Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes - Episode 196: Naughty or Nice?

Introduction

In episode 196 of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher is joined by her co-hosts Amanda Lehan-Canto and Tommy Bowe from Smosh. The trio delves into the holiday spirit, discussing a range of Reddit’s “Am I the Asshole” (AITA) stories, listener submissions, and other intriguing internet tales centered around relationships, parenting, and personal dilemmas.

1. Am I the Asshole for Telling My Sister-in-Law She Shouldn't Have a Christmas Tree?
Timestamp: 04:45 – 15:00

Story Overview:
A Reddit user questions whether they are in the wrong for advising their sister-in-law against putting up a Christmas tree. The user explains that their brother handles most household chores and childcare, leaving the sister-in-law home alone with children known for being disruptive. Concerned about the kids damaging the tree, the user expressed their apprehension, leading to tension within the family.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan emphasizes the strain of parenting and the inappropriateness of criticizing someone else's parenting choices:

  "You’re so incapable of parenting that you can't even get a Christmas tree up. Like, that's a low blow." [06:33]

• Tommy and Amanda agree that commenting on someone else's parenting, especially during the stressful holiday season, places the user on the naughty list:

  "I personally think they're being a little naughty just because it's like, shouldn't have gotten involved." [07:58]

• The trio concludes that the original poster (OP) should refrain from meddling in others' family matters and rates the OP as the naughty party in this scenario.

Conclusion:
NTA (Not the Asshole) - Advising someone against a potential issue is understandable, but approaching it tactfully and respectfully is crucial, especially during holidays.

2. Peed My Pants: My Boyfriend Wouldn't Help Me
Timestamp: 15:32 – 48:10

Story Overview:
A 30-year-old woman recounts an incident where she experienced stress incontinence during an exam but couldn't leave to use the restroom. After the exam, she wet her pants and sought help from her boyfriend to obtain a change of clothes. Her boyfriend refused to assist, leaving her to face the embarrassment alone.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan shares a humorous yet empathetic recount of her own minor incontinence experience, highlighting the discomfort of dealing with wet clothing:

  "The worst peeing your pants is when you're wearing jeans." [16:08]

• Tommy and Amanda express frustration and disappointment in the boyfriend’s lack of support:

  "He does not want to and he does not love her." [17:52]

• The group stresses the importance of a partner being supportive during vulnerable moments, categorizing the boyfriend's behavior as unsupportive and selfish.

Conclusion:
NTA - The woman has every right to feel upset and justified in her anger towards a partner who refuses to offer basic support during an embarrassing and distressing situation.

3. Protecting My Niece from a Pit Bull While My Husband Ran Off
Timestamp: 27:38 – 49:05

Story Overview:
A Reddit user describes a harrowing experience where a pit bull attacked her niece in the backyard. While she bravely intervened to protect the children, her husband abandoned the scene, failing to assist or retrieve necessary bear spray that could have mitigated the situation.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan recounts her own traumatic encounter with a dog attack, empathizing deeply with the OP’s ordeal:

  "I couldn't imagine if something worse had happened." [29:34]

• Tommy criticizes the husband’s reaction, highlighting his lack of courage and responsibility:

  "He's on the naughty list." [22:30]

• The hosts agree that the husband’s abandonment during a life-threatening situation severely breaches trust and duty within the marriage.

Conclusion:
NTA - The OP acted heroically to protect her niece and nephew, while her husband’s refusal to help marks him as the antagonist in this scenario.

4. Accidentally Letting My Sister-in-Law Get Chemical Burns on Her Face
Timestamp: 52:44 – 93:18

Story Overview:
A 26-year-old woman shares an incident where her sister-in-law, a 16-year-old, used her expensive skincare products without permission, leading to severe chemical burns. In retaliation, the woman and her family began addressing each other by their full, cumbersome names to vex the sister-in-law further, exacerbating family tensions.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan condemns the sister-in-law’s actions, emphasizing the seriousness of using someone else's prescription skincare products:

  "It's dangerous to use someone’s prescription medication." [61:08]

• Tommy and Amanda discuss the inappropriateness and potential harm of the sister-in-law’s behavior, agreeing that the OP is justified in her resentment:

  "She is on the naughty list for sure." [62:43]

• The trio advises maintaining boundaries and addressing disrespectful behavior directly, advocating for the OP’s stance to protect her belongings and mental well-being.

Conclusion:
NTA - The sister-in-law’s unauthorized use of personal and prescription products is both disrespectful and harmful, justifying the OP’s reaction to safeguard her property and personal space.

5. Audiobook Hot Takes
Timestamp: 73:30 – 135:01

Segment Overview:
Switching gears, the hosts explore various listener submissions related to audiobooks, discussing their benefits and sharing personal anecdotes.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan champions audiobooks as an accessible alternative to traditional reading, especially for those with reading comprehension challenges or busy lifestyles:

  "If I'm retaining the story, I'm successfully completing a book." [94:55]

• Tommy and Amanda discuss the efficiency and convenience of audiobooks, noting how they can enhance multitasking and foster shared experiences:

  "It's hands-free... it's a beautiful tool to welcome more people into the reading community." [97:58]

• The hosts highlight how audiobooks can aid in building community connections, such as shared audiobook clubs, and support diverse learning needs.

Conclusion:
Audiobooks are celebrated as a versatile and inclusive medium that enhances the reading experience, making stories more accessible and fostering community engagement.

Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Morgan, Amanda, and Tommy emphasize empathy, respect, and understanding in interpersonal relationships. They encourage listeners to reflect on their actions and foster supportive environments within their families and partnerships. The hosts also highlight the importance of community support, whether through shared interests like audiobooks or navigating complex family dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• "You can't keep them in a bubble. That's just, like, you can reality. Like, accidents happen." – Morgan [12:42]
• "She is on the naughty list for sure." – Tommy [62:43]
• "Audiobooks are a beautiful tool to welcome more people into the reading community." – Morgan [95:36]

Engage with the Hosts:

• Morgan's Instagram: @morgsyabsher
• Amanda and Tommy: Available on Smosh platforms and their respective YouTube channels.
• Support the Show: Exclusive stories and more can be accessed via their Patreon: Two Hot Takes Patreon

Conclusion

Episode 196 of Two Hot Takes offers a compelling mix of heartfelt discussions, critical analyses of Reddit stories, and light-hearted segments on audiobooks. Morgan, Amanda, and Tommy provide insightful perspectives, fostering a sense of community and understanding among listeners navigating their own relationship and family challenges.