Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth – S2: #71 - The Top 5 Comedic Influences That Shaped Us

Released on July 15, 2020

Hosts:

• Shayne Topp (Short)
• Courtney Miller (Tall)
• Ian Hecox
• Rotating Smosh Friends

In this compelling episode of Smosh Mouth, Shayne Topp, Courtney Miller, Ian Hecox, and a rotating Smosh guest delve deep into the comedic influences that have profoundly shaped their humor and creative processes. Through lively discussions, personal anecdotes, and shared experiences, the hosts reveal the diverse sources of inspiration that contribute to their unique comedic styles.

1. Ian Hecox’s Top 5 Comedic Influences

1. Spaceballs

• Timestamp: [47:06]

• Quote: "Spaceballs was the one that I saw. I don't even know if I saw Star Wars at that point, but I understood all the references because it was so, like, just in the culture."

  Ian reminisces about Spaceballs, Mel Brooks' iconic spoof of Star Wars, emphasizing its cultural significance and timeless humor. He highlights memorable scenes and the movie's ability to resonate with audiences through its clever parody and meta-humor.

2. Saturday Night Live (SNL)

• Timestamp: [50:09]

• Quote: "They are all pretty well connected in that world."

  SNL holds a prominent place in Ian's list, appreciating its influential cast members like Phil Hartman and Chris Farley. He discusses how SNL's dynamic sketches and character-driven comedy have left a lasting imprint on his comedic approach.

3. The Lonely Island

• Timestamp: [06:34]

• Quote: "They did one song that's just about doing cocaine, which they lifted a bunch of lyrics from that and put it into the Bash Bros. Experience."

  The Lonely Island, known for their musical comedy, inspire Ian with their innovative blend of humor and music. He admires their ability to tackle contemporary topics with wit and creativity, influencing his own integration of diverse comedic elements.

4. South Park

• Timestamp: [16:47]

• Quote: "South Park had a big part in shaping my comedic thinking outside the box."

  Despite some reservations about its evolving perspective, Ian acknowledges South Park for its groundbreaking approach to satire and social commentary. He appreciates its fearless tackling of controversial topics, which has encouraged him to push the boundaries in his own work.

5. Early Internet Comedy (Ebaum's World, Bo Burnham, etc.)

• Timestamp: [08:07]

• Quote: "Back then, it was so different because I think it's similar to walking down the beach looking for driftwood."

  Ian reflects on the chaotic and unrestricted nature of early internet comedy, citing platforms like Ebaum's World and creators like Bo Burnham. This exposure to diverse and experimental humor fostered his ability to think creatively and embrace unconventional comedic styles.

2. Shayne Topp’s Top 5 Comedic Influences

1. Saturday Night Live (Phil Hartman & Chris Farley)

• Timestamp: [50:09]

• Quote: "There’s something in how I tell a joke that is literally their voices in my head helping say the joke."

  Shayne places SNL at the pinnacle of his influences, specifically highlighting the legendary performances of Phil Hartman and Chris Farley. He admires Hartman's composed delivery and Farley's boundless energy, which collectively inspire his own dynamic approach to comedy.

2. Spaceballs

• Timestamp: [47:17]

• Quote: "Like, you never had that kind of stuttering or pausing that was in Family Guy."

  Similar to Ian, Shayne appreciates Spaceballs for its clever parody and humor. He enjoys the movie's rapid-fire jokes and memorable characters, which continue to influence his comedic timing and character development.

3. Family Guy

• Timestamp: [30:00]

• Quote: "Family Guy really taught me timing. The timing on that show was so unique."

  Family Guy plays a significant role in shaping Shayne's understanding of comedic timing and storytelling. He commends its ability to blend absurd humor with sharp wit, enhancing his skills in pacing and joke delivery.

4. Johnny Bravo and All That

• Timestamp: [18:21]

• Quote: "Johnny Bravo was my poop dude. Johnny Bravo was so good."

  Childhood shows like Johnny Bravo and All That hold nostalgic value for Shayne. He appreciates Johnny Bravo for its humorous portrayal of a self-absorbed character, which influenced his affinity for comedic character archetypes.

5. Early Internet Animation (Newgrounds, Egoraptor, etc.)

• Timestamp: [37:09]

• Quote: "Those first Egoraptor flash animations are still my favorite thing he's ever done."

  Shayne credits the early days of internet animation with fostering his love for irreverent and experimental humor. Creators like Egoraptor inspired him with their innovative storytelling and boundary-pushing content, encouraging him to explore unconventional comedic avenues.

3. Courtney Miller’s Top 5 Comedic Influences

1. Kristen Wiig

• Timestamp: [55:12]

• Quote: "She's a powerhouse of a human. She's a literal comedy queen."

  Leading Courtney's list, Kristen Wiig stands out for her exceptional range and fearless approach to comedy. Her ability to embody diverse characters and deliver eccentric humor inspires Courtney to embrace versatility and originality in her own comedic endeavors.

2. The Lonely Island

• Timestamp: [43:28]

• Quote: "Using music and just like making comedy cool. It's so awesome."

  Similar to Ian and Shayne, Courtney values The Lonely Island for their fusion of music and comedy. She admires their creative integration of catchy tunes with sharp satire, influencing her approach to blending different mediums for comedic effect.

3. Bo Burnham

• Timestamp: [32:07]

• Quote: "His shows were stand-up comedy, but they've kind of evolved to being like, honestly, like a one man show."

  Bo Burnham's introspective and innovative comedic style resonates deeply with Courtney. She appreciates his ability to infuse profound messages within his humor, inspiring her to incorporate depth and thoughtfulness into her comedic projects.

4. Smosh

• Timestamp: [21:23]

• Quote: "I remember my friend Marissa and I would... alternately between watching Smosh sketches and also recording ourselves on the laptop webcam."

  As part of the Smosh family, Courtney naturally cites Smosh as a foundational influence. She highlights the group's collaborative spirit and signature sketch comedy as pivotal in shaping her comedic identity and fostering a passion for creating engaging content.

5. Early YouTube and Digital Sketch Comedy (Balloon Shop, Liam Kyle Sullivan, etc.)

• Timestamp: [10:09]

• Quote: "Being a part of Smosh was like stepping into something that was the level of, like, man."

  Courtney acknowledges the impact of early digital sketch comedy, including creators like Balloon Shop and Liam Kyle Sullivan. She appreciates their innovative approach to humor and character work, which has influenced her own ability to craft memorable and quirky sketches.

Common Themes and Interactions

• SNL's Significant Impact: Both Ian and Shayne place Saturday Night Live at the top of their lists, emphasizing its role in shaping their comedic sensibilities. They discuss iconic cast members and memorable sketches that continue to inspire their work.

  • Ian's Reflection: "Saturday Night Live... changed so many generations with." [26:30]

  • Shayne's Insight: "Any time you watch one of my jokes in Try not to Laugh, you can find an element of Phil Hartman or Chris Farley in it." [53:21]

• The Lonely Island's Musical Comedy: All three hosts cite The Lonely Island as a key influence, appreciating their unique blend of music and humor. This shared admiration underscores the group's collective appreciation for innovative comedic forms.

  • Courtney's Praise: "Using music and just like making comedy cool. It's so awesome." [43:28]

  • Ian's Admiration: "They did one song that's just about doing cocaine... put into the Bash Bros. Experience." [04:35]

• Early Internet and Animation: Shayne and Ian both highlight the importance of early internet comedy platforms and creators, such as Ebaum's World and Egoraptor, in fostering their love for irreverent and boundary-pushing humor.

  • Shayne's Nostalgia: "Early internet comedy was so different... like absurdist." [08:07]

  • Ian's Appreciation: "He just shows up every now and then and just crushes the industry." [06:28]

• Childhood Influences: Shayne's fondness for Johnny Bravo and Courtney's immersion in Smosh sketches during their formative years illustrate how childhood media shapes one's comedic framework.

  • Shayne on Johnny Bravo: "Johnny Bravo was so good... He's such a... the way they made him such a dumb ass is so great." [18:21]

  • Courtney on Smosh: "I have a sketch on my old YouTube channel called Panda that is definitely because I was watching a lot of Smosh." [21:23]

Notable Anecdotes and Highlights

• Embarrassing Moments: Ian shares a humorous childhood incident where he mistakenly identified a Chinese Imperial palace as the Great Wall of China, illustrating how early misunderstandings can become cherished family stories.

  • Ian's Story: "Is this the Great Wall of China? ... my sister goes, no, you idiot, the Great Wall of China is in China." [57:09]

• Personal Growth Through Comedy: Courtney discusses her journey from emulating sketch comedy characters to finding her unique voice, influenced by role models like Kristen Wiig and The Lonely Island.

  • Courtney's Reflection: "Soon be funny and just go all the way weird... that brought me to life in a way I never, like, really realized before." [55:12]

• Smosh as a Stepping Stone: Courtney emphasizes the role of Smosh in introducing young audiences to sketch comedy, acting as a bridge to more sophisticated comedic platforms like SNL.

  • Courtney on Smosh's Impact: "We've kind of aged it up in a way. And now we're like, it's stuff that we find funny." [23:47]

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode of Smosh Mouth, the hosts offer an intimate look into the comedic influences that have molded their careers. From the legendary sketches of SNL and the musical prowess of The Lonely Island to the experimental terrains of early internet comedy, each influence is dissected with enthusiasm and personal insight. Through shared stories and mutual respect for diverse comedic styles, Shayne, Courtney, and Ian underscore the importance of embracing varied humor sources to cultivate a rich and dynamic comedic identity.

Listeners gain not only an appreciation for the hosts' comedic backgrounds but also valuable insights into the evolution of comedy in the digital age. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring impact of influential comedians and platforms, inspiring aspiring creators to explore and integrate diverse comedic elements into their own work.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Spaceballs was the one that I saw... that was so good." — Ian Hecox [47:06]
• "They are all pretty well connected in that world." — Ian Hecox [11:35]
• "Johnny Bravo was so good... He's such a..." — Shayne Topp [18:21]
• "Using music and just like making comedy cool. It's so awesome." — Courtney Miller [43:28]
• "She’s a powerhouse of a human. She’s a literal comedy queen." — Courtney Miller [55:12]

Recommendation: For those eager to delve deeper into the comedic inspirations that shape influential creators, this episode of Smosh Mouth is a must-listen. It not only celebrates iconic figures and platforms but also encourages emerging comedians to draw from a rich tapestry of influences to forge their unique comedic paths.