Fran Lebowitz in Conversation with Brian Vines | Twenty Summers

Twenty Summers Presents Fran Lebowitz in Conversation with Brian Vines at the historic Hawthorne Barn in Provincetown, Massachusetts, June 12, 2021.
Twenty Summers is an incubator for art and ideas. It imagines a more equitable and sustainable future, twenty summers from today.
The organization was founded in Provincetown's historic Hawthorne Barn, and we honor its legacy of artistic freedom by providing resources, residencies, and a platform for original projects and innovative ideas.
We believe that, in the right context, creative minds can find solutions to our hardest problems.
www.20summers.org

[@mistertamura6190]

I think why it’s so easy to love Fran, is not necessarily because of her opinions, of which there are plenty of debatable ones, but because one can tell she’s a genuinely good person with a refreshing curiosity and a great intellect who has given a lot of thought to all aspects of life. Also, there is something very analogue and enduring about her character in this increasingly digitised and trend-obsessed world. I’m a bit out of the loop regarding the status, but I truly hope that Scorsese and Netflix will continue producing the show with her.

[@nehamamama4272]

I agree with you. I disagree with her entirely in a lot of ways but I do appreciate her.

[@splinterbyrd]

I picture Mrs Lebowitz as one of the Old Testament prophets. She'd make a very good Moses, wearing the robes the glasses and carrying the 2 stone tablets, and exuding an aura.... 😇

[@keter1234]

Fran is experiencing a Renaissance. I'm so happy for her. - I have always loved her.

[@rcosmic9993]

I agree with you.. so great to witness that legend getting her spotlight again. I'm glad I'm alive in the same era as her

[@WarriorQueenUnicorn]

So healing. Driving through NYC in 1978 Healing

[@TheTerryE]

Too bad she hasn't written a word in 40 years.

[@brandonburt128]

I could listen to Fran Lebowitz all day, but if I had to interview her, I would be a nervous wreck. So glad that there are folks like Brian Vines in the world! He's a charming and urbane interlocutor and this document is for the ages.

[@sarahdee374]

someday Fred Armiston must "play" her!

[@tjdomerny4847]

I have seen many interviews with Fran. Most were good. This guy was the worst.

[@mreyespy13]

@@tjdomerny4847 hes horrid.

[@tjdomerny4847]

@@mreyespy13 sounds like you have mental.

[@WarriorQueenUnicorn]

Because of my NY Jewishness I feel this kinship with her where I feel unafraid to interview her. She brings me such sanity THANK YOU FRAN THANK YOU NYC

[@mjsdc8072]

Fran is the quintessential New Yorker. Always brilliant.

[@redwoods7370]

I saw this woman speak at my college back in the 70's. (I'm 66). She's absolutely brilliant and is one of our national treasures. I listen to her interviews over and over to make sure I catch everything.

[@fiat2496]

her take on everything is completely boring and normie. She literally thinks that people who refused the v@x are the dumb ones.

[@lainiefreeman412]

!',ghd❤ lol me

[@lainiefreeman412]

Sorry. Butt typo. I am her age and she totally speaks for me. I took have friends who believe I should celebrate every tiny thing their children do. And I don't because I really don't care about them all that much. And that works for me...

[@Ali-in8xi]

Fran Lebowitz, along with Joan Rivers (may her soul be at rest), are two of the most wittiest women I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

[@NJ-Cathie]

Agreed!!!

[@cidercik]

Rivers had writers. Those jokes were paid for.

[@jmiller05]

@@cidercik Lies.

[@Ali-in8xi]

I found her delightful nonetheless.

[@dennisdeemii]

@@cidercik bullshit - she rarely paid for a joke. it's well known history.

[@sandramalone3522]

Fran is always right on. I would love to see her in person. She's funny, real and a lot of my not so popular opinions are so similar too hers. Love her. And a great interviewer this Brian Vines.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

too, to, two 😀

[@sandramalone3522]

@@r.p.mcmurphy6623 I know...its to, not too. If I corrected it I think I lose all my thumbs up.

[@pennylacombe4763]

@@sandramalone3522 so glad you posted this because I often find myself doing this and I now see how Karen it is.

[@constancewalsh3646]

Brian Vine's studio-home is so wonderful it eclipses even Fran's captivating conversation.

[@sani-jl6fi]

I listen to anything and everything Fran Lebowitz with so much fascination, it's actually embrassing how many of her interviews I have bogged my mind with. I truly thank you for this.

[@minadelaluna9277]

It will stunt you.

[@fiat2496]

Her take on the v@x aged like a fine cat turd. Her logic about giving away a free v@x shot at Krispy creme .is so dumb. If you have to be enticed with a free doughnut to get any type of medical procedure, you might want to think twice.

[@geisascott7838]

Me encanta esta senora,aprendi a entender el ingles y no e parado jamas de seguirla ,es tan sincera y simpatica que nunca pierde su originalidad.

[@alipotter0613]

We need Fran to stick around forever. One of the last few people left with common sense.

[@edub9930]

Cant get enough Fran. I absolutely adore her.

[@katherinestephens7674]

I don't know when this was recorded, but I must say thank heaven for the Internet. I'm a New Yorker, but presently, I live somewhere else.

[@tjdomerny4847]

I know I was lucky to have had parents who loved me, but never once can I recall being asked by them or any adult, " How do you feel?"

[@AlvaSudden]

Parenting is so much better today. It's the one thing I disagree with Fran on. Before, Moms never listened to kids and Dads never listened to anybody. No question that listening makes people better persons.

[@tjdomerny4847]

@@AlvaSudden Look around. Fran is right. You are wrong. The evidence is overwhelming.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yep, parents prior to, maybe the 80s, didn't give a shit how you felt. Most kids were probably unplanned. The birth control pill becoming ubiquitous in the 60s slowly changed things.

[@michaelbenton1434]

Thanks so much for posting! I cant get enough of Fran

[@er1cf]

Thank you for posting this video for those who could not attend! Love Fran so much!

[@Chexydecimal]

Thank you for this. Long live Fran.

[@XX-zk2lf]

One of the most brilliant minds to ever exist.

[@robwarren4425]

Interview after interview they’re always amazing.

[@AuntieFa]

What a gift!! Thank you for this! Fran is a treasure.

[@bellucci777dual8]

Awesome conversation. Highly appreciated.

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@lisahughesnowwilhelmi2465]

What a joy it is to find Fran here today and that she has blessed us for so many years and keeps on going. Reminds me of that popular battery bunny .... Keep on drumming Fran, you energize us and we need you today more than ever. Bless you.

[@hayleyannamathieson7261]

Brilliant interview. Fran is fabulous as always. ❤

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hi 👋 how are you doing?

[@Kid_Shelleen]

She is experiencing a Renaissance. I'm so happy for her. - I have always loved her.

[@petec434]

This interviewer is fantastic! He's able to build off her comments, but it's pretty clear he's keeping to a set of topics he wants to address as well. He's articulate without acting like he's the star. I bet he's as great a conversationalist as Fran. Plus, he has such a soothing voice. I could listen to him all day.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

This interviewer is fantastic? You need to get out more. Listen to some actual interviews with actual intelligence on display: Uncommon Knowledge with Thomas Sowell. (Unless you start to foam at the mouth when truth hits your ears.)

[@petec434]

@@linjicakonikon7666 My my my! Let me gift you some advice that will help you put a better foot forward in future. By having a meltdown over a nice little comment on a KZbin channel, you've proven to everyone reading this that you're the one who needs to get out more.

[@regisnyder]

This was the best interview I’ve seen of her! I liked the Netflix special but this interview was way more enjoyable.

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

Um, you need to watch WAY more interviews...

[@elainekoufman7000]

This is one of the best interviews with Fran in a long time. Rather pleasant.

[@cherylb2008]

Fran is one of a kind. ❤️

[@jodih3023]

i love you Fran..You are one of a kind..Rave on my dear

[@Giselle-gx3iz]

Yayyyyyy!!!! Love her. So exciting

[@SophieBird07]

She is always such a breath of fresh air.

[@minadelaluna9277]

That's amusing. She's gassed how many humans with her smoking?

[@ronrendon]

@@minadelaluna9277 LOL

[@eemoogee160]

@@minadelaluna9277 ❤️ 🔫

[@kkpaine]

Mina de la Luna how many masks do you wear?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Which is ironic, because she's a chain smoker.

[@toniat8278]

Really good convo. The hour went by so quick! Love Fran♥️✌🏽✊🏽

[@dominicherrera4610]

What a great interview and Brian is such a great guy and so cute!!!!

[@yogithashetty2587]

Amazing conversation 👏🏻thanks for bringing fran lebowitz .

[@jimmaloney3738]

Going to see her Tuesday.... can't wait!

[@TheOneHiraethProject]

What a pleasure! Thank you.

[@louisepotier2784]

I loved this interview. Thank-you to the interviewer for asking the different questions that I normally would hear. The answer concerning flip flop vs crocs was delightful haha. Loved it. 🙂

[@islandgirl45]

Fran Lebowitz is the bomb!! Love her!! 💜

[@franklinstephen3268]

Hello 👋 how are you doing?

[@THMILLER]

She reminds me of my Grandmother and Aunts because they always had really nuanced conversations that really made my childhood and teenage years very interesting.

[@terryleekaly2680]

Wonderful....re the audience is the respondent & collaborator

[@wheres_wolfie]

“What I hope is to be the gift of this conversation”

[@Freesingskills19]

i wasnt sure about vines, but i really like his style. super chill and charming. he did a great job with a hard interviewee.

[@johnsheehan5109]

Thanks, Fran.

[@bluezinnia847]

I just adore Fran Lebowitz, her wit is beyond funny, and so is her wisdom! She is a brilliant person, who still shines like the brightest star (when she wants too, of course!:) Great interview! Great Woman, thank you!

[@DateTwoRelate]

Very few folks cast against type as judges were highly memorable. One was Shelley Berman on Boston Legal; the other Fran Lebowitz on multiple Law & Orders.

[@creeptimepodcast]

I’m obsessed

[@bayoubabe6698]

Thank you Fran☮️ Incredibly intelligent and entertaining ✌️

[@AlvaSudden]

I needed to hear a wise person talking today. And to know Rachel Maddow was there in the same room 1:03:55 gave me faith in America for one more day. Thank you.

[@likearollingstone007]

Yes, thank you for lesbians

[@linjicakonikon7666]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂...oh wait...you were being serious? Oh my.

[@Ali-in8xi]

22m34s..."I wash my hands in as hot water as you can stand with a huge amount of soap rubbing very hard for 45 seconds, then I do it again"... reminds me of a scene in the a Jack Nicholson film titled "As Good As It Gets".

[@tutonelylesnaranjo6311]

Bravo Fran Lebowitz. Fascinating 👏 And great host.🎉

[@BernardAguiar]

As a republican, I love Fran Lebowitz. I don’t agree with her but I do respect her point of view.

[@AndieWalsh333]

Marvelous. There really is some magic here.

[@SueEmmDee]

What a fantastic lady; she is brilliant.

[@judithmariabradley5603]

🎊🎊🎊. Thank heaven for. LEBOWITZ. 🎉♥️🎉♥️🎉♥️🎉

[@jyoung6864]

Great Interview all around.

[@polopony894]

The interviewer did a fabulous job : )

[@JCF072344]

How does Fran know what's in my head? She voices it precisely. I agree with Michael below; Brian is an excellent host.

[@auntihooha]

My parents didn't even want me around, not unless they needed a babysitter. Childhood in the 60s (i was born in '60) was just as Fran says: our parents not only didn't care about how we felt, in fact many of us were shamed for having feelings at all. I tried turning to other adults, such as my 6th grade teacher, but adults always stuck together. STILL, 50 years later, that teacher, who I had still been turning to for emotional support sides with my parents and implies that my memories are false; that I must be crazy because he and all adults were just perfect.

[@KateBates22zabu]

At 3yo,in 1950, i was raised by my Dad's sister with the idea she'd train me to be her future baby sitter. Always implied I was a burden or problem. She did train me, to this day I must eat all that is on my plate. One relative saw her slap me so hard I flew across the room -- her solution was to never visit again. People knew I was physically abused *"but it was a 'family matter'"* did not interfere, much like domestic abuse. I wish someone would have cared about my feelings --- maybe I wouldn't be a basket case

[@janinedaniell1967]

I was a child in the 70s and I know my parents were right what is important isn't necessarily our feelings but the work we do, the way we behave, how we treat others the list goes on and on me, myself and I REALLY should not be given the be all and end all of life and living

[@creativeblunder]

you look for validation from your 6th grade teacher you had 50 years ago, who has never “sided” with you? you’re either a troll or your memories are false and are literally psychotic

[@slowpainful]

@@janinedaniell1967 This is an awesome declaration. Feelings and emotions pass. Integrity and good works live on.

[@litsci1877]

This is so painful -- this crowd has been so schooled in fear of being unempathetic that they can't laugh at a good wisecrack. Still, I'm glad they're there. Also, she's completely right about AIDS vs covid. You don't get AIDS by breathing. There was a very brief window between "people are paying attention" and "it's clear you don't get this from breathing" when the world was far more horrible than it had been to gay people, but after that, no, it was about sex, which was very bad if you were young, but not something that permeated every moment of your life unless a lot of your friends had it. It was also *years* before there was any consciousness that this was something women also needed to worry about. And -- it was different in that we know how to deal with covid medicinally, though that may change if it figures out how to do a number on the immune system the way AIDS does, which has been a worry since early last year, and the panic at omicron tells me that this fear is still very much alive among virologists and epidemiologists and biochemists and pharma chemists etc. I'm not understanding these people's desperation for mentorship like they think it's going to save them from something or deliver magic into their lives.

[@carolynrobe5957]

She seems to talk as if the pandemic is more or less over? What? It must be a New York thing. I spoke to someone who went to Montana over American Thanksgiving to a county that was 28 per cent vaccinated. Like Africa, etc.

[@litsci1877]

@@carolynrobe5957 she's 100% uninterested in Montana, though. NYC has rules that she managed to follow despite DeBlasio. She's right about him, too. When I found out he showed up here during his "presidential campaign" and palled around with my mayor, I was furious I'd missed it -- I'd have run out and found them just to yell at him to go home and attempt to do the job he already couldn't manage. Something about the guy just provokes people. I bet he'd have stood there and took it, too.

[@kkpaine]

AIDS was background because there was a lot more gay intolerance - not just with Repuglicans. Here in HI you had to wear “I am gay” badges/pins. Citizens thot “good for those sleep-abouts.” Then, when a NY socialite whose husband was cheating on her, had a one night affair and got AIDS, her courage to disclose brought people up short on their bias. What’s to compare about then and now is AZT and remdesivir

[@fiat2496]

you get it by being poisoned by AZT. Another one of Fauci's proud moments

[@litsci1877]

@@fiat2496 I always wonder what people like you actually live like. Like are you in one of those old grandma houses stuffed with garbage, or in a trailer wearing three sleeping bags, or what. Oh, now I stopped caring, you're muted.

[@stradaswing]

Who else watches these interviews the same way they eat candy?? I just want more !!!!!

[@julzynz7982]

We need more voices like this

[@deeliciousplum]

Some of Fran's pronouncements are polar opposite of the one's that I am host to. And, yet, there are many pronouncements which overlap. This following covered me in tears: 16:05 "I've said this many times. And, I say it again because it's true. In my life, I've known many smart people. But, I've only known one wise person & that is Toni (Morrison)."

[@deeliciousplum]

What a priceless interview. I ought to say more about Fran. I'll say this... Fran values good people. I am in awe and thankful of Fran's relationship/experiences with Toni Morris.

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Thank you for your common sense. You are a wonder and I am in awe of you. ☮️💜

[@gin1740]

Fabulous Fran!

[@barbaracollins8293]

Love Fran. As an ex new yorker, I don't miss it though!!

[@kaiserrahman5433]

As an ex New Yorker, I find her sane though!

[@donniemoder1466]

What! Fran has spread all over the world? Loved the Netflix show. Added edit (And she gets better and better. If someone would write down a lot of this, she would have another best seller. Simply a great original mind.)

[@pam0626]

I love Brian’s questions. He gave us new insights from Fran.

[@tenderizer]

Brian is a seriously great interviewer and Fran is queen of my heart as always

[@sandramalone3522]

Well put !!

[@MarklovesAngels]

GREAT host and great conversation with Fran.

[@davebowker1113]

If u are not going to provide a microphone-- Could you at least repeat the question for us folks who aren’t there?????!!!!!

[@pianoman551000]

Fran usually does repeat the question for the delayed listening audience. Not sure what happened at this event.

[@bluesquirrel3919]

I love Fran 💜🥰

[@mrmojo88888]

"It's hard for me to imagine that anything would come out of Zoom . . . It [Zoom] is the most dead thing imaginable."

[@sharonbarrett1673]

I love this woman!

[@kittyvine823]

I simply love Fran. I really don't care if she loves me back , or not. She is my hero and truth is my guide. Thank you Fran. I will go anywhere to watch you because, my life is so dull and "ya know why not?" My question is, or would be, do you smoke a bowl or do a schroom. Or is this all sober?

[@iamanomas]

Perhaps a combination of fear and respect for our parents. Perfect example Fran - the “May I have an apple part”.

[@kkpaine]

My mother “whom not who❣️”

[@lovepeace3041]

Fran you are the ultimate NYer and as a fellow NYer, I am qualified to correct you on one point: there are saints in NYC. Teachers. They are our holy people.

[@BabyHoolighan]

That was great!

[@nancybecker1173]

LOVE Brian Vines! And Fran’s not too shabby either.

[@MSBLS721]

Fayetteville, Arkansas. I worked at the University in 1994. Clinton was governor. Worked with several people who told me "nobody voted for him!" I was like, "he's been governor here for how long??? Seems like a lot of SOMEONES voted for him to be elected and re-elected."

[@mtngrl5859]

For example, Condoleza Rice is a perfect example of a Republican that does read, writes, and publishes books. Same with everyone associated with the Hoover Institute at Stanford University.

[@kkpaine]

Jean Marie Ragus 🤢

[@carmeldelaney1086]

I think I wouldn't be nervous if I had to interview her.Underneath all her acidity She Is a good , no nonsense Person.

[@AnnoyingKiwiDude]

Great interview

[@bodichair]

I agree so much with Fran's assessment of Joe Biden, As soon as he was elected I could stop worrying about politics I knew the Drama and Trauma was over and we could all move on

[@groominator-magneticequato7195]

Sadly all that is coming back. I can’t freakin’ believe the undying idiocy of trump cultists.

[@Valerioraschiamare]

I love her answer about Italy at 48:10

[@everlastingspirit223]

I love Fran.

[@robertbarnier45]

Wonderful Fran ❤

[@johncampbell1152]

Who is the host? He is brilliant, warm, thoughtful, persuasive, patient, and marvelously humored. And of course who doesn’t adore Fran!?! She’s a voice of Truth and knows how to deliver it. GREAT WORK, both of you.

[@marypinkerton3290]

Fran is so right about so many things and she makes me laugh.

[@mjacobs8139]

Especially the trans athlete and trans bs stuff. It's all a distraction from voting rights. Which everyone has less of.

[@naftalibendavid]

She is FABULOUS!

[@danallyn7]

I loved the last comment - that Toni Morrison loved Rachel Maddow. And that Rachel was in the audience and answered (didn't hear it, but...)

[@kkpaine]

Rachael - the queen of establishment pablum.

[@minismith7329]

Please stand up for Julian Assange!!!! Free Julian Assange.No extradition to USA!

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

shoo

[@paulavarela1000]

Fran is brilliant.

[@julierawlins5984]

I love Fran Lebowitz

[@moonshinefilms]

Always a pleasure watching Fran speak, but this session is a bit flat. She's working with what she's got. Fran really needs a sharp interviewer that pushes up against her a bit more and less of a polite fanboy. That's how you get her best wit. She's an old school New Yorker, confront her with confidence and then hold fast.

[@m.c.master4622]

I thought Brian Vines was just so lame; she deserves better.

[@moonshinefilms]

@@m.c.master4622 Brain is alright, he seems like a sweet guy. Just a little too soft for my taste. He'd be perfect for more sensitive interviewees. Next time call John Waters to interview Fran.

[@kristin1533]

She's got to be interviewed by her intellectual equal. Brian is a nice person, and I love his hair, but he can't keep up with her. (I know I couldn't, either!)

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

@@kristin1533 Very few people can. Helps if you are a native of NY, but not always needed. She is a force of nature. Out on your seatbelt, and hold on tight.

[@patricias5122]

He is talking about glasses fogging up too much; he seems a very sweet person. But I agree with others who are saying, she needed to be challenged intellectually a little more. The hand washing business just isn't interesting. What a missed opportunity.

[@gavinpeters5418]

grazie mille

[@vintagebilly.uk..9005]

He has a lovely voice uk

[@dennisdeemii]

yes, and he loves to hear himself talk.

[@shumiatcher]

If only Ms Lebowitz would run for office…. Intelligence, heart, and wisdom with courage. Thank you Mr. Vines 🤓

[@wwbuirkle]

Sarcasm right?

[@maeshellewest-davies7904]

double masking helps keep glasses from fogging up. I love FRAN so much!

[@deliagarcia438]

I wish we could have heard the questions. Or that the questions has been repeated. I love Fran; makes me laugh!

[@madeleineshaw5772]

When taking questions from the audience, please repeat the question. Cannot hear questions. Thank you. Otherwise brilliant interview.

[@lindazeidler9654]

I love Fran

[@PiaAmorin]

Her response on gum prices going up killed me lol. Love you Fran but you can borrow my Econ 101 books if you want 🥺😂