Podcast Summary: Dear Chelsea – Episode: Vag of Honor with Naomi Watts

Podcast Information:

• Title: Dear Chelsea
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Vag of Honor with Naomi Watts
• Release Date: February 13, 2025
• Description: On this weekly advice show, comedian & author Chelsea Handler answers listener questions with her signature humor. Joined by co-host Catherine Law and celebrity guests, Chelsea provides honest opinions on topics ranging from love and sex to family issues and loss, creating a dynamic mix of funny, informative, inspirational, and heartfelt moments.

Introduction

In the episode titled "Vag of Honor with Naomi Watts," Chelsea Handler and co-host Katherine engage in a candid and enlightening conversation with Naomi Watts, a renowned actor, author, and entrepreneur. Naomi joins the show to discuss her new book, "Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause," as well as her entrepreneurial venture, Stripes Beauty, a product line dedicated to supporting women through menopause.

Reunion and Personal Updates

The episode begins with Chelsea updating listeners on her personal life, including her time back in Whistler and her relationship with her dog, Doug. Chelsea shares her excitement about upcoming comedy dates in Las Vegas and the release of her new book, emphasizing the importance of community and support during significant life changes.

Introducing Naomi Watts

At [05:34], Chelsea introduces Naomi Watts, celebrating her achievements as a best-selling author whose book "Dare I Say It?" debuted at number four on the New York Times bestsellers list. Naomi's book aims to demystify menopause, offering insights and support for women navigating this transformative life stage.

Menopause: Breaking the Silence

Naomi Watts opens up about her personal journey with menopause, sharing that she was unexpectedly diagnosed with perimenopause at age 36. This early onset forced Naomi to confront the reality of reduced fertility and the onset of menopause symptoms much earlier than anticipated.

• Naomi Watts [07:52]: "My fertility was done, possibly, and I was gonna be going into menopause, which just felt like the end of everything."

Naomi criticizes the "code of silence" surrounding menopause, where vital conversations about women's health were historically taboo. She emphasizes the necessity of open dialogue and education to prevent unnecessary suffering and isolation.

The Struggles and Strengths of Women

Chelsea and Naomi delve into the broader societal expectations placed on women to endure suffering as a marker of strength. Chelsea passionately argues against the notion that women must suffer to become stronger, highlighting the importance of seeking support and refusing to accept unmitigated hardship.

• Chelsea Handler [11:13]: "You don't have to suffer. You have to work hard and be determined."

Naomi concurs, pointing out that societal programming often discourages women from seeking help, leading them to "soldier through" painful experiences without adequate support.

Introducing Stripes Beauty

Naomi introduces her company, Stripes Beauty, which was born out of her desire to support women experiencing menopause. Stripes Beauty offers a comprehensive range of products designed to address the physical and emotional challenges of menopause, from scalp care to vaginal health.

• Naomi Watts [12:55]: "I wanted to create a brand that recognized her symptoms, her age, exactly where she's at, and not promised the world that you could look like a 25-year-old."

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Naomi shares her experiences with various HRT methods, highlighting the trial-and-error process many women go through to find relief from menopause symptoms.

• Naomi Watts [16:47]: "I have pretty much tried them all. It's all trial and error. Whatever works for you."

Chelsea discusses her own experience with HRT, finding relief from night sweats and improved sleep through products like Inside Edition Stripes. Both hosts emphasize the importance of personalized treatment plans and consulting with knowledgeable healthcare providers.

Addressing Common Symptoms and Misconceptions

Naomi clarifies common misconceptions about menopause, such as the notion that it can be definitively diagnosed by a single day without menstruation. She advocates for comprehensive testing and self-advocacy in medical settings.

• Naomi Watts [07:53]: "Menopause is basically a third of our lives that we will be in this menopause, perimenopause, post menopause state."

The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding menopause and the need to normalize discussions about it within both personal and professional spheres.

Listener Interaction: Advice and Support

The episode features interactions with listeners seeking advice on managing menopause symptoms. Two callers, Kelsey and Karen, share their experiences with perimenopause, seeking guidance on supplements, skincare, and coping strategies.

Kelsey discusses:

• An array of symptoms including night sweats, dry skin, and rotator cuff pain.
• Her skepticism about seeking medical help due to perceived lack of effective treatments.
• Kelsey [33:00]: "I feel like getting tested or asking for help is pointless because there isn't much treatment from the MD perspective."

Karen shares:

• Struggles with inner ear congestion and persistent sniffing.
• Exhaustion, headaches, and changes in menstrual cycles.
• Karen [43:51]: "I have inner ear congestion and the sniffing helps clear my ears."

Naomi Watts and Chelsea Handler provide comprehensive advice, encouraging listeners to:

• Seek specialized healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about menopause.
• Consider both medical and naturopathic options.
• Advocate for themselves in medical settings to receive appropriate care.

Empowering Women Through Education and Community

Throughout the episode, Naomi and Chelsea stress the importance of education and community support in navigating menopause. They advocate for women to take control of their health journeys, utilize available resources, and support one another in breaking down the stigmas associated with menopause.

• Naomi Watts [60:02]: "We have to educate them. We have to bring them into the conversation and say, this is what's going on."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt appreciation for Naomi Watts' contributions to the conversation on menopause. Chelsea applauds Naomi for her bravery in addressing an often-ignored topic and highlights the positive impact of her work on women's health and societal perceptions.

• Chelsea Handler [59:10]: "I love that. I want to say, Naomi, A. I'm really proud and impressed by you for bringing this subject to the fore in the way that you have."

Naomi reiterates the necessity of continued advocacy and education to ensure that future generations receive better support and understanding regarding menopause.

Notable Quotes:

• Naomi Watts [07:52]: "My fertility was done, possibly, and I was gonna be going into menopause, which just felt like the end of everything."
• Chelsea Handler [11:13]: "You don't have to suffer. You have to work hard and be determined."
• Naomi Watts [12:55]: "I wanted to create a brand that recognized her symptoms, her age, exactly where she's at, and not promised the world that you could look like a 25-year-old."
• Chelsea Handler [59:10]: "I love that. I want to say, Naomi... for bringing this subject to the fore in the way that you have."

Key Takeaways:

• Menopause Awareness: The episode underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing menopause as a significant life stage that warrants open discussion and proper medical support.
• Personal Advocacy: Women are encouraged to advocate for their health needs, seek specialized care, and not accept societal pressures to endure suffering silently.
• Support Systems: Building a community and utilizing resources like Naomi's Stripes Beauty can provide much-needed relief and empowerment for women experiencing menopause.
• Education and Normalization: Educating both women and men about menopause fosters empathy, support, and a more informed approach to managing its challenges.

For more insights and support on menopause, consider exploring Naomi Watts' book "Dare I Say It?" and her product line Stripes Beauty at stripesbeauty.com.