Ali Landry & Justin Sylvester: To Drive or Not to Drive

Summary

Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues
Episode: Ali Landry & Justin Sylvester: To Drive or Not to Drive
Release Date: February 14, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues," host Jeff Lewis welcomes special guests Ali Landry and Justin Sylvester to discuss a myriad of personal and family-related challenges. The conversation delves into topics such as navigating natural disasters, real estate dilemmas, college counseling for children, and the complexities of parenting teenagers, particularly concerning driving privileges.

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Navigating Natural Disasters and Home Safety

The episode opens with a tense recounting of a recent wildfire incident that threatened Jeff Lewis's family home. Gage Edward shares his experience managing the crisis:

Gage Edward [02:29]: "I am just... packing everything up. My kids are laughing at me. They think it's like a joke."

Despite feeling unwell with strep throat, Gage prioritized his family's safety, ultimately forcing his husband to evacuate early:

Gage Edward [03:26]: "We were not in that. No, no, no. He's watching Shark Tank, eating his ice cream on the couch... we had to go."

The family's preparedness, rooted in their Louisiana heritage and past experiences with hurricanes, proved crucial in ensuring their safety during the wildfire.

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Challenges in the Real Estate Market

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the complications of purchasing a home in a fire-damaged neighborhood. Gage recounts the emotional and financial strain of pulling out of an escrow agreement when unforeseen damage occurred:

Gage Edward [07:38]: "This was like a huge bless. Like, huge blessing that we were able to pull out of the escrow."

Ali emphasizes the importance of not rushing into real estate decisions without thorough consideration:

Ali Landry [08:01]: "No way. Do it early 90s unless you got a steal of a deal, which you're not."

The conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of real estate and the necessity of having contingency plans.

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Adolescents and Driver's Licenses

A recurring theme in the episode is the struggle to encourage their daughter, Estella, to obtain a driver's license. Gage expresses his frustration over Estella's reluctance:

Gage Edward [21:03]: "I can't control this kid. So I am like, at my wits end with this child because she's going to be going to college."

Ali and Justin chime in on the challenges of guiding teenagers toward independence while managing safety concerns:

Ali Landry [22:18]: "And we start driving and we could start practicing."

The discussion underscores the delicate balance parents must maintain between granting independence and ensuring their children's safety.

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College Counseling and Student Planning

The episode also touches upon the complexities of college counseling. Gage explains the proactive steps taken to support Estella's college aspirations:

Gage Edward [10:32]: "She will not push a button on a computer, right? Like submit an application without her college counselor."

Ali questions the effectiveness of traditional college counseling approaches, highlighting the stress it can impose on both students and parents:

Ali Landry [11:45]: "She's a senior... nothing's happening right now. And she's like, what do you wanna do?"

The conversation reflects the high stakes and emotional investment involved in planning for higher education.

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Family Dynamics and Parenting Challenges

Parenting older children brings its own set of challenges, as evidenced by the interactions between Gage, Ali, and their children. Estella's assertiveness and unique outlook on life create tension within the household:

Estella [21:50]: "I really think I want to get married young... Because you're gonna still be able to support us."

Ali and Gage navigate these conversations, striving to align their parenting strategies despite differing perspectives:

Ali Landry [24:25]: "We don't really communicate very well."

The episode highlights the evolving dynamics as children approach adulthood and the accompanying responsibilities.

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Black History Game Segment

In a lighter segment, Ali Landry introduces a game honoring Black History Month, presenting clues about significant Black icons for Justin and Gage to guess. This interactive portion adds an engaging and educational element to the episode, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts and guests.

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Conclusions and Insights

Throughout the episode, Jeff Lewis's unfiltered approach brings to light the multifaceted challenges faced in personal life and parenting. Key takeaways include:

• Preparedness is Crucial: Whether dealing with natural disasters or real estate uncertainties, having a plan can mitigate stress and potential losses.

• Balancing Independence and Safety: Encouraging teenagers to gain independence, such as obtaining a driver's license, requires patience and strategic communication.

• Effective Communication is Key: Aligning parenting strategies and maintaining open dialogue can help navigate the complexities of supporting children into adulthood.

Jeff Lewis, alongside Ali Landry and Justin Sylvester, provides a candid glimpse into the trials and tribulations of managing personal issues with honesty and resilience, offering listeners relatable insights and practical advice.

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Notable Quotes

• Gage Edward [02:29]: "I am just... packing everything up. My kids are laughing at me. They think it's like a joke."

• Ali Landry [08:01]: "No way. Do it early 90s unless you got a steal of a deal, which you're not."

• Gage Edward [21:03]: "I can't control this kid. So I am like, at my wits end with this child because she's going to be going to college."

• Ali Landry [24:25]: "We don't really communicate very well."

• Justin Sylvester [37:45]: "I am very competitive. I am."

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This episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues" offers a heartfelt and honest exploration of personal and familial challenges, wrapped in engaging conversations and insightful reflections.

Transcript

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[Ali Landry]

I mean, I'm doing charity right now.

[Justin Sylvester]

I think that twice in one year you're doing charity twice.

[Ali Landry]

What was the first one you went.

[Justin Sylvester]

To dinner with me.

[Gage Edward]

Do people want to be in your circle by your into friendship with Jeff Lewis?

[Ali Landry]

I think people are trying to get out.

[Justin Sylvester]

When I first started coming here, I was like, jeff Lewis.

[Gage Edward]

Jeff Lewis has issues.

[Jeff Lewis]

Hey, welcome to Jeff Lewis has Issues. In today's episode, Ali Landry and Justin Sylvester joined the show. We talk about college counselors, moving to LA and getting your driver's license.

[Ali Landry]

When were you booked?

[Marcelo]

Last January. Like the day of the fire.

[Ali Landry]

Was it the day of the fire season?

[Gage Edward]

Fire. Yes, the day of the fires.

[Ali Landry]

So you called me and you said, look, I've got strep throat. It's contagious.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah.

[Ali Landry]

I said, well, it's fine. Well, you kind of were.

[Gage Edward]

You were like, are you. I was like, jeff, I really feel bad. I think I'm gonna go to urgent care. And he's like, are you sure you're okay? And I'm like, well, do you want me to, like, go there and, like, infect everybody? I don't know. I'm going to urgent care. I'll let you know. So I go and I found out it was strep. I get home, and as soon as I get home, I get an image from my friend who lives one street over seeing the flames from the Eaton fire.

[Ali Landry]

Okay.

[Gage Edward]

And then I am just. I'm sick. I'm feeling, like, terrible. And then I start, you know, packing everything up. I get everything out of the safe. My kids are laughing at me. They think it's, like, silly. They think it's like a joke. I mean, I'm from Louisiana. We are from Louisiana.

[Justin Sylvester]

We've been through hurricanes.

[Gage Edward]

We go through hurricanes. So, like, you know, I don't mess around with this kind of stuff. And the wind was blowing, so I'm just like. Even though it was further, I could see it. And I knew that if that wind blew, we could get some embers and then it would be trouble. And so I'm calling my husband. He's at a dinner. I was like, come home, come home. He's like, okay, I'm coming. He walks in the door. I have a trash bag. I was, like, too nervous to even put things in a bag. I put them in a trash bag. And he walks in, opens the freezer and, like, takes out ice cream and starts eating.

[Ali Landry]

Just hanging out.

[Jeff Lewis]

Eating ice cream.

[Gage Edward]

Eating ice cream while we lose power.

[Marcelo]

The ice cream will go bad, so we had to eat it quickly.

[Gage Edward]

Okay, well, I. We were not in that. No, no, no. He's watching Shark Tank, eating his ice cream on the couch. Popped open a beer, and I'm like, we've got to go. And he's like, what is going on?

[Justin Sylvester]

Never lived through a natural disaster.

[Gage Edward]

So I forced him to leave the house at 9. Everybody got evacuated at 3.

[Ali Landry]

Did he say I told. Did. Did you say I told you so?

[Gage Edward]

Well, he. I did. Look, I really wanted to say it. I didn't say it. Well, look, another thing is, we were in the car. He was just messing around, like lolly gagging, getting all his things together. The kids and I are in the vehicle in the driveway. The wind is whipping. We have big trees. I was like, kids, if you hear something cracking, get down on the floor of the truck. As soon as I said that, a branch falls on the back of the truck. We're horning, like, for him to come out. He gets mad. I mean, he was mad at me. He was so mad at me.

[Justin Sylvester]

Welcome to Louisiana.

[Gage Edward]

But then he was like, you know what? You were right. I'm glad I listened to you.

[Ali Landry]

But it was when? The next day?

[Gage Edward]

No, that night. That night. Because then we turned on, you know, every. He knew everybody got evacuated three and we were already at. Out at nine. And so because you know the drill, we were safe. I know the drill.

[Justin Sylvester]

Have you guys ever lived through a natural disaster?

[Ali Landry]

I mean, just earthquakes, I guess.

[Gage Edward]

Have you like the, like, where would it affected, like your specific like, area where things would have been destroyed all around you.

[Ali Landry]

I mean, there wasn't that much damage.

[Jeff Lewis]

No, not really. But earthquakes?

[Justin Sylvester]

Well, yeah, every year.

[Gage Edward]

Every season, like it's hurricane season. So you have to be prepared. If you don't have a generator, like, forget about it. Like, you're done.

[Justin Sylvester]

Yeah. If you don't have alcohol, like in that house, a pot of gumbo, at least four days of alcohol.

[Gage Edward]

A blow up boat so you can get out. Like, people are like have their boats are going down the street. It's crazy. Yeah, it can get really bad.

[Ali Landry]

So you end up going to a.

[Jeff Lewis]

Friend of the family.

[Ali Landry]

You were there one night?

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, we were there one night.

[Ali Landry]

And the dog, you brought my dog?

[Gage Edward]

My dog, right? My Africa girl.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah.

[Gage Edward]

What was her? Iris.

[Ali Landry]

Iris.

[Gage Edward]

I'm forgetting her original name. Africa. Myself, the three kids, Alejandro bust up in his writing partner's house. Like, mind you, they have one child who's in college. They're very like, they're, you know, intellectuals. They have the piano and the, you.

[Ali Landry]

Know, very, you know, calm environment.

[Gage Edward]

Calm environment. And then your family comes, we bust in with our trash bags. Africa, the three kids with their backpacks and all their things. So we only stayed there one night. I felt like it was like too much.

[Ali Landry]

You told me that Africa jumped in their pool.

[Gage Edward]

She didn't jump. I mean, I was like, what? I felt so bad for them. She fell in the pool, Jeff, because of the wind and the branches and the, you know, the leaves.

[Justin Sylvester]

She got freaked out.

[Gage Edward]

She thought the pool was grass. So she's just trotting in the backyard.

[Ali Landry]

Oh, and she walked. Right.

[Gage Edward]

Gonna go do her business. And then, you know, and then she's.

[Ali Landry]

Got a lot of hair. So you have.

[Gage Edward]

She did it twice?

[Marcelo]

No, now she's just doing it on purpose.

[Ali Landry]

Did you have to blow dry it?

[Gage Edward]

No, she had to air. She had to air dry. It was like she stayed outside. She hated it. Until she air dried.

[Ali Landry]

So then you go to an Airbnb.

[Gage Edward]

Then you go to an Airbnb for two days. Well, we went to one. You know, we're just kind of like by the seat of the pants kind of people. We're not like planners. We're like, we don't know what's happening tomorrow? We don't plan. So we booked it for only one night. Cause we didn't know. And we didn't go far because we thought, like we wanted to go back and forth to check on the house. Like we didn't know what was gonna happen. So we just went to Studio City and we only booked for one night. Well, then we go to book it for the second night. Well, somebody else was coming in that night, so then we had to go to another one. And then we ended up just going to the beach house in Mexico because we were just like, who knows how long we're gonna be out of the house. Cause we did lose electricity and everything.

[Ali Landry]

The sad part in all this. Well, first of all, thank God your home didn't burn. Well, the home you're in now.

[Gage Edward]

Yes.

[Ali Landry]

So you find your dream house.

[Gage Edward]

Yes. And that we talked about last time. Last time I was here, I was debating whether I'd put the offer.

[Ali Landry]

Yes, you put in the offer. You go into escrow.

[Gage Edward]

Yes.

[Ali Landry]

You're 10 days from closing escrow.

[Gage Edward]

Correct.

[Ali Landry]

And what happens?

[Gage Edward]

And the house is standing, but the side of the house, the back of the house, and the entire street is fire damaged. It's a graveyard. It's a. The whole neighborhood is gone.

[Jeff Lewis]

So there's only three homes left on the street.

[Ali Landry]

Is that correct?

[Gage Edward]

Three homes left. These homes were built in the early 1900s all by the same architect, which is weirdly odd.

[Jeff Lewis]

But it was damaged.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, it was damaged. And so fortunately we were able to. I mean, this was like a huge bless. Like, huge blessing that we were able to pull out of the escrow. The escrow. And get our money back. And it was like too many unknowns, you know? And then I was asking your advice. Like, I'm still very emotionally tied to this house. And you're just like, don't do it.

[Ali Landry]

No way.

[Gage Edward]

And I'm just like, oh, you wouldn't.

[Ali Landry]

Do it early 90s unless you got a steal of a deal, which you're not. They're going to be under construct. That neighborhood's going to be under construction for years.

[Jeff Lewis]

You know how many nails you're going.

[Ali Landry]

To get in your tires? And every morning at 7:00am I mean, jackhammering and nailing and loud guys and radios and.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, but what about the construction?

[Ali Landry]

You will hate it.

[Jeff Lewis]

Hate it.

[Ali Landry]

Not to mention how depressing.

[Gage Edward]

Well, that's what my husband said. Like, he's an artist and he's like, I can't drive through a neighborhood where there's so much Sadness and people lost so much. And I'm going to my home that's still standing. He's like, I don't know if I can emotionally handle it. So I don't know. I'm really struggling with that. And it's, like, very sad because, you know, obviously I drove through there. It's like a graveyard of. Of, you know, chimneys.

[Ali Landry]

You can't do that.

[Gage Edward]

Really sad.

[Ali Landry]

So Alejandro does not want to. He does not want to buy the house.

[Gage Edward]

He wanted to buy it, like you said, if he got it at a steal. But they think that they are going to get more for it. And I don't. I think they're just very optimistic. But I don't know.

[Ali Landry]

I mean, I selfishly want you in Los Feliz area.

[Justin Sylvester]

Right.

[Gage Edward]

That was our old stomping ground.

[Justin Sylvester]

So.

[Ali Landry]

But. But Allie, what happens with the kids then?

[Justin Sylvester]

So.

[Jeff Lewis]

Because I'm.

[Ali Landry]

I'm, like, planning your move to Los Feliz.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, you are?

[Ali Landry]

Okay, so we know Estella's hopefully going to go to college.

[Gage Edward]

That's the plan.

[Marcelo]

Whose plan?

[Ali Landry]

Would she go to junior college for two years, maybe? I think that's okay.

[Gage Edward]

Well, yeah, I do think that's okay. But she want, you know, she. At first, she wanted to go to nyu, like, Clive Davis School of Music. Now she's, like, thinking she wants to go to Belmont in Nashville, which I think that would be a great fit for her. I mean, she's like a musician, singer, songwriter, like, all the way. But she is like my husband. You know, ADD adhd, like, off the chain, like, cannot.

[Justin Sylvester]

Has no focus on one thing at one time.

[Gage Edward]

Focus on anything. So just getting to the point where we were applying for colleges, that has been a true journey.

[Ali Landry]

Now, you said that you hired somebody, a college counselor.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah. I mean, look, when we're. We're from. You don't. You don't hire college counselors. You just apply to the local college.

[Justin Sylvester]

And you figure it out.

[Gage Edward]

And you figure it out like you're not a. You're not. No. You're not getting a college counselor.

[Jeff Lewis]

But out of curiosity.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah.

[Ali Landry]

So a normal student, how long do they work with the college counselor? And then how long has Estella been working with the college counselor?

[Gage Edward]

Well, you know, she wanted to do pre application, like, apply before, I think, fall. So the plan was to start her in the summer, and then she was going to be done last year. Yes. And to be done in August. Well, she had a session last night.

[Justin Sylvester]

I wish I knew how to quit.

[Gage Edward]

You and this kid. I mean, she will not push a button on a computer, right? Like submit an application without her college counselor. So, I mean, if I was doing this with her, this would not be like, I'm getting hot right now.

[Ali Landry]

You're upset.

[Gage Edward]

I'm getting hot. Like, whew.

[Justin Sylvester]

So let me ask you, is she on the road team or lacrosse team? What's the photo she's gonna submit?

[Ali Landry]

But when do they. When do they all do those applications?

[Gage Edward]

Right. Right now. She had to turn in her grades for this year. Like, now she's pretty much has them all in.

[Ali Landry]

She's a junior or a senior?

[Gage Edward]

She's a senior.

[Ali Landry]

Oh, shit. So you've got to figure this out soon.

[Gage Edward]

Like, now. And she's going in like, what, like July?

[Ali Landry]

But June, July, August, acceptances.

[Gage Edward]

They can wait for the grade. Like, either you do early acceptance, which would have been what she was going to do. And. But now we're at like, you have to turn in your mid semester grades, which that's where we are now. They all have to be in.

[Ali Landry]

Okay, so very stressful. Are we still considering NYU or just Nashville?

[Gage Edward]

She really likes Nashville. She's applied to other schools and she's applied to a lot of schools.

[Justin Sylvester]

And she's a country girl. She's like a country girl. Like, she likes to go to school.

[Gage Edward]

Like, she loves Louisiana. She loves the. She loves. But she also loves the. I don't. I don't know. This kid, she's gonna. I mean, I'm getting gray hairs, so.

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, I can't wait for you to go through this.

[Jeff Lewis]

I don't.

[Ali Landry]

I mean, I'm already going through shit with eight.

[Jeff Lewis]

Eight years old.

[Gage Edward]

She's a little like that. Her little personality, Monroe, is that, you know, she's gonna rule the whole. I mean, she's gonna control the house. She probably already did.

[Ali Landry]

She does already.

[Gage Edward]

It's fun and she's a really good girl. And you, like, love that part of their personality. But it's gonna serve them well in the world. Let's just say that. But it drives you crazy at home.

[Jeff Lewis]

Is it true she does not even.

[Ali Landry]

Have her driver's license?

[Gage Edward]

She's 17.

[Justin Sylvester]

And by the way, this woman not only has a plan for herself, she's always had a plan for 17 people in her lives. If you want something, she will make it happen for you. So the fact that she is going.

[Ali Landry]

Can't control her.

[Gage Edward]

I can't control this kid.

[Justin Sylvester]

Can't control it.

[Gage Edward]

I controlled her up until she was like, I don't know, eight or nine. I would still put the bows in her hair.

[Justin Sylvester]

It's when the bows. It's when you had to get rid of the bows. That was it. I knew the day she said, I don't wanna wear a bow, I was like, I'm leaving. I'm outta here.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, now I know nothing.

[Ali Landry]

So we should rewind a bit here. How do you both know you're very close? How do you both know each other?

[Gage Edward]

I'll let Justin tell us the story.

[Ali Landry]

I kind of remember you mentioning it. But now that Ali's here, I also can't remember anything.

[Justin Sylvester]

So I feel like the universe had been trying to put us together for very long time. But long story short, when you drive into my city, it says, welcome to Bro Ridge, Louisiana.

[Gage Edward]

City.

[Justin Sylvester]

Yeah. A town.

[Gage Edward]

Town with.

[Justin Sylvester]

Welcome to Broadridge, Louisiana. Home of Allie Landry. So I saw that sign every single day. Home of Allie Landry.

[Ali Landry]

Are you kidding me?

[Justin Sylvester]

Home of Ali Landry. I remember, like, let's not forget the.

[Gage Edward]

Billboard on the freeway today.

[Justin Sylvester]

Still standing. Still standing today. And I remember being, like, 10 or 11. I was in the hospital with my uncle, and Miss USA was on. And she got up, and you can hear every TV in the hospital and they asked that question. And I remember it was like, what are you? What's two plus two? And she was like, four. And God. And everyone, like, erupted, like, oh, my.

[Ali Landry]

Gosh, she's gonna win.

[Justin Sylvester]

And she wins Miss usa. Everyone in the hospital's going nuts. I'm like, oh, my God, that woman's so fabulous. Fast forward three years later. I'm working at this restaurant. She comes in for her birthday, and I had never seen a Juicy Soup and Uggs in person. I mean, I'm in Louisiana, like, 5,000 people in town. There's two stoplights, a Winn Dixie and a McDonald's.

[Gage Edward]

And at this point, I'm living in LA. Cause the company was based out of, you know, Century City.

[Justin Sylvester]

She's in it. She comes in this white juicy suit, hair all done. Uggs walks in. I'm like, oh, my God, this is it. This is my destiny. We kind of chat a little bit, and she's like, you should move to LA. Like, like, oh, my God, you should move to LA. You want to move to LA, you should move to LA. I'm like, I'm 14 years old. Like, I gotta. I gotta finish some shit.

[Gage Edward]

But he had that, you know, that personality. Like, you know, you see it in somebody, and it's kind of like, yeah.

[Justin Sylvester]

So I start working for this wedding planner. Four years later, she is In a wedding that I'm doing. And she comes in and I'm like, hey, you might not know me. She goes, I met you at Cafe d'Amis four years ago. You were. And remembers exactly who I am. So we talk, we hang out. She's like, are you still thinking about moving to la? And I'm like, yeah, I want to move to la. I want to move to la. So she's like, take my number and same number and call me when you're ready. Three years later, same thing. Another wedding. She's at the wedding, we chat. She's like, what do you wanna do? I'm like, I just went to LA. She goes, when are you graduating? I was like, January 10th. She was like, well, when do you wanna move out? I was like, maybe may. I literally get through Christmas. She hits me up like the 1st of January. She's like, hey, I had an idea. I know you wanna move in May, but I think you should move January 11th. She's like, I have a friend. I'm gonna hook you up with this friend. She has a reality show coming out. She has no idea she needs an assistant. I think you should just get here. Yeah, get here when you can. So I'm like, is this job like a thing? She's like, no, no, no, no. She doesn't know.

[Gage Edward]

She's. She doesn't know she needs somebody yet.

[Justin Sylvester]

Yeah, but we're gonna, we're gonna convince her this is how her mind works. So I'm like, there's no way. So I move because she convinces me to move. I live in her house for like a week and a half. She finds me an apartment. Finally, I get to meet Kyle. Cause this meeting keeps on getting, you know, thrown around. I had already had two interviews for.

[Gage Edward]

Sharon Stone, which is a friend. Another friend of ours was working for Sharon at the time.

[Justin Sylvester]

Now I'm a gay black man.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah.

[Justin Sylvester]

I don't care if Sharon Stone's paying in pesos. I'm taking that joy, you know, it's Sharon Stone. If I say I survived Sharon Stone, I could get any job in the world.

[Gage Edward]

Exactly.

[Justin Sylvester]

So Ali's like, no, just take this meeting. Let's just go to lunch with Kyle. Like, we'll figure it out. So we go to lunch. Kyle's talking a mile a minute. She has a one year old who's crawling all over me.

[Gage Edward]

Her hair.

[Justin Sylvester]

She's complaining my hair. Like her 10 year old's staring me down. Like, who is this person? Like, it is just like she is talking chaos and she's like, just come to my house on Monday and we'll see. Like, we'll figure it out. I get in the car with Ali. I'm like, listen, this is really nice and fun, but I'm taking this motherfucking Sharon stonejob. Like, Sharon, she's gonna cross her legs in front of me. It's happening. So I go to Kyle's house on Monday, and keep in mind, Kyle thought, oh, three months. I was like, why would I take something for three months? And she's like, you don't understand. This is an opportunity for you to get in somewhere you can make this your own. Make yourself indispensable. I'll never forget this.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, make yourself indispensable.

[Justin Sylvester]

So I get to Kyle's house. They kept on saying, reality show, reality show, reality show. And they give me the sheet to sign. You know when you walk into a reality show, can you sign this release? And I saw at the top, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. And no one had knew that this was happening. It was like a pure secret. Twitter wasn't a big thing yet. People weren't on Reddit. And I walk upstairs to her, and I'm like, you're doing Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? She was like, oh, yeah, Is that going to be a big deal? I was like, listen, I'm going to make myself at home. I'm about to be here for five years, because you don't know what the hell you're getting into. And that's how it happened. That's how it all happened.

[Jeff Lewis]

And were you with her for five years?

[Justin Sylvester]

I was with her for five years. I was supposed to be there for three. For. For three months.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah.

[Justin Sylvester]

And I ended up there for five seasons.

[Gage Edward]

And then he worked it, and now he's doing what? He's doing. Yeah, what I'm saying, like, he's that guy. But Kyle, I remember, she did not. This was before Beverly Hills. She did not want an assistant. I was like, kyle, you just got this show. You have to understand, like, you're going to be so busy. Everything is going to completely change. Like, you need just a little bit of help. She's like, well, I have my housekeeper. I like to do everything myself. I was like, hon, listen, I want you to meet a friend of mine. And then that happened. That was it.

[Justin Sylvester]

Meanwhile, you, like, sent some random black guy that you met at a wedding.

[Gage Edward]

No, no.

[Justin Sylvester]

Some random underage black teen that you met at a wedding at her house, but that was it. And then whenever I got e, You Were doing Hollywood Live.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, I was doing Hollywood Today Live.

[Justin Sylvester]

So she would make me come and watch her at Hollywood Today live at like 7:30 in the morning. I would leave there at 8:30 and.

[Gage Edward]

Go to your audition.

[Justin Sylvester]

And then I would go to audition at E. Because I had a weekend go right on camera audition. So everything that we were talking about, they had already talked about on the show. So then fast forward, I get E. Garcelle comes on Daily Pop as a guest co host because their show got canceled. And I looked at her and I said, would you ever do Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? And she goes, I never thought about it, but I would definitely take the meeting.

[Gage Edward]

I didn't know that you told that. I didn't know this part.

[Jeff Lewis]

I didn't know this either.

[Justin Sylvester]

Then I texted Alex Basket and I was like, yo, Garcelle Beauvais. Like, she would be interested. And then next season, Garcelle got on Real Housewives of.

[Gage Edward]

Because we. She and I talked about it after the fact and she's like, yeah, Allie, I'm just like so tired of the Hustle, you know. They just called me again this year and I was like, this one was a straight out no, thank you.

[Ali Landry]

Really?

[Gage Edward]

Yes.

[Marcelo]

Kyle needs friends on there.

[Gage Edward]

She does need friends, but I mean, it's not her. The boat is sinking at this point. I don't know. It was. I haven't watched it in a long time. I watched it this season. I had a friend from Louisiana and I was like, let's watch it. So we watched it and it's rough.

[Justin Sylvester]

I gotta tell you, last night's episode.

[Gage Edward]

Their relationships are falling apart. They're at each other's throats. It doesn't look fun anymore. I don't want to be in that situation. I mean, who wants to be in that every day?

[Ali Landry]

Yeah, you don't have to.

[Jeff Lewis]

Now.

[Ali Landry]

Can we go back to Estella for a second?

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, I was just cooling off.

[Ali Landry]

Why did she not get.

[Jeff Lewis]

Why won't she get her driver's license?

[Ali Landry]

Are you making it too easy for? Is she Ubering?

[Gage Edward]

I drive her everywhere. Or her friend, she's like, these are all her excuses. Why would I get a driver's license if you drive me everywhere? That's one. The second one is, do you want me to die? Because I really think that I will die. The other one is, I was like, estella, you know your brothers are in like three and four sports each. All I'm doing when I after school is like driving these boys everywhere. It would be such a big Help if you could, like, drive them. She's like, well, maybe that's not. That's why I don't want to get my driver's license. So I am like, at my wits end with this child because she's going to be going to college. I was like, do you want to be the only kid at college that doesn't have a driver's license? Do you want to be that one? So I don't. I don't even know what to do at this point. I literally just gave her an ultimatum.

[Ali Landry]

She doesn't feel confident enough to drive.

[Gage Edward]

Yes. But I would get her, like, I mean, she's going to go through a driving instructor. She has to drive with us for a year. And then she's calculating, like, because, you know, you're supposed to have your permit for a year in California and drive with somebody else of age, but then when you're 18, you don't need that. And so she's going to be 18 in five months. I don't know. I. What should I do?

[Ali Landry]

Does she have I need help? Does she even have.

[Gage Edward]

I'm like, very stressful.

[Ali Landry]

Does she have her permit?

[Gage Edward]

No, I just was like, just get the permit.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah. And we start driving and we could start practicing.

[Justin Sylvester]

Have you ever met Marcelo, the little one?

[Jeff Lewis]

No.

[Justin Sylvester]

How old is Marcelo?

[Gage Edward]

Marcelo's 12.

[Justin Sylvester]

I'm surprised Marcelo didn't have a license. His voice, his voice is this deep.

[Gage Edward]

He's like, hey, Justin, he'll have the prize.

[Justin Sylvester]

What kind of cigarettes are you smoking there, Marcelo?

[Gage Edward]

He'll have a driver driving him. That's what he'll have. He's like, investor and God, these princesses.

[Ali Landry]

Every day just to get Monroe to do her homework is an argument.

[Gage Edward]

Really?

[Ali Landry]

Yeah.

[Gage Edward]

When does she do it? Do you have like a. Like a routine where she gets home from school and that's the first thing she does?

[Ali Landry]

Well, I'm trying to do the homework a little earlier, Right. So we've been letting her have a snack, watch tv, whatever. But then we're trying to get to the homework a little earlier, which is a half an hour of reading and a half an hour of math.

[Jeff Lewis]

And here's the problem.

[Ali Landry]

It's not something that the teacher has directed.

[Jeff Lewis]

What they said in the parent teacher.

[Ali Landry]

Conference is that she needs help in these two areas. And she had recommended that we work on math and reading every day.

[Jeff Lewis]

So because the teacher has not assigned.

[Ali Landry]

It to her, she feels like she doesn't have to do it. And I have to remind her. I'm like, no, no, I'm just following the teacher's instructions. This is what she told me to do yesterday. She called me selfish.

[Gage Edward]

In what context?

[Ali Landry]

That I make her do her homework. So I'm selfish. And I said, I just want you to be able to graduate and get a job. And she said, I'm gonna work on a boat.

[Jeff Lewis]

Oh, did she say work?

[Marcelo]

She did not say work.

[Ali Landry]

I'm gonna live on a boat. Live. Not work. Live on a boat in Italy.

[Justin Sylvester]

Hold on. We got Monroe online too. She's very upset about the word work. She's very upset about the word work.

[Ali Landry]

She said, well, you can work on a boat if you want, like below deck. I said, as long as you're willing to get a job. And I said, or you can go to. I said, you've got two choices. You're either going to college and I'll continue to support you.

[Gage Edward]

Yes.

[Ali Landry]

Or you're getting a job. And she is really pushing me back.

[Gage Edward]

You're having this conversation at 8.

[Ali Landry]

I'm very worried.

[Gage Edward]

Well, I'm worried for you. I am.

[Ali Landry]

It was never a discussion. Like when I was 8 or 9 or 10, it's like, you're going to college. I understood that there were no other options. And even when I tried, like when.

[Jeff Lewis]

I was in college, I'm like, dad.

[Ali Landry]

I want to take a year off from work. He's like, you will never go back. He's like, you are not leaving college. And so I understood, like, then I would have to, you know, get a job.

[Jeff Lewis]

And it's fine getting a job.

[Ali Landry]

I always had part time jobs. But the idea of trying to support.

[Jeff Lewis]

Yourself when you're 18 or 19.

[Ali Landry]

And that's what I'm trying to explain to her.

[Jeff Lewis]

Cause she feels like she has a lot of money in her ATM bank, which is about $400.

[Ali Landry]

And I said, well, that's not going to. That's not gonna support you. And then I don't know what's happening at the other household, but I just. I don't know if we're totally on the same page about this. Where I grew up in an environment where it just was not an option.

[Gage Edward]

That's right.

[Marcelo]

I can't imagine Gage not endorsing education. That doesn't seem.

[Gage Edward]

Well, maybe it's not a priority. I think you guys have to get on the same page. Do you have a conversation about that?

[Ali Landry]

We don't really communicate very well.

[Gage Edward]

I know, but this is something to have to make the exception, I think, and have that conversation because you want to be on the same Page when it comes to her.

[Justin Sylvester]

I also think she just likes pushing her buttons.

[Jeff Lewis]

I really do.

[Ali Landry]

And then she pisses me off, because then she'll be like, well, daddy Gage is going to help me.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, no, she.

[Justin Sylvester]

I think she's.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, she's working it.

[Justin Sylvester]

No, she's working.

[Ali Landry]

She's like, daddy, Gage is helping me. I'm like, I don't think he's going to be able to do that. And I said, I don't think so. I don't think he's going to help you. And she's like, no, no, he's. He's going to help me. And I said, well, when you turn 18, there's no more child support.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah.

[Ali Landry]

So I don't. I don't think that's going to happen.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, wait, wait. Okay, let me just drop this one on you. So Estella just told me. She's like, I really think I want to get married young. And I was like, okay. And then she's like, because, you know, you're gonna still be able to support us, and, like, we can live. And I'm like, estella, please explain this to me, because in what world do you think. And where did you get the idea that you were gonna live in my house and I was gonna support you and your husband?

[Justin Sylvester]

She.

[Gage Edward]

Honest. She. She told me I was selfish in that situation.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah.

[Gage Edward]

I was like, this is what she really thought.

[Justin Sylvester]

But this is, like, not like how you were. Like, you were like, you left at, like, 18. Like, you were out.

[Gage Edward]

I didn't raise this kid like this, so it's really throwing me for a loop. So just get ready, Jeff.

[Ali Landry]

I can't imagine it's coming.

[Justin Sylvester]

Both of you. She's the only girl in the house, so I understand it. And the only girl.

[Gage Edward]

She's the princess, too.

[Justin Sylvester]

Like, you're about to go through it.

[Ali Landry]

I would be surprised, though, she didn't get her license the day she turned 16, because I think she really wants independence. So I would be surprised. You think?

[Marcelo]

Yeah, she wants to go right now.

[Justin Sylvester]

No, no, she's going to get her license to see what kind of car you.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, that's what I was going to say.

[Ali Landry]

She already picked something out.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, what? Tell me. Because Estella did, too.

[Ali Landry]

She didn't have it, but some sort of Jaguar suv. But she wants me to paint it pink.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, okay. Estella wants the. What is the. The Mercedes. Yes, Pink.

[Justin Sylvester]

Also.

[Ali Landry]

Also pink.

[Justin Sylvester]

What was your first car?

[Gage Edward]

My first car was a. It was actually. I held out for the convertible, remember, at the time When I was.

[Justin Sylvester]

You had the Mustang.

[Gage Edward]

It was the Cabriolet. It was the Volkswagen Cabriolet. Because of that movie, Can't Buy Me Love. Yes.

[Ali Landry]

Yes.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, my gosh. That's what I wanted. So I settled for like, some kind of, I don't know, Buick. But it was a convertible. It was a convertible. It was secondhand. I think it was like, $3,000. But I was sporting my little convertible.

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, my God. What was your first car?

[Jeff Lewis]

BMW 3 Series.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, gosh, Jeff.

[Justin Sylvester]

No wonder why.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, brand new. Exactly.

[Justin Sylvester]

Brand new.

[Gage Edward]

What about you?

[Ali Landry]

It was actually two years old, but then, like, four months later, I got a new one.

[Marcelo]

Because you crashed the first one or you wanted to upgrade.

[Ali Landry]

I just wanted to upgrade because the first one was a five speed.

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, my God.

[Ali Landry]

And it was a pain in the ass to drive.

[Gage Edward]

Cry me a river.

[Ali Landry]

And I would pop the clutch and I hit a wall, and you know what I mean? Like, I went into a flower bed.

[Gage Edward]

See, that's why you can't buy kids a really nice car for their first car, because they're gonna, you know.

[Ali Landry]

It was a five speed. That's why the automatic. I never got in an accident.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, okay.

[Justin Sylvester]

You probably put that thing in that flower bed to get that new car.

[Gage Edward]

Yeah, I know. You did exactly what he did.

[Justin Sylvester]

I am looking at you.

[Ali Landry]

No, what happened was, is that it was at school and I popped the clutch, it went up and over the median and then went in the flower bed. And I was so upset that I had the security guard get it out.

[Justin Sylvester]

Of the flower bed in front of people.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah.

[Gage Edward]

How did you feel?

[Ali Landry]

Really humiliated.

[Jeff Lewis]

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[Ali Landry]

That's f e E L D on.

[Jeff Lewis]

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[Ali Landry]

That works for you through hers.

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[Ali Landry]

We are going to play a game in honor of black history Month. I will give you hints about historically significant black icons.

[Jeff Lewis]

You'll have to guess who they are.

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, no.

[Gage Edward]

I'm very competitive, Justin.

[Ali Landry]

She really is.

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, I know. Exactly.

[Gage Edward]

Let's go.

[Ali Landry]

Are you keeping score, Shane?

[Justin Sylvester]

No. Don't do this to me this morning.

[Gage Edward]

Why are you scared?

[Justin Sylvester]

Oh, my God.

[Ali Landry]

All right, Ally, pay attention. Ready?

[Jeff Lewis]

Civil rights icon who refused to give.

[Ali Landry]

Up her bus seat.

[Gage Edward]

Roll the bus.

[Marcelo]

That was a tie.

[Ali Landry]

It was a tie. Okay.

[Jeff Lewis]

Leader of the civil rights movement.

[Gage Edward]

Martin Luther. Martin. Martin. Martin Luther King Jr.

[Ali Landry]

All right. I'm a defendant. Leader of the civil rights movement, known for his powerful speeches and nonviolent activism.

[Gage Edward]

Good work on Justin.

[Ali Landry]

A proud member of the gay men's.

[Jeff Lewis]

Chorus of Los Angeles and long term.

[Ali Landry]

Boyfriend with a SiriusXM pass around party.

[Jeff Lewis]

Bottom.

[Ali Landry]

Frank.

[Gage Edward]

My beautiful boyfriend. I like that he made the cut.

[Jeff Lewis]

Rap icon known for her bold lyrics.

[Ali Landry]

And made the song Starships super freaky.

[Justin Sylvester]

Nicki Minaj.

[Ali Landry]

Yes.

[Justin Sylvester]

Okay, let's go.

[Marcelo]

Shout out Nikki.

[Ali Landry]

One.

[Gage Edward]

One tie and one tie.

[Ali Landry]

Drag superstar who brought drag cult RuPaul. Who was that tie again?

[Gage Edward]

Unless I got it? You sure I didn't say this right before?

[Marcelo]

It was.

[Justin Sylvester]

It was.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, shoot. Okay. Oh, my gosh.

[Justin Sylvester]

Now I. I am not losing to a white woman.

[Gage Edward]

I am tied. My head.

[Justin Sylvester]

I will not. Let's go lose to a white woman this week.

[Ali Landry]

I kind of think Ally might be blacker than you. Model and reality TV starbanks. Model and reality TV star known as the peacekeeper on the Real Housewives of Atlanta City.

[Gage Edward]

Bailey. Oh, my God. You're better friends with her.

[Ali Landry]

Judge and TV personality famous for delivering DNA test results on paternity court Judge Joe Brown.

[Justin Sylvester]

That was a good Laura Lauren Lake.

[Ali Landry]

You are correct.

[Gage Edward]

No, but he doesn't get it.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah, I don't think he gets it. I think you're right.

[Gage Edward]

He doesn't get it.

[Ali Landry]

I don't think he gets it.

[Gage Edward]

That's not how a Game works, Justin.

[Ali Landry]

She's competitive.

[Gage Edward]

Justin, first answer. Okay, what's the score? I'm like.

[Marcelo]

Allie has.

[Justin Sylvester]

You're up by one.

[Marcelo]

Ally has four. Justin has three.

[Gage Edward]

Okay.

[Ali Landry]

All right. The first black U.S. president, Barack Obama. Is that another tie?

[Justin Sylvester]

Another tie. I am not gonna lose to a white woman this morning.

[Gage Edward]

Okay, let's go.

[Ali Landry]

The group of all black strippers I.

[Jeff Lewis]

Am hiring for Chump Con.

[Gage Edward]

I don't know that.

[Justin Sylvester]

Chocolate City.

[Ali Landry]

Great, Cass Frog. Black Magic.

[Gage Edward]

That was close.

[Ali Landry]

Emmy winning actress known for her sassy charisma and iconic roles in 227 and Sister Sister Jackie.

[Justin Sylvester]

Harry.

[Gage Edward]

Yes. Oh, I love her. Okay. I should have gotten it is high.

[Justin Sylvester]

Five to five.

[Gage Edward]

Okay, you got it.

[Ali Landry]

Come on, Ally.

[Gage Edward]

I'm ready.

[Jeff Lewis]

God, you're so white. Ally.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, my gosh. I'm gonna beat you, Jasmine.

[Ali Landry]

Talk show legend and billionaire Oprah. Oh, my God.

[Justin Sylvester]

We are gonna go find this one.

[Ali Landry]

The number one Tina Turner drag queen impersonator in Las Vegas.

[Gage Edward]

I don't know that one. Do you guess he doesn't know it either.

[Ali Landry]

Number one Tina Turner, drag queen impersonator in Las Vegas.

[Justin Sylvester]

You know, Carl Daniels.

[Ali Landry]

Wrong. Hot chocolate.

[Gage Edward]

Oh, it was close to high.

[Ali Landry]

All right, this is still tied.

[Marcelo]

Yeah, six to six.

[Gage Edward]

And this is the last question, right?

[Ali Landry]

Yeah, this is the last question. Outspoken black reality TV star known for her controversial takes and time on the Real Housewives of Orange County.

[Gage Edward]

Phaedra Parks. No, Phaedra.

[Justin Sylvester]

Never a black woman on Orange county, right?

[Ali Landry]

Kelly Dodd.

[Justin Sylvester]

Kelly Dodd's black.

[Ali Landry]

2%, if you ask her.

[Gage Edward]

No, she's not.

[Ali Landry]

Yes, she is.2% black. Oh, God. It was a tie.

[Marcelo]

It was a tie.

[Gage Edward]

Don't be sad.

[Justin Sylvester]

No, no, no.

[Ali Landry]

Wow. I never want to play a game with Ally. Those aren't the rules.

[Justin Sylvester]

Ever. Ever.

[Gage Edward]

I am very competitive. I. I am.

[Ali Landry]

Yeah, we can see it.

[Justin Sylvester]

She will beat you to a colonoscopy. That's how competitive she is.

[Gage Edward]

Well, I do love those.

[Jeff Lewis]

Thanks for listening. If you want want more of this, listen to Jeff Lewis live every weekday on SiriusXM as well as the Jeff Lewis Channel, exclusively on the SiriusXM app.

[Justin Sylvester]

I won't let my moderate to severe plaque psoriasis symptoms define me.

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