Jeff Lewis Has Issues – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Cameron Mathison & Mercedes Javid: Struggles & Saunas
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Jeff Lewis
Guests: Cameron Mathison & Mercedes Javid
1. Introduction and Guest Background
In this gripping episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues," host Jeff Lewis welcomes actors Cameron Mathison and Mercedes Javid to discuss a series of personal challenges they've recently faced. Jeff sets the tone with his characteristic candor, ensuring listeners are prepared for an unfiltered conversation about struggles, resilience, and wellness.
2. Personal Struggles and Challenges
Health Issues and Loss
Mercedes Javid opens up about a tumultuous period marked by severe health setbacks. She shares her battle with kidney cancer and the devastating diagnosis of her mother's glioblastoma, which led to her mother's passing shortly after her own treatment began.
Mercedes Javid [02:18]: "I got diagnosed with kidney cancer. I got through that, and then my mom was diagnosed with a really horrible form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, and then passed away shortly after."
Additionally, Mercedes recounts the heartbreaking loss of her dog, highlighting the compounded grief during a time of separation.
Jeff Lewis [05:16]: "But, yeah."
Mercedes Javid [05:16]: "My dog didn't live."
House Fire and Its Aftermath
A pivotal moment in the episode is Mercedes's harrowing experience during the Eaton fire in Altadena. She describes the immediate threat, the urgent scramble to save personal belongings, and the emotional toll of witnessing her meticulously renovated home reduced to ashes.
Mercedes Javid [12:17]: "I went back up to the house at that point... my house burned down."
Mercedes details the extensive loss, including precious photo albums and valuable art pieces, and the subsequent challenges faced in rebuilding amidst rising construction costs and insurance complications.
Mercedes Javid [19:18]: "There's a lot of toxicity reports coming out... the cost of rebuilding is getting higher and higher."
Divorce and Family Impact
The conversation delves into Mercedes's separation from her wife, Vanessa. They discuss the amicable but complex division of assets, including the burden of rebuilding their home and ensuring a stable environment for their children.
Mercedes Javid [07:11]: "Essentially, yeah... it's a new chapter for both of us. We love each other, we care about each other, we get along great, and we're kind of moving in different directions."
3. Financial and Rebuilding Challenges
Mercedes elaborates on the financial strain caused by the house fire, including being underinsured and the astronomical costs of rebuilding a high-end home. The discussion highlights the broader impact on the community, with rising property values and challenges in maintaining architectural integrity.
Mercedes Javid [19:14]: "We're planning on splitting time in the apartment and the house and kind of going back and forth until we kind of figured stuff out. It never really ended up like that."
Jeff and Cameron provide insights into the real estate landscape post-fire, emphasizing the difficulties in recapturing equity and the influx of cheap builders altering the neighborhood's character.
Jeff Lewis [22:34]: "You're not going to get your equity back like that."
4. Functional Health and Wellness Discussion
Mercedes transitions the conversation to health and wellness, introducing Health360, her functional health coaching initiative. She emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches, including gut health, hormone therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Mercedes Javid [33:30]: "The big thing that helped me with my health transformation... getting a functional health coach has been a game changer for me."
The discussion covers various health supplements and therapies such as Peptides, HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), and NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) supplements, highlighting their roles in longevity and maintaining vitality.
Mercedes Javid [37:06]: "I'm 55 years old. I'm stronger than when I was in my late 20s and early 30s... it's amazing how Health360 can help."
Saunas for Health
Jeff Lewis expresses his interest in infrared saunas, sparking a detailed conversation about their benefits, costs, and practical considerations. Mercedes shares her personal regimen, combining sauna use with cold plunges to enhance overall health.
Mercedes Javid [42:23]: "I do sauna, cold plunge. I do at least 20 minutes... it's an incredible way to boost health and longevity."
5. Audience Interaction
The episode features engaging interactions with listeners, addressing questions about the effectiveness of health programs for older individuals and the best practices for supplement intake.
Caller Question on Health Programs for Seniors
A listener from Maryland inquires about the applicability of Health360 programs for seniors.
Mercedes Javid [47:10]: "Absolutely... strategies like peptides and lifestyle changes are beneficial no matter your age."
Discussion on NAD Supplements
Mercedes provides expert opinions on NAD supplements, discussing the optimal methods of intake and their benefits for mitochondrial health and energy levels.
Mercedes Javid [41:07]: "I take it subcutaneously. I inject it with an insulin needle... it's amazing for your mitochondria, for your energy."
6. Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Cameron and Mercedes offer heartfelt messages to listeners, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life's adversities.
Cameron Matheson [32:10]: "I'm sad. I think that's really, really hard."
Mercedes Javid [32:10]: "I really try to stay positive. It's been a little challenging, too, but thanks for saying that. That's inspiration."
Jeff Lewis closes the episode with his signature flair, encouraging listeners to tune into more of his shows on SiriusXM.
Notable Quotes
- Mercedes Javid [02:18]: "I got diagnosed with kidney cancer. I got through that, and then my mom was diagnosed with a really horrible form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, and then passed away shortly after."
- Mercedes Javid [12:17]: "I went back up to the house at that point... my house burned down."
- Mercedes Javid [19:14]: "We're planning on splitting time in the apartment and the house and kind of going back and forth until we kind of figured stuff out. It never really ended up like that."
- Mercedes Javid [33:30]: "The big thing that helped me with my health transformation... getting a functional health coach has been a game changer for me."
- Mercedes Javid [47:10]: "Absolutely... strategies like peptides and lifestyle changes are beneficial no matter your age."
Key Takeaways
- Resilience in Adversity: Mercedes and Cameron's stories underscore the importance of resilience and support systems when facing personal and financial hardships.
- Holistic Health Approaches: The episode highlights the growing trend of functional health coaching and the integration of supplements and therapies aimed at enhancing longevity and well-being.
- Real Estate Challenges Post-Disaster: Rebuilding after significant loss involves navigating complex insurance landscapes, rising costs, and community changes.
- Positive Outlook: Maintaining positivity and seeking professional guidance are crucial in overcoming life's challenges.
For more insightful discussions and unfiltered conversations, subscribe to "Jeff Lewis Has Issues" on SiriusXM and never miss an episode.
