Chelsea Handler on Men, Trump & Money (+ Excellent Parenting Advice)
Mar 13, 2025
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Chelsea Handler, a comedian, author, and television host celebrated for her Netflix talk show, shares her journey as a six-time bestseller. She reflects on her unconventional entrepreneurial spirit, starting from a vodka-infused lemonade stand. The conversation dives into her candid takes on Trump and Musk, parenting insights from her life with her ex's daughters, and the evolving dynamics of young men today. Handler’s humor shines through as she discusses personal growth, societal norms, and her unique birthday traditions, all while maintaining authenticity in her comedy.
Chelsea Handler attributes her success to her entrepreneurial spirit and non-traditional educational path, proudly celebrating her achievements despite familial norms.
Handler emphasizes the importance of generosity, shaped by her upbringing, highlighting that sharing resources and experiences is vital in today's society.
Critiquing societal norms, Handler advocates for women's empowerment beyond traditional roles, exemplifying hope for a more compassionate future generation.
Deep dives
Chelsea Handler's Journey to Success
Chelsea Handler reflects on her impressive career, highlighting that her latest book has reached number one on the New York Times bestseller list. She attributes her success to both her persistent efforts and her non-traditional path, as she is the only one in her family of six siblings who didn’t attend college. Handler expresses her pride in her accomplishments, often celebrating her achievements by teasing her siblings about their educational pursuits. Her book, released on her 50th birthday, contains essays chronicling her transformation into the confident woman she embodies today.
The Value of Generosity
Handler discusses the significance of generosity in her life, referencing a quote that emphasizes the importance of giving over taking. She believes that sharing one's resources, experiences, and platform is crucial in today's world. Her mother instilled these values in her, shaping her perspective on the importance of being generous with both time and resources. Handler aims to foster a spirit of generosity through her actions and interactions with others.
Relationships and Loss
Handler shares her experience of developing a deep bond with three girls related to an ex-boyfriend, whom she describes as her interim parental figures. This relationship has brought a sense of responsibility and affection into her life, as the girls refer to her as 'father.' She reflects on her desire to positively impact their lives, contrasting it with her own choice to remain single and child-free. Handler emphasizes that her path allows her to contribute more broadly to the world, as she can focus on nurturing relationships outside of traditional family structures.
Critique of Societal Expectations
Handler critiques societal norms that impose limitations on women's roles, arguing that women should not be confined to motherhood or marriage to be deemed valuable. She believes these outdated expectations contribute to political issues, highlighting the ongoing struggles for women's rights. Handler believes that women the world over are becoming more empowered and independent, and the resistance to this change is merely a temporary setback. She expresses hope for future generations, noting that young people today are more conscientious and compassionate than ever.
Navigating Career and Personal Growth
Handler discusses her entrepreneurial journey, which includes a range of ventures from stand-up comedy to her vodka lemonade line. She emphasizes that her artistic integrity remains central to her career choices, as she prioritizes authenticity over simply chasing profits. Reflecting on her success as a multi-faceted entertainer, Handler shows no signs of slowing down, detailing upcoming projects and tours. Her commitment to navigating her brand strategically while remaining true to herself embodies her unique approach to success in the entertainment industry.
From spiking her childhood lemonade stand drinks with vodka to launching Netflix's first talk show, Chelsea Handler has always had an entrepreneurial instinct. Case in point: the comedian’s new book, “I’ll Have What She’s Having” is her sixth to top the New York Times best-seller list.
Chelsea joined Kara onstage at SXSW to share her juiciest stories from the book (including the joke that made Woody Allen literally spit out his desert), offer her unfiltered takes on President Trump and Elon Musk, break down the problem with men, and reveal how she became a “father” to her ex-boyfriend’s three daughters.
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