Jennifer Garner and Ina Garten have shared a friendship that spans over a decade, filled with treasured memories. During a casual catch-up over cocktails and hummus, the actress and the renowned chef reminisced with laughter and heartfelt confessions, making for an enjoyable conversation.
The duo met on the November 4 episode of Ina Garten’s podcast, Happy Hour. Throughout their discussion, they touched on various topics, from their initial meeting and motherhood to their shared passion for cooking and philanthropy, alongside recounting experiences outside the film industry.
Their friendship blossomed after Garner’s initial attempt to appear on Garten’s cooking show fell short. They officially connected during the filming of Barefoot in LA, hosted at Garner’s home. Now, nearly fourteen and a half years later, their bond continues to grow stronger.
In their conversation, Garner shared insights about her diverse circles of friends, spanning from long-time colleagues to fellow parents she’s met through her children’s activities. She also highlighted her involvement with organizations like Save the Children and Once Upon a Farm, while exchanging fond memories around family traditions, Thanksgiving meals, and their mutual love for cooking.
The topic of travel crept into the conversation
As their chat progressed, Garten reminisced about a trip to Paris she had helped Garner plan. She fondly recalled recommending several local markets, gourmet shops, and notable spots throughout the French capital.
Garner shared that she had followed some of Garten’s advice during a visit with her daughter, even incorporating those suggestions into future trips. Garten specifically suggested a boat ride on the Seine, which Garner eventually experienced and loved, stating that she looks forward to doing it again with each return to Paris.
This conversation about the French capital also brought back memories of another trip to Europe, taken when Garner’s children were much younger.
Garner revealed that she had taken her kids to Europe when they were little while Affleck was filming a Batman-inspired movie in London.
Rather than leaving them behind, the actress decided to pull them from school temporarily for a six-week adventure. When Garten inquired about this trip, Garner fondly recalled this family memory.
“ It was the last time I really pulled the kids from school, and it was awesome. It was beyond amazing. We had so much fun. ”
She detailed that the family explored multiple European destinations, including Venice and Paris. For the children, it was their first genuine opportunity to experience Europe.
Her youngest son was just four years old at that time. Garner fondly remembers him wrapped in a lovely purple scarf, mentioning that she sent photos of their trip to Garten, who had suggested the Seine boat ride.
Garner ultimately took that advice, and since then, she has endeavored to repeat that experience during her visits to Paris. She treasures those memories of sailing which provided a stunning view of the city as twilight set in.
Garner particularly recalls the smiles on her children’s faces captured in photos from that evening, considering the trip a true gift and an adventure she wanted them to have.
This gentle memory leads her back to a time when she was still married to Ben Affleck, co-parenting their children together.
Fans continue to follow the dynamic between Garner and Affleck
Garner and Affleck tied the knot in 2005. They share three children: Violet, Fin, and Samuel, but announced their separation in 2015 after a decade of marriage, culminating in divorce in 2018.
Despite their love story being in the past, they have maintained a close relationship for the sake of their children. They often attend family gatherings and support one another during significant life events for their kids.
Their ongoing interactions have caught the attention of fans over the years, with some interpreting their closeness as a possibility of rekindling their romance. Recently shared memories by Garner have reignited those discussions.
One social media user expressed sadness over the couple’s split, stating: “It’s so sad that they couldn’t make it work. They were such a beautiful couple and family.”
Another user encouraged the actress to reconsider her relationship with Affleck, commenting: “Jennifer, give the father of your children another chance; let him back into your life, you know that’s what you want to do ❤️😢”
However, not everyone interpreted Garner’s podcast comments as a sign of potential reconciliation with her ex-husband. One social media user reacted critically, saying: “@jennifer.garner. Garner can’t move on from Ben… She’s eager to remarry Ben… She’s so obsessed that she talks about him every minute 😅🤡🪱”
Some discussions have ignited various reactions, with certain individuals imagining how happy their children would be if the former couple reunited. One internet user remarked: “Their kids would be really, really, really happy to see them back together! That would mean the world to them [sic].”
Another individual expressed skepticism towards such a possibility: “What a shame; he’s not serious and doesn’t respect marriage. He was unfaithful. What’s she talking about?”
These mixed reactions highlight the differing ways fans view the bond that Garner and Affleck share, despite their separation. However, the actress didn’t suggest during the podcast that the two ex-spouses were considering reconciliation; she merely reflected on a family vacation that brought her cherished memories without mentioning her current romantic situation.
Though her previous marriage continues to generate public intrigue, Jennifer Garner has since found love again with businessman John Miller.
Garner has been dating John Miller since 2018
Jennifer Garner and John Miller started their relationship in 2018, shortly after her divorce from Ben Affleck was finalized. In a PEOPLE article discussing their early days, a source indicated that Garner felt single for quite some time, even before her divorce concluded.
Looking to move forward, she aimed to begin a new chapter in her life. However, Garner and Miller reportedly experienced a brief split around 2020, before they were spotted together again in August 2021.
In February 2023, a source quoted by PEOPLE revealed that the couple had reunited about a year prior, stating, “They have a very special relationship,” and highlighted that they were glad to be back together after a long hiatus.
The source also acknowledged that their relationship isn’t always easy due to family responsibilities. Miller is a father to two children from his previous marriage, while Garner has three with Affleck.
During a March 2021 interview with PEOPLE, the actress was asked about the possibility of remarriage. She responded cautiously:
“I don’t know. I’m still very far from that. And I don’t know if marriage necessarily needs to be part of the equation… I really don’t think I’ll be single for the rest of my life, but now is not the time. I don’t want to complicate things. This situation works for me.”
Who is John Miller, Garner’s boyfriend?
John Miller is a businessman leading CaliBurger and its parent company, CaliGroup, where he serves as CEO. Initially trained as a lawyer, he also worked as vice president of intellectual property at the pharmaceutical company Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals from 2004 to 2010.
Before dating Jennifer Garner, he was married to musician Caroline Campbell. Their union took place in 2005, though there’s some discrepancy regarding the date their divorce was finalized.
Miller, like Garner, values privacy, and both have rarely discussed their relationship publicly. However, in August 2024, their relationship drew media attention as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez seemed to face new marital challenges. A source told PEOPLE that, “She is happy with John.”
The report also indicated that Garner and Affleck recently accompanied their oldest daughter, Violet, as she settled in at Yale University. This outing illustrated their commitment to co-parenting while each continues their personal lives.
Miller is comfortable with Garner’s connection to Affleck
A recurring theme in articles discussing Garner and Miller’s relationship is that he is comfortable with her ongoing connections to her ex-husband. In July 2025, PEOPLE published an article about the couple, describing them as happier and more connected than ever.
According to a source cited by the magazine, the two partners have reached a particularly harmonious balance. Their circle indicated that their relationship has never been more solid. The source explained that Miller has fully integrated into Garner’s family life and understands the significance of her coparenting relationship with Affleck.
“John has seamlessly woven into Jen’s family life. He has been patient, caring, and deeply respectful of her relationship with Ben and the kids,” the source conveyed.
The article also emphasized Miller’s patience with Garner’s familial responsibilities and the respect he shows for the co-parenting arrangement established with her ex-husband.
Garner and Miller recently spotted enjoying a date night
Garner and Miller continue to make rare public appearances together. On August 2, 2026, the couple was seen on a date in Santa Monica, California, as they headed to a restaurant. According to PEOPLE, which published photos from their outing, the actress wore a grey crewneck sweater, cropped white jeans, and sneakers. Miller opted for a dark grey button-up shirt, casual light blue jeans, and leather boots.
The couple appeared relaxed and comfortable during their stroll, providing a rare glimpse into their life away from the spotlight.
This outing came amidst reports of their relationship growing stronger, despite the challenges arising from their respective family lives and parenting their children from previous unions.
After a particularly private period, this outing also confirmed that Garner and Miller remain together.
The recent sighting alongside Miller reiterates that the actress has moved on with her romantic and personal life following her marriage to Affleck. While she fondly recalls the family memories shared with him, she has since built a relationship with Miller while continuing to raise her children with her former husband.
Her candid reflections during Garten’s podcast didn’t imply plans for reconciliation between the ex-spouses. Instead, they reflected on a joyful time in the past, filled with family journeys through Europe and lasting memories she cherishes.
However, it seems that the admirers who once followed the Garner-Affleck narrative with hope may feel nostalgic again. By describing those six weeks of travel as “wonderful” and “so much fun,” the actress may have sparked a longing for their past relationship in some fans. Others simply noted the poignant recollection of a mother cherishing a beautiful experience shared with her children.
Regardless of interpretations, this discussion about a vacation in Paris revitalizes interest in Garner and Affleck’s history together.
The actress holds close, warm memories of that six-week journey, representing a happier time in their lives together. Yet, while she describes these moments family in a tender light, the ending of their marriage involved challenges far deeper than what those memories suggest.
Garner has previously addressed the emotional toll of their separation, expressing that the greatest impact didn’t solely stem from the conclusion of her romance with Affleck. In a candid interview with Marie Claire last year, she spoke about what was most heart-wrenching in losing the life they’d built together.
As she has shared, Garner reflected on her separation from Ben Affleck in 2015, which ended their ten-year marriage. She explained that maintaining her privacy has helped her cope emotionally during this challenging period.
“It’s the breakdown of the family unit that’s been the hardest. Losing a true partnership and true friendship is what has hurt the most,” she stated.
Garner also noted that she avoids reading media coverage about herself or her children. “I see no benefit in caring about the gossip about me or anyone else, especially when it involves my children. So, I abstain from it,” she emphasized, highlighting how important it is to protect her family.
She recognized that the media attention complicated matters, and although she puts things in perspective compared to challenges faced worldwide, she admitted it makes preserving privacy more difficult.
The actress praised the role her loved ones play in helping her remain grounded. “I do my best to spend as much time as possible with those I love because that’s what matters… It’s in the relationships we maintain and the support from those around us where we find resilience,” she confessed.
Ultimately, Garner and Affleck finalized their divorce in 2018, three years after announcing their separation.
Just days after sharing her thoughts on family and resilience, Jennifer Garner captured headlines again for a high-profile appearance.
Jennifer Garner makes a stunning comeback
On January 11, 2026, Jennifer Garner stole the show on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. This marked her first attendance at the ceremony in thirteen years.
For this occasion, she donned a custom creation by Cong Tri, a breathtaking dress that took over 1,300 hours to hand-embroider and featured 330,000 crystal beads. The sleek black sheath highlighted her figure, complemented by pointed flats and diamond earrings, showcasing refined elegance.
Garner also surprised fans with a notable hairstyle change. She left behind her usual center part for a stylish side part that framed her face beautifully with her chestnut hair.
Her radiant makeup emphasized her sun-kissed complexion, natural glow, and soft pink lips. Fans praised her look on social media as both timeless and impeccable.
Garner presented awards alongside many other celebrities, including Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Queen Latifah. The evening also honored star nominees like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Timothée Chalamet.
However, Garner’s return to the red carpet wasn’t the only standout moment of the night. Another figure coincidentally connected to Ben Affleck also caught the spotlight.
Jennifer Lopez makes a striking statement in a bold outfit
Affleck’s ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez, also turned heads at the Golden Globes, showcasing a particularly daring look. The singer opted for a sheer nude-toned dress adorned with brown leaf embroidery.
With its high collar and long sleeves, the design embraced her curves perfectly. The carefully arranged embellishments added a theatrical yet elegant flair to her ensemble.
To complete her look, Lopez chose a sleek updo, dangling earrings, and a shimmering bronze clutch. Her makeup featured a sun-kissed glow, accentuated eyes, and nude lips, combining glamour and boldness with refined sophistication.
Affleck spends time with both his exes
In December 2025, Ben Affleck reportedly attended a performance of Stereophonic at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre with Jennifer Garner and their daughter Seraphina, who brought a friend along.
For this outing, Garner opted for a casual ensemble consisting of a black turtleneck and wide-leg jeans, complemented by wedges and a streamlined black handbag. Affleck wore a grey jacket over a button-up pink shirt, topped off with pants and laced boots, and sported his signature scruffy beard.
Meanwhile, Seraphina chose a knitted hoodie with a shark motif, black jeans, and Converse sneakers. The teenager also donned thick-rimmed glasses and carried a bright-orange water bottle and a brown crossbody bag.
Later that day, Affleck met with Jennifer Lopez for lunch. Their son Samuel, born from his marriage to Garner, joined them. Afterward, the ex-couple were seen shopping at Sézane and Doen boutiques before parting ways.
From joyful family trips across Europe to the painful trials of their separation, Jennifer Garner’s reflections remind us that a love story can leave behind precious memories as well as deep scars.
While some fans continue to hope for a reconciliation between the actress and Ben Affleck, her recent statements illustrate that it is possible to look back on the past fondly while still moving forward and building a present life.
