Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues

Episode: Golnesa Gharachedaghi & Mercedes Javid: Side Entrance & Elves

Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Jeff Lewis (SiriusXM)
Guests: Golnesa “Gigi” Gharachedaghi, Mercedes “MJ” Javid, Reza Farahan (frequent interjector)

Overview

In this emotionally charged and candid episode, Jeff Lewis is joined by Shahs of Sunset alums Golnesa "Gigi" Gharachedaghi and Mercedes "MJ" Javid. The group delves into MJ's separation, the complexities of messy relationships, public scrutiny, co-parenting, and BravoCon escapades. From MJ’s vulnerable update on her divorce to Gigi’s honesty about social anxieties and motherhood, the episode exemplifies Jeff’s signature no-filter authenticity and the guests’ willingness to share all. Sprinkled throughout are witty quips, vulnerable admissions, and the irreverent banter that fans love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mercedes Javid’s Separation and Co-Parenting Struggles

Timestamp: 05:54 – 18:52; 24:45 – 28:31

• Fresh break-up: MJ confirms her split from Tommy Nguyen happened in October and describes herself as “fragile…saying that with a strong jaw.” (06:04)
• Protecting Marriage vs. Speaking Out: MJ expresses pain that, despite years of protecting Tommy publicly, he’s now going after her and her mother in his own podcast and social channels, painting her as “batshit crazy.”
  • “What’s upsetting to me is that…there are so many things you could have said about this guy and have chosen to stay quiet…out of respect for him, but also to protect your son.” – Jeff (09:05)
• Public scrutiny: Both MJ and Jeff highlight the unfairness of internet trolls forming opinions without knowing the full story. Gigi and Reza back MJ, noting her history of support and urging her to reclaim her narrative.
  • “He never thought you’d find your value again and leave him.” – Gigi (10:21)
• Parenting Dynamics: Jeff brings up MJ’s hands-on parenting compared to Tommy’s more relaxed approach—highlighting what “being present” actually means in co-parenting.
  • “Yes, you're in the same home, but... you’re actually parenting.” – Jeff (12:19)
• Resisting confrontation: MJ admits she avoids direct conflict with Tommy due to his “loudest voice in the room” style, saying, “I just don’t want... the confrontation, because it will escalate.” – MJ (14:09)
• Desire for civility: MJ repeatedly insists her goal is to model dignity and togetherness for their son, despite the pain and manipulation she admits to feeling from Tommy.

2. Sisterhood, Support, and Public Perception

Timestamp: 10:21 – 18:52; 26:48 – 28:31

• Gigi and Jeff underscore how much MJ has shielded Tommy out of love, calling for her to stand strong now that he’s “taken the gloves off.”
• Listeners (Bianca, Maggie) call in, voicing outrage on MJ’s behalf and urging her to be less nice, noting public opinion favors authenticity and action.
  • “He's a full on bum and I’ve seen it. You’ve been working while he does jack shit. Nothing.” – Bianca, caller (25:25)
• MJ speaks to the pain of seeing fans misunderstand her role, but is comforted by loyal supporters who skip Tommy’s side altogether.

3. Gigi—Single, Reflective, and Honest

Timestamp: 01:55 – 03:29; 19:02 – 23:42

• Gigi discusses post-divorce singlehood and her sex toy business, wryly noting that “my sex toy company kept me fulfilled, but now it’s just… a little rubbery these days.” (02:37)
• Struggling to date as a single mom and public figure in L.A.: “Men see me [as a] single mom, they run away immediately.”
• MJ and Jeff joke about Gigi’s intimidating aura but celebrate her authenticity and body confidence.

4. BravoCon: The “Side Entrance” Controversy

Timestamp: 19:02 – 23:42

• Accused of snubbing fans at BravoCon, Gigi clarifies: “I get a little insecure with fans… I get very, very overstimulated. I am on the spectrum… touching and the constant of feeling like I’m performing... I get a little shy or nervous.” (20:14)
• She jokes about using the side entrance to get high: “I went through a lot of side entrances. I smoke a lot of weed…” (20:56)
• The group teases Gigi about other Bravo stars possibly joining her—she dodges, saying “Snitches get stitches.” (21:19)

5. “Elf on the Shelf,” Progressive Parenting, and Holiday Traditions

Timestamp: 32:36 – 35:37

• Gigi is starting Elf on the Shelf with her son, Elijah, opting for a Black elf—“I really wanted a black elf, so it took a minute for us to get our black elf.”
• Playful banter about elf pronouns and luxury accessories for elves: “Mine is a they... but she has a little skirt now...” – Jeff (33:12)

6. Reality TV, Accountability, and Growth

Timestamp: 37:00 – 44:39

• Gigi addresses prior BravoCon “beef” with Kristen Doute and Brittany Cartwright, insisting she apologized after an accidental (and public) congratulatory comment she thought indicated pregnancy.
  • “I said the belly is bellying.” – Gigi (38:29)
• She reflects on her evolution, especially as a mom and after a betrayal by an ex-friend: “It was a big fear that now that we're back on camera—is my friend still going to be the person he has been?” (42:05)
• MJ effusively praises Gigi’s parenting: “She is not the Gigi from Shahs. She is an incredible mom.” (44:43)

7. Real Estate Hustle—MJ’s Other Life

Timestamp: 04:03 – 05:53; 47:44 – End

• MJ discusses her thriving real estate career, her drive to succeed, and balancing filming and “pounding the pavement.”
• Highlights today’s open house: “It’s so gorgeous...a newer build...gated, beautiful, has an ADU...asking price 3,595.” (48:39)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On post-divorce vulnerability:
  • “I’m fragile. Saying that with a strong jaw.” – MJ (06:04)
• On authenticity in parenting:
  • “You’re actually parenting.” – Jeff (12:19)
• On MJ’s marital protection:
  • “You were protecting him...way before you guys even got married.” – Gigi (10:21)
• On social anxiety at BravoCon:
  • “It’s not like you’re outside Craig’s waiting for the paparazzi. They're there to meet you.” – Reza (19:51)
• On Elf on the Shelf:
  • “I really wanted a black elf, so it took a minute for us to get our black elf.” – Gigi (32:41)
• On her new outlook:
  • “Out of nine seasons, we didn’t get along for eight and a half…now that we’re back on camera…is my friend still going to be the person he has been the last five years, not the years before that?” – Gigi (42:05)
• Caller support:
  • “He’s a full on bum and I’ve seen it. You’ve been working while he does jack shit. Nothing.” – Bianca (25:25)
• On Gigi as a mother:
  • “She is not the Gigi from Shahs. She is an incredible mom.” – MJ (44:43)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• MJ’s Separation & Authenticity – 05:54–18:52
• Gigi on Singlehood & Social Anxiety – 01:55–03:29; 19:02–23:42
• BravoCon "Side Entrance" – 19:02–23:42
• Parenting, Elf on the Shelf – 32:36–35:37
• BravoCon "Beef," Growth – 37:00–44:39
• MJ Real Estate Hustle/Open House – 47:44–49:00

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode combines raw, vulnerable admissions (especially about divorce and co-parenting) with the trademark sassy, irreverent humor of Jeff’s universe. Listeners get a refreshingly honest look at the reality behind reality TV—where friendships, exes, motherhood, and public scrutiny painfully and sometimes hilariously overlap. Gigi’s growth and MJ’s struggle for dignity drive the episode, with Jeff, Reza, and the callers offering the tough love and support reality stars only rarely get in front of the cameras.

Recommended for listeners who appreciate real talk, empathy, and a peek behind the Bravo curtain.