Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes – Episode 187: They Can't Be Serious.. Ft. Ian Hecox
Introduction
In Episode 187 of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher is joined by special guest Ian Hecox from the popular YouTube channel Smosh. Together, they delve into a series of gripping and controversial stories sourced from Reddit’s AITA (Am I The Asshole) subreddit and Relationship Advice forums. The episode, released on October 17, 2024, tackles themes of trust, betrayal, and interpersonal conflicts, providing listeners with insightful commentary and diverse perspectives on each scenario.
1. Husband's Inappropriate Behavior at a Work Party
Story Overview: The episode kicks off with a disturbing account from [06:03] where a Reddit user questions whether she is wrong for feeling hurt and violated after her husband, a senior partner at a banking firm, attended a coworker’s game night. The event, organized by Valerie—a woman the user has never liked—became notorious for inappropriate activities, including men stealing their wives’ panties for a guessing game.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "They stole a pair of their wives' panties and everyone had to guess which panty belonged to who." [06:03]
- Ian: "Having it in a hotel room is giving some serious freak out." [07:03]
- Morgan: "This feels like a major betrayal." [08:23]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian express their disbelief and condemnation of such behavior, labeling the workplace as a "toxic frat house" [10:03]. They discuss the potential misogyny underlying Valerie’s exemption from the game and highlight the severe breach of professional conduct. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing such toxic environments through proper HR channels and advocate for stronger leadership to dismantle the "boys club" mentality prevalent in some corporate settings.
2. Ex-Boyfriend and Best Friend Insisting on OP’s Presence at Their Wedding
Story Overview: At [14:50], Morgan introduces a heartbreaking story from the Relationship Advice subreddit. The user’s ex-boyfriend, Josh, left her for her best friend, Anna. Months after their breakup, Anna and Josh invite the user to be part of their wedding party, leading to relentless pressure and harassment despite the user having blocked them initially.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "They made me think everything was okay when it really wasn’t." [15:38]
- Ian: "20 to 30 calls a day? That’s psycho." [18:09]
- Morgan: "They want her to come there so they can be absolved of their betrayal." [19:27]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian discuss the manipulative tactics used by Anna and Josh to force the user into their wedding, interpreting it as an attempt to mitigate their guilt and control the narrative. They explore the psychological impact of such relentless pursuit and advise the OP to maintain firm boundaries by blocking new contact attempts. The hosts also ponder the reasons behind the wedding invitation, suggesting that Anna and Josh might be seeking social validation or attempting to erase the betrayal by involving the OP in their significant life event.
3. Leaving Husband at the Hospital During Delivery
Story Overview: A particularly emotional story is shared at [35:25] where a Reddit user recounts leaving her husband, Jake, at the hospital because he refused to be present during her childbirth. Jake's sudden withdrawal, citing discomfort with blood and medical procedures, left her to endure a traumatic delivery alone.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "He left, leaving me alone and feeling utterly abandoned." [38:10]
- Morgan: "He abandoned me at one of the most vulnerable moments of my life." [39:00]
- Ian: "He’s a coward." [43:18]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian express deep sympathy for the OP, condemning Jake’s actions as cowardly and utterly selfish. They discuss the potential underlying issues that might have led Jake to abandon his wife during such a critical moment, including the possibility of mental health struggles or infidelity. The hosts stress the importance of trust and support in a marriage, highlighting that Jake’s behavior has irreparably damaged the foundation of their relationship. They advise the OP to consider professional counseling, both individually and as a couple, to navigate the complex emotions stemming from this incident.
4. Not Revealing Multilingual Abilities to Husband’s Family
Story Overview: At [57:25], Morgan presents a story from AITA where a Canadian woman moves to Germany with her husband, only to face criticism from his family for various superficial reasons. The turning point occurs when she reveals she speaks German, leading to an explosive confrontation.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "I have always known what they have said about me, but calling me names was the last straw." [67:32]
- Ian: "They are pure petty." [74:34]
- Morgan: "They are just not your friends." [75:02]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian analyze the complexities of blending into a new cultural environment and the underlying tensions that can arise within in-law relationships. They discuss the OP’s decision to keep her German skills hidden, interpreting it as a protective measure against subtle abuses. The hosts condemn the family’s derogatory remarks, labeling their behavior as pure pettiness and lack of genuine friendship. They emphasize the importance of mutual respect and open communication in intercultural marriages, advising the OP to seek support outside the toxic family dynamic to preserve her mental well-being.
5. Body Shaming During a Gaming Session
Story Overview: Morgan introduces a lighter yet still serious topic at [76:54], where a Reddit user feels shamed by her fiancé’s girlfriend for how she positions her breasts during a Dungeons & Dragons game. The criticism resulted in a heated confrontation and the user being ostracized from her friend group.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "She accused me of trying to put myself on display." [77:03]
- Ian: "No. No, no, no." [80:05]
- Morgan: "This is another example of women making the other woman the problem." [80:20]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian discuss the insensitivity and blatant body shaming faced by the OP, highlighting the futility and destructiveness of such behavior within friend groups. They advocate for solidarity among women and criticize the fiancé’s girlfriend for allowing such negativity to permeate the gaming environment. The hosts suggest that the OP’s actions were entirely justified and condemn the labeling of her behavior as attention-seeking. They encourage listeners to stand up against body shaming and support friends who face similar challenges.
6. Friend Group’s Lack of Support for Wedding Plans
Story Overview: At [90:22], Morgan shares a story from AITA about a woman whose friends continually cancel her bachelorette party and express reluctance to attend her wedding, citing trivial excuses like childcare and fatigue. The situation escalates when her friends propose an underwhelming group gift, leading to feelings of being used and unappreciated.
Notable Quotes:
- OP: "They threw me parties when others got engaged, but not me." [93:46]
- Ian: "No, no, no. They just don't like you." [97:52]
- Morgan: "Find a new friend group. They are cheap." [104:53]
Host Commentary: Morgan and Ian explore the dynamics of outdated and one-sided friendships, emphasizing that true friendship requires mutual effort and respect. They address the OP’s feelings of inadequacy and betrayal, asserting that her friends’ behavior is indicative of deeper issues, such as envy or resentment. The hosts advise the OP to seek out new friendships that value her for who she is rather than for past favors or gifts. They highlight the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and genuine people, especially during significant life events like weddings.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Morgan and Ian provide candid and compassionate insights into each story, offering practical advice and emotional support to those navigating complex social and personal issues. Their discussions emphasize themes of boundaries, self-respect, and the necessity of healthy relationships, both romantic and platonic. By dissecting real-life scenarios from Reddit, Two Hot Takes delivers relatable and thought-provoking content that resonates with listeners seeking guidance and validation in their own lives.
Notable Takeaways:
- Trust and Support: Essential elements in both romantic and familial relationships.
- Boundaries: Crucial for maintaining personal well-being amidst external pressures.
- Self-Advocacy: Standing up against toxic behavior is necessary for mental health.
- Healthy Friendships: Mutual respect and effort are foundational for lasting friendships.
Connect with Morgan and Two Hot Takes:
- Instagram: @TwoHotTakes
- Patreon: Exclusive Stories
- YouTube: Two Hot Takes Channel
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of Episode 187, capturing the essence of each discussion while highlighting key moments and insights shared by the hosts.