Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth - S1: #34 - These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things

Release Date: October 9, 2019

Hosts: Shayne Topp (Short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Tall), and Damien Haas

Introduction

In this episode of Smosh Mouth, the Smosh crew—Shayne Topp, Amanda Lehan-Canto, and Damien Haas—embark on a journey to share their top five favorite things. The trio engages in lively discussions, exploring their personal passions and interests beyond their usual YouTube content. Despite time constraints, they delve deeply into selected topics, providing insightful and entertaining commentary for both longtime fans and new listeners.

The Five Favorite Things Game

[02:34] Ian Hecox:
"We thought it'd be fun to get the game together and talk about the five things we are passionate about."

The episode centers around a game where each host lists their five favorite things. However, as the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that unpacking each passion requires more time than anticipated, leading the hosts to focus on a few key interests.

Courtney's Passion: Psychology

[05:28] Courtney Miller:
"Psychology is really practical understanding because you really see, for instance, how the climate in America right now is so much social psychology."

Courtney delves into her long-standing interest in psychology, highlighting its significance in understanding human behavior and societal dynamics. She explains how her studies have not only influenced her personal growth but also her approach to comedy and acting. Courtney emphasizes the importance of social psychology, particularly in the context of contemporary societal issues like confirmation bias and media influence.

Key Insights:

• Application in Comedy: Courtney believes that knowledge from psychology enhances her comedic creativity, allowing her to craft more nuanced and relatable jokes.

  [08:06] Courtney Miller:
  "Studying psychology would help me with acting and comedy and everything."

• Awareness of Confirmation Bias: She discusses how recognizing biases affects her interactions and perceptions, underscoring the pervasive nature of these cognitive shortcuts in everyday life.

  [09:04] Courtney Miller:
  "Confirmation bias is so common, and it's... they're just feeding into our confirmation biases."

Conclusion: Courtney's passion for psychology is not just academic; it deeply influences her worldview and creative processes, making her contributions to the podcast both intellectually stimulating and personally authentic.

Keith's Passion: Music Videos

[02:53] Keith Leak Jr.:
"I love music videos. The song is good, but when you have a music video to associate it with, it makes this song so much better."

Keith Leak Jr. expresses his enthusiasm for music videos, sharing his experiences working in a music video production company. He highlights the artistic and technical aspects that make music videos a vital component of the music industry.

Key Insights:

• Creative Appreciation: Keith appreciates the blend of music and visual storytelling, noting how compelling music videos can elevate the overall experience of a song.

  [15:08] Keith Leak Jr.:
  "I love finding really well done music videos... They make you feel so much in such a short amount of time."

• Personal Projects: He mentions maintaining a playlist of favorite music videos on his personal channel, showcasing his dedication to curating quality visual content.

  [18:07] Keith Leak Jr.:
  "I have a playlist on my personal channel right now that's just music videos that I think are dope."

Conclusion: Keith's passion for music videos underscores his appreciation for the fusion of auditory and visual arts, highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation in multimedia storytelling.

Damien's Passion: Voice Acting and Streaming

[02:34] Damien Haas:
"Voice acting... It was so freeing because I've got a very animated face."

Damien Haas shares his journey into voice acting, detailing how it allowed him to explore his creative potential beyond traditional on-camera acting. He discusses the challenges and rewards of pursuing voiceover work, emphasizing the flexibility and artistic freedom it offers.

Key Insights:

• Creative Freedom: Damien values the ability to embody diverse characters without the constraints of physical appearance, allowing for limitless creative expression.

  [23:04] Damien Haas:
  "With voiceover, I can be anyone, anything. I don't even have to be human."

• Professional Challenges: He candidly discusses the difficulties of maintaining a consistent voice acting career amidst other commitments, highlighting the competitive nature of the industry.

  [25:24] Damien Haas:
  "Sometimes I'm doing an audition and sending it off just to send it off. I need to sleep too."

Conclusion: Damien's dedication to voice acting illustrates his commitment to personal growth and creative exploration, positioning him as a multifaceted contributor to the Smosh team.

Ian's Passion: Coffee

[29:14] Ian Hecox:
"One of the things I'm very passionate about is coffee. I keep learning about it and getting more excited."

Ian Hecox opens up about his burgeoning passion for coffee, detailing his journey from basic coffee drinking to a deeper appreciation for the craft. He explores various aspects of coffee production, brewing techniques, and the cultural significance of coffee consumption.

Key Insights:

• Craftsmanship Appreciation: Ian emphasizes the intricate processes involved in coffee production, from bean selection to brewing methods, highlighting his respect for the labor and artistry behind each cup.

  [32:18] Ian Hecox:
  "It's not like some dude just picks the beans and throws them in a pot. There's a lot that goes into making a cup of coffee."

• Culinary Exploration: He discusses his interest in different brewing techniques and beverages, such as cortados and single-origin coffees, showcasing his enthusiasm for expanding his coffee palate.

  [37:12] Ian Hecox:
  "I'm trying to share what I've learned about coffee with other people and get them excited, too."

Conclusion: Ian's passion for coffee reflects his broader interest in artisanal and craft processes, illustrating how he integrates personal interests into his professional life.

Ocean and Swimming: Courtney and Keith

[41:46] Courtney Miller:
"I love the ocean so much. Growing up, I would go lobster diving and fishing for mahi mahi."

[50:20] Courtney Miller:
"Swimming is so cool... I can be on the ocean for... floating there and being like, this goes on forever."

Courtney shares her deep love for the ocean, recounting childhood memories of fishing trips and encounters with marine life. Her vivid storytelling paints a picture of serene and exhilarating experiences by the sea.

Key Insights:

• Childhood Memories: Courtney reminisces about fishing trips in Key West, highlighting moments like dolphin sightings and snorkeling adventures.

  [43:57] Courtney Miller:
  "We would go lobster diving and fishing for mahi mahi... sometimes a dolphin would come up and ride on the front of the boat."

• Environmental Concerns: She expresses concern over ocean pollution, mentioning innovative cleanup technologies and her desire to participate in conservation efforts.

  [44:52] Courtney Miller:
  "I would love to volunteer and help clean up the Pacific trash heap."

Keith Leak Jr. complements Courtney's enthusiasm by sharing his own passion for swimming and camping. He discusses his experiences with swimming in rivers and oceans, as well as memorable camping trips that blend adventure with a love for nature.

Key Insights:

• Adventure and Nature: Keith recounts experiences like cliff diving in Big Sur and swimming alongside whale sharks, emphasizing the thrill and tranquility found in nature.

  [48:52] Keith Leak Jr.:
  "Swimming in the ocean is so fun... when I'm at my dad's house on the weekends, I just am swimming in the pool or doing laps."

• Environmental Awareness: Similar to Courtney, Keith underscores the importance of preserving natural landscapes and participating in environmental conservation.

Conclusion: Together, Courtney and Keith highlight a shared appreciation for the ocean and outdoor activities, emphasizing the role of nature in their personal lives and the importance of environmental stewardship.

Anime: Damien and Courtney

[55:05] Damien Haas:
"Anime like that... the creativity is the only limitation."

Damien Haas and Courtney Miller discuss their mutual passion for anime, exploring its unique storytelling techniques and cultural significance. They highlight how anime offers diverse narratives that differ markedly from Western media, providing fresh perspectives and innovative plots.

Key Insights:

• Storytelling Innovation: Damien praises anime for its ability to present unconventional stories without the constraints often found in Western television and film.

  [55:32] Damien Haas:
  "Anime presents stories that you would never think of. Someone's creativity is the only limitation."

• Cultural Influence: Courtney notes how anime reflects distinct Japanese cultural values and narratives, offering viewers a window into different societal norms and artistic expressions.

  [58:12] Courtney Miller:
  "Anime is very motivating because you notice the difference in Japanese culture compared to Western culture."

Conclusion: Their discussion underscores anime's role in broadening creative horizons and fostering cross-cultural understanding, positioning it as a significant and enriching form of entertainment.

Korean Movies: Ian, Courtney, and Damien

[69:12] Ian Hecox:
"I'm passionate about Korean movies because not enough people have seen the good ones."

The hosts pivot to their appreciation for Korean cinema, commending its genre-blending capabilities and storytelling prowess. They discuss influential directors like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan Wook, highlighting seminal films that have impacted global audiences.

Key Insights:

• Genre Blending: Ian and Damien laud Korean films for their ability to seamlessly integrate multiple genres, creating complex and engaging narratives.

  [71:34] Ian Hecox:
  "Parasite is an incredible blend of all these different genres."

• Cultural Depth: Courtney emphasizes the depth and originality of Korean movies, noting their departure from conventional Western tropes and their ability to address profound societal issues.

  [72:03] Courtney Miller:
  "Sports movies are the closest thing to anime... but Korean movies like 'Parasite' are in a league of their own."

• Influential Directors: The discussion highlights directors like Bong Joon Ho and Park Chan Wook, who have created critically acclaimed films such as "The Host," "Snowpiercer," and "Parasite."

Conclusion: Their admiration for Korean cinema reflects a broader appreciation for international films that push creative boundaries and offer unique insights into different cultures and societal issues.

Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts express their enthusiasm for future discussions and potential activities, such as organizing a movie night or camping trip. They encourage listeners to share their own passions and interests, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation for diverse hobbies.

[77:04] Damien Haas:
"What's your comment? What's your passion?"

[78:10] Ian Hecox:
"Look out for that coffee."

[79:01] Courtney Miller:
"We're going to go camping and then watch swimming in the ocean."

Conclusion: The episode of Smosh Mouth successfully showcases the hosts' diverse interests, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of their personalities and passions. Through engaging conversations and personal anecdotes, Shayne, Amanda, and Damien create an inviting and relatable atmosphere, encouraging fans to explore and share their own favorite things.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Psychology's Influence on Comedy:

  • Courtney Miller [08:06]:
    "Studying psychology would help me with acting and comedy and everything."

• Music Videos Enhance Song Experience:

  • Keith Leak Jr. [15:08]:
    "I love finding really well done music videos... They make you feel so much in such a short amount of time."

• Voice Acting as Creative Freedom:

  • Damien Haas [23:04]:
    "With voiceover, I can be anyone, anything. I don't even have to be human."

• Appreciation for Coffee Craftsmanship:

  • Ian Hecox [32:18]:
    "It's not like some dude just picks the beans and throws them in a pot. There's a lot that goes into making a cup of coffee."

• Anime's Unique Storytelling:

  • Damien Haas [55:32]:
    "Anime presents stories that you would never think of. Someone's creativity is the only limitation."

• Korean Movies' Genre-Blending:

  • Ian Hecox [71:34]:
    "Parasite is an incredible blend of all these different genres."

Final Thoughts

Smosh Mouth Episode #34 offers a blend of humor, personal insight, and deep dives into the hosts' favorite things. By sharing their passions for psychology, music videos, voice acting, coffee, the ocean, anime, and Korean movies, Shayne, Amanda, and Damien provide listeners with a multifaceted look into their lives. This episode not only entertains but also encourages fans to reflect on and share their own unique interests.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Smosh universe, this episode promises engaging content that highlights the diverse personalities behind the beloved Smosh brand.