Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth
Episode: Season 2, Episode #62 - Quarantine Advice from Bros Like We
Release Date: May 6, 2020
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Shane), Damien Lehan-Canto (Damien), and Ian Hecox
Introduction
In this episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shane, Damien, and Ian dive into a variety of listener-submitted questions, offering advice and sharing personal experiences related to navigating life during quarantine. The discussion ranges from maintaining friendships and finding jobs to coping mechanisms and dating during challenging times.
Addressing Listener Questions
1. How to Be Funny Without Offending During Quarantine
Listener: Llama Queen
Timestamp: [12:54]
Discussion:
- Shane emphasizes the importance of understanding and kindness in comedic endeavors, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like COVID-19.
- Damien adds that while creating humor around tough situations is inevitable, avoiding jokes about individuals who are victims is crucial.
- Ian suggests focusing on shared experiences rather than targeting specific tragedies to minimize the risk of offending others.
Notable Quote:
"If you are doing anything comedically, there is generally a risk involved in it that somebody somewhere might be offended by something." — Shane [00:46]
2. Navigating Job Search During a Pandemic
Listener: Curly Whirly
Timestamp: [17:15]
Discussion:
- Shane points out that the pandemic has put everyone in the same boat, reducing individual competition pressures traditionally associated with job hunting.
- Damien encourages listeners to separate their self-worth from their job status and remain patient, reminding them that a master's degree is a significant advantage.
- Ian highlights the role of luck and timing in securing employment, advising listeners to view their current challenges as temporary and to appreciate the safety net of having support at home.
Notable Quote:
"Finding a good job is based on luck and timing. There's no guarantee that you're going to jump out of college and find your dream job instantly." — Ian [00:55]
3. Creating a Comfortable Home Workspace
Listener: Hoohoo Beanie
Timestamp: [23:21]
Discussion:
- Shane advocates for designated workspaces separate from relaxation areas to maintain focus and productivity.
- Ian recommends setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, tackling the most challenging tasks early in the day to reduce overwhelm.
- Damien suggests breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and utilizing productivity apps to minimize distractions, particularly from smartphones.
Notable Quote:
"I never do [work] on my bed. Because if I'm on my bed, that's when I can see my TV... I cannot relax at my desk anymore." — Shane [23:37]
4. Maintaining Friendships Without Relying on Texting
Listener: Friendship Concern
Timestamp: [27:48]
Discussion:
- Shane proposes using video calls or Zoom as alternatives to texting to foster more meaningful interactions.
- Ian emphasizes the importance of real-time communication methods like phone calls or FaceTime to maintain deeper connections.
- Damien encourages proactive daily outreach to friends, suggesting that even simple gestures like sending a message can help sustain relationships.
Notable Quote:
"I find it hard to have a real conversation with a group of people over text. It's just a pain in the ass." — Ian [28:08]
5. Dating During Quarantine and Finding a Partner
Listener: Local Lesb asks
Timestamp: [46:12]
Discussion:
- Damien warns against seeking relationships out of desperation, as it can lead to unhealthy dynamics where personal happiness is overly reliant on the relationship.
- Shane advises evaluating compatibility, especially in how individuals respond in crises, to ensure lasting connections.
- Ian stresses the importance of authenticity on dating platforms, cautioning against misrepresentation to avoid future conflicts or distrust.
Notable Quote:
"If you're saying, like, gosh, I'm really lonely. I really want to find someone to talk to because I'm just so lonely. That's not a good angle to come after it." — Ian [46:15]
Community Engagement: Lightning Round
1. Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Listener: Kyle Durand
Timestamp: [57:18]
Responses:
- Damien: Journaling and venting emotions.
- Shane: Regular exercise and scheduling specific relaxation times.
- Ian: Mentions compartmentalizing but admits he may not have a specific mechanism.
Notable Quote:
"Journaling. Write down exactly how you feel about stuff. Vent it all out." — Damien [57:22]
2. Favorite Parts of Filming from Home
Listener: Tricks464
Timestamp: [57:38]
Responses:
- Damien: Setting his own schedule and being his own boss.
- Shane: Adds humor about being 'bottomless' all the time.
- Ian: Appreciates not having to commute and getting more sleep.
3. Childhood Dreams and How They Changed
Listener: Andy Hayes
Timestamp: [58:03]
Responses:
- Shane: Transitioned from aspiring to be a doctor, astronaut, and chef to becoming an actor after participating in school plays.
- Damien: Originally wanted to be a veterinarian until performing in a school play ignited his interest in acting.
Notable Quote:
"I wanted to be a veterinarian for all of my childhood until I did Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in fifth grade and was like, oh, I'm actually really good at this." — Damien [58:14]
4. Small Pleasures During Quarantine
Listener: Drew Nichols
Timestamp: [59:25]
Responses:
- Shane: Enjoys playing video games while watching TV to keep his mind occupied.
- Damien: Loves fresh laundry and waking up a couple of hours before his alarm to enjoy extra sleep.
- Ian: Relishes driving through open wilderness roads early in the morning.
5. Creative Ways to Eat Peanut Butter
Listener: Finn Barrett
Timestamp: [60:35]
Responses:
- Damien: Dips Oreos into peanut butter.
- Shane: Suggests spreading it on bananas, apples, toast, celery, or using it in unconventional ways like adding it to ramen.
Notable Quote:
"If you're not dipping Oreos into your peanut butter, you've not figured out the code." — Damien [60:35]
6. Toilet Paper Debate: Over vs Under
Listener: Helena, Elena, XO
Timestamp: [42:22]
Discussion:
- Hosts engage in a playful yet spirited debate about the correct orientation of toilet paper.
- Shane staunchly supports the 'over' method, while Damien remains neutral but shares practical reasons for both sides.
Notable Quote:
"There's nothing wrong with it going under, I don't think there's anything wrong with it." — Damien [42:53]
7. Dating Preferences: Height Differences
Listener: Click by Soul
Timestamp: [62:26]
Discussion:
- Hosts discuss their openness to dating someone taller, emphasizing personal compatibility over societal expectations.
- Damien shares his experience without any preference issues, while Ian is open but acknowledges practical considerations.
- Shane expresses no particular concerns, focusing on genuine connections.
Notable Quote:
"I don't have a type. The same. But you? You bet. Ian, you're saying you would date someone taller than you?" — Damien [63:22]
8. What Are Boys Thinking?
Listener: Carl Sella
Timestamp: [64:59]
Responses:
- Shane: Jokes that women are a major preoccupation.
- Damien: Mentions thoughts about the game Animal Crossing.
- Ian: Shares random thoughts about gaming preferences.
Listener Stories: 'Shoot' Segment
Story:
A listener named Zach recounts an incident from childhood involving a tarantula.
Timestamp: [69:21]
Narrative:
At 11 years old, Zach encounters a large spider while playing soccer at his friend Danny's house. Being arachnophobic, he impulsively kicks the spider into the garden without informing Danny. Days later, Danny expresses regret over his missing pet tarantula, Timmy. Zach admits to the act years later during his best man speech, with Danny finding the revelation amusing.
Host Reactions:
- Damien: Questions the plausibility and ethics of Zach's actions, highlighting the immediate consequences of his fears.
- Shane: Skeptically analyzes the story's details, suggesting it might be fabricated or exaggerated.
- Ian: Considers the psychological aspects of Zach's reaction, pondering guilt and honesty.
Notable Quote:
"He'd be the only person I think, in the world that is completely neutral on this. But I'm passionate." — Damien [42:53]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of staying connected, being honest in relationships, and maintaining healthy routines during quarantine. They encourage listeners to reach out to friends and loved ones, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Final Message:
"We hope that you're staying safe and reach out to your friend, tell them that you love them, and we'll see you next time." — Ian [77:08]
Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode
- "Finding a good job is based on luck and timing." — Ian [00:55]
- "If you are doing anything comedically, there is generally a risk involved in it that somebody somewhere might be offended by something." — Shane [00:46]
- "Journaling. Write down exactly how you feel about stuff. Vent it all out." — Damien [57:22]
- "If you're not dipping Oreos into your peanut butter, you've not figured out the code." — Damien [60:35]
- "There's nothing wrong with it going under, I don't think there's anything wrong with it." — Damien [42:53]
This episode of Smosh Mouth serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking advice on managing personal and professional aspects of life during quarantine. Through relatable discussions and humorous takes, Shane, Damien, and Ian provide valuable insights while maintaining the lighthearted spirit characteristic of the Smosh brand.