Dear Chelsea, this week somebody tried to scam me by inviting me to be on Chelsea Handler’s podcast. And if you are familiar with this scam, this time they are switching it up and offering no money!

It’s not like anybody is ever going to get the money, but still, I’d like to be offered the usual $3-$5,000 to be scammed.

The podcast scam has been going on for several years now, but they keep changing the celebrity and this time they’ve targeted Chelsea Handler.

Dear Chelsea Podcast Scam Details

The scam e-mail reaches out pretty much the same way as they other ones, using a Gmail address. I was intrigued by this one because they weren’t offering any money. So I messaged them to ask why and they had an answer ready:

“Thanks for getting back to me! Our guest appearances are not compensated — we approach them as collaborative conversations that give guests the opportunity to share their work and perspectives with Chelsea’s audience across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.”

So my next question is how do they do the podcast. I’m figuring that’s where they would drop the Facebook bomb, and I was right.

“Thanks for your question! The Dear Chelsea podcast is recorded live using Meta’s Live feature, which allows us to stream directly on both Facebook and Instagram at the same time. You’ll join the session from your own Facebook or Instagram account, and once you accept the live request, the conversation will be broadcast to Chelsea’s audience in real time. Would you like me to share some available dates so we can get you set up?”

There it is! And this is where they get you. They will offer to help “get you set up” by tricking you into giving them Facebook or Instagram access, where they then take control of your page and kick you out.

Chelsea Handler Podcast

The Dear Chelsea podcast is NOT broadcast live on Facebook or Instagram. There are not even full episodes available on her Facebook page.

Instead there are short clips and instructions that direct viewers to YouTube or iHeartRadio as the platforms where the full episodes can be watched or listened to.

I wrote back to the scammers and pointed this out, but still played along, asking if it was a special episode or something. I have yet to hear back.

So don’t be fooled by this one. I get these scam e-mails so often that if a big podcast ever really did message me I’d probably not believe them!

I think they are trying for a more realistic angle now and they’ve caught on that big podcasts don’t usually offer random bloggers thousands of dollars to be on their show.

Dear Chelsea

Launched on May 6, 2021, Dear Chelsea began as part of the iHeartRadio Original Podcast lineup. Initially co-hosted with Brandon Marlo, and now joined by Catherine Law, the show was born from Handler’s desire to move beyond celebrity interviews. After two years of intensive therapy, she craved conversations with “real people” about real-life challenges—love, loss, friendship, personal growth, and yes, even the awkward stuff.

This was a creative shift for Handler, who had spent years in the fast-paced world of television. With Dear Chelsea, she found a platform that allowed for deeper connection, human stories, and advice delivered with her signature blend of compassion and sharp humor.

What the Podcast Is All About

Each week, Handler and Law tackle listener-submitted questions and dilemmas. No topic is off limits—romantic breakups, complicated family dynamics, grief, career crossroads, or just figuring out how to be a better friend. Episodes often swing from laugh-out-loud funny to unexpectedly emotional, and celebrity guests like Rob Lowe, Naomi Watts, Antoni Porowski, and Tinx join in to share their perspectives.

The format is conversational, candid, and occasionally unfiltered, but that’s exactly what keeps listeners hooked. Fans often say it feels less like listening to a podcast and more like sitting down with an outspoken, hilarious friend who isn’t afraid to tell you the truth.

Where to Listen or Watch

You can catch Dear Chelsea across these platforms: (note that Facebook and Instagram are not on the list!)

• iHeartRadio – The podcast’s home base.
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music (Podcasts)
• YouTube – Video clips and full episodes

Let me know if Chelsea has reached out to you as well! And in the mean time, if you get any offers for podcasts appearances from major celebrities, chosen for a mural on Instagram, or a big company wants to collab but needs money for shipping, send those e-mails right to the trash.