Smosh Mouth Episode #67: The Scariest Stories From The Internet – Summary

Release Date: October 21, 2024
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane) and Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda)

Introduction to the Annual Creepypasta Episode

Timestamp: 01:03

Shayne and Amanda kick off their annual Creepypasta episode, expressing excitement for the Halloween season. They delve into the world of internet-originated horror stories known as creepypastas, discussing what sets them apart from traditional ghost stories and classic horror narratives.

Understanding Creepypastas

Timestamp: 01:16 – 02:55

Shayne explains that creepypastas are modern internet folklore, often created anonymously on message boards. This anonymity contributes to their eerie nature, as the origins and authors remain obscure. Amanda adds that these stories tap into deep-seated fears, blending elements of truth and fiction to create compelling and unsettling tales. They highlight how creepypastas like Slender Man have transcended the internet to influence real-life events, showcasing the powerful impact of these digital myths.

First Story: "Distorted Warning Signals" by Ashley Rose Wellman

Timestamp: 05:19 – 10:17

Summary: "Distorted Warning Signals" narrates the chilling experiences of an individual receiving mysterious phone calls warning them about impending disasters. Each call, delivered by a distorted female voice, predicts tragedies like plane crashes and deadly accidents. Despite attempts to trace these calls, no evidence is found, leaving the protagonist in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety. The story culminates with a final, ominous call warning them to "do not come home after dinner tonight," leaving the outcome unresolved and deeply unsettling.

Notable Quote: Shayne reads the protagonist’s final realization: “Something’s coming for me, but there was always this fractured, warped voice with these calls that never seemed to exist after I heard them.”
— [09:31]

Second Story: The Tale of the Imaginary Friend, Ickbar Bigglestein

Timestamp: 11:32 – 19:05

Summary: Amanda shares a story about an imaginary friend named Ickbar Bigglestein (Ick), created by her mother to help her cope with childhood fears of the dark. Initially comforting, Ick's presence becomes sinister as Amanda grows older, requiring more forms of "sacrifice" to maintain his protective power. The story takes a dark turn when Amanda confronts Ick in her adult life, revealing his malevolent nature and the horrifying consequences of severing ties with her childhood protector.

Notable Quote: Shayne reflects on the story’s grim conclusion: “She didn’t listen to the warning. She came home after dinner tonight.”
— [09:42]

Third Story: Smile Dog – A Digital Curse

Timestamp: 22:32 – 43:35

Summary: Shayne delves into the infamous creepypasta "Smile Dog," describing it as an image that allegedly causes viewers to experience severe psychological distress and nightmares. The narrative follows Mary E., who becomes haunted by the image after viewing it on a bulletin board system. She is compelled to spread the image to others to break free from its curse. The story intensifies as Mary’s husband succumbs to despair, leading to her eventual suicide and the perpetuation of the curse through a mysterious floppy disk containing the Smile Dog image.

Notable Quote: Amanda reacts to the story’s climax: “She died... but something’s coming for her.”
— [19:06]

Fourth Story: The Rake – An Ancient Monster in Modern Times

Timestamp: 45:05 – 51:23

Summary: Shayne presents "The Rake," a notorious monster creepypasta with origins dating back to 2009. The narrative compiles various accounts and journal entries from individuals across different time periods who encounter this horrifying creature. Described as a hairless, humanoid figure with hollow black eyes and sharp features, The Rake instills paralyzing fear and often leads to tragic outcomes for its victims. The story emphasizes the monster's relentless pursuit and the lasting psychological trauma it inflicts on those who witness it.

Notable Quote: Amanda expresses her horror: “I can't stop thinking about it. It's terrifying.”
— [19:14]

Exploring the Themes of Creepypastas

Timestamp: 51:35 – 58:22

Shayne and Amanda discuss their personal preferences within the horror genre, contrasting the fictional dread of creepypastas with the real-life sadness of true crime stories. They highlight how monsters in stories often represent abstract fears and anxieties, making them potent symbols in horror narratives. Amanda mentions her love for stories that evoke nostalgic warmth, while Shayne appreciates the poetic embodiment of real fears through monsters. They also touch upon the communal aspect of creepypastas, with stories being shared and evolved across the internet.

Notable Quote: Shayne muses on the symbolic nature of monsters: “A monster will represent fear or guilt or anxiety, but in a physical form.”
— [53:35]

Conclusion and Future Episodes

Timestamp: 59:27 – 60:41

As the episode wraps up, Shayne and Amanda invite listeners to share their favorite creepypastas, expressing enthusiasm for future spooky episodes, including potential Christmas-themed horror stories. They emphasize the fun and imaginative aspects of exploring these internet-born tales while acknowledging the varying levels of fear they can evoke.

Notable Quote: Shayne encourages audience participation: “Please comment down below your favorite creepypastas because we'll do this again.”
— [60:03]

Key Takeaways

• Creepypastas are modern horror stories originating from the internet, often created anonymously, enhancing their mysterious and unsettling nature.
• "Distorted Warning Signals" and "Ickbar Bigglestein" explore themes of predestination and the dark side of childhood imaginings, respectively.
• "Smile Dog" and "The Rake" are prominent examples of creepypastas that have left lasting impressions due to their eerie narratives and psychological horror.
• The hosts appreciate the symbolic representation of fears through monsters in creepypastas, distinguishing them from the sorrow associated with true crime stories.
• Community Engagement is a significant aspect, with stories being shared, discussed, and evolved across platforms, keeping the folklore alive.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shayne on Creepypastas as Modern Folklore:
  “What I think makes creepypastas often scary is that a lot of times it's hard to trace back who wrote them.”
  — [02:39]

• Amanda on the Power of Stories:
  “Stories are so, so powerful. People can relate to them because there's a little bit of truth in them.”
  — [02:52]

• Shayne on the Final Destination Nature of "Distorted Warning Signals":
  “If it’s not for you, get out of here. Watch another episode.”
  — [04:48]

• Amanda's Reaction to "The Rake":
  “Goodbye. That's the Rake.”
  — [51:23]

• Shayne on Monsters Representing Real Fears:
  “A monster will represent fear or guilt or anxiety, but, like, in a physical form.”
  — [53:42]

Final Thoughts

Episode #67 of Smosh Mouth offers a deep dive into the spine-chilling world of creepypastas, presenting listeners with some of the most haunting stories crafted on the internet. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful discussion, Shayne and Amanda illuminate why these digital horrors captivate and terrify audiences worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to creepypastas, this episode promises to leave you with lingering shivers and a newfound appreciation for modern horror folklore.

Stay tuned for more eerie tales and spooky discussions in future episodes of Smosh Mouth. Happy Halloween!