Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S1: #9 - Shagging on the Beach w/ Rhett & Link

Hosts and Guests

• Smosh Hosts: Ian Hecox, Damien Haas
• Guests: Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal of Rhett & Link

Release Date: April 17, 2019

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00 - 02:23)

The episode kicks off with the standard Ryan Seacrest advertisements promoting Chumba Casino, which are seamlessly integrated into the podcast. Shortly after, Damien Haas welcomes Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal to the Smoshcast.

Notable Quote:

• Damien Haas: "This is the first time we've met. I'm so excited." [01:38]
• Rhett McLaughlin: "Glorious to be here." [01:57]

2. Evolution of Podcasting (02:24 - 05:45)

Damien initiates a discussion about the different waves of podcasting, highlighting Rhett and Link's significant role in shaping the medium. He reflects on the growth from early, joke-based podcasts to the current era where podcasts are more structured and scripted.

Notable Quotes:

• Damien Haas: "I feel like … now we're kind of in this, like, third wave of podcasting." [03:59]
• Rhett McLaughlin: "But now that we're here, we are taking over." [03:11]

3. Maintaining Boundaries in Content Creation (05:46 - 12:42)

The conversation shifts to how content creators like Rhett and Link balance their personal lives with their public personas. They discuss the challenges of sharing intimate details without overstepping personal boundaries, especially concerning relationships and friendships.

Notable Quotes:

• Rhett McLaughlin: "You just have to know that we're never going to say anything negative." [06:02]
• Damien Haas: "I'm afraid that … maybe I'll say something about, like, a date that I went on … I'll get busted for saying something." [06:17]

4. Handling Fan Interactions and Privacy (12:43 - 20:07)

Rhett and Link delve into the complexities of interacting with fans, especially when it comes to personal stories that might involve mutual friends. They emphasize the importance of not speaking negatively about anyone and maintaining a respectful distance to preserve privacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Link Neal: "We didn't want to scare your audience." [02:56]
• Rhett McLaughlin: "I'm like, how was your trip? And you can just be like, you can give like one word answers. Good. Okay." [09:48]

5. Hilarious Anecdotes and Mishaps (20:08 - 37:20)

The episode features a series of humorous stories, including:

• Dr. Fun’s Motivational Songs: Link shares a funny story about promoting a quirky YouTuber named Dr. Fun, who offers motivational songs for a fee.

  Quote:

  • Link Neal: "I've been following his Facebook … he was catching it." [22:03]

• Firework Fiascos and Lawn Mower Races: Rhett and Link recount their adventurous attempts at lawnmower races and fireworks displays, leading to humorous accidents and close calls.

  Quotes:

  • Rhett McLaughlin: "We have to figure out when do you stop and say, listen, this is all going on my podcast." [10:42]
  • Link Neal: "There’s a number of things that could have gone wrong." [71:20]

• Confederate Flag Discussion: A heated yet humorous debate arises around the presence and symbolism of Confederate flags in modern settings, with Damien expressing his discomfort and Rhett and Link offering differing perspectives.

  Quotes:

  • Damien Haas: "It's just a little sad for me when I see those people sitting there." [32:52]
  • Link Neal: "You're flying a flag of a regime that no longer exists, that was defeated in battle and is technically the enemy of America." [53:12]

6. The "Funny News" Segment: Walruses and Climate Change (74:19 - 77:57)

Damien introduces the "Funny News" segment, where he humorously reports on a serious environmental issue: walruses committing suicide by jumping off cliffs due to climate change. The group discusses the absurdity and seriousness of the situation, blending humor with concern.

Notable Quotes:

• Damien Haas: "Climate change is making walruses commit suicide. They're gonna make them jump off cliffs." [75:00]
• Rhett McLaughlin: "It looks like Woodstock never ended over here." [78:00]

7. Final Thoughts and Closing (77:58 - 85:55)

As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on their discussions, share final anecdotes, and promote upcoming tours. They maintain a lighthearted tone, ensuring the conversation wraps up on a humorous and engaging note.

Notable Quotes:

• Rhett McLaughlin: "We could do this differently." [65:36]
• Damien Haas: "We’re going to do it at their other house, which is up on that river." [72:25]

Promotion:

• Tours Announcement: Rhett and Link promote their upcoming live shows across various cities, inviting listeners to join their musical concerts.

  Quote:

  • Link Neal: "Rhettandlinklive.com we're going to … Denver, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Minneapolis, Omaha." [83:05]

Conclusion

In this episode of Smosh Mouth, Smosh's Damien Haas hosts Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, delving into the evolution of podcasting, the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries as content creators, and sharing a plethora of humorous anecdotes. From discussions about fan interactions and Confederate flag symbolism to the quirky cases of air-frying shoes and walruses' tragic cliff jumps, the episode blends humor with insightful conversations. The "Funny News" segment stands out as a poignant yet comedic take on environmental issues, encapsulating the show's ability to balance lightheartedness with meaningful topics. The episode concludes with a cheerful promotion of Rhett and Link's upcoming live tours, leaving listeners both entertained and informed.

Key Takeaways:

• Podcasting Evolution: Understanding the shift from casual to more scripted and structured podcast formats.
• Content Creation Boundaries: Striking a balance between sharing personal stories and maintaining privacy.
• Humorous Storytelling: Utilizing humor to discuss serious and absurd topics effectively.
• Audience Engagement: Promoting live events and fostering a connection with listeners through relatable anecdotes.

Listener Recommendation: This episode is highly recommended for fans of both Smosh and Rhett & Link, offering a blend of humor, insightful discussions, and entertaining stories that cater to a wide audience.