Podcast Summary: "Two Hot Takes" Episode 194: Makeup Possible Here? Ft. Bailey Sarian
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Morgan Absher with Guest Bailey Sarian
In Episode 194 of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher welcomes makeup mogul and true-crime content creator Bailey Sarian for an engaging discussion centered around some of the most intriguing and controversial stories from Reddit's "Am I the Asshole?" (AITA) subreddit. The episode delves deep into relationship dilemmas, ethical quandaries, and personal boundaries, all while weaving in Bailey's expertise in true crime narratives.
1. Can They Make Up?
AITA Post: "Am I the asshole for continuing to wear Makeup and dress in my normal style around a friend who thinks her husband has a crush on me."
Summary: The episode kicks off with a complex situation where a woman (29F) feels pressured by her friend (31F) to alter her appearance due to the friend's husband (35M) harboring a crush on her. The tension arises when the friend requests that she abstain from wearing makeup and opts for baggy clothing during social outings, leaving her feeling conflicted about maintaining the friendship versus respecting her friend's uncomfortable demands.
Key Discussion Points:
- Boundaries and Autonomy: Both hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining personal boundaries and not allowing others to dictate one's appearance.
- Communication Breakdown: They explore the friend's possible insecurities and the unhealthy dynamic it creates within the friendship.
- External Influences: The dilemma highlights how external pressures can strain personal relationships and self-esteem.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian [06:01]: "She's not the asshole. No. That's so uncomfortable. That's very uncomfortable. I feel bad for her."
- Co-Host [06:08]: "Why is your skin crawl?"
- Morgan Absher [07:20]: "Get your husband in check. What's he doing? That's so conversation."
Conclusion: Both Bailey and Morgan agree that the post's author is not at fault and that the friend’s request is unreasonable. They advocate for the author to stand firm in her self-expression and suggest that the friend address her own marital issues independently.
2. Tasteless Halloween Costumes
AITA Post: "Am I the asshole for telling my brother that he and his wife's Halloween costumes were tasteless."
Summary: The discussion shifts to a Halloween costume conflict where a brother and his wife chose to dress as infamous figures Charles Manson and Sharon Tate. The narrator felt compelled to confront them about the insensitivity of these character choices, especially considering Sharon Tate's tragic demise, leading to a strained familial relationship.
Key Discussion Points:
- Sensitivity and Respect: The importance of being mindful about the choice of costumes, especially those related to real-life tragedies.
- Personal Expression vs. Public Perception: Balancing individual creativity with the potential offense it might cause to others.
- Consequences of Confrontation: Navigating the fallout from addressing sensitive topics within family dynamics.
Notable Quotes:
- Morgan Absher [15:44]: "The comment was inappropriate. Back the fuck off."
- Bailey Sarian [16:16]: "So it's tricky. I don't know."
Conclusion: The consensus among the hosts is that the original poster is not the asshole. They argue that expressing discomfort with insensitive costume choices is valid and does not make one at fault for addressing personal feelings of offense.
3. The Creepy Project
AITA Post: "Am I the asshole for Hating my wife's Creepy Project."
Summary: In one of the most intense segments, Bailey shares a harrowing AITA post involving her wife’s obsession with tracking neighbors’ infidelities through a conspiracy board in their home. This hobby escalates to the point where Bailey suspects manipulation and potential deceit, leading to a series of confrontations that reveal deeper psychological issues.
Key Discussion Points:
- Mental Health Awareness: Recognizing signs of mental health struggles and the impact on relationships.
- Trust and Infidelity: Navigating suspicions and the importance of open communication.
- Intervention and Support: The role of external help, such as therapy and social services, in resolving severe interpersonal conflicts.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian [35:56]: "You gotta move. If he sent pictures of that board to the wife. Oh, no, that revet like that I would spread around."
- Morgan Absher [39:06]: "It's a Lifetime movie in the making."
Conclusion: The hosts express deep sympathy for Bailey’s situation, emphasizing the complexity of dealing with a partner's mental health issues. They advocate for professional intervention and highlight the importance of seeking support to navigate such challenging dynamics. The eventual resolution involves Bailey’s wife seeking mental health treatment, underscoring the significance of addressing psychological well-being in sustaining relationships.
4. Picking Off the Nuts on an Ice Cream Cone
AITA Post: "Am I the Asshole for Picking off the Nuts on an Ice Cream Cone."
Summary: The final AITA story revolves around a young couple where the narrator becomes upset with her boyfriend for reacting emotionally to her removing peanuts from his expensive ice cream cone. The incident spirals into a conflict about gratitude and communication, leaving both parties feeling hurt and disconnected.
Key Discussion Points:
- Expectation vs. Reality: Understanding differing preferences and how they affect relationship dynamics.
- Communication Skills: The necessity of expressing feelings constructively without escalating tensions.
- Emotional Reactions: Navigating emotions in seemingly trivial disputes and their impact on relationships.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian [88:35]: "I'm going to say no right off the bat."
- Morgan Absher [98:38]: "You're the asshole. You did this to yourself, my dude."
Conclusion: Morgan and Bailey discuss the importance of effective communication and emotional intelligence in relationships. They conclude that while the situation is minor, the disproportionate emotional response signifies underlying issues that need addressing. The original poster may not be the asshole, but the couple should work on their communication to prevent small conflicts from escalating.
5. Additional Stories and Insights
Reddit Story: The Lady Who Had a Sex Slave in Her Attic for 10 Years
Summary: Bailey and the co-host delve into a disturbing true-crime story about a woman who kept a man confined in her attic for a decade. The discussion explores themes of psychological manipulation, consent, and the boundaries of personal relationships.
Key Discussion Points:
- Psychological Control: The extent to which one can exert control over another individual.
- Ethical Boundaries: Understanding consent and the moral implications of such relationships.
- Legal Ramifications: The legal consequences of long-term confinement and abuse.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian [02:48]: "He got like psychologically."
- Morgan Absher [03:09]: "I know. I felt so bad because the guy like she never let the guy out of the basement."
Conclusion: The hosts express horror and disbelief over the case, emphasizing the severe abuse and lack of consent involved. They discuss the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships and the need for legal systems to protect vulnerable individuals.
6. Light-Hearted Moment: R/Subreddit Stories
Reddit Story: R/TraumatizeThemBack - Supermarket Showdown
Summary: To lighten the mood, Bailey introduces a humorous Reddit post from the subreddit R/SubredditStories titled "R/TraumatizeThemBack." The story recounts a hilarious encounter in a supermarket where a man calmly corrects a woman’s misinterpretation of his relationship with his child, leading to an amusing resolution.
Key Discussion Points:
- Miscommunication: The comedic side of misunderstandings in everyday interactions.
- Humor in Adversity: Finding laughter in awkward or tense situations.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian [67:06]: "I laughed so hard, especially when I rounded the corner and realized she had heard him."
- Morgan Absher [67:15]: "That was pretty funny."
Conclusion: Bailey and Morgan enjoy the light-hearted tale, highlighting the importance of humor in diffusing tense situations and the universal nature of miscommunications.
7. Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
Conclusion: Throughout the episode, Bailey Sarian and Morgan Absher provide insightful analyses of complex relationship issues gleaned from Reddit's AITA posts. They emphasize the importance of communication, personal boundaries, and mental health awareness in maintaining healthy relationships. The collaborative discussions between Bailey and Morgan offer listeners diverse perspectives, blending true-crime intrigue with real-life ethical dilemmas.
Notable Closing Quotes:
- Morgan Absher [101:44]: "Thank you so much for having me."
- Bailey Sarian [101:46]: "You can find me everywhere. YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify."
Additional Resources: For those interested in exclusive stories and full-length videos featuring Bailey Sarian's content, visit Patreon or follow Two Hot Takes on YouTube. Connect with Morgan Absher on Instagram for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.
This episode masterfully balances intense, thought-provoking discussions with moments of levity, providing listeners with a comprehensive exploration of modern relationship challenges and the complexities of human behavior.