The Jordan Harbinger Show: Episode 1136 – Marriage on Skids If You Can't Agree on Kids? | Feedback Friday

Release Date: April 4, 2025

In this episode of The Jordan Harbinger Show, host Jordan Harbinger and producer Gabriel Mizrahi tackle several listener-submitted dilemmas during their popular segment, Feedback Friday. From marital conflicts over childbearing to navigating complex family debts and ensuring children's online safety, Jordan and Gabriel provide insightful advice to help listeners overcome personal challenges. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the episode.

1. Marital Conflict Over Children

Listener's Dilemma: A 32-year-old woman grapples with her 33-year-old husband’s refusal to have children, stemming from his past experiences and fear of complicating their marriage.

Discussion Highlights:

• Jordan's Insight: Jordan emphasizes that while goals are important, transforming them into actionable systems is crucial for achievement. He states, "Goals are for people who care about achieving something once. But systems, processes, these are for people who care about achieving something repeatedly" ([01:21]).

• Gabriel's Perspective: Gabriel concurs, highlighting the need for consistent habits to realize goals, citing his own experience with the "Couch to 5K" program as a metaphor for incremental progress ([04:29]).

• Advice to the Listener: Jordan advises that having children requires mutual enthusiasm from both partners. He warns against persuading a reluctant partner, stating, "You do not want to have to cajole your partner into creating another human life" ([12:17]).

Notable Quote:

"If you do that, if he agreed to that, he'd really be recreating that pattern in his family." – Jordan Harbinger ([11:52])

2. Handling Inherited Financial Debt and Legal Complexities

Listener's Dilemma: A concerned sibling seeks advice on her brother-in-law's involvement in managing their late aunt's $500,000 debt inheritance, compounded by recent familial losses and legal threats from an ex-wife.

Discussion Highlights:

• Legal Insights: Jordan and Gabriel consult with Aaron Hoskins, a bankruptcy attorney, who clarifies that heirs are generally not liable for a deceased person’s debts unless they co-signed or guaranteed them. Aaron notes, "People are only responsible for debts that they personally sign for or are found liable for" ([24:46]).

• Emotional Considerations: The discussion delves into the emotional strain on the brother-in-law, especially concerning his mother's recovery from addiction and the fear of relapse under added stress ([30:04]).

• Recommendations: Solutions include seeking legal counsel, exploring mediation, and ensuring the sister-in-law prioritizes her well-being over overcommitting to helping her mother.

Notable Quote:

"Your son's integrity and willingness to take responsibility are crucial here." – Jordan Harbinger ([15:33])

3. Ensuring Children's Online Safety

Listener's Dilemma: A 30-year-old divorced father is concerned about his 6-year-old daughter's safety online, seeking strategies to educate her about internet risks.

Discussion Highlights:

• Expert Opinion: Jordan and Gabriel speak with Derek Fisher, a cybersecurity expert, who underscores the importance of delaying children's access to technology and fostering open communication about online dangers ([35:08]).

• Practical Strategies: Recommendations include setting screen time limits, using technical controls like kidsafe phones, and encouraging device-free group activities to balance technological exposure with real-world interactions.

• Parental Approach: Emphasizing proactive education, Jordan advises parents to "be very open and intentional with them about what the dangers are" ([44:28]).

Notable Quote:

"Children just aren't equipped to self-regulate." – Derek Fisher ([37:00])

4. Navigating Shady Employment Practices

Listener's Dilemma: An employee working as a "bird catcher" faces exploitative company policies, including inadequate mileage reimbursement, lack of paid leave, and unfair pay practices contingent on job performance metrics.

Discussion Highlights:

• Understanding Legal Rights: Jordan explains that employers must comply with the employment laws of the states where employees work, not just the company's base state. He clarifies, "Employers generally have to comply with the laws of the state where the employee performs the work" ([56:14]).

• Business Ethics: The conversation highlights the company's likely intention to prevent employee communication to avoid legal scrutiny and discourage unionization ([55:40]).

• Actionable Steps: Suggestions include consulting with an employment attorney, filing complaints with relevant labor boards, and considering collective action while being aware of potential retaliation.

Notable Quote:

"Your employer is shady. They are manipulative, that is for sure." – Jordan Harbinger ([54:07])

5. Addressing Hygiene Issues in Relationships

Listener's Dilemma: A 30-year-old woman is troubled by her new boyfriend’s poor dental hygiene and his apparent insecurity within the relationship.

Discussion Highlights:

• Health and Relationship Impact: Jordan and Gabriel express strong disapproval of neglecting dental hygiene, linking it to broader self-care and personal responsibility issues.

• Relationship Dynamics: They explore the potential imbalance where the woman feels she is taking on a mothering role, which may indicate underlying issues in the relationship that need open discussion.

• Constructive Communication: Jordan advises having honest conversations about how his habits affect her and understanding each other's needs and expectations to determine the relationship's future viability.

Notable Quote:

"Your partner's ability and desire to care for himself is at the core of this issue." – Jordan Harbinger ([75:06])

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Throughout Feedback Friday, Jordan Harbinger and Gabriel Mizrahi provide nuanced advice tailored to each listener's unique situation. Key takeaways include:

• Mutual Enthusiasm in Relationships: Essential for major life decisions like having children.
• Legal Awareness: Understanding personal liability and seeking professional counsel is crucial when dealing with financial and legal inheritances.
• Proactive Parenting: Educating children about online safety requires intentional strategies and open communication.
• Employee Rights: Knowing and asserting legal rights can protect against exploitative employment practices.
• Healthy Relationship Standards: Addressing personal hygiene and emotional dynamics is vital for relationship health.

Notable Closing Quotes:

"Build relationships before you need them." – Jordan Harbinger ([79:32])

"Your daughter's lucky to have you keeping an eye on all this." – Jordan Harbinger ([77:16])

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners navigating complex personal and professional challenges, reinforcing the show's mission to transform wisdom from fascinating individuals into practical advice for everyday life.

For more insights and discussions from The Jordan Harbinger Show, visit jordanharbinger.com.