U Up?

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

It’s time for another Sunday Special and the senioritis of 2023 is hitting. The episode starts with a round of “Petty or Prudent?” about a breakup over religious differences. Then, J&J respond to an email about overcoming the sensitivity around rejection. Plus, they get the rundown on why TikTok is talking about Zach Braff being a terrible date and give their takes on the story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are ready to dive into another episode, but first, they have a very New Yorker debate and give a preview of the “Win A Date With Jared” submissions. Next, the first emailer has a conundrum. Guys see her as a “cool girl,” which is great, but she’s not too cool for a relationship. How can she overcome that placement in their minds? The Awkward Encounter is what happens when one person tries to force romance. Then, the second emailer is reeling from a breakup while battling a diagnosis. Was her ex wrong for breaking up with her while she’s sick? The episode ends with a round of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about saying “ILY” early on, OnlyFans models, and appearance modifications for men. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Sunday Special is all about settling debates between couples, but first, there are some clarifications to set about the eligibility to win a date with Jared. Jumping into the episode, J&J play a round of “Icky or Picky?” about baths. Then, a listener writes in about a tiff with her boyfriend. She hangs out at his place more than he comes to hers. He raised the issue that she isn’t contributing to the upkeep of the apartment, but does she have to if she doesn’t live there? Jared and Jordana talk through their dilemma, from how the argument was handled to getting down to the true issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before J&J can solve dating, Jared explains how he ended up in a Turkey Trot and on “Celebrity Row” in MSG. Then, the first emailer has her eye on a cute guy she’s sharing a ski house with, but the friend group already has plans to set him up with someone else. Should she still make a move or back off? The Awkward Encounter is a take home tale about a bad date. The second emailer doesn’t care to be engaged right now, but she really wants the ring. J&J extract the big issue behind the ring request, and it all has to do with The Reveal. The episode ends with a hygiene edition of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” in partnership with Therabreath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our first Sunday Special of December, and Jordana gifted Jared a tarot reading to kick it off. Kelley Knight, owner of Modern Mystic Shop and recommended tarot reader of the Girls Gotta Eat hosts, joins J&J to read what’s happening with Jared. Guided by questions from Jordana, Kelley pulls cards that predict Jared’s love life. Plus, Kelley pulls an interesting set of cards regarding someone from Jared’s past. @kelley__knight, @modernmystic_shop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that we’re heading into December, J&J are ushering in F*ck It Season with this week’s episode. The first emailer likes the guy she’s seeing, but after posting him in a Facebook group, she’s a little freaked out. How much weight should she give to strangers in the “Are We Dating The Same Guy” space? The Awkward Encounter is a reminder to up your standards ahead of a first date. Then, the second emailer is stuck in an addictive situationship. J&J give her advice on breaking the cycle before ending the episode with a hygiene edition of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” in partnership with Therabreath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love a special guest for our Sunday Special and, this week, comedian Vir Das takes a break from his international tour to join J&J in the studio. He walks J&J through his background from India to Nigeria to the US, and how he ended up in comedy. Then, Vir shares the relationship obstacles he overcame, why meeting his wife pre-fame was a key to their bond, and his thoughts on arranged marriages. @virdas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Thanksgiving Eve and your favorite dating hosts are reminding you to beware of that holiday hookup text. In this week’s episode, J&J are ready for the holidays to hit full swing. They kick off with a flashback to high school days. The first emailer asks if he’s a f*ckboy, causing Jared to do some self-reflection. Then, the Awkward Encounter goes from a funny story to an off-the-rails comment that leaves Jordana choked up. Next, an emailer needs to know if she’s got a real shot with her best friend ahead of their return home for Thanksgiving. The episode ends with a hygiene edition of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” in partnership with Therabreath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J&J are back with a Sunday Special, and they’re bringing back a beloved segment! In SOS episodes, rather than reading an email, a listener joins the pod to talk out their issue. This Sunday, Rianna joins J&J to explain how hard dating has been since she returned to the apps for the first time since college. Is it because she’s gained weight? Is it her new city? J&J help her identify non-issues, address a bigger problem they’re foreseeing, and give a homework assignment to get over her dating slump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices