Minisode: Big Softball Energy with Chelsea & Catherine

Summary

Dear Chelsea: Minisode - Big Softball Energy with Chelsea & Catherine Released on February 7, 2025 by iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this engaging minisode of Dear Chelsea, hosts Chelsea Handler and Catherine Law, along with co-host Adam, delve into personal updates, listener stories, and conversational banter that encapsulate the essence of the show. Skipping the commercial breaks and promotional segments, this episode focuses on Chelsea's upcoming hosting gig, her personal health journey, and heartfelt listener updates that highlight growth and self-discovery.

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Chelsea's Hosting Gig and Personal Health Journey

The episode kicks off with Chelsea sharing exciting news about hosting the 30th Critics Choice Awards, marking her third time in this role. Amidst her enthusiasm, Chelsea opens up about her recent health challenges:

• Shoulder Surgery and Recovery:
  "[02:08] Chelsea Handler: It all worked out. I got shoulder surgery about 10 days ago just in time to wear a strapless gown."

• Battling an Infection and Sobriety:
  Chelsea candidly discusses her battle with an infection that requires daily intravenous medication. She humorously reflects on her sobriety journey: "[02:32] Chelsea Handler: This could be the beginning of my sober life. Who knows?"
  This admission adds a layer of vulnerability, showing her resilience and openness with her audience.

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Listener Updates: Stories of Courage and Authenticity

The heart of the episode lies in the uplifting updates from listeners who have previously sought Chelsea's advice. These stories underscore themes of self-empowerment and authenticity.

1. Ev's Journey to Self-Advocacy
   Ev shares a touching update about taking control of his mental health: "[08:28] Chelsea Handler: Oh, well, that's nice, considering I have no recollection of that phone call whatsoever."
   "[08:39] Savannah Guthrie: But I still."
   Despite Chelsea's humorous forgetfulness of the call, Ev expresses deep gratitude: "I got the courage to tell my parents about the medication. I owe it to you. They took it very well."
   This story highlights the positive impact of honest communication and trusting one's instincts.

2. Emily's African Safari Adventure Plans
   Emily updates Chelsea and the hosts on her planned 30th birthday trip to Africa with her mother, seeking advice on safari destinations: "[09:32] Chelsea Handler: I usually do my traveling to. The times I've been to safari have been in the summer, like July, because it's their winter."
   "[10:00] Chelsea Handler: If you can, spend on that. Like however high you can go. Because it's. It can be so luxurious and it's worth it."
   Chelsea provides insightful recommendations, emphasizing the value of immersive and memorable experiences.

3. Alex's Journey to Embracing Her True Self
   Alex shares her heartfelt story about coming out and embracing her sexuality: "[11:02] Adam: Awesome. And that's so fun to go with her mom. I think that's really great."
   "[12:24] Chelsea Handler: Oh, that's cute."
   "[12:31] Chelsea Handler: I vaguely remember this call is triggering some. Or not triggering."
   "[12:46] Chelsea Handler: I have been doing this podcast for, like, 16 years."
   Alex expresses joy and authenticity: "I've realized I'm gay. We separated a few months ago, and I've come out to a few family members and close friends. Although it was a difficult decision to live as my authentic self, I have no regrets."
   Her story serves as an inspiring testament to living truthfully and finding happiness.

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Hosts' Reflections and Conversations

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted yet meaningful conversations, adding depth to the narrative.

• Chelsea's Struggles and Humor:
  Chelsea balances her serious health revelations with humor, showcasing her trademark comedic edge: "[02:35] Chelsea Handler: I come straight so they can reinstall the PIC line."
  "[03:25] Adam: Let me tell you. I was like, laying on my back doing some, like, you know, ab work..."
  These exchanges highlight the camaraderie among the hosts and their ability to navigate personal topics with grace and laughter.

• Supporting Each Other:
  The hosts continuously support and uplift one another, reinforcing the show's supportive community: "[11:05] Chelsea Handler: Yeah."
  "[12:31] Chelsea Handler: I vaguely remember this call is triggering some. Or not triggering."
  Their interactions demonstrate a deep bond and mutual respect, creating a comforting atmosphere for listeners.

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Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode draws to a close, Chelsea hints at her upcoming book tour, encouraging listeners to pre-order and attend her events: "[04:53] Adam: And you can pre order her book actually in the link right in the description here. So go ahead and click there, pre order please. You can even buy signed copies."
"[05:11] Adam: Awesome. That's super fun."
This promotion not only engages the audience but also fosters a sense of anticipation for future content.

Finally, the hosts wish Chelsea luck for her hosting debut: "[12:58] Adam: Well, Chelsea, good luck tonight. Or should I say break a leg? Break a leg tonight."
"[13:02] Chelsea Handler: Oh, thank you. Thank you, guys."
"[13:06] Chelsea Handler: See you tonight. Bye."
The episode wraps up on a supportive and optimistic note, celebrating Chelsea's achievements and the community's shared journey.

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Key Takeaways

• Authenticity and Courage: Listener stories emphasize the importance of being true to oneself and the courage to make life-changing decisions.

• Community Support: The hosts' interactions showcase a strong support system, enhancing the show's role as a safe space for advice and shared experiences.

• Resilience and Humor: Chelsea's ability to discuss personal challenges with humor inspires listeners to approach their own struggles with a positive mindset.

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Notable Quotes

• Chelsea on Sobriety:
  "[02:32] Chelsea Handler: This could be the beginning of my sober life. Who knows?"

• Ev on Courage:
  "I got the courage to tell my parents about the medication. I owe it to you."
  (Timestamp: [08:28])

• Emily on Safari Planning:
  "[09:32] Chelsea Handler: I would just say, like, whatever money you can spend on that, spend on that. Like however high you can go."

• Alex on Embracing Her Identity:
  "I have no regrets. I am so much happier and feel much more at home with myself."
  (Timestamp: [11:05])

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This minisode of Dear Chelsea encapsulates a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and empowering advice, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking inspiration and genuine connection. Whether you're tuning in for Chelsea's latest endeavors or the uplifting listener updates, this episode promises a rich and engaging experience.

Transcript

[Savannah Guthrie]

Television has gotten really complicated, hasn't it?

[Chelsea Handler]

With so many apps, services and live.

[Savannah Guthrie]

Tv, you can end up scrolling all.

[Chelsea Handler]

Day long just to figure out what to watch. I've been there. So that's what's so great about DirecTV. It is hassle free. DirecTV is a better way to watch whatever you want to watch. You get all your apps, live TV and even new recommendations on one home screen. And that means you don't have to plug in passwords over and over. DirecTV is available without a satellite. You can stream all your favorite shows. Sign up for DIRECTV [e-mail] unlike what.

[Craig Melvin]

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[Savannah Guthrie]

A mother's love deserves a gift like no other. Celebrate her love, strength and style with heartfelt jewelry from Pandora. From iconic charms to sparkling necklaces, rings, earrings and more, there are so many ways to say thank you Mom. Pandora even has in store engraving so you can treat your mom to a trip to the store and have your pieces engraved together with your own handwriting. So on Mother's Day and every day, tell her how much she means to you with a gift from Pandora. Visit Pandora in store or [e-mail] Every.

[Radhi Devlukia]

Morning brings a fresh new energy. And no matter what the day holds, we come to the Today show for all of it.

[Katherine]

We get the best start to the day because we started together. Watch the Today show weekdays at 7am on NBC.

[Chelsea Handler]

Hi everybody.

[Katherine]

Hi.

[Chelsea Handler]

Hi Katherine.

[Adam]

Hi Chelsea. How are you?

[Chelsea Handler]

I'm good.

[Savannah Guthrie]

I'm just.

[Chelsea Handler]

Today is Critics Choice Awards so I will be returning to my birth network of E to host the 30th.

[Adam]

Wow.

[Chelsea Handler]

30Th critics it's their 30th anniversary of the Critics Choice Awards and this is my third hosting gig.

[Adam]

Fantastic. I mean it all worked out.

[Chelsea Handler]

It all worked out. I got shoulder surgery about 10 days ago just in time to wear a strapless gown.

[Craig Melvin]

Perfect.

[Chelsea Handler]

Fighting an infection, I am getting intravenous drugs every 24 hours. I haven't had a drink in about 10 days, and I don't think I'll be able to have one for another six weeks.

[Savannah Guthrie]

So who knows?

[Chelsea Handler]

This could be the beginning of my sober life. Who knows?

[Adam]

I know you're coming.

[Chelsea Handler]

And be like, who needed alcohol anyway?

[Adam]

Who even needed it? You just, like, go sober to. All these parties have been great.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah, exactly. No, actually, what my schedule is, is last night they took out my PICC line, which is what they use to give me intravenous drugs for this infection that I got. And tonight after the award show, in a very glorious fashion, I come straight so they can reinstall the PIC line.

[Adam]

Oh, fantastic.

[Chelsea Handler]

So that's my after party, everybody.

[Adam]

So sexy. So exciting. Chelsea, I have to tell you about something that happened to me recently, and I have been waiting to tell you about this.

[Chelsea Handler]

Okay.

[Adam]

I was at the gym working with.

[Chelsea Handler]

My trainer last week, hopefully sans hard boiled eggs. You didn't bring san.

[Adam]

I brought no hard boiled eggs. And I wouldn't even let my shoes smell like hard boiled eggs in there.

[Chelsea Handler]

The story, the story's already better just by not having hard boiled eggs in it.

[Adam]

Let me tell you. I was like, laying on my back doing some, like, you know, ab work, that sort of thing. And I see walk up about three feet from my face, bare feet, bare at the gym, bare men's feet, just walking around. And my trainer turns the guy and goes, where are your shoes, man? I just want to tell you this, man. He's a boomer, white gentleman. He's the only white boomer that goes to my entire gym. He also happens to be the only person I've ever seen there wearing a Trump hat. And I'm not saying that the two of those things are related, but.

[Chelsea Handler]

Well, it's the attitude.

[Adam]

It could be.

[Chelsea Handler]

The attitude is related. The disregard for others is related. Wearing bare feet in public spaces is just. You have no regard for others.

[Adam]

No.

[Chelsea Handler]

And wearing a Trump hat means you have no regard for others.

[Adam]

Also bring that into other people's bases. I just, like, I could not believe it was, like, right next to my face. Cause I was laying on the ground. I was like, what is happening? Why are there old man feet next to me? It was truly horrifying.

[Chelsea Handler]

It reminds me of the dedication to my new book. My new book. If you guys haven't ordered it. Ordered it. I'll have what she's having. It's not out until February 25th. But there's a dedication in that book to a very special group of people that have to deal with People like that all the time. And I'll let you read it in the book. You'll know what I'm talking about.

[Adam]

And you can pre order her book actually in the link right in the description here. So go ahead and click there, pre order please. You can even buy signed copies.

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh yeah, and I'm doing a book tour. I'm going to all these different cities.

[Adam]

Are they on your website?

[Savannah Guthrie]

Yeah, they're all on my website.

[Chelsea Handler]

So go to the website. I'm gonna do like six cities for my book tour.

[Adam]

Awesome. That's super fun.

[Craig Melvin]

Unlike what you're listening to, T Mobile's coverage is no joke because T Mobile helps keep you connected from the heart of Portland to right where you are on America's largest 5G network. Switch. Now keep your phone and T Mobile will pay it off at the $800 per line via prepaid card. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com keepandswitch. Up to four lines of a virtual prepaid card. Last 15 days. Qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days. Device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card is no cash access. It expires in six months.

[Unknown]

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[Savannah Guthrie]

A mother's love deserves a gift like no other. Celebrate her love, strength and style with heartfelt jewelry from Pandora. From iconic charms to sparkling necklaces, rings, earrings and more, there are so many ways to say thank you, Mom. Pandora even has in store engraving so you can treat your mom to a trip to the store and have your pieces engraved together with your own handwriting. So on Mother's Day and every day, tell her how much she means to you with a gift from Pandora. Visit Pandora in store or [e-mail] Every.

[Radhi Devlukia]

Morning brings a fresh new energy.

[Katherine]

This is TODAY with.

[Radhi Devlukia]

And no matter what the day holds, we come to the Today show for all of it.

[Katherine]

When things are tough, we talk about it. When there's something to figure out. We dig into it and when there's joy, we celebrate it.

[Radhi Devlukia]

Because today is where it's all happening. We get the best start to every morning because we start it together.

[Katherine]

Watch the Today show with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, weekdays at 7am on NBC.

[Adam]

Well, we do have a few updates from folks who have called in in the past, so I wanted to read a few of those. We always ask people to update us, so if you've called in recently, shoot us an update. We want to know what's going on with you. So our first one comes from Ev. Ev was from like way back in our Oliver Hudson episode and he what had the situation where he, his parents were like psychiatrists and had medicated him from like 5 years old. I don't know if you remember this, but he was like, how do I talk to my parents? I want to come off these medications, like, see what life feels like as an adult unmedicated. And he says, hi, Catherine and Chelsea. I hope you're having a great day. It was so much fun being on the podcast. I want to thank you all so much for advice from our discussion. I got the courage to tell my parents about the medication. I owe it to you. They took it very well. Something Chelsea said inspired me to just be honest and not beat around the bush. Going forward, I'm going to proceed with courage and always trust my gut. Thank you again. Sincerely, Ev.

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, well, that's nice, considering I have no recollection of that phone call whatsoever.

[Adam]

It was a while ago. It was quite a while.

[Chelsea Handler]

I don't really remember that at all. So look, look, look what a difference you can make in people's lives, even when you don't remember people.

[Adam]

Exactly. So this one is part question, part update. Emily had called in way early on and she wanted to get a boob job. And we told her, like, go for it. If you want a job, go for it. Dear Chelsea, I hope you're doing well. Hard to believe I was on season one of the podcast. I'm still an avid listener weekly. Well, I still haven't gotten the boob job. I was never not confident in my body. I just always thought bigger breasts would be a bonus. But if I wanted to, I would have pulled the trigger by now. I am, however, looking forward to seeing Chelsea's in her annual skiing post in Whistler in a few short weeks. I had a new question for her. I'm planning to travel to Africa this year with my mom to celebrate my 30th birthday. Chelsea, what are your favorite countries to visit in Africa. There's so many safari options and destinations, so I could use your guidance on your favorite locations. Bonus points if you remember the month you traveled to them too. Cheers, Emily.

[Chelsea Handler]

I usually do my traveling to. The times I've been to safari have been in the summer, like July, because it's their winter. So you want to go in July. August, you can kind of get away with June too. But the big crossing on the Mara river crossing is, I think, very specific to July. It's like a month or two weeks long, I think. Interesting, so you can catch that. But as far as countries in Africa, I've been to Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, and then maybe one other one that I'm not. Oh, Zimbabwe. But that was not for safari. That was kind of like a water safari. I would go to Kenya for sure if you can. Botswana. Any of these places are going to yield amazing safari results. The first safari I ever went to was a camp called Camp Londalozai in South Africa. And that was incredible. And then there are all the singitas, which are really great too. I mean, you really can't go wrong when you go on safari. I would just say, like, whatever money you can spend on that, spend on that. Like however high you can go. Because it's. It can be so luxurious and it's worth it. And it's worth it because you're like in the middle of all this beauty and the landscapes are so magnificent. Everything, they can turn everything into a five star experience. And I mean, I'm down with that. So whatever you can afford, go for it. This is the trip to go for it.

[Adam]

Awesome. And that's so fun to go with her mom. I think that's really great.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah.

[Savannah Guthrie]

I mean, you'll never.

[Chelsea Handler]

I have been on vacation my entire life and you can never beat a safari.

[Savannah Guthrie]

Yeah.

[Adam]

Yeah. Well, our next follow up comes from Alex. She called in on our Yaya episode was about a year ago, and she had been married to a man at the time. She wasn't sure if she was gay. She was sort of questioning and she says, thought I'd send you a quick update on my situation. It's been a little over a year since I first wrote in and things have definitely changed. The advice I received from your podcast gave me the permission I needed to start taking action on how I was feeling. I told my husband that I was attracted to women and we tried working through it for a bit, but I think I knew on some level that the marriage was no longer for me. While we were not good together for a few reasons, the cherry on top is I've realized I'm gay. We separated a few months ago, and I've come out to a few family members and close friends. Although it was a difficult decision to live as my authentic self, I have no regrets. I am so much happier and feel much more at home with myself. I've been dating a beautiful woman, and I'm looking forward to what the future has in store for me. Thanks again. Feel free to share on the podcast. And P.S. she says, thanks, Katherine, for saying I had big softball energy. Whenever someone affirms my queerness, I get all giddy.

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, that's cute.

[Adam]

I was so glad. That was good, because after I said that, I was like, oh, I hope she's not embarrassed by that. But maybe this call.

[Chelsea Handler]

I vaguely remember this call is triggering some. Or not triggering.

[Adam]

It's bringing up a memory. Yes.

[Savannah Guthrie]

But I still.

[Chelsea Handler]

Yeah, Usually when you bring up old callers. I know, exactly.

[Adam]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, these are all, like, a little bit older.

[Chelsea Handler]

I mean, we have been doing this podcast for, like, 16 years.

[Adam]

It's been a while. It's been a while. We're in year four, five, something.

[Chelsea Handler]

I don't know.

[Adam]

It's a lot.

[Chelsea Handler]

Thank you for listening, everyone. Yes, thank you.

[Adam]

Well, Chelsea, good luck tonight. Or should I say break a leg? Break a leg tonight.

[Chelsea Handler]

Oh, thank you. Thank you, guys.

[Adam]

And tune in to Critics Resort. Yes.

[Chelsea Handler]

See you tonight. Bye.

[Unknown]

Does this podcast make you happy? Of course it does. That's why you're here. But it only comes out once a week for happiness. Every night. You need Adam and Eve. Yes. I'm talking about sex toys. It's cool. It's cool. You have earbuds in, right? Adam and Eve, America's most trusted source for adult products, has been making people very happy for over 50 years, with thousands of toys for both men and women. Just go to AdamAndEve.com now and enter code IHEART for 50% off. Almost any one item, plus free discreet shipping. That's AdamAndEve.com, code IHEART for 50% OFF.

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[Savannah Guthrie]

[e-mail] a mother's love deserves a gift like no other. Celebrate her love, strength and style with heartfelt jewelry from Pandora. From iconic charms to sparkling necklaces, rings, earrings and more, there are so many ways to say thank you Mom. Pandora even has in store engravings so you can treat your mom to a trip to the store and have your pieces engraved together with your own handwriting. So on Mother's Day and every day, tell her how much she means to you with a gift from Pandora. Visit Pandora in store or [e-mail] Lights.

[Katherine]

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