Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S1: #5 - “Black Smosh” Almost Happened?! w/ MatPat
Release Date: March 20, 2019
Hosts: Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and rotating guests
Guest: Matthew Patrick (MatPat), creator of Game Theory
**1. Introduction and Guest Introduction
The episode begins with the hosts briefly mentioning ongoing technical issues as they welcome Matthew Patrick, popularly known as MatPat from Game Theory, as their guest.
- Ian Hecox: “Hello, everyone. I am your host, Ian Hecox. Who am I with today?” [01:24]
- Matthew Patrick: “Oh, hi. Yes, I'm Matthew Patrick, better known online as MatPat, the biggest nerd on YouTube.” [01:35]
**2. MatPat’s Role and Background
MatPat discusses his background in digital video and his role in advising other content creators, including Smosh, during their rebranding phase.
- Matthew Patrick: “I was a digital video expert. I was an analytics guy. I was using the learnings that I was coming up with off of my own work on YouTube to help other channel creators grow their businesses...” [07:22]
**3. Smosh’s Rebranding and the “Black Smosh” Project
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Smosh’s attempts at rebranding, including higher-ups' idea of creating a separate “Black Smosh” to cater to different demographics. The hosts express their concerns about such strategies.
- Ian Hecox: “One of their dream projects was to create Black Smosh...” [00:34]
- Matthew Patrick: “The whole concept was... we'd give like-minded creators a platform to get more views, earn more money...” [04:01]
- Courtney Miller: “They wanted to cast a group of black people to create urban comedy... think that two white guys aren't gonna be enjoyed by black people.” [13:17]
MatPat criticizes the idea as a superficial attempt to diversify without genuine integration, likening it to other ill-fated multi-host YouTube channels.
- Matthew Patrick: “They just need to create Black Smosh followed by female smosh, gay smosh... it was bad.” [13:17]
**4. Challenges of Scaling Content Creation
The discussion highlights the difficulties of expanding a YouTube channel’s cast without losing the original charm and connection with the audience. MatPat emphasizes the importance of gradual integration versus forced inclusion.
- Ian Hecox: “We wanted to make it a slower, gradual process... but Defy wanted them in all videos immediately.” [09:15]
- Matthew Patrick: “You have to make sure you give time to build genuine relationships with new cast members and the community.” [10:03]
**5. Personal Stories and Fanfiction
The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes, including fanfiction about MatPat and Ian, touching on themes like adoption and imagined relationships.
- Matthew Patrick: “Most fanfictions involved me adopting children...” [17:32]
- Courtney Miller: “I saw fanfics where my character ends up breaking a baby... it's uncomfortable.” [18:19]
**6. Impact of the Internet on Information Consumption
Hosts and guest delve into how the internet has transformed news consumption, emphasizing the prevalence of negative news and the decline in critical thinking among users.
- Matthew Patrick: “The internet creates a cycle where negative and dramatic stories get the most visibility... there's no retrospective analysis.” [44:33]
- Ian Hecox: “Critical thinking is something that needs to be taught more in schools... the internet fuels propaganda.” [54:16]
They discuss the challenges of misinformation, the role of algorithms in promoting sensational content, and the importance of teaching media literacy.
- Courtney Miller: “The internet makes the world seem worse because we see so much bad stuff all at once.” [50:48]
**7. Disney Movie Remakes and Casting Choices
The hosts and MatPat critique the modern trend of live-action remakes by Disney, focusing on casting decisions and their impact on storytelling quality.
- Matthew Patrick: “I prefer original stories and great performances over big-name stunt casting... like Will Smith as Genie compared to Robin Williams.” [77:04]
- Ian Hecox: “Animated movies still tell original stories that resonate without relying on star power.” [83:49]
They highlight examples like "Aladdin" and "Frozen," discussing how casting well-suited actors versus relying on celebrity presence affects audience reception.
- Courtney Miller: “Live-action remakes often prioritize star power over storytelling, which can detract from the movie's quality.” [82:50]
**8. Closing Remarks and Banter
The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about personal grooming habits, armpit hair, and humorous interactions about adopting behaviors from fanfiction. The hosts reflect on the depth of the conversation versus the light nature of the podcast.
- Ian Hecox: “Good job, guys. We solved racism.” [06:48]
- Matthew Patrick: “It's all about having a good time and chatting with your buddies.” [87:33]
Notable Quotes:
- MatPat on Black Smosh Idea: “To the outside world, seeing this character, they're like, oh, my gosh, this is reminiscent of all this terrible stuff from the past. But to Japan, it's like, no, this is just a commentary on this fashion trend.” [06:13]
- Courtney on Fanfiction: “There always is like a drama. Like the romance happens and then I get cancer...” [17:03]
- Discussion on Critical Thinking: “Critical thinking is something that they really need to teach more in schools.” [54:16]
- MatPat on Internet Negativity: “The worst possible thing you can do is to do it the wrong way... it's your responsibility to make sure that that kid is doing as best as he possibly can.” [36:16]
Conclusion:
This episode of Smosh Mouth offers an engaging blend of serious discussions about content creation strategies, the influence of the internet on information consumption, and personal reflections, interspersed with humorous banter. MatPat’s insights provide a unique perspective on Smosh’s challenges and broader media trends, making the conversation valuable for both fans and content creators seeking to understand the dynamics of YouTube channel growth and audience engagement.