Trash Tuesday: Episode Summary – "Scamming Dads w/ Brent Morin & Ali Macofsky"
Trash Tuesday, hosted by Esther Povitsky and Khalyla Kuhn, invites listeners into candid and often hilariously raw conversations about personal experiences, societal issues, and everything in between. In this episode, released on August 5, 2025, guests Brent Morin and Ali Makowski join the hosts to discuss a range of topics from adult baby kinks to the impacts of systemic institutions like ICE, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insightful reflections.
Adult Baby Kink and Diaper Use
The episode kicks off with an unexpected yet engaging conversation about adult baby kinks and diaper usage. Esther Povitsky shares a story about a woman whose boyfriend chose to live as a baby in Thailand:
“[02:43] Esther Povitsky: And he writes back, 'I'm so sorry. I actually moved to Thailand and I'm permanently a baby now.'”
This leads to a broader discussion about the adult baby community, their motivations, and societal perceptions:
“[03:13] Khalyla Kuhn: Once you try a diaper for your period, you won't want to switch.”
The hosts and guests delve into how such kinks are often misunderstood and stigmatized, shedding light on a subculture that seeks greater visibility and acceptance.
Childhood Scams and Sports Stories
Transitioning to lighter yet equally revealing topics, the conversation shifts to childhood experiences with scams and competitive sports. Ali Makowski reminisces about his father's small-scale scams aimed at gaining extra perks:
“[07:11] Ali Makowski: It's a Polish dad reveal.”
Brent Morin shares his tumultuous experiences in Little League, highlighting the intense competitiveness and the emotional toll it took:
“[09:01] Brent Morin: Yeah. I cried and I was a huge crier.”
These anecdotes paint a vivid picture of how parental influence and early sports experiences shape one's personality and coping mechanisms.
Mental Health, Validation, and Success
A significant portion of the episode delves into the interplay between mental health, the pursuit of external validation, and the realization of personal worth beyond achievements. Esther Povitsky opens up about her feelings of unworthiness despite professional successes:
“[23:05] Esther Povitsky: I did a whole season of soft soccer. The one season I did a sport. The whole time. I never scored one goal.”
Brent Morin discusses his struggles with depression and the misleading belief that achieving career goals would resolve his internal issues:
“[34:17] Esther Povitsky: I'm wondering if, like, either of you guys, any of you relate to... self-love or.”
This segment underscores the importance of internal validation and the challenges of maintaining mental health amidst external pressures.
Friendship and Trauma Narcissism
The dialogue further explores the concept of trauma narcissism, where individuals externalize blame due to unresolved internal issues. Khalyla Kuhn shares her perspective on how victim mentality can be a form of narcissism:
“[37:10] Khalyla Kuhn: But victim mentality, I recently learned from the wonderful Dr. Romany, is a kind of narcissism.”
Brent Morin elaborates on his experiences with friends exhibiting these traits, highlighting the emotional exhaustion it causes:
“[38:05] Khalyla Kuhn: And I did. Yeah, that's my responsibility.”
This discussion emphasizes the complexities of maintaining healthy relationships when dealing with personal traumas and mental health challenges.
ICE and Community Impact
A critical part of the episode addresses the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on communities. Khalyla and Esther express strong disapproval of ICE's actions and their disruptive effects:
“[45:02] Brent Morin: What really sucks about that is my...”
“[46:52] Khalyla Kuhn: If I were to ever see one, because it, you know, I'm from Pasadena, Altadena, and that's like a largely brown community.”
The hosts and guests highlight how ICE operations instill fear and disrupt community cohesion, portraying them as overreaching forces that target innocent individuals rather than focusing on actual criminals.
Food and Nostalgia
Shifting to a more light-hearted topic, the conversation meanders into favorite foods and the nostalgia they evoke. Khalyla Kuhn shares her fondness for Ikea meatballs:
“[50:09] Khalyla Kuhn: I went to Ikea just to have me this. Not the 8, not the 12, but the 16. Meatball."
Brent Morin reminisces about affordable pizzas during his childhood and the emotional connections tied to specific foods:
“[54:14] Khalyla Kuhn: Yeah.”
This segment beautifully illustrates how certain foods serve as nostalgic anchors, bringing comfort and fond memories.
Personal Confessions on Waxing and Body Image
The hosts engage in a candid discussion about body image, waxing, and societal beauty standards. Esther Povitsky openly discusses the challenges and pain associated with Brazilian bikini waxing:
“[72:09] Esther Povitsky: Like, you have to work up weeks worth of courage to even just make the appointment because you know it's going to be so, so, so bad.”
Brent Morin humorously recounts his experience of shaving his chest in high school and the insecurities it brought:
“[74:57] Khalyla Kuhn: The smell of Nair is very nostalgic for me.”
This honest exchange highlights the societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards and the personal struggles that accompany them.
Careers and Personal Projects
Towards the end of the episode, the guests share their current projects and future aspirations. Brent Morin discusses his one-man play, "Be Mighty," which explores his relationship with his brother:
“[77:42] Brent Morin: I'm working on a one-man show about me and my brother.”
Khalyla promotes her hair care brand, Evocean Club, while Esther talks about her upcoming tour:
“[78:03] Brent Morin: I'm writing the music to it and the hope is that I can bring it to Broadway at some point.”
These segments showcase the hosts' and guests' dedication to their crafts and their continuous efforts towards personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
The episode of Trash Tuesday titled "Scamming Dads w/ Brent Morin & Ali Makowski" offers a rich and multifaceted conversation that blends humor, personal anecdotes, and critical discussions on societal issues. From exploring niche kinks and childhood scams to delving deep into mental health struggles and the impacts of ICE, the hosts and guests provide listeners with a comprehensive and engaging experience. Through their authentic and unfiltered dialogue, Esther Povitsky and Khalyla Kuhn, alongside Brent Morin and Ali Makowski, create a space where listeners can both laugh and reflect on the complexities of life.
Notable Quotes:
- Esther Povitsky ([02:43]): “I feel like this is a real culture that doesn't get a lot of attention.”
- Khalyla Kuhn ([37:10]): “But victim mentality... is a kind of narcissism.”
- Brent Morin ([34:17]): “Now, I have a billboard that says I'm Brent Morin. I think I'm doing this shit wrong.”
- Esther Povitsky ([72:09]): “Like, you have to work up weeks worth of courage to even just make the appointment because you know it's going to be so, so, so bad.”
- Brent Morin ([77:42]): “I'm working on a one-man show about me and my brother.”
These quotes encapsulate the episode's blend of humor, vulnerability, and insightful commentary, making it a memorable installment of Trash Tuesday.