Jeff Lewis Has Issues - Episode Summary: Holly Robinson Peete & Rodney Peete: Brisket & Uggos

Release Date: August 1, 2025

In this engaging episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues, hosted by Jeff Lewis on SiriusXM, the spotlight shines brightly on the celebrated couple Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. Known for their long-standing marriage and philanthropic efforts, Holly and Rodney delve into various aspects of their personal lives, relationships, and professional endeavors with Jeff's characteristic no-filter honesty.

1. Welcome and Introductions

The episode kicks off with Jeff Lewis introducing his esteemed guests, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. Jeff sets the stage by highlighting the discussion topics: the power of brisket, the secrets to their enduring marriage, and their experiences on reality TV shows.

[01:04] Jeff Lewis: "Hey, it's Jeff Lewis and I have issues. In today's episode, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete join the show. We talk about the power of brisket, the secrets to a long marriage, and uggos."

2. Building Friendships and the Holly Rod Foundation

Holly shares the story of her enduring friendship with Chaz Dean, an influential figure in their lives who supports their fundraising efforts. She elaborates on how they met through a mutual assistant and Chaz's expertise in hair styling, which led to a strong bond over the years.

[01:24] Holly Robinson Peete: "I feel like we met through an old assistant who went to him and was one of his clients. And I went to him and I was like, who is this white boy that thinks he can do black hair? And he was like, I can do your hair. And he did. He was amazing."

The conversation transitions to the Holly Rod Foundation, a charitable organization focused on autism awareness and Parkinson's disease, inspired by their personal experiences.

[02:28] Jeff Lewis: "Which I've heard about for years and years and years."

[02:32] Holly Robinson Peete: "My dad had Parkinson's. My brother has Parkinson's. And then of course our son RJ is on the autism spectrum."

3. The Story of Holly and Rodney's Meeting

One of the episode's highlights is the heartfelt recounting of how Holly and Rodney met. Holly narrates a party barbecue where both were attending separately, dressed in Daisy Dukes and heels, leading to their fateful encounter over brisket.

[04:03] Holly Robinson Peete: "We put our Daisy Dukes on and we put some heels. We went over to this party at Rodney's house..."

[06:11] Rodney Peete: "He's a quarterback. So he remembers plays and numbers and stuff."

Despite initial reservations about Rodney appearing at her doorstep so soon, Holly decides to give their budding relationship a chance, leading to a blend of humor and genuine connection.

4. Life with Their Dog and Family Dynamics

The Peetes discuss their beloved Great Dane, Marmaduke, highlighting the joys and challenges of having a large, anxious dog. They share anecdotes about training, nightly routines, and how Marmaduke fits into their family life.

[09:41] Holly Robinson Peete: "He's my emotional support dog."

[10:07] Holly Robinson Peete: "We rescued this big ass dog. He was in this cage and like, please get me out this cage."

Rodney chuckles about Marmaduke's antics, emphasizing the dog's adorable yet disruptive behavior.

5. Celebrating 30 Years of Marriage

The couple reflects on their 30th wedding anniversary, detailing their celebrations from an intimate dinner to a luxurious trip in Europe. They reveal their strategies for maintaining a spicy and enduring relationship, including separate bathrooms and personal spaces.

[09:22] Rodney Peete: "There it is."

[09:30] Jeff Lewis: "Do you hang a lot in the guest house?"

[09:34] Holly Robinson Peete: "And I have a giant Great Dane that I like to sleep with."

6. Promoting "King's Court" and Reality TV Experiences

Holly and Rodney discuss their roles as co-hosts of the reality dating show "King's Court", airing on Bravo and streaming on Peacock. They contrast it with their previous show, "Queen's Court", highlighting the dynamics of hosting a show with three kings and 21 women seeking love.

[14:36] Holly Robinson Peete: "It's streaming on Peacock. I mean, people can watch it. We loved Queen's Court."

[15:34] Jameson Scala: "I absolutely do."

Holly explains the casting process, their decision to focus on genuine connections, and anecdotes about contestant interactions, including humorous takes on the show's format and participant behaviors.

[16:01] Holly Robinson Peete: "What's Holly's biggest pet peeve about you, Rodney?"

[19:05] Holly Robinson Peete: "He's a quarterback. So he remembers plays and numbers and stuff."

7. Personal Challenges and Health Discussions

The conversation shifts to personal health challenges, specifically discussing weight loss medications and overactive bladder treatments. Holly shares her positive experiences with Gemtessa, a prescription medication that has significantly improved her quality of life and Rodney's as well.

[30:14] Jeff Lewis: "We're promoting Gemtessa. Now, the reason I bring that up... it's a prescription medication for adults and it treats symptoms associated with an overactive bladder."

Their candid discussion about these health issues provides valuable insights and support for listeners facing similar challenges.

[32:19] Holly Robinson Peete: "It really is an actual situation. Like you have to get diagnosed and then, but it has been great for us."

8. Fun Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Banter

Jeff injects humor into the episode with playful banter about personal habits and mishaps, such as Jeff's anecdotes about his own bathroom urgencies and Rodney's radio show.

[34:44] Jeff Lewis: "Do you know Holly's zodiac sign?"

[37:35] Jeff Lewis: "What's Holly's favorite movie, Rodney?"

[38:02] Jeff Lewis: "So, wait, he asks you a question, you give him the answer, and then he asks the same question again? Yeah, I do that shit."

This section adds a relatable and entertaining layer to the episode, showcasing the couple's dynamic and sense of humor.

9. Charity Efforts and Fundraising Initiatives

Holly discusses the challenges of funding for their Black-led charity amidst corporate budget cuts. Jeff shares his own fundraising efforts for co-host Doug's leaking roof, proposing a raffle akin to the Dodgers' 50/50 raffle.

[42:04] Holly Robinson Peete: "It’s been a challenge."

[43:17] Holly Robinson Peete: "Yes, we are really struggling with our closets."

This dialogue underscores the importance of community support and innovative fundraising strategies in sustaining their philanthropic missions.

10. Closing Remarks and Final Interactions

As the episode nears its conclusion, the trio shares humorous stories, including dates gone wrong and unforgettable wedding moments. Jeff reiterates the promotion of "King's Court", encouraging listeners to watch and support the show.

[47:00] Jeff Lewis: "That's right. It is a fun show. It is a quick show. The guys are. Are hot. The girls are pretty. Holly's hot."

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks and an invitation for listeners to tune in to Jeff's weekday shows for more candid conversations and entertaining discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Holly Robinson Peete: "He remembers plays and numbers and stuff." [09:51]

• Jameson Scala: "He's a quarterback. So he remembers plays and numbers and stuff." [09:51]

• Jeff Lewis: "I have a theory. These marriages that last, you know, that stand the test of time. Guest houses and ADUs. And that's what I asked you." [09:14]

• Holly Robinson Peete: "He loves his cage. It's a sanctuary for him." [10:00]

• Rodney Peete: "He's taking my place." [10:25]

• Holly Robinson Peete: "He's my emotional support dog." [09:41]

• Jeff Lewis: "I hate to tell you this, Holly Robinson Peete, but that's where it starts. And that's why your husband was interested in you in the first place. And that's why 30 years later, he still wants to have sex with you." [20:45]

This episode offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into the lives of Holly and Rodney Peete, celebrating their resilience, love, and dedication to both family and charitable causes. Jeff Lewis masterfully navigates the conversation, blending personal stories with light-hearted banter, making it a compelling listen for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.