Pretty Problematic with Ali and Alex

Dating in 2026: The Bar is Underground


Listen Later

This week’s episode dives deep into modern dating culture, divorce trauma, healing after toxic relationships, Mormon dating culture, and the terrifying reality of dating apps in 2026.

Hot Takes of the Week

• Alix & Alex Drama

Still nothing to report. Moving on.

• Taylor Frankie Paul

A judge granted more parenting time through June. Bachelorette air date rumors are swirling — the hosts are rooting hard for it and call out the double standard: men with serious charges keep their platforms while a fully filmed season may get shelved over a woman's past.

• Jessi Draper (SLOMW)

A TMZ voicemail clip sparked online criticism, but the hosts defend Jessi — she was likely protecting herself, her brand, and her livelihood. She's a boss with a G-Wagon. Enough said.

• Justin Bieber / Bieberchella

By early May 2026, Justin officially surpassed 141M monthly Spotify listeners — the most in the world. The hosts,cborn the same year as Justin, reflect on seeing him second-row at his 2022 tour (emotionally distant, clearly in a dark place) versus the lit-up version at Bieberchella. They're already plotting to sell everything to get first-row tickets next tour.

Topics We Cover:

• Divorce, custody battles & emotional healing

• “Are We Dating the Same Guy?” Facebook groups

• Love bombing vs healthy relationships

• Why healthy relationships can feel “boring” after chaos

• Mormon mission culture & getting married young

• Listener dating horror stories

• Modern dating standards feeling lower than ever

Listener Story #1:

A heartbreaking story about a six-year marriage collapsing after years of emotional disconnection, therapy, depression, and identity struggles. We discuss sexuality, shame, religion, emotional projection, and the complicated reality that heartbreak can exist on both sides.

Listener Story #2:

A dating app nightmare involving fake names, overlapping relationships, secret identities, and the terrifying realization that someone you trusted may not actually be who they claim to be.

Coming Next Week:

We’re diving into wellness culture, body image, beauty standards, wellness trends, and the problematic side of the health industry.

Don't miss out on anything Pretty!. Intstagram: @prettyproblematic.ana. TikTok: @prettyproblematic.anaPretty Problematic is hosted by Ali Askew and Alex Johnson. Instagram: @aliblaser / @alexandramariska. TikTok: @aliblaser / @alexandramariskaPlease write in your most Problematic stories/ confessions to:. ngl.link/prettyproblematic.ana. Or visit our Instagram and click the link in the Highlighted Story



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pproblematic.substack.com
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Pretty Problematic with Ali and AlexBy Pretty Problematic with Ali and Alex