Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S2: #75 - How Courtney & Shayne Feel About Being Shipped Together

In episode #75 of Smosh Mouth, released on August 12, 2020, hosts Shayne Topp (Shane) and Amanda Lehan-Canto (Courtney) delve into the intricate dynamics of fan shipping, personal growth during quarantine, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the digital age. This insightful and engaging conversation offers listeners a candid look into their perspectives on being shipped together, handling personal insecurities, and fostering genuine relationships amidst the pressures of online fame.

1. Navigating Fan Shipping and Public Perception

Shane and Courtney open the discussion by addressing the pervasive fan phenomenon of "shipping" them as a couple. They highlight how fans often project relationships and romantic narratives onto them, leading to various misconceptions.

[41:14] Shane: "The Chartney conspiracies are pretty enjoyable. I will say, I for years have gotten DMs being like, I know you and Courtney are dating. I see the signs."

[43:03] Courtney: "It's not invading on my life. I’m not saying, please ship us at all. We’re professionals and we literally have to kiss in videos and stuff."

They emphasize the importance of separating on-screen personas from their real-life identities, clarifying that their relationships with colleagues like Damien are rooted in professional camaraderie rather than romantic entanglements.

2. Personal Practices: Journaling and Self-Reflection

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the hosts' personal practices aimed at fostering self-awareness and emotional well-being. Shane introduces his journaling habits, including a unique “book of praise” where he highlights the positive attributes of people in his life.

[32:34] Shane: "I have a bunch of journals for different things. One of them I call a book of praise. Every time I write in it, I pick a person I know and write about what makes them awesome."

Courtney shares her own experiences with journaling, emphasizing its role in managing anxiety and fostering self-love.

[25:48] Courtney: "Sometimes I even write like, I love you to me, just to myself. Because I think it's important to tell yourself that."

The hosts discuss the psychological benefits of journaling, such as organizing thoughts, processing emotions, and enhancing self-compassion.

3. Health and Fitness Routines During Quarantine

The conversation shifts to how Shane and Courtney have adapted their health and fitness routines amidst quarantine restrictions. Shane details his straightforward approach to nutrition, focusing on whole foods without adhering to strict diets.

[12:10] Courtney: "You sound like a video game character."

[12:21] Shane: "When Mario eats the mushroom and gets bigger, that's how I feel after eating asparagus."

Courtney discusses her transition from indulging in comfort foods to incorporating healthier options, highlighting the importance of replacing unhealthy snacks with fruits and vegetables.

[16:32] Shane: "My mindset has always been a matter of like, I'm gonna try to eat healthy so I'm trying to put as much good stuff in my body as possible."

Both hosts advocate for viewing exercise as a means of self-care rather than solely for aesthetic purposes, underscoring the mental and physical benefits of staying active.

4. Dealing with Misinformation and Privacy Concerns

The hosts address the challenges posed by misinformation and invasive fan theories. Shane acknowledges encountering false information about his personal life and expresses a laid-back attitude towards correcting such narratives.

[48:12] Shane: "I don’t put my personal thoughts out there that often because I also don’t think that I’m that smart. So I don’t ever feel comfortable putting my opinions out there."

Courtney shares anecdotes about erroneous articles and false claims regarding her personal life, emphasizing the importance of not taking fan-created misinformation to heart.

[48:24] Courtney: "I don’t care. Like, it’s not. It doesn’t hurt my feelings that somebody thinks I’m dating someone. It is weird."

They advocate for maintaining personal boundaries and remind listeners that the public persona is just a fragment of their true selves.

5. Transitioning from Fans to Content Creators

Reflecting on their journey from being fans to becoming content creators, Shane and Courtney discuss the complexities of handling fan expectations and maintaining authenticity.

[50:26] Shane: "You always pick just the one that’s just left out."

[50:34] Courtney: "It’s easy to put them in an idea or in a box because you’ve never met them or had a conversation with them."

They acknowledge the difficulty in managing fan-created narratives and the necessity of setting clear boundaries to preserve their real-life relationships and identities.

6. Personal Anecdotes: Unrequited Love and Strengthening Friendships

Courtney shares a heartfelt story about her unrequited love and the strength of her friendship with Shane.

[56:42] Courtney: "I was madly in love with this guy friend of mine... He helped me come out to our other friends."

Shane praises this act of emotional intelligence and steadfast friendship, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships.

[57:15] Courtney: "I’m proud of you personally. I stand Dan, Percy and your first friend."

This segment underscores the value of genuine friendships over romantic relationships and the mutual support that fuels their bond.

7. Maintaining Mental Health and Self-Love

Throughout the episode, Shane and Courtney emphasize the significance of self-love and mental health practices, especially during challenging times like quarantine.

[19:28] Courtney: "Working out until you feel good... There's yoga YouTube channels that I follow."

[30:40] Shane: "It helps learn about yourself in that way."

They discuss various strategies for maintaining mental well-being, including exercise, journaling, and creative outlets like drawing and video games.

8. Final Reflections and Community Engagement

As the episode draws to a close, Shane and Courtney reflect on the importance of discerning personal truths from public perceptions. They encourage listeners to engage positively with their content while understanding the boundaries between their public and private lives.

[47:43] Courtney: "Fans think we are all best friends and that we actually all do hang out every day."

[62:05] Courtney: "Stan, Larry Stylinson."

Their final remarks reinforce the themes of authenticity, self-care, and the challenges of navigating public life, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind their favorite online personalities.

Notable Quotes:

• Shane: "Body positivity is because if you feel, if you recognize that you are worth, you are worth it as you are, then doing these things becomes a gift to yourself." [18:14]

• Courtney: "I think it's important to tell yourself that, whether it's in writing or out loud." [25:24]

• Shane: "The best workout is the one that you’re gonna do. Whatever you’re motivated and you have fun doing." [22:12]

Conclusion

Episode #75 of Smosh Mouth offers a profound exploration of personal identity, the impact of fan culture, and the pursuit of self-improvement. Through honest dialogue and relatable anecdotes, Shayne and Courtney provide valuable insights into balancing public personas with personal well-being, making this episode a must-listen for fans seeking a deeper connection with their favorite hosts.