Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S2: #73 - What The Smosh Set is REALLY Like

Release Date: July 29, 2020
Hosts: Courtney Miller, Monica Vasundani, Jackie, Damien

Introduction

In episode #73 of Smosh Mouth, titled "What The Smosh Set is REALLY Like," hosts Courtney Miller, Monica Vasundani, Jackie, and Damien delve deep into the inner workings of the Smosh production set. Released during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the episode offers listeners an unfiltered look at how the Smosh team has adapted to remote work, managed creative processes, and maintained their camaraderie amidst unprecedented challenges. The conversation intertwines professional insights with personal anecdotes, providing a comprehensive view of life behind the scenes.

Adapting to Quarantine and Remote Work

The pandemic forced many creative teams to pivot, and Smosh was no exception. The hosts discuss the initial phases of quarantine, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster of shifting to remote work.

• Shift to Remote Filming:
  Courtney Miller reflects on the cyclical nature of the pandemic's impact, stating, "It feels like we're back at the start of it again. Oh, yeah, it's the opening and the closing."

• Emotional Toll:
  Jackie shares her anxiety about returning to set, saying, "I was so anxious. I got, like, two hours of sleep before the first day because I was nervous."

• Safety Measures:
  The team recounts their cautious approach during test shoots, highlighting the importance of mask-wearing and social distancing on set. Courtney notes, "Our crew is very careful. They are being so careful and making sure everyone's doing everything the safest way."

Writing and Production in Smosh

Monica Vasundani, the head writer, provides insights into the writing process during quarantine, revealing how the team has scaled their scriptwriting efforts to meet content demands.

• Expansion of the Writing Team:
  Damien explains, "We brought on four freelance writers... they wrote 19 scripts in May alone, which was incredible."

• Collaboration Challenges:
  Courtney reminisces about the early days, "I have no sense of structure at this company. I don't know who does what."

• Creative Synergy:
  The hosts appreciate the collaborative environment, with Damien stating, "It's nice to work in a place where everyone can speak up and be heard about, like, I have a suggestion for this, or I want to try it this way."

Dealing with Social Media and Feedback

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to navigating the complexities of social media, particularly handling feedback and criticism from fans.

• Reading Comments:
  Courtney shares her mixed experiences, "Sometimes I'll hold my breath, look at some of them, and then I'll be like, I'm done. That's it."

• Positive vs. Negative Feedback:
  Jackie emphasizes resilience, "We have to remember that it's just one comment. It's like, oh, this person seems like they really hate this thing, but that's one human."

• Supportive Community:
  Despite the negativity, positive interactions stand out. Courtney expresses gratitude, "Looking at my DMs, they're all positive. Like, positive. So nice."

Personal Stories and Experiences

The hosts open up about their personal lives, sharing anecdotes that humanize the production team and highlight their adaptability.

• Moving and Rearranging:
  Courtney discusses her love for rearranging her living space, "I've moved the bed in my room. It's been on every corner of this room. Every six months, I rearrange."

• Camping Adventures:
  Damien narrates a humorous yet harrowing camping trip, "I immediately slipped, hit my elbow on the shower floor... and had to drive down the mountain half-asleep."

• Anecdotal Humor:
  The episode includes lighthearted moments, such as read-aloud auditions and amusing miscommunications, adding levity to the conversation.

Health Issues and Personal Well-being

The discussion takes a more serious turn as the hosts share their health struggles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing well-being.

• Vision Problems:
  Jackie reveals, "My left eye would randomly have the worst pain... It still affects my vision severely."

• Physical Injuries:
  Damien recounts, "I broke my elbow during a van camping trip... and then I got walking pneumonia."

• Mental Health:
  The team touches on the emotional strain of remote work and the significance of supporting each other, "We make people laugh. We are actively helping people's mental health."

Upcoming Projects and Set Changes

Excitement brews as the hosts discuss upcoming shoots and the evolving dynamics of the Smosh set post-quarantine.

• Resuming In-Person Shoots:
  Courtney shares her mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness, "I'm excited, but I'm also a little nervous to be interacting with that many people again."

• Directing New Sketches:
  Jackie talks about her upcoming directorial roles, "This is my first time directing two sketches in one shoot block."

• Team Dynamics:
  The hosts reflect on team members who couldn’t join due to travel restrictions, emphasizing safety over convenience, "Shane, Damian, and Keith... wouldn't be safe to have them on set."

Anecdotes and Humor

The episode is peppered with humorous stories and playful banter, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and camaraderie.

• "Shoot Dude" Story:
  A fictional narrative about a complicated love triangle adds a comedic flair, with Jackie humorously dissecting the awkward scenario.

• Camping Mishaps:
  Damien's tale of bumping elbows and battling for conscious operation amidst a camping trip mishap elicits laughter and empathy from listeners.

Conclusion

Episode #73 of Smosh Mouth offers a rich, multifaceted glimpse into the Smosh set's reality during a global crisis. Balancing professionalism with personal vulnerability, the hosts provide listeners with an authentic portrayal of adapting to change, managing creative workloads, and maintaining mental health. Notably, the episode underscores the importance of community support and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether sharing heartfelt struggles or lighthearted stories, Courtney, Monica, Jackie, and Damien create an engaging and relatable narrative that resonates with both fans and aspiring content creators.

Notable Quotes:

• Courtney Miller [04:30]: "I'm gonna be getting everybody freaking in there."
• Jackie [23:32]: "We're always trying to take feedback, but ultimately it's like, oh, this person seems like they really hate this thing, but that's one human."
• Damien [10:03]: "Having someone else there to bounce ideas off of and obviously to take on the workload has been really helpful."
• Courtney Miller [28:04]: "No offense, but no offense, but you look fat."
• Jackie [43:23]: "Go to the freaking doctor, guys."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the hosts' personal experiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this summary provides a clear and engaging overview of what to expect from "What The Smosh Set is REALLY Like."