Jeff Lewis Has Issues: Episode Summary Episode: Kym Whitley & Sarah Colonna: Spirits & Mosquitoes | Release Date: August 15, 2025
In this engaging episode of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues," host Jeff Lewis welcomes comedian and actress Kym Whitley alongside Sarah Colonna, delving into a variety of personal anecdotes, humorous mishaps, and insightful discussions. The episode seamlessly weaves through topics ranging from frustrating shopping experiences to the profound journey of unexpected parenthood, all delivered with Jeff’s trademark no-filter honesty.
1. Introduction of Guests
Timestamp: [00:58] – [01:18]
Jeff kicks off the episode by introducing his guests, setting the stage for a candid conversation. Kim Whitley humorously teases Jeff about his perpetual drama, immediately establishing a lighthearted and playful atmosphere.
Kim Whitley: "When you're Jeff Lewis, the drama never stops."
([00:58])
2. Frustrating Shopping Experience at West Elm
Timestamp: [02:25] – [04:20]
The trio shares their recent shopping ordeal at West Elm in Beverly. Jeff recounts his disappointment with the lack of customer service, detailing the high costs and mismatched orders that left him frustrated.
Jeff Lewis: "We walked in, they barely said hello to us. Not one person would get off their ass to help us."
([02:53])
Sarah Colonna: "We spent like $2,000 on the entire guest room bed... when I got home, I realized we had a king size duvet instead of queen."
([05:08])
Despite the hefty price tag, the lack of assistance and subsequent errors in orders caused significant inconvenience, sparking a discussion about the quality of service at high-end retailers versus more budget-friendly options like Ross or Marshall’s.
3. The Buzz Around Home Scent Machines
Timestamp: [06:30] – [09:35]
The conversation shifts to home fragrance solutions, where Jeff enthusiastically describes his experience with a commercial scent machine at a furniture mart, praising the pervasive and pleasant aromas.
Jeff Lewis: "They're pumping this beautiful scent through the air vents. It smelled so nice in there."
([06:34])
However, Sarah Colonna voices skepticism, sharing her own disappointing experience with a personal diffuser that failed to deliver lasting scents.
Sarah Colonna: "I bought an air thing and it did not smell for a second."
([07:00])
Kim Whitley offers practical advice, recommending sourcing essential oils locally to achieve effective and affordable scent solutions.
Kim Whitley: "You better go down there on Slauson to one of the brothers selling that oil, and you put that in the machine."
([08:57])
4. Live vs. Fake Christmas Trees
Timestamp: [09:48] – [12:03]
Jeff and Kim delve into their preferences for Christmas trees, contrasting the sensory joys of live trees with the convenience and longevity of artificial ones. Jeff shares his investment in a high-end fake tree equipped with built-in lights and a scent machine, highlighting its aesthetic appeal.
Jeff Lewis: "I like a live tree because I like the smell. But since I got the scent machine with the cancer pine fragrance, I now can buy a fake tree."
([10:29])
Kim humorously recounts her decades-old artificial tree, emphasizing the blend of nostalgia and practicality it represents.
Kim Whitley: "I have a fake one I've had, but it's so old, my mother gave it to me probably 25 years ago."
([10:29])
They also touch upon the challenges of maintaining live trees, such as pesticide concerns and the high cost of organic options.
5. Canceled Cruise and Birthday Celebration at Tom Joyner’s
Timestamp: [12:03] – [18:21]
A pivotal moment in the episode centers around Kim Whitley’s tumultuous experience with a canceled cruise on her birthday. Due to a broken propeller, her cruise was called off, leading to an impromptu celebration at the home of legendary DJ Tom Joyner.
Kim Whitley: "I was on my birthday... balcony. It was the famous balcony of Tom Joyner, the disc jockey."
([14:21])
She vividly describes the lavish setup, including a Jacuzzi and Rolls Royce garage, painting a picture of unexpected luxury amidst disappointment.
Jeff Lewis: "They are so rich. He was."
([15:43])
The event, though initially stressful, turned into a memorable party filled with music, food, and a sense of community, showcasing the unpredictability of life and the silver linings that come with it.
6. Kim Whitley’s Journey to Parenthood
Timestamp: [30:55] – [37:11]
A deeply personal segment unfolds as Kim opens up about becoming a mother at 46. She narrates the surprising circumstances under which she welcomed her son, Joshua, into her life when a young woman left him at the hospital.
Kim Whitley: "When I was younger, he took my bike and never brought it back. I'll never forget it."
([25:10])
She recounts the emotional turmoil and the pivotal role her late mother played in encouraging her to embrace motherhood.
Kim Whitley: "My mother was just laying there... she makes this noise. It was like a transfer of spirits."
([36:16])
This heartfelt story highlights themes of destiny, resilience, and the transformative power of unexpected blessings.
7. Parenting a Teenager: Routines and Challenges
Timestamp: [37:11] – [45:15]
Kim discusses the complexities of parenting a 14-year-old during adolescence. She shares her struggles with communication and the emotional distance that often accompanies teenage years.
Kim Whitley: "There has to be some kind of other connection. Yeah, I wanna, I wanna do."
([21:06])
The trio exchanges parenting tips, emphasizing the importance of establishing routines that foster connection without imposing judgment. Jeff relates by describing his own nighttime routine with his daughter, using physical affection and conversation to strengthen their bond.
Jeff Lewis: "We talk while I put lotion on her... it's become the most intimate, connected time for us."
([41:35])
Kim aspires to implement similar practices, aiming to bridge the emotional gap and maintain a strong relationship with her son.
8. Planning the Upcoming Summer Party
Timestamp: [45:15] – [50:44]
The conversation shifts to future plans as Jeff announces an upcoming summer party organized by Sarah Colonna, slated for Saturday, August 30th. The guests humorously debate the timing, menu, and logistics, touching upon topics like mosquito control and party food.
Jeff Lewis: "I've put this directly into my calendar and it said, you're ending it too. I was like, okay."
([46:10])
They discuss the challenges of hosting an outdoor event in Sherman Oaks, notorious for its mosquitoes, and brainstorm creative solutions to ensure a pleasant experience for all attendees.
Jeff Lewis: "We're gonna have a full bar... I'll stand next to John then."
([47:44])
The lively banter underscores the camaraderie among the hosts and their shared knack for turning even mundane plans into entertaining discussions.
9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [50:44] – [52:13]
As the episode winds down, the guests share light-hearted comments and wrap up their discussions with mutual appreciation and humorous remarks about their shared experiences.
Kim Whitley: "Hey, Joshua, let's sit down."
([44:25])
Jeff Lewis: "We're gonna watch Wednesday now, you said."
([44:28])
The episode concludes with a blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and practical advice, leaving listeners entertained and thoughtfully engaged.
Notable Quotes:
- Kim Whitley: "When you're Jeff Lewis, the drama never stops." ([00:58])
- Jeff Lewis: "They barely said hello to us. Not one person would get off their ass to help us." ([02:53])
- Sarah Colonna: "I was trying to kill myself." ([14:18])
- Kim Whitley: "I didn’t have the heart to take him if my mother wasn’t there." ([35:35])
- Jeff Lewis: "We talk while I put lotion on her... it's become the most intimate, connected time for us." ([41:35])
This episode masterfully balances humor with vulnerability, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into the lives of Jeff Lewis, Kym Whitley, and Sarah Colonna. From the trivial frustrations of shopping mishaps to the profound impact of unexpected parenthood, the conversation is both entertaining and relatable, embodying the essence of "Jeff Lewis Has Issues."