Podcast Summary: Gals on the Go – "Ditching the Apps and Meeting IRL with Jared Fried & Jordana Abraham - Marinelli"

Episode Information:

• Title: Ditching the Apps and Meeting IRL with Jared Fried & Jordana Abraham - Marinelli
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Hosts: Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan
• Guests: Jared Fried and Jordana Abraham from the "U Up" podcast

1. Welcoming and Introduction of Guests [01:17 - 07:31]

Brooke Miccio and Danielle Carolan kick off the episode with infectious enthusiasm, expressing their admiration for Jared Fried and Jordana Abraham, the dynamic duo behind the "U Up" podcast. Both hosts reminisce about being long-time fans, highlighting the significance of "U Up" as one of their favorite podcasts during the early days of "Gals on the Go."

Brooke [01:45]: "They're sad. So Jordana is like one of the OG, like, founders, like, people from batches... more millennial."

Danielle [02:15]: "He's hysterical. I mean, I know you think he's funny, too."

The conversation underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect between the hosting teams, setting a warm and inviting tone for the episode.

2. Discussing Podcasting Dynamics [07:31 - 12:42]

The discussion shifts to the art and challenges of podcasting. Jared and Jordana share insights into their experiences, emphasizing the balance between entertainment and meaningful content.

Jared [08:52]: "Nothing harder than being a podcaster."

Danielle [09:35]: "Like, I think where a lot of podcasts leave off is they don't really give you anything to, like, try. Like homework."

Jared elaborates on how "U Up" aims to provide actionable advice alongside relatable storytelling, differentiating their podcast from others by offering listeners tangible takeaways.

3. "Something We're Loving" Segment: Jerseys and "Hot Girl Pickles" [14:03 - 26:23]

In the "Something We're Loving" segment, the hosts delve into their current favorite items, sparking laughter and playful banter.

Danielle [14:20]: "I am loving wearing jerseys... Urban Outfitters has some great, like, cool vintage-looking jerseys."

The conversation transitions into pickles, with Brooke introducing her latest obsession: "Hot Girl Pickles." This niche, trendy pickle brand becomes a humorous focal point as the hosts debate pickle preferences, leading to a fun exchange about different types of pickles and their ideal pairings.

Brooke [22:32]: "I'm loving this specific brand of pickles. Very niche."

The segment not only showcases the hosts' personalities but also engages listeners with relatable and lighthearted topics.

4. Highlighting a Compelling Documentary [26:23 - 30:32]

Jordana introduces a thought-provoking HBO documentary about Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jane Mansfield. The guests delve into the emotional and familial revelations presented in the film, discussing themes of identity and family dynamics.

Jordana [26:29]: "I am loving the HBO documentary of Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jane Mansfield."

The conversation uncovers the complex narrative of Mariska discovering her biological father's identity, intertwining personal growth with broader societal themes. This deep dive offers listeners both entertainment and insightful commentary on the impacts of family secrets.

5. Movie Experiences and Dating Challenges [30:32 - 44:50]

The discussion shifts to movie-going experiences and their intersection with dating. Jared shares his experience attending a comedy show, highlighting the intricacies of social interactions in such settings.

Jared [31:53]: "I went and got size 10, but he couldn't understand why I was choosing those."

The hosts exchange anecdotes about awkward seating arrangements, interactions with strangers, and the challenges of maintaining social composure, especially when navigating the dating scene. This segment provides a humorous yet honest look at the complexities of modern dating rituals.

6. "Panic of the Week" Segment: Navigating Family Visits and Social Expectations [46:25 - 58:51]

In the "Panic of the Week" segment, the hosts and guests share their personal anxieties and relatable fears. Brooke narrates a predicament faced during a family weekend in the Hamptons, compounded by the pressure to keep up with popular shows like "Love Island."

Brooke [46:42]: "I spent it with my boyfriend's family in the Hamptons. Gotta keep up with Love Island."

Jared recounts a humorous yet stressful incident involving his parents' house, where minor mishaps escalate his anxiety about respecting family spaces.

Jared [57:03]: "I panicked. I said, I'll just... and they were like, you're..."

The segment resonates with listeners through its candid exploration of everyday stressors, blending humor with genuine emotional moments.

7. Summer Dating Challenge: Ditching Apps and Meeting IRL [59:00 - 64:49]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jared's summer dating challenge, designed to encourage listeners to disconnect from dating apps and foster real-life connections. The challenge includes actionable steps such as:

• Deleting dating apps
• Going out to dinner solo once a week
• Engaging with friends’ partners
• Joining new fitness classes

Jared [61:24]: "So, like, if you're a single person, hang out with your friend's husband. He doesn't have a guy waiting for you. Don't. Don't hang with him to get a guy. You're hanging with him to get this guy to like you."

The hosts discuss the practicality and impact of these steps, emphasizing the importance of creating new social opportunities and reducing reliance on digital platforms for dating. This segment serves as both a motivational blueprint and a discussion point for listeners seeking to improve their love lives through genuine interactions.

8. Closing Thoughts and Guest Reflections [64:49 - 65:09]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express gratitude towards their guests, encouraging listeners to check out "U Up" podcast for more engaging conversations.

Brooke [64:10]: "We are definitely over time. We need to do another episode."

The guests reciprocate the appreciation, reinforcing the strong bond between the "Gals on the Go" and "U Up" podcast teams.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle [03:04]: “He gave us a little bits and pieces of, you know, like, going to the Cellar and, like, where, how it all goes.”

• Jared [08:52]: “Nothing harder than being a podcaster.”

• Brooke [22:32]: "I'm loving this specific brand of pickles. Very niche."

• Jordana [26:29]: “I am loving the HBO documentary of Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jane Mansfield.”

• Jared [61:24]: “So, like, if you're a single person, hang out with your friend's husband...”

Conclusion

This episode of "Gals on the Go" masterfully balances humor, personal anecdotes, and meaningful discussions. By featuring seasoned podcasters Jared Fried and Jordana Abraham, Brooke and Danielle offer listeners an insider's look into the world of podcasting, the nuances of modern dating, and the importance of fostering real-life connections. Through engaging segments like "Something We're Loving" and "Panic of the Week," the episode not only entertains but also provides actionable insights, making it a must-listen for those navigating the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth.