Two Hot Takes - Episode 260: "True Colors Came Out!" Ft. DJ X (Xavier Jernigan)

Released: March 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively and insightful episode, host Morgan Absher welcomes Xavier Jernigan, widely known as DJ X—the real human voice and soul behind Spotify's AI DJ. With a reputation for empathy, warmth, and an impressive resume in music, culture, and broadcasting, DJ X joins Morgan to deliver candid takes on wild Reddit tales and listener submissions about relationships, etiquette, and personal boundaries. Their candid, humorous, and heartfelt discussions highlight true colors—be it in friends, partners, or even one's family—when people are tested or under pressure.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Parasocial Effect & DJ X's Rise to Fame (01:36–08:50)

• DJ X recounts his journey from Spotify’s human editorial curation to being called "the Voice of Spotify" and eventually the widely-recognized AI DJ.
• He shares what it's like to be recognized for his voice:

  “Every time you press that button, I’m a part of your life. You’re inviting me in.” (03:30, DJ X)

• Morgan and DJ X discuss the intimacy and uniqueness of audio celebrity, emphasizing how listeners feel personally connected to them.
• DJ X shares impressive stats about the AI DJ:

  “90 million people have engaged with AI DJ driving 4 billion hours of listening.” (04:02, DJ X)

• On self-care and burnout: DJ X stresses the importance of maintaining balance after “two years, 400 episodes” of a daily morning show that left him sleep-deprived (09:13–10:01).

  “It took me a year and a half to not be sleep deprived after I left the show.” (09:51, DJ X)

• Empathy, kindness, and being “a light outside of church” are central to his ethos.

2. Reddit Story #1: "Am I the Jerk for Walking Out After My Girlfriend Tested Me?" (13:00–21:27)

Situation: A man’s girlfriend arranges for a friend to flirt with him at dinner to "test" his loyalty. He passes, but is humiliated and walks out.

DJ X’s Take (14:16–20:00)

• Testing in relationships is "childish" and "unnecessary":

  “What are we, in high school? Even in high school I wouldn’t like that.” (16:22, DJ X)

• Walking out mid-date is “jerkish” if it leaves your partner stranded; safety and “common respect” matter.

  “Even if the date is terrible, I’m seeing you home.” (16:40, DJ X)

• Feelings are valid, but expression matters:

  “Your perspective may be the most important in your world. Doesn’t mean it’s the most important in the world.” (17:41, DJ X)

Morgan’s Insight: Relationship “tests” signal deep trust issues and should be a red flag. Instead of games, open communication and respect should be the basis.

Memorable Moment

• DJ X and Morgan riff on declining dating etiquette, wishing for a return to basics like “making sure your date gets in the door” — and Morgan jokes about teens “tuck and roll"-ing out of cars now (19:04).

3. Reddit Story #2: "Would I Be the Asshole for Suing My Friend Who Skipped My Wedding?" (22:00–30:49)

Situation: OP flies a longtime friend to a lavish Bali wedding, only for the friend to use it as a personal vacation and skip the event.

Key Points

• Both Morgan & DJ X agree this is a profound betrayal—“Get your money. That was crazy.” (23:41, DJ X)
• The friend’s action is dubbed “incredibly generous” of OP, while Gemma’s behavior is “out of control.” (25:23)
• But: DJ X notes the potential legal issue: since travel was given as a gift (with video evidence of the reveal), a lawsuit likely won't succeed:

  “Judge Judy would say it was a gift... you’re not going to win, but the energy around suing her, I’m all for.” (27:39)

• Realization: some friendships aren’t worth the investment, and breakups with friends can be as painful as with romantic partners.

Personal Anecdote

• Both hosts recount stories of friends ghosting in tough times; Xavier’s tale of a friend disappearing during his family’s crisis is particularly poignant (33:08–35:35).

  “He never actually explained... There wasn’t a reason.” (35:39, DJ X)

• Main lesson: “When a person shows you they’re not your friend, you gotta listen, as painful as that may be.” (30:49)

4. Reddit Story #3: "Am I Overreacting? Rethinking My Engagement After She Ignored Me While I Was Sick" (37:35–50:57)

Situation: OP, just back from travel, is bedridden, severely ill, and asks his fiancée to get medicine—she delays for five hours to socialize instead.

DJ X’s Take (40:19–50:57)

• “I wouldn’t marry this person. The beauty here is she’s showing you who she really is.” (41:21)
• Morgan highlights that marriage vows include “in sickness and in health”—and the story proves the partner is not up for that.
• The co-hosts explore both the “man cold” trope and the seriousness of truly failing to care for an ill partner.
• DJ X explains: “We never know what life will throw at us...If I don’t feel like the person can hold me down when I can’t, I can’t marry her.” (50:56)
• Both agree: some things are dealbreakers, and it’s better to find out now than after a wedding.

5. Reddit Story #4: "I Just Heard What My Partner’s Family Really Thought About Me" (57:10–72:21)

Situation: OP’s partner listens to secretly recorded family conversations—OP overhears the family making classist, cruel remarks about her and her child.

Key Points

• Both hosts react with shock at the family’s audacity and repetition of classist, demeaning comments:

  “They don’t like you... genuinely. They don’t like anything about her.” (64:21, DJ X)

• Morgan and DJ X question how a partner can defend or “sweep under the rug” such behavior.
• DJ X stresses: “We gotta be careful what we say about our partners to our families...A lot of that could’ve been based on stuff [the partner] said.” (67:17)
• If the partner 'gets off' on her family not liking OP, “you gotta go.” (68:38)
• Advice: Seek therapy to process the pain, and don’t settle for a relationship where your partner’s family is cruel and your partner doesn’t stand up for you.

  “You can do bad all by yourself. This ain’t it.” (71:53, DJ X)

6. Reddit Story #5: "Boyfriend Won't Go to Secretive Family Initiation Party" (72:24–87:37)

Situation: OP’s family has a secretive tradition: for 40 years, significant others attend odd “initiation” parties alone, with strict rules (four events max before it’s the other partner’s turn; over 40s not allowed). After three months of dating, OP’s boyfriend refuses to attend.

Highlights

• The hosts find the tradition bizarre and cult-like:

  “It gives cult...vampire vibes...your partner may never be seen again!” (76:11, 76:07, DJ X)

• They reference horror movies ("Get Out," "Hide and Seek," "Midsommar") to illustrate just how off-putting the set-up is.
• Morgan: "Why do people have to be exclusive instead of inclusive?"
• Host consensus: Hard pass. “If there’s no guarantee you’re coming back alive, I can’t do it.” (86:26)
• Listeners in Switzerland are invited to comment if they know of similar traditions.

7. FUN STORY: "I Met Dolly Parton, and She Farted In Front of Me" (90:25–96:15)

Situation: A fan's lighthearted tale of meeting Dolly Parton at a signing where she, very humanly, farted and cracked a series of jokes about it.

Notable Quotes:

• Dolly:

  “Sorry, I was holding that in the whole show...What’s the matter, can’t handle a little Tennessee Thunder?...I’ll make sure it’s in the key of G next time.”

• Morgan and DJ X agree that meeting one’s heroes can be risky, but sometimes it’s magical—Dolly Parton “delivered.”

On Meeting Fans:

• Both hosts share that their fans recognize them by voice; DJ X is frequently asked for a hug or a quick intro for someone’s playlist.

  “Say what’s up! And this is what I do—I never take on the attitude that I’m too cool to say hi to someone who’s created something I appreciate.” (99:04, DJ X)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Real Friendship:

  “When a person shows you or tells you they’re not your friend, you gotta listen...Otherwise, you just extend you getting hurt.” (30:49, DJ X)

• On Boundaries:

  “Feelings are valid. Doesn’t mean your feelings are always right.” (17:41, DJ X)

• On Relationship Red Flags:

  “Some things are irreparable. I can’t unring the bell.” (63:45, Morgan)

• On Judgmental Families:

  “I’ve never in my life had the thought pass through my mind that someone’s beneath me. The concept is so crazy.” (69:55, DJ X)

• On Fan Encounters:

  “If you see me, say hi! Don’t be weird, but say hi.” (96:01, DJ X)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------|-------------| | Intro/Ads End | 01:36 | | DJ X’s Spotify journey | 01:36–08:50 | | Dangers of burnout/self-care | 09:00–10:29 | | Reddit Story 1: Testing Partner | 13:00–21:27 | | Reddit Story 2: Wedding Betrayal | 22:00–30:49 | | Friendship lessons | 30:49–35:39 | | Reddit Story 3: Sick & Ignored | 37:35–50:57 | | Reddit Story 4: Family Hearsay | 57:10–72:21 | | Reddit Story 5: Cult Initiation | 72:24–87:37 | | Dolly Parton Fart Story | 90:25–96:15 | | Meeting fans/parasociality | 94:24–99:20 | | Reflection & Gratitude | 100:07–103:32 |

Listener Interactivity

• Polls & Comments: Morgan and DJ X repeatedly urge listeners to share their own experiences and vote in Spotify’s polls, especially on topics like relationship “tests,” family drama, and meeting celebrities.
• Global Reach: OPs and listeners from Switzerland and other countries are encouraged to weigh in on cultural traditions discussed.

Tone & Energy

This episode balances humor, empathy, honesty, and a friendly “real talk” approach. Morgan and DJ X foster a safe space for hot takes, thoughtful debate, and mutual support, making it engaging for fans and newcomers alike.

If you missed this episode, here’s what you need to know: Expect enlightening stories, true friend/partner tests, facepalms at wild Reddit drama, reflection on what healthy respect looks like—in partnerships, friendships, and self-worth—and an unforgettable anecdote about Dolly Parton's "Tennessee Thunder."

Don’t forget: “When people show you who they are, believe them.” And—as Morgan and DJ X say—always say hi if you see them in public!