← The JTrain Podcast
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- [00:00]
A
Chit Chat Wednesday for you to listen to. I have a guess who will be your new boo. You're gonna love them too. Chit chat Wednesday. I hope you're having a good day today. I hope it's gonna be a perfect week, too. I hope you have a nice poo. It's a ch Chat Wednesday too. Hello and welcome to the J Train podcast. This is J Train. Jared Freed coming you live from Delray Beach, Florida. That's right, every Wednesday is a Chit Chat Wednesday where I sit with a comedian, a friend, an expert. Today, I would say we have two of those things. We have a, a new friend that, you know, I met virtually and I'm going to meet them in person this week. If you're listening right now, will be in Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Chicago. Tickets@jaredfree.com Next week I'm in Charlotte and Durham. So get the tickets. Get the tickets. Get the tickets. Charlotte Durham might be in a couple weeks. I'm off my sketch. Listen, I'm sick of begging. I'm going to meet this person at my Minneapolis show, which I'm so excited about this week. They are an expert in the love is blind universe. I'll give them expert status and I'm so excited they're here. Lauren o', Brien, thank you for coming on the show.
- [01:45]
B
Yeah, thank you for having me. Expert is such high praise. That's crazy.
- [01:49]
A
Listen, you lived it. You're. And this is the thing with reality TV is like, you know, people speak so confidently on something they have no idea about, right?
- [02:01]
B
Yes. Oh, my gosh. That's been, it was fascinating to like, experience that when we were going through our season, but then now coming out the other side and having that lens and then watching how things are playing out with this season and like seeing some of the conversations happening, it is, it blows my mind every time. It's like, I know that, but it's just always like a jarring reminder to see people speak that way.
- [02:22]
A
I, I know. And it's really annoying because, like, I do, you know, my life as, you know, you know, loser commentator on these things. Like, I try to take Lauren head nod. Yes, yes, you, the loser commentator.
- [02:42]
B
I try, I'm just listening to see what comes next.
- [02:44]
A
Well, I try to be fair. Like, I, I, I'm not looking to like and I really don't like, like, I love dissecting reality dating shows in a way that makes, makes it real to me. Makes. And that's why we watch, like to not admit that we're watching a first Kiss. And we're examining how we do a first kiss is all about, you know, this is all about, you know, the key of me and the idea of, like, what would I do if I saw my partner for the first time after saying I'm in love and not being really them not being my type, so to speak. You know, like, we all kind of do that thing. So like, that's the angle I'm always looking to come from. The angle that kind of has appeared in recent years is this, let me accuse this person of this on the edge of they should be arrested accusation. Like, and, and like that to me is like, gross and like, so when people speak confidently about that stuff and you know, do their like, armchair psychologist crap, I'm like, I can't imagine being in those shoes.
- [03:55]
B
Totally, totally. And I feel like everyone, like reality TV is so fascinating because, like, I feel like people who like it love to analyze human behavior. Who doesn't? And like, there's a little bit, like, it's fun to judge people here and there. And I think Love is Blind specifically is such a fascinating show for couples or even like, single just people who can look at those relationships and like, put themselves in those shoes. And so like you said, they think, how would I do this? How would I do things differently? But then like, yeah, the accusatory, like, we all make decisions in dating or everyday life and we aren't held to those same standards that people want to hold these like, reality TV Personas to. So it. I don't know. I will never understand the need to like, get justice for people that you don't know.
- [04:37]
A
I do understand the need. It's power. Power is where's we're, you know, we're seeing what type of dictators everyone would be, you know, like, we, we are getting witness to. And, and it's funny because like, on the Internet, it's like if I consider myself a victim, then I have all the power because I can yell at someone with no real, like, you know, I don't have to really like, hem my words. I don't have to like, worry about what I say because I'm the victim. I'm the one punching up. So now you see, which is like, really a mind fuck. Because you're like, oh my God, now they have power. And now you're seeing how they wield their power, which is in a disgusting way. You're like, oh, the victim who gets to call someone, you know, the, you know, the fucked up, you know, you know, whatever, you know, word of the week you want to, you know, gaslighter. You know, again, you use that gaslighter pretty easily, pretty freely, you know, look at you with power. You know, you're a real piece of. So I don't know, we could go on and on about the psychology of the people who sit at home and watch these things. You're seeing someone now?
- [05:51]
B
Yes, I am.
- [05:52]
A
How is that? Well, there are two things I want to get into that. You're seeing someone now. You were on. You were on the Minneapolis season. I brought up Minneapolis before because I'm going to do my show there. And I had, like, my own experience with Minneapolis from doing shows there. And I was like, I kind of know the type of person there. I know that it's very insular. I know that people don't move out. It's hard to move in. Who are you dating? Who are you seeing? What's going on? I know you don't really. They're not on camera a lot. I watch your Instagram stories. Let's hear.
- [06:22]
B
Has, like, that has been a funny, like, not game. But, like, I even. Even pre. Love is blind, pre. Being on social media, like, a soft launch is so fun and it's been very entertaining to, like, run with it. And now I'm at the point that I'm like, wait, how. How far am I supposed to take this? I have no idea. I don't know what the rules are with this, right?
- [06:39]
A
You blow up too much and now it's gotta pop like you do. It's fun. Until you're like, oh, shit, Now I've made this into way more than I even feel confident doing. You're like, you can't do like a. Ta da. And then people go. And then we all go. That's what she was hiding. This is the big boyfriend. This is the real stud.
- [07:00]
B
Way too hyped up, right? Well, then we were having this conversation too, about, like. Like, do I t. Like, when he is out there, do I, like, tag him? But then, like, I'm just kind of giving people permission to click on his profile and I'm just like. Then I'm waiting for that, like, hey, girly text. And, like, I don't want to deal with that. Like, I just.
- [07:17]
A
Now I'm like, that's the hey, girly text.
- [07:21]
B
Hey, girly. This guy was really mean to me in sixth grade. I just thought you should know that is what I.
- [07:25]
A
Is there. Do you fear that? Do you fear that? Do you think that's a result of Love is blind and kind of what you went through with, you know, coming out of the pods and then having to hear, the minute this show comes on, you hear, this guy is the worst of some kind.
- [07:42]
B
I think there's an element. And I even noticed this, like, before this conversation of, like, dating. But, like, I think everyone wants to have a connection to, like, something like this. With Love is Blind. And so Minneapolis, like you said, it's so small. Everyone knows everyone. I remember getting messages from girls, like, when this season aired, like, hey, girly, like, if you want to get coffee, like, I have some information about Dave or about, like, that other guy. Like, they just wanted to, like, talk about some random connection. And I remember being like, I'm not even with any of these people. I don't need any, like, inside information.
- [08:16]
A
Right. I have my own.
- [08:17]
B
So I think more people just, like, want. Yeah, exactly. I think they just, like, want to feel like they have inside information about something that is public.
- [08:26]
A
Right. And gossip is like a mosquito bite. Like, you know, once you start itching on it, you're like, ooh, that. That feels so good. You know? And I don't know. That person disgusts me, you know, in a certain way, the one that would reach, like, I am. I'm. I'm physically revolted by anyone who would reach out to a stranger to be like, I got info on the guy you didn't see. So I can make you feel worse about the guy you're not seeing anymore. Like. Like, to not see that this is not a net benefit to you is really, like.
- [08:59]
B
Right.
- [09:00]
A
Like, it really makes me sad, you know? Like. But that's the direction that this show can go in. So the new guy, how do you meet him? Are you willing to talk about it?
- [09:12]
B
Yeah. Yeah. So we actually met on Hinge, and I was like, kind of on and off Hinge. I know that, like, you've been on and off Hinge throughout the years. Like, you just do what everyone does, that you go through these, like, phases of, like, okay, I'm gonna commit to going on dates. Or you're like, fuck this app. And so I kind of was like, fuck this app for a long time. And I was never someone that matched with a bunch of people anyways. He was, like, the only guy that I really, like, matched with and talked to the couple weeks that I was like, I'm going to get back into it. So that was, like, end of. Yeah, like, a few months ago, and we went on a date, and I remember going into it, like, going into the date before I met him. Just so unsure of how to go about Love is Blind stuff. Like, so I think it'd be different.
- [09:54]
A
If I didn't after Love is Blind.
- [09:59]
B
Yes and no. Like, I had dated and talked to people, but they were people that, like, already knew that love is blind. Like, I had known them either before the show aired or had some kind of connection.
- [10:09]
A
Were you getting dm?
- [10:10]
B
She was the first one that I.
- [10:11]
A
Well, hold on. Let's take a back. Sorry to interrupt. Let's backtrack a second. Were you getting DMS after the show from men?
- [10:18]
B
Yeah. Okay. Yes, but, like, not necessarily. This sounds so bad, but, like, not necessarily the men that you would, like, want to be, like, sliding into your.
- [10:29]
A
DMs, give me, you know, be a little bit more descriptive. I mean, I. Listen, I understand that because I. My DMs, I get, you know, I, I. When it's. My DMs are tough to explain to people, and it's. It makes me feel badly when it's someone that I'm like. If I'm in contact with a guy who's a piece of, I know right away because he's like, oh, man, if I had my DMs, I'd be, what? And I'm like, that's not what it's like. That's not my relationship with the audience. This isn't an audience that wants to, you know, come over and have sex with me as an audience that wants to be going on a D. And I'm like. And in the element of, like, me just being, like, writing back, come over, you know, And I'm looking. I'm looking for something in between, you know, I'm looking for something that's more casual but also could go somewhere. So I'm not, like.
- [11:26]
B
Right.
- [11:27]
A
Especially from a DM situation. My. My perfect DM is, hey, I'm with a bunch of my friends. We're out in the area. Would love for you to come hang out with us. And now I don't have to, like, I'm like, oh, okay, I can go join a group of five and then feel out of vibe, you know, like, so.
- [11:46]
B
Right, right. There's a little less pressure.
- [11:48]
A
It's. It's weird. Once you start getting the DMs, it's a genie's wish gone wrong. You're like, this isn't how I want this to happen. So what are you. So what are the. Are you getting, like, lewd, crude, and, you know, disgusting ones? Are you getting ones that are like a guy holding a flower that slunked over and he's like, please be my girlfri. Like, is it. What are you getting?
- [12:12]
B
I. Those are good examples. Yeah. Like, there's a couple crude ones. There are, like, older guys, like. Like, oh, my gosh, if you were in my city, I would treat you so much better. Like, stuff like that. I'm like, what do you. I would have. Like, what would you expect me to do with this message? I would say, like, that was more the norm of things. I remember I got one. Like, I would meet so many people out. I still need people out throughout Minneapolis at the bars that, like, I had seen the show and watch. And I remember there was one guy that was like, hey, one of girlfriends met you and, like, said that we might be a good match, like, if you're out or if you're single. And I remember being like, that's a good example of, like, sliding into someone's DM that, like, they live in the city. It was like a. A normal. In. But, like, those were kind of few and far between. I feel like there weren't a lot of. I don't know. There weren't a lot. In my mind, there weren't a lot of single straight guys, like, watching Love is Blind, thinking about.
- [13:07]
A
Yeah.
- [13:07]
B
Who they could match with. I. I wasn't sure what that looked like.
- [13:10]
A
It's a difficult thing. It really is hard. And I only understand from my angle, but I. I'm sure yours was, like, times a million because you're on a dating show, so it's like.
- [13:23]
B
Right.
- [13:23]
A
And it's difficult because it's the same as Hinge to go back to Hinge and the guy you met and you. You're, you know, feeling really good about right now. The problem with apps and with DMS and all this is just more and more is distracting. More doesn't mean good, but more gives you the rush of a sense of good. And it's. And then you go out and, you know, go out to a bar and you meet one person, and it's like, I always compare it to the difference between sweet and low and sugar. Like, when you put sugar in your coffee, you're like, did I even put anything in here that's like going out and meeting people in real life? And then when you put sweet and low in your coffee, you're like, whoa, this is like, I just put in cocaine into this thing. And then the. And then you're like, this tastes like, the sweetest ever. How did this. One little packet that's going on, the apps. Because you're getting the rush of a get meeting, meeting, meeting. So you go back on Hinge. You go, I have this one. The only real conversation I had. Well, that's a normal. That's more normal than 7,000 conversations that were great.
- [14:35]
B
Right? Right. Totally, totally. And I remember, too, like, there were a lot of other. Like, when we matched, too, he was pretty quick to get off the app and, like, meet on a date. And I remember thinking, like, that was how I would have wanted someone to approach that, too.
- [14:49]
A
Right.
- [14:50]
B
But, yeah, I remember going into this date just being like, this is a new. He was the first person that I dated that I like or, like, that I went on a date with that. I wasn't sure if they knew anything about Love is Blind or my story. And I. The first little bit of the date, it, like, didn't come up. There were a couple of times that he asked questions that I'm like, I guess I could sprinkle this in now. But, like, I just. I feel douchey being like. So I was on a TV show called Love is Blind. Like, I just didn't know how to say it. And then I actually. I think I told this as, like, a story time on one of my Instagram stories one day. But we. After that, we went to a different bar, and when we were at the second bar, some guy came up to me and was like, lauren, loved you on the show. So fun watching. And then when he walked away, I turned to this guy and I was like, did you happen to, like, Google me? Or, like, do you know anything? And he's like, yeah, I did watch the show, but, like, I didn't want to ask you and, like, put you in a position to have to talk about it if you don't want to talk about it. Like, I was just waiting for you to present, which I was like, again, green flag. Like, he wasn't sitting there being like, give me inside information. He genuinely was just, like, wanting to get to know me outside of.
- [15:54]
A
Well, it's like, I don't think people go on dates or go on good dates to test people, but there are tests, you know, like. And, yeah, being respectful of, like, letting you, you know, bring that out when you are comfortable. And these are all good signs, but not, you know, again, green flag. Like, you said, like, good sign, but we'll see, you know, like, just. And they add up, you know? How long have you guys been dating?
- [16:21]
B
Totally. A few months. It's definitely, like. It's a. It's a quick turnaround, but we Live very close to each other. I think that's also like, sped our timeline. And there's an element of like, he had a little bit more info about me.
- [16:35]
A
Sure.
- [16:35]
B
Than probably the average person when you go on a first date.
- [16:38]
A
Yeah. But.
- [16:39]
B
Yeah.
- [16:39]
A
Well, he was probably.
- [16:40]
B
It's fresh.
- [16:41]
A
And this is like a male thing. If people are wondering, getting inside the male mind, you ha. I don't think a guy dates someone they're not excited about. And I don't think a guy convinces himself into dating someone. I do think women do that. Generally. They're like checks a lot of boxes. You know, feels right doing the right things and then a lot. I think guys need a. Weirdly, it's more romantic the way guys get into relationships. If you really think about it. You know, if you want to give guys any credit, which a lot of people don't, you go, you know, he's going. She was on Love is Blind. I saw her on the show. She was great. She had this, like, fun way about it. You know, like, there's. And I, I say this when I talk about, like, you know, when I talk on you up about dating, I'm always like, you know, I don't know if I can tell someone to do this because it's hard to tell someone how to feel and be. But like, if you make yourself scarce, like, that's really attractive to a guy. Like, you know, hey, I'm. I would love to go out, but I'm not going to go out with you. Forever is like. But you can't fake that, you know, like.
- [17:50]
B
Right.
- [17:51]
A
That's the hardest part. It's like, be confident. Oh, okay. Well, you know, help me lose 30 pounds and I'll be there. You know, like, so. It's. So I. Hold on. There's a couple things I want to get into. Nobody wants this. We. I saw. You're going to be on the show or you're on the show.
- [18:09]
B
Yeah. Well, it was like a clip of Kristen Bell watching a scene from actually of Dave and I's reveal.
- [18:17]
A
I love it.
- [18:19]
B
I had. I had no. I literally woke up to DMs telling me that I was on it. But, like, I want to analyze. Have you watched. You've watched. Nobody wants this, haven't you?
- [18:27]
A
It's a. That show and I have a complicated relationship. I. You know, the.
- [18:32]
B
I was curious about.
- [18:34]
A
Well, the two sisters. I went on their podcast and I don't know, they're like, what are their names? The. The. The.
- [18:44]
B
The Foster.
- [18:45]
A
The Foster sisters. So the Foster sisters have been kind of around my universe for years. They were like an Instagram account, and they're like this. The daughters of, you know, this famous music guy. And my special came out on Netflix, and I had this whole bit about the ick. And then, like, they're. They have this whole thing where they're like, basically, like, saying the same thing of, you know, you know, the ick about the ick. And then I'm like. And I'm like, also, it's about a Jewish guy dating. And then, like, I don't know. And there's podcast elements. And then I went on their podcast and they didn't really. They're. They're weirdly smart and stupid at the same time. I never trust someone who's. I never trust someone who's wildly successful. And then all of a sudden, there's sand between my fingers because I just saw recently they did a ad with Nordstrom's or something. There's a. There's a TikTok where they're talking at Nordstrom's has their. On their TikTok. And it's the Foster sisters. And they're like, what's the best advice given on your podcast? And they go, well, some guy Jared. Some guy Jared. I'm a comedian. I'm, like, doing this.
- [20:04]
B
No last name.
- [20:05]
A
Some guy Jared. I can. You can see the clip. It's up there. And it's like, I. One thing I am try. I try. My best to be aware of is like, you know, you come on my podcast. I'm thankful I'm not paying you to do this. I. I want you to have people follow you. I'm gonna put your thing everywhere, and I'm gonna, like, we're gonna talk about anything you want to talk about. And I want Lauren o' Brien to be someone that someone follows, likes and helps Lauren on her journey on whatever. And so, like, when someone is, like, naive to that, I'm always like, you must be. Cause you want to be. So, I don't know.
- [20:45]
B
Right.
- [20:46]
A
And they were incred. And this is also while saying the Foster sisters were incredibly nice to me when I was on their podcast. Promoted the shit out of their po gas. But sometimes people are really good at making.
- [20:55]
B
It's like, mutually beneficial.
- [20:57]
A
I should be, you would think. I don't know. They tried, like, to fix me up with their social media person, who is cute. But they were in LA and I'm, you know, so.
- [21:08]
B
Oh, that kind of fixed.
- [21:09]
A
Yeah. No, so you were on the show. This turned into me just.
- [21:17]
B
Well, I was even more thinking about, like, I wasn't sure. I was just saying this when I was watching it the other day, like, how accurately they represented, like, Judaism and, like, how that process worked in terms of learning. Like, I know feelings about that.
- [21:30]
A
They don't really do a good job of being kind to Jewish women, in my opinion. I don't think.
- [21:35]
B
Right, right.
- [21:36]
A
You know, I don't know if that's a accurate thing. I don't know.
- [21:40]
B
Right, right. So. Right. No, but they. I wanted to analyze to the moment. So basically, it's like, I don't want to. Okay. Spoilers off, anyone? I'm only halfway through the second season, but they're definitely, in my opinion, continuing to show examples of the ways that those two characters are not compatible. I feel like every conversation they have, it's a little glimpse into them not being compatible. And so she's watching the episode, and it's like, Dave and I's reveal. And she says out loud, I have a really good feeling about these two. I really like them. I think they're gonna make it. And I'm like, I feel like that is the little window into their relationship of how, like, they're not gonna make it. Because I, as a viewer and as a participant, don't think there were many people watching Dave and I's story unfold, thinking, like, I'm really rooting for these two. Like, I think it was kind of obvious where things were going with us.
- [22:35]
A
He was a tough guy to cheer for on the show. He's the one that came on the show and was like, you know, how. What's wrong with you? That was his big thing, which I actually thought was overplayed, like. Cause the. It's. It the acknowledgement of, like, we're all here. They could cut that very easily to make it be like, he's just asking women what's wrong with them. But it. It's very. To me. And you can tell me if I'm wrong. It seemed as though that was like, well, let me tell you what's wrong with me. And it's a joke. Like, it's right. So.
- [23:06]
B
Right.
- [23:06]
A
I could see how that's actually playful banter and a great way to start, to tell you the truth.
- [23:13]
B
So good conversation starter, for sure.
- [23:16]
A
Well, breaks it. Breaks it down. Like, what are we doing here? You know? But I do remember, you know, you two were like, the example. Like, I agree with you. Like, when I watched you. You guys on the show, you were. You guys are the most relatable example of what frustrates people most with dating? It's again, the sand going through your fingers because you were really trying again and again banging your head against the wall with this guy who wasn't trying to. And, and I think that's a lot of women, you know, you're, you're seeing.
- [23:50]
B
Yeah.
- [23:50]
A
You know, one side is like, we're doing a business together. The other side is, like, this is my extracurricular activity. I don't give a shit.
- [23:58]
B
Right. Totally. And I think, like, that is 100% right. And I would say throughout the last nine months of meeting women out and about or Even, like, in DMS, 75% of them have made a comment along the lines of, like, oh, my gosh, I dated a date. Or my last boyfriend did these things. Like, Dave, I think he was, like, a really good example of, like, someone who said he was ready. I think maybe wanted to be ready, but, like, then his actions didn't line up to that. And so I think.
- [24:24]
A
How's he.
- [24:25]
B
That was a very relatable.
- [24:26]
A
How's he doing now? Do you keep up with him at all?
- [24:30]
B
We see each other out. Like, I, we're good. Like, and we've talked through. I mean, obviously, like, you see us have a little bit of, like, reconciliation at the reunion, and then, like, I have nothing negative to say about him now. Like, obviously watching back. I think he, that's why.
- [24:45]
A
Stop it. I'm sorry. Interrupt you. We have a little lag here for the people listening or watching on YouTube. I just want to make sure I stop you for a second. It's why I liked you on the show. Like, I, you did go through it, and he put you through it to an extent, but it's like, okay, it's over. But I, I, you know, do you feel. You got to feel like you learned from it, right?
- [25:07]
B
Totally, Totally. And I remember thinking, like, I think a lot of people wanted me to have more of a, a moment of, like, pushing back or getting. I don't know if revenge is the best way, almost like a fuck you moment. But I remember thinking, like, I think the biggest win for me, and I would think this about all relationships is just not being with this person that clearly was not treating me well. So I, I, that's kind of how I remember approaching it at the time. And I'm glad because he definitely got it tenfold online. I think he still gets it in person, which I just think is so. Again, going back to what we were saying, like, people have such strong opinions and have such specific Ideas about someone's character based on this, like, show that there was some storytelling involved in person.
- [25:51]
A
That's crazy.
- [25:52]
B
Yeah, I know, I know. I, that's where I, well then my heart hurts forever.
- [25:58]
A
This is where the anger and the, you know, the, the bloodlust kind of like falls flat. Like, everyone dates a Dave until you're dating the Dave who doesn't want to be the Dave anymore, like, at some point. And I, I don't think he's an evil person. I, I don't think maybe that's, I don't think most people are evil, you know, so at some point he's going to like, relax, see the error of his ways, learn in the way you've learned about yourself and go. All of a sudden he's with a woman who's like, that's the best man in the world. And now you go, well, what happened to all this rage? You know, like, you can't. And it's like, and if you think it's just that woman with the Dave, guess what? Let me pull the mask off of your boyfriend. He's been Dave the whole time too. You know, like, it's, it's the Scooby Doo reveal. Total Scooby Doo. So, and it's like, again, this is all more connected and you know, like, you know the dad that every Father's Day, every woman is like, there's no dad like him. Every man needs to look. And it's like, there's some other woman out there being like, I hate that guy. He was such a piece of.
- [27:09]
B
Right, right.
- [27:10]
A
So I don't know. That's where it all kind of becomes an eye roll for me. And so you guys are in Minneapolis. You're going out. Tell me. I, I, I want to hear. You're working though. You're doing, you're doing like educational sales, right?
- [27:27]
B
Yep, yep. So I'm still working full time. Like a typical 9 to 5. We have like busy and slow seasons. We're kind of like just gearing up to our busier season. But yeah, like, my day to day life is pretty normal. Back to normal.
- [27:41]
A
Do you, the interest with whether you work or not afterwards, how do you feel about that?
- [27:49]
B
I don't. I definitely think it is an interesting conversation online. And I, I feel like I see this more from other like, influencers who do go full time and then get backlash on the fact that they're like, doing something that's kind of what people wanted from them. Like, I don't know. It's, I, it is Such a classic being. Having this online presence is such a classic example of, like, you just don't know there's no right way to do it. And you're going to get feedback regardless. I love working. I, like, love my job. I love having structure. Yeah. I don't know.
- [28:23]
A
You probably. If I was to, like, you know, give the advice, you know, like, I mean, like, I live in the online world, but stand up is what it's all about for me. Like, when I do a standup show, like, that's, like. That's, like, the thing I've really been working on and put so much time and effort into. And when someone comes to a show and sees it, I think they're like, whoa, whoa. I didn't even know. And I'm like, yeah, this is like, the real job. And it's like, you know, it's funny because stand up. And so, like, standup is kind of like, I think the job people don't know about weirdly, you know, like. And I. You see it with entertainers. Whenever they get in trouble or kind of get excommunicated from Hollywood, they go to stand up, you know, because it's, like, interesting. Yeah. They, you know, like, there's just, like, this and the comedy seller in New York. Like, it's funny, that table. When you sit at the back table and wait to go on stage, it's democratizing. But it's also, like, it. It. It's. It gives you a bearing. You know, you're like, okay. Like, I. I can control these things. Like, all the Internet stuff is so uncontrollable. Like, you know, what video connects or, you know, they tell you. You know, every thread I read is about, like, engagement, and I'm like, I feel so sad.
- [29:43]
B
Yeah.
- [29:43]
A
People, like, I, Like, I. I don't know if that's what they got into it for.
- [29:50]
B
Right, Right. Totally. And I just, like, I love, like, human connection. I mean, I was a teacher for six years. Like, I was in person every day. I was working with people, with kids, with coworkers. Like, I don't think I could ever fully. That is another thing that my job gives me an outlet for is, like, human interaction probably very similar to comedy.
- [30:08]
A
Oh, my God. Yeah. I mean, I took pictures after the show in D.C. and was just like, you could tell. Like, there's a lot of. My dad used to be like, he's like, who would want a fucking picture with you? And I'd be like, I don't know. Like, I don't. I don't Know, and then I would take these pictures, and it wasn't about the picture. It was just really like that. Like, two people that, like, have a similar sensibility got together and was like, hey, what's up? You know, this is just nice.
- [30:33]
B
Yeah.
- [30:34]
A
And I think we crave it a little bit more because we're living in a world, you know, created and made for people who don't like human interaction. You know, it was created by nerds for nerds. And you and I, we ain't no nerds. So I wanted to play a game with you, but I want. Before we do that, what's the last date you went on with your new. Are you guys going by boyfriend girlfriend yet? Are we boyfriend girlfriend?
- [31:03]
B
Yes.
- [31:03]
A
Okay.
- [31:04]
B
Yes, we are boyfriend girlfriend.
- [31:06]
A
What is. We sound like we're eight years old, literally. What?
- [31:11]
B
I hate that title.
- [31:12]
A
What did the last. What's the last date you guys went on? And do you have any Minneapolis?
- [31:20]
B
Oh. Oh, my gosh. I should send you a list. Do you remember I was thinking about this. You came to Appleton, Wisconsin, my hometown.
- [31:27]
A
I did go to Appleton four years ago.
- [31:30]
B
I DM'd. You responded, and I was like, jared, here are, like, five bars and restaurants you should go to in Apples. And I remember you responding, just being like, thanks so much.
- [31:38]
A
Amazing.
- [31:38]
B
But I'll send you a Minneapolis list.
- [31:41]
A
Well, I know Leslie FEMA is going to be at the show. She's coming. So have you guys met Leslie from the Golden Bachelor?
- [31:48]
B
Oh, yes. Yes, we have. Yes, we have. Oh, that's perfect. Okay, I should message her. Maybe we can meet up.
- [31:54]
A
Leslie's going to come, so maybe we can all go out after. What? Give me the last. I'll tell you the last day you guys went on. I think people want to know, like, what's a good. The last one. You're like, wow, I'm on a real date. I'm. I'm doing it. Boyfriend, girlfriend.
- [32:10]
B
Boyfriend, girlfriend. Okay, well, okay, I'll answer twice, because I feel like it doesn't count. Last night we went to the Maroon 5 concert. Electric. That's there.
- [32:21]
A
Was it great?
- [32:22]
B
They are the band that, like, it was so good. They're the band that, like, I was listening to their set list beforehand, and I'm like, this is Maroon 5. This is Maroon 5. Like, they just have so many bangers.
- [32:32]
A
You know, I was like, you know, it's funny. I'm not a music guy. I don't. You know, I like music, but I'm not, like, thoughtful with my music taste. I was at a I was at a Spotify, like, concert thing in Cannes. Let me brag. That's like the braggiest, douchiest sentence ever. But Benson Boone was on the lineup, and I'm like, how do I know five Benson Boone songs? You know, you have that moment with a set list. You're like, I know this. I know that. I know this. You don't realize how much you're racking them up. I'm like. And then I looked up Benson Boone. He's like, 23. I'm like, this guy's the hardest working man in music. Like, this is crazy.
- [33:12]
B
Literally. So there are totally so many artists like that.
- [33:16]
A
So you guys go to Maroon 5. So you've already gone to a ticketed event that's, you know, that takes time to get. Get to.
- [33:24]
B
Totally, totally. No, I. But my, like, favorite date that he. I think I liked it because he planned it. He, like, didn't tell me where we were going, but was like, we're leaving at this time. We went to this nice restaurant and, okay, I'm probably gonna mess this up. But for Minneapolis people, Josephina. Okay, I'm totally gonna butcher this. It's in Wayzata for people that are.
- [33:44]
A
How could you mess up Josephina?
- [33:45]
B
It was like a restaurant. I just, like, in my mind, I'm like, I knew it was something with a J, but that's just in my mind where.
- [33:51]
A
Is that not what it is? Not what it's called?
- [33:55]
B
Correct.
- [33:55]
A
Like, let me tell you about the best date ever, Josie.
- [33:59]
B
You know, I think we met here.
- [34:01]
A
So it was a great restaurant in Wasietta.
- [34:04]
B
Yep. Minneapolis. People are going to love that pronunciation. And it was like a place that we had both talked about how we hadn't been to yet, but we, like, wanted to go. And then there was this cover band playing at a bar like, 10 minutes away that we had already seen at one point. So we, like, went to a cover band after. It was just like a nice mix of a nice dinner. But then, like, this 90s cover band, it was so fun.
- [34:27]
A
I said it for a thousand years. Good dates travel. If you're on a good date, you travel. So always have that second place in your back pocket. I. And nothing is hotter than I got a place. If you got totally. No woman is strong enough to handle. I got a place. I got an idea. I'm just saying it's over. Okay, so that is my love.
- [34:56]
B
Language.
- [34:57]
A
I got a place is my love. I love that. So, okay, we're here with Lauren o' Brien at Lauren Marie o'. Brien. Maria.
- [35:06]
B
Maria.
- [35:07]
A
Maria. I just met Lauren. Okay, Lauren. Maria o'. Brien. We're going to play reality or rubbish. Okay. I'm going to make a statement. You're going to tell me whether that's reality or it's rubbish. Because as I said in the beginning, so many people, strong opinions, they know nothing. You know, you were on the show. Reality or rubbish? Nobody on the show is looking for love.
- [35:38]
B
Rubbish.
- [35:38]
A
That's rubbish. Can you tell?
- [35:41]
B
I think that there's definitely people looking.
- [35:43]
A
Were you looking for love?
- [35:45]
B
I think I was. I definitely was. I felt so ready going into that, and I. I think you kind of see me wanting to be in love.
- [35:54]
A
I. That I would. That's what I would put on your lower third. That whole season, I would be like, wants love. Lauren o' Brien wants love. I totally agree. When you. Could you tell who wasn't there for love Right away?
- [36:11]
B
When I was, like, meeting, there were definitely people that I had, like, that. I was like, okay, we're. They definitely casted a lot of different people throughout Minneapolis who approach this differently. And so I felt that a little bit. And then kind of watching it and then seeing how people handled things over the last year and a half, I think that going through something like that, like, brings out, like, sometimes the worst, best and worst sides of people. And so that seeing some behavior over the last, like, year and a half definitely confirms some things in terms of not being there for love.
- [36:42]
A
Oh, really? So, I mean, what have you seen? You see people just, like, going, is it social media or is it that they're taking the easy route on social media? Like, to me, it'd be like, oh, you could have been. You could have been classy, but instead you went for a hot take. Is that kind of what you're talking about?
- [37:02]
B
Yeah, I think it's a lot of that. I think it's social media. I think there's, like, going on podcasts, which. Here I am, of course, being on a podcast, but like, to do it in a way to put someone else down or to. I don't know. I just. Some of that has come up that I.
- [37:16]
A
It's a conversation about power we had earlier. Okay. The worst part about going on love is blind is not having your phone.
- [37:27]
B
Oh, rubbish. I loved not having my phone.
- [37:31]
A
Really?
- [37:31]
B
That was my favorite part.
- [37:33]
A
You didn't have the itch. You weren't, like, wondering what people were up to if you get back to text, you were. You felt free.
- [37:44]
B
Felt so free. I remember being like, there's no way for anyone in work to get a hold of me. I remember being like in my little bubble. I, I loved that. If I could do a retreat like that again where there's not cameras in my face, but I don't have a phone for three plus weeks. Sign.
- [37:59]
A
Okay. Reality or rubbish? You would do another reality show?
- [38:07]
B
Reality. I think I would have. I don't think like, well, obviously now I have a boyfriend but like I always was like doing a dating show. Guys, I have a boyfriend now. I'm so unrelatable. I feel like I Reality, like dating. What wouldn't have been fun for me thinking about that but like it'd be fun to do something different again. I just.
- [38:29]
A
Survivor, the Amazing Race, Big Brother. Are these things dancing Traders. Traders.
- [38:38]
B
Fun stuff like that? Dancing with the Stars is too intimidating. But I mean the mind games, that would be fun.
- [38:44]
A
Yeah. Okay. Reality or rubbish? The food in the pods was awesome.
- [38:54]
B
I'm torn on this one. I wouldn't say, can I take the safe route and say like somewhere in the middle Sometimes reality. Sometimes. Well, I would say more towards reality.
- [39:05]
A
Said this thinking I was going to ask a follow up question. What is the food in the pods? Are they ordering out? Are they taking, are they taking like suggestions? Are they like, hey, we're thinking Italian, we're thinking Chinese? Like are they doing that? Or are they like take your slop, pigs. Like is it very, is it that?
- [39:29]
B
Very good question. And like I feel like I could answer this in so many ways first. And people kind of know this, but we stay at a hotel so we actually wake up in the morning and we have breakfast with the girls at the hotel. So it's like a regular hotel breakfast. Some days we would go and they would give us like a full breakfast spread there. So we'd kind of have like two breakfasts and they would just like give us what we wanted. We can cook things. Lunch would be. When you get there in the morning you give like a little lunch order and it's kind of like a craft services thing. Like you would pick a meat, you would pick a potato, you'd pick. And there was like a salad bar. Like they kind. There was a lot of options. Sometimes when we would get back to the hotel at night, they would order out and it would be like a Panera or an In N Out. It'd be like something like that. But they were also really good. Like when we first got there, they were like, give us a list of snacks and food that you want. So we would have like specific flavors of Alanis or we would have like specific chomps. Like anything that we. That is like our normal go to, they would have stock.
- [40:24]
A
So there was like a green room, like a rider order that you could give and they would have that stuff.
- [40:32]
B
Yeah, yeah, that's great.
- [40:34]
A
I would love that. Because I want to know, like, as a comedian, when I do my green room rider, I don't know what other people are getting. So it would be like, it would really open up my world to some new snacks if I saw what other people wrote down as their green room rider. Like, I get ideas from other people. I just saw Michael Che gets a white T shirt everywhere he goes. I was like, I want a black T shirt. I was kind of like, he goes, best rider.
- [41:08]
B
That's what's like in their room waiting, right?
- [41:10]
A
He goes, best rider in the game. It was like a Hanes white tee and it was like. And I'm like, I can do that. Like, there's, I think Eddie Griffin, there's a comedian who gets a new pair of Nikes every time he goes to a club. They just like, have a. A pair waiting for him.
- [41:28]
B
Interesting.
- [41:29]
A
But, you know, ultimately you're paying for it. Like, it's like, it's from your thing, you know, you. Yeah, okay. Well, on that subject, fascinating. Reality or rubbish? It's easier. Reality or rubbish? It's easy to fart in the pods.
- [41:53]
B
In the pods themselves or just in that.
- [41:55]
A
In the.
- [41:56]
B
In the pods themselves. Probably rubbish. Because you are miked up so they could hear. Hear it so they can pick up everything.
- [42:02]
A
Yeah, right.
- [42:02]
B
So probably rubbish.
- [42:04]
A
Yeah, because I was in the pods. We did a podcast from the pods.
- [42:09]
B
That's right.
- [42:10]
A
And how was that? It was. It was cool to see what you went through. It was cool to see how. How really well miked up. You're right. That is the one thing, like the sound element. It wasn't like, hey, I can't hear you behind that wall. They really have it, like, set up so you can have some real conversations. It did feel more intimate than I would have ever imagined. That was the. The takeaway.
- [42:35]
B
This almost like to compare back to dating. And this is a whole other tangent, but like, you obviously podcast in person with Jordana all the time and you guys are looking at each other and you guys did the podcast where you were away from each other in the pod. Did it feel easier or harder to have like a back and forth conversation when you were in the pods versus.
- [42:54]
A
When you're like, I don't know if it was easier, but it did feel different, but it also made you listen a little bit better. Like you can't really go be flighty at all. And I'm, I'm generally pretty good at listening. But I do think it's easier to pod when you have headphones on and it's a little bit harder when you don't because you can't really. Like you can hear way sooner that someone else is like still talking. Like it's hard to go back and forth without the headphones. But we don't wear headphones on you up anymore. And like I've thought about that. I'm like, maybe we should put the headphones back on. But it did feel like you were in this like room that was a headphone. So it made it.
- [43:37]
B
Yes.
- [43:37]
A
Almost easier and made you slow down a bit. I mean it made me understand how you could get very intimate in a way that maybe TV doesn't really translate.
- [43:50]
B
Yeah, totally. I, I remember thinking that I was like less in my head about how I was like looking or sounding and I was more just in the moment of like listening to what they're saying and it was like a more genuine response.
- [44:03]
A
Last one. Reality or rubbish? You make friendships that last a lifetime in the pods.
- [44:11]
B
Reality.
- [44:11]
A
Okay.
- [44:12]
B
I think that's.
- [44:13]
A
Who do you keep up with?
- [44:16]
B
Taylor and Sarah are my closest friends. Closest girlfriends from it.
- [44:19]
A
From it or closest closest?
- [44:24]
B
Well, I mean like I, like I had friends like my college friends, my Minneapolis friends. Like, I'm still very close with all my girlfriends that I had before the show, but they are like not. Not many people have obviously experienced what we went through and it was such a cool opportunity too to meet people your age in kind of your same stage of life that live within like a 2 mile radius of each other. So we just naturally see each other a ton.
- [44:49]
A
A great point. Do the men keep in contact as much as the women?
- [44:54]
B
They do. I definitely. Like, there's kind of a boys group. There's like a girls group. There's like a little kind of co ed group too that like sees each other more than others, that everyone's cool and everyone's good.
- [45:04]
A
Is there someone that didn't.
- [45:05]
B
It's classic Minneapolis someone.
- [45:07]
A
Is there someone that didn't make it on camera that you're like. They're like a big part of the group.
- [45:14]
B
So. Yeah, in our group there's. So Tom and Scott, who weren't really shown a ton are with us all the time.
- [45:20]
A
Okay.
- [45:20]
B
But at this point I feel like we, we post about them a lot that people probably.
- [45:24]
A
I mean, what do you think that was? It's just they didn't find a connection or they're not that type. And it wasn't really, you know, it's fun that they were on, but it wasn't really. They're not really reality TV people.
- [45:37]
B
I think, like, honestly, a lot of it is just how to tell a story from producers. Like, they did have connections that, like, went further along too. But, I mean, I was a good example. I don't think you saw me on a date with anyone else other than Dave the whole time. But I was dating people up until the end. But it would almost, as a viewer be too confusing. Like, you can only tell so many stories, otherwise it would be too confusing to figure out who's paired up with who.
- [46:00]
A
And I was talking about this with the Golden Bachelor. I do a rehash of the Golden Bachelor episodes, and I was talking about, like, who would be the next Golden Bachelorette. I'm like, you know, they showed Cheryl on the women tell all. And I'm like, her story is, like, I'm sure, relatable, but it was, like, so much going on. I'm like, debbie, never married, no kids, 65, still hopeful. Like, there it is. That's the story, right?
- [46:28]
B
There's your story.
- [46:29]
A
That's the Golden Bachelorette. Like, it's not better or worse as people. It's just like, that's the one that's easy to, like, follow.
- [46:38]
B
Totally. Totally.
- [46:39]
A
Lauren o'. Brien, What a pleasure. Thank you for coming on the show. Everyone go follow Lauren at Lauren Maria o'. Brien. You get to maybe meet the new boyfriend sometime soon. That's what we call a tease. We don't know, maybe. Lauren does really great Instagram story questions. I love reading her stuff and watching, you know, the world go by for you. Thank you so much. I'm Jared Freed. Chit Chat Wednesday. Back tomorrow with Pop Culture Thursday, but back next week with a new guest. Boom.