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

Host(s): Shayne Topp (Shane), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda), and Guest Selena
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Duration Covered: 01:00 – 68:31

1. Opening Discussion: Fires in Los Angeles

Timestamp: 01:00 – 06:12

Shane and Amanda kick off the episode by addressing the recent devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles County, including areas like Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena. They reflect on the emotional toll and the unexpectedness of such disasters in a region not typically prone to them.

• Shane (01:08): "We're recording this on the 14th. This is our first podcast we're recording. This is our first day of filming anything this year."

• Amanda (01:30): "The fires have been like going throughout LA, LA County, Palisades, it's been Altadena, Pasadena. It's been wild."

They discuss the widespread impact, noting that virtually everyone knows someone who has lost their home. Despite the fear and chaos, the hosts highlight the silver lining of community solidarity, with people coming together to support each other through donation centers and volunteer efforts.

• Shane (04:06): "Everyone knows someone who lost a home."

2. Community Resilience Amidst Disaster

Timestamp: 06:12 – 11:17

The conversation shifts to the remarkable unity displayed by Los Angeles residents during the fires. They talk about the overwhelming response to volunteer efforts and the influx of people wanting to help, sometimes even exceeding the demand.

• Amanda (04:20): "The people of LA have really, really come together unbelievably."

Shane adds that the perception of LA as just a hub for rich celebrities is inaccurate, emphasizing the diversity of communities affected and the collective spirit that rises in times of crisis.

• Shane (05:49): "LA is so big. It's a collection of bunch of different types of communities."

3. Coping Mechanisms: Reading and Journaling

Timestamp: 11:17 – 20:54

Transitioning from the heavy topic of wildfires, Shane and Amanda introduce their next segment focused on personal coping strategies—specifically reading and journaling. Shane shares his ambitious goal of reading 50 books in the year 2025, highlighting his current progress and the methods he's employing to achieve this target.

• Shane (12:11): "I have a goal this year. I have a goal this year. A lot of love reading goals."

Amanda discusses her longstanding habit of journaling, tracing it back to childhood. She reveals that her journals are treasured keepsakes, often filled with personal reflections, crushes, and everyday experiences.

• Amanda (18:07): "I've had a journal my whole life. Constantly. I constantly have a journal going and I always finish it."

4. Sharing and Reflecting on Personal Journals

Timestamp: 20:54 – 43:17

The hosts delve deeper into the practice of journaling, with Shane showing excerpts from his own journals dating back to his teenage years. He candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining consistency and the introspective insights gained from reviewing past entries.

• Shane (20:54): "My issue with a lot of my journals. This took me a couple years to finish... and I'm actively trying to journal every day."

Amanda shares her approach to journaling, emphasizing a stream-of-consciousness style that captures her thoughts and feelings without judgment. She highlights the therapeutic benefits of revisiting old entries to track personal growth.

• Amanda (50:07): "They're organized. Yeah. But that's how my brain works."

5. Guest Segment: Selena’s Journaling Journey

Timestamp: 43:17 – 67:36

Selena joins the hosts to showcase her meticulously crafted bullet journals. Her handwriting and artistic layouts impress Shane and Amanda, leading to discussions about different journaling styles and the importance of personal expression.

• Shane (57:39): "This is what I wanted my journals to look like, but... So."

Selena reads selected entries from her journals, providing listeners with a glimpse into her personal experiences and emotional landscape. Her entries range from first dates to reflections on personal growth and creative aspirations.

• Selena (58:16): "Today was wild. I had my first ever date from Tinder, no less... It was nice."

The segment underscores the diverse ways individuals engage with journaling, from Amanda's free-form entries to Selena's structured bullet journaling, emphasizing its role in self-discovery and emotional processing.

6. Final Reflections and Recommendations

Timestamp: 67:36 – 68:31

As the episode wraps up, Shane and Amanda encourage listeners to consider their own journaling and reading habits. They offer supportive messages for those pursuing literary goals and share personal anecdotes about their ongoing journeys.

• Amanda (67:55): "Do you guys journal. Let us know if you journal down below."

Shane reiterates his commitment to the 50-book goal, promising to keep the audience updated on his progress.

• Shane (68:04): "I'll keep updating you on the books I'm reading."

Selena concludes by praising the visual and expressive aspects of her journaling, leaving listeners inspired to explore their own journaling practices.

• Selena (63:26): "I have to this. I was. I had a jacksepticeye phase."

7. Notable Quotes

• Shane (06:44): "I don't understand. I have moments where I talk as if I understand what's going on... I'm just going with the flow."

• Amanda (22:14): "A journal is so healthy... I have five minute journals or two minute journals."

• Shane (33:10): "I felt as if I was fitting in well."

• Amanda (50:07): "But it's it can kind of be all over the place."

• Selena (58:37): "I titled it Selena's First Date from a dating app."

Conclusion

Episode #77 of Smosh Mouth offers a heartfelt exploration of personal experiences amidst community challenges. Shane and Amanda navigate through discussions about the devastating LA fires, emphasizing resilience and collective effort. Transitioning to more personal topics, they share their passions for reading and journaling, inviting listeners to reflect on their own practices. The addition of guest Selena enriches the conversation, showcasing diverse journaling styles and the profound impact of writing on personal growth. This episode blends vulnerability with lightheartedness, remaining both relatable and inspiring for audiences.