Life Will Be the Death of Me with Chelsea Handler
Hosted by Chelsea Handler
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode features a conversation between host Chelsea Handler and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who discuss politics, the Democratic party, governance, and the challenges women face in public leadership. Governor Whitmer shares her experiences dealing with political adversaries, handling ICE and state-level policy independent of federal mandates, and managing the emotional toll of political losses by binge-watching television. They also discuss the importance of upcoming midterms, grassroots organizing, and how to stay resilient. Later in the episode, they advise a listener navigating a painful political and cultural rift with her teenage nephew.
The episode opens with a series of product advertisements and a brief introduction before transitioning to the main interview.
Whitmer discusses Michigan’s role as a bellwether state, the importance of unity within the Democratic Party, and her support for candidates like Abdul Al‑Sayed.
Chelsea Handler greets Governor Whitmer, setting the stage for a conversation about Michigan politics and the upcoming midterms.
Whitmer explains how governors can counter federal policies, citing examples such as the National Guard, SNAP, and ICE enforcement.
Whitmer shares personal experiences of sexism, her strategies for empowering women, and the growing presence of women in statewide offices.
The conversation turns to emerging issues like artificial intelligence, climate change, and U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding Canada and the auto industry.
Whitmer urges listeners to stay engaged, register voters, and support Democratic candidates to counter anti‑democratic trends and restore international credibility.
Discussion of Michigan politicians’ tactics to win elections by shifting positions on the Iran war and gas prices.
Brief ad break for Rasmussen University and OnDeck loans, then return to conversation.
Governor Whitmer explains tabletop exercises and past collaborations to protect Michigan’s elections.
Whitmer shares coping strategies for dealing with criticism and protecting her family.
Whitmer recounts how Detroit supporters coined her nickname and turned it into a badge of honor.
Governor Whitmer recounts how Emily's List sent her a male debate coach who advised her to draw a smiley face on her notes, which annoyed her.
Building a Diverse Coalitionstrategy
Governor Whitmer explains how winning Michigan requires building a broad, diverse coalition across different communities and listening to voters.
Coping with Election Lossesstory
Governor Whitmer shares how she coped with the disappointment of the 2024 election by turning off social media and watching eight seasons of Dexter.
The Wisdom of Ruth Bader Ginsburginsight
Governor Whitmer explains how she handles facing Donald Trump face-to-face by applying Ruth Bader Ginsburg's advice on marriage: going deaf once in a while.
Standing Up in an Elevatorstory
Governor Whitmer recalls a moment when a male senator tried to intimidate her about her attendance record, and how she shut him down by citing her medical and personal history.
Advising a Estranged Auntstrategy
Chelsea Handler and Governor Whitmer coach a caller who cut off her nephew after a political and cultural dispute during a trip, advising her to extend an olive branch.
“The governor is the Commander in Chief of the State National Guard. If you are trying to misuse the military to harm people, it is a governor who can stand up and say, no, you're not going to use my National Guard for your agenda in Washington DC.”
“I don't. And, but by the same token, we're all dealing with the, you know, outcomes of the decisions they're making.”
“No, it's because they want to get elected.”
“When you're the first, there's so much pressure, pressure and you're trying to make people comfortable with, you know, your ability to lead.”
“Like, if you're out of his life, then the only input he's getting is from this, like, girlfriend's family.”
Big Gretch is here to chat with Chelsea about the state of the Union, what she’s doing to inspire more women to run for office, and the healing power of Dexter Morgan. Then: A queer Aunt becomes estranged from her nephew after a drag brunch gone wrong. * Need some advice from Chelsea? Email us at [email protected] mailto:[email protected] * 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 https://omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
14,737 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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