Podcast Title: Dear Chelsea
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: Scheduling Sex with Atsuko Okatsuka
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Dear Chelsea, comedian and author Chelsea Handler is joined by co-host Catherine Law and returning guest Atsuko Okatsuka. The episode delves into personal anecdotes, the dynamics of relationships on the road, and offers insightful advice to listeners grappling with various life challenges.

Chelsea’s Family Trip to Greece

[02:32 – 05:14]

Chelsea Handler opens the episode by sharing a personal update about her family trip to Paros, Greece, celebrating her sister's 60th birthday. She humorously navigates the complexities of family gatherings, especially highlighting the absence of men and the all-female household dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea: "We're on a Roman holiday. We've been here for two days, three days, and we're here for a full week. And it's beautiful and it's Grecian, and we are eating the best food in the world." [03:03]

• Chelsea: "So, like, there is really nothing better than being with all the women in your life without men." [03:10]

Chelsea emphasizes the joy of family bonding, portraying a light-hearted and affectionate view of her family's interactions during the trip.

Introducing Atsuko Okatsuka and Her New Special

[05:14 – 07:44]

Chelsea introduces Atsuko Okatsuka, her special guest, who has recently released a new comedy special titled Father on Hulu and Disney+. The introduction is playful, with Chelsea teasing Atsuko about her name and appearance.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea: "Atsuko Okotsuka's here, everybody. That took me a long time to say that name properly, and now it just rolls right off the tongue." [05:50]

• Atsuko: "Happy Asian Month." [08:04]

Chelsea and Atsuko engage in a humorous exchange about haircuts and aging, setting a relaxed and candid tone for the conversation.

Discussion on Aging and Self-Perception

[07:44 – 09:57]

The conversation shifts to a discussion about aging, body changes, and self-acceptance. Chelsea shares her positive outlook on aging, contrasting it with societal negativity.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea: "I always heard such negative things about aging. And I have to say I'm having a positive aging experience." [07:24]

• Atsuko: "It's always a Surprise. Your own body." [07:10]

The dialogue highlights the importance of embracing bodily changes and maintaining a positive self-image as one grows older.

Atsuko’s Comedy Journey and New Special

[09:57 – 14:07]

Atsuko discusses her new special Father, touching upon themes of reconnecting with her father and the moniker "Mother" given by her fans. The conversation explores the blend of humor and personal storytelling in her comedy.

Notable Quotes:

• Atsuko: "Mothers have it together. Right. So I'm more father." [09:57]

• Chelsea: "I have to get on stage and start getting your stage time." [29:09]

Atsuko elaborates on her comedic style, emphasizing the mix of jokes and personal narratives, similar to Chelsea's approach.

Life on the Road: Relationships and Touring

[14:07 – 20:46]

Chelsea and Atsuko delve into the nuances of maintaining relationships while touring. They discuss the challenges of spending extensive time with partners on the road, managing conflicts, and the importance of finding balance.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea: "It's like you're surviving your own tour." [19:12]

• Atsuko: "We do. Yes, we do, but we mostly fight about simple things like where to put the keys." [16:49]

The conversation underscores the significance of communication and compromise in sustaining healthy relationships amidst the demands of a busy travel schedule.

Listener Questions and Advice Segment

[26:40 – 39:31]

The latter part of the episode features a Q&A session where Chelsea and Atsuko provide advice to listeners facing various personal dilemmas.

Question 1: Transitioning from a Dream Job

Listener: Ann Marie from the UK seeks advice on transitioning from a successful legal career to stand-up comedy.

Chelsea’s Advice:

• Chelsea: "First of all, what are you talking about? You made all these great decisions for your own mental health." [33:07]

• Emphasizes the importance of stage time, starting small, and gradually building comfort with performing.

Atsuko’s Additions:

• Encourages watching other comedians, taking stand-up classes, and blending storytelling with humor.

Question 2: Navigating Family Tensions

Listener: Sarah describes a falling out with her sister-in-law after feeling excluded from a family event.

Chelsea’s Advice:

• Advocate for direct communication: "Send her a text or an email and ask her why she’s upset." [45:14]

• Suggests addressing the issue in person to foster clarity and resolution.

Atsuko’s Contributions:

• Recommends addressing the situation face-to-face to avoid misunderstandings and maintain family harmony.

Question 3: Handling Overbearing Friends

Listener: Abby is troubled by a friend who constantly sends voice recordings of her singing.

Chelsea’s Advice:

• Encourage setting boundaries: "I would write, that's beautiful, and then stop responding." [56:47]

• Suggests offering genuine praise initially before gradually reducing engagement.

Atsuko’s Insights:

• Compares the situation to a child repeatedly showing a rock, advocating for minimal positive reinforcement to deter unwanted persistence.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Dates

[62:16 – 63:09]

Chelsea wraps up the episode by announcing her upcoming tour dates, including performances in Westhampton Beach, Rochester, and Napa. She reflects on the importance of incorporating humor and relaxation into her schedule, ensuring a balanced approach to her work and personal life.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea: "I feel slightly guilty about being in Europe during everything that's happening in America, but I also feel like I'm gathering my strength." [05:14]

• Chelsea: "I'm adding three more dates... West Hampton Beach August 21st, Rochester Fringe Comedy Festival September 13th, and Napa on October 3rd." [62:16]

Conclusion

This episode of Dear Chelsea offers a blend of personal storytelling, comedic insights, and practical advice. Chelsea Handler and Atsuko Okatsuka navigate through discussions on family dynamics, the challenges of touring, and providing thoughtful responses to listener inquiries. The episode underscores the importance of communication, self-acceptance, and maintaining balance in both personal and professional spheres.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• [03:03] Chelsea: "We're on a Roman holiday... eating the best food in the world."
• [07:24] Chelsea: "I always heard such negative things about aging... positive aging experience."
• [09:57] Atsuko: "Mothers have it together... So I'm more father."
• [16:49] Atsuko: "We do. Yes, we do, but we mostly fight about simple things like where to put the keys."
• [33:07] Chelsea: "You made all these great decisions for your own mental health."
• [45:14] Chelsea: "Send her a text or an email and ask her why she’s upset."
• [56:47] Chelsea: "I would write, that's beautiful, and then stop responding."
• [62:16] Chelsea: "I'm adding three more dates... West Hampton Beach August 21st, Rochester Fringe Comedy Festival September 13th, and Napa on October 3rd."

This structured summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, highlighting key discussions and memorable moments while excluding advertisements and non-essential segments.