Smosh Mouth Episode #7: The Dumbest Conspiracy Theories with Noah Grossman

Release Date: August 7, 2023

Hosts:

• Shayne Topp
• Amanda Lehan-Canto
• Guest: Noah Grossman

1. Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:24 - 01:20)

The episode kicks off with Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto introducing their guest, Noah Grossman. The trio sets a casual and humorous tone right from the start, playfully engaging in banter about the show's name, "Smosh Mouth."

Notable Quote:

• Noah Grossman (01:15): "I love it. I wanted to tell you when we started, but I think you need a mint because you got a little smosh mouth right now."

2. Origins of the Hosts' Friendship (01:27 - 04:00)

Shayne delves into the history of his friendship with Noah, revealing they've known each other since Noah was twelve and Shayne eighteen. They reminisce about their days in an improv class, highlighting the early dynamics of their relationship.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (03:02): "It's shorter than Danny DeVito."
• Noah Grossman (04:00): "I just can't handle it."

3. Personal Traits and Making Friends (04:00 - 11:00)

Noah is described as exceptionally friendly and open, often making new friends wherever he goes. Shane appreciates Noah's genuine nature, noting how effortlessly Noah connects with people, even strangers.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (11:11): "No. So, Noah, I feel like who I see you as here, I think you're like one of the nicest people."
• Noah Grossman (11:36): "I just feel like this is the coolest guy I know."

4. Stereotyping and the Conspiracy Persona (08:42 - 10:54)

Shayne brings up how Noah has been unfairly stereotyped at Smosh as the "stoner conspiracy guy," largely due to Noah's genuine interest in conspiracy theories and his laid-back demeanor.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (08:56): "Somewhere along the way, a little, a little, a little. Somewhere along the way, we put you into this box of, like, you're the stoner conspiracy guy."
• Noah Grossman (09:18): "I used to spend a lot of the time just talking with the head writer and just hanging out with everyone."

5. Delving into Conspiracy Theories (10:44 - 35:10)

The conversation shifts to the core topic: conspiracy theories. The hosts discuss the proliferation of conspiracies in the digital age, emphasizing how social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and TikTok amplify these theories, making them more mainstream and, in some cases, dangerous.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (25:00): "The reason I think it's unfair that you have been pinpointed as the conspiracy guy is because for a long time, and, I mean, I still... I was deep into conspiracy theories."
• Noah Grossman (35:11): "They're making people do things and they've gotten a lot of it."

6. Impact of Social Media on Conspiracies (27:10 - 35:10)

Shayne and Noah discuss how the internet serves as a breeding ground for conspiracy theories, comparing it to watching biased true crime documentaries. They highlight the lack of critical thinking among users who often take information at face value without verifying sources.

Notable Quotes:

• Amanda Lehan-Canto (27:05): "Because if you're truly trying to prove something right, you're going to try to prove yourself wrong."
• Shayne Topp (29:55): "But without acting out anything. There's nothing wrong with being like, yeah, of course."

7. Examples of Conspiracies Discussed (35:10 - 52:54)

The trio explores various conspiracy theories, ranging from the harmless (Bigfoot) to more harmful ones (Flat Earth, Avril Lavigne's death). They critique the logic and evidence (or lack thereof) behind these theories, often debunking them with humor and skepticism.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (31:07): "I think Bigfoot's probably my favorite conspiracy because it has no ramifications upon society whatsoever."
• Amanda Lehan-Canto (40:58): "So why is she having me look at the Atlantic Ocean on it?"

8. Noah's Encounter with the Freemasons (50:57 - 61:39)

Noah shares a personal anecdote about his visit to a Freemason Lodge in Vermont, which he won a trip to on "The Price is Right." His experience was filled with skepticism and humor as he navigated the secretive and outdated environment of the lodge.

Notable Quotes:

• Noah Grossman (53:12): "Cause I saw on half the room was different artifacts that look similar. And I was like, oh, what are those?"
• Shayne Topp (54:50): "Do you remember me?"

9. Insights and Conclusions on Conspiracy Theories (61:00 - 62:00)

Wrapping up the discussion, Shayne emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking when encountering conspiracy theories. They acknowledge that while some conspiracies are harmless fun, others can lead to real-world harm and division.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (35:10): "The problem also nowadays with the Internet is you try to do your own research, but they're all conspiracy theories."
• Noah Grossman (46:53): "I've been hustled for cigarettes in Hollywood."

10. Closing Remarks (62:00)

The episode concludes with the hosts teasing future content and maintaining their signature humor, leaving listeners anticipating the next episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne Topp (61:54): "That's Smoshmouth. Deal with it."

Key Takeaways

• Social Media's Role: Platforms like Twitter and Reddit significantly contribute to the spread and normalization of conspiracy theories.

• Psychological Aspect: Conspiracy theories often stem from a desire for control and understanding in an increasingly complex world.

• Critical Thinking: Emphasizing the importance of skepticism and verifying sources to combat misinformation.

• Personal Experiences: Noah's story about visiting the Freemasons illustrates how encounters with real-life "secretive" organizations can influence one's perspective on conspiracies.

Conclusion

Episode #7 of Smosh Mouth offers a candid and humorous exploration of conspiracy theories, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal observations. Through engaging dialogue and relatable humor, Shayne, Amanda, and Noah dissect the allure and dangers of conspiracies in the digital age, encouraging listeners to stay curious yet critical.

For more insightful and entertaining discussions, stay tuned to future episodes of Smosh Mouth!