Cristy Lee: The Moment Everything Changed

About this episode

Cristy Lee shares her journey and the pivotal moment that led to the creation of The JP Emerson Show.

Season five of The JP Emerson Show opens with a never‑before‑told story and the guest who unknowingly helped launch the entire podcast: longtime friend Cristy Lee. JP reveals for the first time how an interview he recorded with Cristy just as the COVID‑19 pandemic shut down production, lost its intended home, was published on his own website, and went so viral within 24 hours that it crashed his site — ultimately sparking the creation of the show. Together, JP and Cristy revisit that moment and dive into everything since, from her recent public appearances and wildly popular television shows to her car‑themed wedding at the Packard Proving Grounds, her HGTV and real‑estate projects, and her winter garage plans. Cristy also opens up about her battle with Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease, sharing the surgeries, setbacks, and strength behind her return to filming and her commitment to supporting others with autoimmune conditions. Mixed with dream‑garage talk, classic Mopars, BMW 2002 fantasies, music, friendly competition with her husband, John Hawkins, and a fun Q&A, this premiere blends history, heart, and horsepower in a way only Cristy and JP can…

People in this episode

Host: JP Emerson

Guest: Cristy Lee

Topics covered

• podcast origin story
• auto industry
• health struggles
• television appearances
• personal growth
• car culture

Keywords

• Cristy Lee
• JP Emerson
• podcast
• COVID-19
• Graves' disease
• automotive
• television
• car-themed wedding
• auto industry

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HGTV, Red Line Oil

Books & works: The JP Emerson Show

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