Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues — Episode: Kate Flannery & Sarah Colonna: Broken Chair & Auditions
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Hosts and Guests:
- Jeff Lewis: Host of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues"
- Kate Flannery: Actress known for her role as Meredith Palmer on "The Office"
- Sarah Colonna: Comedian and podcaster
1. Welcome and Introductions
Jeff Lewis kicks off the episode by warmly welcoming his guests, Kate Flannery and Sarah Colonna. He compliments Kate on her appearance, noting her striking red suit and impeccable styling.
Notable Quote:
- Jeff Lewis [01:26]: "In today's episode, Kate Flannery and Sarah Colonna join the show. We talk about restaurant tips, broken chairs, and redheads."
2. Restaurant Life and the Broken Chair Incident
The conversation shifts to Kate's past experience working as a waitress at the popular restaurant "Kate Manoline" in Beverly Hills. She shares anecdotes about the high-paced environment and the eclectic mix of patrons, including celebrities attending the Academy Awards.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff Lewis [10:16]: "But you didn't get SNL. Yeah, you go back to sketch. You're doing your sketch comedy. You're doing improv too, correct?"
- Kate Flannery [15:10]: "But I do get that. I get that. Yeah."
A humorous yet embarrassing incident is recounted where Jeff describes how the chair he was sitting on broke, causing him to fall to the floor during a vet visit. This mishap becomes a focal point of the episode, highlighting the show's signature blend of humor and personal stories.
Notable Quote:
- Jeff Lewis [31:02]: "I had two hard-boiled eggs this morning, zero points. Water, zero points."
3. Auditioning for SNL and The Office Experience
Kate delves into her audition experiences, particularly her attempts to join "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). She discusses how she nearly landed a spot but ultimately saw her friends Beth Cahill and Melanie Hutzel secure the roles instead. This segment provides insight into the competitive nature of the entertainment industry and the emotional toll of auditions.
Notable Quotes:
- Kate Flannery [09:56]: "She was writing like, she was a writer too."
- Jeff Lewis [16:06]: "And then it's gonna be hard to live with."
Jeff emphasizes the unpredictability of showbiz, reflecting on how these audition experiences shaped Kate's career trajectory.
4. Personal Life and Long-Distance Relationships
The discussion transitions to Kate's personal life, particularly her long-term relationship with Chris, a still photographer for NBC. They explore the dynamics of maintaining a long-distance relationship while both are deeply entrenched in demanding careers.
Notable Quotes:
- Kate Flannery [20:18]: "We have our own space. But you know, I feel like, I feel like we sort of are, we're sort of like the royals."
- Sarah Colonna [20:55]: "No, no, no. We're still sleeping together, Jeff. Still spinning."
Kate candidly shares the challenges and benefits of their arrangement, emphasizing the importance of personal space and mutual respect.
5. Touring and Current Projects
Kate highlights her ongoing projects, including a cabaret tour with renowned comedian Jane Lynch. She provides details about upcoming shows across various cities, showcasing the collaborative spirit of their performances.
Notable Quotes:
- Kate Flannery [22:07]: "Yes, we do, actually. We're gonna be in Cerritos and in Santa Monica this December."
- Sarah Colonna [22:55]: "We have to go to the Christmas show."
The hosts discuss the logistics of touring, including challenges like ensuring adequate seating (a nod to the earlier broken chair incident) and promoting their shows effectively.
6. Reflections on Success and Industry Insights
Reflecting on her time on "The Office," Kate shares her thoughts on the show's unexpected success and its lasting cultural impact. She humbly acknowledges the ensemble nature of the cast and the collective effort that contributed to the show's longevity.
Notable Quotes:
- Kate Flannery [34:02]: "I did not do the pilot. And then I ended up replacing somebody from the pilot."
- Jeff Lewis [35:05]: "So then you got more money."
Jeff and Kate discuss the financial aspects of being part of a hit show, touching upon residuals and the benefits of long-term royalties.
7. Personal Anecdotes and Miscellaneous Topics
The episode takes a lighter turn as the trio shares personal stories and humorous exchanges. Topics range from dietary habits and weight management to experiences with horror movies and on-screen mishaps.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff Lewis [32:40]: "I fell right to the floor. My daughter could not stop laughing."
- Kate Flannery [38:29]: "What are you doing here?"
These segments exemplify the podcast's unique blend of candid conversation and comedic elements, making for an engaging and relatable listening experience.
8. Upcoming Events and Farewells
As the episode winds down, Kate and Sarah promote their upcoming shows and tours. They discuss potential summer parties and the logistics of hosting events that accommodate their busy schedules.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Colonna [40:32]: "August 14th at Do Si do in the Woodlands. August 15th at Stable hall in San Antonio."
- Kate Flannery [41:06]: "Maybe before you go to the bathroom."
Jeff reiterates the details, ensuring listeners are informed about how to attend their performances.
Conclusion
Jeff Lewis concludes the episode with a humorous recap of the discussions, highlighting the camaraderie between him and his guests. The episode offers a deep dive into Kate Flannery's journey in the entertainment industry, her personal life, and the nuances of maintaining relationships amidst demanding careers. Through engaging dialogue and entertaining anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those in the spotlight.
Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful discussions and insights shared during the episode.