Smosh Mouth Podcast Episode #50 - Our Dads' 1 Year Anniversary

Release Date: June 17, 2024
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shayne), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda)
Guests: Anthony Padilla (Anthony) and Ian Hecox (Ian)
Title: Our Dads' 1 Year Anniversary

1. Introduction: A Special Gathering

The episode kicks off with a humorous exchange about Ian's notably long nails, setting a lighthearted tone for the conversation.

Ian Hecox [00:04]: "My nails are so long right now, I need to cut them."

Shayne Topp [00:07]: "Oh, my God. Holy shit, Ian."

This marks the first time both Anthony and Ian join the podcast together, creating a unique dynamic for the anniversary celebration.

2. Reflections on Reuniting: Anthony’s Return

The hosts delve into the significance of Anthony Padilla’s return to Smosh and its impact over the past year.

Shayne Topp [02:36]: "It's been about a year since Anthony came back. And we've started on this whole new journey."

Ian Hecox [02:56]: "It's been a whirlwind of a ride... the audience showed up in a huge way."

The return has not only revitalized the team but has also led to consistent success, contrasting past roller-coaster experiences with steady growth and positive audience engagement.

3. Embracing Creativity: Freedom and Risk-Taking

A major theme discussed is the newfound creative freedom within Smosh, allowing the team to experiment and take risks without the constraints previously faced.

Anthony Padilla [06:02]: "There's been a huge explosion in creativity and risk-taking in a really positive way."

Shayne Topp [06:33]: "Back in the day, it felt like if you wanted to make any change, it was like, all right, we're gonna have to go through 15 processes."

This shift has empowered creators to produce more thoughtful and innovative content, leading to the success of projects like Smosh Mouth.

4. Highlighting Favorite Projects: Food Battle and Live Shows

The hosts and guests share their favorite projects from the past year, with Food Battle and recent live shows taking center stage.

Shayne Topp [25:40]: "Food Battle was my favorite of that series."

Anthony Padilla [36:59]: "Food Battle, Pokemon Real Life, and submissive and breedable episodes."

The Food Battle series received particular praise for its creativity and execution, reflecting the team’s ability to blend humor with unique concepts.

5. Evolution of Sketches: From Past to Present

A nostalgic look back at earlier sketches reveals how Smosh has evolved, moving from over-the-top antics to more refined and enjoyable content.

Shayne Topp [21:13]: "When I first joined, like, I was just naked in every sketch."

Ian Hecox [22:04]: "Naked and afraid. Was that the naked."

While earlier content was chaotic and often pushing boundaries, the current era focuses on quality and creativity, resonating better with the audience.

6. The Power of Team Dynamics: Writing and Collaboration

The conversation highlights the improved collaboration between Anthony and Ian, leading to more cohesive and engaging content.

Ian Hecox [34:30]: "I'm more the person to throw out wild ideas, and Anthony is the one to focus it."

Anthony Padilla [34:45]: "We both did what we excel at and focus there so that we could bring our powers together."

This synergy has been pivotal in creating memorable sketches and maintaining the podcast’s momentum.

7. Owning Smosh: Handling Pressure and Leadership

Anthony and Ian discuss the pressures of owning a major content platform and how they navigate leadership roles within Smosh.

Shayne Topp [61:11]: "How has it been feeling to own Smosh? Is there a lot of pressure?"

Anthony Padilla [62:45]: "I felt a lot of pressure for the first six to eight months that I was back... but now I thrive in other ways."

The team emphasizes the importance of trusting the broader team, allowing creativity to flourish while managing responsibilities effectively.

8. Future Aspirations: Dreams for Smosh

Looking ahead, the team shares their aspirations and dreams for the future of Smosh, aiming to continue fostering a fun and engaging environment.

Anthony Padilla [69:49]: "I just really want Smosh to be this place where we can show what fun friendship group dynamics are like..."

Ian Hecox [69:03]: "Marsha's gonna buy the Miss America pageant."

While Anthony focuses on the communal and friendly spirit of Smosh, Ian humorously mentions overseeing major events, reflecting their diverse visions for the platform’s growth.

9. Conclusion: Celebrating Success and Looking Forward

The episode wraps up with expressions of gratitude and optimism for the future, celebrating the milestones achieved over the past year.

Shayne Topp [68:21]: "We accomplished a lot this year."

Anthony Padilla [68:19]: "It feels like it’s been a long time, but also a very short time."

Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the entire Smosh team, the hosts and guests toast to continued success and creative endeavors.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Ian Hecox [02:56]: "It's been a whirlwind of a ride... the audience showed up in a huge way."
• Anthony Padilla [06:02]: "There's been a huge explosion in creativity and risk-taking in a really positive way."
• Shayne Topp [25:40]: "Food Battle was my favorite of that series."
• Anthony Padilla [34:45]: "We both did what we excel at and focus there so that we could bring our powers together."
• Anthony Padilla [62:45]: "I felt a lot of pressure for the first six to eight months that I was back... but now I thrive in other ways."
• Shayne Topp [68:21]: "We accomplished a lot this year."
• Shayne Topp [05:14]: "I'm really grateful that we had Selena also help us."

Final Thoughts

Episode #50 of Smosh Mouth serves as a heartfelt celebration of the past year's achievements and transformations within Smosh. With the reunion of Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox, the podcast has experienced a surge in creativity, team synergy, and audience engagement. The hosts and guests reflect on their journey, highlighting favorite projects, evolving content strategies, and the importance of trusting and empowering their team. As they look forward to future endeavors, the Smosh family remains committed to fostering a fun, innovative, and community-driven environment.