Two Hot Takes – Episode 247: “That's a Wrap” Ft. Scott Evans
Overview
In this lively and candid episode of Two Hot Takes, host Morgan Absher is joined by TV host and podcaster Scott Evans for a year-end themed deep dive into Reddit, listener write-ins, and their signature “hot takes” on explosive relationship, AITA (Am I The Asshole) stories, and life dilemmas. Together, they dissect stories ranging from financial boundaries in relationships to monster-in-law birthday takeovers, with plenty of humor, spicy commentary, and insightful advice.
Meet the Guest: Scott Evans (04:00–08:10)
- Background: Scott shares his journey from hard news at CBS to over a decade with Access Hollywood and hosting NBC’s World of Dance.
- Podcast Lore: Scott’s own podcast, House Guest, rapidly found viral success and fulfillment. He hopes it’s also a late-night training ground (“Jimmy, I love you, but I’m coming for you”—Scott, 05:27).
- Media Realities: Morgan and Scott reflect on the shifting power of podcasts, which now often outdo traditional media in reach (06:25).
Main Discussion & Stories ("That's a Wrap" Theme)
1. The $100K Relationship Ultimatum (15:26–27:10)
Story: Woman (32F) questions if she “nuked” her relationship by refusing a $100K home renovation investment for her boyfriend’s house without an engagement.
Key Points and Advice:
- Common Sense, Not Drama:
“There is no irreparable damage here. Honestly. This is common sense... If homeboy wants to throw a tantrum... then, brother, bye.”
— Scott (16:55) - Parallels to Parenting: Pattern of being walked over revealed, potential red flags cited.
- Financial/Legal Reality Checks: Morgan reiterates what top comments say: don’t put down major money unless married and on the deed (24:08).
Notable Quotes:
“If you can't have that conversation of like ‘I'd like more of a commitment before I give you $100K’—if you're gonna pout, you're really ruining the whole...”
— Morgan (19:56)
Takeaways:
- Both hosts agree: the boyfriend's coldness is a major red flag. Insist on equal commitment before significant investments.
- Consensus: Seek counseling, but proceed cautiously. Don’t ignore warning signs (27:06).
2. Birthday Castle Drama: Monster-in-Law Strikes (27:14–36:59)
Story: OP’s mother-in-law throws her own 75th birthday bash—on OP’s birthday—in the family’s Italian castle (seriously).
Key Points and Advice:
- Outrage Validated:
“It is as outrageous as it feels... you live in a castle in Italy...”
— Scott (30:41) - Boundary Setting: Scott jokes about a “shit cake” as revenge, but earnestly advises setting firmer boundaries.
- In-law Dynamics: Both hosts discuss power plays and entitlement, especially if the castle was inherited (34:16).
Notable Quotes:
“You can be 10 steps ahead so you don’t rain on your parade, or... we’re just dealing with reality. The reality is, you will take advantage if I allow you.”
— Scott (35:14)
Takeaways:
- Morgan: Take your birthday back by celebrating on a different day, perhaps even pre-empt the party.
- Both: Discuss with husband and set new expectations for future family events.
3. Grief, Cooking, and the Burned-Out Breadwinner (41:19–68:10)
Story: Woman, newly bereaved, asks if she’s the asshole for expecting her unemployed partner (who applied to only 15 jobs in a year) to make dinner while she handles estates, grief, and full-time work. He throws tantrums over “pasta.”
Key Points and Advice:
- Absolute Minimum Effort:
“Motherfucker, if you ain’t got a job, you can make a dinner five nights a week.”
— Scott (49:49) - Stonewalling Dynamics:
Morgan rails against the husband’s stonewalling and lack of support (“Once you get the ick, you’re just like... you can’t even force yourself to fuck ‘em...”). - Modeling Real Love:
Scott shares personal growth through grief and partnership support (55:36).
Notable Quotes:
“If you can't go through the worst grief of your life with that person, you are not with the right person.”
— Morgan (55:22)
Takeaways:
- The hosts unanimously urge the OP to leave. The partner’s lack of empathy and effort, even in grief, is a massive dealbreaker.
- Top Reddit comment also stresses: “You deserve better. You’re not insane, you’re exhausted.”
4. Cheap Painting Drama and the Gold Digger Accusation (71:26–90:10)
Story: OP (24F) paints a custom video game artwork for affluent boyfriend (27M). He wants an iPhone, destroys the painting, and later reveals he’s interested in a coworker (Red Velvet girl) who bought his favorite cake.
Key Points and Advice:
- Gift-Giving Dynamics:
Scott is skeptical (“I definitely need to see the painting!”) and suspects other issues, given boyfriend’s outburst. - Money Power Struggles:
OP’s financial struggle and boyfriend’s dismissiveness echo a power imbalance. BF accuses her of using him for money. - Revelation:
Boyfriend wanted to breakup but acted out instead; admitted to seeing Red Velvet, OP tells him to leave.
Notable Quotes:
“Could you imagine being in a disagreement and they’re just like: ‘But you’re a brokey’?”
— Scott (88:19)
Takeaways:
- Consensus: OP is better off without this tantrum-throwing, muffin-hurling man-child.
5. Mom's Secret Cruelty to the Girlfriend, and Standing Up (93:52–112:20)
Story: Man discovers his mother has been sending cruel messages to his girlfriend (“Men don't marry placeholders... you’re not good enough for the life he deserves”). He is shaken and unsure whether to confront Mom, his girlfriend, or both.
Key Points and Advice:
- Immediate Action Required:
Scott and Morgan agree: Both partners must discuss this together and set hard boundaries with the mother. - Family Patterns:
The update reveals the mother did this to other women in the family—explains much family distance.
Notable Quotes:
“This isn’t indicative of love, this is control.”
— Scott (100:46)
Takeaways:
- Direct, empathetic communication is praised. The update reveals that the relationship is on solid ground and boundaries with Mom will be enforced.
- “This is what everyone wants: someone that shows up for you, has your back, 10 out of 10.” — Morgan (112:24)
Notable/Memorable Moments
- Scott’s Philosophy: “Most of us are out here just trying to do our best. Just wake up every day and be nice… But y’all try me.” (03:26)
- Running Gag: “Shit cake” as symbolic revenge/boundary setting.
- Recall on Male Privilege: “You gotta be ugly-ass and have this much audacity?!” (52:26)
- About Relationship Red Flags: “The red flags are only gonna grow into bigger flags. Parachutes. Wind sails.” — Scott (23:32)
- On Grieving Together: Scott’s personal story of loss and finding true partnership (57:34–58:25).
- On Milestone Birthdays vs. Family Drama: Hilarious sidebar about how long old people really party, and family boundary-setting (39:01–40:11).
Timestamps for Major Segments
| Time | Segment | |---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:00 | Scott Evans intro & podcasting/media career | | 15:26 | $100K relationship ‘nuke’ story | | 27:14 | Birthday castle & monster-in-law drama | | 41:19 | Grieving breadwinner & the unsupportive partner | | 71:26 | Painting destroyed by boyfriend; update with Red Velvet drama | | 93:52 | Mom’s cruel DMs to girlfriend; boundaries and family loyalty | | 112:20+ | Closing: Reflections, tour announcements, holiday well-wishes |
Overall Tone and Style
This episode is honest, funny, and at times, deeply heartfelt. Scott brings “spicy” humor and blunt wisdom, while Morgan grounds the show in empathy and practical advice. Both are quick to call out toxic behaviors and advocate for self-worth and boundaries—whether dealing with controlling boyfriends, meddling in-laws, or partners who can’t show up through life’s hardest moments.
Final Thoughts
Episode 247 exemplifies what Two Hot Takes does best: holds space for both cathartic ranting and thoughtful reflection. Whether you’re navigating your own nightmare in-laws, relationship money drama, or just need a laugh and a reminder to set boundaries, this episode wraps up the year with heat—and heart.
Listen to more: Two Hot Takes on Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon
Guest host: @iamscottevans
Host: Morgan Absher (@morgsyabsher)
Next week: More internet drama, hot takes, and likely... more shit cake.
