Two Hot Takes – Ep. 249: Couldn't Leave You Hanging..

Host: Morgan Absher (with co-host Alex)
Date: January 2, 2026

Episode Overview

Morgan Absher and co-host Alex kick off the new year with an “odds and ends” collection of Reddit stories and listener write-ins, bringing their signature hot takes to topics ranging from heartfelt family confessions to intense relationship drama and a truly touching story about community kindness. Originally planning to take the day off, Morgan couldn’t resist sharing these “misfit” stories (and keeping listeners engaged), setting an uplifting and thoughtful tone for 2026. The episode weaves through humor, depth, tragedy, and warmth—closing with an extraordinary feel-good Reddit saga that will move even the hardest hearts.

Key Discussion Points and Stories

1. Opening Reflections & Community Appreciation

(00:00 – 03:55)

• Morgan reflects on the show’s growth and significance for listeners, highlighting comments about how THT has impacted lives as a source of comfort and community.
• She expresses heartfelt thanks to fans, referencing a touching post—“Female 30 How THT changed my life”—that brought her to tears.
• Tone: Sincere, grateful, slightly hungover after celebrating her grandmother’s New Year’s birthday.

Notable Quote:

“I couldn’t leave you hanging on the first of the year.” – Morgan (02:00)

2. Reddit “Confession” – A Lie About Manatees

(03:57 – 16:22)

Story Summary:
A dad admits he’s been pretending for 24 years that manatees are his favorite animal after a white lie to make his 6-year-old son feel good about a mug gift. The “harmless” fib snowballs into a lifetime of manatee-themed presents, culminating in his son booking a trip to Florida to see real manatees for his dad’s 55th birthday.

Discussion Highlights:

• Should you come clean about “harmless” lies after decades?
• Alex argues: “Once you’re in this deep, you just keep it going.”
• Morgan recounts a similar TikTok/Reddit story of a grandma confessing on her deathbed about pretending to love owls.
• Community comments advise: “Take it to the grave.”
• Tangent: Wild casket/costco discussion (yes, Costco really sells caskets and urns; return policy jokes).

Notable Quotes:

“At this point, you’re in too deep. Might as well. What’s the harm?” – Morgan (08:27)
"Take it to the grave." – Alex (10:06)
“The plot twist: Once you see the manatees up close, they will indeed become your favorite animals.” – Reddit commenter, read by Morgan (11:07)

Timestamps:

• Story intro: 03:57
• Casket tangent begins: 13:00

3. AITA – Divorce After Repeated Dangerous Driving

(17:04 – 33:15)

Story Arc:
A multi-part Reddit “Am I The Asshole” (AITA) about a husband whose wife repeatedly endangers their (and her ex’s) children through terrible driving. After numerous accidents, he lays down strict boundaries and eventually files for divorce following another solo crash; later, she tragically dies in an accident caused by unsafe driving with her dog in the back seat.

Discussion Highlights:

• Boundaries, safety, and the difficult reality of putting children first.
• The heartbreak and complexity of mental health (potential undiagnosed ADHD), responsibility, and tragic, preventable loss.
• The “silver lining” that kids were ultimately not in the car.

Notable Quotes:

“At some point, someone’s not getting it… you have to increase the boundaries.” – Alex (21:44)
“She was injured in the last one. Enough to have rehab… then here we are, two months [later], that’s quick. People don’t get in accidents like boom, boom, boom unless you truly are unsafe.” – Alex (25:55)
“If there’s a bad habit you have, maybe it’s the time to address it, because life is short.” – Morgan (32:56)

Timestamps:

• First post read: 17:04
• Second post (divorce/initiation): 24:23
• Final update (tragedy): 28:40

4. AITA – No Sex While Partner’s Family Stays Over

(34:15 – 47:13)

Story Summary:
A woman refuses to have sex with her partner while his family (unexpectedly) stays indefinitely in their home, invading her privacy and upending her life. After the partner’s mother confronts her about “withholding intimacy,” she tells the truth—and the family turns on her. Her partner takes his family’s side.

Discussion Highlights:

• Total lack of respect and boundaries: family moved in without her being asked, mom rearranges house, sister invades privacy.
• The inappropriateness of the partner discussing their sex life with his mother.
• Consensus: Massive red flags, relationship likely “run its course”, and time to “embrace the fire horse energy” (big changes for 2026).

Notable Quotes:

“Mommy, she won’t suck my dick. Mom!” – Morgan (38:13) (mimicking)
“Every flag around here is red.” – Alex (38:53)
“New year, new man.” – Morgan (40:11)
“That’s not just helping, that’s ‘I’m going to make this space mine.’” – Alex (43:18)

Timestamps:

• Story read: 35:30
• Discussion and takedowns: 37:45–44:43

5. Reddit Wholesome Saga – The Tolkien Book Set

(47:13 – 71:59)

Arc:
A barista (not a Tolkien fan herself) lovingly buys her partner what she thinks is a vintage Tolkien box set. She’s crushed to discover it’s missing a book (“The Hobbit”) and the pages are worryingly yellowed. Reddit assures her the set is still special, explains the yellow edges may have been intentional, and a user (“Overhill Underhill”) sends not just the missing book but an entire collection—including a signed Andy Serkis (Gollum) print—for free. The original poster is moved to tears, as is her boyfriend upon receiving the gifts, and the whole story highlights the kindness of online communities.

Discussion Highlights:

• Paying it forward: generosity, fandom culture, small acts of kindness.
• The emotional impact of “Reddit magic” and what it means to be part of a compassionate online space.

Notable Quotes:

“He would not even allow me to pay for shipping… I opened the boxes and I sobbed.” – Original Reddit poster, read by Morgan (61:14)
“This world can always use more kindness. And as Gandalf said: ‘It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay…’” – Overhill Underhill (71:08)
“The story is even cooler, because it makes everything that much more sentimental.” – Alex (63:14)

Timestamps:

• Story intro: 47:13
• Main resolution: 60:39
• Final update: 66:23
• Gandalf quote and wrap-up: 71:08

Memorable Moments & Quotes (Chronological)

• “Take it to the grave.” – Alex, discussing long-running gift lies (10:06)
• “Is this a good way to start the year?” – Morgan, pondering after a tragic story segment (33:13)
• “Mommy, she won’t suck my dick. Mom!” – Morgan, mocking the partner running to his mother (38:13)
• “Red flags… all the flags are red.” – Alex, on the sex + family chaos (38:53)
• “Embrace the fire horse… It’s time for big change.” – Morgan and Alex, on relationship turning points (44:43)
• “He would not even allow me to pay for shipping… I sobbed.” – Reddit user, Tolkien gift story (61:14)
• “It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay…” – Gandalf, quoted by Overhill Underhill (71:08)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------|------------| | Opening & Community Reflection | 00:00–03:55| | Manatee Confession Story | 03:57–16:22| | Reddit AITA – Dangerous Driving/Divorce | 17:04–33:15| | AITA – No Sex w/ Family Over | 34:15–47:13| | The Tolkien Book Story | 47:13–71:59| | Gandalf Quote & Warm Wrap-Up | 71:08–71:59|

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• Tone: Witty, candid, empathetic—balances humor, hard truths, and sentimentality.
• Takeaways:
  • Sometimes “harmless” lies become family legends—choose your hills to die on.
  • Set (and escalate) boundaries when safety and respect are undermined—even if it hurts.
  • Respect, communication, and privacy are foundational in relationships.
  • Online spaces can be a wellspring for unexpected kindness and human connection.
  • Enter 2026 with “fire horse” energy—embrace change, courage, and generosity.

Perfect for listeners who want the full spectrum: laughter, real talk, heartbreak, and hope—all in classic Two Hot Takes style.

(All advertisements, intros, and outros have been skipped; summary focuses strictly on content and discussions.)