Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #77 – "Reading Our Teenage Journals Again"

Release Date: January 20, 2025

In episode #77 of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp and Amanda Lehan-Canto delve into a nostalgic and introspective discussion titled "Reading Our Teenage Journals Again." This episode seamlessly blends personal anecdotes about recent challenges, such as the devastating LA fires, with a heartfelt exploration of their past through journal entries. The conversation is enriched by the presence of their guest, Selena, who brings a fresh perspective on journaling.

1. Navigating the Devastation: LA Fires Impact

The episode opens with Shane and Amanda addressing the recent wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. They share their personal experiences, highlighting the unpredictability and emotional toll of such natural disasters.

• Shayne (00:34): "This is our first time recording since the fires here in LA, which have been, I mean, there's a bunch of adjectives."

• Amanda (01:00): "Devastating, heartbreaking. The fires have been like going throughout LA, LA County, Palisades, it's been Altadena, Pasadena. It's been wild."

They discuss the widespread destruction, the unexpected nature of the fires, and the sense of community that emerged as residents rallied together to support each other.

• Shayne (03:35): "With these fires, we know at least one to two people have lost their homes."

• Amanda (03:51): "The people of LA have really, really come together. Unbelievably so. Like, the donation centers, Smosh did an amazing job. People are coming together."

The conversation underscores the resilience of the LA community and contrasts the often superficial portrayal of the city with the genuine solidarity observed during crises.

2. The Power of Journaling: Reflecting on the Past

Transitioning from the immediacy of the fires, Shane and Amanda introduce the theme of journaling. They share their own experiences with maintaining journals throughout their lives, offering a window into their personal growth and reflections.

• Shayne (17:32): "I brought three things here. This is my first ever journal. I was 15 when I got this... It took me a couple of years to finish. This is the second journal I got when I was 19."

• Amanda (17:37): "I have had a journal since I was a little girl. It's 101 Dalmatian with a lock and key on it. I've kept a journal my whole life. Constantly. I always finish it."

They discuss the challenges of consistent journaling, such as maintaining daily entries and overcoming periods of neglect. Shane expresses his frustration with gaps in his journals, while Amanda highlights the therapeutic aspects of writing.

• Shayne (19:20): "My journals are me trying to sound smart or cool. I have to catch up with fluctuates too."

• Amanda (20:24): "There are some journals that I'm like, where did I fall off on this one? I just don't have much."

3. Journaling as a Coping Mechanism During Crisis

Shayne and Amanda connect their journaling habits to coping with the stress of the LA fires, emphasizing how writing serves as a means to process emotions and maintain mental well-being.

• Shayne (10:08): "We're here to make people laugh. We're here to help you relax, chill, vibe out... we're going to do that when we're in the middle of a crazy world."

• Amanda (07:26): "We're just going to read some journals. Very good segue."

They reflect on how journaling provides a sense of normalcy and continuity amidst chaos, allowing them to anchor themselves during tumultuous times.

4. Reading and Analyzing Teenage Journal Entries

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Shane and Amanda reading their teenage journal entries from 2003. These readings offer candid glimpses into their adolescence, capturing dreams, insecurities, and the quintessential experiences of growing up.

Amanda's Entry (26:02): "Friday. You remember being obsessed with Friday. My B day was wicked fun... I hooked up with Doug just because I wanted to."

Shayne's Entry (29:36): "September 17th. I auditioned for a show called iCarly a while back... I knew something big is on the way though."

These entries reveal their youthful perspectives, including aspirations in acting, relationship dynamics, and personal reflections.

• Shayne (32:56): "September 24th. I walked into the set and met up with the teacher... celebrities are normal human beings."

• Amanda (26:02): "Healer, who's a mimic... that's who I was."

Through these readings, both hosts acknowledge the growth they've undergone since their teenage years, contemplating how their past selves dealt with pressures and expectations.

5. Guest Segment: Selena's Journaling Insights

Introducing their guest, Selena, the hosts showcase her meticulously kept journals, admired for their beautiful handwriting and organized layouts. Selena shares excerpts from her journals, highlighting her structured approach compared to Shane and Amanda's more free-form styles.

• Selena (56:35): "I titled it Selena's First Date from a Dating App... It was my first ever date from Tinder."

Her entries provide detailed narratives of personal experiences, such as her first date, revealing vulnerability and emotional depth.

• Selena (61:25): "July 14, 2017... I found him as soon as he got off the bus. We held hands for the whole meal... incredibly smitten."

Shayne and Amanda commend Selena's journaling technique, recognizing the balance between aesthetic presentation and emotional honesty.

• Shayne (65:11): "If my handwriting looked like this, I'd be journaling all the time."

• Amanda (65:35): "Your journal game is crazy."

Selena's participation enriches the discussion, illustrating diverse journaling methods and their respective benefits.

6. The Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling

Concluding the episode, Shane and Amanda emphasize the mental health benefits of journaling. They advocate for its role in self-reflection, emotional regulation, and personal growth.

• Amanda (63:36): "A journal is so healthy... if you lower your expectations for it, make it small."

• Shayne (64:22): "Reading back on your journals is part of what's healthy about it."

They encourage listeners to adopt journaling practices, regardless of the format, highlighting its accessibility and adaptability to individual needs.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shayne (10:08): "We're here to make people laugh. We're here to help you relax, chill, vibe out..."

• Amanda (26:02): "Friday. You remember being obsessed with Friday. My B day was wicked fun..."

• Shayne (32:56): "September 24th. I walked into the set and met up with the teacher... celebrities are normal human beings."

• Selena (56:35): "I titled it Selena's First Date from a Dating App... It was my first ever date from Tinder."

• Shayne (65:11): "If my handwriting looked like this, I'd be journaling all the time."

Conclusion

Episode #77 of Smosh Mouth offers an intimate look into Shane and Amanda's personal lives, using journaling as a lens to explore their growth and resilience in the face of adversity. The addition of Selena's eloquent journaling style provides a contrasting perspective, enriching the conversation. This episode underscores the importance of self-reflection and creative expression as tools for navigating life's challenges.

Listeners are left with an inspiring message: regardless of one's journaling style, the act of writing serves as a powerful medium for understanding oneself and fostering personal development.

Note: Timestamps referenced correspond to the provided transcript and may differ slightly from the actual podcast audio.