and not be so pushy, trusting that she would succeed. She would also encourage herself to embrace a more confident self-image, acknowledging her own attractiveness and accomplishments.

How does Nina Totenberg view the current state of the judicial system?

Nina views the current judicial system with concern, particularly the lack of a centrist balance on the Supreme Court. She believes the court's shift towards extreme conservatism is dangerous and reflects her own political views that a balanced center is essential for a healthy democracy.

What does Nina Totenberg consider the best part of being her age?

Nina considers the wisdom and experience gained over decades as the best part of being her age. However, she also acknowledges the realization that life is finite and the challenges that come with aging, such as health scares and the need for physical therapy.

How did Nina Totenberg's friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsburg evolve?

Nina's friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsburg evolved over decades, rooted in their shared experiences as accomplished women striving for recognition in male-dominated fields. They bonded over their mutual struggle to break through professional barriers and their shared ambition.

Chapters
Nina Totenberg recounts her early career in journalism, including her time at the Boston Record-American and her undercover investigation into contraception access.
  • Nina started her journalism career at the Boston Record-American.
  • She attempted an undercover investigation into contraception access but was stopped by her editor.
  • Nina reflects on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field.

Shownotes Transcript

Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with legendary legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg. Nina is one of the founding mothers of NPR and has been covering the Supreme Court for over 50 years, longer than any justice has sat on the bench. Julia asks Nina about her friendship with the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, balancing relationships across political lines, and the emotional toll of long-term caretaking. Plus, Judith, Julia's 90-year-old mother, tells a story about how attitudes towards women’s ambition have changed in her lifetime.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram) and TikTok) @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast).   Keep up with Nina Totenberg @NinaTotenberg) on X.    Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium).    For exclusive discount codes and more information about our sponsors, visit https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/). 

  For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com).

See omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.