Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #39 - "Does Sarah Miss Smosh?" Featuring Sarah Whittle

Release Date: March 25, 2024

In the 39th episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto welcome back their former colleague and friend, Sarah Whittle, for an engaging and heartfelt conversation about her time with Smosh, her personal experiences, and her perspectives on the current state of the channel. This episode delves deep into Sarah's journey, her creative endeavors, and the dynamics within the Smosh community.

1. Welcome and Reunion

[00:02] Shayne: "Welcome back to Smosh Mouth. I'm Shane."

[00:04] Amanda: "And I'm Amanda. And we have a very special guest with us today, Sarah Whittle."

The episode kicks off with Shayne and Amanda expressing their excitement about having Sarah back. Their playful banter sets a warm and inviting tone for the discussion.

2. Sarah's Journey with Smosh

Sarah provides a comprehensive overview of her tenure with Smosh, highlighting her roles and the reasons behind her departures.

[01:08] Sarah: "Yes. Yeah. For people who don't have any idea who I am or maybe you forgot. That's totally okay. But, yeah, I worked... eventually became, like, head of All Unscripted."

She recounts her initial involvement starting in 2015 with the Smosh Pit channel, ascending to significant leadership positions, and eventually leaving in 2021 to pursue opportunities in Colorado. Her return coincides with Smosh's acquisition by Mythical Entertainment, marking a new chapter for the channel.

3. Impact of Her Departure and Return

Shayne reflects on Sarah's absence and its timing related to Smosh's operational changes.

[02:04] Shayne: "What if had you stayed, Defy wouldn't have shut down."

Sarah acknowledges her strategic departure, hinting at the broader circumstances affecting Smosh's trajectory during that period.

[03:03] Sarah: "I've been following Amanda for, like, since 2015. When I first moved to Los Angeles... I'd fangirl."

Their discussion touches on the camaraderie and professional relationships within Smosh, emphasizing the mutual respect and admiration among the team members.

4. Favorite Smosh Moments and Projects

Sarah reminisces about standout projects and personal highlights during her time with Smosh.

[04:12] Sarah: "The fortune teller at the funeral... I was crying happy tears. I was so proud of you guys."

She praises various Smosh initiatives, particularly the Fortune Teller at the Funeral episode and Angela and Chance's musical, highlighting their creativity and emotional impact.

[06:12] Sarah: "From the viewer's perspective, everything looks the same... but there's a little more space."

Sarah discusses the evolution of Smosh's sets and production quality, reflecting on the balance between maintaining brand consistency and allowing for creative growth.

5. Creative Processes and Content Evolution

The conversation delves into the creative minds behind Smosh's content, exploring the development of recurring segments and character-driven sketches.

[07:09] Sarah: "Trivia Bidet... it's my favorite thing I've ever created."

She shares insights into the creation of Trivia Bidet, a high-stakes spelling game with humorous punishments, and discusses the challenges and joys of developing engaging content.

[26:07] Sarah: "Do you wanna... I think it'd be pretty funny. Maybe."

Shayne attributes the creation of The Chosen character to collaborative improvisation, underscoring Sarah's pivotal role in fostering a dynamic and inventive environment.

6. Personal Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Sarah, Shayne, and Amanda share amusing and relatable stories from their time working together, offering listeners a glimpse into the lighter side of Smosh.

[13:42] Shane: "We stopped smelling bikini wax anymore..."

They reminisce about past content creation experiences, such as the Funeral Roast episodes, highlighting the chemistry and spontaneity that defined their collaborations.

[35:05] Sarah: "Really like, you know, you gotta know the person..."

A humorous exchange ensues about personal quirks and habits, showcasing the camaraderie and playful teasing among the hosts.

7. Life After Smosh and Creative Pursuits

Sarah discusses her ventures post-Smosh, including her active presence on TikTok and her passion for creative projects like sewing and hair styling.

[56:07] Sarah: "I love sewing my crazy little outfits and stuff... push myself through."

She emphasizes the importance of balancing online content creation with offline artistic pursuits, advocating for creativity beyond digital platforms to avoid burnout and maintain personal well-being.

[57:09] Amanda: "We should go off and kind of fuck it up and mess up doing something else."

Amanda echoes Sarah's sentiment, encouraging embracing imperfections and exploring diverse creative outlets to foster growth and innovation.

8. Future Plans and Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts share their aspirations and playful predictions for future Smosh endeavors.

[65:18] Sarah: "I think the advice is such a good partner."

[66:10] Amanda: "And how do you think the vibe would be if I, like, swore up and down that I was not short?"

They engage in light-hearted banter about potential content ideas, character developments, and personal goals, reinforcing their strong bond and collective vision for Smosh's continued success.

[68:07] Sarah: "Back on each other's arms."

The episode concludes with heartfelt expressions of appreciation and the reaffirmation of enduring friendships, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and anticipation for future collaborations.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Sarah Whittle's Integral Role: Sarah's contributions to Smosh were pivotal, particularly in shaping creative content and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Evolution of Smosh: The channel has undergone significant transformations, balancing nostalgic elements with innovative content to stay relevant and engaging.

• Personal Growth and Creativity: The hosts emphasize the importance of personal artistic pursuits beyond digital content creation to maintain passion and prevent burnout.

• Strong Team Dynamics: The enduring friendships and mutual respect among Shayne, Amanda, and Sarah highlight the collaborative spirit that drives Smosh's success.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Whittle at 04:12: "The fortune teller at the funeral... I was so proud of you guys."

• Shayne at 02:04: "What if had you stayed, Defy wouldn't have shut down."

• Amanda at 35:28: "Here's the thing. No, but it."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's emotional depth, the strategic decisions impacting Smosh, and the playful interactions that define the group's dynamic.

Conclusion

Episode #39 of Smosh Mouth offers a rich and intimate exploration of Sarah Whittle's relationship with Smosh, her creative journey, and the vibrant dynamics within the team. Through candid conversations and shared memories, listeners gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of a beloved digital content powerhouse. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Smosh, this episode provides an engaging and comprehensive look into the heart and soul of the channel.