Life Will Be the Death of Me with Chelsea Handler - Good Grief with Sara Bareilles

Episode Date: September 10, 2026

Sara Bareilles joins Chelsea to talk about transmissions from her muses, wondering if it’s crazy to write a song about Anderson Cooper, and how gratitude can come from grief.  Then: A fling with a bartender gets political. A musician sees too many open roads in front of her. And a daughter struggles with her grief over her father’s death - but can she find a way to celebrate his life? * Need some advice from Chelsea? Email us at [e-mail] * Executive Producer Catherine Law Edited & Engineered by Brad 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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And these are the Survivor Files. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable, abducted, stalked, controlled, and nearly silenced. These are stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast, Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first.

I'm on a mission to reclaim the word Solita, trading the pity for possibility. Listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. Pro Society is a weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse. Each week, we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and pop culture with your favorite writers, book talk creators, and plenty of overthought opinions. Yeah, I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed.

Listen to Pro Society on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Okay, guys, here are my dates for the High and Mighty Tour. And September, I will be in Santa Barbara, San Diego, New York City, Philly, and New Haven, Connecticut. October is Atlanta, Baltimore, Saginaw, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Toronto, Boise, Idaho, and Spokane. And then in November, I'll be in San Francisco. I'm coming to Salt Lake City, Austin, Houston, Dallas, babies, I'll be there. And then in December, I am closing out my tour in Denver and Vancouver. So get your tickets at Chelseahandler.com for the high and mighty tour. Hi, Catherine.

Hi, Chelsea. How's it going? I am fresh off of Lake Arrowhead. I went to Lake Arrowhead for the weekend to my friend's house with some friends. And Doug, Doug took his first boat ride, which was long overdue. Lovely. Yeah, he was a little skittish about getting on the boat. And I was like, Doug, you know what?

You're a pussy. So let's go. Like get on there. We actually also took Mimsy for a. a boat ride this weekend. We went to Prescott, Arizona. Have you ever been there? Prescott, Arizona. No, is that a, is that a lake that you were on? There is a lake up there, certainly wasn't the ocean, right? No, no, just a little lake. And it's just like beautiful, high desert. Was it Lake America? No, Lake, it was like a tiny little man-made lake, but with just

like gorgeous rocks all around, people are rappelling down. And we were just doing a little paddle boat. It was very cute. Oh, that's cute. Did she get on the paddle boat? Mimsy? She did. She just like gazed off into the sunset and there was a double rainbow. Like it was truly really, really gorgeous. That sounds very suspicious. But Doug did eventually get on your boat. Doug got on the boat and he was just, he was the star of the weekend. He added another layer of pleasure. People just can't believe how chill he is and how cool he is and how good looking he is. He's luscious. His sister arrives this week, but we're sending her to primary school. so she can learn how to pee outside.

Perfect. And all the other basics that I don't have the tolerance for. Yeah. And it's not fair to saddle my belt with all of that. No, she actually thought, she's like, go, I'd move in this weekend and I can take care. I'm like, no, no, no, no, you don't have to do that either. That's like having a newborn. Yeah.

And I'm not interested. No. Yeah. So that's good. So Labor Day is over, guys. It's a wrap. We are now entering the harshest part of El Nino, apparently. The next four months are going to be, oh, I added shows.

I added new shows to, I'm coming to Santa Barbara and San Diego next weekend. Okay. There's still tickets for the Santa Barbara show. Then I'm in New York and Philly, Pittsburgh, and I added a late show in Tampa, Florida, and I added a show in Vancouver because I'm going to shoot my next special in Vancouver on December 6. So anyone looking for tickets to see me on tour, go to Chelseahandler.com. I'm coming to, I'm doing like 25 more cities before. I leave New Haven, Connecticut, all these fun, random places. And our guest today is a Grammy

winning and Tony nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and actress, and her new album, Good Grief is out now. Please welcome Sarah Borellas. Borellis. Is that how am I saying properly? My mean last names are tricky. I just want to call everyone by their first name. I think that's the agreement of society. Yeah. We mostly do that. I know. But something I just feel like as an interviewer, you really have to say everything right. Totally. You know, you really do. It's like a level of respect and respectability.

You know what I mean? I totally hear you. It's kind of how I feel about language. I find myself to be a little bit of a, maybe you're like this. I'm a grammarian a little bit. Like I don't, I get annoyed when people are lazy with language. You know, not like I-L-Y or your IMO or stuff like that. I don't care about that.

Shortcuts, but I don't like. words that are like slippery into like slipping like wouldn't people say anyways i find that lazy anyways with a z it's like where's the z from and you know normal people are just like why are you even listening to that like who cares shut up but i can't shut up about it yeah the woman i'm working i'm working on a new musical her name's meg walleter and she wrote this book called the interstings and she is so exacting about her language and it is so funny because i'm i wouldn't say i'm a grammarian. I'm learning that term. I love it though. She definitely is. And it's like, she'll be like, he said it, it was plural. He said the word plural. And he needs, we need,

we need that word to be singular. And I'm just like, I have at it, man, go tell them. But I don't think people care as much. People don't care. And it's a really actually quite obnoxious quality to have to constantly be like irritated by that or correcting people is even more obnoxious. So I try not to do that. So I was dating a guy that used the term anyways a few times. And then finally I was like, you got to put a pick in that. Totally. I'm like, just skip the word all together. Like, just move on to the next stop.

We don't even need that. We don't even need the conjoinder. You're right. It's not. Okay, let's talk about it. I can't remember the last time I've heard the word conjoiner. I don't even know if that's a word. I love it.

Okay. This is your new album, which is so beautiful. You are so beautiful. Like, your voice is magical. Thank you so much. Thank you. And it's, it's called. Good grief. And it's about grief. Yeah. And there's a lot of grief in here. Yes. And it's,

I listened to yesterday, I had, I got some annoying news. And I went outside at like four o'clock in the afternoon. I have my bedroom and just like put it on my phone and lay down. And I listened to it. And I just thought, wow, this is going to help so many people who are going through something. And not only that. It's beautiful music because you always are producing beautiful music. But this is your first studio album in seven years? Yeah. Yeah. I haven't made anything since 2019. That was the last time I was on tour as well. Yeah. I kind of average a long time between records. I'm definitely not someone who I don't turn it right around. And because I work in other mediums like that I work in theater and I've done some TV and stuff. So it's like I am doing other projects as well. But

it just takes me a long time. And when the pandemic hit, I just had nothing to say for a long time. I just felt stunned. I just couldn't. And I was in such bad shape like mental health-wise and just so much and lost a friend in 2020 and then lost another friend two years ago. And there was just so much grief. I just didn't have anything to say about it. And then I had a lot to say about it. And and then here we are. So when you feel like you're ready to start writing, what happens? Is it like an all-day thing?

Are you just start like vomiting out all of your ideas? Is this? It runs the gamut. I would say that I'm not someone who has like, there's lots of artists I know that have like a very regimented practice where they're like, I write from these out. Like these are my office hours kind of thing. I'm not that way.

No. just too lazy and want to do what I want to do. So I'm really more, I respond to sort of feeling moved to write. But I would say that this record, maybe more than any other record I've had prior, is full of like transmissions. Like I just, I was walking home from the grocery store and had, you know, my hands full of grocery bags and had to put them down on the street and was like, had to sing into my phone because there was like a song arriving.

That's very unusual for me. That's not my normal. There just was a lot of like communing with something bigger than me for this, for this record. That's beautiful. Yeah. It felt, it feels right. It feels right for like the message of this record. It's like about very dear friends.

It's about infertility. It's about grief of country. It's about, you know, just loss. Like a lot of ache and trying to like thread in a little bit of hope as well. Mostly ache, a little bit of hope. Well, also the conversation you had with Anderson Cooper, which was really beautiful. You played him the song that you had written after you had seen the interview with him and Stephen Colbert. And Stephen Colbert was talking about his loss.

Yes. Right. And so you wrote a song based on watching that interview. Yes. I just listened to that episode of Anderson's podcast. And I was walking around Brooklyn, which is where I live. And I was just so moved by how vivid. I don't know, I was so moved by these two men sharing in this really deep and intimate way

and like seemingly not holding anything back and talking about their grief. I just thought it was really incredible. And I didn't know that about Stevens past that he lost his dad and brothers in a plane crash when he was 10 years old and how much it changed their family dynamic and changed his mother. And I just, his sharing about that was so. and Anderson's talked a lot about the loss in his life as well I just found that really moving So then I wrote them a song

And then I was like, is this weird? Is this weird? This might be weird I don't know, but then I sent it to them And they were both very gracious about it But I was like, it might be a little weird Well, you played it for Anderson And he was very emotional

Very moved, yes, totally And Stephen also was really kind about it And I think they were both excited at the idea that some little ripple they put out turned into something else. That like it's so interesting to think about how art moves like that, that a conversation can turn into a piece of music. Or, you know, it's just interesting. Well, I did cry all the way through listening to your conversation with Anderson Cooper. So I didn't write any songs about it, but I did. It was very moving.

Yeah. You have time. Yeah. Tomorrow. Yeah. So what do you think now that you've written? this record and on the subject of grief and like getting through those two difficult situations, your most recent, you know, your two friends who you just spoke about, what do you, like,

what do you have to say about grief that you didn't say in the songs, like on a personal level? Oh, man. I mean, a lot of it's there. But I guess what I would say is sort of like what the title encapsulates is that like I think I think I have always been a little bit afraid of grief and afraid of my own, like, sort of the dark corners. Like, I think it's not comfortable, you know, it's painful to go to those places. But I have, of course, I wish I had my friends again, but I almost wouldn't change the experience of the loss in my life because it has changed me so much for the better. and I am more of who I hope I will continue to become because of how much how painful the

experience of losing them has been does that make sense like I I wouldn't I wouldn't wish it on anybody but like I don't know I'm just I'm so grateful to have learned so much from the losing it's just like I really I've learned so much presence so much ability to um it's just so so clarifying. Mortality is such an incredible teacher and watching friends, which I know we all have this in some capacity, friends or family, who have had to meet that edge that like we all pretend we're not going to get there, but we're all like walking that way. And to watch them like meet that edge of themselves with so much bravery. I don't know. It's very, it's just, it's life-changing. I can totally relate to what you're saying about finding gratitude in the dark.

to be in such a low place and to be able to be gracious and grateful for either whether it's the time that you had with a person or with the knowledge of the impact that they had on your life or vice versa. But to find gratitude in those moments is kind of one of these skills, I think as women especially. We start to realize how that works. and to, you know, instead of fighting the pain, welcoming the pain and like bringing it in and treating yourself like not like a fish that's swimming upstream, but that's turning and going with the current. Yeah. Like these are the circumstances and this is how I can level up. Yes. And meet this moment as like a strong, powerful force.

Yeah. Totally. And I think that's, it's really meaningful, you know, when you can talk about it in this way. was in a retrospective way after what you've experienced. Because so many people get stuck in grief. And we have so many people that call into this podcast about really heavy stuff. And they get stuck with it. And, you know, people lose their parents, of course.

And they can't get past that stuckness. And so I think conversations like this are really helpful to understand, you know, like A, it's helpful to. believe in everything. You know what I mean? Like, it's helpful to believe. Yeah. It's just like a higher vibration to believe that, you know, once somebody's here and energy doesn't die, it just converts to something else. You can't kill energy. So somebody's going somewhere else. Yeah. But there's still, why not believe in all of the good stuff you can believe in? Yeah. I feel, Andrea Gibson is this incredible poet. And they, I was in.

involved in this documentary about Andrea and their wife Meg called Come See Me in the Good Light. And I have learned so much from Andrea. Andrea passed away a year and a half ago. It is so special. It is so special. And one of the things that Andrea says is that like to die is to be reincarnated in the people you love while they're still living. And I just think it is so when I really reflect on that and I think about my best friends who are gone now. And the number of times I am sort of living for them and in honor of them and because of them like doing something that I think Gavin would want me to do or a way he might have lived. I just think that so we just, the reverberations are infinite. And we just like the, our impact on this life is still here, you know, long after we,

after we go. I want to go back to what you said about the transmissions and sort of getting songs as downloads. I know you said that doesn't happen a lot for you, but that is something you hear, especially with musicians. I know Tori Amos has talked about that. A lot of different people have talked about that. I was like, I sat down on the piano. It already existed and it came through me. Do you think that has anything to do with sort of like gifts that your friends that past are sending to you? Does it feel just like you're tapping into some sort of universal intelligence, like what does that feel like? I like the tone of voice that you're using right now.

It's very sensual. It's very radio-friendly. Very radio-friendly. Don't you think? It's very soothing. I was like, oh, I lost in your words. I'm trying to lull you. Yes.

I think that is my experience of music in general. That, like, my personal philosophy is kind of just that it's not, it doesn't really belong to me or to. who were just like the little portals, that these ideas, these muses, they're just floating around and they're looking for the open door. I definitely feel that,

like there's been a couple of times, this one that I'm, there's a song called Just a Kid that I wrote for my friend Chad. And I'm like, it's hard for me to feel like that wasn't something he was kind of, it was so immediate. That's when I put the groceries bags down

and started singing into my phone. And I made a demo of this song and I sent it to his girlfriend who had taken care of him all through the last months of his life, this wonderful woman. I sent it to her and I was like, this just came through. I hope you like it. It's about Chad, of course. And she told me after the fact that I had sent it to her on their, like, secret anniversary.

They had, like, one anniversary and then they had this other one that they were, and she was like, are you going to figure out how to give me a gift today? And, like, that's what happened. And I just, you know, coincidence, yeah, sure, maybe, but also what if, you know, like, isn't it more interesting and more fun to believe that there's all these, the complexity and the layers of like, who knows, there's magic? There is, there is magic. Yeah, there is magic. And it's important, especially now in the, like, reality that we're all living in to remember that. I think. And that, you know, you got to look for it sometimes a little bit harder. Yeah. But you got married this year.

I did. Last year. Last year. Yeah, October of last year. How did that happen? I met this guy, Joe Tippett, 10 years ago. And we like, yeah, 10 years in. We just, it was funny because I'm 40.

You were together for 10 years? Yeah. 10 years. And then you got married. And then we got married. Oh, yeah. It's a long engagement. I know.

And we were engaged for like two and a half years. I like a long engagement. Yeah. I would get engaged just to be. And then every year, my philosophy is you get engaged and every year you get re-engaged. And so that there's always a wedding on the horizon. Sure. Great.

For me, I don't need the wedding. I just want the constant re-up. Yeah. Like if you get renewed. You know what I mean? Yeah. Because then everybody's a little bit on their tippy chos more. Is the contract getting extended?

Exactly. Yeah. So that way nobody gets too cozy. Yeah, that's right. That's right. So how do, so how do you decide after 10 year? Have you always wanted to be married? You know, it's funny is that like, okay, when I was young, when I was like, I don't know, in my teens, I was like, I'm going to be married at 26 and start kids at 28.

And then, of course, life is like, doesn't do anything that you think it's going to do. And then I had this big career and this very fulfilling artistic life and frankly, relationships that, like, didn't make me think about getting married. And then I was in this relationship with Joe And there was just something which was hard Like it was hard one that's something we talked about like at the wedding in our vows Is that everything about our Our collaboration is like hard one We like had to grow up for each other and we had to like really learn how to be partners

I think I've been someone's girlfriend before, but I've never been someone's partner. And now he's like my family. And that feels really good. But I don't, I didn't know. I was like, do I need to get married? Probably not. But I had a great time at my wedding. Do I need another one?

No, probably not. I mean, whether we end up together or not. I don't know. It's impossible to know. But like it's really, I, as someone who's had someone who's had. so much anxiety in my life, I can't believe that I stood in front of my friends and family and said, yes, I promise I'm going to be with you and did not have any like subtle butterflies of like, maybe I shouldn't do that, maybe I should leave, maybe what if I don't like it?

You know, I just didn't have anything of that. You don't strike me as somebody, have you worked out your anxiety? I am currently working out. Lexapro and I are in great shape. I was going to say, you are giving ethereal. Thank you. Yeah. Wouldn't you agree? I agree.

You're ethereal. I did do a mask this one. I'm talking about your spirit. Okay. Your spirit is ethereal. You are. Thank you. You're like, you're a gift.

The way you're talking about your own music in such generous ways is to hear an artist talk about their talent in such a generous way that it's, you know, that you're a vessel. And I love, I love to hear that, you know, it's nice. It's nicer than hearing, I did that, I wrote that. I did this. I did this, you know? So that's really refreshing. So what did you guys do for your wedding? Where did you, where'd you have it? We got married upstate New York. Yeah. Yeah. Had a little like dairy farm up there. I could see that. I could see that. I could see that for sure. And we sort of, it was beautiful. It was so beautiful. Yeah. We just, it wasn't a huge wedding, but it was like 180 people or something like that.

That's big. Yeah, it was big, but not like, you know, five. I didn't have Madison Square Garden. I didn't. I don't know that many people. But, yeah, we. How many people do we know? Yeah.

I was like, if I invited everyone I knew, I don't think it would be that many. I mean, but we do know lots of people. Like, I know lots and lots of people. But don't you? I mean, yeah, but would. they expect to come to my wedding now? No. No.

You want them also? No. Yeah. No. But yeah, it was so, it was so us. It was just my mom has. It makes, it's actually the only con, this is like the only conversation I've ever had where I'm like, you're making marriage sound very appealing.

Oh, I love this. Like I'm like, this is wonderful. This sounds like something fun I'd like to try. I feel like if it's not, this is something I love about my husband, which is just like if it's not it's our it's ours to design you know what I mean like and if it doesn't there's no like this is how you do marriage you just have to like figure it out and it's like a it's an investment in a long form negotiation it's like that's what we are we're just like in collaboration trying to figure out do we like our life right now together and what needs changing and do I like you

some days the answer is no but Yeah, I'm so happy to say that I had a great time at the wedding. I couldn't believe it. You are surrounded with so much love and so much hope and optimism. It's really sweet. Yeah, that sounds really nice. What do you think, what do you admire most about your husband? I admire his sobriety.

He's been sober 10 years. And it's something that I really... When you guys met then? Well, no. No. Oh, okay. We were very drunk when we hooked up for the first time. I thought it was going to be annoying.

I thought his sobriety would be like a real problem. Are you not sober? I'm not sober and I love to drink. Yes, me too. And I thought I was going to have a real ish with that. And it turns out it's like one of my favorite things about him. I'm so proud of him. Oh.

Yeah. And he's also a very, you know, in terms of someone who's sober, like being around people drinking, like he would never want to change someone's behavior or have somebody not drink because he doesn't. He's just really dedicated to his sobriety, and I really appreciate that about him. So I really admire that. And I really admire his passion. He's like voracious about everything, about art, about music, about theater, about poetry. When I met him, I was like, oh, you're a dumb jock. Like, you're cute and you're like, I really want to have sex with you. But, like, You are a ding-dong.

And he's one of the smartest people I know. Politics. We had an hour-long conversation this morning about politics that just went on and on. And I don't agree with him about everything either. And I really appreciate that. It's just like he really is himself. And I think it allows me to really be myself. And that feels very safe.

Are you into astrology at all? Yeah, but I don't know that much about it. Me neither. Yeah. What's your son? I'm a Sagittarius. Okay. Okay.

He's a Pisces. I'm a Pisces. I'm a Pisces. I don't know what it means. I think Pisces and Sagittarius, like, get along. They do. They do. Pisces in Scorpio, Pisces and Sagittarius.

I don't know. I'm also Pisces. Oh, you're both Pisces. Oh, great. And same signs tend to like each other, too? I don't know. Is it a Pisces thing? Because I have a lot of Pisces in my family.

None of us are similar to each other. So it doesn't really track for me. I'm the crying Pisces. You are not the crying Pisces. Is that somebody cries a lot? Frequently. Yeah. Really?

Yeah. I'm the crying Sagittarius. Do you cry a lot? Oh, my gosh. When was the last time you cried? Maybe like the day before yesterday. Yeah. Do you remember what you were crying about?

Oh, yeah. I was crying, first of all, from just fatigue. I'm just tired. I'm thankfully working a lot right now, but it is, it's a lot. And then I was just crying. I was having like a little grief spike, a little grief spike. There is a project I'm working on that is really exciting and I really thought it was going to look a certain way, meaning that I would be like in it. And it doesn't look like it's going to work that way.

And I'm just bummed. I'm just grieving. Oh. I'm just grieving. Because I want to have a baby. And that's also not happening. I was like, it's hard, and I've been trying for years, and it's like hard. And so there's just a little grief spike in a little moment.

I like calling you a grief spike, because that is what it feels like a wave. Like a spike feels correct. Yeah. I definitely, I mean, I have them all the time, but I mean, I cry about literally anything. What do you want me to cry about? I'm just trying to think of when the last time I cried was, but I can't think of it. But I know, I cry from exhaustion usually. Like I get so tired.

Like what you're saying, I totally relate to that where I'm like, I can't believe I have to do this. And then you're like, why did I go out last night when I have all this to do? Yeah. So stupid shit. It more upsets me than real stuff because I feel like I have to be strong. You know what I mean? For others.

Totally. Yeah. Do you feel that way? Yes. And like the real, the truth is that in some way, you do. Like you are the center of a certain kind of solar system. Like you are the centerpiece of something that is built around you. And so there is a kind of expectation and pressure that comes with that. That's just real. I mean, it's we all have that to some degree in our lives. And yeah,

sometimes it gets overwhelming. I don't know. I relate to that. Get Bell Pure Fiber Internet with Crave Netflix and Disney Plus from $94 a month. price guaranteed for two years on internet with a two-year term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.ca for details and to check availability. Bell, connection is everything. When I was 14 years old, I was kidnapped and held captive for nine months. I survived, and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them. I'm Elizabeth Smart, and these are the survivor files. I just remember this low, taunting voice next to my ear.

saying shut up, don't say anything. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable. I knew if he woke up, without a doubt, he was going to hurt me. I started feeling that there was someone at the end of my bed, and I just started screaming. They are abducted, stalked, controlled, and nearly silenced. But these aren't stories about what's taken from them. There's stories about what it takes to make it out. Out alive, listen to The Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

On the new podcast, Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus, or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word solita, trading the pity for possibility. Every time I tried to be alone, I kept meeting people, and they were like, you smiled at us. Not a lot of people smile around here. It's when you're alone that you're most receptive to the world as it is and not the lies you're

sold about it. It can be a time where you push your limits, change your mind, or wake up to a new version of yourself. So whether you're a solo travel veteran or you're too nervous, to book your first trip. I hope you listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for-you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. This is Prose Society, the weekly podcast that's part book club,

part group chat for thought daughters, pop culture obsessives, and anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse. I'm Eli Rallo, and every week we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and the conversations everyone can't stop having. I'm going to have to look up this story. I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed.

From best-selling authors and your favorite book talk creators to the latest pop culture moments, nothing is off the table. It's like if you can hide some real messages inside compelling characters, then that is a Trojan horse. Whether you're looking for literary deep dives, smart pop culture conversations, or a community of readers who love to think a little too much, You're in the right place. Listen to Pro Society on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you between the pages. We do advice on this show.

We give advice. So I want to ask you if it could be your best advice that you've been given or the worst advice you've been given. Or it can be both. Oh. I don't know if it's someone who's given me this advice, but I think just telling the truth is the best advice. advice I could give or receive. I just think you have to find a way to tell the truth with kindness. I love that. I totally agree with you. I couldn't. I just like, I really have no, I think there is a level of integrity that comes with telling the truth too. And I really don't

understand why so many people have an issue with being front facing. I couldn't agree more. I have no patience for the for like lack of transparency yeah it's a waste your family rules that you posted the other day that i i just reread them just like oh this is everything to me i've just like let me just lay it out for you the way it actually is i loved that oh thank you yeah my family loved it too i like i just think that like you know conflict avoidance is such a it it's just It's just a waste of everyone's time and it's untrue. And when someone isn't true to you or telling the truth, and you don't even have to know the person. It's integrity to be truthful to a stranger, you know, who needs the truth in that moment or whatever's happening. It's so

intentionally kind. Yes, I totally agree. And it's so craven when people don't have the ability to be direct. It feels very weak. Yes. Yes. And it's just like we don't have time for that anymore, You know? No, totally. We don't have time for that. Look at what happens when people just lie all the time. Just look at it. Yeah, I'm not up for it. I don't want it. Have you ever had to get rid of a toxic relationship? Yeah. In a conflict, like, with a conflict. Yes, I have. I've had, I mean, I've had professional relationships that have ended. But I've also had personal relationships, not like even romantic ones. but those two. But yeah, I've had like friendships that didn't like survive the growing up. Yeah. And that of just being like I have too many wonderful friends in my life to like continue to make space for, you know, something that doesn't have reciprocity in it.

Right. Like being someone's friend, I think is an investment. And like, like on both sides. you have to just really care about the relationship. And yeah, I've had some of those. It wasn't, I didn't have any big blowups or anything, but I did have like emails. Yeah, right, right, right.

On social media. It's just interesting how we go through life and at different times in our life handle different things like that, you know, because I was very explosive when I was younger. Before I got therapy, you know, calmed the fuck down. Yeah. I just was always out of ten. Yeah.

And it was like, blah, blah, blah, blah. And everything was a huge. argument. Right. And like to learn how to be graceful and to go with the flow and even circling back to going with the flow with grief, it's like stop resisting the reality of the situation. You know, if something isn't working, it's more adults to just call it as you see it without the drama. Right. Without the yelling. You don't need to yell because, you know, the minute you're yelling, you've lost control of the situation anyway. You don't strike me as somebody who yells a lot. Oh my God. When Joe and I first were together, we had these crazy arguments.

in a way where I was like, I don't even, I don't never, I've never heard that sound come out of my mouth before. Like yelling at each other and we had one, we had like maybe two arguments like that. And after the second one, it's like, I'm never doing that again. Whatever this is, and I think we just had so much feeling for each other and no tools to communicate. Thank God for our couple's therapist who helped us eventually figure out like how to talk to each other. When we would get tight. It was like when we both got tight, we were fully defended and there was just like, it was explosive, totally. But yeah, you learn how to navigate that.

You're like, yeah, big feelings, man. Yeah. Doesn't mean you have to like, you know, punch a wall or whatever. Yeah, I saw an ex-boyfriend recently and he was like, do you remember the fights we used to get into? I'm like, I'm so embarrassed about our behavior together, you know, especially when you pair up with somebody who's just toxic. Yeah. And you're put toxic together. It's not one person's fault or the other.

The combo platter of you and whatever drugs we were using at that time. And I was like, I don't even want to talk. He's like, do you remember? I'm like, don't. I just like, let's move on. We're past it. We're friends. We moved on.

Like, I don't even want to be reminded of that. And he's like, but it's funny now because we're both so different. I'm like, it's still not funny. It's still so shameful. Just to think that there's a version of you that could act that way. Yeah, totally. You know, like the versions of ourselves, like, I think that's one of the most fun things about growing up is like, and getting older is being able to like look at your younger self and be like, oh, you baby.

You're a little baby. You're a little jealous baby. Was the car late? Did they not pick you up on time? You're so upset. You know, just like, yeah, things that, oh, God. I mean, I was once, he was telling a story. I lost my invisible line once.

And I was flipping the fuck out about my invisible line. And he was like, you were stomping around the. room and I did this with my one friend when we were in Bali once too when I couldn't find my envisaline like I had this attachment to it my invisible it's just crazy like what is wrong with me and first of all inviseline is so annoying because it's fucking invisible so you can always lose it and then you can never it's in the name but as soon as he brought up the invisible I'm like don't don't don't don't I'm not ready I'd rather have it just play like you know what I mean like when you go to heaven or whatever the fuck

happens, you know, I'm going to choose to believe that we get a nice recording of all of our good deeds and a couple highlight reels, you know, about things that we, behaviors we were able to overcome. Yeah. Overcome is a good word. Yes. Yes. That's cool.

I also feel like we have to be able to laugh at ourselves. Like when we go, when we go berserk, like, you have to be able to laugh at it because it's so silly when you get a little, if you get a little, if you can laugh at ourselves. If you can laugh at it, that is another thing that Joe actually does for me, that I, it took me a while to like appreciate it. But now he helps me laugh at myself and I am so much more relaxed because I can be really tight. You know, just like, I'm type A. I'm a control freak. I have a lot going on. And it's just really easy to get into this tight idea that like what I'm doing is really important and is really, you know, and it's helpful to have a way to be like,

but also, do you want an ice cream sandwich? Like, you know, just also, the world's not going to end. Yeah, I like that. I could use a little of that in my life. It's painful. I'll tell you it's painful at first when you're like, don't make fun of me right now. Right.

And then now I can really laugh at it. Yeah. And it's helpful. Do you want me to make fun of you all? Yeah, I like it. I can take that. I like being made fun of. Oh, I don't.

Yeah. I'm not type A, I don't think. So I think type A has an issue with that. Yeah. I'm type A for about an hour. And then that's it. And once I get my shit together, I'm like, all right, let's... Oh, amazing.

I think so. I don't really think I'm typing. No, I don't think so. I think you want to get shit done. And like you... But you're not like, oh, everything has to be the certain specific way. No. But if things are...

And once I get annoyed, then I'm like... And it's hard to pull me back. I have a lot of feeling that like I probably know the right way to do everything. I'm just like, right, let me do it. See, I don't have that. I'm like, please let someone else do it. Whatever I can farm out to other people, please. It's like, I don't think I can do anything the right way.

No, I need more of that. That's funny. Should we take some callers? Let's do it. Yeah. Our first one is just a write-in. It's our one drink question. So it's just a shorty.

Use your Lexa Pro for this, okay? Yeah, I already did, baby. So Lucinda says, dear Chelsea, in my neighborhood, there's a bartender who I help out with bodily needs from time to time when he's stressed at work. But he's a Trump supporter. And though I didn't know this at the beginning of our relationship, quote unquote, it has come to light. Now I see every drop of coded language. As much as I try to parry, I must admit the tension adds to the fun.

That said, I have an opportunity to say things that might help him think more. Should I continue my Trumpy trist, Lucinda? I don't know. I mean, I think if you can handle it, you can handle it. I can't handle that. I wouldn't be able to handle that. I mean, if it's just sex, I mean. Just sex. I mean, why not? Men use women for sex all the time. I think that's fine. I don't have a problem with that. And the Trump supporter, it's like, that's you call. I mean, it's not for me. Not in this moment. I know. I would be a lot to forgive for me too. Also, I guess I wonder, are there places where she's not saying what she thinks? Because, like, if she can pinpoint places where, like, she's not showing up fully because she knows that there's, like,

divergence there. That would be something I would keep an eye on. Like she's keeping quiet on different things. But does it matter if that's not a relationship? I don't know. If you start hearing coded language, if she says that she's like, I don't know how you unhear that. You're just like, I don't know, I don't want to be around someone who's like, you know what

I mean? It's almost like propaganda that you're like kind of, yeah, that can permeate into your brain whether you're aware of it or not in that sense, you mean? Yeah. It's like a boner killer for me. to like if you would hear a man say derogatory things about women or other people or what like that just I wouldn't be able to be excited about that guy no so but it's a personal choice exactly for you like if you're fine with a you know go ahead do I would I do that no I can't fuck a Trump supporter that's just not on my that's not on my jacket so we've got three would not do not do you but you do you do you yeah would not do you do you yeah I have a great talk See later. Get Bell Pure Fiber Internet with Crave Netflix and Disney Plus from $94 a month.

Price guaranteed for two years on internet with a two-year term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.ca for details and to check availability. Bell, connection is everything. When I was 14 years old, I was kidnapped and held captive for nine months. I survived and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them. I'm Elizabeth Smart, and these are the Survivor Files. I just remember this low, taunting voice next to my ear saying, shut up, don't say anything. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable.

I knew if he woke up, without a doubt, he was going to hurt me. I started feeling that there was someone at the end of my bed, and I just started screaming. They are abducted, stalked, controlled, and nearly silenced. But these aren't stories about what's taken from them. They're stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to the Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast, Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus, or this random dude is offering.

me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinheiro, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word solita, trading the pity for possibility. Every time I tried to be alone, I kept meeting people and they were like, you smiled at us. Not a lot of people smile around here. It's when you're alone that you're most receptive to the world as it is and not the lies you're sold about it. It can be a time where you push your limits, change your mind, or wake up to a new version of yourself. So whether you're a solo travel veteran or you're too nervous to book your first trip, I hope you listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you

get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. This is Prose Society, the weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for thought daughters, pop culture obsessives, and anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse. I'm Eli Rallo and every week we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and the conversations everyone can't stop having. I'm going to have to look up this story. I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed.

From bestselling authors and your favorite book talk creators to the latest pop culture moments, nothing is off the table. It's like if you can hide some real messages inside, compelling characters, and that is a Trojan horse. Whether you're looking for literary deep dives, smart pop culture conversations, or a community of readers who love to think a little too much, you're in the right place. Listen to pro society on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See you between the pages. Well, our first caller today is Mandy. So Mandy says, Dear Chelsea, a few years ago, my dad passed away fairly suddenly. He had congestive heart

failure that we always knew would take him one day, but his weekly trips to the hospital, mostly as a result of insomnia and anxiety, brought on a boy who cried wolf feel. So when he was hospitalized for the final time and started to decline rapidly, I had just landed in Maui for a family vacation and was in denial that the end was near. I didn't make it home in time to say goodbye. As a result, I have deep shame and guilt with the circumstances surrounding his death. I talked to him multiple times a day when he was hospitalized and nearly every day prior to that. He knew I loved him very much, but I get so upset thinking about him dying alone without the comforts of my sister and me. I'm hardly able to look at photos of him and definitely

cannot watch videos of him or listen to my saved voicemails from him without turning into an absolute mess, which is typically frowned upon when out in public. Thus, I generally compartmentalize my grief and stuff it down, hardly ever allowing myself to think about him. My kids were five and eight when he passed and were definitely old enough to have a meaningful relationship with him. I want to keep his memory alive and preserve the special moments they shared with him, but I have a hard time seeing or hearing his voice and keeping my composure. Any advice is greatly appreciated Mandy. Oh, Mandy, Mandy. Pan, thank you guys for having me. This is our special guest, Sarah Borellas.

Hi, Mandy. Hi, Sarah. Did I say that, right? Nice to meet you. It's so nice. You did. You nailed it. Oh, honey, you have to forgive yourself. You have to give yourself some grace. The first thing that he would say to you is forgive yourself. He does not want you to suffer in this way. He doesn't. I know this. Nobody wants that for you. And you're beating yourself up over something that you can't change and it happened. And it's okay. It's okay. You have to start living with the light and spirit of him. And looking at videos and looking at photos. You have to bring him back into your life in that loving way. And you have to forgive yourself. Don't you guys agree? Absolutely. I couldn't agree. Nobody wants you to suffer this way, certainly not your father.

I also feel something that I have learned about grief is that it must be witnessed. And in order for you to relate to the grief differently, you have to share it. And I think take it or leave it, but I think you should share it with your kids. and I think you should create a little ceremony and talk about your dad. And you guys bring out a picture of him and put on his favorite music and just make your own little ritual that holds space for the loss of him and the love of him, which are in equal measure. And there is nothing you could have done differently, you know? Like the choices that were made were the choices that were made. And there's no right or wrong there.

But I totally agree. The forgiveness is first and then share that grief, baby. Share it. Because people can hold it with you. And you'll feel closer to him and you'll feel closer to yourself and to your kids and your family. The more you just allow yourself to really feel it. Yeah. I love that idea of doing that with your kids.

Absolutely. And as soon as you start to let this out, and it's going to come out. And it's going to be like a little bit much for you to handle. And it's going to be beautiful also. And it's going to be a great lesson for your kids to see you deal with that and let it happen. And for them to also join you in that is going to be really good for the rest of their lives. To see that you can work through something and difficult emotions. and you can share it and you don't have to bottle it up and you don't have to look away

and put the picture or the videos away because of your own guilt. Like, there's no room for any guilt here. Your father loves you and loves you, you know? So, like, invoke him in everything that you're doing to honor him instead of pushing him away because he doesn't want that either. He wants to be with you. So let him in. Totally.

Thank you. I appreciate that. You guys, I didn't expect to come on here and just, like, immediately. start crying. So I apologize. That's okay. No, that's okay. Please don't apologize. I think what you said is really beautiful. I think it can be right under the surface, even though, like, obviously, you know,

you're not crying every single day. It's been a few years, but like, if it's right under the surface, then it is something to, like, work through. And set yourself some times to, like, okay, I'm going to have some quiet time. I have an hour tonight. And like, you know, after you do the ceremony with your kids, like, take some more times. Maybe if it's, it's, it's, it's even once a week to go through those voicemails and go through pictures and spend time with him. The other thing I would recommend is the light between us, Laurel and Jackson. I think that would be a good book for you to read because she talks about continuing the conversation with our loved ones after their past and forgiveness that can happen, undoing of guilt and shame after the person has passed. And Sarah and I were just having a conversation.

So listen to this episode of the podcast because she was talking about transmission and with her song. writing and her friend that had passed away. And it's a really beautiful reminder when you read that book to ask for a sign from your loved one, like your dad, ask him for something that only you and him would know about. And I promise you, it will show up. He will show up. My sign with my mom is oranges when they're out of place. I love that. So like, just ask for it. And I promise you. And then you, and then it becomes a living thing. Like, you're pushing him away. Bring him back. you know and you just have grace for yourself because this is a huge opportunity to show your children something really valuable about life. I don't know if you guys have seen the movie Coco,

but my dad was full Mexican. I'm half Mexican and so every November we celebrate Dia de los Murtos and something, a big fear of mine is that by not talking about him with my kids, they'll eventually just forget his memory and I don't want to forget the sound of his voice or the sound of of his laugh. But again, at the same time, it's just been so painful. But I like what you said, Catherine, about like setting aside that time. Because oftentimes I'm like, oh, I should listen to a voicemail or I should watch that one video that I really love of him. And then I'm like, no, I have a dinner tonight where I don't want my eyes to be all puffy. You're like, I've already done my makeup. So it's pretty inconvenient to start crying out of nowhere. So I'll just like save it and

just keep like pushing it off, pushing it off. I really like what you said about setting inside that time and creating those rituals so that I won't forget what it sounds like. But also my kids. who were so young, but definitely old enough to know him and remember him, I don't want them to forget him either. Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. And you will get to a point, like, once you've purged enough and listen to that stuff enough, that you will be able to smile and laugh when you hear his voice and look at his

pictures. Totally. Well, thank you guys. Really appreciate you taking the time. Thank you, Andy. Yeah. I appreciate you calling in. Sorry for your loss.

Thank you. Take care. All right. Thanks. It's... Baby girl. I know. That is one of those things that will make me cry any time as hearing a song from Coco.

Oh, yeah. I love that. That'll get you. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I forgot that movie. That was it wasn't... When was that? A few years ago?

Yeah, maybe. Quite a few years ago, I think. Seven, eight, something? The thing that bumps me so much about when people call in about that, like, we've had this before, and it's, like, usually a parent, right? Mm-hmm. Where they can't... They're stuck.

stuck. We were talking about it. And it's the opposite of what our parents want for us. Like, they don't want us to suffer in the aftermath of their death. Yeah. That's not what anybody wants for anyone. Like, they're gone. They're in a, they're in a better place. You have to believe that. You know, like, so it's like self-flagellation basically is all your accomplishment. It's like, you're making yourself, you know, you're placing all the blame. You want to blame someone. And so you, and you're like, okay, I have to blame myself if you have no one else to blame. Right. Well, our next caller is Heaven. And Heaven. Heaven. Oh, wow.

Yes. She's from New York. And she says, Dear Chelsea, my name is Heaven. I'm turning 29 in August. I live in Brooklyn and I'm facing an overwhelming abundance of paths I could go down. Oh. I grew up as that music girl. Leads in all my high school productions, performing in child professional shows and other local theaters. My entire personality was music. During my 20s, I strayed away from my purpose and was living my life. more as a party girl, still having pop-up performances at 72-hour parties until about three years ago. After many psychedelic journeys, I realized there's only one thing on this earth for me, and I need to buckle down and get serious about this purpose and gift. So here we are in 26. I finally have been receiving all these messages as to how to fall into alignment with my end goal

and share my voice with the world. One, I'm feeling beaten down by the cheesy and inauthentic ways we have to promote ourselves on Instagram to be acknowledged by the algorithm, which I'm having no luck in. I'm learning how to produce, which is a masochistic endeavor. It feels like I'm staring into a window of my life and it's locked and I can't get in. Two, I know this is so 29 of me. But now that I'm finally embracing music as a real career, I feel overwhelmed by the options and don't know the order of operations to invest in. I want to be a producer.

I'm working so hard at being a rock star. I could see myself going back to Broadway if I buckled down. I could pursue voice acting or demo work. With all these options, how do I know what to invest in first? Wow. Hi, Heaven. Hi, Heaven. This is our special guest, Sarah Borellis.

There's hi. Hi. Sounds like you have a big, bright future ahead of you. Thank you. Yeah. I don't know. Where does one begin? I mean, Sarah, you're a jack-of-all-trades.

You do lots of different stuff. Same girl, same. So, you know what I hear in your writing is that I don't know if you're entirely clear on where you really want to go. When you say your purpose is music, tell me more. Just tell me more first.

So I've been singing since I was three. It's the thing that brings me the most catharsis and also like altruistic joy when transferring that and giving that to other people helps me as like therapy, songwriting especially. And I'm sure, I know you relate with all of your musicals and what you do, but like,

there's just that feeling you get when you're singing and the vibrations and it's like pushing out. And you could just like, I don't know, it's like otherworldly. And I know that you're so right when you were saying like, you don't really like know exactly how to like form that into like a specific path. Yeah. And I think, yeah, that's where I'm, that's where. I'm at. Yeah. I mean, first I would say that you don't necessarily have to choose one.

Like, doing voiceover work is not going to cancel out something else. But I think there is a world, like I have, my partner has ADHD. I have a lot of best friends that have a lot of ADHD. And there is something that have, do you have ADHD? Yes. Yes. That's what I hear in your, in your message is that you're stuck in the sort of hurricane of possibilities so you're not making any singular decision and that is something that you can literally pick any one of those paths but you just have to you know get beyond the decision making because you can stay there forever you can say it not like should I or shouldn't I and I also think medicinal like medicine for this like inability to choose like around performance at least is performing if you if you love that

feeling of singing for people put yourself in in spaces where you get to do that and there will be more and more clarity that comes from that and I don't know if that means joining a choir or volunteering somewhere or like there are places where you can exercise that that aren't just book a Broadway show do you know what I mean like you can you can utilize that part of yourself, whether you're doing, you know, songwriting or just singing or any and all of the above. But I think action, actually putting yourself in motion is going to be really clarifying, I think. Thank you. But I don't know. I think so too. I think it sounds like you do know. It sounds like you're a doctor and I'm the doctor in office. So move over. I, yeah, I think you should just,

you need to take a step in one direction and then don't rule anything. out, but just start, I agree with everything Sarah said. She's absolutely right on the money. A, to spot your ADHD, which I wouldn't have. But I think you just have to start taking steps in one direction. Like, okay, pursue a voiceover, you know, career. What are you going to have to do to do that? You can do, and then, and then you know what you love. That's the first thing. You know what you love to do. You just said it so beautifully. So like, that's, you're going to do everything to do that, make that your career and make that of your living and that can look in all the different ways that you stated, all the different options, but just move in the direction of go get yourself, you know, how are you

going to get auditions? Do you have a voiceover agent? Do you have somebody who's going to help you perform you? Like, where are you going to perform your music? You know, you have to start making a plan and just doing these things and then living that life, you know? Like, I think sometimes we do get lost in the plans, you know, like, and then before you know it, you're like, wait, wait, wait a second. This is now, you know, four more years go by. So you just have to start doing what you love and start taking the steps that are going to get you to actually have all of those things. And because anything is possible. You're right.

Like I don't really specifically have to choose. They're kind of all in the same vein. As long as I like don't get lost in the decision paralysis of it all. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's right. This is also a place where writing stuff down might be really helpful. I know for me when I've written down like, okay,

here's what I want my life to look like or the new job or the whatever to look like in five years. That kind of always comes to fruition. You get really specific. Talk about exactly what you want things to look like. And you might get there in a different way than you are imagining it. But there's something really powerful in writing down. Like here's what I want my life to look like in X amount of time. Yeah.

I really also liked what you, Sarah, what you said about just like go to the place. that you could do this. And I think that a lot of what's been coming up for me is like, play, have fun. Because, like, what is it other than, like, having fun? And, like, so, like, I'll go to, like, jam nights and stuff. Like, there's so many things here in New York, like, to be a part of. Like, and so, yeah, like, going to a dance class. There's, like, a sapphic dance class for, like, you know, gay girls, you know?

And, like, we can go out there and just, like, learn a little dance routine and kind of, like, get into that creativity and, yeah, just having more fun, maybe. Yeah. And I think that like especially in the music industry, there is no harm in diversifying your skill sets, your crafts, like the things you've been familiar with. The people I get suspect up for the people that are like, I'm also a like I'm a life coach and a chef. Linguist. I'm a Majong coach. But I think if you're pursuing, you know, creative expression in all the different ways. it shows up. Yeah, enjoy. Enjoy the fact that you have gifts to share and that you like sharing them. That's amazing. Yeah, that is a gift in it itself. Totally. Wow. Thank you guys so much. I really am completely like Starstruck in like all of the ways right now. It's not even funny. Well, good. You have no excuses now. You got advice from the people you.

Thank you. I think I could shout out my band real quick. Sure. They call her heaven. I'm everywhere. Spotify, Apple Music. It's like Joan Jet Blondie style. Oh, cute. I like that. That's a great title. They call her Heaven.

Thanks, Heaven. Thank you. Bye. Bye. Thank you. Get Bell, Pure Fiber Internet with Crave, Netflix, and Disney Plus. From $94 a month, price guaranteed for two years on internet with a two-year term and auto pay credit. Visit bell.com for details and to check availability.

Bell, connection is everything. When I was 14 years old, I was kidnapped and had. held captive for nine months. I survived and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them. I'm Elizabeth Smart and these are the survivor files. I just remember this low, taunting voice next to my ear saying, shut up, don't say anything. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable. I knew if he woke up, without a doubt, he was going to hurt me. started feeling that there was someone at the end of my bed and I just started screaming.

They are abducted, stalked, controlled and nearly silenced. But these aren't stories about what's taken from them. There's stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to the Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast Solita, we share the messy reality. of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B.

I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first. I'm on a mission to reclaim the word solita, trading the pity for possibility. Every time I tried to be alone, I kept meeting people, and they were like, you smiled at us.

Not a lot of people smile around. here. It's when you're alone that you're most receptive to the world as it is and not the lies you're sold about it. It can be a time where you push your limits, change your mind, or wake up to a new version of yourself. So whether you're a solo travel veteran or you're too nervous to book your first trip, I hope you listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your for you page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. This is Prose Society, the weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for thought

daughters, pop culture obsessives, and anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse. I'm Eli Rallo, and every week we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and the conversations everyone can't stop having. I'm going to have to look up this story. I'm obsessed. So obsessed. From bestselling authors and your favorite book talk creators to latest pop culture moments, nothing is off the table. It's like if you can hide some real messages inside compelling characters, then that is a Trojan horse. Whether you're looking for literary deep dives, smart pop culture conversations, or a community of readers who love to think a little too much, you're in the right place. Listen to pro society on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. See you between the pages. Oh, that was good, spotting. A good on you for spotting that ADHD. I was like, wow. I have, I just like the people I love the most all have it. When you, how long did you do waitress for on Broadway? I was in it for a few different like little stints that the first one was 12 weeks. Then I did 10 weeks and then I did like six weeks or something.

And did you like that schedule on Broadway? Oh, I loved it. Yeah. What I'll say about being on Broadway, the only thing that I don't like about it is there is a low-grade anxiety about getting sick all the time. Yeah. Like that you're just always worried like, am I going to be healthy enough to do the show? And, you know, yeah, so it adjusts your lifestyle.

You're just like, you're kind of just living, working to do the show, to be able to do the show, which I love doing. But it's like a little tickle in your throat. You're like, okay. How many times do you know how many times you had to, did you miss any shows? I did miss a few shows. Yeah. There was one show where I, my voice disappeared in.

the middle of a song. Like I just, I could feel it starting to go. I could just feel it starting and I almost, I couldn't get through the song by the end of the song. And then I left at intermission. And at intermission, my understudy, shout out to Steph Torrens. My understudy Stephanie Torrens went on and I was like, I'm not doing act too. It was horrifying. And I have, and I've had a time where like I had family fly in to see the show and to see my performance and they were there for one night and I couldn't go on. And they were so sweet about it. But it was just, you can't if it ain't there i know yeah you can't do anything about what about oh mary would you do that oh my god hilarious yeah totally yeah that would be good oh my god it's so funny you should play mary todd lincoln

yeah i love that oh it's so fun it's so fun to see all the different people do it i know they really cracked a cool code with that one yeah i'm so happy for all of them oh yeah yeah have you have you yeah i think i saw it right in the beginning yeah i've seen it now a few times i haven't I need to go back and see it, actually. Well, it's coming to L.A. Oh, it is? Yeah, yeah. Oh, okay.

Well, then I'll see it again. Alaska Thunderfark. I've never seen a play in L.A. That's not true. It can't be true. We were just talking about this on the way here, actually, about, like, just theater culture in L.A. is just not as robust. It's not that it doesn't exist.

Yes. But it's just not top of mind for people in a way that, like, it's so identified with New York City. It's just like, yeah, Broadway. I know. You go to New York and you're like, oh, okay, I've got to go see a play. Yeah. You go to London, you're like, I've got to go see a play.

Well, Sarah, it's been a pleasure of talking to you. I'm so happy to see you both. I'm so happy. Congratulations on being married. Thanks. Congratulations on your new album. Thank you. Good grief.

Everybody can download that. Or they can go to your music. Well, they can buy tickets. You're going on tour. I am going on tour. So they can go to your... They can't buy tickets because it's sold out, which is a great thing to say. But you know what I can say?

That's awesome. It's awesome. I'm going to come. Yeah. Even though it's sold out, I'm going to insert myself. I know a guy. But I will say that we made a beautiful film called Good Grief. That is like a companion piece to the record that was about the making of the music.

So that comes out September 2nd. So people can buy tickets. They can go to my website and check that out and get tickets to go see this film, which is not the same as seeing the concert, but, you know, they can see something. And they can access your music wherever they want. Yes. Right? Yeah, you do you on all the platforms.

Not for us, but you do you. Okay. Thank you, Sarah. Thank you. If you want advice from Chelsea, write in to Dear Chelsea podcast at gmail.com. Dear Chelsea is a production of Iheart media. Follow Chelsea on all socials at Chelsea Handler and find Catherine on TikTok at Flashcadabra. Dear Chelsea is edited and engineered by Brandon Dickert, executive producer Catherine Law.

Find full video episodes and minisodes now on Netflix and get tickets. to see Chelsea Live at Chelseahammer.com. I survived nine months in captivity, and I've spent my life exploring how other people survive what should have destroyed them. I'm Elizabeth Smart, and these are the Survivor Files. Every week, I'm with survivors who live through the unthinkable, abducted, stalked, controlled, and nearly silenced.

These are stories about what it takes to make it out alive. Listen to the Survivor Files with Elizabeth Smart on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the new podcast, Solita, we share the messy reality of traveling alone as a woman. I can wait four hours for the next bus or this random dude is offering me a ride on his motorcycle. I chose option B. I'm Julie Pinero, and I travel by myself because it's a rare space where I can say yes without asking anyone else first.

I'm on a mission to reclaim the word Solita, trading the best. pity for possibility. Listen to Solita on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If your bookshelf and your For You page are equally important to your personality, welcome home. Pro Society is a weekly podcast that's part book club, part group chat for anyone who thinks Pride and Prejudice and Love Island deserve the same level of discourse. Each week, we're connecting the dots between books, the internet, and pop culture with your favorite writers, book talk creators, and plenty of overthought opinions. Yeah, I'm obsessed.

I'm obsessed. Listen to pro society on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So by age 11 or so, at least 70% have a phone. I'm Dr. Joy, and this is therapy for black girls. We spend our surviving middle school run getting into what's happening inside your kids' brain, the group chats, and their friendships, and what you can do about it. Your child is not doing this on purpose. That's the kind of perspective.

we've been pulling from the psychologists and psychiatrists who studied this for a living. Listen to Therapy for Black Girls on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.