Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes - Episode 210: "Fill Your Cup.. Ft. Rachel Lindsay"

Host: Morgan Absher
Guest: Rachel Lindsay
Release Date: April 3, 2025

In this engaging episode of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher welcomes former Bachelor star Rachel Lindsay to delve into some of the most compelling and controversial stories from Reddit's AITA (Am I the Asshole?) subreddit. Together, they offer insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt advice, navigating through themes of trust, self-worth, friendship dynamics, and relationship expectations.

1. AITA for Staying with a Boyfriend Who Cheated?

Timestamp: [05:45] - [15:27]

Summary:
The first story discusses a 23-year-old woman whose boyfriend cheated with his ex during a long-distance relationship. He claims it was an attempt to gain closure and commit fully without regrets, but she struggles with forgiveness and rebuilding trust.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Lindsay [05:45]: "She always encouraged me to love myself, to put myself first... But now, I'm questioning if I'm the taker."

• Morgan Absher [14:23]: "You can do it alone. You don't need him. And not necessarily alone either, because you have friends, you have family."

Discussion Highlights:

• Rachel Lindsay empathizes with the pain of betrayal, sharing her own experiences with infidelity and emphasizing that the blame lies with the cheater, not the betrayed.

• Morgan Absher adds personal reflections on navigating trust issues, stressing the importance of self-love and community support in healing from such experiences.

2. AITA for Being Upset Over Comments on My Engagement Ring?

Timestamp: [15:22] - [25:22]

Summary:
A newly engaged woman shares her frustration over subtle, disparaging comments about her unique opal engagement ring. While some appreciate its beauty, others make backhanded remarks, leaving her hurt and questioning if she's overreacting.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Lindsay [17:27]: "Are you wearing the ring so you can get compliments from everyone else, or are you wearing the ring because the love of your life put something beautiful together based on who you are?"

• Morgan Absher [22:05]: "What kind of person do you have to be to say it to their face?"

Discussion Highlights:

• Rachel Lindsay defends the woman's feelings, highlighting the personal significance of the ring and criticizing those who fail to appreciate its meaning.

• Morgan Absher reinforces the idea that unique expressions of love, like non-traditional rings, should be celebrated rather than criticized, encouraging listeners to embrace their individuality.

3. AITA for Refusing to Help Best Friend with Her Wedding Because She Didn't Make Me a Bridesmaid?

Timestamp: [25:38] - [43:09]

Summary:
A 24-year-old woman feels hurt after her best friend excludes her from the bridal party but subsequently asks for extensive help with wedding preparations. She struggles with setting boundaries and faces backlash from mutual friends for her stance.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Lindsay [25:38]: "You’re not a friend because of what they give you or can do for you or a title."

• Morgan Absher [33:37]: "It's just too much. You have to be more selective about where you invest your energy."

Discussion Highlights:

• Rachel Lindsay emphasizes the importance of authentic friendships that aren't transactional, advising the listener to prioritize her own mental well-being over strained obligations.

• Morgan Absher shares personal experiences with untraditional weddings, advocating for flexibility and understanding in how one chooses to participate in friends' special days without overextending oneself.

4. AITA for Refusing to Let My Neighbor Use My Vintage Bathtub for His Therapy Sessions?

Timestamp: [76:03] - [86:32]

Summary:
A woman living in a historic Victorian house inherits an original clawfoot bathtub. Her eccentric neighbor, Dennis, requests to use it for his hydrotherapy sessions. After refusing, Dennis escalates the situation by involving the neighborhood Facebook group, leading to harassment and tension within the community.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Lindsay [76:43]: "Dennis is a freak. He wants to get off on it. That is pond scum energy here. Insane."

• Morgan Absher [83:15]: "Dennis clearly has some sort of connection with this tub, and we don't know what it is. There might be a whole history."

Discussion Highlights:

• Rachel Lindsay strongly advises against allowing strangers into one's personal space, labeling Dennis's behavior as obsessive and potentially predatory. She recommends taking practical steps like installing security cameras and considering legal action.

• Morgan Absher echoes the concerns about personal boundaries and community dynamics, sharing her own apprehensions about the neighbor's intentions and the invasive nature of his requests.

5. AITA for Not Accepting a Dozen Roses from My Husband After My Surgery?

Timestamp: [80:22] - [106:29]

Summary:
Following a lumpectomy for breast cancer, a woman feels abandoned when her husband leaves her alone before surgery and returns hours later with a dozen roses, revealing he spent the time at a bar instead of supporting her through a critical moment.

Notable Quotes:

• Rachel Lindsay [96:13]: "You are absolutely not the asshole. I can't even imagine... You have no idea what could happen when I... you're like, okay, well, at least I have a supportive partner."

• Morgan Absher [97:42]: "He thinks you're like the pit crew as he is the dazzling race car driver. I don't know what you could do to get him to recognize your contribution."

Discussion Highlights:

• Rachel Lindsay condemns the husband's lack of support, emphasizing the importance of being present during significant health challenges. She underscores that true partnership means standing by each other in vulnerable times.

• Morgan Absher discusses the importance of mutual support and communication in relationships, highlighting how the husband's actions indicate deeper issues of respect and responsibility.

Closing Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Morgan Absher and Rachel Lindsay offer a blend of personal insights and practical advice, encouraging listeners to prioritize self-respect, set healthy boundaries, and foster open communication in their relationships and friendships. Their candid discussions provide valuable perspectives for anyone navigating similar challenges, making Two Hot Takes a must-listen for those seeking thoughtful and relatable commentary on life's complex situations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

1. Rachel Lindsay [05:45]: "She always encouraged me to love myself, to put myself first... But now, I'm questioning if I'm the taker."
2. Morgan Absher [14:23]: "You can do it alone. You don't need him. And not necessarily alone either, because you have friends, you have family."
3. Rachel Lindsay [17:27]: "Are you wearing the ring so you can get compliments from everyone else, or are you wearing the ring because the love of your life put something beautiful together based on who you are?"
4. Morgan Absher [22:05]: "What kind of person do you have to be to say it to their face?"
5. Rachel Lindsay [25:38]: "You’re not a friend because of what they give you or can do for you or a title."
6. Morgan Absher [33:37]: "It's just too much. You have to be more selective about where you invest your energy."
7. Rachel Lindsay [76:43]: "Dennis is a freak. He wants to get off on it. That is pond scum energy here. Insane."
8. Rachel Lindsay [96:13]: "You are absolutely not the asshole. I can't even imagine... You have no idea what could happen when I... you're like, okay, well, at least I have a supportive partner."

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and may vary slightly in the actual podcast.