Episode 186: "Simply so Weird.. Ft. Courtney Miller" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: October 10, 2024
Hosts: Morgan Absher and Courtney Miller
Podcast: Two Hot Takes

Introduction

In Episode 186 of Two Hot Takes, titled “Simply so Weird.. Ft. Courtney Miller”, host Morgan Absher is joined by special guest Courtney Miller. Together, they delve into a series of intriguing and bizarre stories sourced from Reddit’s AITA (Am I the Asshole) subreddit. The episode focuses on unsettling relationship dilemmas, unexpected behaviors, and the complexities of interpersonal dynamics, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful analysis.

Guest Introduction: Courtney Miller

Timestamp: [00:00] - [02:03]

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction of Courtney Miller, a multifaceted personality within the Smosh universe. Courtney is recognized for her diverse roles encompassing acting, writing, and producing, making her a valuable addition to the podcast. Morgan expresses admiration for Courtney’s versatility, noting:

Courtney Miller ([00:00] - [02:03]): "The Peloton instructors are in a league of their own... They are always fun. And you don't have to do it alone either."

AITA Story 1: Temu Engagement Ring Drama

Timestamp: [04:28] - [21:52]

Story Overview

The first story discusses a user's dilemma about her fiancé’s engagement ring purchased from TEMU, an online marketplace known for affordability. The user, a 27-year-old female, is upset upon discovering that her seemingly expensive engagement ring is sold for just $38 on TEMU. She confronts her fiancé, who reacts defensively by sleeping on the couch, leading her to question the relationship dynamics.

Key Points & Discussions

• Authenticity of the Ring: Courtney and Morgan debate the legitimacy and quality of TEMU’s rings, pondering whether the fiancé was unaware of TEMU’s reputation.

  Courtney Miller ([05:50] - [07:04]): "I'm mad. He makes good money, 200k a year, and I feel like he could have shelled out some money for a ring better than the one on TEMU."

• Communication Breakdown: The fiancé’s refusal to discuss the ring’s origin and his subsequent avoidance behavior raise red flags about their communication.

  Morgan ([16:19] - [17:13]): "But it's also a bummer that he wasn't willing to, like, talk about it."

• User’s Own Engagement Story: Courtney shares her own engagement experience, contrasting it with the AITA post to highlight the importance of transparent communication.

  Courtney Miller ([09:20] - [10:09]): "We had talked about it before... It was really, really cute."

• Community Feedback: The listeners provide perspectives suggesting the fiancé’s actions may indicate deeper issues, such as financial transparency or emotional availability.

  Morgan ([17:27] - [19:25]): "If you can't have a conversation about this peacefully... that's a little bit concerning for me."

Notable Quotes

• Courtney Miller: "If it's $38 that is breaking you guys up." ([19:29])
• Morgan: "It's $38 that is breaking you guys up." ([19:29])

AITA Story 2: Supervisor Meets Boyfriend

Timestamp: [28:51] - [35:54]

Story Overview

A high school science teacher discovers that her boyfriend, an OnlyFans model, is recognized by the school’s principal, leading to an HR meeting. The principal accuses her boyfriend of inappropriate online activities, forcing the teacher to confront the stigma associated with her partner’s profession and its impact on her career.

Key Points & Discussions

• Privacy vs. Professionalism: The discussion revolves around the balance between personal life and professional responsibilities, especially in conservative or religious work environments.

  Morgan ([32:35] - [32:53]): "It's very state dependent what workplace protections people have."

• Reputation Management: The teacher faces potential termination due to her boyfriend’s OnlyFans account, despite no direct involvement in his activities.

  Courtney Miller ([34:15] - [34:37]): "I think they're having regular creators come over now too."

• Legal and Ethical Implications: They consider the legalities of her employment contract and the ethical boundaries employers set regarding employees' associations.

  Morgan: "If you're with someone and they wanted something that's out of your budget or just not what you were willing to spend, you could offer up..."

• Community Advice: Listeners suggest actionable steps such as recording meetings, consulting employment attorneys, and maintaining clear boundaries between personal and professional lives.

  Morgan ([35:54] - [36:09]): "I know a lot of people do recommend recording the conversation too."

Notable Quotes

• Courtney Miller: "This is really bad communicating." ([19:23])
• Morgan: "If you're in their shoes, you need to protect yourself legally." ([35:54])

AITA Story 3: Public-Punched Wife

Timestamp: [46:15] - [56:39]

Story Overview

A 37-year-old male describes an incident where his eight-month-pregnant wife punched a stranger who tried to lift their six-year-old daughter by the armpits in a restaurant. He grapples with understanding her extreme reaction and the implications for their relationship and parenting.

Key Points & Discussions

• Violence in Response to Boundary Violations: The conversation examines the appropriateness of physical retaliation when personal boundaries are disrespected.

  Morgan ([48:18] - [50:44]): "Wear a lifeguard if you have a pool."

• Parental Responsibility: They discuss the husband's role in supporting his wife during and after the incident, emphasizing the importance of mutual responsibility in parenting.

  Morgan: "You should not have left her alone to handle that."

• Handling Aggressive Behavior: Strategies and emotional responses to dealing with unexpected aggressive actions in public settings are explored.

  Morgan ([50:57] - [53:10]): "Stand up, dude."

Notable Quotes

• Morgan: "Otherwise, you couldn't protect your family." ([50:44])
• Courtney Miller: "Just blown away by your story." ([54:38])

AITA Story 4: Falsely Staged Drug Intervention

Timestamp: [56:55] - [71:10]

Story Overview

A 26-year-old female shares her harrowing experience of her boyfriend, a psychologist, orchestrating a fake drug intervention to falsely label her as a drug addict. This manipulation leads to alienation from her family and friends, causing immense emotional distress and confusion.

Key Points & Discussions

• Manipulation and Control: The episode delves into the psychological manipulation tactics used by the boyfriend to isolate and control the user.

  Morgan ([62:42] - [62:46]): "Nothing's impossible."

• Impact on Personal Relationships: The destruction of trust and relationships with family members highlights the severe consequences of such deceitful actions.

  Courtney Miller ([65:12] - [65:19]): "That's why he's trying to do that."

• Red Flags in Relationships: Identifying early warning signs of manipulation and controlling behavior in relationships is emphasized.

  Morgan ([64:44] - [65:12]): "It's easy to be like, I found this page and you should know about this."

• Legal and Safety Concerns: They discuss the importance of seeking legal advice and taking protective measures when faced with manipulative partners.

  Courtney Miller: "Legal stuff is still the same when it's a private school." ([41:05])

Notable Quotes

• Morgan: "He could start a cult with that charisma." ([66:55])
• Courtney Miller: "I can't handle a marriage with someone like this." ([20:29])

AITA Story 5: Pool-Induced Family Tension

Timestamp: [97:41] - [86:44]

Story Overview

A 37-year-old female questions whether she is in the wrong for purchasing a home with a pool, which has triggered her mother-in-law's anxiety due to past family tragedies involving water-related accidents. Despite implementing safety measures, the mother-in-law remains distressed, creating tension within the family.

Key Points & Discussions

• Balancing Personal Desires and Family Concerns: The hosts explore the challenge of pursuing personal happiness while addressing family members' fears and traumas.

  Courtney Miller ([93:02] - [93:28]): "She's trying to be like, I want something to remember her by, but it's like you didn't care about her when she was here."

• Implementing Safety Precautions: The importance of proactive safety measures, such as installing gates and educating children, is highlighted to mitigate risks.

  Morgan ([104:07] - [105:09]): "You can hire a lifeguard for that."

• Emotional Trauma and Healing: They discuss the lingering effects of trauma on family members and the necessity of empathy and possibly professional help.

  Courtney Miller ([90:48] - [91:03]): "You need to break the cycle."

• Community Feedback: Listeners support the protagonist’s decision, emphasizing respect for her and the benefits for the community through charitable donations.

  Morgan: "Honor her wishes, period." ([90:18])

Notable Quotes

• Morgan: "Shut up, Jan. Shut up." ([43:17])
• Courtney Miller: "Am I the asshole for purchasing a home with a pool...?" ([97:59])

Conclusion

Throughout Episode 186, Morgan Absher and Courtney Miller navigate through a series of complex and emotionally charged AITA stories. Their discussions provide deep insights into human behavior, relationship dynamics, and the importance of communication and empathy. Courtney’s experiences and perspectives add valuable depth to the conversation, making the episode both engaging and thought-provoking for listeners.

Courtney Miller ([111:56] - [112:14]): "I just can't with this one. Am I the asshole for purchasing a home with a pool? No, absolutely not."

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments of the stories discussed and encouragement for listeners to engage with more exclusive content on Patreon and follow the podcast on social media platforms.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Courtney Miller: "If it's $38 that is breaking you guys up." ([19:29])
• Morgan: "It's $38 that is breaking you guys up." ([19:29])
• Morgan: "He could start a cult with that charisma." ([66:55])
• Courtney Miller: "Shut up, Jan. Shut up." ([43:17])

Connect with the Hosts

• Morgan Absher’s Instagram: @morgsyabsher
• Listen to Exclusive Stories on Patreon: Two Hot Takes Patreon
• Follow Along on Instagram: @TwoHotTakes
• YouTube Channel: Two Hot Takes YouTube

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 186, highlighting key discussions, emotional narratives, and the hosts' insightful commentary on each story. Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a compelling exploration of the weird and wonderful aspects of relationships and personal interactions.