Podcast Episode Summary: Smosh Mouth Season 1, Episode 18 - "Olivia’s Bald Spot & How Defy Forced Us To Be Friends"
Release Date: June 19, 2019
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Courtney Miller, Olivia Suar, and Mari Takahashi delve into a range of personal and professional topics. From sustainable fashion choices and self-care routines to navigating workplace dynamics and the impact of social media on self-perception, the trio offers candid insights and relatable experiences.
1. Sustainable Fashion and Personal Style
Renting vs. Buying: Courtney shares her shift from traditional shopping to renting clothes through services like Rent the Runway:
"I don't go shopping anymore. I just rent stuff for like a week or two weeks at a time." [01:32]
She emphasizes the benefits of sustainable fashion, highlighting how it aligns with her changing style and reduces environmental impact. Mari expresses her love for shopping, contrasting Courtney's perspective:
"Yeah, that's my problem. I love shopping." [02:22]
High-End Fashion Costs: Courtney discusses the high cost of fashionable items, questioning the value of expensive brands:
"Why would you spend 500 like Stella McCartney or something. Who the hell is Pam and Jella?" [02:03]
2. Self-Care and Mental Health
Exercise and Mental Well-being: Courtney opens up about her journey to re-establishing a workout routine after four years of inactivity, linking physical health to mental well-being:
"I was definitely in a place where I was not happy for a long time with the lack of exercise." [04:16]
Olivia emphasizes the importance of daily workouts for her mental health:
"I can't go more than two days without working out... I was so upset." [04:52]
Managing Stress: The discussion moves to how stress manifests physically and the importance of coping mechanisms like massages and therapy:
"I could have done more yesterday. It's just constantly needing to be more than what you are." [02:41]
3. Workplace Dynamics and Relationships
Feeling Replaceable at Defy: Courtney recounts experiences at Defy where she felt undervalued and replaceable, leading to significant stress:
"They told us that we can replace you easily." [35:06]
Team Bonding and Growth: Olivia and Mari discuss the challenges of building strong working relationships in a high-pressure environment:
"We had to immediately become these best friends... It was so damaging to have someone start creating these allies and rivalries." [49:22]
Insecurities and Competitiveness: The hosts explore how insecurities fuel their drive but also create tension within the team:
"I think it comes from insecurity and fear of, like, not being competent." [32:07]
4. Impact of Social Media on Self-Perception
Authenticity vs. Online Persona: Olivia reflects on the pressure to maintain an authentic self amidst the curated images on social media:
"I'm staying true to who I am. I'm not gonna let other things affect me." [42:08]
Courtney adds that social media often amplifies insecurities by showcasing only a fraction of one's life:
"The way that we do broadcast our lives, people think that that's the full package." [65:16]
Documenting vs. Experiencing: Mari and Olivia discuss the balance between documenting special moments and fully experiencing them without the need for digital proof:
"I have the best days when it's not documented on my Instagram." [68:08]
5. Diversity and Representation in Media
Asian Representation: Olivia shares her emotional response to "Always Be My Maybe," highlighting the importance of authentic Asian representation in media:
"You never see two Asian, like, an Asian couple doing something so intimate on screen." [58:32]
Empowering Female Writers: Courtney poses a question about the empowerment that comes from female writers shaping how women are depicted in sketches:
"How has being able to write how you guys are depicted been empowering?" [72:15]
Mari responds by discussing the evolution from being mere accessories in sketches to having control over their narratives:
"It's come a long way... being given that ability definitely makes things feel better." [74:49]
6. Hosting the Podcast and Personal Growth
Transition from Smosh Pit Weekly: Mari recounts the challenges and fan reactions when transitioning from Smosh Pit Weekly to hosting the podcast:
"I didn't know that that was being uploaded in place of Smoshpit Weekly... the fans were really upset." [46:06]
Courtney shares her learning curve in taking on a leadership role and the insecurities that accompany it:
"I have a fear of saying no. So I'm like, oh, I can't say no." [32:38]
Building Trust and Team Cohesion: Olivia and Mari discuss the importance of trust and open communication in forming a cohesive team:
"We have to bond in a way that wasn't how we were." [49:31]
Notable Quotes
-
Courtney Miller:
"I stopped dancing four years ago, and I just kind of let it go and go and go..." [04:24] -
Olivia Suar:
"Self care and self love is becoming this thing." [16:40] -
Mari Takahashi:
"I could have done that better. I could have done more with today." [02:41]
Conclusion
This episode of Smosh Mouth provides a deep dive into the personal struggles and triumphs of its hosts. From the importance of sustainable living and self-care to navigating complex workplace dynamics and the pervasive influence of social media, Courtney, Olivia, and Mari offer honest and heartfelt conversations. Their discussions on diversity and representation further underscore the show's commitment to authentic storytelling and empowering narratives. Listeners gain valuable insights into balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities, making this episode a relatable and inspiring listen.
Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.