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 t...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep 521•Transcript available on Metacast 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 h...
Jan 21, 2024•39 min•Ep 520•Transcript available on Metacast 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 n...
Jan 17, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 519•Transcript available on Metacast 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 diffe...
Jan 14, 2024•34 min•Ep 518•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ge...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 517•Transcript available on Metacast 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 p...
Jan 07, 2024•45 min•Ep 516•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jan 03, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Ep 515•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 31, 2023•47 min•Ep 514•Transcript available on Metacast 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 secon...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep 513•Transcript available on Metacast ‘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 overbearin...
Dec 24, 2023•37 min•Ep 512•Transcript available on Metacast 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 unso...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep 511•Transcript available on Metacast 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
Dec 17, 2023•35 min•Ep 510•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 13, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Ep 509•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Dec 10, 2023•46 min•Ep 508•Transcript available on Metacast 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 reques...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep 507•Transcript available on Metacast 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 megaph...
Dec 03, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep 506•Transcript available on Metacast 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 en...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep 505•Transcript available on Metacast 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
Nov 26, 2023•41 min•Ep 504•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep 503•Transcript available on Metacast 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 slu...
Nov 19, 2023•31 min•Ep 502•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for another episode, and with Thanksgiving only a week away, J&J are getting some holiday asks out of the way early. The first emailer wonders if she and her BF are really on the same page about their future, or if his jokes are meant for more than a laugh. Next, J&J take on a mini-lightning round about how to prepare for your first Thanksgiving with your SO or handle the tough questions from your family post-breakup. Then, the second emailer doesn’t want to spend Thanksgiving with her...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep 501•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for our anniversary Sunday Special, and this year is extra special because it marks 500 episodes of the U Up? Podcast! J&J are back in the studio celebrating the latest milestone and reflecting on the last 6 years of solving dating on this podcast. They reflect on how they got here, the best and worst guests, and their most personal episodes. Plus, they play back “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” segments from years past and guess where they stood. The episode ends with J&J sharing what they...
Nov 12, 2023•57 min•Ep 500•Transcript available on Metacast J&J are ready to solve dating again, but first, Jared has a bone to pick with Jorge. Next, a listener is doing just fine in her relationship but wonders what experiences are needed to get her to an engagement. Jordana shares how she and her husband made it past that point, and what hesitations she sensed from the email. The Awkward Encounter is more unhinged than hazardous. Then, another listener is unsure if she should compromise plans with her besties for an important night to her boyfriend. T...
Nov 08, 2023•2 hr 33 min•Ep 499•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for another Sunday Special, but we’re switching it up with a special game. J&J are joined by U Up producer, Jorge Morales Picó, to find out if men think differently when they’re in a committed relationship versus holding single status. Jared and Jorge face off for a series of questions as Jordana puts them to the test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 05, 2023•55 min•Ep 498•Transcript available on Metacast It's Halloween, so Jordana came ready to get messy while Jared showed up buzzed–but not in the way you’d think! First, J&J kick off with a pop quiz on spooky season dating terms. Then, a listener asks how he can get his long-distance girlfriend to communicate more. J&J discuss what this could mean for his relationship. The Awkward Encounter involves coworkers too close for comfort and reminds Jared of an awkward encounter of his own. Next, a newly single listener wonders how and when she should ...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep 497•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for another Sunday Special and, this week, J&J are joined by comedian Sam Morril. He talks unhinged exes and shares a recent text exchange with someone from his past. Then, the trio play a round of “Icky or Picky?” about appetizers on a dinner date. The episode ends with an email asking for validation on a breakup. A listener thought she did her due diligence in breaking up with her ex, but after time had passed and she ran into him, he accused her of not being honest enough because sh...
Oct 29, 2023•57 min•Ep 496•Transcript available on Metacast Something major happened and J&J are kicking off this week by announcing the news! After Jordana spills what’s new, a listener writes in asking about how much having a “type” hurts her chances of finding a true match. Then, J&J switch things up from an ordinary episode and make an awkward request. The episode ends with a visit from Jaz Zepatos, a member of the Betches team. She talks to Jared and Jordana about her open relationship, from how it came to be to how she continues to maintain a stron...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep 495•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s Sunday Special fits double the podcasts into a bite-sized episode as Jared and Jordana reunite with Girls Gotta Eat podcast hosts, Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine. With one host single and the other in a relationship, they discuss their experiences dating in NYC and LA, and the DM slide that led to Ashley’s relationship. Then, J&J ask how not wanting kids has affected dating including when and how this decision is addressed and the stigmas surrounding women that don’t want kids. @g...
Oct 22, 2023•46 min•Ep 494•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s episode, J&J settle a few doggy debates among our listeners. Is it worth telling a SO that you hate their dog? Would sharing joint custody with an ex hurt your dating life? Then, the Awkward Sexual Encounter turns out to be pretty wholesome. Jared and Jordana also hear from a listener dealing with ghosting regret, but they think she’s ignoring part of the picture. The episode ends with a round of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about asking your ex for a post-mortem favor, stealing gr...
Oct 18, 2023•59 min•Ep 493•Transcript available on Metacast J&J are back for a Sunday Special and, while the weather is shifting, some things never change. The episode starts with a round of “Petty or Prudent?” about what happens to sex toys after a breakup. Then, we hear from a listener about a classic issue: dating app fatigue. She’s stuck in an up-and-down cycle of being on and off the apps and, while she’s self-aware that this might be affecting her dating success, she feels like this is an individual problem. Jared and Jordana share a reality check,...
Oct 15, 2023•27 min•Ep 492•Transcript available on Metacast 
