Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes – Episode 219: "Trip to the Edge" Ft. Chris Clemens & Michaela Okland
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts/Guests: Morgan Absher, Chris Clemens, Michaela Oakland
Introduction to the Episode
In Episode 219 of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher welcomes special guests Chris Clemens and Michaela Oakland. The episode, titled "Trip to the Edge," delves into their personal experiences from a recent trip to London and explores a series of gripping stories from Reddit's “Am I the Asshole?” (AITA) and Relationship Advice forums. The conversation is rich with candid opinions, humor, and insightful analysis.
Personal Anecdotes: London Trip Experiences
[01:04] Chris Clemens:
“I'm, like, filled with vengeance right now. I'm like, I wanna kill him and you'll never know what I'm talking about.”
Chris opens up about encountering problematic influencers during their London trip, expressing strong disdain for individuals who misuse their platforms. His frustration sets the tone for a candid and unfiltered discussion.
[03:12] Morgan Absher:
“Yeah, there's a lot out there. But this is all coming up as Michaela and I just did our first, like, friend trip together. We went to London.”
Morgan shares her exhaustion from the trip but underscores the positive moments, highlighting the challenges and memorable experiences they encountered.
Discussion on Influencers and Online Behavior
[03:31] Chris Clemens:
“If people fucking knew. Oh, one day when I, like, delete the accounts, you'll do a teller. I'll write a book. The shit that I motherfucking know.”
[03:42] Morgan Absher:
“We'll put it that way.”
Chris candidly discusses the darker side of influencer culture, suggesting that many seem pleasant online but harbor problematic behaviors off-camera. The hosts agree that some influencers shouldn't have platforms, emphasizing the need for accountability.
First AITA Story: Abandoning Parents for a Cruise
Story Overview:
A young adult left her parents behind on a Caribbean island to return to a cruise in time. Her parents missed the departure by 45 minutes and had to fly to the next port, causing tension and blame.
Discussion Highlights:
-
Morgan Absher [09:40]:
“I feel like when people fall overboard, they can't even stop it that fast. It just keeps.” -
Chris Clemens [10:25]:
“They're adults. They can. They should know better.”
The hosts largely agree that the individual isn’t the asshole, emphasizing the importance of respecting schedules on cruises. They highlight the unreasonable expectation that a vessel accommodates the needs of a few over thousands.
Notable Quotes:
-
Chris Clemens [13:05]:
“Oh, not the asshole.” -
Morgan Absher [13:14]:
“Why is anyone else more entitled?”
The consensus among the hosts mirrors the top comments from listeners, reinforcing that the poster is not in the wrong for adhering to the cruise schedule.
Second AITA Story: Booking an Airbnb to Avoid Couch Sleeping
Story Overview:
A 24-year-old adult chose to book her own Airbnb for a family vacation to maintain privacy, rejecting the offer to sleep on a pull-out couch due to discomfort and personal boundaries.
Discussion Highlights:
-
Morgan Absher [15:39]:
“Am I the asshole?” -
Chris Clemens [17:58]:
“I'm sorry, I've maybe I'm the asshole here...”
The hosts largely support the individual's decision, critiquing the family’s lack of flexibility and failure to prioritize her comfort. They emphasize the importance of personal boundaries and the right to a restful vacation.
Notable Quotes:
-
Morgan Absher [20:00]:
“I just don't get that.” -
Chris Clemens [25:01]:
“Yeah, threaten it.”
The discussion underscores the importance of open communication and standing up for one’s needs within family dynamics.
Relationship Advice Segment: Complex Engagements
First Relationship Story: BFF Ditched on Vacation After Engagement
Story Overview:
A 32-year-old female friend, Ann, proposed to her boyfriend on the first night of a long-planned vacation. This sudden change caused her BFF to feel sidelined, leading to feelings of exclusion and frustration as the trip became about the new couple rather than their friendship.
Discussion Highlights:
-
Morgan Absher [30:09]:
“My BFF. Let's call her Ann...” -
Michaela Oakland [34:32]:
“I think because she planned the trip, she should be more like likely to let someone else have the room.”
The hosts empathize with the BFF, critiquing the boyfriend’s timing and the abrupt shift in vacation dynamics. They discuss the emotional fallout and the importance of mutual respect and understanding in friendships.
Notable Quotes:
-
Morgan Absher [35:29]:
“I try to pivot as much as you can.” -
Chris Clemens [37:15]:
“You just don't know if it's not.”
The conversation highlights the complexities of integrating new relationships into long-standing friendships and the vital role of communication.
Second Relationship Story: Unsatisfactory Marriage Proposal
Story Overview:
A man recently got engaged, proposing during a Memorial Day weekend hike in Monterey. Post-proposal, his girlfriend felt the event lacked special planning, leading to emotional distress and questioning the relationship's future.
Discussion Highlights:
-
Michaela Oakland [44:51]:
“Am I overreacting? Husband says me taking a bath on vacation is unreasonable.” -
Chris Clemens [50:00]:
“It's about how they want to show the love and the care for that person.”
The hosts debate the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind proposals, emphasizing that the emotional significance should outweigh the grandeur of the event. They discuss possible miscommunications and the need for understanding each partner’s expectations.
Notable Quotes:
-
Michaela Oakland [51:03]:
“It's supposed to be a really happy and monumentous occasion and causes you to reconsider everything.” -
Chris Clemens [54:03]:
“You're an adult. You're 24.”
The segment underscores the importance of aligning expectations and ensuring that significant milestones reflect both partners' desires.
Third Relationship Story: Fake Engagement Ring Causing Marital Strain
Story Overview:
A woman purchased a larger fake ring for an upcoming vacation to avoid wearing her insured real ring during activities like swimming. Her husband is upset, feeling that the fake ring undermines the significance of his genuine engagement ring, leading to tension and communication breakdown.
Discussion Highlights:
-
Michaela Oakland [65:47]:
“He thinks I'm trying to pretend I'm someone I'm not by wearing a bigger ring.” -
Chris Clemens [66:38]:
“But she's not into having it be a boulder to show off.”
The hosts analyze the motivations behind using a fake ring, debating whether it signifies underlying relationship issues or personal insecurities. They emphasize the importance of open dialogue and understanding each other's perspectives to resolve conflicts.
Notable Quotes:
-
Chris Clemens [73:22]:
“I just don't think it is that deep.” -
Michaela Oakland [75:26]:
“Her not talking to her, like, crazy too much.”
The discussion highlights how small actions, like wearing a fake ring, can symbolically represent deeper relational dynamics and the necessity for transparency.
Final Segment: Audience Poll and Additional Stories
The episode wraps up with Morgan presenting the audience with a choice of three new AITA scenarios to discuss in future episodes:
-
Canceling a Vacation Due to Stepdaughters Hiding a Daughter's Passport:
“Am I the asshole for canceling the entire vacation when I found out that my stepdaughters deliberately hid my daughter's passport to get her to stay home?” -
Taking a Bath on Vacation Viewed as Unreasonable by Husband:
“Am I overreacting? Husband says me taking a bath on vacation is unreasonable.” -
Leaving Friends Stranded During a Road Trip After Boundary Disrespect:
“Am I the for leaving my friends stranded during a road trip after they repeatedly disrespected my boundaries?”
[81:43] Chris Clemens:
“Oh my God. We got a choice.”
The hosts express enthusiasm for the engaging and dramatic nature of the first scenario, discussing potential outcomes and garnering excitement for listener participation.
Closing Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Chris Clemens and Michaela Oakland provide candid, often humorous, and sometimes critical perspectives on the stories discussed. Their interactions with Morgan Absher create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, inviting listeners to reflect on complex interpersonal issues.
Notable Final Exchanges:
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Chris Clemens [89:14]:
“She knowledge their mother.” -
Morgan Absher [93:44]:
“We got a choice.”
The episode concludes with a blend of thoughtful analysis, lighthearted banter, and anticipation for upcoming stories, maintaining the podcast's signature engaging style.
Connect with the Hosts:
- Morgan Absher: Instagram
- Chris Clemens: Instagram
Check out his new podcast, "Chris versus the People," on YouTube and various podcast platforms. - Michaela Oakland: Instagram
Follow and Subscribe:
- Patreon: Two Hot Takes Patreon
- YouTube: Two Hot Takes YouTube Channel
This episode of Two Hot Takes offers a compelling mix of personal stories, listener submissions, and expert analysis, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of relationships and ethical dilemmas.