Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth - S1:E23 "Does Wes Miss Being At Smosh?"

Release Date: July 24, 2019

In this episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (Short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Tall), and Wes Johnson engage in a candid and humorous discussion about Wes's experiences with Smosh, his feelings post-Defy Media, fond memories of the Smosh Summer Games, personal life updates, and the dynamics of recording the podcast from a remote location. The episode is rich with anecdotes, inside jokes, and playful banter, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the lives of their favorite Smosh personalities.

1. Introduction and Current Events

The episode kicks off with Shayne mentioning the ongoing Smosh Summer Games Apocalypse takeover and teasing a special Smash Number Games reunion podcast featuring past Summer Games members. This sets the stage for a lively conversation filled with nostalgia and anticipation for upcoming content.

Shayne Topp [00:31]:

"We're out in the desert just having a good old time, and let's just get right into it."

2. Reflections on Defy Media and Its Impact

Wes Johnson opens up about his time at Defy Media, expressing the stress and challenges he faced behind the scenes. He highlights the negative environment that made work unenjoyable, contrasting it with the fun he experienced on camera with the Smosh team.

Wes Johnson [01:07]:

"As far as Defy Media goes, there was so much stuff behind the scenes with that. It was just... it was not good and it was not fun to the point where I was, like, so stressed out just to come to work."

3. Nostalgic Memories of Smosh Summer Games

The hosts reminisce about their past Summer Games, sharing humorous and memorable moments. Shayne recounts how Lasercorn once attempted to cheat during the first Summer Games by offering a point to sway the competition, adding a layer of playful rivalry.

Shayne Topp [01:07]:

"Lasercorn also cheats. I was the ref for the first Summer Games, and he came up to me and handed me a 20 to give them a point, like, to help their side."

They discuss various Summer Games locations, comparing the desolate desert setting of the current podcast recording to previous vibrant and interactive venues like Wild West, Summer Camp, and Bonnie Springs. Each location brings back stories of competitions, interactions, and the unique atmosphere that made each event special.

Wes Johnson [05:47]:

"For Summer Games, I think Wild West for sure. Like that town was great. And like you said, the hotel was literally right there. It's like, oh, I forgot my underwear. I can just run back and get."

4. Personal Life Updates

Wes Johnson shares significant personal updates, including his collaboration with his brother on a YouTube channel and the exciting news that he's becoming an uncle. He expresses his enthusiasm for fatherhood and his plans to support his brother and new niece.

Wes Johnson [07:59]:

"I'm gonna be an uncle soon. So he's having a kid. He's having a little baby girl."

Shayne Topp [08:25]:

"Being an uncle is so fun, cuz you get to go visit and like, be there for your nieces or nephew."

5. Challenges of Recording Off-Site

Recording from a remote desert location presents its own set of challenges. The hosts discuss the logistics, including packing essentials like multiple pairs of underwear due to the strenuous activities and extreme temperatures they face during the Summer Games competitions.

Shayne Topp [30:38]:

"I packed eight pairs of underwear. No, I think it was six because I'm here for three days. So I packed two pairs of underwear a day in case I mess myself."

They also touch upon the physical toll of enduring high temperatures (up to 105°F) and the exhaustion that comes from participating in intense outdoor competitions, contrasting it with past experiences at Winter Games where extreme cold was the primary challenge.

Shayne Topp [31:47]:

"I used to be so used to heat, man. Growing up in Arizona, I could handle 115-degree weather. Then I've lost my powers over the years. You've gone soft, gone to LA, where the weather's just always 75."

6. Fun Stories and Voice Impressions

The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as the hosts share amusing stories and showcase their talent for voice impressions. Shayne proudly claims his role as the first referee of the Summer Games and jokes about Lasercorn's cheating tactics.

Shayne Topp [18:05]:

"I was the first Summer Games ref. Let it be known, dude, Matt Rob has a tattoo on his arm and says, best ref."

Wes Johnson entertains the group with various voice impressions, including a memorable attempt at Donald Duck's voice, which leads to contagious laughter and playful teasing.

Courtney Miller [23:28]:

"The cartwheel into the belly flop was probably the most ballsy thing I've ever done on video games."

7. Cosplay and Creative Pursuits

The episode delves into the hosts' passion for cosplay and creative endeavors outside of their podcasting and video content. Wes Johnson discusses his involvement in cosplay community events, highlighting the camaraderie and artistic expression that cosplay fosters.

Wes Johnson [61:08]:

"It's a really cool community of people, which is one of the reasons why I love it."

Shayne Topp expresses his internal enthusiasm for fandoms like Zelda but admits his reluctance to engage in cosplay, preferring to keep his "nerdiness" internal.

Shayne Topp [58:31]:

"I'm very, very much an internal nerd."

8. Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics and Team Camaraderie

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the strong bond and teamwork among the hosts. Wes reflects on how living together as roommates deepened their friendships and collaborative spirit, laying the foundation for their successful partnerships in various projects.

Wes Johnson [12:00]:

"We became friends after that because I felt like we were very disconnected."

The hosts also discuss the emotional and professional relief following the collapse of Defy Media, emphasizing how it allowed them to focus more on creative projects and less on corporate stress.

9. Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Content

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with upcoming Smosh content, including full video episodes released on Fridays and audio uncensored episodes available on various listening apps. They also promote merchandise from the Smosh store, ranking their favorite teams and products with characteristic humor.

Courtney Miller [63:05]:

"Love you guys. Smosh store to get these shirts, too. Which team are you voting for?"

The episode ends on a high note with heartfelt goodbyes and playful interactions, reinforcing the camaraderie and mutual respect among the hosts.

Notable Quotes

• Wes Johnson [01:07]:
  "As far as Defy Media goes, there was so much stuff behind the scenes with that. It was just... it was not good and it was not fun to the point where I was, like, so stressed out just to come to work."

• Shayne Topp [01:07]:
  "Lasercorn also cheats. I was the ref for the first Summer Games, and he came up to me and handed me a 20 to give them a point, like, to help their side."

• Wes Johnson [07:59]:
  "I'm gonna be an uncle soon. So he's having a kid. He's having a little baby girl."

• Shayne Topp [18:05]:
  "I was the first Summer Games ref. Let it be known, dude, Matt Rob has a tattoo on his arm and says, best ref."

• Shayne Topp [58:31]:
  "I'm very, very much an internal nerd."

Conclusion

This episode of Smosh Mouth serves as both a reflective journey and a lively exchange among friends. Wes Johnson's reflections on his time with Smosh and Defy Media offer a deeper understanding of the challenges behind the scenes, while the nostalgic reminiscences about the Summer Games celebrate the joyous and sometimes chaotic moments that have defined their collaborative efforts. The personal updates and discussions about creative passions like cosplay and writing add a personal touch, making listeners feel more connected to the hosts. Throughout the episode, the blend of humor, sincerity, and camaraderie encapsulates the essence of Smosh's enduring appeal.