Ep 16. Cocaine Kingpins & the Science of Sleep

Chelsea is an American talk show that focuses on current events, pop culture, and politics. Hosted by comedian and actress Chelsea Handler, the show features interviews with celebrities, politicians, and experts on a wide range of topics.

In episode 16 of season 1, titled "Cocaine Kingpins & the Science of Sleep," Chelsea dives into two seemingly unrelated topics: drug traffickers and sleep. She starts the show by discussing recent headlines about a group of Mexican drug dealers who were caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the US by disguising it as carrots. Chelsea uses the story as a launching point to discuss the broader issue of drug trafficking and America's war on drugs.

To explore the topic in more detail, Chelsea interviews Sanho Tree, a drug policy expert who works at the Institute for Policy Studies. Tree argues that the war on drugs is a failure and that the US needs to focus on treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal justice issue. Chelsea also talks to Jose Arreola, a former drug trafficker who now works as a motivational speaker, about his experiences in the drug trade and why he ultimately decided to turn his life around.

After the serious conversation about drug trafficking, Chelsea shifts gears to talk about the importance of sleep. She interviews Dr. Michael Breus, a clinical psychologist and sleep specialist, about the science of sleep and how getting enough rest can improve our physical and mental health. Dr. Breus explains the four different chronotypes (or biological sleep patterns) that humans can fall into and shares some tips for improving sleep quality and duration.

Throughout the episode, Chelsea injects her trademark humor and irreverence into the conversations. She jokes about her own experiences with sleeping pills and deadpans that she wishes she could be a "dolphin chronotype" so she could function on only two hours of sleep a night. However, she also tackles serious issues like drug addiction and the failed war on drugs with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

Overall, "Cocaine Kingpins & the Science of Sleep" is a thought-provoking episode that covers two very different topics in an engaging and informative way. It showcases Chelsea's ability to mix humor with serious commentary and features expert guests who bring depth and nuance to the discussions. Whether you're interested in drug policy or just want to learn more about how to get a good night's sleep, this episode has something for everyone.