Dear Chelsea Minisode: Refresh My Memory with Chelsea + Catherine Release Date: August 8, 2025
In this engaging minisode of "Dear Chelsea", hosted by Chelsea Handler and co-hosted by Catherine Law, the duo delves into their recent literary adventures and provides a humorous follow-up to a previous listener question. This episode seamlessly blends deep literary discussions with Chelsea and Catherine's signature wit, making it a must-listen for both avid readers and fans of candid conversations.
Book Discussions: Exploring Diverse Narratives
Percival Everett's "James" The episode kicks off with Catherine sharing her thoughts on Percival Everett's "James". She passionately describes the novel, emphasizing its profound impact:
"It's an amazing book. You have to read it. It really shook me up for a few days. I think I absorb sometimes I absorb things so much, like I can't stop thinking about them, you know?" [02:27]
Catherine highlights how Everett reimagines the classic Huck Finn story from the slave's perspective, offering a poignant and heart-wrenching saga set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River just before the war.
Exploring Other Literary Gems The conversation flows into a discussion about other recent reads:
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"Life is Just a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches" by the hosts of I've Had It Podcast: Catherine praises this humorous take on life's challenges.
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Elizabeth Gilbert's "All the Way to the River": Described as a beautiful homage to love and loss, Catherine finds it deeply relatable and moving.
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Tananarive Due's "The Reformatory": Danielle lauds this horror novel set in the Jim Crow South, blending spiritual and ghostly elements to create a haunting narrative.
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"Lonesome Dove": Danielle recalls reading this classic with her father, appreciating its rich character development and humor.
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Jessica Knoll's "Bright Young Women": Both hosts commend this gripping story about the victims of a notorious serial killer, noting its emotional depth.
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"Beautiful World, Where Are You" by Sally Rooney: A favorite for its intricate portrayal of relationships and personal growth.
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"Hyper Focus" by Chris Bailey: Discussed as a functional self-help book aimed at enhancing productivity, though Catherine admits she often forgets details from such reads.
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Sarah Thornton's "Tits Up": Danielle recommends this non-fiction exploration of societal perceptions of breasts, lauding its insightful and personal narrative.
Catherine sums up her reading experience with a mix of admiration and honesty:
"It is amazing, and it is also very true. It just happens. I'll tell you what, I am sad that I spent 900 pages reading." [06:37]
Follow-Up: Tackling the "Penis Toucher" Episode
Building on a previous episode titled "Penis Toucher", Chelsea and Catherine address a listener's concern about a friend, Phil, who frequently touches himself inappropriately.
Listener Recommendations and Underwear Solutions Danielle shares the plethora of advice received from listeners, which primarily revolves around upgrading Phil's underwear to manage his behavior better. They discuss various brands, ultimately honing in on Andrew Christian's "Trophy Boy" collection as the optimal solution.
"He says one of the collections is called Trophy Boy. So that is what we'll buy for Max Eisenbud." [13:57]
Catherine humorously narrates an anecdote about a friend, Max Eisenbud, who struggles with managing his size, reinforcing the need for specialized underwear:
"You can't just let them go. Yeah. I mean, what is the point of boxer shorts? I don't understand. They're not doing anything." [15:26]
Their banter underscores the importance of practical solutions delivered with their trademark humor, making light of an otherwise sensitive topic.
Community Engagement and Support Danielle shares a heartwarming response from another listener, Janet, highlighting the positive impact of their advice:
"FYI, whenever Bill adjusts himself and doesn't realize it, my code word for him now is Chelsea." [16:20]
This exchange emphasizes the supportive community fostered by the podcast, where listeners feel empowered to seek and share advice openly.
Upcoming Events and Personal Announcements
Towards the episode's conclusion, Chelsea shares exciting news about her performance schedule, encouraging fans to join her for upcoming shows:
"I'm adding three more dates. In addition to my Vegas residency, I'm doing West Hampton Beach August 21st. I'm headlining the Rochester Fringe Comedy Festival September 13th, and I will be in Napa on October 3rd. So those will be my last dates of the year." [16:04]
Her enthusiasm for spreading laughter and providing "a little bit more laughter and a little bit more medicine for the end of the year" resonates with listeners eagerly anticipating her live performances.
Conclusion
This minisode of "Dear Chelsea" offers a delightful mix of intellectual discussion and comedic relief. Chelsea and Catherine's exploration of diverse literary works provides listeners with thoughtful insights, while their playful take on sensitive topics underscores the show's unique blend of humor and honesty. Whether you're seeking book recommendations or simply enjoy the dynamic between Chelsea and Catherine, this episode delivers content that's both meaningful and entertaining.
Notable Quotes:
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"It's an amazing book. You have to read it. It really shook me up for a few days." – Catherine on Percival Everett's "James" [02:27]
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"What is the point of boxer shorts? I don't understand. They're not doing anything." – Catherine on underwear solutions [15:26]
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"I'm adding three more dates... So those will be my last dates of the year." – Chelsea on upcoming performances [16:04]
For more insights, advice, and upcoming episodes, tune into "Dear Chelsea" on iHeartPodcasts.
