Podcast Summary: Dear Chelsea – "We Don’t Condone Murder with Ari Graynor"

Episode Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Chelsea Handler
Guest: Ari Graynor

1. Welcome and Personal Updates

The episode kicks off with Chelsea Handler sharing personal updates, including her ongoing battle with an infection in her shoulder and a cold, which she humorously refers to as "dying." She recounts her recent trip to Sun Valley with friends to shoot her birthday video, highlighting the complex production involving mountains, bikinis, and skiing. Chelsea also announces her upcoming 50th birthday on February 25th, embracing it as a milestone of "midlife joy." She reveals plans for her seventh book, "I'll Have What She's Having," a European tour slated for May and June across various cities, and a Netflix special releasing on March 25th. Additionally, she mentions parting ways with Doug, who flew home with Ma Belle, while Chelsea returns to Whistler for a pre-birthday celebration before heading to New York to promote her book.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea Handler (03:00): "February 25th, I turn 50 years old. A midlife joy."
• Chelsea Handler (03:17): "But even though I am dying, I feel amazing."

2. Introducing Ari Graynor

Chelsea introduces actress Ari Graynor, renowned for her roles in "Winning Time," "Mrs. America," and most recently, "Monsters" where she portrayed Leslie Abramson in the Lyle and Eric Menendez story. The conversation initially touches on Ari's personal life, including her recent purchase of a historic house in upstate New York—built in 1803 with 62 acres and a barn from 1796.

Notable Quotes:

• Ari Graynor (05:05): "I got a big girl house like six months before the pandemic... It was a pretty wild."
• Chelsea Handler (05:42): "Just in time to go back to that century."

3. Delving into the Menendez Brothers Case

Ari and Chelsea delve into the complexities of the Menendez brothers' case. Ari discusses her research and portrayal of Leslie Abramson, emphasizing the psychological impact of abuse and trauma that the Menendez brothers endured. She expresses a belief that the brothers should be released from jail, highlighting their positive contributions, such as obtaining college degrees and initiating programs like hospice assistance for older inmates and a green space program.

Notable Quotes:

• Ari Graynor (12:22): "I strongly believe it's time for them to be out of jail."
• Chelsea Handler (16:18): "Is the punishment justified or is it just sentencing?"

4. The Psychology of Abuse and Acting Insights

Ari provides an insider's perspective on abuse and the challenges victims face in breaking free from manipulative environments. She discusses how cultural perceptions, especially gender biases, influenced the initial hung jury in the Menendez trial. Ari shares her acting process, including her unique "dream work" method to tap into her unconscious creativity, which helped her embody Leslie Abramson's character.

Notable Quotes:

• Ari Graynor (15:54): "It's a part of the justice system that I think is for women, for children."
• Chelsea Handler (22:57): "How did you not practice the voice or the accent?"

5. Callers' Advice Segments

Throughout the episode, Chelsea and Ari engage with listeners' questions, offering advice on various personal and emotional dilemmas.

Caller: Wendy's Dilemma on Relocating Due to Political Climate

Wendy, a feminist and activist, contemplates moving out of the U.S. due to safety concerns amid the current administration. She wonders if relocating will hinder her activism or if she might regret leaving her community.

Advice Given:

• Chelsea Handler (30:00): "If you are not comfortable with what's happening, go."
• Ari Graynor (31:56): "I think you should go."

Caller: Bri's Hesitation to Move in with a New Partner

Bri struggles with the decision to move in with her new partner despite loving her independent living space. She fears losing her sense of self and resenting the relationship if she compromises her solitude.

Advice Given:

• Ari Graynor (35:24): "Sometimes it's harder to be with somebody all of the time than it is to be away."
• Chelsea Handler (37:28): "It's so chic to live apart."

Caller: Sarah's Breach of Privacy by Mother-in-Law

Sarah is distressed that her mother-in-law tampered with her journal, which she used as a therapeutic tool during postpartum depression. She feels unsafe journaling again and seeks ways to reclaim her coping mechanism.

Advice Given:

• Chelsea Handler (53:48): "You have to start journaling again. This is not your issue. This is your mother in law's issue."
• Ari Graynor (54:39): "Reclaim that power for yourself."

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

Chelsea wraps up the episode by promoting her European tour, detailing cities such as Reykjavik, Dublin, Oslo, Lisbon, and more. She encourages listeners to attend her book events and stay connected through her merchandise and social media channels.

Notable Quotes:

• Chelsea Handler (57:35): "I'm coming to Reykjavik, I'm coming to Dublin... I'm coming abroad."
• Ari Graynor (56:24): "This was like such a joy. I love you and I'm like just so happy I got to be here."

Conclusion

In this episode of Dear Chelsea, Chelsea Handler and Ari Graynor navigate a blend of personal anecdotes, deep discussions on legal and psychological aspects of abuse cases, and heartfelt advice to listeners facing relationship and personal challenges. Ari's insights from her acting career enrich the conversation, providing a nuanced perspective on complex emotional and social issues. The episode balances humor with poignancy, staying true to the show's mission of offering honest and often hilarious advice.

Highlighted Quotes:

• Ari Graynor (15:50): "It's not something I'm signing up for, but it is a part of the justice system..."
• Chelsea Handler (55:36): "You're choosing to allow her to disrupt this connection you had with yourself and that's on you."

For more episodes and advice, listeners are encouraged to send their questions to DearChelseaPodcast@gmail.com.