Smosh Mouth Podcast Summary

Episode: S1: #10 - "I'm Nothing Without My Following" and Tinder For Hot Dogs
Release Date: April 24, 2019
Hosts: Shane Topp, Ian Hecox, with guest Monica Vasandani

1. Welcoming Monica Vasandani to Smosh

The episode kicks off with Ian Hecox introducing Monica Vasandani, the newest addition to the Smosh team. Monica shares her initial challenges adapting to Smosh's established comedic style.

Monica Vasandani [03:04]: "When I first came on, I didn't understand Smosh's voice yet. So really what I was writing didn't work at all."

Ian and Shane reflect on the early days of Monica's integration, highlighting the adjustments required when a new writer with a fresh perspective joins a long-standing team.

2. Navigating Creative Differences

Monica recounts her first interactions with Ian and Anthony, describing feelings of uncertainty and misunderstanding as she tried to fit into Smosh's dynamic.

Monica Vasandani [04:16]: "I was like, okay, so this guy I don't know is gonna come in here and tell me I'm not funny."

Shane compares this experience to a "well-worn wagon path" being disrupted by new ideas, emphasizing the balance between maintaining Smosh's legacy and embracing innovative contributions.

3. The Birth of "Tinder for Hot Dogs"

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to brainstorming and pitching the concept of "Tinder for Hot Dogs." Monica initially pitches the idea but feels it lacks traction until Shane enthusiastically endorses it.

Shane Topp [21:20]: "Tinder for Hot Dogs was a sketch that you pitched well."

The trio explores the potential of the idea, discussing its viability both as a comedic sketch and as a satirical take on modern dating apps. They rally listeners to support the creation of this concept through ratings and subscriptions.

Shane Topp [24:37]: "We'll make Tinder for Hot Dogs if we get enough support from our listeners."

4. Personal Anecdotes: Shane's Ocean Encounters

Shane shares vivid stories from his childhood experiences snorkeling, encountering nurse sharks and barracudas. These tales serve as humorous interludes that showcase the hosts' personal lives and fears.

Shane Topp [16:00]: "I had to keep kicking it with my livers. And then on my other side, this barracuda shows up."

Monica and Ian react to Shane's stories with amusement, deepening the listener's connection to the hosts' genuine personalities.

5. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Monica delves into her identity as a queer woman of color and the responsibilities that come with bringing diverse perspectives to Smosh. She discusses the pressure to represent marginalized groups while maintaining authenticity in her comedic voice.

Monica Vasandani [47:27]: "I'm here to speak for all people of color, all women, all queer people... but there's no way to do that fully."

Ian and Shane commend Monica for her contributions, recognizing the importance of her unique experiences in enriching Smosh's content.

6. Controversy and Social Media: The Jesse Taylor Story

The hosts analyze the case of Jesse Taylor, a controversial Instagram personality who lost her account and spiraled into a public meltdown. They dissect her statements about feeling worthless without her following and the broader implications for social media influencers.

Monica Vasandani [50:07]: "She said, 'I'm nothing without my following,' and this is my favorite quote."

Shane and Ian discuss the psychological impact of sudden fame and the fragility of social media-driven careers, pondering what would happen if their own platforms were abruptly removed.

7. Reflections on "Every Bird Ever"

Monica mentions her first significant contribution to Smosh—writing for the "Every Bird Ever" video. The discussion highlights the creative process behind one of Smosh's beloved sketches and acknowledges that not every project achieves blockbuster success.

Shane Topp [63:57]: "Every single sentence changes your mind about her."

Ian adds that sometimes the magic isn't there despite strong initial concepts, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors.

8. Final Thoughts and Moving Forward

As the episode wraps up, Ian, Shane, and Monica reiterate the importance of listener support in bringing new ideas like "Tinder for Hot Dogs" to life. They encourage fans to rate and subscribe to the podcast to help realize their creative visions.

Shane Topp [65:41]: "50,000 likes and a bunch of five-star ratings on iTunes. We will make Tinder for Hot Dogs."

Monica expresses gratitude for being part of Smosh and looks forward to continuing to contribute her voice to the platform's evolving narrative.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Monica Vasandani [03:04]: "When I first came on, I didn't understand Smosh's voice yet. So really what I was writing didn't work at all."
• Shane Topp [21:20]: "Tinder for Hot Dogs was a sketch that you pitched well."
• Shane Topp [24:37]: "We'll make Tinder for Hot Dogs if we get enough support from our listeners."
• Monica Vasandani [47:27]: "I'm here to speak for all people of color, all women, all queer people... but there's no way to do that fully."
• Monica Vasandani [50:07]: "She said, 'I'm nothing without my following,' and this is my favorite quote."
• Shane Topp [65:41]: "50,000 likes and a bunch of five-star ratings on iTunes. We will make Tinder for Hot Dogs."

Conclusion

This episode of Smosh Mouth offers an intimate glimpse into the dynamics of the Smosh team, the challenges of integrating new creative voices, and the pressures faced by content creators in the age of social media. Through personal stories, critical discussions, and humorous exchanges, Shane, Ian, and Monica provide a compelling narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners alike.