Smosh Mouth Episode #9 - Who Is The Biggest Nerd? w/ Damien Haas
Release Date: August 21, 2023
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Amanda)
Guest: Damien Haas
Description: In this episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne and Amanda welcome Damien Haas to discuss their nerdy passions, the dynamics of their Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and explore the essence of being a nerd in today's world.
1. Introduction and Show Name Change (01:03 - 01:25)
Shayne and Amanda kick off the episode with an exciting announcement:
- Shayne: "We officially changed our name to Smosh Mouth."
They assure listeners that despite the new name, the show’s essence remains unchanged—filled with their trademark humor and engaging discussions.
2. Welcoming Damien Haas (01:25 - 02:00)
The hosts introduce their special guest, Damien Haas, expressing their admiration:
- Shayne: "Damien. What up?"
- Damien: "Hey, what's up, Shane? Happy to be here. Big fan of your stuff."
Amanda humorously addresses prior comments, highlighting the playful dynamic among the trio.
3. Exploring Nerd Identity (06:13 - 13:30)
The conversation shifts to defining what it means to be a nerd and identifying who among them embodies this label the most.
- Shayne: "Who at this table, do you think is the biggest nerd?"
- Damien: "Damian Deadass. My God. I'm wearing a Zelda shirt and a Final Fantasy necklace."
They delve into various aspects of nerd culture, discussing fandoms, intellectual pursuits, and the embrace of interests often deemed unconventional. Amanda and Shayne reflect on their own nerdy inclinations, emphasizing that being a nerd is about passion and authenticity.
4. Launching the Dungeons & Dragons Campaign (17:34 - 29:02)
Shayne and Amanda reveal their new venture into a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign on the Smosh Games channel, with Damien as a key collaborator.
- Amanda: "I have always been a secret nerd, but when I started playing D&D, I felt my heart explode."
Damien shares his enthusiasm and nervousness about assuming the role of Dungeon Master (DM), highlighting the meticulous planning involved in crafting backstories and world-building.
- Damien: "I have been playing D&D since middle school... I do love that the hospitality goes into it and making sure everything works in the world."
The trio discusses the collaborative process of developing characters, integrating improvisation, and creating engaging narratives that resonate with their audience.
5. Character Development and Fan Art (29:02 - 37:23)
As their D&D campaign progresses, the hosts talk about character evolution and the joy of seeing fan art inspired by their creations.
- Damien: "Seeing fan art of our characters gets me so excited and proud."
Shayne, Amanda, and Damian share stories about their characters—Dolores, Bug, Fernie, and others—discussing unique traits and the creative inspiration behind them. They express appreciation for their community's support and the creative expressions that emerge from their collaborative storytelling.
6. Mapping Real-Life Traits to D&D Stats (50:06 - 57:53)
In a light-hearted segment, the hosts attempt to translate their real-life personalities and abilities into D&D statistics.
- Shayne: "Do you ever think about what your stats are in real life?"
- Amanda: "I would say that you would rely more on wisdom... high charisma."
They humorously assess each other's strengths and weaknesses, comparing traits like charisma, intelligence, and constitution to their in-game counterparts. This segment underscores their camaraderie and the fun they have in merging their real lives with their D&D adventures.
7. Future Plans and Aspirations for Smosh Games (58:06 - 67:23)
Damien shares his vision for the future of their D&D content, expressing a desire to expand and explore various storylines and genres.
- Damien: "I am so excited to be pursuing this for years to come... There are so many stories to be told and so many fun characters to meet."
They brainstorm potential campaign settings, from magical realism inspired by Neil Gaiman's works to grounded detective mysteries with supernatural elements. The hosts emphasize their commitment to authenticity and enjoyment, aiming to create engaging and relatable content for their audience.
- Shayne: "What would your dream things to do on the Smosh Games channel be?"
- Amanda: "I would love to sit down with you guys, give me a controller, and help me beat the first boss in Dark Souls."
Their enthusiasm for expanding into more diverse and challenging content highlights their dedication to evolving the Smosh Games channel and providing fresh, entertaining experiences for their listeners.
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (67:23 - End)
As the episode wraps up, Shayne encourages listeners to engage with their D&D content and share their ideas.
- Shayne: "If you haven't checked it out, seriously, go check it out. It's some of the most fun that we're having. We want to keep doing it forever."
Damien thanks the hosts for the opportunity, and the trio shares a few final jokes, maintaining the episode's upbeat and humorous tone.
Notable Quotes:
- Shayne [06:13]: "Who at this table, do you think is the biggest nerd?"
- Damien [06:30]: "Damian Deadass. My God. I'm wearing a Zelda shirt and a Final Fantasy necklace."
- Amanda [12:08]: "A lot of things, but it does not."
- Shayne [17:07]: "It's time for roulette. I brought my lucky marbles."
- Damien [24:15]: "Glad we've done enough, but I have much to learn."
- Amanda [27:39]: "I love seeing fan art of our characters."
Conclusion
Episode #9 of Smosh Mouth offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of nerd culture through the lens of Dungeons & Dragons. Hosts Shayne and Amanda, along with guest Damien Haas, navigate the complexities of defining nerdiness, building immersive characters, and engaging with a passionate community. Their genuine enthusiasm and humorous interactions make the episode a compelling listen for both longtime fans and newcomers interested in the vibrant world of nerd fandoms.