Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth – S1: #6 - Why Shayne Won't Talk Nerdy On A First Date

Release Date: March 27, 2019
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane Todd), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Courtney Miller), and guest Sarah Whittle
Description: In this episode of Smosh Mouth, Shayne, Courtney, and their guest Sarah dive into a range of topics, from personal health struggles and the impact of social media to the intricacies of dating and maintaining authentic relationships. Their candid and humorous conversation provides listeners with relatable insights and plenty of laughs.

1. Health Challenges and Self-Care

The episode kicks off with Shayne sharing a personal health ordeal that culminated in a severe toothache and a root canal procedure. His experience underscores the importance of addressing health issues promptly.

• Shayne Todd [36:38]:
  “If you feel any sort of pain at all, don't drink anything. It's a bad move.”

• Shayne Todd [36:45]:
  “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it. I was dying.”

Through Shayne’s narrative, the hosts discuss the anxiety associated with dental emergencies and the broader implications of neglecting health care, highlighting the challenges posed by the American healthcare system.

2. The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Courtney and Sarah delve into the complexities of managing social media, balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Courtney expresses a love-hate relationship with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, acknowledging their utility in promoting Smosh while lamenting their psychological toll.

• Courtney Miller [04:09]:
  "I have a love hate relationship with social media because I, I think it's very fun and I think the essence of it's very fun. But then there's the dark underbelly and probably the long lasting psychological effects that are happening to people who are obsessed with social media."

Sarah adds her perspective on using social media as a tool for visibility rather than personal validation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries to prevent burnout.

• Sarah Whittle [04:39]:
  "So that's the crazy thing to me because if I wasn't doing this and I was just still working at Chuck E. Cheese or whatever, I don't think I would be on Instagram trying to pump up my likes..."

The conversation highlights the constant pressure to engage online and the resulting mental fatigue, advocating for a balanced approach to social media usage.

3. Navigating the Dating Scene

Shayne and Courtney open up about their dating experiences, revealing the pressures and challenges they face. Shayne discusses his reluctance to share "nerdy" interests on first dates, fearing judgment, while Courtney emphasizes the importance of authenticity and mutual interest.

• Shayne Todd [60:08]:
  "I don't talk about that. Cause if I'm not feeling like, oh, I've got funny jokes right now. If I'm just gonna talk seriously, there's nothing wrong with that."

• Courtney Miller [62:07]:
  "He's so easygoing. Everything that I thought a relationship could be, it was. And I was, like, excited about him."

Their dialogue emphasizes the significance of genuine connections over superficial interactions, advocating for honesty and comfort in personal relationships.

4. The Impact of Public Life on Personal Relationships

Sarah, Courtney, and Shayne discuss the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while being in the public eye. The conversation touches on the difficulty of finding genuine connections when much of one's life is subject to public scrutiny.

• Shayne Todd [67:04]:
  "It's dangerous when every aspect of your life becomes entertainment for other people. There are certain things that just need to be for you..."

• Courtney Miller [67:31]:
  "I think it's really tough. I don't envy your position because it's like, you know, it's kind of nice when you meet someone new because they're new and you don't know anything about them, but obviously, you're a public figure..."

The hosts reflect on the balance between public persona and private self, emphasizing the need for personal boundaries to preserve mental health and authentic relationships.

5. Entertainment, Nostalgia, and Media Critique

The trio shifts gears to discuss nostalgic topics like boy bands (Backstreet Boys, NSYNC) and contemporary films like Jordan Peele's Get Out. They critique the evolving landscape of entertainment, debating whether rapid, meme-driven humor is overshadowing traditional comedy.

• Sarah Whittle [08:15]:
  "That's why I feel like comedy movies are sort of dying because you're never, I was telling my friend this, like, you're never gonna get the same amount of laughs out of, out of an hour long movie that you're gonna get of an hour of looking at memes."

• Shayne Todd [70:05]:
  "I think Jordan Peele has. He's gonna always face an uphill battle with every movie he makes, because going into it, I was expecting a movie with so many layers..."

Their conversation underscores a broader commentary on media consumption habits, the decline of traditional comedic formats, and the pressures faced by creators in an evolving industry.

6. Closing with Current Events and Social Commentary

Toward the end, the hosts discuss a recent active shooter training incident in an Indiana elementary school, critiquing the methods used and the psychological impact on students and teachers.

• Sarah Whittle [74:44]:
  "With these shooter trainings, which I've. I never had as a kid growing up. It's. It's like the sheriff department, like, goes in there and they pretend to be the shooters, and they go in and they were using airsoft guns in place of real guns and then faked executing the teachers."

• Courtney Miller [75:21]:
  "It is traumatizing and it just sucks. Like, it's unfortunate that we live in this time where that is an issue."

The discussion highlights the traumatizing effects of such drills and questions their efficacy, reflecting broader concerns about school safety and the mental health of students and educators.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shayne Todd [36:38]:
  “If you feel any sort of pain at all, don't drink anything. It's a bad move.”

• Courtney Miller [04:09]:
  "I have a love hate relationship with social media because I, I think it's very fun and I think the essence of it's very fun. But then there's the dark underbelly and probably the long lasting psychological effects that are happening to people who are obsessed with social media."

• Shayne Todd [60:08]:
  "I don't talk about that. Cause if I'm not feeling like, oh, I've got funny jokes right now. If I'm just gonna talk seriously, there's nothing wrong with that."

• Sarah Whittle [74:44]:
  "With these shooter trainings... they pretend to be the shooters, and they were using airsoft guns in place of real guns and then faked executing the teachers."

Conclusion

In this episode of Smosh Mouth, Shayne, Courtney, and Sarah engage in a multifaceted conversation that blends personal anecdotes with broader social commentary. From health struggles and the pitfalls of social media to the challenges of dating and the effects of living a public life, the hosts offer listeners both humor and meaningful insights. Their candid discussions encourage self-reflection and highlight the importance of authenticity, mental health, and maintaining genuine connections in an increasingly complex world.