U Up?
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Spring cleaning time is here, so we’re heading into April ready to clean out, refresh, and reinvigorate our mindsets with the help of one of our listeners! Jeannette Cieszykowski, Feng Shui consultant and owner of Elemental Clarity, reached out to Jared after hearing a Benefits episode about how his apartment was holding back his dating life. This Sunday Special, she joins J&J to talk about feng shui, the energies we hold in our homes, and how simple changes could help us succeed in our dating intentions. Learn more about Jeannette's work at elementalclarity.com or follow her on Instagram @elementalclarity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Wednesday before the big weekend – Jordana’s birthday getaway and Jared’s time to shine as his brother’s best man. Before diving into the episode, they tease what they’re anticipating ahead of their travel days, then spill into Jared’s TikTok encounter and the big debate going on with Oversharing. The first email comes from a divorced listener feeling insecure about blame her ex-husband placed on her when it came to words of affirmation. Now that she’s in a new relationship, she wants to do better, but how do men like to be complimented in the first place? The Awkward Encounter validates a recent “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about a surprise strand of hair. Next, the “Are We Dating?” submission may be a case of overthinking a man’s removal of Bumble. The episode ends in a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” featuring texts about a strange favor, women with successful careers, and recovering from sending a sext to the wrong person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dreams are coming true today– Jordana’s #1 guest, mental health icon, and host of “Where Should We Begin?,” Esther Perel is making this a standout Sunday Special. We get started with the existence of situationships, spill into her findings about eroticism and sustaining relationships, plus the universe affected when an affair occurs. The episode ends with a listener's email about a devolving sexual connection with her boyfriend, leading to her finding something unsettling from his past relationship. Should she confront him with what she found? J&J ask how Esther would advise, and you may be surprised to hear her answer. Find Esther Perel on Instagram @estherperelofficial or listen to her podcast, Where Should We Begin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Spring is in the air, and we’re ready to welcome all the fun that comes with more sun and warmer weather. Before diving into emails, J&J both have exciting plans to come, plus they receive another listener’s wedding invitation! Next, they hear from a male listener who just got stood up on a second date but met someone new while he was waiting. His original date ended up reaching out, so does he owe her another shot or would it be OK to call the girl he ended up meeting instead? The Awkward Encounter is why you never go back for seconds on Hinge if it didn’t work out the first time. Then, the “Are We Dating?” submission comes from a divorcee exploring the dating world. Her email stumps Jared because it’s a bit of a role reversal from what we usually hear, so J&J need your help landing a decision. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about seating choices, smelly genitals, and a potentially common risk when dating a teacher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you’ve cheated or been cheated on, this Sunday Special is for you. Before diving in, Jared has some pre-wedding thoughts as we get closer to his brother’s big day. Then, J&J play a round of “Petty or Prudent?” about removing social media posts with your ex. Is that an unspoken rule of breakups, or is it OK to let posts of your past stay up? Next, we hear from a listener who’s just cheated and come back to the wreckage his ex left at home after she found out. He asks Jared and Jordana how he can apologize and what next steps he should take from here, but they think he’s missing something if he truly wants to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nature is healing this week! Jordana is tan and refreshed from her trip to St. Kitts, JetBlue made amends, and Jared brought gifts for himself! Next, a new listener intrigued by an AITA about lying to have sex with someone wants J&J’s take on consent and morality. The Awkward Encounter leads to impromptu dramatic performances. Then, J&J answer a listener email in Better With Age segment sponsored by Lee. Our 29-year-old listener has been hit hard by her breakup and, despite her ex being the issue, can’t see herself finding love again. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about TikTok pranks, free drinks, and chin hairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re getting to the bottom of an on-again, off-again relationship in this Sunday Special! One of our listeners, Natalie, knows she’s dating a man she’s been seeing since September, but he keeps backpedaling on the seriousness of commitment. They’re in their 40s, she knows what she wants, and he claims to care for her, so what is the hold-up? When she listens to our podcast, some of Jared’s answers resonate with the way she perceives this man to be, so she wants answers from Jared and a reality check from Jordana. Is he just not that into her, or does he just need some more time before he gets tired of playing games? J&J give her some perspective to see a future for herself on the other side of this relationship, and help Natalie draft a text to follow up on their most recent hangout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J have a lot to discuss this week! Jordana is finally about to get her vacation fill, but it’s going to take a JetBlue flight to get to her destination. Then, Jared retells the story that his followers (and Jordana) were convinced was a meetcute, and explains why it wasn’t a romcom setup in his mind. Plus, after meeting Rob at his Boston show, Jared gives an update on our SOS caller. Next, he and Jordana are asked about the rules around your parents’ involvement in your dating life. Should you wait for labels or a certain time to let them know you’re seeing someone new? The Awkward Encounter proves that some men never change. Then, we receive an “Are We Dating?” submission that ends with J&J drafting a text for our listener. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about dating types, app omissions, and a pet portrait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Sunday Special is a birthday gift to Jared! Joey Grazadei, the Bachelor and the internet’s newest boyfriend, is in the studio and ready to face Jordana’s questioning. We get asked endlessly about the two types of men, so we’re putting Jared and Joey to the test. Is a single man ready to get married pretty similar to a single man seeing how it goes, or are there questions to emphasize any polarizing differences? We’re pulling back the curtain and breaking down the perfect Bachelor image to see who the real Joey is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Worst Month of the Year is wrapping up, but before it ends, we’ve got a lot of off-air moments to recap from the past week! Since last week’s recording, we surprised Jared with his apartment tour, hosted our first mixer, he had back-to-back sold out NYC shows, and now his birthday has finally arrived. Then, we hear from a listener who needs Jorge’s perspective on a guy she’s dating. Is she only uncertain because she’s used to dating Jareds? The Awkward Encounter is encouraging more listeners to join in on our dating challenge. Next, there’s an update to the “Are We Dating?” email from Valentine’s Day. The 95% girlfriend heard our advice, acted on it, and let us know what happened next. The episode ends in a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker? about a black eye, Valentine’s Day card, and yet another story about peeing in weird places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hopeful season is on the horizon, but for now, J&J are getting you through the bleakest part of winter with another Sunday Special! The episode kicks off with a round of “Petty or Prudent?” about a V-Day breakup. Is it automatically petty to break up with someone on Valentine’s Day, or was our listener within reason? Next, J&J hear from a listener whose biggest issue with her talking stage is the repeated breaking of her boundaries. Is her perspective skewed from being recently out of a long-term relationship, or is this guy being f*cked up? J&J read the texts and weigh in on why these red flags should be a deal breaker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Worst Day of the Year, which happens to be the day Jared Freid was born! The episode starts with reflecting on Jordana’s unhinged rant that gave today its special name and how he feels entering his personal new year. Then, Emma Willmann, host of Ask Men Anything, returns and shares revelations she's gained as a lesbian questioning men on everything. Next, they hear from a listener in need of guidance on an internal debate. After having sex with the guy she’s been dating, he casually mentions being queer, and she wonders why he would not be direct about such a big part of his identity. Is it internalized homophobia making her question a non-issue, or was there a better way to go about this conversation? Jared, Jordana, and Emma debate all sides of a relatable issue in today's modern dating world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Still in awe of Tracy Chapman’s reemergence at the GRAMMYs, J&J’s pre-show talk spills into the start of this Sunday Special. Next, they jump into “Petty or Prudent?” about blocking your ex after a breakup text. Do you owe them a chance to respond, or nothing at all once a breakup is done? Then, a listener explains why her boyfriend seeking therapy is a growing problem for her and their relationship. What’s appropriate to share with your partner from sessions, and when is it OK to push back on what you’re being told? It’s his therapist she has an issue with, but J&J have a bone to pick with him too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Valentine’s Day! Today’s episode has something for everyone – lovers, new listeners, singles, and anyone struggling in a situationship. J&J have a dating challenge to share, but first, Jared kicks off with a pep talk for anyone alone on Valentine’s Day. Then, Jordana speaks on TikTok coming for her over last week’s Pookie and Jett debate. Next, a listener is starting to get back into dating, but just isn’t feeling it. Does she just need more time to get the spark back, or is there a deeper issue at play? The Awkward Encounter is an all too common issue of being on a date that isn’t a date. The episode ends in a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker” about your SO misspelling your name and thinking your friend is hot, and pranking a SO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Valentine’s Day gets closer, we’re anticipating make-or-break reveals hitting a high, but there’s a silver lining: J&J explain why this V-Day is perfectly placed for single people in 2024. Next, they dive into “Icky or Picky?” about a lackluster conversation starter in the DMs. Then, the episode ends with an email about how to get a could-be relationship out of a weird place after the holidays. Communication isn’t what it was in December and our listener isn’t sure she can get them back on the right track without using “masculine energy,” but does that really matter? J&J read the texts she shared and weigh in on where to go from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are back in the studio and Jared is in a mood. He reads the DM that’s been stewing in his mind before they look into TikTok’s new favorite couple. Jordana unleashes her thoughts on Pookie and Jett Puckett, but Jared’s opinion changes mid-conversation. Then, the first email is spiraling over a guy she likes still being active on the apps. If they’ve had two good dates, then what the f*ck is he doing on Bumble? The Awkward Encounter comes with excuses, but J&J are not having it. Next, they read an “Are We Dating?” submission that meets the definition of complicated. The episode ends with a round of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about a family death, fitness accessories, and nicknames. Credit: TikTok @campbellhuntpuckett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are too many icks and options stopping you from finding love? Jay Shetty, host of the On Purpose podcast, is back in the studio with hot takes on today's dating cruxes. J&J dive into the parts of Jay we have yet to know, from his favorite drinking game to his bad days. Plus, having sat down with everyone from Kobe Bryant to Kendall Jenner and Michelle Obama on his own show, he shares insights from some of his most famous guests. Jared, Jordana, and Jay find common threads connecting their lives, and end the episode with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about a quiz our listener had to pass to be asked out on a date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’ve finally made it to the end of January, but Jordana can’t get into this week’s dating topics until she addresses the change on Jared’s face. Plus, J&J give updates on what’s going on in their lives. Then, #DatingTok is bringing up doubts for our first emailer: is it the man’s job to confirm a date the day-of, and what does it say about her if she doesn’t hold dates to social media’s current standard? The Awkward Encounter is a piss-take memory from being stuck on the road with a new boyfriend. The second email is about falling for a guy back home when the circumstances can only make it complicated. J&J talk through whether liking someone is enough of a reason to go for it in spite of the odds. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about briefly leaving a date, not sharing food, and photo IDs. Photo Credit: Phil Provencio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re overdue for an SOS episode so this Sunday Special, J&J are joined by Rob, one of our listeners, to talk through his current situation with an ex. He takes us through their dating timeline, the breakup, and how, two years later, she started to come back into his life via social media. Now, they’re on friendly terms, but what is this all for? To build a friendship? Reignite their relationship? And, most importantly, why is he playing along? J&J push Rob to figure out what he wants, call out the grey areas in this situation, and tell him what he needs to do next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s a debate day in the studio this week! Winter freeze is in full effect, and J&J are coming in hot with reality checks about settling and where you may stand with your situationship. The first emailer is wondering whether she should stop trying to date new guys and seriously consider settling for her high school ex. J&J play out the scenario of reaching out to an ex with the intention of rekindling. The Awkward Encounter shines a light on a weird moment that led to great sex. Then, J&J take the first submission for our new “Are We Dating?” segment. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about bad breath, a gross habit, and a lame first date move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January is slowly trudging on and J&J are already counting down to one month from now–the Worst Day Of The Year. As Jared’s next birthday creeps closer, he’s finally feeling age catch up with him. Then, a listener has a philosophical question made for the U Up? Podcast: what is “the ick” and where does it come from? The episode ends with an email about a Hinge match that went from interesting to way too intense in a matter of messages, and we have the DMs to prove it. J&J read the messages and have a request for the listener's match. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, J&J are coming in hot with a debate on the difference between “seeing” someone and “dating” someone. They put dating stages on a scale of 10 and, as the singleton of the studio, Jared calls it like he sees it. Next, the first emailer is preparing to meet someone from her boyfriend’s past and needs help on how to deal. But, should someone he slept with once before they met even matter? The Awkward Encounter involves a red flag revelation of a first date’s past. Then, another listener needs some clarity on dating etiquette. Is it customary to watch what you order when you aren’t the one paying, or is your date’s spending none of your concern? The episode ends in a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker” about kissing on the first date, men following thousands of women on Instagram, and texting patterns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s un-cuffing season and we’re talking all about whether or not it’s time break up. J&J start with a preview of their upcoming travel plans — milestone birthdays and wedding speeches are already in the works — followed by a round of “Icky or Picky?” about a hot moment gone cold. Then, they hear from a 27-year-old listener who’s concerned that she and her boyfriend are less and less involved in each other’s lives after 7 years together. Is it a case of the seven-year itch, or should their differences be taken as signs that they should break up? Jared and Jordana put themselves in her shoes and raise some important points to coax her out of her own head. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are back in the studio for their first recording of 2024, starting with a New Year’s Eve recap and their own thoughts on Jared’s post-date episode. They hear from a listener who is five years into a dead-end relationship and in need of a breakup plan. How do you spot a “sunk cost” in your own relationship? The Awkward Encounter is a leftover from the holidays, featuring a cringe-inducing moment with a guy and his mother. The next emailer is happy in her relationship, but is having trouble getting “what if’s” about another guy out of her mind. Is there a secret to getting over your own “Mr. Big” when you’re with someone new? The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about foot preferences, STD tests, and impatience on a date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are solving couple's conundrums in today’s Sunday Special. Comedian Rosebud Baker joins the pod and gives a breakdown of the reveal that led to being engaged within 6 months, having COVID while pregnant, and how she always knew her husband would make a good dad. Then, they play a new game called “Couple’s Court” to give ruling on a sleepover issue in a listener’s relationship. They both have the same side of the bed, so isn't it only fair that they trade off when they sleep at each other’s places? The episode ends with an advice email about struggling with the stability of a relationship when you’re used to toxicity. Is it too good to be true, or is our listener settling for what's right rather than what's right for her? Rosebud relates and weighs in with J&J about codependency, healing, and the red flags they see in the email. @rosebudbaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are back with a very exciting episode to ring in the New Year. Jared breaks down how he was feeling before, during, and after his blind date with a U Up? listener and how it has made him reevaluate his post-date process. Then, his date Nora joins the show to give Jordana all the details from her POV. Later, Jared rejoins the convo to review The Seville as a first date spot and chat with Nora about how he could improve his first date skills. Jared and Jordana wrap up the show with a round of Red Flag or Deal Breaker about table manners, lying about what you’re looking for on the apps, and birthday surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are saying goodbye to 2023 with today’s Sunday Special and, from Oxford’s acknowledgment of “rizz” to Taylor Swift’s TIME honor, they’re starting off with big moments of this year. Next, they discuss dating predictions for the new year before diving in to the advice email. Our listener told her BF that she wants to be engaged by the time she turns 30, but now that the year has arrived, she’s not sure she’s ready after all. How does she talk to her SO about it without setting off alarms about second thoughts? J&J talk through the situation, the anxiety she’s experiencing, and how she should talk to her boyfriend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Twixmas time (the days between Christmas and New Year’s–it’s a thing) is here, and J&J are winding down 2023 with a regularly scheduled episode. The first email is about a compromise issue: our listener’s love language is quality time, but her husband spends several hours gaming. J&J, with input from our producer Jorge, debate whether this falls under a hobby or an addictive habit, and what it could be a red herring of. The Awkward Encounter is a gross memory with a sweet ending. Then, the second email is riddled with guilt after our listener snooped through her husband’s phone and found something she didn’t like. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker” about momma’s boys, weird outfits, and ordering for your date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
‘Twas the episode before Christmas and in the spirit of holiday fun, Santa Claus and Mama Elf are stepping into the studio to do this one. They kick off with a talk about Christmas traditions and funny tales from the past, then it’s time to put some toxic exes on blast. There’s a round of “Petty or Prudent” about an ex’s gift for sale, but how does that compare to what he did to make her bail? The episode ends with a special segment called “Naughty or Nice” that serves as a lesson for overbearing moms to think twice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
J&J are switching things up for this episode because Jared has a date with a listener and, in this episode, they figure out who that will be. They start with the top date contenders, as decided by the Betches office, and narrow down the prospects. Then, they get back to solving dating with an email about trying to date in the same small town as an ex. The episode ends with a round of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about using a Tide Pen on a date, the mention of “the one that got away,” and an unsolicited sexual audio message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
