Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues – Episode: Phaedra Parks & Ryan Bailey: Caskets & Crystals

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host/Author: SiriusXM
Guests: Phaedra Parks, Ryan Bailey

Introduction

In this episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues, host Jeff Lewis is joined by reality TV star Phaedra Parks and Ryan Bailey. The trio delves into a variety of engaging topics ranging from Phaedra's multifaceted career to humorous anecdotes about funeral home operations. This episode, aptly titled "Caskets & Crystals," offers listeners an intimate look into Phaedra's personal and professional life, sprinkled with candid conversations and memorable laughs.

Phaedra Parks: A Multifaceted Career

Legal Expertise and Reality TV Stardom

Phaedra Parks is not only known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta but also for her successful legal career. Ryan Bailey initiates the conversation by highlighting Phaedra’s extensive involvement in reality television and her legal prowess.

"Ryan: You were on The Real Housewives of Atlanta from seasons three to nine. You're back in season 16. Have you ever represented any Bravo liberties?"
[Timestamp: 06:14]

"Phaedra Parks: Yes, I've probably represented about six Bravo liberties. For example, I was the attorney for Bobby Brown when Andy was looking to buy his property, which is how Andy and I met. That was over 20 years ago."
[Timestamp: 07:37]

Entrepreneurship in the Funeral Industry

Phaedra co-owns a funeral home in Atlanta, leveraging her legal background to manage both the business and its operations. She discusses the unique aspects of the funeral industry, particularly within the African American community.

"Ryan: So you own a funeral home in Atlanta?"
"Phaedra Parks: Yes, I co-own it with the best funeral director in the world. We handle most funerals between Thursday and Sunday, focusing on a respectful and personalized approach."
[Timestamp: 08:20]

Funeral Home Operations: Beyond the Ordinary

Innovative Services and Unique Requests

Phaedra shares intriguing aspects of running a funeral home, including handling unusual requests from clients and ensuring every service remains dignified.

"Ryan: What happens if I'm too big to fit in a standard casket?"
"Phaedra Parks: We offer oversized caskets, and the cost depends on the materials and specifications. For instance, caskets vary based on gauges of steel or if clients prefer materials like mahogany."
[Timestamp: 14:07]

Cremation and Ash Diamonds

The conversation shifts to modern funeral options like cremation and turning ashes into diamonds, highlighting both the emotional and financial considerations involved.

"Ryan: We're reading up on machines that turn ashes into diamonds. It costs around $200,000. Should we get it?"
"Phaedra Parks: Cremation is very popular now, and turning ashes into diamonds is a beautiful way to remember loved ones. You can choose different sizes, making it a memorable keepsake."
[Timestamp: 16:52]

Handling Jewelry and Personal Belongings

Phaedra recounts a humorous yet challenging incident where a customer accidentally buried himself with a Burberry belt.

"Ryan: Did you accidentally bury someone with their belt?"
"Phaedra Parks: Yes, a client requested to have his Burberry belt returned, but we accidentally buried him with it. We had to compensate him, which was quite the situation."
[Timestamp: 47:36]

Personal Insights: Parenting and Lifestyle

Raising Children with Responsibility

Phaedra emphasizes the importance of instilling work ethic and responsibility in her children, contrasting it with Ryan Bailey's experiences.

"Ryan: I have concerns about spoiling kids and their lack of motivation."
"Phaedra Parks: My children work in the funeral home and have internships, like my oldest son’s internship at Merrill Lynch. They learn to be resourceful and hardworking."
[Timestamp: 20:07]

Chores and Household Management

Discussing household responsibilities, Phaedra highlights her strict but fair approach to chores, ensuring her children understand the value of hard work.

"Guest: What kind of chores exactly?"
"Phaedra Parks: Washing dishes by hand, making beds, and maintaining the house cleanliness. My kids also work in the funeral home, learning different aspects of the business."
[Timestamp: 21:03]

Lighthearted Banter and Personal Stories

Humorous Takes on Funeral Services

The podcast takes a lighter turn as the hosts joke about various aspects of funeral services, including unconventional burial requests and the integration of crystals into funeral practices.

"Ryan: I hope the Nad therapy does something for my... [laughs]"
"Phaedra Parks: Maybe put a rose quartz up your butt to heal your hemorrhoids."
[Timestamp: 30:22]

Reality TV and Personal Lives

Phaedra and guests share amusing anecdotes from their reality TV experiences, including interactions with cast members and on-set mishaps.

"Ryan: Are you doing the Ultimate Ladies Cruise?"
"Phaedra Parks: It was proposed, but it's been postponed. I love cruises but prefer them to avoid all the strange occurrences like the 'Poop Cruise' incident."
[Timestamp: 26:43]

Conclusion

This episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues offers a compelling blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with an entertaining and informative experience. Phaedra Parks' unique position as both a legal expert and a funeral home co-owner adds depth to the conversation, while the humorous exchanges keep the tone light and engaging. Whether discussing the intricacies of funeral services or parenting philosophies, the episode delivers valuable content wrapped in genuine camaraderie.

Notable Quotes

• Phaedra Parks: "It's gotta be right. And it can't make a mockery of it because it's definitely the most important event of your life outside of being born."
  [Timestamp: 10:54]

• Ryan Bailey: "I believe in chores. I believe in, you know."
  [Timestamp: 21:03]

• Phaedra Parks: "Sometimes we can be very sort of aggressive and vocal, and that's the type of show you need to just go in very calm and just read the room."
  [Timestamp: 06:51]

• Ryan Bailey: "Every girl, every gay guy, there's clothes weight, and there's naked weight."
  [Timestamp: 43:16]

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