Overview of Not Skinny But Not Fat
In this episode of Not Skinny But Not Fat, host Amanda Hirsch returns and interviews Chelsea Handler. The conversation covers pop-culture drama (the Ashley Tisdale “toxic mom group” controversy), Chelsea’s career arc (from stand‑up and My Horizontal Life to Chelsea Lately, Netflix projects, and recent books), her approach to hosting/stand‑up, travel and lifestyle habits, views on dating and drugs, and how aging has increased her confidence and decisiveness. The tone is casual, candid, humorous and conversational.
Guest snapshot — Chelsea Handler
- Comedian, author, late‑night veteran, podcaster.
- Early break: Girls Behaving Badly; first book My Horizontal Life (published at 27).
- Chelsea Lately premiered around age 33 and was a defining show for her.
- Later: Netflix documentaries, a Netflix talk show, stand‑up specials, podcast sold to Netflix, new TV project in development, and the upcoming High and Mighty tour starting Feb 13 (60+ cities planned).
- Recently turned 50 and reports feeling more confident, comfortable, and creatively in control.
Key topics discussed
- Amanda’s return to the podcast and brief pop-culture notes (St. Barts/boat FOMO, Bethenny Frankel reel).
- Ashley Tisdale “toxic mom group” controversy: Amanda’s take is a middle ground — the article sought sympathy and blew up, but didn’t provide evidence of genuine “toxicity”; it may reflect hurt feelings and a mismatch of vibes rather than abuse.
- Chelsea on hosting award shows: nerves are good, women make strong hosts, preparation (watching films, doing homework), hitting on celebs as comedic bits, and keeping the vibe fun.
- Career choices and pivots: leaving Chelsea Lately by choice, exploring documentaries and Netflix, taking time off, returning to stand‑up with new perspective.
- Aging and self‑trust: 50s bring decisiveness, less second‑guessing, more joy and confidence.
- Family background: youngest of six, raised in New Jersey; early independence and hustling (lemonade stand to babysitting).
- Travel and lifestyle: prefers hotels, has routines/packed kits, often on the road for tours and shows.
- Drugs and microdosing: candid about enjoying cannabis, LSD, MDMA (microdosing era), describes an organized, safety‑minded approach.
- Dating & relationships: open to monogamy but likes freedom; public vs private relationship balance; candid about past public relationships.
- Competition and jealousy: accepts envy as natural, advocates acknowledging it, using it productively, and avoiding destructive actions.
Main takeaways
- Career control: Chelsea intentionally quit success to pivot creatively and personally — demonstrating agency matters more than clinging to fame.
- Age and confidence: with age comes clarity and decisiveness — Chelsea emphasizes trusting instincts and not second‑guessing choices.
- Hosting philosophy: being a good host is about setting tone, confidence, and inclusivity — Chelsea credits women as especially skilled hosts.
- Jealousy is normal: admit it, process it constructively, don’t sabotage others — communal success is healthier than zero‑sum thinking.
- Drug use perspective: in Chelsea’s view, safe/microdosed drug experiences can be enriching and normalized for responsible users.
- Public life: she’s comfortable discussing relationships and life choices publicly but respects others’ privacy when possible.
Notable quotes & soundbites
- “What’s meant for you doesn’t fly by you.”
- “I don’t ever second guess myself.”
- “When women succeed, we’re all succeeding — blowing out someone else’s candle doesn’t make yours brighter.”
- On drugs: “They’re a great mind expander… everything’s microdosed now.”
- On hosting/age: “Nerves are good… if you’re nervous, you care,” and “I know I’m reliable.”
Career & project highlights (actionable)
- High and Mighty tour: on sale now; starts Feb 13 — Chelsea mentions many cities and additional dates will be announced.
- Podcast: Chelsea’s podcast was purchased by Netflix (visual distribution).
- New TV project: Chelsea sold a show she’ll act in — details pending.
Practical takeaways for listeners
- If you’re feeling stuck professionally, consider whether a deliberate pivot could re‑energize you — Chelsea left a hit show to pursue more meaningful work.
- Treat envy as data: acknowledge it, let it inform goals, and avoid destructive behavior.
- Aging can be an asset; cultivate decisiveness and self‑trust instead of fearing decline.
- When debating “toxic” labels in social disputes, distinguish hurt feelings/being excluded from true, abusive behavior.
Episode extras & calls to action (from host)
- Amanda encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast and subscribe.
- Chelsea plugs her tour and upcoming appearances.
This summary captures the episode’s main themes, Chelsea Handler’s perspectives on career, aging, hosting, relationships and lifestyle, and Amanda Hirsch’s pop‑culture commentary and position on current celebrity drama.