You're listening to the Sunday Session podcast with Francesca Rudkin from News Talks edb Right.

You're listening to the Sunday Session podcast with Francesca Rudkin from News Talks edb Right.

Comedian Chelsea Handler is renowned for her outspoken, ballsy style of comedy. Aren't afraid to share her opinion on just about anything. She is an author, a podcaster, a former late night talk show host, and she's heading our way, bringing her comedy tour to New Zealand in July. Chelsea joins me now from Canada. Chelsea Handler, Hi, how are you?

Comedian Chelsea Handler is renowned for her outspoken, ballsy style of comedy. Aren't afraid to share her opinion on just about anything. She is an author, a podcaster, a former late night talk show host, and she's heading our way, bringing her comedy tour to New Zealand in July. Chelsea joins me now from Canada. Chelsea Handler, Hi, how are you?

Oh my goodness, I'm doing well. Thank you? How are you?

Oh my goodness, I'm doing well. Thank you? How are you?

I'm good, thank you. We're having a chat over a zoom and I'm just looking in the background and what a beautiful view the snow covered trees. I know, Skiings of Passion. Has it been a good season.

I'm good, thank you. We're having a chat over a zoom and I'm just looking in the background and what a beautiful view the snow covered trees. I know, Skiings of Passion. Has it been a good season.

It has not been a great season, which is okay.

It has not been a great season, which is okay.

I'm writing a new book, so it's allowed me to you know, focus and actually be productive because when there is good snow, it's really hard for me to stay inside.

I'm writing a new book, so it's allowed me to you know, focus and actually be productive because when there is good snow, it's really hard for me to stay inside.

So I got a new dog.

So I got a new dog.

I rescued a new dog this year and he's a handful, so he I am keeping my hands full. So the skiing hasn't been epic, but I'm still skiing. You know, you still got to get out there and ski it up.

I rescued a new dog this year and he's a handful, so he I am keeping my hands full. So the skiing hasn't been epic, but I'm still skiing. You know, you still got to get out there and ski it up.

Is he as much of a handful as Gary was? He?

Is he as much of a handful as Gary was? He?

Thank you for remembering Gary.

Thank you for remembering Gary.

I would like to go on the record and say Gary was the only dog that I purchased and the only dog that I returned. Rescues are where it's at because they are grateful.

I would like to go on the record and say Gary was the only dog that I purchased and the only dog that I returned. Rescues are where it's at because they are grateful.

And I want my dogs to be grateful.

And I want my dogs to be grateful.

Now, I haven't mentioned the name of your show. My boss has said to me, I'm allowed to mention it once. It's called Little Big Bitch. But I did wonder whether you love the fact that you've called it something that really, you know, people like myself and the media, we really can't be blasting out over the airwaves.

Now, I haven't mentioned the name of your show. My boss has said to me, I'm allowed to mention it once. It's called Little Big Bitch. But I did wonder whether you love the fact that you've called it something that really, you know, people like myself and the media, we really can't be blasting out over the airwaves.

I have a tendency.

I have a tendency.

My last tour was called Vaccinated in a Horny and the same issue kept coming up about like on Instagram.

My last tour was called Vaccinated in a Horny and the same issue kept coming up about like on Instagram.

You couldn't like forward it or like and.

You couldn't like forward it or like and.

I was like, why do I constantly pick these names that are not helpful to spreading the message. But whatever, that's just my personality. I act first and then think afterward.

I was like, why do I constantly pick these names that are not helpful to spreading the message. But whatever, that's just my personality. I act first and then think afterward.

The two is kind of an origin story stories of your childhood. Tell me about the young Chelsea.

The two is kind of an origin story stories of your childhood. Tell me about the young Chelsea.

What was she like, I'm very obstreperous.

What was she like, I'm very obstreperous.

I was not satisfied at all with my family dynamic when I was born as the youngest of six children. I remember being very young and looking around, like who is in charge? Because it wasn't my mom and it wasn't my dad. They were two hot messes and my brothers and sisters were just doing what they wanted. And I was like, no, no, I need I have big plans and I needed support for those big plans. So I just started working as early as I could. I opened up a lemonade stand when I was like eight, but it was a hard lemonade stand where I served gin, tequila and whiskey. And then I was like, you can't make any real money in lemonade. And then I decided to open up my own babysitting company when I was ten. So I lied and I said I was fifteen, and I ended up babysitting for a fourteen year old boy. So I have like a lot of entrepreneurship in my background. I just wasn't going to settle for anything less than the best. I wanted a big life. I wanted freedom, and I wanted adulthood, and I wanted to cut ties with anybody that was going to hold me back or you know, I felt childhood was insulting, like I never felt like a child.

I was not satisfied at all with my family dynamic when I was born as the youngest of six children. I remember being very young and looking around, like who is in charge? Because it wasn't my mom and it wasn't my dad. They were two hot messes and my brothers and sisters were just doing what they wanted. And I was like, no, no, I need I have big plans and I needed support for those big plans. So I just started working as early as I could. I opened up a lemonade stand when I was like eight, but it was a hard lemonade stand where I served gin, tequila and whiskey. And then I was like, you can't make any real money in lemonade. And then I decided to open up my own babysitting company when I was ten. So I lied and I said I was fifteen, and I ended up babysitting for a fourteen year old boy. So I have like a lot of entrepreneurship in my background. I just wasn't going to settle for anything less than the best. I wanted a big life. I wanted freedom, and I wanted adulthood, and I wanted to cut ties with anybody that was going to hold me back or you know, I felt childhood was insulting, like I never felt like a child.

I felt like I was in a baby's body.

I felt like I was in a baby's body.

But it didn't make sense. I was like, no, no, I'm a woman. I want to be my woman.

But it didn't make sense. I was like, no, no, I'm a woman. I want to be my woman.

You're very determined too, from what I can from what I hear, Can you tell me about the time that your mom said that you would never fly first class?

You're very determined too, from what I can from what I hear, Can you tell me about the time that your mom said that you would never fly first class?

Oh? Yes, my mom told me that.

Oh? Yes, my mom told me that.

We went on our first plane ride, which is very exciting when you're ten years old. I had never flown and I remember walking past the first class section and I just was like sniffing around, and I'm like, no, this is my group. You know, this smells like my group. And my Mom's like, keep going, keep going.

We went on our first plane ride, which is very exciting when you're ten years old. I had never flown and I remember walking past the first class section and I just was like sniffing around, and I'm like, no, this is my group. You know, this smells like my group. And my Mom's like, keep going, keep going.

We're in the back. We'll never be able to fly first class. Those people are rich and you know, and we are not. And I was like, uh, first of all, speak.

We're in the back. We'll never be able to fly first class. Those people are rich and you know, and we are not. And I was like, uh, first of all, speak.

For yourself, because I will be flying first class. That's the only class I'll be flying. And so I saved up so much money from my babysitting company. When I was babysitting for a kid that was three years older than me, four years older than me.

For yourself, because I will be flying first class. That's the only class I'll be flying. And so I saved up so much money from my babysitting company. When I was babysitting for a kid that was three years older than me, four years older than me.

Actually for three summers.

Actually for three summers.

No less, I baby slept with that kid until he was seventeen and.

No less, I baby slept with that kid until he was seventeen and.

I was thirteen.

I was thirteen.

So I saved up so much money that I went and got the next time we took a plane ride, which was like three years later. So I had like I had amassed a small fortune from my babysitting empire I put. I went down the street to a travel agent and purchased my own first class ticket. And this time I was flying to California from New Jersey with my two brothers, and I didn't tell anyone about my ticket. I got on the plane, found my seat to see, looked at both of my brothers with such joy in my heart and said, see you idiots.

So I saved up so much money that I went and got the next time we took a plane ride, which was like three years later. So I had like I had amassed a small fortune from my babysitting empire I put. I went down the street to a travel agent and purchased my own first class ticket. And this time I was flying to California from New Jersey with my two brothers, and I didn't tell anyone about my ticket. I got on the plane, found my seat to see, looked at both of my brothers with such joy in my heart and said, see you idiots.

At the end of the flight, the picture.

At the end of the flight, the picture.

On the tour postcad you look over. You look angelic I was.

On the tour postcad you look over. You look angelic I was.

And that was what was so tricky.

And that was what was so tricky.

I was an angel on the surface, but beneath the surface, I had big plans and I was gonna run over anyone who got in my way.

I was an angel on the surface, but beneath the surface, I had big plans and I was gonna run over anyone who got in my way.

It's interesting you tool about being obviously the last child of six, and you're wondering who was in charge, and everybody sort of had their own lives because what I love about your stories is how close you actually are to your siblings to this day.

It's interesting you tool about being obviously the last child of six, and you're wondering who was in charge, and everybody sort of had their own lives because what I love about your stories is how close you actually are to your siblings to this day.

I ad, yeah, we're a tight fai. Yeah, it is, it is. It is special.

I ad, yeah, we're a tight fai. Yeah, it is, it is. It is special.

And I get you know, you always assume everyone's close with her family, but that's simply not true.

And I get you know, you always assume everyone's close with her family, but that's simply not true.

I know from my podcast, Dear Chelsea.

I know from my podcast, Dear Chelsea.

I get calls all the time about family dynamics and like, you know, and that is always surprising to me because I'm like, it's your family, you have to.

I get calls all the time about family dynamics and like, you know, and that is always surprising to me because I'm like, it's your family, you have to.

Figure it out. But I am like the leader in my family. I am the one that is like, that's not acceptable.

Figure it out. But I am like the leader in my family. I am the one that is like, that's not acceptable.

You need to you know, Like I am the youngest and the oldest at the same time. And now they listen to me because they know that I was right all along. I was like, listen, I'm going to the mountaintop. You can come with me, or you can resist and stay behind.

You need to you know, Like I am the youngest and the oldest at the same time. And now they listen to me because they know that I was right all along. I was like, listen, I'm going to the mountaintop. You can come with me, or you can resist and stay behind.

It's up to you.

It's up to you.

But you know that's where I'm headed. And now they're all like, okay, let's just stick with Chelsea.

But you know that's where I'm headed. And now they're all like, okay, let's just stick with Chelsea.

Away with her. Uh So you were you were ambitious and you were determined. Were you who opinionited as a child as well, and quite outspoken?

Away with her. Uh So you were you were ambitious and you were determined. Were you who opinionited as a child as well, and quite outspoken?

I was always outspoken because that was rewarded in my family being outspoken. My brother's like they thought I was this little cute, kind of boisterous, precocious thing. So they encouraged my loud mouth, you know, like they would their friends would come over and they'd be.

I was always outspoken because that was rewarded in my family being outspoken. My brother's like they thought I was this little cute, kind of boisterous, precocious thing. So they encouraged my loud mouth, you know, like they would their friends would come over and they'd be.

Like, go, tell them what an IDIOTY is. I'm like, I got this, you know.

Like, go, tell them what an IDIOTY is. I'm like, I got this, you know.

I was good at that, like kind of putting people, like reading people and telling them what to do, and so it was rewarded. And then I just kind of took it and ran. I mean, you know, I'm a loud and proud kind of girl. I'm not meek or easily influenced by others. I kind of like to run my own shop, so to speak.

I was good at that, like kind of putting people, like reading people and telling them what to do, and so it was rewarded. And then I just kind of took it and ran. I mean, you know, I'm a loud and proud kind of girl. I'm not meek or easily influenced by others. I kind of like to run my own shop, so to speak.

And I like that, and I'd like encourage women to do the same.

And I like that, and I'd like encourage women to do the same.

You know. It's all about women knowing their own power and standing up for themselves and being loud and brave. I like to live my life in a very loud, brave way as a kind of example to everybody like you. I don't have to get married, you don't have to have babies to be of value. There are a million things you can do in this world that are valuable. And that's only two of them, so, so you know, I'm very outspoken on that front.

You know. It's all about women knowing their own power and standing up for themselves and being loud and brave. I like to live my life in a very loud, brave way as a kind of example to everybody like you. I don't have to get married, you don't have to have babies to be of value. There are a million things you can do in this world that are valuable. And that's only two of them, so, so you know, I'm very outspoken on that front.

Look, and that's what we love about you, that honesty and that you're just so authentic. I do wonder though, you know, there's a lot of headlines. The headlines will read Chelsea Handler faces backlash, or Chelsea Handler hits back, or Chelsea Handler goes rogue. I love it when you go rogue. Does it get to you a little bit? Do you sometimes think safcually I could just make my life a little bit easier.

Look, and that's what we love about you, that honesty and that you're just so authentic. I do wonder though, you know, there's a lot of headlines. The headlines will read Chelsea Handler faces backlash, or Chelsea Handler hits back, or Chelsea Handler goes rogue. I love it when you go rogue. Does it get to you a little bit? Do you sometimes think safcually I could just make my life a little bit easier.

No, because it doesn't make my life any harder. I'm not paying attention to the backlash.

No, because it doesn't make my life any harder. I'm not paying attention to the backlash.

I don't, you know, I don't if someone I don't think of.

I don't, you know, I don't if someone I don't think of.

Things in that way. I think of things as like, I think I'm on the right track. I think I am full of love, you know. I want to spread happy vibes and joyfulness, and if anyone has a problem with that, then that's a bigger problem for them than it is for me.

Things in that way. I think of things as like, I think I'm on the right track. I think I am full of love, you know. I want to spread happy vibes and joyfulness, and if anyone has a problem with that, then that's a bigger problem for them than it is for me.

That's so refreshing because a lot of us, especially in this kind of digital world where we're constantly presenting ourselves in a certain way that might not be real, A lot of people do struggle to actually accept that maybe you're not for everybody. That not everyone's gonna like you, and yet that's life, right, you know.

That's so refreshing because a lot of us, especially in this kind of digital world where we're constantly presenting ourselves in a certain way that might not be real, A lot of people do struggle to actually accept that maybe you're not for everybody. That not everyone's gonna like you, and yet that's life, right, you know.

Also, if everyone does like you, what does that say about you?

Also, if everyone does like you, what does that say about you?

That says that you're not that you have no opinions, that you don't stand for anything, because it's impossible but to be liked by anybody. I mean, listen, I started my career understanding that a lot of people would not like me, and so.

That says that you're not that you have no opinions, that you don't stand for anything, because it's impossible but to be liked by anybody. I mean, listen, I started my career understanding that a lot of people would not like me, and so.

Anyone who likes me is a bonus, you know what I mean?

Anyone who likes me is a bonus, you know what I mean?

Like, I know that we live in a time where it's still like, oh, you're so outspoken for a woman. It's like, excuse me, of course I'm going to be outspoken for a woman, but it's not for a woman.

Like, I know that we live in a time where it's still like, oh, you're so outspoken for a woman. It's like, excuse me, of course I'm going to be outspoken for a woman, but it's not for a woman.

I'm an outspoken person.

I'm an outspoken person.

So you know, until we live in a time which I'm sure I won't survive during to see that, But until we live in a time where women are respected and treated as equally as men are, then I will continue to behave this way.

So you know, until we live in a time which I'm sure I won't survive during to see that, But until we live in a time where women are respected and treated as equally as men are, then I will continue to behave this way.

And I love that. I love that you're a passionate advocate, and I presume that you know for many things and causes and I and comedy is just such a great tool for that, isn't it.

And I love that. I love that you're a passionate advocate, and I presume that you know for many things and causes and I and comedy is just such a great tool for that, isn't it.

Yes, comedy is a great way to deliver some medicine with laughter. And I have no problem making a fool out of myself. So comedy comes very easily to me because my whole life.

Yes, comedy is a great way to deliver some medicine with laughter. And I have no problem making a fool out of myself. So comedy comes very easily to me because my whole life.

Is just one experience after another that's so outlandish and crazy. I mean, in my stand up.

Is just one experience after another that's so outlandish and crazy. I mean, in my stand up.

Shows, I tell this Bill Cosby story that is so ridiculous, and I don't Not a lot of people can say they have a good Bill Cosby story.

Shows, I tell this Bill Cosby story that is so ridiculous, and I don't Not a lot of people can say they have a good Bill Cosby story.

I do.

I do.

I have a great Woody Allen story that I share because I got stuck at a dinner with him and I was like, there's no way I could sit across from Woody Allen and not confront him like that's not the type of woman I am, So I.

I have a great Woody Allen story that I share because I got stuck at a dinner with him and I was like, there's no way I could sit across from Woody Allen and not confront him like that's not the type of woman I am, So I.

Tell that story.

Tell that story.

I have a lot of really ridiculous I was at Kenny Bunkboard once during COVID, accidentally on three edibles, dealing with the former president whose political belief system is very misaligned with mine, So that was that's a good one too. But anyway, yes, I like to share those experiences and I like to have you know, I want my life to be one big adventure, and it has been. And getting to come to New Zealand and Australia and traveling the globe to make people laugh is a total, total privilege.

I have a lot of really ridiculous I was at Kenny Bunkboard once during COVID, accidentally on three edibles, dealing with the former president whose political belief system is very misaligned with mine, So that was that's a good one too. But anyway, yes, I like to share those experiences and I like to have you know, I want my life to be one big adventure, and it has been. And getting to come to New Zealand and Australia and traveling the globe to make people laugh is a total, total privilege.

Just warning you there will probably be men wearing flip flops or jandles in July even though it's winter. So I'm just letting you know that because I know that that's a small issue for you. That's just Australia and New Zealand for you. Hey, look, I want to talk really quickly the critics choice. You were always getting a call Greta Gerwig and Mago Robbie out for that impromptued acceptance speech. Was it sort of was it premititative or did you did you actually just kind of do that as a on a whim.

Just warning you there will probably be men wearing flip flops or jandles in July even though it's winter. So I'm just letting you know that because I know that that's a small issue for you. That's just Australia and New Zealand for you. Hey, look, I want to talk really quickly the critics choice. You were always getting a call Greta Gerwig and Mago Robbie out for that impromptued acceptance speech. Was it sort of was it premititative or did you did you actually just kind of do that as a on a whim.

No, Well, they had four minutes to kill and perfect, Yeah, they had four minutes to kill and they were and they said, go can you go up there and you know, just do some material?

No, Well, they had four minutes to kill and perfect, Yeah, they had four minutes to kill and they were and they said, go can you go up there and you know, just do some material?

And I was like, well, are there any other options?

And I was like, well, are there any other options?

Because I know that Barbie got an award before the show, and then I thought, yeah.

Because I know that Barbie got an award before the show, and then I thought, yeah.

Let's give them some more flowers.

Let's give them some more flowers.

Because you talked about it being the year of the woman. What about twenty twenty three do you think was so big for women?

Because you talked about it being the year of the woman. What about twenty twenty three do you think was so big for women?

Taylor Swift first and foremost is dominating culture, dominating the zeitgeist by it Beyonce Pink. Their tours are the most successful tours of the year of twenty twenty three. And Barbie, the movie directed by Greta Gerwigs, starring Margot Robbie. I mean, there's just so many female success stories America Ferrara and the culture and the economy.

Taylor Swift first and foremost is dominating culture, dominating the zeitgeist by it Beyonce Pink. Their tours are the most successful tours of the year of twenty twenty three. And Barbie, the movie directed by Greta Gerwigs, starring Margot Robbie. I mean, there's just so many female success stories America Ferrara and the culture and the economy.

Like, women are so underserved that when you.

Like, women are so underserved that when you.

Serve it up to us, we show up in droves, and that's what we're telling the world, Like, you can't tell us that we are not contributing, because when we contribute, it's massive and it's actually more powerful than many men.

Serve it up to us, we show up in droves, and that's what we're telling the world, Like, you can't tell us that we are not contributing, because when we contribute, it's massive and it's actually more powerful than many men.

So I think hopefully this will be the beginning of a nice trend in females access stories.

So I think hopefully this will be the beginning of a nice trend in females access stories.

Tyler Swift slight small, slight, you know, sort of sow point for many of us here in New Zealand who missed out on tickets to go to Australia to see you. It seems like everybody else got to go except me. But that's okay. Do you miss late night television because women are so underrepresented in that space? Would you go back to it?

Tyler Swift slight small, slight, you know, sort of sow point for many of us here in New Zealand who missed out on tickets to go to Australia to see you. It seems like everybody else got to go except me. But that's okay. Do you miss late night television because women are so underrepresented in that space? Would you go back to it?

I don't think I would go back to that schedule that was pretty rigorous. And I'm now forty eight years old and I love my life. Like I get to do my podcast, I'm writing a new book, and I get to tour when I want a tour and extend it for as long as I want to extend it. So I have a pretty sweet gig going, and I get to take as much time off a year as I want. And when I work, I go at it pretty hard. And so I don't know that I would ever be drawn back to that type of schedule, but I would be drawn back to doing like a once a week show or something if the right opportunity presented itself, which it hasn't, you know. I mean, I'm always looking at opportunities and thinking about things and what I'm going to do, So it just really depends where I am and what's happening.

I don't think I would go back to that schedule that was pretty rigorous. And I'm now forty eight years old and I love my life. Like I get to do my podcast, I'm writing a new book, and I get to tour when I want a tour and extend it for as long as I want to extend it. So I have a pretty sweet gig going, and I get to take as much time off a year as I want. And when I work, I go at it pretty hard. And so I don't know that I would ever be drawn back to that type of schedule, but I would be drawn back to doing like a once a week show or something if the right opportunity presented itself, which it hasn't, you know. I mean, I'm always looking at opportunities and thinking about things and what I'm going to do, So it just really depends where I am and what's happening.

You know. If Trump gets elected, I'm out skate doodled, so I'll be over there a lot more than I already am.

You know. If Trump gets elected, I'm out skate doodled, so I'll be over there a lot more than I already am.

Would you move to Canada permanently?

Would you move to Canada permanently?

I don't know about permanently because I am a United States resident and there are tax implications for moving. You have to if you are American and you leave the country, you have to pay American.

I don't know about permanently because I am a United States resident and there are tax implications for moving. You have to if you are American and you leave the country, you have to pay American.

Taxes for the rest of your life. So there's really it doesn't really behoove me to leave, but I would spend a lot less time in America.

Taxes for the rest of your life. So there's really it doesn't really behoove me to leave, but I would spend a lot less time in America.

Chelsea Hander, it's been a delight to talk to you. Thank you so much.

Chelsea Hander, it's been a delight to talk to you. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Take care.

Thank you. Take care.

That was comedian Chelsea Handler. Chelsea's stand up Comedian Tour. Comedy Tour is coming to Auckland and Wellington this July. Tickets on sale now.

That was comedian Chelsea Handler. Chelsea's stand up Comedian Tour. Comedy Tour is coming to Auckland and Wellington this July. Tickets on sale now.

For more from the Sunday session with friend Jessica Rutkin, listen Life to News Talks. It'd be from nine am Sunday, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.

For more from the Sunday session with friend Jessica Rutkin, listen Life to News Talks. It'd be from nine am Sunday, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.