Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #43 - "Explaining Our Characters' Backstories"

Release Date: April 22, 2024

In episode #43 of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (Shane) and Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda) delve deep into the origins and backstories of their myriad of characters. This episode offers fans an insightful look into the creative processes behind beloved Smosh personas, exploring inspirations, development challenges, and future aspirations for character-driven content.

1. Introduction to Character Discussions

Shane opens the conversation by highlighting the often-overlooked aspect of their work: character development. He emphasizes the frequency and spontaneity with which characters emerge in their content.

• Shane [00:48]: "We do a lot of them and they randomly pop up or we think about them for a long time and they're just in random spots all over Smosh."

Amanda concurs, noting that many characters are inspired by real-life acquaintances or spontaneous ideas.

• Amanda [01:22]: "Most of them are people that I know, but sometimes they're prompted."

2. Challenges in Timeliness and Relevance

The hosts discuss the logistical challenges of producing timely content, especially juggling podcast episodes alongside other Smosh projects. They express a desire to release episodes more promptly to maintain relevance with current online trends.

• Shane [02:20]: "We're trying really hard to have episodes come out, like, quicker. But it's hard because we're filming these episodes alongside all of our other content."

3. Exploring Specific Characters

a. The Bystander

Shane introduces "The Bystander," a character born spontaneously during a silent bit meant to be brief but evolving into a recurring persona due to positive reactions.

• Shane [09:58]: "He just continues to be a guy with a coffee cup just standing there."

Amanda highlights how fan interactions further enrich the character’s depth.

• Amanda [10:58]: "It's so fun, because I feel like those are characters created in TNTL."

b. Sarah Christ (Wet Cop)

Amanda discusses her favorite character, Sarah Christ, a female detective with a gritty backstory inspired by television portrayals of tough female leads. She elaborates on the character's habits and personal struggles, adding layers beyond mere appearances.

• Amanda [18:02]: "Sarah Christ is attached to my favorite thing in the world, which is female detectives on TV."

c. Aunt Carolyn

Shane delves into Aunt Carolyn, a character amalgamated from various family women, embodying traits like being blunt and unfiltered. He aims to make her endearing despite her abrasive demeanor.

• Shane [23:38]: "Aunt Carolyn is truly based on just almost every woman in my family combined."

d. Bryce Cryson

Shane reflects on Bryce Cryson, a "fuckboy" character he's struggled to portray without making him entirely unlikable. He aims to add depth and likability despite Bryce's flawed nature.

• Shane [32:39]: "He's just a stupid guy. He thinks he's really hot."

4. The Creative Process and Inspiration Sources

Both hosts share their creative methodologies, often drawing inspiration from real-life observations, fan interactions, and media consumption. Amanda mentions how watching shows like "Homicide New York" fuels her character ideas, while Shane discusses blending personal traits with exaggerated characteristics to craft memorable personas.

• Amanda [57:48]: "Sometimes they live and die in the place. And that's okay."

• Shane [61:15]: "I need to think of a new voice that I can do, because that is tough."

5. Incorporating Fan Feedback and Future Plans

Shane and Amanda express enthusiasm for involving fans in their character development process. They propose ideas like a "darts league" where characters compete, fostering ongoing engagement and continuous character evolution.

• Shane [47:53]: "We could just straight up do a Teletubbies reunion on this podcast, probably."

• Amanda [66:11]: "Tell us the type of vibe, type of POV. Yeah, then we'll try to do it."

6. Reflections on Original Characters in Modern Content

The hosts lament the decline in original character creation in contemporary media, contrasting it with past trends where unique characters were more celebrated and integral to content success. They advocate for the preservation and continued creation of original characters within Smosh to maintain their unique brand identity.

• Shane [64:55]: "I think Smosh is honestly this weird little place where it's happening online."

• Amanda [65:23]: "That's why we cannot let it die. We have to keep."

7. Conclusion and Audience Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, Shane and Amanda encourage listeners to suggest new character ideas, fostering a collaborative environment where fan input directly influences future Smosh content. They envision episodes entirely dedicated to character performances, further enriching the Smosh universe.

• Shane [65:49]: "Thank you guys for listening and watching. Comment down below. Yeah, what pairs you'd want to see on here and other characters you think we could do?"

• Amanda [66:27]: "We have to keep the fire burning."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shane [00:48]: "We do a lot of them and they randomly pop up or we think about them for a long time and they're just in random spots all over Smosh."

• Amanda [01:22]: "Most of them are people that I know, but sometimes they're prompted."

• Shane [09:58]: "He just continues to be a guy with a coffee cup just standing there."

• Amanda [18:02]: "Sarah Christ is attached to my favorite thing in the world, which is female detectives on TV."

• Shane [23:38]: "Aunt Carolyn is truly based on just almost every woman in my family combined."

• Shane [32:39]: "He's just a stupid guy. He thinks he's really hot."

• Shane [47:53]: "We could just straight up do a Teletubbies reunion on this podcast, probably."

• Amanda [66:11]: "Tell us the type of vibe, type of POV. Yeah, then we'll try to do it."

• Shane [64:55]: "I think Smosh is honestly this weird little place where it's happening online."

• Amanda [65:23]: "That's why we cannot let it die. We have to keep."

• Shane [65:49]: "Thank you guys for listening and watching. Comment down below. Yeah, what pairs you'd want to see on here and other characters you think we could do?"

• Amanda [66:27]: "We have to keep the fire burning."

Conclusion

Episode #43 of Smosh Mouth serves as a rich exploration of the characters that breathe life into Smosh's diverse content. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Shane and Amanda offer listeners an intimate glimpse into their creative journeys, the challenges of character development, and their unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and original character lineup. This episode not only celebrates the characters themselves but also invites fans to partake in the ongoing evolution of the Smosh universe.