Podcast Summary: U Up? – “Is It Rude to Ask For a Plus One?”

Hosts: Jordana Abraham & Jared Freid
Date: September 12, 2025

Main Theme

In this episode of U Up?, Jordana and Jared dive into a highly relatable wedding conundrum: “Is it rude to ask for a plus one?” Through a series of listener emails, comedic riffs, and candid stories, they explore wedding etiquette, the dynamics of asking for what you want, medical school dating drama, and the fine line between being considerate vs. overstepping as a guest. The episode is peppered with the hosts' signature humor and authentic modern dating commentary.

Key Discussion Points

1. Debunking Internet Myths and Opening Banter

• Discussion: Jared falls for a meme claiming Halloween falls on Friday the 13th for the first time in 666 years. Jordana and Jared spiral into a playful debate about holiday dates, generational gullibility, and the legitimacy of moving Halloween to a weekend.

• Timestamps:

  • [01:15] "Hello and welcome back..."
  • [02:32] "Don't be scared. But Halloween 2025 is on Friday the 13th..."

• Notable Quote:

  • Jared: "Why did I read a meme? It was this weird meme that was like, it's been 666 years since Halloween's been on Friday the 13th." [02:05]

2. Viral Scandals, Gwyneth Paltrow & Internet Culture

• Discussion:
  The hosts discuss the fallout from the Astronomer CEO’s cheating scandal, the intensity of internet pile-ons, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s surprise role in a company’s crisis PR. They also reflect on public reactions to female celebrities, the power of not caring, and the charm (or controversy) of "doubling down" on your brand.

• Timestamps:

  • [07:10] Gwyneth’s spoof Astronomer video
  • [10:29] Gwyneth’s ski accident lawsuit and public persona

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordana: "What I like about her is that she just keeps doing it, right? She's not backing off." [13:50]
  • Jared: "There is a version of having fun with the Internet when you have nothing to lose from the Internet that I like." [11:24]

3. Modern Dating: ‘Icky or Picky?’ Segment

• Discussion:
  Listeners write in about confusing and sometimes humiliating social situations. The main “ick” this week involves a first-year med student being brushed off by a third-year after revealing her class standing. The hosts dissect whether these moments are genuine dealbreakers (icks) or just personal preferences (picky).

• Insight: Jared suspects medical school social networks or “crossing circles” (friends’ exes, professional boundaries) may have influenced the guy’s reaction more than age difference.

• Timestamps:

  • [23:19] Segment introduction
  • [23:27] Listener email and analysis

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jared: "My idiot brain goes towards: he knows someone in your program... something happened where a circle was crossed." [26:28]
  • Jordana: "Or just date one person at a time. Yeah, if you're a loser." [28:34]

4. Age, Dating, and City vs. Suburb Mindsets

• Discussion:
  The hosts riff on ideal dating ages, the perception of age in cities vs. smaller towns, and how men often mentally freeze at age 27. They note that in a city, being single into your 30s is normalized, while in suburban or rural settings, societal pressure ramps up.

• Timestamps:

  • [29:34] "I think 27 men think... city men feel 27 forever."

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jared: "This is why it's enraging for women to date men; men always think they're 27." [29:55]
  • Jordana: "It's much harder to be single in a non-city the older you are.” [32:12]

5. Main Topic: Is It Rude to Ask For a Plus One?

• Discussion:
  The hosts address the core question: Can you ask to bring a plus one to a wedding? Both say it’s reasonable to ask, provided you accept the answer graciously. They reject the idea of treating brides and grooms as untouchable royalty and encourage honest, polite communication.

• Timestamps:

  • [36:08] Listener email launches segment
  • [36:48] Jordana: “The bride and groom are not like the king and queen. They're just people who are getting married.”

• Advice Recap:

  • You can always ask, as long as you accept a “no” and remain courteous.
  • Context and tone matter—ask early and politely; don’t make demands.
  • The goal is for everyone to enjoy the event; asking shouldn’t be taboo.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Jordana: “You can ask whatever you want. If they say no…you need to back off.” [36:59]
  • Jared: “We are all human beings just trying to get by on this great big marble called Earth…and if you can't text a friend who wanted you at their wedding…” [41:51]
  • Jordana: “Plus, you catch more flies with honey.” [42:32]

6. Bridal Delusion and Etiquette Realness

• Discussion:
  Jared shares a story from his comedy set about unrealistic wedding party expectations, leading the pair to discuss how weddings can bring out a temporary “monster” streak in even the chillest people.

• Timestamps:

  • [39:45] Stand-up anecdote
  • [41:10] “When you are a bride, you do get a little delusional.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jared (re: etiquette):
  “Let me put my hat in the ring. Yeah, it's the same thing as...at the delta gate and I have a middle seat: ‘Hey…can I get on a list of some sort?’ Totally fine if not.” [42:11]

• Jordana (re: etiquette & venting):
  “…And then you can talk about them to the rest of your friends. That's how you do it. The circle of talk.” [42:44]

• Jared (wrapping it up):
  “We are the king and queen of polite greatness. All right, well, we solved dating again.” [43:00]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [23:19] – Icky or Picky: “Failure to launch” med school dating email
• [36:08] – Main email: Is it rude to ask for a plus one?
• [39:45] – Stand-up story leading into wedding etiquette discussion
• [41:10] – The psychology of “bridal delusion”
• [42:11] – Best practices for asking for a plus one

Tone & Language

Throughout, the hosts keep things funny, light, and straightforward—never shying away from candid takes or self-deprecating humor. They encourage listeners to embrace direct communication, social flexibility, and empathy both as event hosts and guests. Their banter brings levity to the sometimes-fraught terrain of modern weddings and dating.

Summary

This episode of U Up? is a witty, down-to-earth guide to wedding etiquette for the modern dater. Jordana and Jared assure listeners that asking for a plus one is okay, provided you keep your expectations—and ego—in check. Their advice is as much about being a thoughtful guest as it is about not letting social anxiety or “tradition” dictate fun and relationships. Whether you’re navigating guest lists or awkward first encounters, this episode offers honest advice, plenty of laughs, and the reassurance that we’re all just muddling through together.