Podcast Summary: Jeff Lewis Has Issues Episode: Todrick Hall & Joey Zauzig
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Host: SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis

Introduction to Guests

In this episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues, Jeff Lewis welcomes two recurring guests: renowned performer Todrick Hall and the ever-controversial Joey Zauzig. The trio dives deep into personal dynamics, past conflicts, and current endeavors, all delivered with Jeff’s signature no-filter style.

Reconciliation and Communication Improvements

Timestamp: [03:05] – [04:24]

Jeff initiates the conversation by addressing previous communication issues between Todrick and Joey. He references a past concern where Joey struggled with responsiveness, which had previously strained their friendship.

Jeff Lewis ([03:05]): “Has he improved his communication skills?”

Todrick Hall ([03:26]): “Yes. He initiated two conversations, actually. I think not from a pure place of his heart, but because he wanted to prove a point on the radio show today.”

Todrick expresses skepticism about Joey’s sincerity, highlighting that Joey’s efforts to reconnect may have been driven by the spotlight rather than genuine intent.

Todrick Hall ([03:37]): “He’s being sincere. I do.”

Jeff counters by acknowledging that Joey likely recognizes his past shortcomings and is making an effort to mend the friendship.

Jeff Lewis ([03:59]): “I think he's being sincere. I do. I think you do. I do.”

Personal Relationships and Breakups

Timestamp: [05:02] – [06:50]

The discussion shifts to Todrick’s recent breakup, where he openly discusses the end of a relationship marked by rapid progression and eventual mutual decision to part ways.

Todrick Hall ([05:02]): “We’re not together anymore and it’s sad, but I think, like, we both just decided that it just wasn’t going to work. And it’s sad. I’m sad.”

Jeff probes further, suggesting that the relationship might have moved too quickly, leading to its swift dissolution.

Jeff Lewis ([06:35]): “You seem to move very quickly, and those kind of extinguish fast.”

Todrick agrees, reflecting on the intensity of the relationship and acknowledging that perhaps the rapid pace was a factor in its end.

Todrick Hall ([06:38]): “Maybe that was on my part, and maybe that, like, freaked him out or whatever it was, but I don’t think it was working.”

Mental Health and Therapy Attempts

Timestamp: [06:50] – [08:54]

Jeff brings up Todrick’s previous mention of considering therapy, prompting Todrick to share his challenging experiences with finding a suitable therapist.

Jeff Lewis ([06:50]): “Have you met with anyone since then?”

Todrick Hall ([06:58]): “I booked the therapist that Liad was all up in, arms around... [shares frustrating experiences with rescheduling and cancellations].”

Todrick expresses frustration with the therapy process, highlighting the difficulty in finding a committed professional to support his mental health needs.

Todrick Hall ([08:37]): “I have something to say, but I’m not going to say it.”

Jeff empathizes, acknowledging the emotional toll of such challenges.

Jeff Lewis ([08:37]): “That’s why I’m thinking you should. You might do well like telling all this to a therapist.”

Spelling Bee Game Segment

Timestamp: [24:07] – [35:16]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the highly anticipated Spelling Bee with Joey Z. Jeff introduces the game, where Joey Z is tasked with spelling eight-grade level words while Todrick serves as the judge, ready to ring the bell upon any mistakes.

Jeff Lewis ([24:07]): “So this is the game that everyone has been waiting for. Spelling Bee with Joey Z.”

The game proves to be both entertaining and challenging, with Joey Z struggling to spell several words correctly. Todrick’s playful yet critical approach adds humor and tension to the segment.

Notable Moments:

• First Word – "Obsessed"
  Jeff Lewis ([24:34]): “The first word is obsessed.”
  Todrick Hall ([24:36]): “O, B, S, S, E, S, E, D.” (Misspells, prompting Todrick to ding)

• Second Word – "Awkward"
  Jeff Lewis ([25:04]): “I think you’re going to get this one. Awkward.”
  Todrick Hall ([25:07]): “A W, K, W A R D.” (Incorrect spelling leads to another ding)

• Final Words and Conclusion
  Despite multiple errors, Joey Z shows improvement, successfully spelling words like "nonymo" ([27:19]) and "lucrative" ([28:29]). However, the game ends with Joey missing "psychology" and "chauffeur," resulting in a final ding from Todrick.

Jeff Lewis ([32:08]): “Well, that was three out of ten correct.”
Todrick Hall ([32:13]): “No, you got like five.”
Jeff Lewis ([32:27]): “I’m sorry.”
Todrick Hall ([33:04]): “Commuting to the final word, “chauffeur,” Joey Z stretches the experience with additional comedic remarks.

The segment highlights Joey Z’s ongoing struggles with spelling, providing both humor and camaraderie among the guests.

Lifestyle and Personal Updates

Timestamp: [35:03] – [36:30]

Jeff shifts the conversation to his personal health journey, specifically his hormone replacement therapy. He shares details about transitioning injection sites to reduce pain and bruising, offering transparency about his experiences.

Jeff Lewis ([35:03]): “I’ve been on hormone replacement for the last few years. Shane is my nurse...”

Todrick Hall ([35:57]): “Wow.”
Jeff Lewis ([35:57]): “Yes. We had no trouble pinching enough fat and I didn’t feel a thing.”

This segment underscores Jeff’s openness about his personal health, fostering a sense of vulnerability and honesty within the show’s dynamic.

Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, Jeff encourages listeners to tune in to his live broadcasts and highlights the ongoing support from his team, including nurse Shane and the ever-present Joey Z. The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter and a reaffirmation of the deep, albeit tumultuous, friendships among the trio.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Lewis ([03:05]): “Has he improved his communication skills?”
• Todrick Hall ([03:37]): “You could swear all day long.”
• Jeff Lewis ([24:07]): “So this is the game that everyone has been waiting for. Spelling Bee with Joey Z.”
• Todrick Hall ([35:57]): “That’s too much.”

Conclusion

This episode of Jeff Lewis Has Issues offers a candid look into the lives of Jeff Lewis, Todrick Hall, and Joey Zauzig. From mending broken communication lines and navigating personal relationships to engaging in humorous games and discussing health journeys, the trio provides listeners with a blend of heartfelt conversations and entertaining interactions. Jeff’s unfiltered approach ensures that the discussions remain genuine and relatable, making this episode a compelling listen for both regular followers and newcomers alike.