Pete Holmes, the acclaimed comedian known for his insightful humor and popular podcast “You Made It Weird,” has captured the hearts of many. While Holmes often shares glimpses into his comedic world, his personal life, especially his relationship with his wife, Valerie Chaney, remains more private. Married for over six years, Valerie Chaney is more than just Pete Holmes’ wife; she’s a multifaceted individual with her own passions and achievements. While Pete’s social media is primarily dedicated to his career, Valerie offers a more intimate look into their family life through her public Instagram account. Let’s delve into the life of Valerie Chaney and discover what makes her an intriguing personality in her own right.
Dance and Fitness Enthusiast
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-2-7a2cee042752432c9df1cd066852ff94.jpg)
Valerie Chaney pictured alongside her husband Pete Holmes at an entertainment event.
Valerie Chaney’s Instagram account is vibrant with her love for dance and fitness. She has established herself as a dedicated dance fitness instructor at a wellness center nestled in Ojai, California, sharing her passion for movement and well-being with her community. Her posts frequently feature dynamic dance videos, showcasing her energy and skill in various dance styles. In March 2022, she enthusiastically promoted an event where she led a cardio dance class and facilitated communal dancing, highlighting her commitment to making dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone. One glowing review from a class participant perfectly encapsulates Valerie’s teaching style, describing it as “like watching a 12 year old girl have a dance party in her bedroom… Except she’s friendly and inclusive and very skillful at teaching you how to join in the fun!” This testimonial speaks volumes about her infectious enthusiasm and ability to create a welcoming and effective learning environment.
Meditation Practitioner and Guide
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-4-d3c61077a1bc4da09f0fd75deca5d19c.jpg)
Pete Holmes and Valerie Chaney attending the premiere of ‘Heretic’ in Beverly Hills, California.
Beyond her physical fitness pursuits, Valerie Chaney is deeply involved in the practice of meditation and mindfulness. She not only practices meditation herself but also guides others on their mindfulness journeys. In November 2022, she advertised a virtual day-long meditation retreat on her Instagram, offering a comprehensive program that included yoga, meditation, and mindful movement. This retreat demonstrates her dedication to sharing the benefits of mindfulness with a wider audience. Prior to that, in October of the same year, she promoted an online mindfulness course that incorporated meditation practices, further emphasizing her role as a meditation teacher and advocate for mental well-being. Interestingly, meditation is a shared interest between Valerie and Pete Holmes. Pete has openly discussed his own meditation practice in interviews, even stating in a 2019 CNN appearance, “I feel like I’m meditating all the time. I never stop meditating. I’m so happy to share this practice, and that’s what it is, a practice.” This shared passion for meditation likely forms a strong connection in their relationship and provides a foundation for mutual understanding and support.
A Hot Air Balloon Engagement Story
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-3-a161170dde84442ba998cc7750dcd596.jpg)
Pete Holmes proposes to Valerie Chaney in a hot air balloon, capturing a memorable engagement moment.
Pete Holmes’ proposal to Valerie Chaney is a unique and amusing anecdote that perfectly reflects their personalities. In February 2017, Pete proposed to Valerie in a hot air balloon, a gesture he revealed was inspired by Valerie mentioning her desire to experience a hot air balloon ride early in their relationship. He announced their engagement on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a photo of their embrace amidst the scenic backdrop. However, the proposal wasn’t without its comedic hiccups. As Pete recounted to the Los Angeles Times in 2018, the hot air balloon pilot inadvertently became an unexpected part of the intimate moment. Confined in the small wicker basket, the pilot was in close proximity, making Pete feel flustered and disrupting his planned romantic proposal. Adding to the awkwardness, after Pete popped the question, the pilot responded with a moment of silence followed by, “A lot of girls say ‘no.’” Despite the pilot’s unintentionally humorous interjection, Valerie found the entire situation funny and endearing. Pete fondly recalled her reaction, “We knew a story had just happened. That’s who you marry, not the girl who says, ‘That wasn’t what I wanted.’” Their ability to find humor in unexpected situations and embrace imperfections seems to be a key ingredient in their relationship. The couple officially tied the knot in October 2017, and they continue to celebrate their milestones on social media, including their fifth wedding anniversary, demonstrating their enduring bond.
Parents to Daughter Lila
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(799×0:801×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-5-e04557adbdb14fd59b2bc1fc708a75a9.jpg)
Pete Holmes and Valerie Chaney pictured affectionately with their daughter Lila.
Valerie and Pete Holmes are loving parents to their daughter, Lila. In July 2018, Valerie playfully announced her pregnancy on Instagram with a photo of Pete affectionately snuggling her baby bump, accompanied by the humorous caption, “Does this pregnancy make me look fat? And a little cross-eyed?” The arrival of their daughter, Lila, was officially announced on September 25, 2018, again via an Instagram post. Valerie shared heartwarming photos of baby Lila wrapped in a blanket, expressing her joy and optimism in the caption: “Welcome to the world Baby Lila! There’s laughter and music and dogs and bubbles and even when there’s pain and suffering there’s always love and light to be found. Living is an act of hope. You’re gonna love it!” In January 2023, Valerie shared a sweet family photo featuring herself, Pete, and Lila cuddling on a couch, captioning it with relatable parenting humor: “Happy New Year from us! Here’s to unbrushed hair, too much TV and being madly in love!” These glimpses into their family life portray a warm, loving, and down-to-earth family dynamic.
Co-hosts of “We Made It Weird” Podcast
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(999×0:1001×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-6-a6053570b524491e9721c7516846e604.jpg)
Valerie Chaney and Pete Holmes attending HBO’s “Crashing” premiere event.
Valerie Chaney and Pete Holmes share more than just a personal life; they also collaborate professionally in the podcasting world. Pete Holmes is well-known for his successful comedy podcast, “You Made It Weird,” where he interviews celebrity guests. In August 2020, he launched a spin-off podcast titled “We Made It Weird,” which features Valerie as his co-host. Unlike the original show, “We Made It Weird” focuses on conversations between Pete and Valerie, offering listeners an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into their dynamic as a couple. They engage in discussions and banter similar to “You Made It Weird,” but without celebrity interviews, allowing their personalities and relationship to take center stage. This podcast provides a platform for Valerie to showcase her own voice and humor alongside her comedic husband, further solidifying their partnership in both life and creative endeavors.
Expressive Poet
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/pete-holmes-valerie-chaney-7-7d04455fb8914f6e8749cfe9eeeb82ab.jpg)
Valerie Chaney and Pete Holmes at the Opening Night Of “Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man And The Pool”.
Adding another layer to her multifaceted personality, Valerie Chaney is a poet. Amidst her dance videos, family snapshots, and travel photos on Instagram, she occasionally shares snippets of her original poetry. In June 2023, she posted a photo featuring a fragment of one of her poems, which read, “You might not remember / So I’ll remember for you / What you said that summer night.” This glimpse into her poetic side reveals a sensitive and introspective dimension to Valerie, showcasing her creativity beyond the realms of dance and fitness. Her poetry offers another avenue for her to express herself and connect with her audience on a deeper emotional level.
In conclusion, Valerie Chaney is not just Pete Holmes’ wife; she is a dynamic individual with a thriving career as a dance and fitness instructor, a dedicated meditation practitioner and teacher, a loving mother, a podcast co-host, and a poet. She and Pete Holmes appear to have a supportive and loving partnership built on shared interests, mutual humor, and a strong family foundation. Valerie Chaney’s life is a testament to pursuing one’s passions and embracing multiple facets of oneself, making her an inspiring figure in her own right.
