Smosh Mouth: S2: #79 - POV: You’re Quarantined with Ian
Release Date: September 9, 2020
Host: Ian Hecox
1. Returning Solo to the Podcast
The episode begins with Ian Hecox sharing his experience of returning alone to the podcast studio. Due to a hectic week and Courtney’s exhaustion from streaming, Ian finds himself hosting the episode solo. He humorously refers to this as "Ian Rambles," setting a relaxed and candid tone for the discussion.
Quote:
“So today we're recording this on Friday on the Wednesday, we did our first ever Twitch livestream for our new Smosh games Twitch channel. It all went very well. Everything went off without a hitch, except for this part when we thought it would be really funny if everyone drank some apple cider vinegar and pretended like they were drinking water.”
— Ian Hecox [01:21]
2. A Spicy Crisis: The Apple Cider Vinegar Incident
Ian recounts a humorous yet painful incident where he and his friends attempted to drink apple cider vinegar during a livestream. A mix-up led Ian to consume straight white vinegar, causing significant throat burns and discomfort. He discusses the aftermath, including the physical pain and his efforts to recover with yogurt, bread, and porridge.
Quote:
“So I chugged it and experienced a pretty terrible time. But I trucked through it. I was okay by the end, sort of. And then I had burns in my throat for about a day.”
— Ian Hecox [02:25]
3. Navigating Quarantine Life
Ian delves into his personal experiences during quarantine, highlighting the challenges of living alone versus those who are cohabiting with partners or roommates. He reflects on the varying impacts of lockdown on different individuals, from increased tensions with roommates to stronger bonds in relationships.
Quote:
“For myself, I’m completely. I live alone. It’s just me and the dog, and the dog doesn’t make for great conversation.”
— Ian Hecox [05:26]
4. The Reality TV Revelation
A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to Ian’s newfound interest in reality TV. Initially skeptical, he started watching shows like "Love is Blind," "Indian Matchmaking," and "Love on the Spectrum." He critiques the often exaggerated and scripted nature of these programs while appreciating those that provide meaningful representation, such as "Love on the Spectrum."
Quotes:
“I have started watching trashy reality TV. This is my confession.”
— Ian Hecox [05:28]
“One reality show that I did very much like and made me all warm and fuzzy was love on the spectrum. Following a group of people with autism.”
— Ian Hecox [28:21]
5. Managing Friendships in Your 30s
Ian explores the complexities of maintaining friendships as one transitions from their 20s to their 30s. He notes that as responsibilities grow—such as careers, relationships, and possibly children—the effort required to sustain friendships increases. He emphasizes the importance of actively reaching out and nurturing relationships beyond work circles.
Quote:
“Keeping or managing friendships in your 30s... a lot of people are getting deep into a relationship or a marriage. They got kids, they have a professional life, so now they're living in some other city.”
— Ian Hecox [31:25]
6. Nostalgia and Internet Memes
Ian shares his amusement with the resurgence of nostalgia memes on Twitter, particularly those referencing past Smosh content like "Food Battle." He reflects on how content from years ago still resonates and brings joy to long-time fans, highlighting the enduring impact of their early work.
Quote:
“I’ve been a part of several nostalgia memes that have popped off. Like, they'll just be like, a random person that'll make, like, a food battle meme, and it'll get, like, a hundred thousand likes.”
— Ian Hecox [39:47]
7. Alcohol Consumption During COVID-19
Addressing the uptick in alcohol consumption during the pandemic, Ian candidly discusses his own relationship with alcohol. He provides a strong disclaimer against excessive drinking and encourages listeners to be mindful of their substance use. He shares personal struggles and emphasizes the importance of seeking help if needed.
Quotes:
“Alcohol is poison. I don’t know, I just kind of like. I like alcohol. Some I don’t like at all. I’m not. I’m never drinking to get drunk.”
— Ian Hecox [46:43]
“Adults out there, like, you know, if you're drinking, just keep an eye on it. Like, really think about your relationship with alcohol and the effects that it has on you, your friends, your family.”
— Ian Hecox [50:03]
8. Life Lessons and Final Thoughts
In his concluding remarks, Ian emphasizes the importance of focusing on what one can control amidst the chaos of the pandemic. He encourages proactive behaviors such as community involvement and self-care. Additionally, he shares a personal anecdote about a school presentation mishap, highlighting the value of intention and reconciliation.
Quote:
“Think about the things that you can control in your life. All right, with that said, we're gonna cap this bad boy off with a shoot, dude.”
— Ian Hecox [51:44]
Final Thought:
Ian wraps up by promoting upcoming content on their Twitch channel, inviting listeners to engage with Smosh in new interactive formats.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
“If you take spicy or acidic foods out of my life, do I even have a life?”
— Ian Hecox [05:26] -
“Watching trash isn't all bad. Every once in a while we gotta unplug.”
— Ian Hecox [30:25] -
“There’s no amount of alcohol that’s safe. I don’t care about these stupid reports that are like, you know, drinking one glass of red wine will actually reduce your heart.”
— Ian Hecox [46:56] -
“Nashville style hot chicken is the best. I'm drooling. It's so good, guys.”
— Ian Hecox [49:59] -
“There’s so many things that are happening outside of our control. It’s very easy to feel like there's nothing you can control.”
— Ian Hecox [50:03]
Conclusion
In this engaging solo episode of Smosh Mouth, Ian Hecox offers an unfiltered glimpse into his life during quarantine. From humorous health mishaps and reflections on reality TV to deep dives into friendship dynamics and personal challenges with alcohol, Ian covers a broad spectrum of topics. His candidness and relatability make the episode a valuable listen for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking honest conversations about navigating life’s unpredictable moments.