Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes – Episode 189: "Popped Off Big.."

Release Date: October 31, 2024
Hosts: Morgan Absher and Lauren
Podcast: Two Hot Takes
Description: Morgan Absher and her co-host Lauren explore the hottest and most controversial topics from Reddit, listener write-ins, and across the internet, delivering their unfiltered opinions on dating, relationships, life, and AITA stories.

1. Personal Updates and Community Highlights

[00:00 – 05:07]
Morgan kicks off the episode by sharing updates about the podcast’s current partnerships, expressing excitement about upcoming live shows, and reflecting on the impactful stories from the recent spooky season. She highlights the sense of community fostered by listener interactions, including heartfelt stories on Patreon where listeners have shared life-changing experiences inspired by the podcast.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "I really just love this community, and it's a magical little thing." [10:35]

2. Love Story from the Two Hot Takes Subreddit

[06:02 – 11:37]
Morgan reads a touching listener story titled, "How Going to a THT Live Show Was the Best Decision of my life." A 27-year-old woman recounts how attending a live show led her to meet her now fiancé. Their connection blossomed from that magical evening, culminating in a marriage proposal over a hot air balloon ride in Italy. Morgan and Lauren discuss the profound impact the podcast has on its listeners, emphasizing the community’s strength and the personal connections formed through shared experiences.

Notable Quote:
Listener: "Our encounter was nothing short of magical, and it was all thanks to the amazing atmosphere you created." [10:35]
Morgan: "I'm so grateful each and every day for all of you that listen and support the show." [10:35]

3. AITA Story: Throwing Out Sister's Organ

[12:49 – 24:57]
The hosts delve into an intense AITA post titled, "Am I the Asshole for Throwing Out My Sister's Organ." Morgan narrates the story of a woman who discarded her sister’s preserved placenta due to her husband’s discomfort and hygiene concerns. Despite offering apologies and compensations, the sister deems her actions disrespectful and ostracizes her from family events.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan’s Stance: Labels the OP as the asshole for not respecting her sister’s wishes and failing to understand the emotional significance of the placenta.
• Lauren’s Insight: Emphasizes the importance of empathy and adhering to commitments, regardless of personal discomfort.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "Your sister agreed to do this, now you've thrown it out. That's disrespectful." [16:07]
Lauren: "If somebody threw out something that was very important to me... the lack of empathy is the problem." [16:45]

4. AITA Story: Babysitter Erasing a Love Note

[28:58 – 41:42]
Morgan introduces a compelling AITA post, "Am I the asshole for needing more time to sort out how I feel about the babysitter erasing a love note from my late husband." A grieving mother discovers her long-term babysitter has deliberately erased heartfelt notes left by her deceased husband, leading to deep emotional turmoil and strained familial relationships.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan’s Analysis: Concludes that the babysitter acted maliciously, violating the trust and emotional boundaries of the grieving family.
• Lauren’s Perspective: Agrees, highlighting the importance of respecting someone’s grief and the inappropriateness of the babysitter’s actions.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "There's no way she was just being forgetful. This was intentional." [38:37]
Lauren: "You're not the asshole if you don’t want to have someone work for you anymore." [30:18]

5. AITA Story: Daughter Paying for Bridesmaid Dress

[68:00 – 77:31]
The episode covers another AITA post, "Am I the asshole for making my daughter pay back a thousand dollars dress she was supposed to wear in a wedding." A 32-year-old father faces backlash after his 16-year-old daughter withdraws from being a bridesmaid, leading him to demand repayment for the expensive dress.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan’s Verdict: Declares the father not to be the asshole, emphasizing the importance of accountability and understanding the financial implications of commitments.
• Lauren’s Input: Supports the decision, noting the valuable life lessons in responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "You inserted yourself. Now you're a part of it. Who cares what you're in?" [73:03]
Lauren: "It's time for her to fix it on her own, and that's okay too." [74:18]

6. AITA Story: Husband Demanding Paternity Test

[82:00 – 107:39]
Morgan presents a dramatic AITA story, "Am I the asshole for snapping at my wife and calling her crazy because she wants me to take a paternity test for my nephew Juicy." A married man reacts harshly when his wife questions the biological relationship between him and his nephew, leading to a heated confrontation and emotional fallout.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan’s Analysis: Considers both perspectives but ultimately views the husband as the asshole for his extreme reaction, highlighting the severity of his hurtful words.
• Lauren’s Perspective: Recognizes the wife’s insecurities but condemns the husband’s unhinged response, suggesting the need for therapy and setting healthy boundaries.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "You're the asshole now for how you said that." [98:31]
Lauren: "You need to set a boundary at some point." [84:42]

Update:
The husband agrees to take the paternity test under specific conditions aimed at resolving the insecurities and setting boundaries, though tensions remain high. The situation points to deeper underlying trust and mental health issues that require professional intervention.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "If this doesn't work, I'm going to look into divorce." [108:06]
Lauren: "It's a complicated thing because that question is highly offensive." [103:15]

7. Final Sponsored Segment

[87:01 – 114:26]
The episode intertwines into sponsored content promoting products like Lume Deodorant, Skims, and others. Morgan shares personal anecdotes related to the products, adding a relatable touch to the advertisements.

Notable Quote:
Morgan: "Lume deodorant... clinically proven to last up to 72 hours." [72:24]

8. Closing Remarks

Morgan and Lauren wrap up the episode by reflecting on the discussed stories, emphasizing the importance of empathy, setting boundaries, and understanding the complexities of human relationships. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast's community through live shows and Patreon for exclusive content.

Notable Quote:
Lauren: "Doing things on your own is very good for you." [84:56]
Morgan: "Thank you so much for being here and enjoy the episode." [05:07]

Connect with Two Hot Takes:

• Instagram: @TwoHotTakes
• Patreon: Exclusive Stories
• YouTube: Two Hot Takes Channel

This episode of Two Hot Takes dives deep into emotionally charged AITA stories, offering listeners not only drama and hot takes but also insightful discussions on relationship dynamics, personal boundaries, and the impact of community support. Morgan and Lauren’s candid conversations provide valuable perspectives, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the complexities of human interactions.