Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth - S2: #46 - Should We Keep Our Relationships Private?

Release Date: January 15, 2020

Introduction

In episode #46 of Smosh Mouth titled "Should We Keep Our Relationships Private?", hosts Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and Smosh friends Damien Haas and Ian Hecox dive deep into the complexities of maintaining privacy in personal relationships amidst the pervasive presence of social media and public scrutiny.

Winter Break and Personal Struggles

The episode begins with the hosts reflecting on their recent winter break, sharing personal experiences related to isolation and health challenges.

Courtney Miller opens up about her discomfort with public displays of past relationships:

"[00:31] I feel weird knowing that there are photos on Facebook of me and my ex. I delete them whenever I see them. I don't want to have a collection of the people that I've had in my life like that."

Damien Haas shares his experience of feeling isolated while engaging in long gaming sessions:

"[01:10] Right when Skyrim came out, I would stock up on food. I had laundry in my room. Like, I didn't need to go anywhere for anything. I would go days without talking to people."

Ian Hecox muses on the constant pull of gravity as a metaphor for life's relentless pressures:

"[00:46] Gravity is just a force that's just continuously pulling us. It's like if somebody were to just be consistently pushing you towards a direction, we're getting consistently sucked downwards."

Health Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

The conversation shifts to health issues faced by the hosts during the break, highlighting the importance of self-care and community support.

Courtney Miller discusses battling the flu:

"[06:14] I was very sick over winter break. I couldn't even make it to the last day at work because I was so sick. I was sipping water, and if I take too many sips, it's leaving my body."

Damien Haas talks about organizing a charity stream despite feeling unwell:

"[19:56] I decided I kind of want to do a charity stream. So I did my usual stream, but made it for charity. ... raised a hoop ton of money. How much? $4,014."

Ian Hecox shares a personal medical anecdote about experiencing severe ball pain:

"[25:01] So I went to the ER and I got a ball ultrasound. ... it was so cold and uncomfortable with the loud droning noise."

Gaming as an Escape

The hosts reminisce about their favorite games and how gaming served as an escape during challenging times.

Ian Hecox reflects on his gaming habits:

"[12:58] Danganronpa. Yeah, I forget. I miss those days, like when I would play a game till the sun literally rose."

Courtney Miller draws parallels between past and present gaming experiences:

"[13:12] I remember back when I was working at the pharmacy... I'd dedicate the rest of the day to my Xbox."

Damien Haas compares his experience with Skyrim:

"[14:21] Skyrim was great. I mean, I think I'd say like, pinto beans please, Ed Chipotle. But like, that was about it."

The Stigma Around Discussing Male Genitalia

A humorous yet candid segment where the hosts discuss societal taboos surrounding male genitalia.

Ian Hecox initiates the topic:

"[45:45] It's important. I think there's this stigma in society. We can't talk about the male balls."

Courtney Miller adds her perspective:

"[45:54] As opposed to the female balls."

Damien Haas joins in the playful banter:

"[46:42] So you're gonna feel so good. I say it out to you all the time."

Main Discussion: Privacy in Relationships

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the core topic—whether relationships should remain private, especially when part of a public persona or online presence.

Courtney Miller expresses the challenges of maintaining privacy:

"[54:17] ... I have learned to appreciate privacy in relationships. ... I delete photos of past relationships because I don't want people comparing them."

Damien Haas echoes similar sentiments:

"[54:59] ... relationships are hard enough without people dissecting every move you make."

Ian Hecox shares his approach to balancing personal life with public sharing:

"[56:37] I don't share a whole lot. I don't share everything in my private life because I think it's important to have that kind of separation."

Courtney Miller further elaborates on the impact of public relationships:

"[55:44] ... the Internet is forever. Even if you delete a video, 30 people have downloaded it and posted it elsewhere."

Balancing Personal and Public Life

The hosts discuss strategies for managing personal relationships without letting them overshadow their public identities.

Damien Haas highlights the pressure of public scrutiny:

"[55:02] ... what's up. It is the marriage industrial complex."

Courtney Miller reflects on the authenticity of sharing personal milestones:

"[59:34] ... it felt less genuine as it carried out more ... like a story, not like real."

Ian Hecox emphasizes the importance of keeping personal experiences separate:

"[57:52] I don't share a whole lot... it's not gonna be like, 'we're couples, couples, couples.'"

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reiterating the importance of privacy in personal relationships while acknowledging the challenges posed by public personas and social media. They emphasize finding a balance that allows for personal happiness without the undue pressure of public opinion.

Courtney Miller finalizes the discussion:

"[59:06] ... relationships are a commitment in a way. The Internet is an even bigger commitment if you have the audience watching your life."

Damien Haas concurs, urging respect for individual choices:

"[54:59] I think it's totally true... there should be an expectation either way."

Ian Hecox concludes with a personal note on managing private and public life:

"[56:37] ... it's important to have that kind of separation."

Notable Quotes

• Courtney Miller [00:31]: "I don't want to have a collection of the people that I've had in my life like that."

• Damien Haas [19:56]: "Raised a hoop ton of money. How much? $4,014."

• Ian Hecox [45:45]: "We can't talk about the male balls."

• Courtney Miller [55:44]: "The Internet is forever. ... I don't want people comparing my relationships."

• Damien Haas [54:59]: "Relationships are hard enough without people dissecting every move we make."

Final Thoughts

"Should We Keep Our Relationships Private?" offers an insightful exploration into the delicate balance between personal privacy and public persona. Through candid conversations and relatable anecdotes, the Smosh Mouth team sheds light on the complexities of maintaining authentic relationships in the digital age.

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