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Chelsea Handler
This is an I Heart podcast.
Kathryn
Listen up. You know what's better than being a jittery mess after your third coffee? Actually functioning like a normal human being. Beyond Brew by Live Conscious is a six in one mushroom blend that won't make you trip balls, but it will give you mental clarity, focus and less bloating. Forbes called Beyond Brew a deliciously potent coffee alternative and 400,000 people can't be wrong. It comes in cacao, beautiful caramel macchiato and vanilla latte. Because we are not savages, your mind and body will thank you later. Go to liveconscious.com and use code Chelsea for 15% off let's take a quick vital break for our sponsor, Vital Proteins, the number one collagen peptides brand in the U.S. after 30, unfortunately, your body's natural collagen production starts to dip, leading to fine lines and saggy skin. But a daily serving of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides helps helps keep your skin hydrated and elastic. Vital Proteins is basically the secret to your youthful glow. Enter Promo code chelsea@vitalproteins.com to get 20% off. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Pedigree believes dogs bring out the good in people. Pedigree brings out the good in them with high quality nutrition at an affordable price. They offer a variety of tasty dry food and wet food that your dog will love. Made with high quality ingredients, great taste in every bowl and supports total health. Visit your local retailer to try Pedigree products for the nutrition your dog needs and a taste your dog will love. Learn more at pedigree.com Feed-Good Feed the.
Ice Cube
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Kathryn
Hi Kathryn.
Danielle Fishel
Hi Chelsea. How are you?
Kathryn
Hi. I'm good. I'm good. I just read that book James by Percival Prescott. Percival. Percival Prescott?
Danielle Fishel
Is that his name? Yes, that has been E.P.
Kathryn
Everett. Percival. Everett.
Danielle Fishel
Percival Everett seems right yeah, James.
Kathryn
It was very. Should be required reading. 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?
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. It is Percival Everett. I just double checked. And it's like a retelling of the Huck Finn story, right?
Kathryn
From his perspective, from the slave's perspective. So they have like a guy. Yeah. So it's great. It takes you through, like right before the war broke out on the Mississippi river. And then kind of he's trying to escape for his family and he's trying to get back. It's just. It's a saga. It's a whole saga with Huck Finn involved in it. And it's a nice retelling. It's beautiful, but heartbreaking.
Danielle Fishel
And you do love a retelling of a classic too. Like, I know you love Circe and those other ones.
Kathryn
Yeah, yeah. And then I read those women that have that podcast. I've had it. Those two funny women. I think they have a great podcast called I've Had It Podcast, which is. There's these two women from Oklahoma and they have a new book called Life is Just a Lazy Susan of Shit Sandwiches. That's a pretty funny book that I also just read. I'm reading Elizabeth Gilbert's book All the Way to the river and I'm almost done with that. That is a beautiful book. Yes. I started reading Demon Copperhead, but I haven't finished that. I stopped.
Danielle Fishel
I heard that's kind of a hard read.
Kathryn
It is. I brought that to Whistler and I left it there. Cause I was halfway through and I'm like, okay, I don't wanna not read this book, but I'm not finishing this right now. And I had other books to read for our podcast, so. But everyone talks about that book and it's been on the list for years and years and years. And then. What about you?
Danielle Fishel
I started out this year reading a bunch of books that I did not like. I didn't like, like the first five books I read this year. And I realized it was. Cause they were all from Booktok and all recommendations from Booktok. So I stopped doing that.
Kathryn
But what's wrong with Booktok?
Danielle Fishel
You know, I think it's just like people read a book and they feel like they need to recommend it because it's a thing that they read. But I will some. Some books that I have really, really loved this year. One is called the Reformatory and This is absolutely a horror novel, but it's written by Tananarive Due and it's all about like Jim Crow south and a boy's reformatory, which of course like all kinds of terrible things happen. But she is a student of horror and weaves in all these different elements. Like there are, there's like a spiritual aspect and a ghost aspect and like you know, really scary adults aspect. I mean it is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Probably not a great beach read, although that's where I read it. But I loved it and it was also one I couldn't stop thinking about. And then I just finished reading Lonesome Dove. Do you remember that one from the 80s?
Kathryn
Oh yeah, yeah.
Danielle Fishel
I read it with my dad because he's like a big cowboy guy and I kept seeing it on all these book talk lists and that was one that I can say is totally worth a read. Is a. It's pretty long, but you just, you are there with the characters. It's beautifully written. It's so funny throughout and just like very. I mean you just feel like you're there, so.
Kathryn
I also read Bright Young Women.
Danielle Fishel
Oh my God.
Kathryn
That's what I read by Jessica Knoll.
Danielle Fishel
I read that last year and it's one of the best books I've ever read. I loved it.
Kathryn
Remind me what that's about and refresh my memory. Cause I'm looking at all my pictures and I was like, okay, yes, this is. I read this in Whistler and I remind me. Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Cause I was like, you have to read this one. I saw it around your house. It is about.
Kathryn
Oh yeah, you're the one.
Danielle Fishel
Victims of the serial killer of a certain serial killer who you do know, but they don't ever name him in the book. But he's a real serial killer. And it is a telling of the stories of some of his victims and other women who were impacted by his murders.
Kathryn
Oh, okay.
Danielle Fishel
Yes.
Kathryn
And then I did read here I read Beautiful World, Where Are youe by Sally Rooney. That's a great book.
Danielle Fishel
Oh yeah, she's wonderful.
Kathryn
And then there's the other book I read which isn't for everyone. It's called Hyper Focus, how to Work Less and Achieve More by Chris Bailey. But that was kind of just a. That's not a escapist book. That's more of like a functioning book.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah.
Kathryn
You know, like how to function better. Yeah, yeah.
Danielle Fishel
It's like a self helpy sort of thing.
Kathryn
Isn't it amazing though that you can read an Entire book and forget what the fuck it's about.
Danielle Fishel
I mean, 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.
Kathryn
Did we ever talk about Cassandra at the Wedding by Dorothy Baker?
Danielle Fishel
Yes, we did.
Kathryn
Yeah, we did. Oh, yeah, we did. Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah. I did four myself to read the Mists of Avalon, which is, like, way from the 80s. And it's like a retelling of the Arthurian legends from the woman's perspective and man.
Kathryn
Arthurian legends? What is that?
Danielle Fishel
The legends of Arthur.
Kathryn
Who is that? King Arthur.
Danielle Fishel
King Arthur, yes. And it was so boring. And Nothing happened in 900 pages. And the end wasn't even satisfying.
Kathryn
That's kind of how I feel about demon Copperhead. It's just like, what? So depressing. The subject matter. I hate when there's crystal meth involved.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, I don't like crystal meth.
Kathryn
Crystal meth. I mean, there may as well be. It's like the set. That's the setting. You know, it's like a trailer park. And. Yeah, there's like alcoholism and crystal meth. It's just like. I hate that vibe. It's like, I wanna be taken away on a journey. Like, the Elizabeth Gilbert book is so beautifully written because it's about her lover and she finds this love of her life, and then so she gets diagnosed with cancer. And it's about their last year, and they had been friends for years. And it's this beautiful Syrian woman, and she just is, like this show. The book is kind of like an homage to her love and, like, how special and vibrant this woman was. You know, she's so dynamic and complicated. And complicated. And she just like. And lights up every room she walks into or tears it apart. Yeah. So I could relate to that.
Danielle Fishel
One other book that I'll recommend to you and to the listeners is called Tits Up. And it is a nonfiction book, but it's called Tits. What sex workers, milk bankers, plastic surgeons, bra designers and witches tell us about breasts. And it's this woman, Sarah Thornton, and she had to get a double mastectomy and kind of went on this, like, journey to learn everything she could about breasts and socially, what the burden of breasts is and physically and the good things that they do. I mean, it was really interesting. And I used the book on tape for that one because it's read by the author, and she was great. So that is one I think our listeners would enjoy, too.
Kathryn
Okay, great. Well, that was a good little book.
Danielle Fishel
Book Roundup.
Kathryn
Book roundup.
Unknown
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Kathryn
Let me switch gears for a second and talk about one of our favorite sponsors, Vital Proteins. They're the number one brand of collagen peptides in the U.S. if you're wondering what collagen peptides are, they're essentially the key to maintaining a youthful glow. After 30, your body's natural collagen production starts to dip and that can lead to lines, saggy skin, and joints that don't move like they used to. In other words, looking older. But Vital Proteins helps fill that gap. A daily serving keeps your skin healthy, hydrated and elastic. It even supports your hair and nails. And because it's unflavored, you can mix it with anything. So your smoothie supports your skin, your coffee helps your skin, and your chocolate milkshake keeps your hair looking thick. Go ahead and get some vital proteins. You can get 20% off by visiting vitalproteins.com and and entering promo code Chelsea at checkout. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I want to talk about something deeply personal. My feet. Are you excited yet? I've been wearing ultra running shoes lately and honestly, life changing. They're now my go to for everything from runs to hikes to dog walks to airport sprints, you name it. They've got extra room up front so your toes can actually spread out and move the way that they're supposed to, which is way better than most running shoes that cram my toes together plus the lower heel drop means your stride feels more natural. It's like my body finally went, oh, this is how we're supposed to move. They are crazy comfortable. And yes, they help me chase that runner's high. You know mama loves her dopamine and feeling strong and actually wanting to work out. So if you're getting into running, getting back into it or just want healthier feet so you can get on a feed finder, Altra is where it's at. Find them@altarrunning.com and use code Chelsea for 10% off your order. That's a L T R a running dot com. Stay out there.
Chelsea Handler
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Danielle Fishel
Well, are you ready for a follow up?
Kathryn
Yes. Okay.
Danielle Fishel
This is from our Penis Toucher episode.
Kathryn
Penis what?
Danielle Fishel
Penis Toucher. Remember our guy Phil who catches himself? So I sent her a bunch of recommendations from listeners, most of which are.
Kathryn
Also to get a shotgun so the next time he touches his penis, she can just fucking shoot him.
Danielle Fishel
Oh, I have a result that's even better than that. So most of them were about getting different kinds of underwear, which we talked about. Janelle said Duluth Trading Company makes special garments for men that have this issue called Bullpen, which I just think these names for. These are hilarious. Dave said. As a decently well endowed gay man, I feel this is my annual good deed for straight men. There are several companies most popular among gay men that design underwear that cradle all the goodies in a way that keeps them in a position to avoid the uncomfortable flop to the wrong side or split down.
Kathryn
Okay, wait a second. I need these underwear. Do you have the brand? Can we forward it to Garen.
Danielle Fishel
So he says, my favorite brand is called Andrew Christian.
Kathryn
Andrew Christian, Yes.
Danielle Fishel
He said, you'll see on their website that is heavily marketed toward gay men. But I recommended them to a bunch of my straight buddies. And not only do they love them, but so do their partners.
Kathryn
Okay. I was at Wimbledon with a friend of mine, an old friend of mine. His name is Max Eisenbut. He works at img. I think he runs all of img, like, tennis, sports, whatever. Anyway, he married this girl that I went to high school with. Her name was Farrah Katz. She was the prettiest girl in high school. Max Eisenbud landed her. He looks like Mr. Potato Head. So the fact that he landed Farah Katz is ridiculous. So whenever I see him, I'm like, oh, my God, I can't believe she married you. You know, obviously, he does really well for a living. She's divorced, he's divorced. So they came together and they raised their kids together. And he's a good husband, probably, but probably not great. But anyway, I was with him during Wimbledon a lot at the IMG house. And I would come there, and it was very alarming. Cause he was sitting. He posts up in this, like, corner. Cause he's like the king. He acts like a king. And his legs are spread open. And I'm like, oh, my God, your fucking balls are humongous. And spread out, Max. I'm like, this is so revolting. I'm like, what are you wearing, a skirt underneath your pants? Like, what are you doing to contain your balls? And he's like, I don't know. I just have really big balls. I'm like, but you need to contain them. I'm like, whatever you're doing, you need to get a pair of underwear that embrace them, that wrap them up and split them so that one is on one side and one is on the other side. And that none of them are shooting down like a barrel.
Danielle Fishel
No, you shouldn't be seeing them. Underwear. I don't understand.
Kathryn
And boxer shorts are not. That's not underwear. That is not. As you get older, you need to reel them in and you need to contain them. 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.
Danielle Fishel
Keep you away from your jeans, I guess, and the zipper.
Kathryn
But they're for the man, not for the outsiders. Yeah, we need to something for the outsiders, people who are viewing you. If you're gonna sit there with your legs Wide open. Then you need to contain your balls in some sort of net situation. So can you please forward that company to Karen so she can order Max Eisenbud? Let me tell Karen right now.
Danielle Fishel
Yeah, it's Andrew Christian, and he says one of the collections is called Trophy Boy. So that is what we'll buy for Max Eisenbud.
Kathryn
Hold on. Let me just send Karen a voice memo. Karen, Katherine's sending you a link for these underpants. Can you get, like, a package for Max Eisenbud at a IMG and send them to him from Chelsea? Make sure they're. There are like, six or seven pairs, like a variety pack. Thank you.
Danielle Fishel
A week day of the week pack.
Kathryn
Yeah.
Danielle Fishel
And so I sent these along to Janet, who's Bill's wife, and she said, hi, Katherine. I'm humbled by this advice and wonderful community. Thanks for forwarding the advice. FYI, whenever Bill adjusts himself and doesn't realize it, my code word for him now is Chelsea.
Kathryn
Oh, that's. That's really heartwarming. Yeah, I love that.
Danielle Fishel
I thought that was great.
Kathryn
I love entering marriages, like, in a confrontational way, but also keeping marriages together. You know, I mean, we're helping them.
Danielle Fishel
We split people up when they should be split up, and then we keep them together when they should be.
Kathryn
Well, wrapping up. This is us wrapping up. Bye, guys. We'll see you later. Oh, I added a second show in West Hampton, August 21st. Now I'm performing in West Hampton. And August 22nd, I'm performing in West Hampton. So go to chelseahandler.com to get your tickets dates. So I added a couple of new dates. I'm not on tour yet, but I added a couple of dates just because I felt like we need a little bit more laughter and a little bit more medicine for the end of the year. And I was wrapping things up, but I thought maybe let me do a couple more. So 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.
Danielle Fishel
Do you want advice from Chelsea? Write into dearchelseapodcastmail.com Find full video episodes.
Unknown
Of Dear Chelsea on YouTube by searching ear Chelsea Pod.
Danielle Fishel
Dear Chelsea is edited and engineered by Brad Dickert executive producer Katherine Law. And be sure to check out our merch@chelsea handler.com.
Kathryn
Listen up. You know what's better than being a jittery mess after your third coffee actually functioning like a normal human being. Beyond Brew by Live Conscious is a six in one mushroom blend that won't make you trip balls, but it will give you mental clarity, focus and less bloating. Forbes called Beyond Brew a deliciously potent coffee alternative and 400,000 people can't be wrong. It comes in cacao, caramel macchiato and vanilla latte because we are not savages. Your mind and body will thank you later. Go to liveconscious.com and use code Chelsea for 15% off.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube's big three is the surprise hit of the summer. This Saturday, 4pm Eastern on CBS with playoff elimination on the line. The most physical, fiercest and competitive basketball in the world. Miami's Michael Beasley and Lance Stevenson must win to make the playoffs and breakout star Dwight Howard of the Lake Riot will battle Gary Payton's Boston squad in a do or die match for both teams. Six teams are allowed for four spots and all must win. There's no crying in the big three and the no holds barred action starts Saturday at 4pm Eastern, 1pm Pacific.
Kathryn
Presented by iHeart Pedigree believes dogs bring out the good in people. Pedigree brings out the good in them with high quality nutrition at an affordable price. They offer a variety of tasty dry food and wet food that your dog will love. Made with high quality ingredients, great taste in every bowl and supports total health. Visit your local retailer to try Pedigree products for the nutrition your dog needs and a taste your dog will love. Learn more at pedigree.comfeed-good feed the good.
Unknown
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Danielle Fishel
Seriously, look.
Unknown
They've got stylish, dependable pieces that feel effortless. A perfect solution for busy parents. I just picked up an A and a denim blouse and Liz Claiborne a line dress. Both easy wins for when I'm on the go and super affordable. And the best part? The shocked faces I get when I say, yeah, it's from JCPenney. Don't miss out. Shop now@jcpenney.com yes, JCPenney.
Chelsea Handler
This is an I Heart podcast.
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.
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:
"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.
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.
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.
"Lonesome Dove": Danielle recalls reading this classic with her father, appreciating its rich character development and humor.
Jessica Knoll's "Bright Young Women": Both hosts commend this gripping story about the victims of a notorious serial killer, noting its emotional depth.
"Beautiful World, Where Are You" by Sally Rooney: A favorite for its intricate portrayal of relationships and personal growth.
"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.
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]
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.
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.
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:
"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]
"What is the point of boxer shorts? I don't understand. They're not doing anything." – Catherine on underwear solutions [15:26]
"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.