U Up? Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: My Ex Wants Our Dog Back
Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Jordana Abraham & Jared Freid
Podcast: U Up? by Betches Media

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jordana and Jared tackle modern friendship and dating dilemmas, diving into what happens when your personal life becomes public fodder, how social media (or lack thereof) shapes relationships, and the sticky practicalities of breaking up—especially when pets are involved. From trending pop culture scandals to real listener dating questions, the hosts blend relatable stories with hilarious commentary, bold advice, and signature banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Ashley Tisdale "Mom Group" Scandal

Timestamps: 01:15 – 18:08

• Story Recap: Ashley Tisdale wrote an op-ed claiming she was ostracized by an elite mom group, sparking intense internet debate among millennial women.
• Hosts’ Take:
  • Jared notes this is a “generational internet moment” and likens the story to “catnip for millennial women.” (01:36)
  • Jordana, having read the full account, breaks down the dynamics—nobody said or did anything mean outright, but Tisdale found herself left out of group events. (12:15)
  • They discuss the unwritten rules of social exclusion: "Sometimes you just don't vibe with a crew...and are they supposed to just invite you the rest of their lives?" (06:51, Jordana)
  • Jared draws a parallel between Tisdale's public airing of grievances and people sharing vague, negative dating stories on social media for sympathy or clout. (10:13)
  • The blurred boundary between private slights and public call-outs in the age of social media is explored. “The winner of every argument is the one who wears the victim’s version most obviously.” (10:35, Jared)
• Memorable Moment:
  • Hilary Duff’s husband publicly trolls Tisdale, further inflaming the drama. “If anything, Betches is the gift that keeps on giving.” (17:51, Jared)
  • Jared jokes, “This is every guy’s nightmare of dating someone who posts online—one day you’ll be the villain in someone’s TikTok.” (10:32)
• Relatable Analogy:
  • Being left out of a friend group is compared to getting dumped in dating—sometimes, it’s just the vibe. “The looser the reason for a friendship, the looser the friendship.” (12:57, Jared)

2. Social Media and Relationship Expectations

Timestamps: 25:41 – 38:53

• Listener Email: A Toronto man is concerned that his girlfriend has zero online presence and wonders if it’s okay to ask her to join Instagram so he can “post together.” (25:48–27:07)
• Hosts’ Reaction:
  • Both hosts are baffled at the suggestion. “The weirdest part of this email is a man asking you to get on Instagram so you can post together.” (27:23, Jordana)
  • They hypothesize he wants to “show her off” because she’s out of his league. “What’s the point of having this if no one knows how well I’ve done?” (28:25, Jared)
  • Both agree: Wanting a partner to join social media just for relationship optics is a big ick and possibly a red flag.
• Notable Quote:
  • “This is a pretty big red flag from him, I think.” (28:33, Jordana)

3. Petty or Prudent: Should I Keep the Dog?

Timestamps: 40:25 – 48:06

• Scenario: After a breakup, who gets the dog? Listener describes keeping the dog at her mom’s house even though she didn’t want it herself and ex wanted custody. (40:25–47:00)
• Hosts’ Verdict:
  • Jordana: “You can’t have the dog either? That’s messed up.” (44:52)
  • Jared: “At some point, let go of how this relationship went.” (46:35)
  • Both decide the writer’s behavior, keeping the dog out of spite, is petty not prudent. “That’s petty.” (46:44, both)
• Fun Moment:
  • The hosts liken the situation to keeping a couch after a breakup just to prevent the ex from having it. (46:54)

4. Advice for Friends Who Won’t Date

Timestamps: 48:14 – 57:22

• Listener's Problem: Her single friend complains about being dateless but rarely tries; wants advice on how to respond. (48:25–50:34)
• Hosts’ Wisdom:
  • Jared: “All we do is talk about this. I want to go out with you, I want to hear about your life.” (54:09)
  • Suggest a “10-date challenge”—make it fun by going on more dates and hosting a friend review night. (57:01)
  • Jordana: “If they’re not willing to do the work, you don’t have to help them.” (57:33)

5. Rapid Fire: Red Flag or Deal Breaker

Timestamps: 58:28 – 66:14

• Game Segment: Dating “icks” and etiquette, e.g., using a fork for fries or splitting a bottle of wine where one person barely drinks.
• Highlight Quotes:
  • “You can’t just coat— you have to ask.” (59:20, Jordana, on ketchup etiquette)
  • “If someone just started spraying ketchup on the fries, I’d be like, okay, I guess this is how you live your life.” (60:06, Jared)
  • Both agree that expecting someone to finish a bottle of wine on their own is not a deal breaker—just “let it go.” (67:14)

6. Relationship Reality Checks

Timestamps: 68:16 – 74:00

• Listener Dilemma: She did something very thoughtful for a guy (baked a cake, bought shirts) but was then told he’s “not looking for anything super serious.”
• Hosts’ Advice:
  • Don’t pretend not to care—admit what you want and be clear. “I have never been fooled by that speech.” (69:28, Jared)
  • The man using the gift as a cue to say “not super serious” is at least being direct.
  • Bottom line: If your goals don’t align, don’t drag it out. “That will only end with a breakup.” (72:17, Jared)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “This is like the ultimate fear of every guy dating someone who puts things on the Internet.” – Jared (09:35)
• “If you’re the friend group, what are you supposed to do if you don’t want to hang out with Ashley? Pray to God she doesn’t write an op-ed and make you the villain.” – Jared (14:33)
• “Wanting your girlfriend to get on Instagram just to post together is the ick of all icks.” – Jordana (27:23)
• “If you don’t want the dog, I’m definitely taking the dog.” – Jordana (45:24)
• “Let's make dating fun—ten dates, then a party to roast all your prospects!” – (57:22–58:20 summary)

Important Timestamps

• Ashley Tisdale Drama: 01:15–18:08
• Social Media & Dating Expectations: 25:41–38:53
• Petty or Prudent? (Dog Custody): 40:25–48:06
• Advice for Friends Who Won’t Date: 48:14–57:22
• Red Flag or Deal Breaker Game: 58:28–66:14
• Serious Dating DTR Advice: 68:16–74:00

Tone & Style

The episode is conversational, playful, candid, and insightful. Both hosts lean into honest, sometimes brutally straightforward commentary, using humor and warmth to address universal dating woes and pop culture misadventures.

Summary by segment for quick reference, loaded with actionable advice and laugh-out-loud moments—great for both new and longtime listeners.