Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S1: #39 - Travel Talk & Future Condoms
Released on November 13, 2019, Episode #39 of the Smosh Mouth podcast features hosts Shayne Topp (Noah), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Courtney), and Damien engaging in lively discussions about their travel experiences, favorite foods, prison reform, condom preferences, and a sprinkling of conspiracy theories. This episode seamlessly blends humor with insightful commentary, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful conversations.
Introduction and Podcast Format
The episode kicks off with the hosts exchanging playful banter, setting a relaxed and humorous tone for the discussion ahead. Courtney introduces the episode's theme:
"We've decided this podcast is going to be about our favorite places or places that we hope are our favorite places... places that we haven't been, places that we have been in places that we haven't been that we want to go to." ([00:52])
They aptly name the segment "Travelcast," signaling an in-depth exploration of their travel interests and aspirations.
Travel Experiences and Future Plans
Upcoming Trip to Japan
Damien shares his excitement about an upcoming trip to Japan, highlighting Osaka as a culinary hotspot:
"We're going to Osaka first. And that's like the street food mecca of Japan. And I'm excited to try all these different things." ([31:20])
He reminisces about a previous trip to Tokyo, mentioning the diverse food culture and his anticipation for new culinary adventures.
Personal Travel Stories
Noah reflects on his travel experiences, including a memorable visit to France where he attempted Indian cuisine for the first time:
"The first time I ever tried Indian food was actually... me trying Indian food." ([07:13])
Courtney emphasizes her love for traveling primarily to indulge in various cuisines:
"Like literally just eat food and drink. And that's half my travels." ([34:19])
The hosts express a shared enthusiasm for exploring new destinations, with interests spanning from European cities like Paris and the Basque region to Southeast Asian locales such as Vietnam and Myanmar.
Food Adventures and Preferences
Red Lobster Experience
Noah recounts a less-than-stellar experience at Red Lobster, humorously detailing his hefty bill and disappointment with the food:
"I went to a Red Lobster, and I think I spent like $320... It was such trash, like, the worst food I've ever had." ([35:38])
Damien contrasts this by sharing nostalgic fondness for Red Lobster from his childhood, appreciating its association with "fancy" dining:
"For my birthday, I would always be like, I want to go to Red Lobster. Like, that was my fancy restaurant." ([36:42])
Exploring Diverse Cuisines
The conversation shifts to a variety of international foods. Damien praises the flavors of lamb korma in Indian cuisine:
"They use, like, cashews and raisins to season as well... it's like this sweet, savory." ([09:10])
Courtney shares her first experiences with Romanian and Burmese dishes, highlighting unique flavors and textures:
"I had Romanian food for the first time... It was like a really tasty chicken stew." ([28:25])
They discuss the excitement and challenges of trying new foods, emphasizing personal preferences and memorable culinary moments.
Prison Reform and the 13th Amendment
A substantial segment of the podcast delves into the intricacies of the U.S. prison system and the 13th Amendment's implications.
Privatized Prisons and Labor
Noah brings attention to the role of prison labor in producing high-end products:
"Apparently a lot of the cheese... is made by prison labor." ([12:05])
Damien further elaborates on the systemic issues, explaining how training inmates often doesn't translate to job opportunities post-release:
"Anyone who just spent five years... learning how to fight fires on the front line can't become a firefighter." ([12:35])
Documentary Insights
Courtney references the Ava DuVernay documentary "13th," which explores the historical and ongoing exploitation within the prison system:
"If you guys haven't seen Is it called the 13th on Netflix?... If they're prisoners, then we can still work them like slaves." ([13:32])
They critically analyze how legal loopholes perpetuate forced labor and discuss the need for comprehensive prison reform.
Condom Preferences and Discussions
Exploring New Brands
The discussion transitions to the topic of condoms, where the hosts examine different brands and their innovative features.
Noah introduces "kimono condoms" and "Lilo Hex," debating their effectiveness and design:
"These sound soft and flowy. They might not get the job done." ([19:55])
Courtney shares her positive experience using kimono condoms:
"I did use the kimono. They're good." ([23:10])
They humorously critique the design aspects and functionality of these products, balancing curiosity with skepticism.
Innovative Designs
Courtney highlights the technical aspects of "Lilo Hex" condoms, featuring interconnected hexagons for strength and flexibility:
"It's like active armor graphene inspired structure for thinness and strength." ([21:49])
The hosts discuss the potential advantages and drawbacks, providing listeners with insights into emerging condom technologies.
Conspiracy Theories and Random Topics
Towards the end of the episode, the conversation veers into lighthearted conspiracy theories and amusing hypotheticals.
Celebrity Conspiracies
Noah and Courtney jest about absurd theories, such as:
"Hannah Montana is really Miley Cyrus... Hilary Duff controls the weather." ([50:40])
Smosh Identity Joke
They playfully speculate that their voices are being manipulated by an external entity:
"Smosh has been Milli Vanilling the entire time. We don't talk. It's someone else voivng us." ([53:25])
These segments add a layer of humor and whimsy to the episode, showcasing the hosts' playful dynamics.
Data Privacy Concerns
TikTok Scrutiny
Noah brings up the U.S. government's concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices:
"Apparently, the Trump administration is going g after TikTok because they could be tracking all your movements and stuff." ([58:03])
Courtney and Damien discuss the broader implications of data privacy, emphasizing the need for awareness and vigilance in the digital age.
Light Banter and Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with the hosts engaging in spontaneous jokes and reflective discussions about societal norms and personal quirks.
Credit Card Anxieties
Damien shares his recent experience with a credit card breach, leading to humorous exchanges about the security of financial information:
"It's got to be... that's crazy. No one at Pizza Hut or anything can quickly." ([60:00])
Final Thoughts on November and Conspiracies
They wrap up with musings on November being a month of restrictions and playful assertions about ongoing conspiracies:
"November is not a fun month... People under 18 do it." ([61:10])
Noah humorously emphasizes the reality of societal issues while maintaining the episode's lighthearted spirit.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Noah ([00:10]): "Probably the dumbest thing I've done with my money other than buying a car and then breaking it a lot and then repairing it too many times."
-
Courtney ([05:19]): "Oh, wait, is that a thing? What is that?"
-
Damien ([16:17]): "But still, there's a happy medium to be reached because otherwise, if there's no happy medium there and it just sort of feels like free reign..."
-
Noah ([27:17]): "I like how we were supposed to talk about the places we wanted to go and... all the lovely places."
-
Courtney ([51:13]): "Hannah Montana is really Miley Cyrus. She's a government agent."
Conclusion
Episode #39 of Smosh Mouth masterfully balances humor with meaningful discussions, offering listeners a blend of entertainment and insightful commentary. From exploring the depths of the prison system and advocating for reform to dissecting the nuances of international cuisine and innovative condom designs, the hosts provide a rich tapestry of conversation. Their ability to weave in lighthearted banter and playful theories ensures that the episode remains engaging and relatable, making it a standout installment in the Smosh podcast series.
For those who haven't tuned in, this episode serves as an excellent introduction to the dynamic chemistry between the hosts and their ability to tackle a diverse array of topics with both depth and humor.
