Julia Gets Wise with Cyndi Lauper
Summary
Julia Louis-Dreyfus interviews Cyndi Lauper, who reflects on her career, activism, and personal life. They discuss Lauper’s transformation of "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" into a feminist anthem, her advocacy for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and her creative journey from music to Broadway’s *Kinky Boots*. Lauper also shares stories about her marriage, intuition, and maintaining artistic integrity.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The power and danger of art
Guest intro: Cyndi Lauper's career and activism
Aging, fitness, and defying stereotypes
Vocal health and recovering from cord shrinkage
Selling wardrobe for charity and closet habits
Ad breaks: Quince, SoFi, HBS, Aloha Bars
Childhood rebellion and Catholic school expulsions
Transforming 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' into an anthem
Emmy wins and the male-dominated comedy landscape
Early fame, fashion, and the Vegas headdress
Ad breaks: MyDia, BritBox
Clash with Spielberg and industry sexism
Meeting husband David Thornton and premonitions
Writing for Kinky Boots and imposter syndrome
Activism, True Colors Foundation, and teamwork
Animated short, beauty standards, and fortune cookies
Call with Julia's mom and closing credits
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