Dear Chelsea - Loud Women Talking with Chelsea + Catherine

Episode Date: June 29, 2023

Chelsea + Catherine are in-studio today to talk about the allure of awesomely bad movies, summer getaways, and why Chelsea’s mom keeps stealing her earrings in her sleep.  Then: A schoolteacher get...s fired from her 6th school, and wonders what’s next.  A mom is at her whit’s end when her kindergartener won’t stop self-stimulating. And a Palm Springs transplant finds he can no longer tolerate women.  * Thanks to Betterhelp for sponsoring our new segment, Calling In Backup, and to Courtney Cope, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and Principal Clinical Operations Manager at BetterHelp. * Need some advice from Chelsea? Email us at DearChelseaPodcast@gmail.com * Executive Producer Catherine Law Edited & Engineered by Brandon Dickert * * * * * The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the Podcast author, or individuals participating in the Podcast, and do not represent the opinions of iHeartMedia or its employees.  This Podcast should not be used as medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counseling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all.  Individuals are advised to seek independent medical, counseling advice and/or therapy from a competent health care professional with respect to any medical condition, mental health issues, health inquiry or matter, including matters discussed on this Podcast. Guests and listeners should not rely on matters discussed in the Podcast and shall not act or shall refrain from acting based on information contained in the Podcast without first seeking independent medical advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 Joel, the holidays are a blast, but the financial hangover, that can be a huge bummer. If you are out there and you're dreading the new statement email that reveals the massive balance that you may have racked up, well, you could use our help. That's right. I'm Joel. And I am Matt. And we're from the How To Money Podcast. Our show is all about helping you make sense of your personal finances so you can ditch
Starting point is 00:00:22 your pesky credit card debt once and for all, make real progress on other crucial financial goals that you've got, and just feel more in control of your money in general. You know it. For money advice without the judgment and jargon, listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 00:00:41 Do you want a shortcut to the best version of you? Here it is. Feed the good wolf. I'm Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed. Every week, I talk to brilliant minds and brave souls about the art of small, powerful choices. Our listeners say it all. This is a lifeline.
Starting point is 00:01:03 Transformational. The best antidote to a bad mood I've ever heard. Join the pack and start feeding your best self. Listen to The One You Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, y'all. I'm Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls. This January, join me for our third annual January Jumpstart series. Starting January 1st, we'll have inspiring conversations to give you a hand in kickstarting your personal growth. If you've been holding back or playing small, this is your all-access pass to step fully into the possibilities of the new year. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls starting on January 1st
Starting point is 00:01:45 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden. And together, our mission on the Really Know Really podcast is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions like why the bathroom door doesn't go all the way to the floor, what's in the museum of failure, and does your dog truly love you we have the answer go to really know really.com and register to win 500 a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign jason
Starting point is 00:02:14 bobblehead the really know really podcast follow us on the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts hi everybody hi it's it's Chelsea and Catherine. Hi. Hi, we're here podcasting. Here in Los Angeles. It's finally almost summer. Yes, it is summer, even though it's going to be summer all year round from now on because our planet is dying. Unfortunately, that is correct. And welcome to the show.
Starting point is 00:02:40 Just a little uplifting positivity for your week. Oh, you know who's special? I watched Hannah Gadsby. Yes. Her new one. No, I watched both of her. I watched her second. I had seen her first one. I didn't realize I had missed one. So there was a second one, which is fucking awesome. And then I watched her third one, which is also awesome. But the second one, she has the best closing line. It's so good. The second one is really good. I would really recommend everyone see it. It's called Douglas. I am just looking at this. I saw something about it a couple of days ago. I'm going to have to check it out.
Starting point is 00:03:13 Yeah. When we're on the road, we just have like these transport vans. They have TVs in them that we all, you know, it's kind of like a mini tour bus for if it's like a two or three hour drive. So we watch all sorts of stuff. And we watched Jennifer Lopez's Mother. That was absolutely ridiculous. I mean, like, what? It's the same movie that Eric Bana did when he was stuck in the woods with his daughter, but now it's Jennifer Lopez. And it's just ridiculous. First of all, she's too beautiful to pay attention to any storyline. It doesn't, I mean, I guess that's why they do these movies, because it doesn't matter. She's just like sparkly and glowy and gorgeous. But it was just,
Starting point is 00:03:47 yeah. So anyway. I love a fun, silly movie. We watched, a girlfriend of mine came over, and we love to watch horror movies and thrillers. We watched this movie called Fall, which is the entire movie is these two girls stuck at the top of like a TV tower, and they have to like figure out how to get down. And we're like, how do you set an hour and a half movie up there? But it was actually had a surprising fun twist. It was pretty good. I like a good bad movie sometimes. You know what the best show that I've seen recently?
Starting point is 00:04:14 Obviously, Succession is in the top five. Of course. All time is the Elizabeth Olsen. Love and Death. Love and Death. That girl is so fucking talented and such a good actress. Nuanced.
Starting point is 00:04:27 Everyone in that is so good. Yeah, that was great, great television. Have you seen, did you watch Jury Duty? No. Oh my goodness. It's on Amazon.
Starting point is 00:04:38 It's like sort of documentary style. It's about, like they do a documentary of going to Jury DutyA. and everyone is an actor except for one guy who doesn't know everybody else's actors. And it is one of my favorite things that I've watched in a long time. It is so fun. James Marsden is in it as sort of like the actor who got hauled into jury duty. And it's it's really, really fun. And everyone else is not a famous actor? No. Yeah. Like a couple of people are from Parks and Rec or this, that and the other
Starting point is 00:05:09 thing. That's funny. That's an original idea. Right? And it just is the most charming, wonderful thing. The guy who doesn't know that it's all a ruse is like such a sweet, angelic kid who just like wants the best for everybody and just is like everything is so many weird things keep happening it's really really cute i had something very strange happen and it was on mother's day my mother is always fucking with me from wherever she is hanging out which is i think right over my head but i have these earrings these light earrings that i wear and i woke up in new york i was in New York last week. I woke up, my earring was gone out of one ear and the other one was in one ear. And I was like,
Starting point is 00:05:56 I lost that one. I get home that night. I don't see it anywhere. I wake up in the morning and the earrings in my ear. No. And I was like, okay, well I was either stoned or drunk or something. And I messed that up. The next night, I go to bed, I wake up, the earrings out of the other ear. I go in the bed, I'm looking for my earring, I don't find it. And I'm like, okay, I come home and I wake up in the morning and my earrings back in my ear. That's wild. So on this time, the second time I said to my security, I said to my assistant, I said to my crew, I was like, guys, I just want you to know I had no earring in. It happened a third time. I go, oh, my earring's missing again. And I said to Carla,
Starting point is 00:06:29 I'm like, I'm telling you, this has happened two nights in a row. I didn't say anything because it sounds so psycho. But so I kept it to myself because I'm like, only I need to know about these things. And I said, I just want you to know this earring's gone, right, guys? Look at my earring. It's gone. And they're all like, yeah, you idiot, whatever. And then next morning, guess whose earring was back in? Shut up. Three times it happened to me. What?
Starting point is 00:06:53 What do you think it means? Well, it's missing again. Look. This one is in and this one's out. I woke up this morning and it's missing again. What? And so I'm just like waiting for my mother to put it back in my earring. It's so
Starting point is 00:07:05 crazy. Maybe she really likes that pair of earrings. But that's something my mom would totally do. I just didn't think they could touch you. But who knows? I mean, why not? Do you ever have those like, oh, you do like those little like stones and crystals and things? Yeah, I meditate with crystals like a real hot mess. So Brad and I have a Reiki lady. Back in Oswego, Illinois. And she's like, yeah, when you don't need them anymore, they'll wander off. And it's absolutely true. They do. And then sometimes they wander right back into your life. It's the weirdest thing. Who? The people from? No, the little rocks. Oh. The little crystals. It's like when you don't need them, they like disappear. And then sometimes they'll reappear.
Starting point is 00:07:41 I keep some in my purse. And sometimes one of them will wander away, maybe never come back. And then maybe they'll come back, like, a year later. It's the weirdest thing. It's weird. That is weird. Yeah. Even Brad has a little, what do you call it, your love rock? It's my adventure stone.
Starting point is 00:07:59 His adventure stone. It's a good reminder of good things to come. Chelsea, I have some very fun updates. Oh, okay. This email is from Julia. She says, I was the private chef considering moving to the Pacific Northwest on the Psychic Medium episode. I made the move, still getting my footing and figuring out a new routine on my own, but I just listened to the Dylan Mulvaney episode with Dane, who's trans and doesn't have a big community in Portland. I'm a cis woman, but I thought I'd see if he wanted to be connected just to have a friend,
Starting point is 00:08:34 especially since I'm new since February and don't know too many people. I live in Vancouver, so just across the bridge. Thank you again, Julia. And I got so many emails from people being like, I'm in Portland, I'm trans, or I'm in Portland. I'd love to reach out to Dane. And so I passed him along all of those. Isn't that amazing? Yeah, yeah. Nice listeners, you guys. Way to build a community. I know. I love it. And I love it was just a caller from recently who's going to get connected. Another update from Meg, who had the new baby. She was Mormon, divorcing her husband on our Heather Gay episode. So she says, Dear Chelsea, Heather, and Catherine, I got to listen back to your advice when the Bad Mormon episode was released,
Starting point is 00:09:18 and I needed to reach out to thank you. Your advice remains as grounding and centering as the day we met, even more so now that my ex has a new girlfriend. Chelsea was so right. The fear of it was far worse than the reality. We found a place for my soon-to-be ex-husband to live. To fuck his new girlfriend. Yes, outside of their house. Thank you. It's walking distance from my house, and we'll continue to co-parent from a safer emotional distance starting next week. In watching my
Starting point is 00:09:45 ex be free and date, I think it's safe to say that, as Heather predicted, my whore phase has definitely begun. I've found myself a talented, super hot hookup for now who has graciously accepted the challenge of scheduling casual sex around a mom's shared custody agreement. I'm not ready for anything serious, but when I am, I'll be sure to use your incredibly kind remarks about my cuteness to hype me up before each date. Please know I was sitting in front of a seasonal depression lamp that would make anyone look super hot. Also, my principal from a school I worked in years ago called me up out of the blue and is working with me to design a position at the school in which I will be a social emotional behavioral coach for students as I apply for counseling psychology programs in the fall which is awesome
Starting point is 00:10:30 because that was like one of her concerns bringing in money and that guy just contacted her out of the blue that's called that is called when you get your ducks in a row the good things come your way listeners raising your frequency yes yes when youing your frequency. Yes, yes. When you raise your frequency, people with raised frequencies come your way and opportunity arises and then abundance. And this next line I love. She goes, very little is settled for sure, but so much is taking shape. I'm so grateful for your wonderful advice that helped and is still helping me to stay patient and strong in so many moments of uncertainty. Chelsea, you mentioned in a recent podcast you'd like to hop off the karmic wheel for a while and be a lightworker or something. Did I? Sounds like I was pretty stoned. I know what you meant and hope you're granted a much
Starting point is 00:11:18 deserved reprieve next lifetime. But I also hope you know the work you're doing here on Earth now is lightwork on a grand scale. The ripples go farther than you'll ever get to see. Thank you all for your kindness, authenticity, and light in the world. With love and gratitude, Meg. That's nice. Very sweet. This is wonderful. Good. Good.
Starting point is 00:11:38 I'm hoping this podcast absolves me of going straight to fucking hell. I think so. Well, Chelsea, we're going to head into our calling in backup segment with BetterHelp, who is sponsoring this segment. And today, Courtney Cope is joining us, licensed marriage family therapist and principal clinical operations manager at BetterHelp. Hi, Courtney. Hi, Courtney. Hi.
Starting point is 00:12:04 Great to see you both. Hi. Well, Angela writes, Dear Chelsea, before I go any further, I just want to point out that I love my mother-in-law dearly, but I really could use some advice on how to deal with her in certain situations. I need to rewind a bit before I was in the picture. My partner, who's now 37, lost his sister to cancer when she was just 15 and he was 10. As anyone can imagine, this completely broke them as a family and changed them completely. We have a one-year-old little boy, and since having him, I have so much more empathy for what they all went through. However, every time we're together, his mom breaks down in tears.
Starting point is 00:12:41 The crying isn't always about her late daughter. Of course, I will always comfort and listen when she speaks about her. This will never be an issue for me. But it can be over anything. It can be over casual conversation about the weather, about what books we're reading, even what we may be having for tea that evening. A lot of the conversations we have, I find she often puts a negative Debbie Downer spin on it. She'll cry and get emotional at other people's problems too, even people she barely knows. But lately, I just feel like every time we're due to see her, I instantly start to feel miserable. It's like I'm anticipating the emotions that are about to come,
Starting point is 00:13:16 and I feel like the life and happiness has been drained from me when I leave her. She also has a tendency to make everything about her, which is extremely annoying. I completely understand why she has this dark side to her, given everything that's happened in the past. I'd never want her to feel like she can't talk about her daughter to me. I'll hold her hand and cry and laugh on the odd occasion, but I can't deal with the constant downing of everything else. So, do you have any advice on how I can handle this going forward? I always try and make light of the situations, but it rarely works. Thanks for taking the time to read this, Angela.
Starting point is 00:13:49 Well, Angela, I can't tell you how many therapy sessions I've had that started off with, first of all, I want to point out that I love my mother-in-law dearly, but... So again, super common. I want to say, I don't think this is a question about grief. This is really a question about this woman is feeling trapped and not like she can do anything about the situation or that her efforts to change it in the past have been unsuccessful. And ideally, in a situation like this, I would love to see husband and wife sit down together, discuss this as a unit, and perhaps even take two to three sessions with
Starting point is 00:14:27 a couples therapist to explore some solutions. Because this is really about the husband, the wife, and now their new one-year-old child as a unit deciding how they want to move forward with the relationship with his parents in a way that works for their family unit. Yeah, I think that's good advice because you do need like a team member because she does feel so trapped. Like the idea of having to hang out with somebody that's such a Debbie Downer and knowing that it's an obligation of yours by way of marriage isn't fair. It's just not. Only to a degree and you've reached your limit, it sounds like. Right. And the general consensus among most couples therapy experts is that it's really important
Starting point is 00:15:05 that an adult child, when they're now engaging in an intimate adult relationship, like a marriage, a domestic partnership, they have to choose their partner over their parent. And what I mean by that is if something isn't working for their partner or something's affecting their partner, they have to prioritize their partner's feelings over their parents in order to be able to move forward and have a healthy, well, not only a healthy relationship, but a healthy adult experience because no adult should be under the thumb of their mother or father's will in perpetuity, right? That would just hinder them as an adult for the rest of their life. So that would be what I would say about that. But also I just, of course, have to say, losing a child is, of course, considered one of the most ultimate tragedies and, of course,
Starting point is 00:15:55 is going to impact somebody for the rest of their life in some way or another. That being said, it is not this person's job to be their mother-in-law's therapist, to sit down and find solutions specific for their mother-in-law. So this is really, I think, about the husband and wife having constructive conversations here. Yeah, absolutely, because it is his responsibility to get the situation started. You know, it's his mom. And when that moment comes and you're like sitting around the table talking about literally the weather and she breaks down in tears, what's the move? I mean, my instinct is to be like, I'm going to give you a couple minutes, like ver, ver, I'm going to give you a couple minutes and walk away. But like that also feels a little icy cold
Starting point is 00:16:41 from me. What's what's the move to like sort of break the cycle that she knows is coming multiple times in every visit? Right. In an ideal world, we would have husband and wife ahead of time deciding like, hey, if mom starts crying or mother-in-law starts crying at this visit, husband is going to step in and he's going to take over or say something. Wife can excuse herself, whatever it is. But let's just say it's just her and mother-in-law, right? I don't think there's anything wrong with deciding ahead of time. What do I have capacity for? If I don't want to go down this road for more than 15 seconds or 35 seconds doing exactly what you said, Catherine is totally appropriate. I hear you and I'm going to
Starting point is 00:17:26 step outside and get some fresh air. I'm going to go pour another cup of tea. Anything to pattern interrupt would be really useful. But the other thing I would also encourage is to have husband and wife ahead of time, maybe start looking at the ways they're spending time with mother-in-law. And if there's ways they can redirect that quality time together into avenues that maybe won't bring it about as much now i want to acknowledge they might be limited they have a one-year-old so it's not like they can take the one-year-old and just like go to theater or movies with the mother yeah have you tried to thought about taking your mother skiing yeah i hear chelsea's good at that um so they definitely want to do things that are not just sitting and staring at each other across from their cup of tea. Right. Because's he going to do to step in? And then the last thing I'll say is if someone is going to speak directly to the mother-in-law about her behavior or her grief or how anything she's doing is impacting anyone, it has to be from the husband.
Starting point is 00:18:37 I would say it would be very difficult for that conversation to go well if it came from the wife. And if it comes from the husband, him and his mom have a shared experience of grief. They both lost a loved one. And so I think even for him to be able to say, you know, I get it. It's so hard. We lost this person that we love. And I'm working to be more in the moment. And I'd love for you to be more in the moment with me. Just something that relates to her instead of shaming her, blaming her, I think would be really important here. I really love that. Well, Courtney, thank you. Courtney Cope is a licensed marriage and family therapist and principal clinical operations manager at BetterHelp. And of course, thank you again to BetterHelp for sponsoring
Starting point is 00:19:20 Calling and Backup. Thanks so much for having me. Thanks, Courtney. Thanks. So let's take a quick break and we'll be right back to take some callers. Okay. Inside you, two wolves are locked in battle. One thrives on fear and anger and doubt. The other, courage, wisdom, and love. Every decision, every moment feeds one of them. Which wolf are you feeding? I'm Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed. I've been there, homeless, addicted, and lost. I know the power of small choices to turn your life around. On this podcast, I sit down with thinkers, leaders, and survivors
Starting point is 00:20:09 to uncover what it takes to feed the good wolf. This podcast saved me. It's like having a guide for the hardest parts of life. The wolves are hungry. What will you feed them? Listen to The One You Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 2025 is bound to be a fascinating year. It's going to be filled with money challenges and opportunities.
Starting point is 00:20:36 I'm Joel. Ooh, and I am Matt. And we're the hosts of How To Money. We want to be with you every step of the way in your financial journey this year, offering the information and insights you need to thrive financially. Yeah, whether you find yourself up to your eyeballs in student loan debt, or you've got a sky-high credit card balance because you went a little overboard with the holiday spending, or maybe you're looking to optimize your retirement accounts so you can retire early, well, HowToMoney will help you to change your relationship with money so you can stress less and grow your net worth.
Starting point is 00:21:08 That's right. How to Money comes out three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for money advice without the judgment and jargon. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, y'all. I'm Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls, and I'm thrilled to invite you to our January Jumpstart series for the third year running. All January, I'll be joined by inspiring guests who will help you kickstart your personal growth with actionable ideas and real conversations. We're talking about topics like building community and creating an inner and outer glow. I always tell people that when you buy a handbag, it doesn't cover a childhood scar. You know, when you buy a jacket, it doesn't reaffirm what you love about the hair you were told not to love. So when I think about beauty, it's so emotional because it starts to go back into the archives of who we were,
Starting point is 00:22:00 how we want to see ourselves and who we know ourselves to be and who we can be. So a little bit of past, present and future, all in one idea, soothing something from the past. And it doesn't have to be always an insecurity. It can be something that you love. All to help you start 2025 feeling empowered and ready. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls starting on January 1st on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden.
Starting point is 00:22:31 And together on the Really Know Really podcast, our mission is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions like why they refuse to make the bathroom door go all the way to the floor. We got the answer. Will space junk block your cell signal? The astronaut who almost drowned during a spacewalk gives us the answer. We talk with the scientist who figured out if your dog truly loves you and the one bringing back the woolly mammoth. Plus,
Starting point is 00:22:52 does Tom Cruise really do his own stunts? His stuntman reveals the answer. And you never know who's going to drop by. Mr. Brian Cranston is with us today. How are you, too? Hello, my friend. Wayne Knight about Jurassic Park. Wayne Knight, welcome to Really, No Really, sir. Bless you all.
Starting point is 00:23:07 Hello, Newman. And you never know when Howie Mandel might just stop by to talk about judging. Really? That's the opening? Really, No Really. Yeah, really. No really. Go to reallynoreally.com. And register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast, or a limited edition signed Jason bobblehead.
Starting point is 00:23:22 It's called Really, No Really, and you can find it on the iHeartRadio app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And we're back. We are. All right. Our first two questions are kind of two sides of the same coin. So I was really curious what you'll have to say about this, Chelsea. Our first question comes from Michael. He's in Palm Springs. Dear Chelsea, I've been a sex researcher for the past 20 years. In my field, I've worked closely with some of the smartest women possible. I've studied women and men my entire career,
Starting point is 00:24:00 from their sexual practices to their relationships to their use of vibrators and other toys. My research partners have largely been women, and most of my true best friends are women. However, I'm starting to develop a sense of anger at some women. Loud, straight women, and I can't seem to shake it. A few years ago, I left my academic career to move to Palm Springs with my husband, who got a job offer we couldn't refuse. You know what that means. Literally everyone I interact with is a gay man in this city, and I'm rarely
Starting point is 00:24:30 around women unless a friend comes to visit. My husband and I go hiking several times per week in the local mountains. Almost every time, we run into a group of young women, loud, screaming women who literally never shut up during the entire hike. They're always screaming about some randomness, and you can just hear their voices regardless of how far ahead we get past them. They are pushing me over the edge. If it's a woman with a man, the woman is always talking. I don't understand why they can't just enjoy the beauty of the desert and shut the fuck up every now and then.
Starting point is 00:25:02 And it's not just hiking. For some reason, every group of women that comes to Palm Springs thinks that they are just what gay men are waiting for to make their day. They come into gay bars and packs and literally scream the entire time, acting like they're doing something original, and that we should appreciate that they came to a gay bar. On a recent podcast, you said you have a friend who never shuts the fuck up. So I know you can relate, but I do need some advice. Am I just being a prick and becoming sexist? Or is it really the case that some women just don't ever stop talking?
Starting point is 00:25:33 I don't want to confront these women. What could I possibly say? So I'm just carrying around this anger and anxiety about them instead. Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated. Michael. Hi, Michael. First of all, this is a you problem. These women, they're out in public spaces. I understand that you want your bar to yourself without these loud, obnoxious women, but you cannot, that's too discriminatory to say you can't come in here. I don't want you here on my hike. I
Starting point is 00:26:01 don't want you here in my gay bar. Like, this reminds me of an article I read over the weekend about they were making, in South Korea, they have public spaces that are child-free zones. Oh. Where you're not allowed to have children. But it's a public space. And even I don't agree with that. Like, children are a part of our human family. Like, you don't have to have them, but you can't outlaw them. Like, if, I mean, and this is me, everybody, like we all know
Starting point is 00:26:26 how I feel. So like, I was just like, South Korea, what the fuck? You're in a park and they're like, no children in this area. I don't, I'm not, it's not a private business. If you have a business, fine. You know, and, and you want to do that. That's, that's one thing, but public areas are for everybody, whether you agree with them or you disagree with them. Now, why you're so irritated by these women is an inside question for you that you need to figure out because sometimes you can tolerate people that are annoying and sometimes people can't tolerate people that are annoying. And I understand, believe me, I'm a highly irritable person, but you can't let people
Starting point is 00:27:05 that have nothing to do with your life impact you that way because they're in hearing distance of what you're doing. So you have to figure out a way to cultivate more patience. Because if I know anything, it is that patience is a virtue. I have no natural patience. I've had to work on it my, well, I wouldn't say my entire life because I only came to like grips with the fact that I had no patience until, you know, later in life. But I do exercise patience and it is a practice. So you have to figure out a way
Starting point is 00:27:33 to let yourself not be so impacted by other people's actions, behaviors, or sounds. You might also have, you know, what's called hyperacusis, which is when you have very strong sensitivity to sound. I think that's what hyperacusis means. I'm pretty sure. I have that towards smell. And I also don't like loud, loud sounds, which is ironic since I'm the loudest one in the room. I probably don't like the competition. But, yes, I think you need to figure out a way to work on your patience, whether that's through meditation or a mantra or going to therapy. But you have to be tolerant of
Starting point is 00:28:10 other people. That's just the way this world is. Yeah. And I do think, you know, while he thinks that it's women, I think, Michael, you have to realize like what you actually hate are bachelorette parties like that feels like what this issue is. And in that case, you need to leave Palm Springs. You need to find a completely different place to live because that's where they're all headed. I had a little bit of this going on where I was like, sometimes young people would be being loud or whatever. And I realized I'm getting a little older. And I had to reframe a little bit and be like, oh, remember when I was young and dumb and fun and loud and I was just having a great time. And now it weirdly makes me smile. Like when I see teenagers and they're just sort of being obnoxious or silly, I'm like, you know what?
Starting point is 00:28:53 Good for them. Like, good for them. And if you can't outrun them on your hike, just stop and look at some beautiful cacti and let them walk on ahead because that way you'll definitely like have a better chance of not being able to hear them. But I do love that he wrote into two very loud women up with this question. So our next question is a little bit of the flip side of that. This comes from Jolene. Dear Chelsea, I was at your Spokane show and it was great. However, at the show I was on the first level of the balcony, and there was a group of women behind and in front who were talking throughout the whole show. I tried really hard to ignore it, but my ADHD self couldn't. It was very distracting and disappointing.
Starting point is 00:29:34 I love going to stand-up, and for the most part, this doesn't seem to be a big issue. But when it does, it really gets to me. It feels disrespectful. Maybe I'm too sensitive. How do you suggest dealing with this? Do I suck it up as I did? I know they paid for their tickets too, so I don't get any special privilege. Should I say something in the future? And how would you recommend saying something? The group of women behind me was clearly intoxicated, and I didn't want to say something
Starting point is 00:29:59 that would end up causing further disruption. I know that people can be totally unaware of how they're impacting others, and I'm sure that there were it's okay to say something to someone because you're at a performance that you paid money for. And just because they paid money for their tickets doesn't mean that they get to impede your being able to enjoy the show. Right. And if they were being really loud, yes, you can go and just very nicely say, hey, ladies, I'm so sorry. Can you please, I can't hear anything.
Starting point is 00:30:34 And you can try and do it in a nice way. And if they don't listen, then I would just go get security and be like, I can't hear. Like that's what security is for. Listen, there are a lot of drunk people at my show and a lot of people get removed when they can't control themselves because, you know, they can't.
Starting point is 00:30:48 They're ruining the show for other people. So do you think that happens like every show or like just sometimes? No, but certain shows, like I've heard this before where people are like, I couldn't, I was sitting by this, these group of women that were so obnoxious. I mean, no one goes to a standup comedy show to hear somebody else talk. So like just, and and that's you couldn't say that. Well and I love this question too because I had an experience like this a couple years ago pre-pandemic. Brad and I had traveled to San Diego. We'd driven for hours. We had a hotel room for the weekend and we went to see My Favorite Murder live and like it's a podcast. They're literally
Starting point is 00:31:20 just talking. There's no spectacle. It's two people talking sitting in chairs and the gals gals next to us, they weren't drunk, but there were three or four gals and they just were talking at full volume the entire time. And I eventually like nicely asked them to be quiet. And they were so pissed at me. Like they were really upset. Who cares if they're pissed at you? You don't know them. I know. And when I hear anyone at my show, like if it's disrupting my performance, I always call them out. Like, shut the fuck up. There's thousands of people here that want to listen to me. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:31:51 Like, you're not, you can't get to talk right now. That's not what this is about. It's not interactive. Yeah. So there's a time and a place, I think, when you say something to people. And absolutely, that is a time to say something to someone. And in a nice, gentle way. And if they don't hear you the first time, then go get security and say, I can't, you know, I don't
Starting point is 00:32:09 this. I'm not enjoying myself. I can't hear anything. These women, I mean, people get removed from my shows all the time for doing that. And I would say also, Jolene, you know, you thought you were probably the only one having that issue with them. Like probably everyone else around you was also annoyed, I would say. Yeah. Yeah. As long as you don't start everything at like a 90, you know, out of 100 and like start coming up going, yeah, I need you to quiet, you know, like as long as you're not approaching them like that and it's in a careful way, like in a thoughtful way, then the reaction should be commensurate. And if it isn't, then, you know, you have to tell on them. A little tattling never hurt anybody. Well, our first caller today is Lee. Lee says, Dear Chelsea, help me decide which direction I should take as I approach this fork in the road yet again.
Starting point is 00:32:56 I graduated with a B.A. in psychology, but after just a couple years and a cross-country road trip, I decided to get my teaching certification. I was looking for a dependable, respectable, and stable job. Unfortunately, nine years later, this job has been anything but. I have officially been laid off due to budget cuts four times now in nine years. I thought I finally found a great school, but after only one year, I found out I was being let go again, along with 40 other teachers. I always had the same old lines. You're great. It's not you. We'll help you find another position.
Starting point is 00:33:28 But I've heard it all before and feel so rejected and defeated. Is it stupid to return to the classroom at another school? This would be my seventh school. Or is it a sign from the universe to move on to something bigger and better? Maybe the universe keeps sending me this sign that I keep ignoring. Lee. Hi, Lee. Hi. How are you? I'm good. How are you? Good. Good. Nice to see you. I can understand why you're so frustrated. Yeah. It's a big hit to the self-esteem as well.
Starting point is 00:34:01 Yeah. Selfishly, I don't think we can afford to lose any more teachers. So part of me is just like, please just stick with it. But talk to me about your life. I mean, you say you think it might be a sign that you're in the wrong, you're doing the wrong thing. I don't know about that. I think that sometimes things get really tough before you get to the place where you're supposed to be. Right. And that's what I'm starting to wonder now. But it's just like you get jealous of the people who, you know, been able to stay at one school for since their whole career.
Starting point is 00:34:33 When I've been at like probably six in the past nine years because there's just so many budget cuts, surprisingly, in education. What state are you in? In New Jersey. Uh-huh. And is there anything else that you're thinking about or contemplating doing for a living? I've thought about going back for guidance counseling. So then it's like still in the school
Starting point is 00:34:51 or just counseling in general. I think that'd be cool, but I don't know. I look at my husband and like my parents have these cushy like office jobs and I'm like, well, that seems kind of nice. They haven't been let go ever and I'm let go all the time. Yeah, I understand that. I wouldn't give up on teaching because you're doing such like it's such a major contribution to society. And if you really can, what grade do you teach? I've been teaching middle school, but I actually just accepted a position in an elementary school. So okay, so you're starting a new job. Yeah, So I got let go right when I wrote that letter and then, you know, I need a job. I have two small kids. So I started applying right away. And of course the teaching jobs are easy for me to get, cause that's what, you know, my resume is. So yeah, I got something right away.
Starting point is 00:35:39 Okay. And is there any way you can do that while you're also pursuing getting, what would you, what kind of credentials do you need to become a guidance counselor? It's a master's degree, which yeah, I could, but I would love for the school to pay. And usually they won't pay until you've worked there a couple of years. I would say try and see, have you started this new job yet? No, it starts in September. Oh, well, that's exciting. I think take this new job, really set an intention
Starting point is 00:36:05 about where you want this to go, how you want to impact the children, how you want to be of use within this school and what you want to contribute. Right. I think you should start from that really like set your intention so that you're really mindful every day going in and really putting your best foot forward and see what happens. And if this happens again, then I would say, yeah, then you can start talking about getting your master's degree. I think you can still start pursuing that anyway to become a guidance counselor. I think that's a really helpful, you know, position for people to be in. I remember my guidance counselor from middle school. She saved my ass so many times. So I have very fond memories of that relationship, but I wouldn't take like a product of what our society
Starting point is 00:36:50 is dealing with in the education sector as a sign that you're not in the right position. And I think sometimes when you stick it out, right when you think you're supposed to quit, it's the next thing that comes your way. That's the best one. Yeah. That's, I guess what I'm hoping, because I feel like I can't make the decision to leave education kind of like you're saying, unless it's on my terms. Like maybe I get to stay and I work three more years and I realize, oh, I'm the one who wants to. Yeah, absolutely. And how much, I mean, you're willing to make a go of this one. Yes. Yes. Yeah. I would say just really go into this so wholeheartedly,
Starting point is 00:37:26 as wholeheartedly as you've ever gone into anything in your life. And really, because I think, I'm not blaming your being, you know, these cost cuts or you being let go on you. But I'm saying when you bring that energy into something, and it's consistent, and it's really mindful, it works for you. And you'll start to see the effect that you're having on the children, on the other staff, on the school as a whole. That's true. That's a good point. It is. We don't give enough credit to like spirituality and to energy and to like our vibrations and what we're bringing and what we're taking away. You know, you have the ability to impact so many little people's brains. I mean, that is a privilege.
Starting point is 00:38:06 That is a privilege. And that's my favorite part of teaching. I just, more than teaching, I love being like their guidance counselor almost, you know? Yeah, yeah. So don't give up yet. Don't conflate you losing your job with you being a teacher. You know what I mean? Right, yeah.
Starting point is 00:38:22 I know it's hard to see those as two separate things. And I get you. Like, it is like, yeah, if it happens again, then I would say, OK, but since we're talking, I think you should give it one more go. OK. I think also if you have the expectation of like this might be for one year and that's OK, and then it might be for 10 years or 20 years, you just don't know. But if you have the expectation of like, this is what's happened for the last nine years in a row, and then you'll be pleasantly surprised if it goes beyond that. Yeah, that's true. I just, I had told myself that this was it. And now I'm like, oh, I got one more, I guess one more shot.
Starting point is 00:38:56 Yeah, one more shot. We all agree, one more shot. And then from there, if that happens again, call us back and then we'll reroute. Yes, please do. Please do. Okay? Okay. Okay, good luck to you. Okay, reroute. Yes, please do. Please do. Okay. Okay.
Starting point is 00:39:06 Good luck to you. Okay, sounds good. Thanks, Lee. Thanks, bye-bye. Thank you. Bye. Bye. Oh, she was so cute.
Starting point is 00:39:12 She was like, it's my daughter's field day today. I'm like, oh, I remember field day. Do you remember that? Yeah, when my mom would forget to pack me anything for lunch and all the other kids had their shit. I remember field days. I hated field trips so much. Oh, mom.
Starting point is 00:39:24 I mean, it was nice to not be in the classroom, but it was, I mean, my mom would never come on remember field trips. I hated field trips so much. Oh, mom. I mean, it was nice to not be in the classroom, but it was, I mean, my mom would never come on those field trips. You know how mothers sign up? I'd be like, mom, would you come on a field trip? She's like, oh honey, no. She's like, I've already been to the zoo. I'm like, what? I don't need to see those big ones again. I'm like, what about the Liberty Bell? We could ride to Philadelphia together. I heard that the Liberty Bell is very underwhelming. Well, it's a pretty big bell. Yeah. I mean, they have a little museum.
Starting point is 00:39:52 I don't think it's underwhelming. No, it's fun and historic. I mean, all that shit is underwhelming. Are you a museum person? I prefer museum over art. Yeah. I love museums. I like history over art.
Starting point is 00:40:04 Yeah. I don't know what I'm looking at when I look at art. Yeah. You know, I just, I may as well be looking at a duvet cover, you know. I just know, like, what, I don't know how to interpret it. I don't know the language of art. I appreciate that it's there, but I'm a Philistine when it comes to art. I like art, but, like, for a little bit. Like, I love to look at something beautiful, but then I'm like, I'm like you.
Starting point is 00:40:24 I'm, like, ready to move on to the next thing. Yeah, like I want an hour and, you know, I'll look at art for an hour and then that's it. Yeah. With museums, I want to read. If I'm interested in the subject, I want to read every single plaque. Like everything. I love it. You know what a great museum is, is the Broad Museum in downtown L.A. Oh, I have not been yet. That is a beautiful art museum because they have different collections there and different viewings and it's just so well done. They have a huge art collection, the Broad family, and they have a little restaurant next door that's really, it's just the perfect day. It's called O-T-I-U-M. And it's the perfect day to go down there to the Broad Museum. That's my life. Inside you, two wolves are locked in battle. One thrives on fear and anger and doubt.
Starting point is 00:41:11 The other, courage, wisdom, and love. Every decision, every moment feeds one of them. Which wolf are you feeding? I'm Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed. I've been there, homeless, addicted, and lost. I know the power of small choices to turn your life around. On this podcast, I sit down with thinkers, leaders, and survivors to uncover what it takes to feed the good wolf. This podcast saved me. It's like having a guide for the hardest parts of life. The wolves are hungry. What will you feed them? Listen to The One You Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 2025 is bound to be a fascinating year. It's going to be filled with money challenges and opportunities.
Starting point is 00:42:09 I'm Joel. Oh, and I am Matt. And we're the hosts of How To Money. We want to be with you every step of the way in your financial journey this year, offering the information and insights you need to thrive financially. Yeah, whether you find yourself up to your eyeballs in student loan debt, or you've got a sky-high credit card balance because you went a little overboard with the holiday spending, or maybe you're looking to optimize your retirement accounts so you can
Starting point is 00:42:33 retire early. Well, How to Money will help you to change your relationship with money so you can stress less and grow your net worth. That's right. How to Money comes out three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for money advice without the judgment and jargon. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey y'all, I'm Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls.
Starting point is 00:42:58 And I'm thrilled to invite you to our January Jumpstart Series for the third year running. All January, I'll be joined by inspiring guests who will help you kickstart your personal growth with actionable ideas and real conversations. We're talking about topics like building community and creating an inner and outer glow. I always tell people that when you buy a handbag, it doesn't cover a childhood scar. You know, when you buy a jacket, it doesn't reaffirm what you love about the hair
Starting point is 00:43:26 you were told not to love. So when I think about beauty, it's so emotional because it starts to go back into the archives of who we were, how we want to see ourselves, and who we know ourselves to be and who we can be. It's a little bit of past, present, and future, all in one idea, soothing something from the past. And it doesn't have to be always an insecurity. It can be something that you love. All to help you start 2025 feeling empowered and ready. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls starting on January 1st on the iHeartRadio app,
Starting point is 00:43:54 Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden. And together on the Really No Really podcast, our mission is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions like why they refuse to make the bathroom door go all the way to the floor. We got the answer. Will space junk block your cell signal?
Starting point is 00:44:14 The astronaut who almost drowned during a spacewalk gives us the answer. We talk with the scientist who figured out if your dog truly loves you and the one bringing back the woolly mammoth. Plus, does Tom Cruise really do his own stunts? His stuntman reveals the answer. And you never know who's going to drop by. Mr. Bryan Cranston is with us today. How are you, too?
Starting point is 00:44:34 Hello, my friend. Wayne Knight about Jurassic Park. Wayne Knight, welcome to Really, No Really, sir. Bless you all. Hello, Newman. And you never know when Howie Mandel might just stop by to talk about judging. Really? That's the opening? Really, No Really. Yeah, Really. And you never know when Howie Mandel might just stop by to talk about judging. Really? That's the opening?
Starting point is 00:44:46 Really, no really. Yeah, really. No really. Go to reallynoreally.com. And register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast, or a limited edition signed Jason bobblehead. It's called Really, No Really, and you can find it on the iHeartRadio app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right. Our next caller is Celeste. Celeste is 43.
Starting point is 00:45:11 She says, Dear Chelsea, My five-year-old daughter masturbates with abandon. We've had many talks about it, and she knows it's totally normal and fine, but that it's a private activity. She usually respects the boundaries we give her, but with this, she does not give a fuck. She finds creative ways to do it at preschool, at restaurants, around her older brother and his friends. I don't know what else to do without
Starting point is 00:45:37 shaming her about her masturbation and sexuality. Thank you for being honest about your childhood masturbation. What advice would you give to your family who knew what you were up to back then? Celeste. Hi, Celeste. Hi. How are you? I'm good. How are you? Amazing. Tell Chelsea what you told us about the particular implement that your daughter has been using. husband using? Well, it's not just one, I guess, for stuff, but we have a massage gun, you know, for post-workout recovery and what have you. And she likes to take that into corners of the living room under the blanket during family movie time and just. That's I listen, you're not alone i did that for about two years straight when i we called it the
Starting point is 00:46:28 feeling and i was i took whatever utensils or rulers or ladles i could i once sat at my thanksgiving dinner with a ladle in between my legs like basically jerking myself off for like three hours straight during a thanksgiving dinner when i was nine years old. So, I mean, you know, not for just so everyone's clear, child masturbation is not inserting anything into your vagina. You're playing with your little fiddle bean. Outdoors only. And it's also usually over clothing. But I don't know. I don't know. Because when my mom called me out, I believe nobody understood what I was doing. Right. I thought the longer no one says anything to me, I'm getting away with it. Like, obviously no one could see what I'm doing, but my discretion was, became less and less. Like I, I started to get bolder and bolder.
Starting point is 00:47:18 And so everyone knew what I was doing, but once somebody said something to me once I was done, but that was in a much different era. So I understand not wanting to shame your daughter, but it sounds like she really needs to understand that that, that behavior is fine, but she's got to be in her room when she does it. Because I think you have to have a larger conversation with her about what it means. You know what I mean? Like that's a private moment and you're totally allowed it, but it's just not for family and it's not for strangers. Yeah. And I guess, so the reason I wrote in is because I read your book and read that part of it. We have had that conversation a lot of
Starting point is 00:47:58 times. And so if I ask her and I say, Hey, what are you doing? She just kind of like, and I say, hey, what are you doing? She just kind of like, and I say, and where are you allowed to do that? In private, in my room. She doesn't do that. So I don't know how to explain to her at that age, the possible dangers of doing that. How old is she again? Five. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's pretty young. You know, so I did a little research on this. Basically, what they say is like, this isn't even really about sex for kids that age. It's about like, oh, like I don't wear a diaper anymore. And I've discovered these feelings. And like this part of my body feels different than other parts of my body. And it's just sort of like, it can be self-soothing, which like I know I did as a like little four or five year old. It can be, you know, just like, oh, this is fun and exciting. But one of the best recommendations
Starting point is 00:48:53 I saw was distraction. So like she knows she's supposed to do it in her room and there maybe is like, okay, like maybe it's time for some private time in your room or in the bathroom. And like having her go do that then. But also just distraction like, hey, you know what, let's go bake some cookies or something less time consuming than baking cookies. Like, hey, should we go grab a snack? Hey, should we go for a walk right now? So it's sort of like redirecting where it's not like, you know, not even saying anything about it. Just like, you know what, let's go over here and do this right now. So sort of like disrupting that pattern when she's in public.
Starting point is 00:49:31 But the other nice thing that I read is that as she gets closer to like six, seven, eight, nine, she will naturally start to phase that out. That's obviously like in cases like this where it's a normal kid, she will start to phase that out and be like, oh, wait, I shouldn't be doing this in front of my nine-year-old brother. Do you, have you put, have you done that with her? Like when she is masturbating or whatever, fiddling her bean, do you say, do you like say, okay, now we're going to go in your room. You can do that in your room. I don't know if I've necessarily tried that approach. Like I've taken the massage gun away and just been like, hey, this is not a toy.
Starting point is 00:50:00 This is for mom and dad. And like went and put it on the shelf. But she finds her ways. And she, I told Catherine this, that recently she put on, she got dressed for school, put on a pair of pants and said, oh, there's a hole in my pocket. And I said, okay, well, don't put anything important in there. And she was like, now I can touch my vagina and no one will know. Well, also the way that you said to me, when you said to her that you said what are you doing like that's very playful so her response saying like that's also playful so maybe you need to be
Starting point is 00:50:37 a little bit firmer instead without being shameful or shaming her it's not a shameful thing but a little bit firmer like Like I told you, honey, that's not appropriate. You know what I mean? You can, you can do that, but there are rooms, this is the zone where you can do it and you can't do it outside anymore. And if she does, you can just say, okay, if you, if that's what you want to do, then you have to be in your room. Right. And each time be consistent. Don't let her masturbate on the couch. Don't let her fiddle or wherever she feels like it. Anytime you catch her, go, honey, I'm so sorry, but we're going to, if you want to do that, we can, you can go to your room and do it. And if you don't want to
Starting point is 00:51:11 go to your room, then you have to stop doing that. Right. That's a good point. I didn't think about that. She's following my tone. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And that way, what Chelsea said, like the boundary is not masturbating or not masturbating. The boundary is, you know what? Looks looks like you need some private time why don't you go spend a few minutes in your room it's just like saying you're I have to urinate you can't just do that wherever you want I mean you can but somebody's gonna say you need to go in the bathroom like that's where you do that just like she goes to the bathroom to pee and potty and whatever else and brush your teeth there's a room for her you know like you have to make it that clear yeah right and potty and whatever else and brush your teeth, there's a room for her. You know, like you have to make it that clear. Yeah. Right. And be firm and be consistent. And I bet you if you're consistent like the next 10 times, it's not going to be a problem anymore. Yeah. I think
Starting point is 00:51:54 that makes sense. Yeah. I've just been nervous about her feeling like it's a bad thing. But I do think that I've been probably too lenient about it, been too careful. Yeah, it sounds like maybe you have. But yeah, exactly what Chelsea said. Minus the shame, but like redirecting, like either to bedroom or, you know, distraction, distraction. Like, let's go do something else. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:52:16 All right, well, will you let us know how it goes and clean off your Theragun, please? Yeah, keep that Theragun away from her also because those things are dangerous. The thing is like punching. Oh myun, please. Yeah. Keep that Theragun away from her also because those things are dangerous. The thing is like punching. Oh my God. Yeah. You're not supposed to use those on your neck either because I've heard some stories about people saying they really hurt themselves. Really? Yeah. Like on your spine and your shoulders, like you can do it and it gets really violent if you put it on that high setting and it can hurt you. So yeah. Keep that away from
Starting point is 00:52:43 her anyway. Yeah. Yeah. Agreed. Yeah. Treat it like a real gun and put it in a locked drawer. Fair enough. Okay. Well, good luck. Let us know how it goes. Thanks, Celeste. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. Bye.
Starting point is 00:52:58 Bye. I was the queen of masturbation when I was a little kid. Well, our next caller is Janelle. Janelle says, Dear Chelsea, The past few years have been tough. I know, I know. Who hasn't it been tough for? I worked a good amount of issues out through therapy, but I felt as though I had reached my limit. I was given a note from my therapist for an emotional support animal, but I live in a non-pet-friendly building. My puppy Toulouse, has there ever been a better dog name than Toulouse? No. Toulouse. Toulouse. Two words or Toulouse? Toulouse. Like Toulouse
Starting point is 00:53:33 LaTrek. Oh. Has made a world of difference. I can get out of bed in the morning with purpose. She gets me out and about and meeting new people. She's been such a joy and I love her so much, but my neighbor hasn't felt the same. Occasionally, she lets out a bark or two when she hears certain people in the hall, not everyone and not all the time. I immediately run over to quiet her down so there really is only five to ten seconds of a bark. Not excessive in my opinion, but the walls are thin and my neighbor still complains. Over the past few months, she left a nasty note under the door and has since complained to management twice, which has now prompted them to fine me. Fine her? Fine her. She had to have like a meeting in front
Starting point is 00:54:14 of the board and everything. Because of this, my anxiety and depression has increased tenfold. I had to start medication. I even had my first panic attack, which mimicked a heart attack. I feel so on edge and uncomfortable in my own home. This is a condo building, and I own a unit, and I'm starting the moving process because of this. I felt bullied enough to move out. In the meantime, do you have any advice for how to deal with cruel people? What should I do? Janelle. Hi, Janelle. Hi, how are you? Oh, we're good. How are you? This is Catherine. Hi, nice to see you, Catherine. So you're moving out? I am, yeah. My place will probably go up for sale this week, and then it's just kind of like the summer to look for a new
Starting point is 00:54:59 spot. Okay, well, that's good. And what's the barking situation? How would you rate it on a scale of barking when you're gone, right? No, it's when I'm there. So, I mean, and I'm working, you know, the same business hours as this woman, my neighbor, and she'll hear, Toulouse will like hear something in the hall. It'll set her off. She barks once or twice and I immediately run over to calm her down. And then that's it. This is not like excessive barking when I'm gone. This is just once or twice, like less than 30 seconds. That's so annoying. Yeah. You're a neighbor to them. Yeah. That's so annoying. I mean, I mean, listen, barking is very annoying, especially excessive barking. So I, the fact that you're talking to me, I believe you when you say it's one or two barks, like that's not the end of the world and anybody can work on that. And you have to have tolerance for that sort of thing, especially when you're living in a building with other people. the 70s. The walls are very thin. I have heard this neighbor cough through the wall. I'm sure
Starting point is 00:56:05 she's heard me, you know, make a smoothie with my blender or vacuum or anything. So like this thing and, you know, Toulouse letting out one or two barks is, I don't know, like you said, not the end of the world. And when you said they fined you, how much money was that? So I have a meeting with the board to be determined when. They haven't decided when. But essentially, I will go plead my case to them, and then they'll choose what my fine is. So this is what I said to Janelle as well. I was like, is there a way that you can discuss with the board, like, is this actually a problem? Because number one, you have rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act because she is an ESA. She's an emotional support animal.
Starting point is 00:56:44 This is not a pet. This is a dog that is helping you with a mental health issue. And in addition, I think you need to be very clear with them. She is not barking all day long, like it's five to 10 barks or five to 10 seconds of a bark, like you mentioned, and then she's quieted down. And I think you should work with them on like, what is a good solution to this issue and should I advise someone when this issue is happening so that they can come and actually see like she's not barking all day long. I think you need to make it very clear to them that like one person's word is not what is necessarily happening. We used to live above some neighbors
Starting point is 00:57:19 who would complain that we were so loud and we walked with really heavy footfalls and whatever, whatever, whatever. Footfalls? What the fuck is a footfall? Like, I know Brad's really tall and big, but like, can you ask him to like step quieter? Like in our apartment. And finally, one day our building manager asked us to like hang out in their apartment while they were gone because there was like a service person coming. I went down to check out their apartment just to see how loud it was. These people, who were in their 20s, by the way, had their entire apartment covered in antique china dishes with teacups. So every time we would walk, it would rattle the teacups all around their apartment. Was that an us problem? No, but they still complained about us. So, you know, I think you need to make it really
Starting point is 00:58:05 clear to them, like, this is actually not an issue. I know so-and-so feels that it is, but I would be very happy to provide proof that this is not an ongoing or persistent issue. I have a question. Well, I mean, what's the point if she's moving out? Well, I mean, for the purpose of this interaction, but what happens when your dog, do you ever leave your dog at home without you? I have once or twice. I don't think she's allowed in the grocery store, so I don't bring her grocery shopping with me. And I've gone on a date or two and I've left her behind. But I have a camera on her so I can check in live feed on her. And she's always just sleeping. And I've taken screenshots of it. So I know that she's not barking when I'm not there. It's just that
Starting point is 00:58:43 when I'm there, she hears something in the hallway and is confused at like who it could be. Right. And when you come home from those instances, does she bark when she hears you coming in? No. Never. Yeah. But so for this hearing, first of all, there should be no fucking fine. You're moving out. Like what? Right. I mean, you're you've already decided that or are you for sure you want to do this? I mean, I get it. It's like shitty to come home and be like, oh, my gosh, moving out like what right i mean you're you've already decided that or no are you for sure you want to do this i mean i i get it it's like shitty to come home and be like oh my gosh am i being too loud here and there and everywhere but at the same time like to move and sell your condo because of a complaint to one of from one other person this was like the straw that broke the camel's back
Starting point is 00:59:21 there's just like a couple things that i've like wanted in a new place, you know, just Chicago old outdated kind of unit. So looking to upgrade anyways, but this was just kind of like the final straw. And it's not so much that her barking gives me anxiety. Cause like, I'm not set off by loud noises. It's like the fact that I might see this neighbor in the hallway and she's already, you know, under the door. And I just like, I just don't, it got so bad last week that like, I actually had a panic attack where I had to go to the urgent care because I thought I was having a heart attack. So just like the fact that I might run into her just really, really gives me so much panic and anxiety. Yeah. Well, you should move a go move to a building where you see other
Starting point is 01:00:00 dogs also so that people have an understanding, make sure it's a dog-friendly building moving in. And if you're dealing with this already, it's older, this isn't the only reason. There are more reasons. I always think change is good. You know, you want to be around different energy and different people. And for the purposes of this stupid hearing, make sure you bring up the Disabilities Act. Americans with Disabilities Act. Yeah, that they have no right.
Starting point is 01:00:24 And that you're moving, you're selling your place because of the stress of this woman. Because of the harassment. And you can fucking counter sue her ass or, you know, counter complain. Yeah. I mean, obviously you're not going to file a lawsuit, but it's like you're uprooting your life, basically. Yes. So you're not going to pay a fine on top of that. Right. The other thing, too, I have a magic bullet here also for your next place, because I do think it's a good thing to be like, OK, I don't have to deal with this crazy person anymore. I know we've moved because of crazy neighbors before.
Starting point is 01:00:55 One thing that my brother-in-law did in Chicago, he's in Wicker Park. He had an issue, a sound issue with a neighbor who was complaining about like they were not being very loud. They were complaining about the loud were not being very loud. They were complaining about the loudness of the music and whatnot. Well, after a few complaints from his board, he decided to join the HOA board. So now he is part of the decision making process and he's a respected member of the community. So I would very much recommend that the next place you go, if there is a board, condo association board, whatever, join it first off. And also it's very easy to get Toulouse registered as an actual legitimate
Starting point is 01:01:32 service animal. So if the ESA thing, emotional support animal thing is not quite enough for them, go service animal and then you're covered and you're covered for TSA too. Oh, that's true. That's a good recommendation. Thank you. Yeah, I appreciate that. Yeah. Well, keep us posted. I would really like to hear what happens after this meeting. But I think very much advocate for yourself.
Starting point is 01:01:55 Like, don't just take this all lying down. I think you should say, I am uprooting my entire life. Like Chelsea said, I'm not going to pay this fine. It's actually not an issue. You know, she's making a mountain out of a molehill. but it's enough that I'm, you know, changing my life. So let's let bygones be bygones that I'm leaving. Right. Yeah. No, that makes sense. Thank you. I appreciate it. And I will definitely let you know. I haven't I haven't heard yet when I'm supposed to chat with them, but I will keep you posted for sure. Yeah. And also one person's version isn't like what Catherine said earlier. One person's account of something isn't necessarily accurate. You should show them some video footage or collect the video footage from whatever app
Starting point is 01:02:34 you use to record your dog so you can prove that Toulouse isn't barking when you're not there also. Yeah. Yeah. I've definitely logged enough screenshots of her snoozing in her crate. Yeah. Very good. Great. Perfect. Okay. Well, very good. Great. Perfect.
Starting point is 01:02:46 OK, well, good luck with everything. Thank you so much. Thanks, Janelle. Thanks for calling. Thank you. Nice meeting you. Bye. Bye.
Starting point is 01:02:54 OK, we're going to take a quick break and we'll be right back to wrap things up. Inside you, two wolves are locked in battle. One thrives on fear and anger and doubt. The other, courage, wisdom, and love. Every decision, every moment, feeds one of them. Which wolf are you feeding? I'm Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed. I've been there, homeless, addicted, and lost.
Starting point is 01:03:31 I know the power of small choices to turn your life around. On this podcast, I sit down with thinkers, leaders, and survivors to uncover what it takes to feed the good wolf. This podcast saved me. It's like having a guide for the hardest parts of life. The wolves are hungry. What will you feed them? Listen to The One You Feed on the iHeartRadio app,
Starting point is 01:03:55 Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 2025 is bound to be a fascinating year. It's going to be filled with money challenges and opportunities. I'm Joel. Oh, and I am Matt. And we're the hosts of How To Money. We want to be with you every step of the way in your financial journey this year, offering the information and insights you need to thrive financially.
Starting point is 01:04:18 Yeah, whether you find yourself up to your eyeballs in student loan debt, or you've got a sky-high credit card balance because you went a little overboard with the holiday spending, or maybe you're looking to optimize your retirement accounts so you can retire early, well, How to Money will help you to change your relationship with money so you can stress less and grow your net worth.
Starting point is 01:04:39 That's right. How to Money comes out three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for money advice without the judgment and jargon. Listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, y'all. I'm Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls, and I'm thrilled to invite you to our January Jumpstart Series for the third year running. All January, I'll be joined by inspiring guests who will help you kickstart your personal growth with actionable ideas and real conversations. We're talking about
Starting point is 01:05:10 topics like building community and creating an inner and outer glow. I always tell people that when you buy a handbag, it doesn't cover a childhood scar. You know, when you buy a jacket, it doesn't reaffirm what you love about the hair you were told not to love. So when I think about beauty, it's so emotional because it starts to go back into the archives of who we were, how we want to see ourselves, and who we know ourselves to be and who we can be. So a little bit of past, present, and future, all in one idea, soothing something from the past. And it doesn't have to be always an insecurity. It can be something that you love. All to help you start 2025 feeling empowered and ready.
Starting point is 01:05:47 Listen to Therapy for Black Girls starting on January 1st on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jason Alexander. And I'm Peter Tilden. And together on the Really No Really podcast, our mission is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions like... Why they refuse to make the bathroom door go all the way to the floor. We got the answer.
Starting point is 01:06:10 Will space junk block your cell signal? The astronaut who almost drowned during a spacewalk gives us the answer. We talk with the scientist who figured out if your dog truly loves you. And the one bringing back the woolly mammoth. Plus, does Tom Cruise really do his own stunts his stuntman reveals the answer and you never know who's going to drop by mr brian cranson is with us hello my friend wayne knight about jurassic park wayne knight welcome to really no really sir bless you all hello newman and you never know when howie mandel might just stop by to talk
Starting point is 01:06:41 about judging really that's the opening really Really, no really. Yeah, really. No really. Go to reallynoreally.com. And register to win $500, a guest spot on our podcast, or a limited edition signed Jason bobblehead. It's called Really, No Really, and you can find it on the iHeartRadio app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And we're back. Okay, everybody, we're back.
Starting point is 01:07:05 Okay, everybody, we're back. Toulouse. Toulouse. I know, isn't Toulouse just the absolute best name for a dog? I don't know about that. I don't know. It's confusing. What is Toulouse?
Starting point is 01:07:15 It's a French name, I'm assuming. Yeah, it's French. I told Brad, I was like, man, if Wendell wasn't already Wendell, he might be Toulouse. Wendell's a better name than Toulouse. Douglas is a good name for a dog. That's Hannah Gadsby's dog's name that she talks about in her special. Oh, is that why it's called Douglas? Douglas, yeah.
Starting point is 01:07:30 Douglas is a good name. Bert and Douglas. Oh, yes. I can't wait to get my new batch of dogs. And I wonder what I'll name all my dogs. People have been sending you some chows. I've been sending them along. So, you know.
Starting point is 01:07:41 All I do is watch chow videos on Instagram. I can't not stop watching chows. I just fucking love those dogs. I was talking to this guy the other day and he was like, you got to get a pug. And I'm like, no, I don't. I'm like, that's not my type. You can visit mine. I have a type. And everyone has a type. You have to follow your heart. Exactly. Some people love a weenie. Some people, I love a pug. I love, half of my Instagram these days is like singing dogs or like dogs that are kind of howling.
Starting point is 01:08:08 And people will like write songs alongside them and it's hysterical. I like when dogs cuddle each other. Like when you see a little sibling action and they are just on top of each other. I know. And especially dogs with other animals that cuddle, that are sweet. Like there was this video of a horse and a dog the other day rubbing heads together. I almost climaxed. I love it. Okay. Have you been on safari before? Yes. And is it just the most magical trip I've ever been on? You don't even have to care about animals. I mean, I'm an
Starting point is 01:08:36 animal lover, but not like crazy. You know, I like my animals pretty much. I like watching animals, but I'm not like some crazy animal person. And it's just, it feels like you're in a different time in a different world. Like Africa is the only place I've ever traveled to where I felt I was, I was on another continent. Yeah. Even when you're in Europe or even you're in South America, like it's a little, it's, it's just feels like there's always access to Americanism. You know what I mean? Africa is Africa. And there's nothing American about it. Are you going several places or are you going to be in one spot?
Starting point is 01:09:10 Yeah, we're going to like three, four different camps. Oh, my gosh. Yeah. My sister and myself and all of our, you know, troops, all the girls. And, yeah, my sister's been too a few times. I've been on safari twice before. Yeah. And it is the trip of a lifetime.
Starting point is 01:09:24 And I want to see my nieces and well, not nephews because they're not coming. I want to see I was like, I want to see my nieces. Just the nieces. I saw my nephews last weekend. They came to my show in Catskills and they are so big and tall. It's just so fucking funny. You posted that one picture like I'm like, I look like a little itty bitty thing next to them. I mean, it's just so funny. I'm like, my Russian sister-in-law feeds them goulash. And I guess it works because I've never seen boys this big. Oh, my goodness. It is true.
Starting point is 01:09:54 Like, they grow up so fast. I mean, my one nephew's 6'5". Oh, my God. I know. And the other one, like, is so ridiculous. He works out so hard. So his chest is like, he looks like, I'm like, you do not have the body type for his grandma now and like just being very respectful. From military school?
Starting point is 01:10:29 From military school. Oh, good. It's like learning all these, you know, very old school, but kind of nice things. It's like we women, we can open the doors ourselves, but like it's nice. I don't feel like opening a door for myself. I love it when somebody opens one for me. And I like to also open doors for other people too. Like once the door's open, keep it open until the flow is done.
Starting point is 01:10:47 And if you're a man, don't step in front of a woman when the door is open, okay? Just, that's the least you can do. That is something, that is a phenomenon that I never experienced in the Midwest. And we moved here, Chelsea. And, like, the first few weeks, we were like, what is happening? Like, Brad would open the door for me, and men would walk through it ahead of me. And one time, Brad was like, hey, I wasn't opening that for you, bro. Like I was opening it for my wife. And the guy like did a double take because he truly didn't even notice.
Starting point is 01:11:12 He was like, oh, I'm sorry. Yeah. Like they don't even notice. I go, ah, ladies first, please. Ladies first. Okay. Well, that was our episode for today. It was a Catherine and Chelsea special. It sure was. I mean, I think we learned a lot. We gave some very pointed advice. And I learned that Toulouse is a very French name. Toulouse-Lautrec-Montvar. Who's Toulouse-Lautrec-Montvar?
Starting point is 01:11:39 He was an artist of the Bohemian persuasion, as shown in the movie Moulin rouge you'll see him played by john leguizamo oh yes okay that's i think where my generation knows of to lose latrec is from moulin rouge well thanks for listening everybody we'll catch you next week bye bye okay guys also i have added more second shows to my Little Big Bitch tour. I added second shows in Hollywood at the Pantages. I am going to be there two nights, October 12th and 13th. I added another show at the Chicago Theater, October 27th and October 28th, one of my favorite places to perform.
Starting point is 01:12:22 I added another show in Portland. So I'll be there November 2nd and 3rd. And I added a second show in Boston at the Wang Center. So I will be there November 16th and 17th. I also have two shows in Seattle, San Francisco, New York at the Beacon, and Washington, D.C. I will be there October 5th and 6th. And a special shout out to Phoenix, Arizona, where I'm coming Saturday, October 14th. And then I'm coming to Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh. So suck on
Starting point is 01:12:54 that, you guys. I can't wait to see everybody. Oh, and I'm coming to Eugene, Oregon to everybody. That's November 9th, 2023. And I will be at the clubhouse in East Hampton, which is going to be a very intimate show on Saturday, August 26. So if you are in the Long Island area, that's where I'll be, the Clubhouse. Courtney Cope's input is general psychological information based on research and clinical experience. It's intended to be general and informational in nature. It does not represent or indicate an established clinical or professional relationship with those inquiring for guidance. Courtney's feedback is in response to a written question and therefore there are likely unknown considerations given the limited context. Also, just because you might hear something on the show that sounds similar to what you're experiencing, beware of self-diagnosis.
Starting point is 01:13:44 Diagnosis is not required to find relief, and you'll want to find a qualified professional to assess and explore diagnoses, if that's important to you. If you or your partner are in crisis and uncertain of whether you can maintain safety, reach out for support like crisis hotlines and local authorities. Have a safety plan that can be done with a, too. If you'd like advice from Chelsea, shoot us an email at DearChelseaPodcast at gmail.com. And be sure to include your phone number. Dear Chelsea is edited and engineered by Brad Dickert, executive producer Catherine Law. And be sure to check out our merch at ChelseaHandler.com.
Starting point is 01:14:21 Joel, the holidays are a blast, but the financial hangover, that can be a huge bummer. If you are out there and you're dreading the new statement email that reveals the massive balance that you may have racked up, well, you could use our help. That's right. I'm Joel. And I am Matt. And we're from the How To Money podcast. Our show is all about helping you make sense of your personal finances so you can ditch your pesky credit card debt once and for all, make real progress on other crucial financial goals that you've got, and just feel more in control of your money in general. You know it. For money advice without the judgment
Starting point is 01:14:54 and jargon, listen to How to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Do you want a shortcut to the best version of you? Here it is. Feed the good wolf. I'm Eric Zimmer, host of The One You Feed. Every week, I talk to brilliant minds and brave souls about the art of small, powerful choices. Our listeners say it all. This is a lifeline. Transformational. The best antidote to a bad mood I've ever heard. Join the pack and start feeding your best self. Listen to The One You Feed on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Starting point is 01:15:42 Hey, y'all. I'm Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford, host of Therapy for Black Girls. This January, join me for our third annual January Jumpstart series. Starting January 1st, we'll have inspiring conversations to give you a hand in kickstarting your personal growth. If you've been holding back or playing small, this is your all-access pass to step fully into the possibilities of the new year. This is a therapy for black girls starting on January 1st on the I heart radio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jason Alexander and I'm Peter Tilden.
Starting point is 01:16:16 And together our mission on the really no really podcast is to get the true answers to life's baffling questions. Like why the bathroom door doesn't go all the way to the floor. What in the museum of failure and does your dog truly love you we have the answer go to really know really.com and register to win 500 a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign jason bobblehead the really know really podcast follow us on the iheart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts

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