Fran Lebowitz has no smartphone, no laptop, and no filter | Compass

New Yorker Fran Lebowitz has built a career skewering modern life. In a sharp, funny conversation with Benjamin Law, she reflects on a world in turmoil, covering everything from Trump to Trad Wives. From her bestselling books, late night talk show appearances, and Martin Scorsese’s Pretend It’s a City, she has become one of America’s most distinctive voices. Now in 2026, as democracy trembles and political chaos surges, Benjamin Law sits down with Lebowitz to ask: how does she make sense of what we are witnessing unfold in real time? For more stories about our ethics, spirituality and beliefs, watch ABC Compass on iview. Subscribe: https://ab.co/3yqPOZ5 Chapters 00:00 Introducing Fran Lebowitz 02:40 Fran doesn't hate modern technology. She's just not that into it. 08:44 A Jewish atheist 12:09 No one could have imagined Donald Trump 16:22 Modern Life: Tradwives, Polyamory and Vaping 20:40 The 1970s New York Art scene was small. But don't call Fran and Andy Warhol friends. 24:08 Don't worry, you'll be dead Welcome to ABC News In-depth, where you'll find our long-form journalism and other videos to help you understand what's going on in the world around you. Note: In most cases, our captions are auto-generated. #ABCNewsIndepth #ABCNewsAustralia