Dear Chelsea: Episode Summary – “Totally Booked with Zibby: Chelsea Handler”
Introduction
In the episode titled “Totally Booked with Zibby: Chelsea Handler,” released on June 29, 2025, Chelsea Handler joins co-host Zibby Owens on the popular advice podcast “Dear Chelsea.” This engaging and candid conversation delves into Chelsea’s latest endeavors, including her upcoming book, personal growth experiences, mentorship roles, and future projects. The dialogue offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Chelsea’s journey as a comedian, author, and advocate for women’s empowerment.
Exploring Chelsea’s New Book
Themes of Optimism and Self-Reflection
Chelsea Handler introduces her new book, emphasizing its focus on infusing optimism during challenging times and encouraging women to self-reflect to become the individuals they aspire to be.
Chelsea Handler [05:18]: “I think this book is about infusing optimism in times of despair or unease, while also serving as a reminder for women, especially, to check in with ourselves and make sure that we are turning into the women that we wanted to become.”
Resonance with Current Societal Challenges
She discusses how the book aligns with the current societal backlash against women, highlighting her unwavering belief in the power and intelligence of women.
Chelsea Handler [05:52]: “We are in this situation right now because of that power and because of the threat that that serves up to people who can't deal with, you know, women being powerful. But we're not going anywhere.”
Meeting with Jane Fonda: Embracing Feedback
Chelsea shares an insightful anecdote about a meeting with Jane Fonda, where she receives critical feedback about her behavior. She elaborates on how she utilized this feedback to foster personal growth and reduce defensiveness.
Chelsea Handler [06:35]: “One of the first things I learned in therapy was about being defensive. And if you are being defensive, you're usually wrong... All you can say is, thank you.”
This exchange underscores Chelsea’s commitment to self-improvement and openness to constructive criticism.
Mentoring Without Motherhood: Impacting Young Lives
Chelsea opens up about her unique role as a father figure to many children in her life, despite not having her own. She explains how this decision has allowed her to dedicate more time and energy to mentoring young individuals, providing them with support and guidance.
Chelsea Handler [08:51]: “I have to choose me right now... The amount of young people I'm able to... has allowed me to grow so much and has given me so much more purpose and joy than I would have ever hoped to feel as a person who never had children.”
Navigating High-Profile Encounters: A Story from Kennebunkport
Chelsea recounts her experience visiting Kennebunkport, where she unexpectedly met a former president. To manage her emotions and maintain composure, she relied on edibles, showcasing her strategies for handling high-pressure situations authentically.
Chelsea Handler [12:39]: “I went over there and I had taken three edibles... I was stoned.”
This story highlights Chelsea’s ability to stay true to herself while navigating complex social interactions.
The Power of Solitude and Self-Awareness
Delving deeper into personal growth, Chelsea discusses the transformative power of spending time alone. Her two-week quarantine in Whistler served as a pivotal period for self-discovery, allowing her to connect deeply with herself through reading, skiing, and introspection.
Chelsea Handler [14:02]: “It just felt like I was...introduced to myself.”
She emphasizes that intentional solitude fosters self-awareness, enabling individuals to better understand and uplift themselves and others.
The Writing Journey: From Personal Experiences to Public Narratives
Chelsea elaborates on her motivations for writing, sharing how her books serve as a medium to process personal experiences and offer relatable insights to her audience. She reflects on her transition from writing humorous essays to more serious and reflective content.
Chelsea Handler [24:02]: “With each book...I think I'm hitting people at the right time with what I wanna say.”
Her approach to writing underscores the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with readers.
Empowering Women: Advice and Advocacy
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Chelsea’s role as an advocate for women. She discusses her responsibility to provide hope and positivity, encouraging women to embrace self-love and resilience.
Chelsea Handler [26:06]: “I feel sort of responsible to women and want to give them... some hope and, like, some... positivity.”
This commitment is further reflected in her advice-giving style, both on her podcast and in her personal interactions.
Future Projects: Expanding Horizons
Chelsea shares exciting plans for the future, including the release of a new Netflix special on March 25, 2025, a European tour, and ongoing performances at her Las Vegas residency. She hints at additional projects without revealing specific details, maintaining an air of anticipation for her audience.
Chelsea Handler [27:54]: “I have a lot of stuff in the works, but nothing that I can... I'm going to do some different stuff this year. I'm doing a European tour... and I have my Vegas residency.”
Book Recommendations and Personal Favorites
Towards the end of the episode, Chelsea recommends several books that have impacted her, highlighting titles like "Circe" by Madeline Miller, "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, and "Greenlights" by Matthew McConaughey. She shares how these books have influenced her perspectives and personal growth.
Chelsea Handler [30:17]: “The House of Mirth is one of my favorite books ever. I love that book... I read it by Kristin Hannah a few years ago, 'The Great Alone'. I was turning every single page.”
Conclusion: Insights and Reflections
The episode concludes with Chelsea expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her experiences and insights. She reinforces the importance of being authentic, self-aware, and supportive of one another, especially among women.
Chelsea Handler [31:51]: “Thank you for coming on and all of your advice and the way you're advocating for other women is really, really amazing and much needed.”
Final Thoughts
“Totally Booked with Zibby: Chelsea Handler” offers a profound and heartfelt exploration of Chelsea Handler’s life, work, and philosophies. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper understanding of her commitment to empowering women, personal growth, and authentic living. The episode serves as an inspiring testament to the impact one individual can have through resilience, self-reflection, and unwavering optimism.