Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #18 - Reading Our Teenage Journals w/ Courtney Miller

Release Date: October 23, 2023
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda)
Special Guest: Courtney Miller

Introduction and Welcome

The episode kicks off with Shane and Amanda warmly welcoming back Courtney Miller, marking her first appearance since the inaugural episode. The trio reflects on how much the podcast, now renamed "Smosh Mouth," has evolved over time.

Shane:
"We've got a sign. And that's about it." [00:35]

Courtney:
"I'm back. I haven't been on since the first episode." [00:38]

Podcast Evolution and Guest Update

Shane and Amanda highlight the significant changes the podcast has undergone, from its name change to incorporating new elements like the show sign. They also humorously discuss their interactions with Anthony, a recurring figure, noting the shift from warm welcomes to playful teasing.

Amanda:
"I was part of every group. I loved theater. I was heavy into my family." [10:03]

Diving into Teenage Journals

The core of the episode revolves around the trio delving into their teenage journals, providing listeners with a raw and unfiltered glimpse into their adolescent minds. Inspired by Courtney's own experiences sharing her middle and high school diaries on the Smosh channel, the hosts express their enthusiasm and slight trepidation about revisiting their past writings.

Shane:
"A large part of that inspiration is because a big thing on the channels over the years is, Courtney, you've brought your high school diary." [02:47]

Courtney:
"It's very vulnerable, so I've completely understood why no one else has done it." [05:40]

Sharing and Reading Journal Entries

The conversation becomes deeply personal as Amanda and Shane begin reading selected entries from their journals. Amanda shares entries detailing her feelings of anger, self-consciousness about her appearance, and the complexities of teenage relationships.

Amanda:
"I wrote about people being mean to people. I wrote about things." [02:54]

One standout entry from Amanda reads:

Amanda:
"May 31, 2003. Hey. I feel so self conscious. Everyone calls me big boobs. It's horrible. I just want to slap them and say, look at me." [37:26]

Shane contributes by reading his own journal entries, which reflect his struggle with self-identity and emotional expression during his teenage years.

Shane:
"February 3rd, 2003. A Monday. You wrote Monday Mondays. Damn, I forgot my black clip again." [29:46]

Reflections on Adolescence and Personal Growth

Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss the transformative nature of their teenage years, touching upon themes like vulnerability, anger, self-awareness, and the quest for identity. They compare their experiences, highlighting differences in how they processed emotions and interacted with peers.

Amanda:
"I was a bleeding heart. Like, I felt every injustice in the world." [11:42]

Courtney:
"I was going through so much pain. Middle school was tough because I was bullied so hard by the people who were supposed to be my friends." [62:55]

Impact of Journaling

The trio emphasizes the therapeutic role journaling played in their lives, offering a safe space to vent, reflect, and understand their emotions. Shane and Amanda express admiration for Courtney's candidness in sharing her diaries, while Courtney appreciates the opportunity to revisit her own past.

Shane:
"The more unhinged it is, the more successful of a journal it is. Because that's the point." [21:00]

Courtney:
"I loved it. It felt good for me when other people read mine." [64:42]

Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Shane, Amanda, and Courtney contemplate the enduring impact of their teenage experiences on their present selves. They express a desire to continue sharing and possibly dramatizing more journal entries in future episodes, inviting listeners to engage and share their thoughts.

Amanda:
"Don't be a poser. Don't be a wicked poser, kid." [65:03]

Shane:
"Make it happen for us." [64:54]

Courtney:
"I would love if you can bring more of these entries and, like, we can maybe do a smash pit theater." [64:47]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shane on Journaling:
  "The more unhinged it is, the more successful of a journal it is. Because that's the point." [21:00]

• Amanda on Emotional Expression:
  "I was a bleeding heart. Like, I felt every injustice in the world." [11:42]

• Courtney on Vulnerability:
  "I was going through so much pain. Middle school was tough because I was bullied so hard by the people who were supposed to be my friends." [62:55]

• Shane Reflecting on Past Entries:
  "When I was a teenager, in a certain way, just like, I was trying so hard to just be like, frick." [46:24]

Final Thoughts

Episode #18 of Smosh Mouth offers an intimate exploration of the hosts' formative years through the lens of their teenage journals. With Courtney Miller's insightful participation, the episode not only entertains but also resonates with listeners who have navigated similar emotional landscapes during their adolescence. By sharing personal anecdotes and reflective thoughts, Shane and Amanda create a compelling narrative that underscores the universal challenges of growing up.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content sections, focusing solely on the meaningful discussions and personal revelations shared by the hosts and their guest.