Podcast Title: Dear Chelsea
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode: The Hunting Wives with Malin Akerman
Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Dear Chelsea, Chelsea Handler, alongside co-host Katherine, welcomes actress Malin Akerman to discuss her new Netflix series, "Hunting Wives." The conversation seamlessly weaves through personal anecdotes, professional updates, and listener questions, offering a blend of humor, insight, and heartfelt advice.

General Banter and Updates (00:02:22 – 04:20)

The episode kicks off with Chelsea and Katherine engaging in light-hearted conversation about Doug's upcoming performances and his experiences in Las Vegas.

• Doug: "The first show sold out, so I added a show. August 21st and 22nd, I will be in West Hampton performing. And then I'm headlining the Rochester Fringe Festival." [03:09]

Katherine shares amusing stories about Doug’s dog, "Doug," highlighting the humorous interactions between them.

• Katherine: "Poor little Luna. She's a little Luna bear." [04:11]

The hosts also touch upon the challenges of pet behavior and Doug's ongoing efforts to prepare his house amidst his busy touring schedule.

Discussion with Malin Akerman on "Hunting Wives" (08:05 – 28:21)

Introduction to the Guest:

Chelsea introduces Malin Akerman and her new Netflix show, "Hunting Wives," emphasizing the show's intrigue and Malin's enthusiasm.

• Doug: "We have a great guest today, an old friend of mine who is in a new show called Hunting Wives on Netflix." [08:05]

Show Overview:

Malin elaborates on her character, Margo Banks, describing her as a "master manipulator" and likening her to "Lady Macbeth."

• Malin: "Margo Banks... is probably one of the favorite characters that I've ever played. She's living in her own power, taking whatever she wants." [20:00]

Behind the Scenes and Personal Insights:

The conversation delves into the complexities of filming intimate scenes, with Malin discussing the role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring comfort and respect on set.

• Malin: "We have intimacy coordinators... it's very respectful and well organized." [22:34]

Malin shares her journey in embracing female power through her roles, highlighting the importance of women commanding their space and influence.

• Malin: "Women really have this power... it's okay not to use it the way my character does, but it's fun to exercise that power in a role." [28:21]

Chelsea and Malin explore the dynamics of female empowerment compared to male power, underscoring the inherent strengths women possess.

• Doug: "Women really are the powerful ones. We have so much inside of us." [28:50]

Listener Questions and Advice (37:38 – 61:29)

1. Maintaining Sisterly Bonds Across Distance (37:38 – 41:03)

Listener Question from Jess:

Jess, a twin sister moving from the East Coast to the West Coast, seeks advice on maintaining her bond with her twin sister who is currently in a rut emotionally and lacks self-confidence.

• Jess: "Do you have any tips and tricks on how you keep in touch with your sisters that are in different time zones?" [37:38]

Advice:

Malin shares her experiences with long-distance sibling relationships, emphasizing the importance of regular communication and cherishing time together.

• Malin: "All of my besties are in different countries, we keep in touch all the time." [38:36]

Katherine suggests establishing regular calls to maintain consistency.

• Katherine: "Having a regular call, like with my mom every Friday, makes it a lot more regular." [40:06]

Doug underscores the value of being responsive and making oneself available through various communication platforms.

• Doug: "Make sure that your presence is understood... engage in a way that requires a response." [39:58]

Notable Quote:

• Malin: "Cherish your time together even more when you do see each other." [38:36]

2. Navigating Friendship Incompatibility (42:16 – 50:56)

Listener Question from Lucy:

Lucy grapples with a blossoming friendship that has elements causing her discomfort. Her friend is flamboyant and has a subtle superiority vibe, leading Lucy to question their long-term compatibility.

• Lucy: "How do you tell the difference between being incompatible and being insecure? Is it okay to love someone but not like all of them?" [42:16]

Advice:

Malin encourages open communication, suggesting that Lucy address her feelings diplomatically to understand the root cause of her discomfort.

• Malin: "Address it in a diplomatic, beautiful way that opens a conversation." [44:26]

Doug advises maintaining dignity by not engaging in negative discourse about the friend and focusing on personal boundaries.

• Doug: "There's so much dignity in not getting down with that behavior." [59:51]

Katherine recommends limiting time spent with the friend and utilizing social media tools to manage interactions.

• Katherine: "Using the mute button on Instagram... it's okay." [50:22]

Notable Quote:

• Malin: "Women really have this power... it's important for women to understand that our voices can and should be heard." [28:21]

3. Co-Parenting with a Narcissistic Ex (51:26 – 61:29)

Listener Question from Stu:

Stu, a 32-year-old straight white male, seeks guidance on co-parenting with an ex who exhibits narcissistic traits, causing significant emotional strain and affecting his son.

• Stu: "How do I stay sane and create healthy boundaries for myself for the foreseeable future and beyond in a seemingly impossible situation?" [52:50]

Advice:

Malin draws from her personal experience, advising Stu to minimize interactions with his ex and focus on self-care and providing a stable environment for his son.

• Malin: "Stick to that and have as little amount of contact with her as possible." [53:43]

Doug emphasizes maintaining dignity by not engaging in conflicts and setting a positive example for his son.

• Doug: "There's so much dignity in not getting down with that behavior... show him what the opposite of that looks like." [57:26]

Katherine and Malin discuss strategies to handle negative perceptions from others, recommending avoiding participation in drama and staying consistent in positive behavior.

• Katherine: "It's like a good introspective opportunity to find out what is bothering you about that person." [49:08]

Notable Quotes:

• Malin: "Negotiating with a narcissist is like negotiating with a terrorist." [53:43]

• Doug: "Set an example for your kid to see what the calm is and where the storm is." [60:15]

Conclusion and Announcements (68:00 – 70:37)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Malin Akerman share final thoughts and congratulate Malin on her upcoming Netflix show, set to premiere on July 21st.

• Doug: "Hunting Wives, everybody. Premieres July 21st on Netflix." [67:01]

They also remind listeners to submit their questions to the podcast email and promote their merchandise and sponsor offers.

Notable Quotes Summary

• Doug on Co-Parenting: "There's so much dignity in not getting down with that behavior." [59:51]

• Malin on Female Power: "Women really have this power... it's important for women to understand that our voices can and should be heard." [28:21]

• Malin on Addressing Issues: "Address it in a diplomatic, beautiful way that opens a conversation." [44:26]

• Malin on Relationships: "Negotiating with a narcissist is like negotiating with a terrorist." [53:43]

Key Insights and Takeaways

1. Maintaining Long-Distance Relationships: Regular and meaningful communication is essential. Scheduling consistent calls and utilizing technology can bridge the geographical gap.

2. Navigating Friendships with Differences: Embracing friendships that challenge one's comfort zone can lead to personal growth. Open communication about discomfort can clarify compatibility.

3. Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Minimizing direct contact, maintaining dignity, and focusing on personal well-being are crucial. Setting a positive example for children helps in managing the emotional landscape.

4. Empowerment Through Roles and Relationships: Playing strong, empowered characters can reinforce personal beliefs about female power and influence. Establishing and respecting boundaries in all relationships is vital for personal growth and mental health.

5. Handling Public Perception: Remaining consistent and dignified in behavior can influence how others perceive and respect one’s character, especially in tumultuous situations.

Conclusion

This episode of Dear Chelsea offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from personal anecdotes to profound advice on maintaining meaningful relationships amidst life's challenges. Malin Akerman's insights on her new show and her personal experiences provide valuable perspectives, making it a compelling listen for those seeking both entertainment and guidance.