Jeff Lewis Has Issues: Episode Summary Episode: Doug Budin & Ryan Bailey: Back from ChumpCon
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Host/Author: SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis
Guests: Doug Budin, Ryan Bailey, Liz, Michael, Crystal

Introduction

In this episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues, Jeff Lewis, alongside guests Doug Budin and Ryan Bailey, delves into their recent experiences at ChumpCon—a vibrant event filled with excitement, challenges, and memorable moments. The trio provides an unfiltered recount of the weekend, highlighting both the highs and the lows they encountered.

ChumpCon Recap and Initial Impressions

The conversation kicks off with Doug Budin expressing his initial skepticism about ChumpCon.

Doug Budin [02:35]: "I had low expectations walking in."

However, Ryan Bailey counters by suggesting that perhaps the low expectations were a shared sentiment.

Ryan Bailey [01:51]: "Do you think that's what it is? Do you think we all have such low expectations?"

Despite Doug's apprehensions, the event surpassed their expectations, thanks in part to the exceptional coordination by Liz, her brother John, and the rest of the team.

Doug Budin [02:58]: "A lot of it had to do with Liz. Liz and her brother John and then Doug. You were great. Michael. Ryan, Jameson. It really went well."

Event Highlights and Personal Anecdotes

Liz shares her observations about the event beating fears of it resembling a disastrous "Fyre Fest."

Liz [02:24]: "I had seen so many comments about it being like, oh, this is fyre fest. No, I've been like, this thing was the best."

The group reminisces about the various activities, including the vibrant atmosphere comparable to Coachella.

Michael [02:32]: "It was Coachella, bitch."

They discuss logistical aspects such as room assignments, highlighting interactions with Sarah Colonna and the smooth operations at the Conrad hotel.

Challenges Faced During the Event

Despite the overall success, the guests recount several challenges:

1. Room Assignments and Miscommunications:

   Ryan Bailey discusses his disappointment with the initial room assignment and the humorous yet tense interactions with Sarah Colonna.

   Ryan Bailey [03:20]: "She gave me one of her chocolate bars. I thought you would enjoy this more than me. I hate that woman so much."

2. After-Party Anxiety:

   Ryan opens up about experiencing anxiety at the after-party, feeling cornered and uncomfortable, which led to moments of regret.

   Ryan Bailey [06:15]: "I got a little anxiety at that after party. I felt very closed in and I just had to, like, get out."

3. Technical Glitches and Performance Issues:

   The group recalls issues with performances, including Patrick and Paul's rendition of "It's Raining Men," which, while entertaining, became a point of discomfort due to its intensity.

   Doug Budin [08:34]: "It was carrying, it was chumpioki."

Interactions with Guests and Notable Personalities

The episode highlights interactions with high-profile attendees like Saweetie, whose presence stirred both excitement and logistical challenges.

Doug Budin [16:24]: "Saweetie was late to the pool party. She was supposed to go on a lot earlier than she did."

Liz shares anecdotes about Saweetie's behavior, including security issues and her inability to leave the green room.

Liz [17:09]: "She wouldn't leave the green room."

Social Media and Event Promotion Missteps

A humorous segment unfolds as the team discusses misunderstandings arising from social media posts, leading to confusion about who was hosting the event.

Doug Budin [19:06]: "From Sarah."

Keyan [19:18]: "Yeah. You mean after. I thought you meant during the show."

Personal Struggles and Recovery Reflections

Guests candidly discuss personal battles, including Doug's struggle with sobriety and the pressures of maintaining it during such high-energy events.

Doug Budin [14:37]: "Was that true?"

Ryan Bailey [14:42]: "Because somebody recorded you saying that."

Humorous and Light-hearted Moments

Amidst the chaos, the group shares light-hearted moments, such as Doug's mishap with his Bloody Mary order and Ryan's humorous take on arms placement during photos.

Doug Budin [15:20]: "It was $75."

Ryan Bailey [23:25]: "Unfortunately, the first 30 times I've done this, I end up putting my hand either down somebody's pants or on their ass."

Closing Reflections

As the episode wraps up, the guests reflect on the overall experience, acknowledging the camaraderie and the unforgettable memories made despite the challenges faced.

Doug Budin [37:40]: "We had this kind of meeting right before we go out on the show, on the stage..."

Ryan Bailey [38:07]: "And Lakendra's mother-in-law. In nine months, she's gonna be a grandma."

Conclusion

This episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues offers an unvarnished look into the highs and lows of organizing and attending ChumpCon. With candid discussions, humorous anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections, Jeff and his guests provide listeners with an engaging narrative of their adventures, underscored by their trademark no-filter honesty.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Budin [02:35]: "I had low expectations walking in."
• Liz [02:24]: "This thing was the best."
• Ryan Bailey [06:15]: "I got a little anxiety at that after party."
• Doug Budin [08:34]: "It was carrying, it was chumpioki."
• Doug Budin [14:37]: "Was that true?"
• Ryan Bailey [23:25]: "Unfortunately, the first 30 times I've done this, I end up putting my hand either down somebody's pants or on their ass."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing insights into the hosts' experiences, challenges, and the dynamic interactions that made ChumpCon a memorable event.