Two Hot Takes – "That's Not Funny..." ft. Hannah Berner
December 4, 2025
Host: Morgan Absher | Guest: Hannah Berner
Episode Overview
In this vibrant and honest episode, host Morgan Absher is joined by comedian and podcast host Hannah Berner. Together, they sift through wild Reddit stories, listener write-ins, and relationship topics. With their trademark humor and empathy, they share hot takes on everything from “parrot love triangles” to the misery of problematic in-laws and partners under pressure. The episode's main theme revolves around boundaries, self-worth, and recognizing when a relationship or dynamic isn’t serving you—even when the truth is messy or “not funny.”
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Joy in the Little Things & Christmas Spirit
[03:18 – 08:45]
- Morgan and Hannah banter about getting joy from everyday moments (perfect iced coffee, funny texts).
- They discuss being more excited about “fandoms” and dive into TV/book recommendations.
- Lighthearted riffing on morning routines, TV obsessions, and how embracing simple pleasures can be transformative.
“As I get older, I realize it's the little things. I get so jealous of people who can get so much joy from little things.” – Hannah [05:13]
2. Reddit Story: The Parrot Next Door
[10:10 – 19:38]
Story: A resident accidentally gets into a “long-distance relationship” with their neighbor’s lonely parrot after mimicking its squawks through the wall.
- Discussion of boundaries and unintended connections with pets.
- The power of accidental “pet romance” and how neighbors can affect each other’s lives.
- Touches on handling neighbor disputes, pet loneliness, and animal intelligence.
“It is hard with animals... but having a parrot as a pet—you're gonna have so many weird problems.” – Hannah [14:27]
- Light debate about who should take responsibility for problematic pets and suggestions for using pet technology (Furbo, pet psychic).
- Morgan tells stories about peculiar animal behavior and pet psychics.
"Polly wants a nude, not a cracker." – Morgan, joking about sexting parrots [12:44]
3. AITA: Wife Introduces Husband by First Name at Bar
[20:10 – 25:45] Story: Man feels neglected when his wife, in the presence of her dad, introduces him by name and not as “husband” while chatting with an attractive stranger at a bar.
- Both agree the wife was low-key “flirting” and seeking attention, but the husband’s acute observation is also unusual.
- Nuanced take on intent, boundaries, jealousy, and the meaning behind introductions.
“Mama was flirting... She did it with her dad there and her husband there as well. But I think she just wanted to, like, feel like she had some attention for a while.” – Hannah [21:54]
4. When In-Laws Are Toxic (And Racist): The Push Toward Divorce
[27:19 – 41:03] Story: Woman realizes her husband’s matriarchal, xenophobic family may be a root cause of her marital unhappiness, especially as her husband refuses to defend her or set boundaries.
- Hannah jokes about “strategically marrying an orphan” to avoid in-law drama, but the tone turns somber as the “passive-aggressive jokes” and gaslighting are revealed to be genuinely oppressive and racist.
- Both agree the situation is irredeemable when a spouse consistently refuses to support their partner.
“This sounds racist. This sounds like there's radicalization happening. This sounds oppressive. And the fact that he's a hundred percent supporting and gaslighting her and supporting the family... I'm divorcing.” – Hannah [32:54]
- Morgan and Hannah riff on “boy moms,” inappropriate familial enmeshment, and the impossibility of being happy in a family that refuses inclusion.
- Discussion on the wisdom (or folly) of long-distance pandemic marriages and red flags for toxic family cultures.
“You're not in the grave yet. There's still time.” – Morgan on divorcing at 30 [37:05]
- OP’s follow-up appears later with a detailed, cathartic update (see below).
5. UPDATE: Leaving a Controlling, Enmeshed Marriage
[42:10 – 49:23]
A month later, OP returns to share she’s left her husband after boundary violations, emotional manipulation, his refusal to defend her, and his growing attempts at control.
- Emotional realization: "My care had become another tool for control."
- The mother-in-law remains over-involved; husband attempts last-ditch emotional appeals and guilt.
- OP’s clarity: “Love isn’t enough when the relationship requires you to shrink just to keep the peace.”
"I'm so happy for her... She clocked him, man." – Hannah [49:23]
6. AITA: Not Attracted to My Husband After Childbirth
[58:06 – 87:09]
Story: A new mother feels alienated and “turned off” from her husband after childbirth. Her spouse caves to family pressure to find a better-paying job, leaving her alone, unsupported, and overwhelmed with their newborn.
- Hannah takes an unusually optimistic view, noting the husband’s early support suggests potential for change.
- But the panel dives deep into “the mental load,” emotional labor, and “default parent” exhaustion.
- Lays out the critical difference between ‘value’ in relationships—beyond money, it’s about presence, communication, and making life easier, not harder.
“You don't have to make a lot of money... Value is effort, communication, being seen, being present, making your partner’s life better, not harder.” – Hannah [73:04]
- Morgan and Hannah discuss the logistics of household management, the necessity of explicit delegation, and how new parenthood stress tests marriages.
- Advice: Clarify roles, communicate needs, and recognize that attraction ebbs with resentment and exhaustion.
7. r/RelationshipAdvice: Are We Dating the Same Guy?
[89:12 – 100:41]
Story: A woman discovers her boyfriend is featured on a “Are We Dating the Same Guy?”-type page; after anonymous sleuthing and confrontation, he’s defensive and evasive.
- Discussion about women’s “witchy” intuition and inevitability of cheating coming to light.
- Both agree: The relationship is over and the boyfriend’s behavior is “sinister,” especially after new revelations:
- He was hosting other women in their apartment
- Gaslighting and blaming OP for his cheating
- Invading privacy by going through her phone and saved passwords
“I hate this man. I've had a day. I can't with this man. Slamming doors, sir. Grow up. Grow up.” – Hannah [92:19]
- The episode offers a strong “closure comes from you” message: Leave, don’t wait for confession or apology.
8. My Girlfriend Only Befriends "Less Attractive" Women
[103:01 – 113:52]
Story: A man’s girlfriend openly admits she exclusively befriends women she considers “less attractive” to look better by comparison (with explicit and cruel reasoning).
- The hosts are appalled; label this deeply insecure, “low vibrational,” and emotionally stunted behavior.
- Discussion on how confidence, not comparison, is the true mark of “high value,” and friendship should be about more than optics.
- Emphasis on cutting out “energy vampires” and actively choosing healthy, affirming relationships.
“You hate yourself and you have to hang out with people you deem unlovable for you to be loved.” – Hannah [107:40]
Notable Quotes and Moments
- “Polly wants a nude, not a cracker.” – Morgan on the parrot story [12:44]
- “I married a man whose parents are dead and I did it strategically so I didn’t have to deal with this.” – Hannah, joking about in-law avoidance [31:48]
- “You want a kind, empathetic man... someone who makes your life easier, not harder.” – Hannah [67:55]
- “Closure is when they don’t affect you anymore. ... That’s my closure, where it’s like, I’m not rooting against them, I’m not rooting for them. I actually just feel nothing for them.” – Hannah [94:40]
- “You need friends who call you out.” – Hannah [112:16]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 03:18 – 08:45: Light talk—joy in the mundane, Christmas spirit, TV/books
- 10:10 – 19:38: Parrot affection saga—pet boundaries, neighbor drama
- 20:10 – 25:45: Husband not introduced at bar—jealousy, signals, relationship etiquette
- 27:19 – 41:03: Toxic/racist in-laws—signs, self-preservation, Reddit advice
- 42:10 – 49:23: Divorce update—emotional manipulation, breaking free
- 58:06 – 87:09: Postpartum marriage struggle—mental load, value in relationships, communication
- 89:12 – 100:41: “Are We Dating the Same Guy?”—infidelity, closure
- 103:01 – 113:52: Befriending “less attractive” women—self-esteem, what real value means
Tone & Delivery
Morgan and Hannah maintain a candid, comedic, and deeply empathetic tone throughout. They’re unafraid to call out toxic patterns, push for self-worth, and celebrate when someone escapes a controlling or unhealthy relationship. The humor is sharp but never at the expense of real pain; the overall atmosphere is supportive, honest, and ultimately empowering.
Takeaway Lessons
- Recognize when a relationship—romantic, familial, or platonic—is making you shrink, not thrive.
- Communication and presence are the real “value” in a partner, not just their ability to earn or provide.
- It’s never too late to leave a situation where you’re not respected or recognized.
- Choose friendships and relationships with people who lift you up—not who use you as a comparison.
Episode End
The episode ends with laughs, talk of energy vampires vs. “high vibrational” women, Hannah plugging her comedy tour and special, and Morgan teasing more content for listeners. As always, their blend of humor, hot takes, and heartfelt advice leaves listeners with more than a few things to ponder in their own relationships.