Smosh Mouth Podcast Episode #74 - "Writing Our Own Fanfiction"

Release Date: December 23, 2024

Hosts:

• Shayne Topp (Short)
• Amanda Lehan-Canto (Tall)

Guests:

• Angela
• Chance

Introduction

In episode #74 of Smosh Mouth, aired on December 23, 2024, hosts Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto welcome their special guests, Angela and Chance, affectionately dubbed the "Christmas Speed Grassroots Duo." The episode dives into festive discussions, blending personal holiday experiences with creative endeavors centered around fanfiction.

Favorite Holidays and Christmas Traditions

The conversation kicks off with the hosts and guests sharing their favorite holidays. While Christmas takes center stage, Halloween also garners appreciation:

• Amanda shares her dual love, stating, “I like Halloween so much, though. But I love Christmas” ([01:08]).

• Shayne echoes this sentiment, adding, “I love all the vibes of it. I like Christmas movies. I like Christmas music” ([01:22]).

• Ryan contrasts the two, mentioning, “I feel like Halloween is draining and Christmas fills me” ([01:26]).

Their discussion highlights the overwhelming love for Christmas, emphasizing traditions and the festive atmosphere that accompanies the season. Shayne attributes the family's Christmas spirit to his mother, saying, “Christmas is a thing because my mom makes it a thing” ([01:45]).

Early Christmas Decorations and Seasonal Overlaps

Angela recounts an experience that underscores the commercial overlap between holidays:

“I walked into the grove, the Americana Grove. It’s a mall in LA that is so designed. It’s supposed to feel like a Christmas town. And I walked in there... this is crazy.” ([02:27])

This early immersion into Christmas festivities sparked a debate among the group about when the Christmas season should officially begin. Shayne observes, “Christmas season starts like on Thanksgiving day” ([03:04]), while Amanda notes, “It's too much” as November 10th already feels “little early” ([03:11]-[03:22]).

Angela humorously connects the start of Christmas to the end of pumpkin season:

“I think it's less about the holiday and more about when is a pumpkin gone.” ([03:44])

This leads to a playful agreement that pumpkins and Halloween should naturally give way to Christmas decor and celebrations.

Writing Our Own Fanfiction

Transitioning from holiday chatter, Shayne introduces a creative twist to the episode:

“We all wrote the worst possible Christmas stories. Christmas fanfictions involving all of us here at this table.” ([04:00])

The challenge sets the stage for each participant to craft unique, often humorous fanfiction pieces, blending their personalities with festive themes.

Sharing and Reading Fanfictions

Ryan's Smutty Poem

Ryan takes the lead with a provocative, smutty Christmas-themed poem filled with pop culture references:

“Twas the night before Fatmas... This is a Rick and Morty portal gun joke. My sword collection gleamed by the side of my bed and visions of Arwen danced round in my head.” ([06:06] - [10:23])

The poem humorously intertwines characters from various franchises, creating an eclectic and entertaining narrative. Ryan admits, “I can appreciate that. But you start getting to like like November 10th being Christmasy and I'm like my little early for me” ([03:25]).

Amanda's Drama-Based Fanfiction

Amanda presents her fanfiction as a drama, incorporating insider jokes and unique character portrayals:

“It's called who's Santa here? Question mark. Written by Amanda Lehan. Interior. Smosh. Office...” ([18:05])

Her story introduces exaggerated versions of themselves, such as "Buff Shane, who's married to Courtney now" and "Sexy Chance," blending humor with festive chaos.

Shayne's and Angela's Contributions

Shayne and Angela contribute their own creative pieces, each adding layers of humor and personalized elements:

• Shayne crafts a chaotic Christmas scenario involving torn hands and ripped reindeer, saying, “I wrote this very quickly” ([42:53]).

• Angela adds whimsical elements like magical snowflakes and Who-ville-style transformations, enhancing the festive chaos ([34:20]).

Discussion on the Creative Process

Post-reading, the hosts and guests delve into their creative processes:

• Amanda reflects on blending fan knowledge with personal touches: “I was adding in my little things that fans wouldn't know about” ([04:39]).

• Shayne humorously critiques his own quick writing pace, acknowledging, “Everything you guys wrote is better than mine” ([42:39]).

• Ryan praises the group's creativity, noting the blend of humor and fan references made the fanfictions engaging ([15:32]).

Favorite Christmas Movies and Sketches

Shayne and the group shift gears to discuss their favorite Christmas movies and comedic sketches, sharing personal preferences and critiquing popular choices:

• Amanda champions "Home Alone" but expresses disdain for "A Christmas Story": “I hate A Christmas Story so much” ([54:47]).

• Shayne lauds "Elf" as the last truly legendary family Christmas movie, lamenting the decline of impactful Christmas films: “I think Elf was the last one that's like that” ([57:35]).

• Angela reminisces about classic SNL Christmas sketches, highlighting their enduring humor: “I watch this every Christmas… Angela screams loudly” ([56:19]).

They debate the criteria that elevate a Christmas movie to classic status, emphasizing feel-good narratives and timeless themes.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to share their favorite Christmas movies and fanfictions, fostering a sense of community and engagement:

“Shane: We now see how Amanda views us.” ([26:07])

“Amanda: It's really fun to write fanfics for each other all the time.” ([31:19])

They reflect on the joy of creative collaboration and the importance of celebrating the holiday season with loved ones. The episode concludes with a festive farewell, leaving listeners inspired to embrace their own holiday traditions and creative projects.

Notable Quotes

• Shayne Topp: “I love all the vibes of it. I like Christmas movies. I like Christmas music.” ([01:22])

• Amanda Lehan-Canto: “I was adding in my little things that fans wouldn't know about. That I was like, this is just fun to talk about.” ([04:39])

• Ryan: “Christmas is saved. May your nerdy romances never bring shame.” ([10:23])

• Shayne Topp: “I think Elf was the last one that's like that.” ([57:35])

• Amanda Lehan-Canto: “I hate A Christmas Story so much.” ([54:47])

Conclusion

Episode #74 of Smosh Mouth masterfully blends festive cheer with creative storytelling, showcasing the hosts' and guests' talents in fanfiction writing and their deep affection for Christmas traditions. Through humorous exchanges, engaging discussions, and collaborative creativity, Shayne, Amanda, Angela, and Chance deliver an entertaining and heartwarming holiday episode that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.