Jen Hatmaker

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jen herself said they were no longer having sex and worried he didn’t think she was pretty anymore. The way he says it on the podcast strongly suggests the loss of intimacy was sexual in addition to a loss of emotional connection.
Btw a late 40’s male hitting the booze/valium and perhaps narcotics heavily is gonna be impotent most of the time.

He had me crying, seemed genuine in his appraisal of his marriage’s demise. I agree that he’s in denial about his alcoholism. I’m sure every AA and alanon member was kind of shaking their head when he tried to say he wasn’t an addict just responding to trauma. Yeah, that’s generally how most addicts get hooked. It’s still an addiction. Given how his started with alcohol and branched off into Valium, wasteful spending and sexual adventures he’s got some obvious addictive tendencies. He’ll need to address those roots further to walk in true recovery.
I’m sure his family doesn’t relish seeing him hit the hard liquor on weekends after years of him being an angry drunk.

Yeah - just amazing how he mixed all that with "a little bit of drinking" and how he was just conveniently on the verge of alcoholism, but not diagnosed as such. The mentions of "I didn't drink for 3 months" and "I didn't drink (while at his sister's house), etc ring of "thou doth protest too much." I'm guessing he was drunk on the golf cart. He is headed for more disaster unless he addresses his addiction(s).

[Anonymous]

I was so impressed with Brandon's interview on the podcast.

Admittedly, I tuned in because I was curious. My expectations were low.

He was incredibly open and honest. OWNED all of what he did. Didn't make excuses. But he helped paint the picture of how and why it all unfolded. He said he is embarrassed and regretful of his actions. Wished he could've gotten the type of therapy he needed BEFORE he did his stupid stuff, that maybe if he had, he wouldn't have messed things up, wouldn't have hurt the people he loved most. You can tell he feels terrible about what he did, but it's also pretty clear he was dealing with a lot of trauma that led to some of his actions ---what I appreciated is that he doesn't share that to excuse himself, rather to paint a picture of what led to his unraveling.

I think he's hoping that by sharing his story, that he could help others who might recognize similar patterns in their relationships and encourage them to get help now before they do something stupid to throw them away. It felt sincere and heartfelt. I personally was impressed and wrote down several things he said. Unexpectedly, it helped me recognize some patterns of things I'm doing that aren't healthy, things that I can't seem to change myself and could use some guidance on. I actually called a therapist to make an appointment after I listened to it! While my story is nothing like his, I think there are patterns of the human experience that many can identify with at some level. So, I'm embarrassed to say I tuned in for some scoop yet walked away with more than I bargained for. IMO, it took a lot of courage to share what he did.

It's difficult to summarize it...there's an understanding that gets lost in translation, probably better to listen if you're interested. That said, the first several minutes of introductions with the hosts were sort of annoying and losing me, but once they got into the heart of the interview, it got much better.

MUCH RESPECT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wonder if Jen takes her friends out for brunch for *their* birthdays?

My thought exactly!!!!

[Anonymous]

Jen has zero empathy and has an attitude that everything should be about her. It’s her grotesque personality that failed Brandon in many ways. She didn’t want to put in the work to save their marriage, imo. When he was spiraling, with this depression and drinking etc, she didn’t see it because she is incapable. She is self absorbed and his issues weren’t all about her. I’m not excusing Brando’s behavior. He has to own it 100%. But, she sure as sh*t either 1) didn’t see it, or 2) saw it, but had the attitude that this was his battle and it was his journey to get through. Jen can’t be bothered with stuff that doesn’t elevate her status in some way. She is entitled and spoiled.

[Anonymous]

I’m going to have to listen to the Brandon podcast.

Here’s one of my issues with Jen (and I have many). I got myself into the unfortunate position that, while I handle all day to day operations of my household, I stopped paying attention to financial details a few years ago when my plate was so full something had to give. I feel like I forgot everything I once knew about money and investing, and am looking for a place to help me get back on track. If I didn’t know Jen was a Hack, I would believe that her financial me course would be exactly what I am looking for. I wonder how many women fall for her me courses because they trust her to deliver what is needed.

[Anonymous]

Kind of wild to see the contrast between Brandon's vulnerability on that podcast yesterday and Jen's "all the dish" tour announcement, with her huge hair and over-the-top performance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m going to have to listen to the Brandon podcast.

Here’s one of my issues with Jen (and I have many). I got myself into the unfortunate position that, while I handle all day to day operations of my household, I stopped paying attention to financial details a few years ago when my plate was so full something had to give. I feel like I forgot everything I once knew about money and investing, and am looking for a place to help me get back on track. If I didn’t know Jen was a Hack, I would believe that her financial me course would be exactly what I am looking for. I wonder how many women fall for her me courses because they trust her to deliver what is needed.

Well, that’s her play; not unlike endless calls to seniors in hopes that a few vulnerable folks will succumb to the pitch.

[Anonymous]

She’s going on tour?! Like a rock star? Who in the world would buy tickets for this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was so impressed with Brandon's interview on the podcast.

Admittedly, I tuned in because I was curious. My expectations were low.

He was incredibly open and honest. OWNED all of what he did. Didn't make excuses. But he helped paint the picture of how and why it all unfolded. He said he is embarrassed and regretful of his actions. Wished he could've gotten the type of therapy he needed BEFORE he did his stupid stuff, that maybe if he had, he wouldn't have messed things up, wouldn't have hurt the people he loved most. You can tell he feels terrible about what he did, but it's also pretty clear he was dealing with a lot of trauma that led to some of his actions ---what I appreciated is that he doesn't share that to excuse himself, rather to paint a picture of what led to his unraveling.

I think he's hoping that by sharing his story, that he could help others who might recognize similar patterns in their relationships and encourage them to get help now before they do something stupid to throw them away. It felt sincere and heartfelt. I personally was impressed and wrote down several things he said. Unexpectedly, it helped me recognize some patterns of things I'm doing that aren't healthy, things that I can't seem to change myself and could use some guidance on. I actually called a therapist to make an appointment after I listened to it! While my story is nothing like his, I think there are patterns of the human experience that many can identify with at some level. So, I'm embarrassed to say I tuned in for some scoop yet walked away with more than I bargained for. IMO, it took a lot of courage to share what he did.

It's difficult to summarize it...there's an understanding that gets lost in translation, probably better to listen if you're interested. That said, the first several minutes of introductions with the hosts were sort of annoying and losing me, but once they got into the heart of the interview, it got much better.

MUCH RESPECT.

This here ^ . Exactly. I only tuned in for the "gossip" and ended up on my knees in prayer for him. Much, much respect

[Anonymous]

I’m not a fan of Brando. But, I think, even with his poor choices, he looks like the better human. At least he’s playing as though he’s sincerely contrite. Jen is oblivious and I think that’s worse.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know them personally. But I can absolutely picture Jen being completely insensitive and oblivious while Brandon sat and watched his friend slowly die.
I looked back at her Instagram during that time frame. She actually posted about not being able to “deal” one day, and Brandon asking her about dinner several times. He ended up taking care of dinner and the kids while she stayed in her bedroom reading. This is how I picture most of their married life looking like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I hear a lot of info to be sympathetic to (nothing I didn’t already know though), some glossing over some details that would paint him in a worse light (who he cheated with, how bad the financial mistakes really were), and also some very subtle excuse making while saying he owns his mistakes. He’s a good salesman, he’s legit been thru a lot, and he put some people who cared about him thru hell. It can all be true at the same time. Just like Jen could be frickin annoying with her shilling post-Brandon career, but also have been legit pretty badly devastated both emotionally and financially by his actions. It’s weird people think it’s an either-or. Nothing either person has said really invalidates the other persons experience…

Before you all all gooey for what Brandon is pitching, remember this (above), he fooled a lot of people for long period of time. Because he is a salesman. There are details he is simply NOT going to share because they are too icky. The ally? Who was she? Where did he meet her? What "couldn't be unseen"? One time physical thing? Really? The money? Financial devastation? Why? How much? There were warning signs and only the closest to him were able to pick up on it. I've still got a soft spot for Jen, shilling or not. She has been the major bread winner in their family for long time and he was basically unemployed for those 3+ years. Out flaunting his money and buying all the toys and probably courting his "ally" with Jen's money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I vaguely knew of the accident with his friend Scott but not the actual heartbreaking details than Brandon shares first hand.

Following such a devastating loss for Brandon and everyone who loved Scott, even if Jen had one shred of decency & compassion, one would think she would NEVER post another video of her & her besties drinking and cruising around on their golf cart to the world on SM again. But no. She does. And only now we know how disgusting that is in the wake of Brandon’s experiences with loss and suffering.

I agree. It’s such a disrespectful thing to do to Scott’s widow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I hear a lot of info to be sympathetic to (nothing I didn’t already know though), some glossing over some details that would paint him in a worse light (who he cheated with, how bad the financial mistakes really were), and also some very subtle excuse making while saying he owns his mistakes. He’s a good salesman, he’s legit been thru a lot, and he put some people who cared about him thru hell. It can all be true at the same time. Just like Jen could be frickin annoying with her shilling post-Brandon career, but also have been legit pretty badly devastated both emotionally and financially by his actions. It’s weird people think it’s an either-or. Nothing either person has said really invalidates the other persons experience…

Before you all all gooey for what Brandon is pitching, remember this (above), he fooled a lot of people for long period of time. Because he is a salesman. There are details he is simply NOT going to share because they are too icky. The ally? Who was she? Where did he meet her? What "couldn't be unseen"? One time physical thing? Really? The money? Financial devastation? Why? How much? There were warning signs and only the closest to him were able to pick up on it. I've still got a soft spot for Jen, shilling or not. She has been the major bread winner in their family for long time and he was basically unemployed for those 3+ years. Out flaunting his money and buying all the toys and probably courting his "ally" with Jen's money.

Agree with this. I don't like Jen's schilling, but I do admire her hustle. Moping after a career hit is such a man thing to do. Jen absorbed the hit and pivoted. Coming out for equal rights for LGBTQ community was the correct move, even if that move was leaked early. They have five kids, had two houses, contracts, commitments. There is no time to sit around moping when you have that much responsibility. And it wasn't Jen's responsibility to fix him. He locked her out of his emotional journey.

I do feel bad for the loss of his friend. Sitting in a hospital room and dealing with a life changing/ending brain injury is terrible for any person, let alone being the driver in the accident. I've been there myself, it's tough, and it's a shame he couldn't make it out of that on the sober side.

I assume the thing that couldn't be unseen was photographic proof. I don't believe the physical betrayal was a one time thing. He admitted to it after she had evidence. I think Jen found out about the money, pills, cheating all in one day. Even then she may have been willing to fight to save their marriage, but Brandon was already gone. I'm sure once confronted he angrily explained all of that to her, and how he considered the marriage to be over. When liars, cheaters, and addicts are caught it's a massive blow out. He glossed over the reality of what went down (which is his right, I just don't find it sympathetic).

Even then, she had to rebuild alone. So yes I hate the schilling and the over the top-ness, but it seems to sell. She is employing herself and a team of people. That's a lot of responsibility to shoulder. It's not the choices I would make, but I've never been dug into such a hole. I'll keep my average corporate job, and anonymous suburban life.

I found Jen because of her family blog posts and relatable stories. That has to come to and end, even if her personal life hadn't blown up. Kids grow, become adults, move out and you have to rediscover yourself and your relationships. The reality is Jen and Brandon's divorce isn't all that different from many over in the relationship forum. There would be no sympathy for an addict and cheater over in that forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I hear a lot of info to be sympathetic to (nothing I didn’t already know though), some glossing over some details that would paint him in a worse light (who he cheated with, how bad the financial mistakes really were), and also some very subtle excuse making while saying he owns his mistakes. He’s a good salesman, he’s legit been thru a lot, and he put some people who cared about him thru hell. It can all be true at the same time. Just like Jen could be frickin annoying with her shilling post-Brandon career, but also have been legit pretty badly devastated both emotionally and financially by his actions. It’s weird people think it’s an either-or. Nothing either person has said really invalidates the other persons experience…

Before you all all gooey for what Brandon is pitching, remember this (above), he fooled a lot of people for long period of time. Because he is a salesman. There are details he is simply NOT going to share because they are too icky. The ally? Who was she? Where did he meet her? What "couldn't be unseen"? One time physical thing? Really? The money? Financial devastation? Why? How much? There were warning signs and only the closest to him were able to pick up on it. I've still got a soft spot for Jen, shilling or not. She has been the major bread winner in their family for long time and he was basically unemployed for those 3+ years. Out flaunting his money and buying all the toys and probably courting his "ally" with Jen's money.

The ally. Jen unfollowed one LC board member who fits the hints her friends keep dropping.