Podcast Summary

Jeff Lewis Has Issues

Episode: Madison LeCroy & Craig Conover: Mailbox Money & #1 Guy

Date: November 28, 2025
Host: Jeff Lewis (SiriusXM)
Guests: Madison LeCroy, Craig Conover (“Southern Charm”)

Overview

In this candid, unfiltered episode, Jeff Lewis welcomes Madison LeCroy and Craig Conover from Bravo's "Southern Charm" to discuss the behind-the-scenes drama at BravoCon, the realities of fame, social media, and navigating the complex social structures of reality TV. The trio dive into Bravo show feuds, conflict resolution, public perception, trust funds vs. hustling, and who really is the "#1 Guy" in the Southern Charm group.

Key Discussion Points

1. BravoCon Encounters and First Impressions ([01:10]-[07:50])

• Madison's Psy Feud: Madison’s comments about Psy de Silva (“the meanest girl I’ve ever met,” [02:40]) go viral, leading to a discussion about misread vibes, first-time nerves, and how public feuds escalate.
• Jeff’s Perspective: Jeff shares his own experiences of misjudging people (e.g., Rachel Zoe) and the pressure-filled BravoCon environment.
• Craig on Feuds: Craig notes that Bravo shows are “full of feuds and getting over feuds” ([06:14]) and laments the lack of conflict resolution on ensemble casts.

Memorable Quotes:

• “They don’t allow me to do [podcasts] for a reason.” – Madison LeCroy [01:43]
• “We’re full of feuds and getting over feuds.” – Craig Conover [06:15]

2. Handling On-Air Drama & Flak from Fans ([11:13]-[15:24])

• Regrets and Public Backlash: Jeff and Craig discuss the cyclical nature of public outrage, with Jeff noting, "I could do the worst possible things and two episodes later, they've forgotten." [12:33]
• Craig on Watching Himself: Craig says he hasn’t watched the show in years—“It's really hard for me to watch back the translation of my behavior... I'm so reactive.” [11:37]
• Social Media Hazards: Discussion around Reddit as “cutting”—Craig shares a show therapist’s analogy: “You do something... that you know is going to hurt you. You read through like a hundred of those good comments... waiting for that one bad comment.” [13:30]
• Dealing with DMs: The pressure to monitor social channels and fans’ attempts to stir drama.

Notable Quotes:

• “If you start reading Reddit, you’ll get hooked quick.” – Craig Conover [14:24]
• “It’s such a gift... I wanted my whole life, give me the ability to make someone’s day just by taking a picture.” – Craig Conover [42:01]

3. Trust Funds vs. Hustler Culture on Southern Charm ([24:19]-[27:57])

• Old Money, New Money: Jeff asks if everyone has a real job on Southern Charm or lives off a trust fund. Madison and Craig confirm the original cast was “all trust... mailbox money” ([24:36]), while they represent the “hustlers” on the show.
• Madison’s Entry: Started as the show’s hairstylist who “wasn’t born into money,” joined after dating a cast member.
• Class Dynamics: Madison discusses being pigeonholed as “white trash redneck” and initially reviled by the old-money crowd until she earned respect.

Notable Quote:

• “I was the, quote, unquote, white trash redneck that came in.” – Madison LeCroy [25:51]

4. BravoCon Behind-the-Scenes: Fame, Panels, and Fan Engagement ([29:48]-[46:16])

• BravoCon Tales: Shep’s drunken exploits and mishaps at BravoCon are recounted with affectionate eye rolls.
• Press, Panels, and Jealousy: How who gets chosen for panels, press, and seating next to Andy at reunions stirs bitterness and competition in ensemble casts.
• Authenticity and Persistence: Both Madison and Craig reflect on perseverance through show hazing, with Madison underlining her evolution: “I’m their father figure.” [27:55]
• Team Spirit vs. Individualism: Early cast members hustled for the show's success; now, new cast members seek individual fame.

Notable Moments:

• “You can see who’s working and who’s not or who is taking it serious.” – Craig Conover [42:31]
• Tamra Judge and Dorinda Medley praised for going “above and beyond” for fans at BravoCon ([42:40]-[43:00]).

5. Glam Squads: Who’s Too Fancy? ([33:45]-[34:43])

• Jeff’s Take: Jokes about how some cast members go “full glam squad,” but he prefers a natural look (and compliments Craig’s hair).
• Craig’s Perspective: Confesses to stepping up his grooming for BravoCon: “Shep got mad at me last BravoCon. He’s like, look at Craig. He did his hair every day...” [33:45]

6. Balancing Fame, Gratitude, and Emotional Health ([41:43]-[46:16])

• Fan Interactions: Craig and Madison talk emotionally about being recognized, gratitude for fan support, and the responsibility that comes with reality TV stardom.
• Taking the Job Seriously: Criticism of cast members who skip paid fan meet-and-greets; praise for those who go the extra mile for fans.
• Emotional Reactions: Both share how the experience can be unexpectedly moving.

7. Personal Relationships & Support Systems ([46:16]-[49:11])

• Patricia Altschul as Mentor: Madison describes Patricia as a second mother: “I’m the daughter that she never had, and anything she says, I do.” [48:40]
• Reaching Out to Catherine: Both Madison and Craig reveal attempts to check in with former cast member Catherine, now seeking a possible path back to the cast.

Notable Quotes & Highlights (with Timestamps)

• On first impressions and conflict:
  “We’re full of feuds and getting over feuds, but not everyone’s good with the resolution.” – Craig Conover [06:14]
• On the addictive nature of social media:
  “If you start reading Reddit, you’ll get hooked quick.” – Craig Conover [14:24]
• On the hustle vs. old money:
  “I was the, quote, unquote, white trash redneck that came in.” – Madison LeCroy [25:51]
• On shadow cast competition:
  “Who sits next to Andy? The funny thing is...my left side is so much better than my right side. I prefer the second seat at Watch What Happens Live.” – Jeff Lewis [32:04]
• Fans as the foundation:
  “It’s such a gift...saying hi to them...that fantasy is something we have to nurture.” – Craig Conover [42:01]
• On emotional moments with fans:
  “Do you know how many times I almost cried...walking through to one of my booths...everyone was screaming my name and clapping...and when I do a panel, I was like, oh my God, this is, like, emotional.” – Madison LeCroy [42:16]
• Jeff on Andy Cohen:
  “We can hear each other’s point of view and air our grievances and then we can work through it.” – Jeff Lewis [07:35]
• Madison’s gratitude for mentorship:
  “I’m the daughter that [Patricia] never had, and anything she says, I do. She guides me...especially with the show and my businesses.” – Madison LeCroy [48:40]

Listener Interactions & Light Moments

• Call-ins ask about Southern Charm feuds, number one guy in the group ([39:03]), and commando style ([47:41]).
• Madison jokes about Mario Lopez being her “hall pass” ([09:45]).
• The cast discusses security at BravoCon (including bodybuilder trainers), “mailbox money,” and personal quirks like not finishing drinks ([09:26]).
• Humor weaves throughout, with teasing among Craig, Madison, and Jeff about glam squads, seating charts, and the rituals of Bravo fandom.

Standout Segments/Timestamps

• BravoCon conflict & handling press fallout: [01:10]-[07:50]
• The addiction of social media: [13:30]-[14:24]
• Trust fund culture vs. hustling: [24:19]-[27:57]
• Fan engagement and authentic gratitude: [41:43]-[43:44]
• Patricia’s mentorship: [48:40]

Conclusion

This episode offers listeners a wide-ranging, honest look into the realities of reality TV stardom: drinking at BravoCon, social media pressure, fame’s emotional roller coaster, fan engagement, and drama among castmates and Bravolebrities. Madison and Craig's authenticity, hustle mentality, and sense of gratitude stand out, as does Jeff’s sharp, self-deprecating humor and appreciation for keeping it real.