Episode Overview: "High Stakes Higher Stacks"

Podcast: Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Air Date: January 5, 2026

This "Second Date Update Classic" dives into the real reason why Jennifer was ghosted after what she thought was a great first date with Joshua. The episode centers around themes of modern dating practices—specifically "stacking" (going on multiple dates in a single night)—and how different perspectives on dating etiquette can make or break potential relationships. The conversation is characteristically lively, cheeky, and empathetic in tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Jennifer’s Story

• Meet-cute: Jennifer met Joshua on a dating app and made the reservation for their first date herself, wanting to ensure a good spot.
• Mishap: The restaurant overbooked and lost their reservation ([03:29]), so they pivoted and grabbed street burgers instead, turning a potential disaster into a charming evening ([04:04]).
• Bonding Moment: While eating, the two commiserated over bad dating stories. Jennifer told about a date Venmo-requesting $2.47 for half an appetizer, while Joshua shared about a woman who brought her mom to the date ([04:56]).
• Post-date confusion: Jennifer felt a great vibe but was surprised when Joshua didn’t try to extend the date or reach out afterward ([05:46]-[06:05]).

Notable Quote:

“We ended up just wandering around the city and getting burgers at a takeout place and just talking about our bad date experiences.”
– Jennifer ([04:04])

2. The Ghost & The Reveal

• Joshua Goes Silent: Jennifer reached out several times post-date but got “radio silence” ([07:32]-[07:35]).
• Hosts' Hypotheses: Panel speculates humorously that maybe the burger was bad, or maybe he's just playing it “too cool” ([06:30]).
• Jennifer’s Discomfort: She expresses embarrassment over having to call the show for help ([08:31]).

3. Joshua’s Perspective: The Truth About “Stacking”

• Joshua Joins: Initially quiet but polite on the phone, Joshua eventually opens up.
• The Stacking Moment: Joshua reveals that Jennifer mentioned she “missed stacking”—having three to four dates a night ([11:16]-[11:36]).
  • Joshua explains: “To me, I just think it's kind of rude to say, like, I miss stacking.” ([11:44])
• Hosts Clarify: Confused at first, the hosts joke about speed cup stacking, then realize she meant serial-dating in the same evening ([11:17]-[11:36]).
• His Takeaway: He interpreted her nostalgic tone as a red flag—he wants long-term, while she seemed to fondly recall the “stacking” lifestyle ([12:16]).

Notable Quote:

“She said she used to stack, which means, like, have three to four dates a night...she literally said she misses it.”
– Joshua ([11:32]-[11:55])

4. Jennifer Defends Herself

• On the Line: Jennifer is brought into the conversation and surprised by Joshua’s strong reaction ([12:48]).
• Clarification: She insists stacking was in her past and that she's looking for a relationship now, not playing the field ([13:13])
• Hosts Weigh In: Discussion about the pros and cons of “stacking,” and whether it's possible to be truly present when “stacking” ([14:04]).
• Jennifer’s Defense:
  • “I gave every guy I was with an hour and a half. I was fully present in the moment, and I was not thinking about the next guy.” ([14:20])
  • But the hosts express skepticism about emotional investment.

5. The Resolution: The “Ick” and No Second Date

• Joshua’s Final Word: Even with encouragement and the offer of a paid second date, Joshua stands firm:
  • “No, I got the ick. I'm sorry.” ([15:52])
• Jennifer’s Reaction:
  • “Do you realize no one says no to me?...Whatever. I'll just keep stacking. I'll stack this weekend.” ([15:58]-[16:14])
• Panel’s Epilogue:
  • Empathy for both sides; acknowledgment that “stacking” works for some, not for others ([16:50]).
  • Hosts joke about “dozens of guys on the text board who are DTS—down to stack whenever.” ([17:19])

Notable Quotes:

“I see it like that's your default setting. So I think the anomaly is you having a long-term relationship and that's what I'm looking for.”
– Joshua ([14:46])

“Whatever. I'll just keep stacking. I'll stack this weekend.”
– Jennifer ([16:13])

Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Joshua defining “stacking”:

  “She said she used to stack...have three to four dates a night...she misses it.” ([11:32]-[11:55])

• Jennifer defending presence on stacked dates:

  “I gave every guy I was with an hour and a half. I was fully present in the moment...” ([14:20])

• Joshua’s dealbreaker:

  “No, I got the ick. I'm sorry.” ([15:52])

• Jennifer’s confident comeback:

  “Do you realize no one says no to me?...I'll just keep stacking.” ([15:58]-[16:14])

Important Timestamps & Segment Guide

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:59 | Hosts set up Jennifer’s scenario | | 02:16 | Jennifer explains how she met Joshua | | 04:04 | Mishap with reservation—date turns to city walk & burgers | | 04:56 | Bad date stories exchanged (Venmo/appetizer, the mom) | | 06:05 | Jennifer reflects on the shortness of the date | | 07:32 | Jennifer reveals she’s been ghosted | | 09:07 | Hosts call Joshua | | 11:16 | “Stacking” explained | | 12:48 | Jennifer enters conversation, defends her comments | | 14:20 | Jennifer: “I gave every guy...fully present in the moment” | | 15:52 | Joshua delivers the dealbreaker (“I got the ick”) | | 16:13 | Jennifer: “I'll just keep stacking.” |

Tone & Takeaways

• Hosts’ Attitude: Playful banter mixed with genuine curiosity and occasional ribbing.
• Dating Culture Reflected: Sometimes honesty about past dating behavior is interpreted differently depending on viewpoint and timing.
• Key Message: Even a great first date can be derailed by mismatched expectations or values—especially when it comes to how openly we talk about our dating pasts.

This episode is a perfect example of the show’s entertaining but real exploration of contemporary dating drama—full of mishaps, misunderstandings, and memorable one-liners. With humor and empathy, the panel illustrates just how much our words and histories matter in the unpredictable world of modern romance.