Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth #67 - The Scariest Stories From The Internet

Introduction

In episode #67 of Smosh Mouth, released on October 21, 2024, hosts Shayne Topp (Shane) and Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda), along with a rotating Smosh friend, delve into the chilling world of creepypastas. As Halloween approaches, the duo reflects on the spine-tingling tales that have captivated internet audiences over the years. The episode is dedicated to exploring some of the scariest stories circulating online, blending personal insights with detailed narrations of renowned creepypastas.

Understanding Creepypastas

Shane opens the discussion by defining creepypastas as modern internet folklore, highlighting their anonymous origins and the difficulty in tracing their creators. He states, “What I think makes creepypastas often scary is that a lot of times it's hard to trace back who wrote them” [01:00]. Amanda concurs, emphasizing the power of these stories to inspire real-life actions, noting, “people literally do things in real life created on those creepypastas and those monsters” [01:42]. The hosts agree that creepypastas resonate with audiences because they blend a semblance of truth with imaginative horror, making them relatable and deeply unsettling.

Trigger Warning and Story Selection

Shane responsibly issues a trigger warning before diving into the stories, acknowledging the intense and uncomfortable themes that some listeners might encounter. He mentions, “I should have said this at the top… these are pretty scary stories. Some very scary topics and uncomfortable themes” [03:50]. Amanda supports this by assuring listeners there are lighter episodes available for those who prefer less intense content [04:20].

Featured Creepypastas

1. Distorted Warning Signals

   The first story Shane shares is "Distorted Warning Signals" by Ashley Rose Wellman [04:36]. It narrates the harrowing experience of receiving cryptic phone calls warning the protagonist against specific actions, such as boarding a plane. Despite the protagonist heeding the warnings and avoiding a fatal crash, subsequent calls continue, predicting other disasters. The story culminates ambiguously, leaving listeners to ponder the fate of the protagonist.

   Amanda reacts strongly to the unsettling ending, exclaiming, “She's home after dinner tonight” [08:34], expressing her desire for a more definitive conclusion. Shane appreciates the story’s open-endedness, highlighting its resemblance to Final Destination [09:25].

2. Smile Dog (Smile.jpg)

   Next, Shane narrates the infamous "Smile Dog" creepypasta, a tale about an elusive image called Smile.jpg that induces severe psychological distress and compels viewers to spread the image to escape its curse [22:05]. The story features Mary E., who becomes haunted by the image and ultimately meets a tragic end after attempting to confront the curse.

   As Shane reads, Amanda becomes visibly disturbed, particularly when the story mentions the cursed image’s manipulative power: “Do not click the link in the description below” [34:04]. The hosts discuss the parallels between Smile Dog and modern horror films like Smile, pondering the influence of such stories on contemporary media.

3. The Lost Episode of The Simpsons

   The trio explores a fictional account of a lost episode of The Simpsons titled "Dead Bart," detailing Bart Simpson's tragic demise and the eerie aftermath within the Springfield community [37:35]. This story plays on the nostalgia and beloved status of the show, twisting it into a dark narrative that leaves both characters and fans in mourning.

   Amanda humorously critiques Bart’s reckless actions, saying, “But, like, you're an idiot. You smashed a window in an airplane” [42:24], while Shane reflects on the unsettling nature of a beloved character's untimely death [42:23].

4. The Rake

   The final story discussed is "The Rake," a monster creepypasta originating in 2009. Shane reads a series of accounts detailing encounters with the Rake, a disturbing creature that instills intense fear and chaos in its victims [43:42]. The narrative includes historical logs and personal testimonies, culminating in a harrowing tale of loss and supernatural terror.

   Amanda expresses her fear of the Rake’s relentless presence, particularly the idea of something lurking under her bed [51:39]. Shane emphasizes the enduring nature of such monsters in folklore, noting, “there’s always something so creepy about, like, children’s imaginations” [50:22].

Host Reactions and Discussions

Throughout the episode, Shane and Amanda share their personal reactions to the stories. They discuss the psychological impact of storytelling, the allure of monsters in representing real-world fears, and the fine line between entertainment and genuine dread.

Shane remarks on his preference for eerie and mysterious horror, stating, “But there’s an element of unknown… It’s easier to digest. There’s an element of unknowns” [56:36]. Amanda contrasts this with her discomfort towards true crime, finding it more distressing because it involves real lives and suffering [55:17].

Future Episodes and Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, the hosts express their enthusiasm for continuing to explore creepypastas and other horror-related content. They encourage listeners to share their favorite creepypastas and hint at future episodes featuring real ghost stories based on personal experiences within the Smosh community.

Shane invites audience interaction, saying, “please comment down below your favorite creepypastas, because we'll do this again” [58:05]. Amanda wraps up with a lighthearted scare, reinforcing the trigger warning about Smile.jpg [58:34].

Notable Quotes

• Shane on the anonymity of creepypastas: “What I think makes creepypastas often scary is that a lot of times it's hard to trace back who wrote them” [01:00].
• Amanda on real-life implications: “people literally do things in real life created on those creepypastas and those monsters” [01:42].
• Trigger warning by Shane: “these are pretty scary stories. Some very scary topics and uncomfortable themes” [03:50].
• Amanda reacting to ambiguous ending: “She's home after dinner tonight” [08:34].
• Shane about Smile.jpg’s influence: “Smile JPEG will be linked in the description below. Because we're just spreading the word” [34:04].
• Amanda’s fear of the Rake: “There’s nothing scarier to me than feeling like the blankets are getting, like, ripped off of me or there's something beneath my feet” [51:39].
• Shane on the allure of unknown horror: “But what’s creepy to me about monsters is it’s like, no, we're talking about one singular thing that could be out” [51:12].

Conclusion

Episode #67 of Smosh Mouth successfully immerses listeners in the eerie and captivating world of creepypastas. Through detailed storytelling and engaging discussions, Shane and Amanda offer both an exploration of famous internet horror tales and their personal reflections on what makes these stories so hauntingly effective. The episode balances spine-chilling narratives with thoughtful commentary, making it a must-listen for horror enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.