Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth – S2: #56 - Bored In The House (The Quarantine Special)

Release Date: March 25, 2020

In this special quarantine edition of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and a rotating Smosh friend Damien Haas delve into their personal experiences during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recorded from their individual homes, the episode captures candid conversations about isolation, lifestyle adjustments, and maintaining connections amidst unprecedented times.

1. Transition to Remote Recording [00:50 – 01:22]

The podcast kicks off with Damien Haas addressing the unique setup:

Damien Haas [00:50]: "You come out of Corona just a muscle. Well, hello, everyone. This is a bit of a special podcast because we are recording from our own homes. We've never done this before, and we're using microphones we've never used before and cameras we've never used before."

The hosts acknowledge the challenges of their new recording environment, setting the tone for an authentic and unfiltered discussion.

2. Reflecting on the Australian Trip [03:20 – 08:38]

A significant portion of the episode reminisces about their recent trip to Australia for the Supernova Convention. The hosts share memories of vibrant fan interactions and the gradual realization of the impending pandemic’s impact.

Shayne Topp [06:48]: "They were sweet about it and fans were all cool about it and they understood."

Damien elaborates on how quickly the situation escalated:

Shayne Topp [06:48]: "And so we were like, oh, crap, like, we're going to get stuck here because you're going to cut off travel."

The group discusses memorable experiences, including unique dining adventures and the challenges faced as COVID-19 restrictions tightened during their stay.

3. Adjusting to Quarantine Life [09:00 – 15:46]

The conversation shifts to their personal adjustments to staying at home. Topics include maintaining fitness routines with limited equipment and the psychological impact of sudden isolation.

Courtney Miller [12:55]: "I caught myself literally doing the scene in every quarantine ever where I'm just eating more and more snacks."

Damien shares his struggle with limited workout resources:

Damien Haas [11:00]: "I'm just like, like I told you guys earlier, I'm looking, I'm looking to get out of this. Looking like last season of Parks and Rec, Chris Pratt."

Shayne emphasizes the importance of staying home:

Shayne Topp [01:40]: "Shout out to everyone out there listening to this from their homes. You should be nowhere else but your home."

4. Navigating Daily Life and Supply Shortages [16:25 – 27:28]

The hosts delve into the practical aspects of quarantine, such as grocery shopping challenges and the infamous toilet paper shortage.

Damien Haas [21:48]: "We recently had discussed... when my family was texting me, because obviously, with everything we did, like it's a miracle if we don't have it."

Courtney highlights creative cooking adaptations:

Courtney Miller [27:16]: "I have a really good, easy meal... buttered pasta with parmesan and a little bit of cholula."

The discussion touches on innovative meal ideas and the reliance on subscription boxes to mitigate supply chain disruptions.

5. Mental Health and Staying Connected [28:34 – 37:52]

Addressing the emotional toll of isolation, the hosts stress the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones through virtual means.

Courtney Miller [17:06]: "I knew that my family would be on the other side of my door and I'm not able to hug them or say hello to them was, like, really painful."

Ian emphasizes the need for mental resilience:

Ian Hecox [20:21]: "Check in with your friends who maybe... you know, we're all here, isolated and... we're not alone."

6. Memorable Experiences from Australia [33:58 – 37:52]

Damien shares detailed accounts of their restaurant experiences in Melbourne, including a nine-course meal at View du Monde Transition and unique Viking-themed dining at Mjolnir.

Damien Haas [34:04]: "We went out to this... it's like a nine course meal, 15 dishes in total."

The hosts reminisce about the exceptional culinary experiences and the camaraderie shared during their travels before the world shifted into lockdown.

7. "Shoot Dude" Segment: Light-Hearted Stories [46:48 – 49:26]

Introducing a new segment, the hosts share humorous and awkward anecdotes submitted by listeners.

Damien Haas [47:15]: "This Shoot Dude comes from Migs. My name is Migs... I had to take off my belt... my pants were quite loose."

The segment features playful banter and relatable stories, providing a brief respite from the heavier topics discussed earlier.

8. Closing Remarks and Advice [49:32 – End]

As the episode nears its end, the hosts offer heartfelt advice and encouragement to their listeners.

Courtney Miller [49:32]: "Stay connected with the people you care about. Stay inside for the people you care about. And stay moving. Stay active, stay healthy, stay hands washed, stay sanitized, stay. Stay cute."

Shayne underscores the importance of adhering to health guidelines:

Shayne Topp [50:30]: "Listen to doctors and scientists. Stay hydrated and stay safe."

Damien concludes with a message of community support and vigilance:

Damien Haas [51:21]: "Look for opportunities to give and contribute to your community, to your neighbor... if you feel like you need help, don't, don't hesitate to ask for help as well."

The hosts express gratitude towards essential workers and reaffirm their commitment to entertaining their audience from the safety of their homes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Shayne Topp [01:40]: "Shout out to everyone out there listening to this from their homes. You should be nowhere else but your home."

• Courtney Miller [12:55]: "I caught myself literally doing the scene in every quarantine ever where I'm just eating more and more snacks."

• Damien Haas [34:04]: "We went out to this... it's like a nine course meal, 15 dishes in total."

• Courtney Miller [17:06]: "I knew that my family would be on the other side of my door and I'm not able to hug them or say hello to them was, like, really painful."

• Shayne Topp [50:30]: "Listen to doctors and scientists. Stay hydrated and stay safe."

• Damien Haas [51:21]: "Look for opportunities to give and contribute to your community, to your neighbor... if you feel like you need help, don't, don't hesitate to ask for help as well."

Conclusion

Smosh Mouth’s quarantine special offers a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into the hosts' lives during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through shared stories, practical advice, and moments of levity, Shayne, Amanda, and Damien create a relatable narrative that resonates with listeners navigating similar challenges. The episode underscores the importance of community, adaptability, and maintaining connections in times of isolation.