Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues
Episode: Joey McIntyre & Carnie Wilson: Chemistry & Christmas Albums
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Jeff Lewis (SiriusXM)
Guests: Joey McIntyre, Carnie Wilson
Overview
This lively, candid episode dives deep into holiday entertainment and personal anecdotes. Jeff Lewis welcomes Joey McIntyre and Carnie Wilson for an irreverent, entertaining conversation revolving around Christmas shows and albums, the realities of being in the public eye, on-screen chemistry, family dynamics, fan etiquette, and plenty of signature Jeff Lewis offbeat humor. With playful banter and a mix of heartfelt and hilarious moments, the trio covers holiday projects, personal life, and the ever-present chaos of Jeff’s world.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Ultimate Holiday Show: "Tinsel Color" (02:47)
- Event Talk: Joey McIntyre promotes "Tinsel Color," his Christmas music and variety show, held at LA’s new Cinevita venue – a show promising fun for all ages.
- “It’s two hours and it flies by… let’s make a bet, it’s Christmas!” – Joey McIntyre (03:21)
- Ticket Prices: Discussion on ticket affordability, venue booths, VIP options, bringing the family, and Monroe (Jeff’s daughter) attending.
- “You can get a table for $40 or $250, up to four guests.” – Joey McIntyre (05:33)
- Jeff and Carnie joke about bringing both nannies and prefer booth seating.
2. Classic Holiday Hits & Evergreen Staples (06:02)
- Carnie’s Christmas staple “Hey Santa!” is playfully debated, and Jeff jokes about lyrics.
- “It’s been on the radio for 30 years.” – Carnie Wilson (08:15)
- Carnie jokes about a possible "dirty version."
3. Joey’s Christmas Movie Franchise: Jingle Bell Love & Wedding (08:50)
-
Plot Recaps (Humorously by Jeff):
- “So were you gonna do mixed use? Commercial on the first floor and then residential above?” – Jeff Lewis (10:43)
- Joey shares about his involvement in writing and producing, and filming in Montreal.
- Jeff admits to watching the film alone, not with his daughter: “I like these Christmas movies.” (10:14)
- They detail the show’s formula, the far-fetched $25K fundraiser, and “Christmas magic.”
- Joey discusses his role as a supportive, modern movie partner (“It’s very modern—modern partner.” 13:44).
-
Chemistry Chat: (16:33)
- Jeff pushes Joey about on-screen chemistry and kissing protocols.
- “Did you open your mouth?” – Jeff Lewis (17:09)
- “No open mouth kisses.” – Joey McIntyre (17:21)
- Jeff continues with playful yet awkward questions about intimate scenes.
- Jeff pushes Joey about on-screen chemistry and kissing protocols.
4. Balancing Work, Marriage & Family (18:29)
-
Joey reflects on his marriage (22 years), shooting schedules, the importance of trust, and not being away from family for too long.
- “My wife is a frickin’ superhero… she’s like, shut up, just go do it.” – Joey McIntyre (18:41)
-
Carnie chimes in about trust and possible jealousy as a musician’s spouse.
- “I used to be very jealous... But I know he would never cheat. Trust is so important.” – Carnie Wilson (21:40)
5. Kids, Spelling, and the Magic of Santa (23:13)
- Jeff brings out his daughter Monroe’s misspelled Santa wish list, sparking laughs and commentary on spelling (24:22).
- “It’s not a request, it’s a demand.” – Carnie Wilson, on Monroe’s straightforward Christmas list (25:49)
- Each shares how long their kids believed in Santa and the gentle transition from belief to play-acting.
- “A little, you know, in this day and age, to just… believe in something fun and safe… it’s nice.” – Joey McIntyre (27:32)
- Jeff worries Monroe is on the fence about Santa belief: “I want to get another year out of this!” (26:55)
6. Fan Interactions & Performance (28:24)
- Discussion about fans showing up at homes, receiving cards, the blurred line between family and fans.
- Carnie mentions the loyalty and boundaries of long-term fans.
7. Candle Critiques & Comedic Product Placement (34:40)
- Carnie plugs her “Love Lights” holiday candles, which Jeff then parodies with “customer reviews," mocking soot and scents, leading to defensive banter and laughter.
- “The rumors are that one of her candles started the Palisades fire!” – Jeff Lewis (35:11)
- “Did you actually write that review so you could read this on the air?” – Carnie Wilson (35:33)
- Discussion of product placement in Joey’s movies as future cross promotion.
8. Joey & Carnie’s Christmas Albums (42:48)
-
Fan Call: Jenny ("cruise duet partner") calls to ask Joey about a long-awaited Christmas album.
- “We’ve been listening to your Christmas album now for 14 years, patiently waiting for a new one.” – Jenny (42:50)
- Joey admits he just presented a new non-Christmas album and needs a break.
-
Carnie reminds listeners she’s done solo and Wilson Phillips holiday albums, gently prodded by Jeff for better self-promotion.
- “You’re not a very good self promoter.” – Jeff Lewis (44:07)
9. The Salt Lake Incident(s) & Fan Etiquette (37:44)
- Jeff asks Joey about an incident where he apologized to fans for calling out someone waving a stuffed animal at his concert.
- “In the middle of the song, I said, ‘put that fucking thing away.’” – Joey McIntyre (39:20)
- Joey clarifies it was a running joke, not malice, and explores the need for shared present-moment experiences at live shows.
- Carnie and Joey discuss the role of phones at concerts and the difficulty of balancing performers’ and fans’ desires to capture moments.
10. Joey’s Emergency Retina Surgery (44:25)
-
Jeff brings up Joey’s emergency eye surgery in Salt Lake City.
- Joey recounts the scare of a retina tear, seeing a doctor urgently, and receiving laser surgery.
- “It feels like an eraser of a pencil, just jabbing you… like, 20 times.” – Joey (46:31)
- Candid, vulnerable moment: Joey shares his aversion to oversharing and discomfort with sympathy, but expresses gratitude that his vision is okay.
-
The group jokes about whether temporary blindness would boost ticket sales (“Full blindness is hotter than a patch.” – Joey, 46:55) and pitch a new meta-Christmas movie about regaining sight on Christmas morning.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Time | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------| | 03:21 | "It’s two hours and it flies by… let’s make a bet, it’s Christmas!" | Joey McIntyre | | 05:33 | “You can get a table for $40 or $250, up to four guests.” | Joey McIntyre | | 10:43 | “So were you gonna do mixed use? Commercial on the first floor and then residential above?” | Jeff Lewis | | 13:44 | “It’s very modern—modern partner.” | Joey McIntyre | | 16:33 | "Did you have any sort of chemistry with your co star, what's her name again? Michelle Morgan." | Jeff Lewis | | 17:09 | "When you kissed her, did you open your mouth...?" | Jeff Lewis | | 18:41 | "My wife is a frickin’ superhero… she’s like, shut up, just go do it." | Joey McIntyre | | 21:40 | "I used to be very jealous... But I know he would never cheat. Trust is so important." | Carnie Wilson | | 25:49 | “It’s not a request, it’s a demand.” | Carnie Wilson | | 27:32 | “…to just, you know, believe in something that's, you know, fun and safe… it’s nice.” | Joey McIntyre | | 35:11 | "The rumors are that one of her candles started the Palisades fire!" | Jeff Lewis | | 39:20 | "In the middle of the song, I said, 'put that fucking thing away.'" | Joey McIntyre | | 46:31 | "It feels like an eraser of a pencil, just jabbing you… like, 20 times." | Joey McIntyre | | 46:55 | "Full blindness is hotter than a patch." | Joey McIntyre |
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 02:47 – Tinsel Color show and ticket banter
- 06:02 – “Hey Santa!” and classic holiday hits
- 08:50 – Joey’s Christmas movie "Jingle Bell Love"
- 13:44 – Supporting modern women in Christmas scripts
- 16:33 – On-screen chemistry and kissing scenes
- 18:29 – Discussing work, marriage, and being away from family
- 23:13 – Monroe’s Santa letter and spelling antics
- 28:24 – Fans at homes and holiday card stories
- 34:40 – Hilarious candle “reviews” and product placement discussion
- 42:48 – Fan call: Demanding a new Christmas album
- 44:25 – Joey’s medical scare: emergency retina surgery
Tone & Style
True to Jeff Lewis’s style, the conversation is unabashed, sometimes outrageous, and peppered with teasing, tender moments, and real connection. The guests match his candor and wit, creating a frank and entertaining dialogue—perfect for those who like their holiday cheer with a thick side of sarcasm and sincerity.
For First-Time Listeners
This episode captures the Jeff Lewis Has Issues essence: unfiltered humor, showbiz gossip, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Whether you love Christmas or just love a good laugh, the chemistry between Jeff, Joey, and Carnie keeps things bright—and often, delightfully inappropriate.
Listen on SiriusXM or wherever you get your podcasts.