U Up? Podcast Summary
Episode: Have These Dating Trends Gone Too Far?
Date: October 24, 2025
Hosts: Jordana Abraham & Jared Freid
Overview
In this episode, Jordana and Jared discuss the ever-evolving world of modern dating with a sharp, comedic focus on the latest “trends”—from fashion and social media habits to etiquette, Instagram bios, and even the ethics of VR porn in relationships. The hosts use humor and candid personal stories to break down why people do what they do on dates, what signals are secretly at play, and whether some trends have finally gone too far.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Fashion Trends, Generational Differences & Dating
-
Fashion Lightning Round (02:44–04:22)
- Jared gives instant, off-the-cuff “Mind of a Man” takes on women’s fashion trends (big pants, high boots, Stanley cups), associating each with personality stereotypes.
- Quote:
- Jared: “When I see Stanley Cups, I just think Alpharetta, Georgia... life is generally pretty easy and all the drama you deal with is something that I think is stupid.” (03:45)
- Jordana raises the pressure women feel to balance dressing age-appropriately versus appearing out of touch, while Jared argues men barely notice most “trendy” details—unless they’re extreme.
- Quote:
- Jared: “Men see a woman, we just see the outline of a woman. We don’t get stuck in the details.” (07:43)
-
Gen Z vs. Millennials
- Discussion pivots to Gen Z’s opinions on leggings and fashion sets, with Jared confessing a soft spot for monochrome workout sets and the unitard—“It’s like a superhero uniform” (05:13).
- Both hosts agree generational shifts in fashion are largely policed by women for women, more than by men.
2. Dating Trends: Self-Presentation & Outfits
-
Age-Appropriate Dressing Dilemmas (06:42–10:29)
- Jordana explains the double-bind for women around wanting to appear neither old nor trying too hard to appear young.
- Jared outlines that men don’t notice subtle fashion faux pas—but going to extremes signals insecurity.
-
Matching & Outdated Looks
- The idea of matching outfits on a date is discussed (Jared likes it). They also riff on “if men cared about trends as much as women”—subtly suggesting “let people dress how they want”.
3. Instagram, Bios & Dating App Signals
- Instagram Bios: What’s an Ick? (26:11–39:58)
- Listener’s Icky or Picky: A guy she met at a singles run club asked for her Instagram, but his bio references his deceased dog (with date) in a stylized font.
- Both hosts agree: a little weird, potentially a red flag, but not a total dealbreaker if he’s inactive otherwise.
- Quote:
- Jordana: “It wouldn't be a turn on for me. I might still go out, but I wouldn't love it.” (31:03)
- Quote:
- Jared: “Why not the number? That's almost the bigger red flag.” (33:02)
- They break down different types of Instagram bios and give live “turn on/turn off/neutral” reactions to real examples—doctors, schools, sales titles, cryptic emojis, parental claims, and more.
- Verdict: Less is more, especially for men. Neutral or no bio is often safest.
- Listener’s Icky or Picky: A guy she met at a singles run club asked for her Instagram, but his bio references his deceased dog (with date) in a stylized font.
4. Relationship Boundaries: VR Porn in a Marriage
- VR Porn: Is It Different? (43:19–54:49)
- Listener asks if her husband using a VR headset for porn is more troubling than regular porn—especially since he equates it to her vibrator use.
- Discussion touches on tech, boundaries, fantasy life, and what really “crosses the line.”
- Quote:
- Jared: “If he's watching porn on his computer... he's imagining going to the place VR is already taking him. So just because it's VR doesn't make it worse.” (47:11)
- Jordana: “It’s about frequency and how it affects your sex life. If it’s replacing real sex, that’s when it becomes an issue.” (45:05)
- Both advocate for open conversations—not shaming, but understanding each partner's needs and fantasy life.
- Recognizes that all new tech, from streaming to VR, starts with porn or war, and that “sadness” around masturbation may be more about awkwardness or witnessing “the animalistic side.”
- Quote:
- Jared: “If you catch any man masturbating, it's a bad look anyway. It's an animalistic…" (53:33)
- Jordana: “Everyone's entitled to some private sexual fantasies...it's about frequency and intensity and how it affects things." (54:10)
5. Comic Relief: Celebrity Lookalikes & Pop Culture
- Playful detour into celebrity doppelgängers (Matt LeBlanc/Joey, Leah Michele, Aubrey Plaza, Jennifer Aniston), and riffing about unwanted comparisons.
- Quote:
- Jared: “If I get Matt LeBlanc, I’m like, this person thinks I’m an attractive human being. We have made it.” (16:12)
- Discussion of Friends and Gen Z trends—tying humorously back to questions about style, identity, and belonging.
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
-
On male obliviousness to trends:
“Men see a woman, we just see the outline of a woman… We don’t notice the color of your nails matching the weather.”
— Jared, (07:43) -
On Instagram ‘insta-icks’:
“Why not the number? That's almost the bigger red flag.”
— Jared, (33:02) -
On honoring a pet in your bio:
“It wouldn't be a turn on for me. I might still go out, but I wouldn't love it.”
— Jordana, (31:03) -
On new technology and porn:
“All technology starts at war or porn.”
— Jared, (46:14) -
On masturbation awkwardness:
“If you catch any man masturbating, it's a bad look anyway. It's animalistic…”
— Jared, (53:33)
Major Segments & Timestamps
-
Fashion, Gen Z vs. Millennials
02:44–10:29 -
Instagram Bios—Picky or Icky Listener Segment
26:11–39:58 -
VR Porn in Relationships
43:19–54:49
Tone & Takeaways
The hosts keep things light, honest, and laughter-filled, even while grappling with “serious” dating dilemmas. They remind listeners not to overthink trivial details (like fashion trends or awkward bios), and encourage open, non-judgmental communication about more sensitive issues (like sexual boundaries and evolving tech). If in doubt, they say, assume the trend or ick means less than you think—unless it’s extreme or replaces real human connection.
Useful for listeners who:
- Want honest, humorous takes on modern dating “ick” moments and etiquette
- Enjoy hearing about real-world dilemmas and messy dating signals
- Appreciate a balance of practical advice, vulnerability, and playful banter
Hosts’ Closing Message:
As always, whatever the trend or tech, it’s about how it impacts you, your confidence, and your connection—not internet “dos and don’ts.” Open up, laugh it off when you can, and don’t let the weird stuff get to you.
