Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues Episode: Jennifer Fessler & Doug Budin | Release Date: November 22, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues", hosts Jeff Lewis and Doug Budin are joined by guest Jennifer Fessler. The conversation dives deep into personal transformations, reality TV drama, family dynamics, and everyday struggles—all delivered with Jeff's trademark no-filter style.

1. Personal Introductions and Initial Banter

The episode kicks off with lighthearted introductions and playful interactions among the hosts and guest.

• Jeff Lewis [00:00]: "When you're Jeff Lewis, the drama never stops."
• Doug Budin [00:19]: "Hey, it's Jeff Lewis and I have issues."
• Jennifer Fessler [00:10]: "I hate that guy. Jeff Lewis has issues."

2. Jennifer Fessler's Major Personal Transformations

Jennifer opens up about her extensive cosmetic procedures and weight loss journey, revealing a significant "glow up" between seasons 13 and 14 of her reality TV show.

• Doug Budin [02:06]: "You did have a huge glow up between season 13 and 14. Is that correct?"
• Jennifer Fessler [02:32]: "I did a lower facelift."
• Doug Budin [02:44]: "What was it?"

Jennifer details the procedures she underwent:

• A lower facelift to enhance her facial structure.

• Veneers for her teeth, including a redo.

• A body lift following significant weight fluctuations, particularly after pregnancy.

• Jennifer Fessler [03:04]: "I did a lower facelift."

• Jennifer Fessler [05:34]: "I had three asses."

Cost and Impact: Jennifer candidly discusses the financial and emotional toll of her transformations.

• Jennifer Fessler [07:25]: "I spent a lot of money."
• Doug Budin [07:13]: "You spend 100 grand in the glow up?"
• Jennifer Fessler [07:15]: "Yeah, ish."

She praises her plastic surgeon, Dr. Sam Risk, highlighting the quality and support she received.

• Jennifer Fessler [08:04]: "He threw some..."
• Jennifer Fessler [08:14]: "He did the full CO2. It was fabulous. I have no pain whatsoever."

3. Weight Loss Journey and Medication

The discussion shifts to weight loss strategies and the use of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

• Doug Budin [17:22]: "Do you go on for a while, then off for a while, or how does it work?"
• Jennifer Fessler [17:25]: "I stay on and I will be on forever."

Jennifer explains her commitment to maintaining her weight loss through continuous medication:

• Jennifer Fessler [17:28]: "I don't have any plan to go off of it."
• Doug Budin [18:04]: "I stopped."
• Jeff Lewis [18:07]: "I take Mounjaro."

Emotional Eating: Jennifer reflects on her relationship with food and how her medication has altered her eating habits.

• Jennifer Fessler [18:40]: "I've been riddled with eating disorders, and I was bulimic all throughout my 20s."
• Jennifer Fessler [19:20]: "I still crave and I do still eat."

4. Reality TV Drama: The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Jennifer discusses her relationships with other cast members and the fallout from her actions in the finale.

• Jennifer Fessler [12:57]: "I'll be fine with everybody, but I wouldn't say that everybody is necessarily fine with me."
• Jennifer Fessler [13:19]: "Jen, Aiden, and Theresa did unfollow me back a few months ago."

She recounts a pivotal moment in the show where she stood up against Jen:

• Jennifer Fessler [15:43]: "This is not for me. I don't want to be where glass is shattered."
• Doug Budin [15:58]: "I think it's good."
• Jeff Lewis [15:17]: "It showed who Jen is."

Jennifer explains her stance was influenced by her recent facelift and personal boundaries:

• Jennifer Fessler [14:24]: "I had just had a facelift."
• Jennifer Fessler [14:44]: "I get very freaked out. So when things get like that, I exit."

5. Family Dynamics and Estate Issues

A significant portion of the episode delves into Doug Budin's troubling behavior regarding his elderly mother’s estate and his interaction with Jeff.

• Doug Budin [22:03]: "Jeff has been waiting for his mother to die and is concerned about her spending."
• Jeff Lewis [24:35]: "I paid her back with my love and time."
• Doug Budin [24:27]: "You stole $10,000 from your sister."
• Jennifer Fessler [24:58]: "He's just doing me a favor."

The conversation reveals:

• Doug’s manipulation of his mother’s finances and eventual theft of her art.
• Jeff’s questionable handling of estate matters, including taking a piece of art without proper authorization.
• The ethical and legal implications of their actions.

Notable Exchange:

• Doug Budin [24:14]: "He stole a piece of art from her home and shipped it back to Los Angeles."
• Jennifer Fessler [25:05]: "Yes, we are accessories."

6. Expensive Hotel Breakfasts and Financial Struggles

Jeff and Doug share a humorous yet revealing story about the exorbitant cost of hotel room service breakfasts and the financial strain it places on them.

• Doug Budin [28:02]: "It's $55, then $19 for delivery, room service, gratuity—$90 total."
• Jennifer Fessler [28:45]: "Eggs."
• Doug Budin [29:11]: "$100 breakfast."

They discuss the repeated expense of multiple breakfasts and the absurdity of the costs involved:

• Doug Budin [29:19]: "She better fucking eat everything."
• Jeff Lewis [29:41]: "Why do you have to have it sent up like that?"

7. Charity Buzz Promotions

The hosts promote a charity auction for a studio visit at the SiriusXM LA office through Charity Buzz.

• Doug Budin [08:35]: "You can bid at charitybuzz.com typing in Jeff Lewis."
• Jeff Lewis [08:54]: "Excellent job."

They discuss the progress of the auction bids and encourage listeners to participate:

• Doug Budin [08:47]: "We have about 18 bids so far, right? Yeah, we're at 43.50."
• Jeff Lewis [08:55]: "Excellent job."

8. Lighthearted Interactions and Q&A

Interspersed throughout the episode are playful jabs, friendly teasing, and responses to listener comments about personal appearances and habits.

• Jennifer Fessler [06:17]: "Yes, I have three chins."
• Shane [12:07]: "I disagree."
• Doug Budin [30:50]: "She's been hitting the mini bar."

These moments add levity to the episode, balancing the more serious discussions.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics, reiterating the candid and unfiltered nature of the show.

• Doug Budin [31:26]: "We are accessories."
• Jeff Lewis [32:00]: "Why do you get so technical about these sorts of things?"

Listeners are reminded to tune in to "Jeff Lewis Live" and the Jeff Lewis Channel on the SiriusXM app for more content.

• Jennifer Fessler [33:10]: "Thanks for listening."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jennifer Fessler [02:32]: "I did a lower facelift."
• Jennifer Fessler [07:25]: "I spent a lot of money."
• Doug Budin [17:22]: "Do you go on for a while, then off for a while, or how does it work?"
• Jennifer Fessler [15:43]: "This is not for me."
• Doug Budin [24:14]: "He stole a piece of art from her home and shipped it back to Los Angeles."
• Jennifer Fessler [18:40]: "I've been riddled with eating disorders, and I was bulimic all throughout my 20s."
• Doug Budin [28:02]: "It's $55, then $19 for delivery, room service, gratuity—$90 total."

Key Takeaways

• Jennifer Fessler's Transformations: Extensive cosmetic surgeries and weight management highlight her dedication to personal appearance, albeit at significant emotional and financial costs.
• Reality TV Dynamics: The episode exposes the intricacies and tensions behind the scenes of reality television, particularly within "The Real Housewives of New Jersey".
• Family and Ethics: Doug Budin's unethical handling of his mother's estate underscores themes of greed and familial betrayal.
• Financial Challenges: Personal anecdotes about extravagant expenses, such as overpriced hotel breakfasts, shed light on the real-life financial pressures faced by the hosts.
• Charity Efforts: The promotion of charitable activities emphasizes the show’s commitment to giving back despite the personal issues discussed.

This episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues" provides an unfiltered look into the personal lives of its hosts and guests, blending humor with serious discussions about beauty, family, and financial struggles. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the complex relationships and personal challenges faced by the participants.