Podcast Summary: Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Side Dish: More with Colton Underwood (February 5, 2026)

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In this lively, candid “side dish” episode, Jesse Tyler Ferguson sits down at The Butcher’s Daughter in West Hollywood for an additional chat with Colton Underwood, known for his turns on The Bachelor and the latest season of The Traitors. Over healthy L.A. food, the friends dive deep into the messy, humorous, and heartfelt realities of life on (and off) reality TV, fatherhood, public scrutiny, and the evolution of their lives and careers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Reality TV Savvy

• Colton's Reality TV Resume
  Colton jokes about being a “seasoned reality TV professional,” rattling off his impressive tally: The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, The Bachelor, Coming Out Colton, The Masked Singer, Name That Tune, Beyond the Edge (celebrity Survivor-style show), and more.

  “This was my tenth show. So, like, by this time…” – Justin Mikita [04:10]

• Differences Between Acting and Reality TV
  Justin points out it's hard to “put the participant hat back on and just play dumb” after so many shows:

  “I know when a bunch of cameras come in a room, shit’s about to go down.” – Justin Mikita [05:19]
  They discuss how reality TV requires balancing authenticity with gameplay—unlike scripted acting.

• Surviving on The Traitors
  Jesse and Colton dissect why comedic personalities often go home early on The Traitors:

  “Nobody wants like a funny guy there or a smart ass or like anybody with sarcasm." – Justin Mikita [07:53]
  Jesse reflects he might fare better because he doesn't "lead with comedy.”
  “People find me funny after a while when they get to know me… but I don’t lead with it. Which I think disappoints some people because they’re like, ‘Oh, that's the guy from Modern Family. Why is he not making me laugh more?’” – Jesse Tyler Ferguson [08:20]

• Game vs. Show
  The trio discusses the unique pressures of being both entertainment and contestant—a complex dance everyone's trying to master.

Traitors Cast Camaraderie

• Housewives and Support
  Justin shares his fondness for Dorinda from Real Housewives, describing her as “like an auntie,” supportive on and off camera.

  “She is really grounded and actually cares about the person, which is rare.” – Justin Mikita [06:24]

• Finding ‘The Gays’
  Colton laughs about being thrilled at the greater number of out gay men this season and says they're “in the faithful group chat.”

  “There were. This is fun. Yeah. I don't have a lot of gay friends, so, like, I need more.” – Justin Mikita [07:18]

• Pickleball and Celebrity Connections
  Justin tells of his friendship with Mark Ballas (from Dancing With the Stars) via pickleball matches.

Alan Cumming & the Power of Hosting

• Alan Cumming’s Theatrical Presence
  They describe host Alan Cumming as always “in character,” raising the bar of what a reality host can be:

  “He is theatrical. He’s moving his hands. He’s so professional. He stays in his bit the entire time—like, it is his castle, we are playing his game.” – Justin Mikita [14:23]

• Fashion Evolution on The Traitors
  They highlight Alan’s evolving wardrobe game, crediting stylist Sam Spector. Justin details the efforts of “eight fittings” for his show looks, blending high-end clothes with $7 Amazon pearl neckties.

  “I will wear a thousand dollar shirt, but then a seven dollar necktie. Because I just love being able to play… I grew up shopping at Kohl’s.” – Justin Mikita [17:15]

Moving, Farming & Life After Hollywood

• The LA/Industry Exodus
  Justin talks about wanting to leave the city for a more idyllic, privacy-focused life with “a few chickens and land.”

  “I’m at this point where… I just want a few chickens and I want land.” – Justin Mikita [20:43]

• Raising Boys as Gay Dads
  With their second child on the way (another boy via embryo selection), Justin and Colton reflect on the importance of siblings for support, especially with gay parents:

  “I want them to be able to, like… have each other to sort of lean on… through that.” – Colton Underwood [22:38]

Reflections on Growth and Public Identity

• From Bachelor to Today
  Colton contemplates his tumultuous journey—from being a closeted football player to a Bachelor to a public gay dad:

  “I came out of the closet because I had such a public downfall… I don’t know if there was a path for Colton to come out if I didn’t have as sharp a downfall as I had publicly. I think it sort of forced my hand in, like, a beautiful way.” – Colton Underwood [24:13]

• Handling Online Criticism
  Justin discusses choosing to be “the only gay person someone might follow”—offering visibility despite hate from conservative or religious corners.

  “There’s part of me, the reason why we’re public… is because I might be the only gay person that person follows.” – Justin Mikita [26:04]

  • Sometimes he deletes or blocks, sometimes responds depending on “what time of day you catch me.” [27:17]

• Silly Social Media Backlash
  They laugh about the absurdities of online parenting criticism—fans panicking over tree branches, vases, and “stage” nursery photo props:

  “‘That leaf is going to fall off the tree and suffocate your baby!’… We are still a month away from our due date and you are worried about a vase on my changing table.” – Justin Mikita [28:03, 28:35]

Life Lessons and Looking Forward

• Colton on Finding Joy in Fatherhood
  Life feels irrevocably different and more fulfilling for both Colton and Justin now.

  “…my NFL days, Bachelor days, and then now just being a husband and a father.” – Justin Mikita [23:26]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I know when a bunch of cameras come in a room, shit’s about to go down.” – Justin Mikita [05:19]
• “Nobody wants like a funny guy there or a smart ass or like anybody with sarcasm.” – Justin Mikita [07:53]
• “He is theatrical. He’s moving his hands. He’s so professional. He stays in his bit the entire time—like, it is his castle, we are playing his game.” – Justin Mikita [14:23]
• “I will wear a thousand dollar shirt, but then a seven dollar necktie. Because I just love being able to play… I grew up shopping at Kohl’s.” – Justin Mikita [17:15]
• “There’s part of me, the reason why we’re public… is because I might be the only gay person that person follows.” – Justin Mikita [26:04]
• “‘That leaf is going to fall off the tree and suffocate your baby!’… We are still a month away from our due date and you are worried about a vase on my changing table.” – Justin Mikita [28:03, 28:35]
• “I came out of the closet because I had such a public downfall… I don’t know if there was a path for Colton to come out if I didn’t have as sharp a downfall as I had publicly. I think it sort of forced my hand in, like, a beautiful way.” – Colton Underwood [24:13]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Reality TV War Stories: [04:10]–[09:26]
• Comedians on The Traitors: [07:53]–[09:35]
• Alan Cumming & Fashion: [14:16]–[18:14]
• Leaving Hollywood, Moving to a Farm: [20:16]–[21:52]
• Fatherhood, Embryos, and Parenting as Gay Dads: [21:18]–[24:13]
• Dealing with Social Media Hate & Visibility: [25:14]–[27:32]
• Absurd Internet Parenting Advice: [27:39]–[28:41]

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is both reflective and funny—casual, open, and supportive. The warmth of a shared meal and a strong friendship underpins a discussion that moves easily from celebrity gossip to vulnerable confessions about parenthood, growth, and representation. Blunt honesty, dry humor, and empathy shine through.

This summary captures the core topics, pivotal conversations, and best moments of the episode. Whether you’re a reality TV fan or just curious about life after the cameras stop rolling, Colton and Jesse offer a refreshing look at fame, family, and finding yourself in the public eye.