Podcast Summary: "Beverly D'Angelo & Reza Farahan" on Jeff Lewis Has Issues

Released: January 24, 2025
Host: Jeff Lewis
Guests: Beverly D'Angelo & Reza Farahan

Introduction to Guests

In this compelling episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues, host Jeff Lewis welcomes two distinguished guests: Beverly D'Angelo, renowned actress known for her role in the National Lampoon's Vacation series, and Reza Farahan, a prominent figure from the reality TV show Shahs of Sunset. The conversation quickly establishes a candid and humorous atmosphere, setting the stage for deep dives into personal lives and professional experiences.

Aging and Independence

Beverly D'Angelo opens the discussion by addressing concerns about independence and self-reliance as one ages. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining responsibility for oneself to age well, stating:

"The key to aging well is to do as much as you can for yourself. If you don't use it, you lose it."
[01:35]

Jeff initially misconstrues her comments as a critique of his independence, leading to a humorous exchange that underscores the episode's lighthearted yet honest tone.

Handling Personal Crises: Evacuation Story

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Beverly's harrowing experience during the LA fires, where she had to evacuate her home. She recounts the emotional and logistical challenges she faced:

"When the mandatory evacuation warning came, I had to quickly decide what was meaningful to me."
[03:29]

Beverly details what she chose to take with her, highlighting items of personal and sentimental value, such as jewelry and family photos. This story not only showcases her resilience but also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preparedness during crises.

Career Highlights and Upcoming Projects

Beverly shares exciting news about her latest film project, a psychological thriller where she plays the mother of a character portrayed by Hayden Pantieri. She discusses the depth and complexity of her role:

"It's a psychological thriller where you don't know if what's happening is real or a haunting from her husband in a coma."
[06:34]

The conversation reveals Beverly's dedication to authentic performances, free from distractions like heavy makeup or elaborate costumes, aiming to deliver a genuine portrayal of her character's inner turmoil.

Health and Well-being: Smoking and Fitness

The dialogue shifts to personal health habits, with Beverly confessing her struggle with smoking despite having recently quit:

"Smoking is the whole experience for me—the pause, the inhale, the smoke. It's a holistic experience."
[12:24]

Reza engages in a playful back-and-forth about Beverly's relationship with cigarettes, leading to a heartfelt discussion about mental health and the impact of PTSD on daily habits. The topic seamlessly transitions into the importance of maintaining fitness, where Beverly and Reza debate the value of personal trainers versus self-discipline.

Building and Maintaining Relationships

Jeff and Beverly explore the dynamics of friendships and relationships, particularly in the context of blending personal and professional lives. Beverly expresses her longing for companionship and support, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining long-term friendships:

"I have been so staunchly independent all my life that every day I just see if I could have some companionship, I'd be more consistent because I know all this stuff."
[19:50]

Reza shares his own experiences with relocating and the emotional toll of leaving behind a life abruptly, fostering a sense of empathy and connection among the trio.

Insights on Resilience and Compassion

Towards the end of the episode, Beverly and Reza offer profound insights into resilience and compassion derived from their personal adversities. They discuss choosing to remain compassionate rather than bitter in the face of loss and upheaval:

"You have a choice to either become bitter and messed up or compassionate."
[14:25]

This segment serves as an inspirational takeaway for listeners, emphasizing the power of mindset in overcoming life's challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Beverly D'Angelo on Aging:
  "The key to aging well is to do as much as you can for yourself. If you don't use it, you lose it."
  [01:35]

• Beverly D'Angelo on Evacuation:
  "When the mandatory evacuation warning came, I had to quickly decide what was meaningful to me."
  [03:29]

• Beverly D'Angelo on Smoking:
  "Smoking is the whole experience for me—the pause, the inhale, the smoke. It's a holistic experience."
  [12:24]

• Beverly D'Angelo on Resilience:
  "You have a choice to either become bitter and messed up or compassionate."
  [14:25]

Conclusion

This episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues offers an unfiltered and heartfelt exploration of personal struggles, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity. Beverly D'Angelo and Reza Farahan bring their unique perspectives, enriching the conversation with stories of overcoming adversity, maintaining independence, and fostering meaningful relationships. Whether discussing the chaos of natural disasters, the intricacies of personal health habits, or the nuances of acting in a psychological thriller, the trio provides listeners with valuable insights and relatable experiences.

For those seeking a blend of humor, honesty, and inspiration, this episode delivers a comprehensive look into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of modern existence with grace and grit.