U Up?

Before diving into emails, J&J get caught up in the sitcoms of the 90s. Plus, they follow up on a recent "Petty or Prudent?" after a YouTube comment schools them on the difference between kinks and fetishes. Then, the first email comes from a listener concerned her guy friend’s intentions may be more flirty than friendly. The Awkward Encounter will make you think twice about where you hide your sex toys. Next, a listener is her boyfriend’s first girlfriend and that’s been noticeable as their relationship continues, but how much onus is on her to help him mature? The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about whether kissing gay friends counts as cheating, a traveling quirk, and a lack of boundaries with coworkers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday Special is a dream brunch group as J&J are joined by Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin and Jac Vanek of The LadyGang podcast. They start with learning the famous toxic ex origin story behind The LadyGang’s formation before J&J get into relationship icebreakers and questions that will tell you exactly how everyone’s relationship style differs. Then, they play a round of Firsts and Worsts, for a lightning round catchup on The LadyGang’s past and present relationships. Plus, Jared is outnumbered being the only one both single and male in the chat. Keltie, Becca and Jac each share differing marriage dynamics and perspectives on their past, and Jordana relates to one more than anyone else. The episode ends with a “Petty or Prudent?” about a male listener on the brink, wondering whether he should skip being his girlfriend’s wedding date to avoid being part of her family’s memories if a breakup will happen any day now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long intro lovers, today is your day! J&J have a lot to unload this week, from the one quality Jordana’s husband isn’t in love with to Jared’s weekend in the Hamptons with Hannah Berner, and a one-and-done take on this season of Love Island USA and that Casa Amor shakeup. Next, J&J get an email from a listener four years into her relationship and itching to know whether I do’s will ever be in their future. The Awkward Encounter is a trip down memory lane. Then, a male listener writes in wondering how his female coworker is getting so much attention on Hinge (no offense). The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about changing dating app photos, misused prompts, and an uncomfortable date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re deep into summer and Jared’s in a bit of a rut. He talks Jordana through where his mind’s been while he’s been on the road. Then, they kick off the Sunday Special with a round of “Icky or Picky?” about a secret kink. Our listener stumbled upon her date’s Reddit and saw his activity in fetish communities online and, after witnessing what he was into, she felt turned off. Next, J&J answer an email seeking redemption for revenge. Our listener is happily married, but still pining over the perfect way to tell her ex off. Jared and Jordana speak about the attempt at winning in relationships and seeing beyond the traumas of the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Double-standard debates in the dating world are weighing on us today, specifically those that are more of an issue for women than men. Before diving into emails, Jared and Jordana discuss the backlash to a Forbes article, “Are We Still Not Ready For A Mixed-Weight Romance On Screen?”, and the topic of mixed-weight relationships in general. Next, the first emailer wants to know how to let a guy know that you aren’t interested in hanging out when you still have to work – or be stuck in some capacity – with him. The Awkward Encounter is a dating don’t when you’re feeling anxious. Then, the second emailer needs help navigating her way out of a sticky situationship. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about prolonging the talking stage, living with an ex, and leaving out an important detail post-sex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Jordana dished on some UK setbacks, it’s Jared’s turn to share what happened after he left Cannes including a scary solo travel experience en route to Ibiza. Plus, Taylor Warning: Swifties may not like what Jared has to say about Travis Kelce's Eras Tour cameo, but if you take Taylor out of it, he’s got a point about the dire state of today’s dating world. Next, J&J receive a Couple’s Court asking them to decide if it’s fair for a listener’s fiancé to hire a stripper for his bachelor party despite her discomfort. Then, we receive an email about dating non-negotiables. A listener’s booty call keeps mentioning his “list” and, while she’s not interested in seeing him seriously, her curiosity is getting the better of her. Jared and Jordana break down what is wrong with this scenario, and the sign that she needs to walk away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listeners are in for a double rant to kick off this week, but if you thought it’d be from Jared, guess again. After Jordana gains a new commercial enemy, Jared makes a request to single listeners for this 4th of July: take advantage of the fun holidays. The first email comes from a confused listener after a man drove 3 hours to surprise her and quickly lost interest after. The Awkward Encounter comes from a single mom who met a man in France, but had to work through logistics for a hookup while traveling with her daughter. Then, the next emailer is worried she’s scaring men away by being too upfront about what she wants. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about men in thongs, annoying sayings, and changing thermostats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re balancing out the seriousness with a lot of laughter as comedian Rachel Feinstein (@rachelfeinstein_) joins J&J on the pod for this Sunday Special. She’s married to a firefighter, but didn’t mean to be, so she recounts bad dates, awkward dumpings, and the lessons learned from dating through her 30s that got her to find the right guy. Then, J&J read a “Petty or Prudent?” about wanting custody of a neighborhood after a breakup. The trio discuss post-breakup boundaries, both physical and emotional, as well as whether our listener or her ex were in the wrong.For more from this episode’s guest, visit rachel-feinstein.com or follow @rachelfeinstein_ on Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s get vulnerable! This week’s episode is full of listeners reaching out regarding intimacy, awkward conversations, and heavier topics. Before they get into it, J&J delve into differing life stages after Jared hears from a friend in full dad mode. Then, the first email comes from a male listener whose relationship seems to be teetering into the friend zone after 2 years with his girlfriend. The Awkward Encounter includes a throwback to a memorable Awkward Sex Encounter from July 2019. If you ever wondered what happened with Tampon Guy and the mortified woman who wrote in, she’s back with an endearing update! The next emailer asks how to disclose diagnoses affecting your life when you’re dating. She’s dealt with anorexia for a decade, but when does that get brought up if she wants to get serious with someone? The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about coupled U Up? listeners, pet parents, and a common Hinge question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an extra special Sunday because we’re letting you in on some office goss. Divya, a Betches staff member, joins J&J for a debrief about her neighbor. She met a cute guy in her building during cuffing season and, at the time, Jordana warned her that dating a neighbor is a risky move, but also gave some helpful advice on how to proceed. Now that summer is in full swing, J&J are dying to know if the risk was worth the reward. She retells how the situation came to be, the dates they shared along with in-the-moment advice Jared and Jordana gave, and how it all ended. With that situation in hindsight, Divya, Jared and Jordana reflect on the red flags, and J&J share what would’ve worked to spare the issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are questioning narratives today, starting with what happened to romcoms. After seeing Jared’s criticism of “Anyone But You,” Jordana wants to discuss thoughts on Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, and the state of romcoms in 2024. Then, we hear from a listener who can’t figure out how to get a guy out of Instagram DMs and into exchanging numbers. Their mutual friends advised her that he’s just “playing it cool,” but it’s starting to feel intentionally avoidant. Next, J&J receive a long email that’s both Awkward Encounter and an ask for advice after a guy friend professed his love at the airport. Our listener is pansexual and feels a tinge of betrayal with her confusion, but J&J don’t think she’s seeing enough of the other side. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about texting habits, hating travel, and wearing the same shirts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The perfect episode to tune in ahead of a Father’s Day brunch, J&J are back with another bite-size Sunday Special. They start with a “Petty or Prudent?” about sending an obituary after someone ghosts you, but they also saw a red flag before our listener got to the point of being ghosted. The episode ends with an email about another TikTok dating trend. Several fun #DatingTok videos are telling single people to try dating with an expiration date, but our listener didn’t have fun with the concept at all. Is it just not for her, or did she do it wrong? The hosts weigh in and advise the workaround for her and anyone else wanting to give this a try. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are tackling nuance in the modern dating world. Before jumping in, Jordana recounts her Sonoma vacation and her driverless ride reminds Jared of dating apps’ impact on society. Plus Jared has feedback for a fan that shot her shot for an upcoming tour date, and his reasons for what was wrong with her approach tie into the first email. A listener has a crush on her fitness instructor, but is there a way to shoot her shot without making it awkward if he wants to pass? In true U Up? fashion, John Mayer enters the tangent fray, but first, J&J have an introduction to make. Then, the Awkward Encounter involves a situation going from flirty online to uncomfortable irl when a listener finally meets her colleague at graduation. Next, J&J answer an “Are We Dating?” about a long-distance connection growing between traveling work trips. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about seatbelts, professional Tinder pics, and IG explore pages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jared and Jordana are getting pumped for their trip to Cannes, but they have to get a few things crossed on their list before they go. First up, Jordana needs answers on what the f*ck is up with Jared’s beard? Next, they read a wedding note from a subscriber before delving into a “Petty or Prudent?” about a SIL asking to share a wedding anniversary date. The episode ends with an advice email for a listener’s mom. He’s tried helping her navigate dating after her divorce, but she has excuse after excuse on why no one is right, so he needs help from J&J on how to get through to her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are taking on complicated relationships and realizations in this week’s episode, but first, they catch up on Jordana’s latest trip, get excited for their voyage en France, and Jared vents about the unknown era he’s navigating. The first email comes from a listener looking to collect $1,000 her ex owes her. He’s gone radio silent and it’s been a year, but J&J think she’s making a mistake with her ask. Then, our final “Friends to Lovers” submission takes a turn when a listener found her lover’s Grindr messages. TRIGGER WARNING for our next email, we talk about animal abuse. J&J receive an email about an impending breakup, a heartbroken woman, and her dog at the center. She thought he was “the one,” but her dog’s reactions as their relationship progressed caused major issues, and Jared thinks her concern and focus are in the wrong place. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about dating your ex’s twin, tattoos of faces, and a questionable bachelor party game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are joined by Olivia O’Brien ahead of the release for her upcoming EP, “Love and Limerence,” but before they get started, Jordana and Olivia fill Jared in on what limerence means. Then, Olivia shares the struggles with being vulnerable in her songwriting and dating other public figures, and Jared can relate for why he’s cautious with the real experiences he puts into his work. Plus Olivia shocks J&J with the aftermath of her song with gnash, “i hate u, i love u,” blowing up on the charts in 2016, they talk double standards of women being vulnerable, the difference in LA and NYC social scenes, and why Gen Z might be more open to casual relationships. The episode ends with answering a listener’s email about being on the hook and not knowing whether she should just walk away before she gets hurt. She’s been happily seeing someone for two months, but he’s now up for a job that would take him overseas indefinitely. They have yet to DTR, but she’s certain she doesn’t want to juggle a long-distance situation. Jared, Jordana and Olivia weigh in. For more from our guest, listen to “Love and Limerence” by Olivia O’Brien (@oliviaobrien) on June 21. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pod is buzzing this week, and we’re starting with Jordana’s NBA experience seeing the Knicks play (and lose) Game 7 against the Pacers reminding her of a relationship falling apart and Jared’s fired-up morning after a workout. After catching up, they jump into an email from a listener reeling over getting stood up. She had an online relationship with a man in another state for 8 years, but when the stars aligned and she found herself in his area, he blocked her. Is she wrong for wishing he would’ve communicated he didn’t want to meet anymore, or does he not owe her anything because they’d never physically met? Next, we get another “Friends To Lovers” submission from a Canadian man about a woman he met in a workout class. Afterward, a military man asks how to navigate dating when his career’s constant moves have been the subject of several breakups. The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker” about white lies, jorts on a plane, and a special update from a fan-favorite milk debate from our 2020 episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Sunday Special delves into boundaries, appropriateness, and perception, but first, J&J are catching up with Emma Willmann (@emmawillmann). The conversation from Emma’s last time on the pod gets a quick update with where it continued with a sex therapist on Emma’s podcast, Ask Men Anything. Then, Jared needs the insight of women he knows for his latest TikTok finds. Next, a male listener thinks his personality is to blame for his lack of dating life. He’s friendly and chatty, but the consensus of his friend group is that these characteristics could be “gay-coded,” so is the solution to become closed off? The episode ends with a “Petty or Prudent?” about a breakup reaction after our listener comes out to her boyfriend as queer, but it’s not the reaction to her sexuality that she’s concerned about. Jared, Jordana and Emma add some extra layers of perspective she may be looking past. Listen to our last episode with Emma, "Was This A Red Flag Or Is My Internalized Homophobia Showing?" from February 21. Listen to Emma's follow-up conversation on Ask Men Anything, "Asking Dr. Justin Lehmiller Anything" from February 27. https://youtu.be/AMPqjOcuAg8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, J&J are finding the balance in a few debates, from ideal thermostat temps to awkward callouts. The first email asks if there’s a limit to how much an ex is brought up during a date. Jared and Jordana don’t initially agree and weigh both sides of the conversation. Next, in a segment sponsored by Netflix, they get a “Friends-To-Lovers” story submission that's out to motivate other listeners to make a move. The second advice email is looking for the line between going for what you want and seeing what the person you’re dating is willing to do. There could be truth to “If he wanted to, he would,” but doesn’t that go both ways? The episode ends with a “Red Flag or Deal Breaker” about being overly communicative, being put in an awkward situation pre-date, and disagreeing about the best sex you’ve ever had. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are jumping right into this week’s Sunday Special, kicking off with an “Icky or Picky?” about a delayed Hinge response. Our listener’s match explained that he took so long to get back to her because he only likes to focus on one match at a time, but she can’t decide if it’s unfair of her to be put off or if that was indeed too much too soon. Then, they get an email from a listener struggling to forgive herself for giving her ex a second chance despite problematic circumstances. J&J discuss who she's really mad at and what needs to change so she can move on in peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices