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Brendan Patrick Hughes
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.
Brooke
The Edge of Daybreak, Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Eric Andre
Hey, what's up y'all? This is Eric Andre. Well, I made a podcast called Bombing about absolutely tanking on stage. I tell gnarly stories and I talk to friends about their worst moments of bombing in all sorts of ways. Bombing on stage, bombing in public, bombing in life. Like the time I stole a girl's phone during a set and she jumped on stage and threw a big haymaker punch to my nose. Listen to Bombing with Eric Andre on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
My name is Brendan Patrick Hughes, host of Divine Intervention. This is a story about radical nuns in combat boots and wild haired priests trading blows with J. Edgar Hoover in a hell bent effort to sabotage a war.
Jennifer
J. Edgar Hoover was furious.
Brooke
He was out of his mind and.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
He wanted to bring the Catholic left to its knees. Listen to Divine intervention on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bob Pittman
Hi, I'm Bob Pippman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. I'm excited to introduce a brand new season of my podcast, Math and Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing. I'm having conversations with some folks across a wide range of industries to hear how they reach the top of their fields and the lessons they learned along the way that everyone can use. I'll be joined by innovative leaders like chairman and CEO of Health Beauty, Tarang Amin, legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jewel.
Jeff
Being a rock star is very fun, but helping people is way more fun.
Bob Pittman
And Damian Maldonado, CEO of American Financing.
Brooke
I figured out the formula. I just have to work hard, then that's magic.
Bob Pittman
Join me as we uncover innovations in data and analytics, the math and the ever important creative spark, the magic. Listen to math and Magic on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
Jeff
From the producers who brought you Princess of South beach comes a new podcast, the Setup.
Brooke
The Setup follows a lonely museum curator.
Jeff
But when the perfect man walks into his life.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
Well, I guess I'm saying I like.
Jeff
You, you like me is too good to be true.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
This is a con. I'm conning you to get the dilemma painting.
Brooke
We could do this together.
Jeff
Listen to the setup on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. You found it. The home of the Second Date Update. It's Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning, and we've got a brand new one for you today. Yeah, I'm just gonna give you a little tease because there is one thing a guy can put in his dating profile pic that can instantly up his chances of getting a match by 90%, which is insane.
Jose
Let us know if you agree or not.
Jeff
For sure. And one of our listeners says it definitely worked on her, so we're gonna find out what it is coming up here in a second. All right, but. And don't forget, we've got the Second Date Update merch for a cause going on right now. You can order, it's for a limited time, but 100% of the proceeds go to Convoy of Hope, which is a fantastic organization.
Jose
Yeah, it's great. And super cute. Link is in the show notes for that.
Jeff
Yeah. Do we got some fun comments?
Jose
Yeah, I saw JC commented and said you guys go hand in hand with my morning coffee and trying not to spit my coffee out while cracking up. So. Yeah, I want to know what you order. JC Let us need new coffee ideas. Okay.
Jeff
Interesting.
Jose
Professional helper said it was a little surreal to hear you guys mention the videos where they use your posts and put the games as backgrounds, like the.
Jeff
Subway surfer guys and stuff. Yeah, people still are old stuff all the time. I almost said a cuss word there, but I didn't. I didn't mean it. Yeah, but that's fine. I mean, if it helps you find the og, then thanks for being here.
Jose
Yeah, whatever works.
Jeff
Yeah, whatever works. All right. And what works right now is getting the show started. Let's go.
Brooke
Second Date Update. Is it ever. Is it ever a good idea to talk about your other dates while you're on a date?
Alex
No.
Jeff
I mean, I don't know if you're, like, commiserating and sharing funny stories back and forth.
Alex
Yeah, that's a convo.
Brooke
I would say the short answer is no. The longer answer, absolutely not.
Jennifer
No.
Brooke
Unless you plan to be on with us because we love to hear the dirt. And I'm just thankful that Jennifer, our listener, is on the phone with us today. Cause apparently she talked about her other dates on her date.
Alex
So unattractive.
Brooke
Jennifer, I disagree. I admire your class. Welcome to the show.
Jennifer
Thank you.
Jeff
I mean, it's not like, she's talking about, like, her ex boyfriend that she's still in love with. Right, Jennifer?
Brooke
We don't know.
Jeff
That's why I'm asking. Right, Jennifer?
Jennifer
Right. We were just sharing, like, funny stories.
Alex
You both were, right?
Jennifer
Yeah.
Jose
Good.
Alex
Then that's okay.
Brooke
Okay, well, who are you sharing these stories with? What's this guy's name?
Jennifer
His name is Joshua.
Brooke
Okay.
Jennifer
I met him on the coffee and bagel app.
Jeff
Oh, is that still around? We haven't heard of that one in a while.
Brooke
I know about the bangle and the candle app, but the coffee one is a different one.
Alex
Coffee meets Bengal.
Brooke
Yeah, I like that one. Okay.
Jennifer
He just looked cute. He had like a. A dog with him in his photo.
Brooke
And you know, actually, I've heard that guys who have dogs in their photos get 90% more matches.
Alex
No way.
Jeff
That makes sense.
Alex
Can I borrow your dog, bro? I your attention.
Jeff
The whole point is that you can actually keep something alive and care for something outside of yourself. That's the attractive point of it.
Brooke
Men, women, are not going to be able to tell if it's your dog and how well it's taken care of. As long as it's in the photo. Just Photoshop one in.
Jeff
They're going to know after date one.
Jose
Yeah.
Brooke
Okay.
Alex
Or put a little neck brace on it like it is said.
Brooke
All we're trying to do is accomplish Sick dog.
Jeff
Your dog's sick.
Alex
I just want the trick.
Brooke
Guys, could you determine his dog's health from the photo? Jennifer?
Jennifer
It definitely looked like a healthy, cute.
Brooke
See, this is what you're talking about right here. I see what you're saying. Okay, now take us to the date with Joshua.
Jennifer
So I wanted to make the reservation. I said I would make it.
Jeff
Is there a reason for that?
Jennifer
I just, in particular, like, I love food. I love being out.
Alex
I could relate to that. If you're like, I have my favorites. Let me pick them.
Jeff
Yeah, you like the certain tables. You like all the things.
Jennifer
Yeah. So I called and made a reservation, but when we got there, they had lost our reservation.
Jeff
Oh, no.
Jennifer
Yeah. So I guess I should have made it online.
Jeff
Did that, like, throw the night off? Did it make you upset?
Jennifer
I wasn't upset. Like, they apologized, but they were just, like, overbooked.
Jeff
Oh, no, that's rude.
Alex
Yeah, it sounds like it's a popular restaurant.
Jeff
I know. And there's only two of you. It's like, can you squeeze us in somewhere? We'll sit at the end at somebody else's table. No big deal.
Alex
Literally make a table for Us.
Brooke
We'll eat in the alley back behind.
Jeff
The restaurant run if I get the good food. Jeff. Absolutely.
Jennifer
It totally turned out to be a good thing because we ended up just wandering around the city, and, like, we ended up getting burgers at a takeout place and just talking about our bad date experiences.
Jeff
So was his.
Brooke
You lumped this experience as to one of the many bad date experiences that you've gone on?
Jennifer
No, this was just, like, a little bump in the road compared to, like, one time this. This guy venmo'd me, like, $2.47 for half of his appetizer.
Alex
Oh, my gosh.
Jose
Venmo requested you?
Alex
Wow.
Jennifer
Yeah.
Alex
I was still offended at the first part. I'm sorry. $2, bro.
Brooke
Okay, okay.
Jeff
So you shared stories like that with him. Did he share stories back with you? Joshua did.
Jennifer
So he said he had, like, a date who brought her mom, and the mom was, like, critiquing his posture on the.
Jeff
Sit up straight, honey. Sit up, shoulders back.
Brooke
I actually think that's some nice feedback, Jeff.
Alex
You'd be doing that on the date.
Brooke
Yeah. Excuse me.
Alex
You're slouching a little, so. Okay.
Brooke
Now, this is a way to be, like, you're actually way better than a lot of the dates that I go on. It's supposed to make him feel good.
Jennifer
Yes. Like, we were having a great time, just, like, laughing a lot, and it was just, like, fun.
Jeff
And anytime you have, like, a shared experience, whether it's, like, a bad day or anything, it can bring you closer to somebody.
Alex
Totally.
Brooke
But this wasn't a bad day.
Jeff
No, I know, but they're both commiserating over the same thing.
Alex
Gotcha.
Brooke
So how long did this go on for?
Jennifer
Like, a couple hours. And neither of us had, like, planned anything after, so he just, like, walked me back to my car. And I'm not used to, like, a short date like that where it was.
Brooke
Just, like, you expected the date to go on longer.
Jeff
Like, did you want him to invite you back to his place? Like, what are your expectations there?
Jennifer
I don't know about that. It's just, like, the vibe was so good. He just didn't even attempt to do anything else.
Brooke
Okay.
Jose
Bar or something.
Jeff
Yeah. Maybe he's just playing it cool, you know? Like, sometimes if you go out on top, you end it on a high note.
Brooke
Yeah.
Jeff
It obviously leaves you wanting more. So he did something right.
Brooke
Yeah. He's playing it so cool that he's not even calling her back anymore.
Jeff
So I guess that is playing it cold.
Brooke
We're beyond the Cool part. We just want to help you figure out what happened. Okay, Jennifer, maybe the Burke burger was bad that he ate.
Alex
It was.
Brooke
It was a street burger, so those are the best.
Jeff
I know.
Brooke
Yeah, but it is risky, so let's just call him, and we'll get your second date update right after this second date update. Our listener Jennifer is the perfect example of when life gives you lemons, turn them into lemon drops.
Alex
Everybody.
Jeff
Oh, yeah, I don't think they. I mean. Or burgers.
Brooke
Well, yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever it is. Because her dinner reservation fell through. The restaurant overbooked. So she took that and turned it into a fun night of wandering the city, searching for street burgers and talking about previous bad dates that went even worse than this one did. And her date Joshua shared his worst dates, too, so it really actually bonded them together. But, Jennifer, how long has it been since that night?
Jennifer
Yeah, it's been, like, a week.
Jeff
Okay. And you haven't heard anything?
Jennifer
No, and I've sent, like, some text messages and nothing. Radio silence.
Jeff
Okay, so you're definitely being ignored.
Alex
Thanks for the silent shout out.
Brooke
By the way, have you tried sending him a photo? Because if he doesn't respond to that, then you know you're in trouble.
Jeff
A photo of what, Jeff?
Brooke
Of anything.
Jose
Don't do that.
Jeff
Don't ever do that. Don't listen to their advice.
Brooke
You could send him a photo of me. No, if he's a fan of our show, he would definitely respond to that.
Alex
You think he's mad that she was talking about other dates? Now you want her sending pictures of other guys to him? Jeff.
Brooke
I'm just saying, if she does and he doesn't respond, then you really know something's off.
Alex
That's the final.
Jeff
I think she knows before the picture, Jeff. Okay, she's not an idiot.
Brooke
Brook saying we're not at rock bottom yet. Let's wait till this call happens and see where we end up.
Alex
What is happening to you today, Jennifer?
Brooke
Any last words before I dial these numbers?
Jeff
Or any last pictures for Jeff that you want to send?
Jennifer
Either way, I just can't believe I'm have to do this.
Brooke
Yeah, I have to do this.
Jose
Had to call us.
Alex
We're the last resort for people. That being said, with Jeff being in a weird mood, you want to call back tomorrow? This may not be a good call.
Jennifer
Well, we'll see. We'll find out.
Brooke
Yeah, we're already here. Yeah, let's just go through with it. How bad could it get? All right, let's do it.
Alex
You tell us, Jeff.
Brooke
I'LL tell you about some of the worst second date updates we've ever done and that'll make you feel better about it. Hold on.
Jeff
Just call.
Brooke
Okay, here we go.
I
Hello?
Brooke
Hey, is this Joshua?
I
Yeah, who's this?
Brooke
Hey, man, this is. A whole radio show is calling you right now. We're called Brooke and Jeffrey in the morning.
Alex
Good morning.
Jeff
That was a lot. You came in real hot there, Josh. How are you doing?
I
It's Joshua.
Jeff
Sorry, sorry. I'm married to a Michael who hates Mike. I get it. I apologize.
Brooke
I'm sorry, though. My host is trying to make this segment all about her and her marriage. But we trying to say.
Jeff
I understand.
I
Okay, we get it.
Brooke
The real thing that we're interested in though, Joshua, is you and the date that you went on the other night with one of our listeners named Jennifer. Yeah.
I
Okay.
Brooke
Yeah.
Alex
Do you remember her?
Brooke
You know what I'm talking about?
I
Yeah, I remember her.
Jeff
Yeah. It sounds like you guys had a really fun night together.
I
I mean, why do you know that?
Jeff
Great question.
Brooke
Oh, yeah, because that's how this segment works. It's called Second date Update. And we spoke to her about your date and she's a little bit confused about why she's not getting a call back for a second meetup.
I
Really? Yeah. She said that?
Jeff
Yeah, yeah, yeah. She said that she had a great time with you. It sounds like you guys laugh together a lot.
Brooke
Yeah.
Jeff
Is that not accurate?
I
No, it's accurate. She's like a really nice person. She's cute and everything, but you're.
Brooke
Yeah. Your words are saying nice things, but your tone is saying something else. Yeah, it's like really, the huh wasn't very good.
I
I don't. I don't think I know how to say this, but I just don't think I'm the right person for her, you know?
Jeff
We don't know because she. I mean, you don't get to decide that. Right? That's what she gets to decide.
Brooke
The woman gets to choose who you end up with. You don't get a choice.
Jeff
I mean, that's her choice. Right? And she obviously thinks that there's. There's definitely something between you two. If she's calling us.
Alex
Yeah.
I
Yeah, Definitely her choice.
Alex
Okay, quiet again.
Brooke
Something's going on. Like. Yeah, can we get your take on the date? Like, did you feel a connection with her?
I
I don't know, man. Like, we're wanting different things. I don't know if you know what she's. She's like into what's called stacking.
Jeff
Stacking Stacking. Oh, like the cup saying where you do it in competition. I mean, serious.
Brooke
The Anna Kendrick song?
Alex
Yeah.
I
No.
Brooke
Okay, so we don't know what that is. Yeah. What is stacking?
I
She said she used to stack, which means, like, have three to four dates a night.
Alex
Wait, per night?
Jeff
Oh, my God, that sounds exhausting. Yeah.
Brooke
Seriously, is it back to back to back to back, or all at the same time?
I
I. I don't think it was like, at the same. We didn't really get into it, but, like, I don't know. To me, I just think it's kind of rude to say, like, I miss stacking.
Brooke
Oh, she says she misses it.
I
Yeah, she literally said she misses it.
Brooke
So.
Jeff
So, I mean, I could see, like, I would interpret that as, oh, you. You wish that you were out with someone else right after me.
Brooke
Yeah, like that.
Jeff
That wouldn't be good to hear. I could understand that.
I
And that's why I took her to her car when we finished our burgers.
Jeff
Is there any way you could have, like, misunderstood her or.
I
No, I don't think I did. She was, like, looking back on it fondly, and it was very real to her. And she was. She very.
Bob Pittman
You could tell.
Brooke
Ah, okay.
Jeff
I could totally understand it doesn't mean.
Alex
She'S doing anything wrong, but it does rub you the wrong way.
Jose
It doesn't seem like she likes you a lot.
Brooke
Yeah, we kind of all see where you're coming from. I wonder if Jennifer sees it the same way, because she is on the other line listening to this.
Alex
Jennifer, if you're on the other line with another morning show too, right now, I'm gonna be mad.
Jeff
This is right after us.
Jose
She's good at times timing.
Brooke
Jennifer.
Jennifer
Hey, Joshua. I didn't think you would be so offended by what I said.
I
So you, like, you set this whole thing up? Like you're on the phone here and you called him?
Jennifer
Yeah, because I was so confused. I was like, I thought we had such a good time, but I guess it's because I said I missed stacking, which I was just. I mean, that was just a fun time in my life. Like, it's not something I do anymore. I want the same thing you want, which is a relationship, but you missed. It was a fun time.
Jeff
It just feels like maybe that's a conversation you have with your, like, best friend. Yeah, I miss my whole face, girl.
Jennifer
Yeah, that sounds like someone who's never stagged before saying that.
Jeff
Well, it is. Cause how could you ever be invested enough to find out if you were interested? Interested in someone if you were just constantly thinking of the next person you were gonna see.
Jennifer
I hear you guys talk about this all the time. And Brooke, you said it's okay to date multiple people to find out who you like.
Jeff
That's true.
Brooke
It's contradictory to what your advice always is. You said get it in as many times as possible before it's gone forever.
Jeff
That's not what I've said. But I. I think dating lots of people is great. It's just like if you're gonna ask someone to give you their evening, you also have to invest not just being there, but like your presence. Like, how can you be present?
Alex
Well said, Brooke.
Brooke
You should have brought her presence.
Jennifer
Dude, 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. I gave him that time. Fully.
Alex
I almost missed my next guy.
Jose
I mean, it worked for her. She had a boyfriend after that for years.
Brooke
I mean, that's how you see a Jennifer. But clearly Joshua sees it a different way. Right, Josh? I don't want to mess that up.
I
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.
Jennifer
We're looking for the same things. That's what I want. That's just something that's in the past. And by no means did I stack that night when you took me to my car, I was not seeing another person after you guys.
Brooke
That's actually cute.
Jose
She said not. Makes me think she did.
Brooke
Yeah, that's how I feel.
Jeff
That's exactly how I feel.
Brooke
I'm just a dumb guy.
Alex
I easily am tricked.
Brooke
Not that night, but the next five nights.
Alex
She said that's different.
Jennifer
Brooke, you're supposed to be on my side.
Jeff
You said dumb things on a date. I don't know what you're talking about. I mean, the thing is. The thing is, Joshua, she's on the phone with us. She's put in a lot of effort to see you again. So, I mean, maybe that's proof enough that she's over her old ways.
Brooke
Yeah, and that's why I would like to ask you, Joshua, if you'd be willing to meet up with Jennifer one more time. And we would pay for it. And the next date, and the next date and all the sack dates after that. Just you though.
I
No, I got the ick. I'm sorry.
Brooke
Oh.
Jeff
Can't fix that.
Brooke
Oh, no.
Jennifer
Okay. Joshua, do you realize no one says no to Me.
Alex
Oh, that's why she's been sad.
Jeff
Oh, God, that's not true anymore.
I
Yeah, no sign.
Jennifer
It's his choice. Whatever. I'll just keep stacking. I'll stack this weekend.
Brooke
You said you didn't want to do that anymore.
Jennifer
All right, well, it makes me happy. It's fun. I'm feeling sad now. It's gonna get me out of that funk.
Alex
Back to back to back to feed ya. Yes, that'll make you happy.
Brooke
That's where true happiness comes from. Brook and Jeffrey in the morning. All right, so no second date there. And Jennifer has hung up. She's not on the line with us anymore. But, Jennifer, if you're listening out there, I just want to say I know you're probably disappointed with one person on this show who didn't support you, but the rest of us here have your back.
Jeff
I know you're looking at me, Jeff. She's like, I just really miss dating lots of men at the same night. I mean, no one would feel special. Yeah, you said that to them.
Brooke
But you understand where she's coming from, right?
Jeff
Brooke?
Alex
You miss it, bro?
Jeff
Brooke, I have never had multiple dates in one night.
Alex
Wow.
Jeff
I could not pull that off.
Alex
Okay, remember she used to tell us how good of a liar she was? Yes, Brooke.
Brooke
Unstackable is the definition.
Alex
One at a time.
Brooke
There's no lights over there. The good news is we've got dozens of guys on the text board who are dts and down to stack whenever. So, Jennifer, you stay positive. Yeah, yeah, we don't like. That's weird. It'll happen for you, Jen. And if you're into stacking videos, you can always watch a bunch of ours on YouTube. Got all of our second date updates on there. You can, like, share and subscribe. All of it. BrookeandJeffrey.
Jose
Hey, Kristen, how's it tracking with Carvana Value Tracker?
Brooke
What else?
Jose
Oh, it's tracking, in fact. Value surge alert. Trucks up 2.5%, vans down 1.7.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
Just as predicted. So we gonna.
Jose
I don't know.
Jeff
Could sell.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
Could hold the power to always know our car's worth.
Jose
Exhilarating, isn't it? Tracking Always know your car's worth with Carvana value tracker.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
45 years ago, a Virginia soul band called the Edge of Daybreak recorded their debut album Behind Bars. Record collectors consider it a masterpiece. The band's surviving members are long out of prison, but they say they have some unfinished business.
Brooke
The edited Eyes of Love was supposed to have been followed up by another album.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
Listen to Soul incarcerated on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Eric Andre
Hey, what's up y'all? This is Eric Andre, but I made a podcast called Bombing about absolutely tanking on stage. I tell gnarly stories and I talk to friends about their worst moments of bombing in all sorts of ways. Bombing on stage, bombing in public, bombing in life. Like the time I stole a girl's phone during a sentence, she jumped on stage and threw a big haymaker punch to my nose. Listen to Bombing with Eric Andre on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Bob Pittman
Hi, I'm Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. I'm excited to introduce a brand new season of my podcast Math and stories from the frontiers of Marketing.
Alex
Marketing.
Bob Pittman
I'm having conversations with some folks across a wide range of industries to hear how they reach the top of their fields and the lessons they learned along the way that everyone can use. I'll be joined by innovative leaders like chairman and CEO of Elf Beauty, Tarang Amin, legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jewel.
Jeff
Being a rock star is very fun, but helping people is way more fun.
Bob Pittman
And Damian Maldonado, CEO of American Financing.
Brooke
I figured out the formula. I just have to work hard then that's magic.
Bob Pittman
Join me as we uncover innovations in data and analytics, the math and the ever important creative spark, the magic. Listen to math and Magic on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
My name is Brendan Patrick Hughes, host of Divine Intervention. This is a story about radical nuns in combat boots and wild haired priests trading blows with J. Edgar Hoover in a hell bent effort to sabotage a war.
Jennifer
J. Edgar Hoover was furious.
Brooke
He was out of his mind and.
Brendan Patrick Hughes
He wanted bring the Catholic left to its knees. Listen to Divine Intervention on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Release Date: March 31, 2025
Podcast: Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts
In the "High Stakes Higher Stacks" episode of Brooke and Jeffrey: Second Date Update, hosts Brooke and Jeff delve into the complexities of modern dating, focusing on the challenges of securing a second date after an initial promising encounter. This episode centers around listener Jennifer's experience with her first date, the subsequent ghosting by her date Joshua, and the unexpected live call Brooke and Jeff make to uncover the reasons behind Joshua's silence.
Jennifer's Experience: Jennifer recounts her first date with Joshua, which started with the inconvenience of a lost reservation at a popular restaurant. Despite this hiccup, the couple ended up enjoying burgers from a takeout place, sharing humorous anecdotes about past dating misadventures. Jennifer mentions, "I was fully present in the moment and I was not thinking about the next guy." (09:45) However, a week after their date, Jennifer finds herself on the receiving end of radio silence from Joshua, leaving her puzzled and longing for answers.
Discussion on "Stacking": The conversation introduces the concept of "stacking," which Jennifer explains as having multiple dates in a single night. "She said she used to stack, which means, like, have three to four dates a night." (14:37) This revelation adds depth to Jennifer's dating habits, indicating a previous lifestyle of juggling multiple romantic interests simultaneously.
Brooke and Jeff’s Insights: Brooke and Jeff discuss the potential implications of Jennifer mentioning her past "stacking" habits during her date. They ponder whether this might have inadvertently signaled to Joshua a lack of genuine interest, contributing to his subsequent ghosting. Brooke suggests, "But, we're here to help you figure out what happened." (09:47) emphasizing their commitment to assisting Jennifer in understanding the situation.
Connecting with Joshua: Determined to provide Jennifer with closure, Brooke and Jeff decide to call Joshua live on air. The call reveals that Joshua, now married, declined participating in the second date update, citing personal reasons. Nevertheless, Brooke proceeds to discuss Jennifer's date directly with Joshua.
Joshua's Perspective: During the call, Joshua acknowledges that while the date was enjoyable, he didn't feel a long-term connection necessary for pursuing further meetings. He states, "I just don't think I'm the right person for her." (13:19) This candid admission sheds light on Joshua's internal decision-making, highlighting the subjective nature of romantic compatibility.
Brooke and Jeff’s Reaction: The hosts express their understanding and respect for Joshua's honesty but also reflect on the emotional impact on Jennifer. Jeff comments, "She's put in a lot of effort to see you again. So, I mean, maybe that's proof enough that she's over her old ways." (16:17) This illustrates their support for Jennifer while recognizing Joshua's autonomy in his dating choices.
Impact of "Stacking" on Genuine Connection: The episode explores how Jennifer's past "stacking" behavior might influence her ability to forge deep, meaningful connections. Jeff observes, "That's how you see a Jennifer. But clearly, Joshua sees it a different way." (17:37) indicating that such habits may inadvertently signal a lack of commitment, deterring potential partners like Joshua.
Jennifer’s Clarification: Jennifer clarifies that during her date with Joshua, she was fully present and not engaging in multiple dating activities. "I was fully present in the moment and I was not thinking about the next guy." (17:37) This suggests that her mention of "stacking" was more a reflection of her past rather than her current dating intentions.
Brooke and Jeff’s Advice: The hosts emphasize the importance of clear communication and presence in dating. Brooke advises, "You should have brought her presence." (17:25) underscoring the value of being emotionally available and attentive during dates to foster genuine connections.
Encouragement for Jennifer: Despite the outcome, Brooke and Jeff encourage Jennifer to remain optimistic about her dating journey. They remind her that while this particular connection didn't pan out, numerous opportunities await. "You can always watch a bunch of ours on YouTube. Got all of our second date updates on there. You can, like, share and subscribe." (20:23) They reinforce the idea that setbacks are part of the dating process and resilience is key.
Final Thoughts: The episode wraps up with a blend of humor and heartfelt support, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of dating while promoting community and shared experiences among listeners. Brooke and Jeff reiterate their commitment to helping listeners navigate the often tumultuous waters of romantic relationships.
Jennifer on Her Dating Presence:
Joshua on His Decision:
Brooke on Being Supportive:
Brooke on Presence in Dating:
Jeff on Dating Investment:
Importance of Presence: Being emotionally available and fully engaged during dates significantly enhances the chances of forming meaningful connections.
Communicating Past Habits: Transparently discussing past dating behaviors, such as "stacking," is crucial to set the right expectations and avoid misinterpretations.
Handling Ghosting: Understanding that ghosting often reflects more on the other person's preferences and decisions rather than one's worth can help mitigate its emotional impact.
Seeking Closure: Directly addressing unresolved feelings or questions, even in unconventional ways like live calls, can provide clarity and pave the way for personal growth.
"High Stakes Higher Stacks" offers an insightful exploration into the dynamics of modern dating, emphasizing the delicate balance between maintaining personal authenticity and fostering genuine connections. Through Jennifer's story and the candid live conversation with Joshua, Brooke and Jeff illuminate the complexities of dating in an era where ghosting has become increasingly prevalent. Their compassionate and humorous approach provides listeners with both relatable content and practical advice, reinforcing the show's commitment to turning low success rates into high entertainment and valuable lessons for the dating community.