Does Playing Games Ever Work?

We’re officially in “let’s circle back in the new year” territory, and to embrace it, J&J set out to make this the most unhinged U Up? episode this year. They talk about the pursuit of meaningful relationships and how the distraction of dating apps is clouding the way for the people making actual efforts. Plus, after the public reaction to Benny Blanco sharing that his relationship with Selena Gomez started by her asking him out*, they talk about the public’s perceptions of their relationship and the obstacles that even Selena has faced as a successful woman that wants to find love. The first email comes from a listener writing in from the post-date Uber: what are the signs a guy wants you to leave after sex? She shares what she took as signs to leave, and J&J weigh in on whether she overthought the situation. The Awkward Encounter comes from Genova as a listener has an unusually sexual sight in her new city. The next email is questioning whether to act on being called “The One That Got Away.” Our listener’s reconnection with her ex reignited feelings, but should she just leave it alone out of respect for his new relationship, or was his admittance to still loving her an invite to try again? The episode ends with a round of “Red Flag or Deal Breaker?” about homework before spending a holiday together, hiking on a first date and using a childhood nickname. *The Benny Blanco clip we react to is from Kai Cenat’s YouTube video, “Benny Blanco Comes On Kai Cenat's Stream!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Joulu 20241h 10min

It’s the biggest shopping day of the year, but before you get the new iPhone 16, J&J want you to know how a new AI feature on the iOS 18 update could affect your dating life. With breakup texts submitted to our Instagram and a ChatGPT assist from our producer, Shannon, Jared and Jordana break down how the conversations went and generate what an AI version would look like. They also determine when a breakup text is appropriate and play out their own breakup scenarios. The episode ends with a round of “Icky or Picky?” about proposing a shopping spree for a first date. Is this a fun way to get spoiled for a few hours by a dating app rando, or is it just creepy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Marras 202450min

It’s officially our favorite time of the year and J&J get a little unhinged today as they amp up for what’s to come! They come in hot with a fresh new rant about TikTok’s favorite couple, Pookie and Jett. Plus, because the holidays are a tricky time for love lives regardless of status, J&J are guiding you through Thanksgiving and the start of holiday season with a lightning round of advice. They listen to a slightly shady voicemail from a curious mom and answer a range of Instagram submissions covering various holiday hiccups, from early dating momentum to interfaith relationships and in-law issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Marras 20241h 8min

We're at the end of cuffing week to prep you for the cuffing season ahead, and Jared and Jordana are doing temp checks on the unofficial statuses between casual, comfortable and committed. First, Jordana gives us a home renovation update and Jared shares a sad breakup story of his own. They play a round of "Icky or Picky?" about getting too comfortable wearing weird PJs too soon. Plus, a 27F listener needs advice on whether or not to build a roster to kick her dating life into high gear. The episode ends with a new game, "Cuffed or Casual?" as J&J weigh in on Instagram submissions of confusing moves that could be deemed as nothing serious or a sign that the other person wants a real relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Marras 202447min

The holidays are getting closer and the weather is getting colder which can only mean one thing: cuffing season is here. Jared and Jordana delve into the discourse around cuffing season and discuss controlling the narrative around your dating life. Then, a 27F listener writes in to ask whether wanting casual sex is derailing her dating goals. She's never had a real boyfriend; is abstinence the only way she'll ever find one? The Awkward Encounter involves a situationship with a love kink. Next, a listener with a tumor diagnosis asks how to address her medical journey while dating. The episode ends with a round of "Red Flag or Deal Breaker?" about sharing your life with your SO, updating Hinge daily, and owning only one cutlery set.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Marras 20241h 13min

It's our anniversary! 7 years after the first U Up? episode, Jared and Jordana walk into a decorated studio themed to the traditional 7th-anniversary gifts: copper and wool. First, J&J exchange gifts, then they talk about what the dreaded 7-year itch means in relationships. Next, Jared and Jordana reveal their lists of what they want for the pod's future. The episode ends with a lightning round of U Up? history and reflecting on top pod moments since our last anniversary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Marras 202453min

Jared fills Jordana in on his bizarre and funny late night Halloween experience and they also discuss the new Martha Stewart documentary. They hear from a listener who is struggling with communication from their partner. Next, they hear an Awkward Encounter that ends with them walking in on somebody in bed with another girl. Then, they discuss an email from a listener who isn't sure how to know if a relationship is serious if they both don't want marriage. Finally, they dive into a round of "Red Flag or Deal Breaker?" featuring a fat-phobic date, a boyfriend unwilling to compromise, and Olivia Rodrigo's number one red flag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Marras 20241h 21min

DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded prior to the election. Jared and Jordana divulge the complexities of dating during an election year and how to navigate discussing politics on a date. In this week’s "Icky or Picky?" a listener wants to know if their date littering dog poop is something worth overlooking. Next, they tackle a listener’s dilemma concerning her date's disappointing "whiskey dick" and Jared opens up about male performance anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 Marras 202436min