Podcast Summary: Dear Chelsea – “Ride or Die PONIES with Emilia Clarke”

Podcast: Dear Chelsea
Host: Chelsea Handler (with co-host Catherine Law)
Guest: Emilia Clarke
Date: January 22, 2026
Episode Theme: Real talk, advice, and laughter about relationships, self-discovery, and the life of an actor, with a special focus on Emilia Clarke’s career, her new show “Ponies,” and heartfelt advice to listeners.

Episode Overview

This episode features beloved British actor Emilia Clarke joining Chelsea Handler and Catherine Law for an advice-filled, candid conversation. The group discusses Emilia's new project “Ponies,” her on-set experiences, overcoming serious health challenges, and what it means to maintain your identity through success and relationships. As always, Chelsea and her guest offer listeners their trademark blend of humor and genuinely thoughtful advice on everything from messy boyfriends to starting over in comedy and embracing happiness.

Episode Breakdown

I. Warm-Up & Chemistry (03:36–07:35)

• Chelsea and Catherine open with playful banter about handjobs and relationships.
• Chelsea introduces Emilia Clarke, highlighting her full, regal-sounding name and her MBE honor.
• Emilia calls in from a hotel room in New York, kicking off a cozy, energetic vibe.

Quote:
"It's quite a title. My parents didn't know what to call me, so they called me everything."
— Emilia Clarke (07:08)

II. Emilia’s New Series “Ponies” & Collaborations (08:47–11:12)

• Discussion about “Ponies,” Emilia’s new show, and her working relationships with co-star Haley Lu Richardson and director Susannah Fogel.
• The group gushes over Haley Lu Richardson’s unique, lovable personality.
• Emilia explains learning Russian for the role—a major challenge that pushed her personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes:
"I have never worked harder on any job, ever, ever. Half my lines are Russian. I did not speak Russian." — Emilia Clarke (10:54)
"She [Haley Lou] is such a pure, rare human who just is so full of love..." — Emilia Clarke (09:32)

III. Emilia’s Life on Set & Acting Process (13:19–18:11)

• Emilia reflects on her evolution from drama school to major franchises.
• Early in her career, she coped with nerves by hiding between cars on set.
• She discusses balancing preparation with the need to stay loose and present.
• Rejects method acting for an intuitive, collaborative approach.

Quote:
"Sometimes acting is embarrassing. You’re doing a sex scene and you’re like, 'Hey Tim, how are you?'" — Emilia Clarke (17:09)
"The sets are families... it turns into: how do I manage my energy? How do I make sure, when the cameras are rolling, that I'm doing my job?" — Emilia Clarke (15:31)

IV. Game of Thrones: Dragons, Fame, & Recovery (19:06–25:46)

• Emilia details the unique demands of playing Daenerys—riding horses, acting with tennis balls, and the strange, intense set pieces.
• She reveals the behind-the-scenes technicalities of “dragon-riding.”
• Talks openly about experiencing two brain aneurysms during her time on Game of Thrones, how she coped with almost no recovery time, and the role that work played in her survival.

Notable Quotes:
"Thank God they put me on a dragon." — Emilia Clarke, on her bad horse-riding skills (21:21)
"Having Game of Thrones and having the job was the thing that got me through." — Emilia Clarke, on recovery (23:51)
"I'm in the 0.001% of people who survive what I've had without any real repercussions." — Emilia Clarke (25:04)

V. Nerves, Confidence, and Creativity (26:24–30:10)

• Chelsea and Emilia discuss reframing nervousness as excitement and caring.
• Emilia shares her biggest nerves come with singing, such as performing at Carnegie Hall.
• They exchange advice about embracing the “ride” of a creative journey, not just the destination.

Quotes:
"It's the same energy that you're experiencing as excitement in disguise." — Emilia Clarke (26:50)
"It's always before I sing... anytime I have to sing publicly, it's fear like I'm gonna throw up." — Emilia Clarke (28:24)
"We get gifted with the gift of wisdom, and then we start having good, healthy relationships." — Chelsea Handler (59:23)

VI. Listener Advice Segment

A. Dirty Boyfriend Dilemma (Eduardo, 33:58–38:27)

• Eduardo is frustrated with his boyfriend's slovenly habits.
• Chelsea and Emilia both say it’s a major red flag and likely a dealbreaker.
• Key: One conversation should be enough for real change.

Quotes:
"If you don’t know how to take care of yourself, how on earth are you going to take care of me?" — Emilia Clarke (37:15)
"It’s not gonna change... it would be a dealbreaker for me." — Chelsea Handler (36:54)

B. Starting Over in Comedy & the Illusion of Fame (Jared, 40:20–48:36)

• Jared, mid-40s, is broke but discovering a new creative life and wants to pursue comedy.
• Chelsea emphasizes the importance of financial stability, while both she and Emilia encourage pursuing creativity at any age.
• Deep dive into the reality (and myths) of fame, the need for authenticity, and enjoying the journey.

Quotes:
"There's no expiration date of when you can become something or start anew." — Chelsea Handler (41:48)
"It’s vapor. It doesn’t exist, you can’t hold onto it... whatever fame brings you on Monday, it takes away on Tuesday." — Emilia Clarke (48:59)
"What does success in comedy look like? ... Fame isn’t real." — Emilia Clarke (46:18)

C. Trusting Happiness in a New Relationship (Julia, 56:24–62:46)

• Julia is worried she may lose her independence in a happy new relationship.
• Chelsea and Emilia assure her: enjoy the present, keep some “single lady” habits, and don’t borrow trouble.
• Advice includes maintaining individuality (solo activities, girlfriend dates) even in a fulfilling relationship.

Quotes:
"You deserve happiness and you deserve to be in something, in a healthy relationship. And that's what you get after being in bad relationships. We get gifted with wisdom." — Chelsea Handler (59:23)
"If you keep waking up every morning wanting to see him, and have a good time and give him head—delightful—then crack on." — Emilia Clarke (61:27)

VII. Fame: The Double-Edged Sword (50:01–53:12)

• Emilia recounts life after becoming recognizable through Game of Thrones—panic attacks, social awkwardness, and how fame changes social dynamics.
• Both acknowledge fame is not the ultimate goal; connection and joy in work matter more.

Quotes:
"Fame stops that from happening... sometimes, I don't know if you find it, I'm a walking conversation stopper." — Emilia Clarke (50:21)
"We still, as a culture, are coveting fame... but the truth of it is, it's not the aspirational thing." — Emilia Clarke (53:01)

VIII. Notable Memorable Moments

• Comparing acting with dragons to... tennis balls. (13:04, 19:46)
• Chelsea on method acting:
  “You don’t have to drink in a scene where you’re drinking, if you’re actually an actor.” (21:00)
• The “Runaway Bride” egg metaphor on losing yourself in relationships (62:47–63:13)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Emilia Clarke Introduction & Banter: 07:15
• “Ponies” Discussion: 08:47–11:12
• Russian for the Role: 10:51–12:06
• Acting Process Reflections: 13:54–18:11
• Game of Thrones/Fame/Health: 19:06–25:46, 50:01–53:12
• Listener Question 1: 33:58 (Messy boyfriend)
• Listener Question 2: 40:20 (Midlife creative changes)
• Listener Question 3: 56:24 (New relationship, independence anxiety)

Key Takeaways & Advice Themes

• On Relationships: One hard conversation is usually enough for true change; don’t parent a partner who won’t adult.
• On Reinvention: It’s never too late to become your creative self; stability and creativity can coexist.
• On Fame: It’s not the goal—and if you can do anything else, do it.
• On Anxiety & Growth: Nerves are just excitement, and show you care; the “ride” is as important as the arrival.
• On Love & Independence: Enjoy happiness, but preserve solo rituals—trust you can have both.

Final Note:
The episode is rich in warmth, candor, and wisdom—anchored by Emilia Clarke’s charm and Chelsea Handler’s sharp honesty. It’s an uplifting, funny, and insightful exploration of how we grow, adapt, and find joy in both our messiest and most magical moments.