Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth | S1: #16 - Coming Out, Dating & First Kisses | The Pride Pod
Episode Overview
In the sixteenth episode of "Smosh Mouth," titled "Coming Out, Dating & First Kisses | The Pride Pod," hosts Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), alongside guest co-hosts Tommy Bo and Monica Vasanandi, delve into personal experiences surrounding sexuality, coming out stories, dating, and the nuances of first kisses within the LGBTQ+ community. Released on June 5, 2019, this Pride-themed episode offers an engaging and heartfelt discussion aimed at demystifying various aspects of queer identity and relationships.
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with playful banter among the hosts, setting a lighthearted tone before transitioning into more serious topics. Courtney Miller humorously addresses the group's typical composition, highlighting the presence of a "white guy with a beard," which leads into the introduction of guest co-hosts Tommy Bo and Monica Vasanandi.
Notable Quote:
- Courtney Miller [01:00]: "We always have to have a white guy with a beard somewhere."
2. Coming Out Stories
The conversation naturally shifts to personal narratives about coming out, a central theme of Pride Month.
a. Courtney Miller's Experience Courtney shares her experience of coming out on a previous episode of Smosh, revealing that she hadn't informed her father beforehand. This revelation led her father to discover her orientation through the podcast, an oversight she regrets.
Notable Quotes:
- Courtney Miller [04:03]: "When I came out on that episode, I hadn't told my dad yet."
- Courtney Miller [04:56]: "He was like, hey, love you. I was like, hey, I'm really sorry."
b. Tommy Bo's Experience Tommy recounts his journey of recognizing his sexuality from a young age, dealing with societal expectations, and eventually embracing his identity. He emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the challenges faced when trying to conform to stereotypical norms.
Notable Quotes:
- Tommy Bo [16:17]: "I remember thinking gay thoughts since I was like in elementary school."
- Tommy Bo [72:10]: "Having the curiosity and the acceptance is the gay agenda."
c. Monica Vasanandi's Experience Monica discusses her coming out process within an Indian cultural context, highlighting initial resistance from her parents and the gradual acceptance over time. She underscores the emotional toll and the importance of supportive family members.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Vasanandi [34:09]: "I came out to my brother and he was really supportive."
- Monica Vasanandi [36:12]: "It's tough because, like, obviously I want it to be easy for people to come out."
3. Dating Experiences
The hosts explore their dating histories, touching upon the complexities of relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
a. Courtney Miller's Experiences Courtney reflects on her dating life, including relationships with both men and women. She shares anecdotes about her first kisses with girls during her youth, expressing confusion and self-doubt during those experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Courtney Miller [16:53]: "My first makeout were both girls."
- Courtney Miller [21:54]: "It was that crazy night ever."
b. Tommy Bo's Experiences Tommy discusses his dating experiences, noting a pattern where he often dates individuals who are still figuring out their identities. He expresses a desire for a stable, committed relationship in the future.
Notable Quotes:
- Tommy Bo [25:07]: "I don't know if we offered an unsure."
- Tommy Bo [66:31]: "I want my wife... a partnership."
c. Monica Vasanandi's Experiences Monica shares her brief relationships and her tendency to ghost, explaining her discomfort with ending relationships openly. She also touches upon her preferences and the challenges of finding compatible partners.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Vasanandi [17:29]: "I dated a couple guys. The longest was two weeks."
- Monica Vasanandi [26:32]: "My first kiss or my first gay kiss? Different. Totally different experiences."
4. First Kisses
The discussion delves into the intricacies of first kisses, highlighting varied experiences among the hosts.
a. Courtney Miller Courtney narrates her first kiss with a girl during a sleepover, detailing the awkwardness and emotional aftermath. She describes her struggle with understanding her feelings and the societal pressures she faced.
Notable Quotes:
- Courtney Miller [19:11]: "I just dismissed it always."
- Courtney Miller [21:54]: "It was like, what was I doing?"
b. Tommy Bo Tommy recounts his first gay kiss, marked by the dynamics of high school rivalry and the barriers to open expression. He emphasizes the difference between knowing one's identity and having the experience to back it up.
Notable Quotes:
- Tommy Bo [23:07]: "It was a school bathroom. Gross."
- Tommy Bo [24:43]: "A little gay smoochies."
c. Monica Vasanandi Monica admits to not recalling her first kiss vividly, attributing it to the typical uncertainties of adolescent relationships. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that she did share kissing moments with her high school girlfriend.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Vasanandi [26:32]: "I don't remember."
- Monica Vasanandi [27:36]: "Maybe we never even kissed."
5. Community and Representation
The conversation turns towards the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media, particularly within Smosh's content.
a. Smosh's Portrayal of LGBTQ+ Characters The hosts critique Smosh's historical approach to portraying gay characters, noting instances where representation felt forced or stereotypical. They discuss the evolution of media portrayal and the ongoing challenges in authentic representation.
Notable Quotes:
- Tommy Bo [00:12]: "Having the curiosity and the acceptance is the gay agenda."
- Courtney Miller [42:22]: "It's a very special, prideful episode of the smoshcast."
b. Stereotypes and Media Representation Monica and Courtney elaborate on the stereotypes prevalent in media, such as exaggerated behaviors and limited character arcs. They advocate for more nuanced and realistic representations that go beyond the characters' sexuality.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Vasanandi [43:43]: "I try to write gay characters and relationships...to hit that broad spectrum."
- Courtney Miller [43:46]: "It's supposed to be every one ever."
6. Personal Reflections and Advice
The hosts offer personal insights and guidance for listeners navigating their own identities and relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
a. Embracing Individuality Courtney emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding one's unique identity, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves without conforming to societal expectations.
Notable Quotes:
- Courtney Miller [72:10]: "Having the curiosity and the acceptance is the gay agenda."
- Courtney Miller [72:57]: "If you understand yourself, then you can help people understand me."
b. Navigating Social Interactions Monica and Tommy discuss the challenges of social interactions, such as avoiding stereotypes and managing perceptions. They highlight the significance of authentic connections over fitting into predefined labels.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Vasanandi [57:48]: "How do you scissor?"
- Tommy Bo [66:31]: "I want my wife... a partnership."
7. Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a humorous recounting of Courtney's wild night involving unexpected guests and awkward situations, serving as a light-hearted conclusion to the intense discussions. The hosts reiterate their support for the LGBTQ+ community and encourage listeners to celebrate Pride Month with openness and acceptance.
Notable Quote:
- Courtney Miller [74:25]: "I hope everyone has an amazing Pride month."
Key Takeaways
- Personal Journeys: Each host shares their unique journey of coming out, highlighting the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Representation Matters: Authentic and nuanced representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.
- Self-Acceptance: Embracing one's identity and seeking supportive relationships is vital for personal growth and happiness.
- Navigating Stereotypes: Overcoming societal stereotypes and embracing individuality can lead to more genuine and fulfilling connections.
This episode of Smosh Mouth serves as an insightful and relatable exploration of coming out, dating, and the complexities of first kisses, offering both humor and heartfelt advice to its listeners.