Dear Chelsea – Minisode: Pikachu vs. Kaslapus with Chelsea + Catherine

Podcast: Dear Chelsea
Hosts: Chelsea Handler & Catherine Law
Date: January 2, 2026
Episode Theme: Exploring listener questions with Chelsea’s signature mix of humor and candor, focusing on family acceptance, language around genitalia, and navigating dating after a toxic relationship.

Episode Overview

In this minisode, Chelsea Handler and co-host Catherine Law begin with a heartwarming update from a listener whose son’s experience on the show led to a positive family revelation and marriage. They answer a witty question about euphemisms for female genitalia, before moving to an earnest conversation with a listener seeking advice about post-breakup dating and the complexities of chemistry versus comfort. The episode is marked by Chelsea’s trademark edge: honest, compassionate, and hilarious.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Heartwarming Update: Family Acceptance After Coming Out

[03:24–06:14]

• Listener letter from Erin (Whit’s mom):
  • Erin thanks Chelsea and John Lovett for helping her son Whit gain confidence in sharing his trans identity with his fiancée’s family.
  • Whit’s now-wife Anne’s parents embraced the news, expressing gratitude and stating it "didn't change how they felt. It simply didn’t matter to them in the best way."
• Impact:
  • Erin explains how the podcast validated Whit, calling Chelsea and John’s compassion “truly refreshing.”
• Chelsea & Catherine’s Reflections:
  • Chelsea: “I mean, to get a thank you letter from someone's mother is like the best gift ever.” (05:11)
  • “What a beautiful model and blueprint for anyone who is dealing with anyone. …They thanked him for sharing something so personal. That is how we treat people.” (05:25)
  • Catherine highlights the unconditional family acceptance, celebrating the beauty in their union.

2. Lighthearted Listener Question: Pikachu vs. Kaslapus

[10:15–12:00]

• Ricky writes in: Wonders about Chelsea’s use of the terms Pikachu and Kaslapus to refer to vaginas, asking—are these words interchangeable, or is there a deeper meaning?
• Chelsea’s Explanation:
  • “Pikachu is just a softer way to say… Caslopis sounds like sloppy sea bass. …Caslopus is the dirty. Pikachu is like, oh, you have a cute little vagina. …Vagina’s a terrible word.” (10:44–11:04)
  • “I don't like the word pussy. I mean, I like calling men pussies, but I don't like saying, you know, come lick my pussy. No one says that. Oh, so gross.” (11:04)
• Catherine’s Family Terms:
  • Shares her family uses “tutti,” though that also means fart in other families, and growing up her parents used the confusing euphemism “your body.”
• Memorable Moment:
  • Chelsea muses on the word “beaver”: “Actually make a note to myself to start using beaver more often.” (11:52)

3. Main Advice Call: Chemistry vs. Compatibility Post-Toxic Relationship

[12:00–17:27]

• Liz’s Situation (read by Catherine):
  • Liz left a controlling, right-leaning ex who demanded she change herself; after healing, she’s now dating a new, suitable man but feels no attraction despite his positive qualities.
  • She wonders if her lack of chemistry is due to missing unhealthy adrenaline “hits,” not true compatibility.
• Chelsea’s Advice:
  • “You don't have any chemistry with him, then that's it. …Don’t confuse the chemistry you had with the other guy as a sign that you should be with that guy. You just know what chemistry feels like and what a good guy feels like.” (13:48–14:13)
  • “Don't stay with some guy that you’re not attracted to… You’ve given it a couple months. You’ve tried. You’re not attracted to him. …You know exactly what you want, and you’re gonna find it, and it’s just a numbers game.” (14:28–15:29)
  • “Just trust yourself. Really trust yourself and listen to yourself. …You’re ahead of the game.” (15:54–16:04)
• Catherine’s Insight on Trauma Bonds:
  • Points out that “adrenaline hits and dopamine hits” from toxic partners can be addictive and feel like chemistry, but are different from genuine emotional connection.
  • “Sometimes, like, the Steady Eddies at the beginning can be like, is this boring? Or… just kind of fine? …That’s what you’re aiming for—right? Somebody who’s not constantly a roller coaster.” (16:04–17:17)
• Consensus:
  • Both hosts encourage Liz to hold out for a relationship that sparks genuine attraction and meets her standards, without settling or confusing trauma for love.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chelsea Handler on Acceptance:
  “This is the way the world should be going around. Everyone should be accepting of everybody, regardless of what anything—you should be able to accept and look at everybody as a human being.” (06:03)

• On Vagina Euphemisms:
  “Vagina’s a terrible word.” – Chelsea (11:04)
  “I don’t like the word pussy. I mean, I like calling men pussies, but I don’t like saying, you know, come lick my pussy. No one says that. Oh, so gross.” – Chelsea (11:04)

• On Moving On from a Toxic Relationship:
  “You don't have to be attracted to everybody. I wish I could be attracted to more people. …You’re winning. You are on your way to finding somebody. Just stick with it and just know in your heart what you’re going to settle for.” – Chelsea (15:29)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:24] – Whit’s Mom’s Email: Heartwarming update on post-coming-out family acceptance
• [10:15] – Listener Ricky’s question on “Pikachu vs. Kaslapus,” euphemisms discussion
• [12:00] – Liz’s dilemma: Navigating dating after a toxic relationship
• [13:48] – Chelsea’s breakdown: Attraction, patterns, and advice for Liz
• [16:04] – Catherine’s explanation of trauma bonds vs. chemistry

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is candid, funny, and heartfelt—typical of Chelsea Handler’s approach. She and Catherine blend humor with emotional intelligence, celebrating progress in inclusivity and sharing practical advice for listeners navigating love, language, and family.

For listeners seeking advice with a dose of irreverence and compassion, this episode delivers both laughs and life lessons.