Smosh Turns 15! Podcast Summary

Episode: S2: #89 - Smosh Turns 15!
Release Date: November 18, 2020
Hosts: Shayne Topp (Courtney), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Damien), and rotating Smosh friend Shane Topp.

Introduction

In this landmark 15th-anniversary episode of the Smosh Mouth podcast, hosts Shayne Topp (Courtney), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Damien), and Shane Topp come together to celebrate Smosh's enduring legacy. They reflect on pivotal moments, cherished memories, and the evolution of their content over the years. The episode also marks a significant transition as the hosts announce a hiatus for the Smosh Cast to focus on other ventures.

Key Discussions and Milestones

1. Early Beginnings and Breakthroughs

• Meeting Olivia and Starting Smosh:
  Courtney shares a nostalgic account of meeting Olivia, who was pivotal in the early days of Smosh.
  Courtney Miller [00:04]: "Olivia was this girl that I met. She had us all sit down... she was being Olivia."

• Smosh's First Major Hit - Pokémon Theme Song:
  Ian reminisces about their breakthrough when the Pokémon theme song skyrocketed to become the most viewed YouTube video at the time.
  Ian Hecox [31:05]: "The big moment was when we got our first video on the front page of YouTube and then the second video on the front page, which was the Pokémon theme song."

• Monetization Milestone:
  Being among the first 10 YouTube channels to get monetized was a game-changer, allowing them to move out of their parents' homes into the iconic Smosh House.
  Ian Hecox [31:28]: "Being one of the first 10 channels to be monetized allowed us to move into the Smosh House."

2. Expanding Content and Diversifying Channels

• Launching Smosh Games:
  Recognizing the growing gaming trend, Smosh launched Smosh Games, integrating gaming content with their comedic flair.
  Ian Hecox [47:17]: "We created Smosh Games because gaming was a thing that was growing."

• Smosh Summer and Winter Games:
  These annual events became staple content, blending reality competition with Smosh’s unique humor.
  Shane Topp [67:07]: "Every summer and Winter Games that we ever did... it was so ridiculous and so fun."

• Smosh Live and Live Tours:
  Transitioning to live content, Smosh hosted live shows and embarked on tours, enhancing fan interaction and expanding their reach.
  Shane Topp [70:17]: "Smosh Live was just a big sponsored brand deal that Defy snagged... it felt like something different."

3. Overcoming Challenges and Adaptation

• Defy Shutdown and Mythical Acquisition:
  A tumultuous period where Smosh faced a potential shutdown under Defy, leading to uncertainty. However, the acquisition by Mythical Entertainment provided creative autonomy and revitalized the brand.
  Damien Haas [61:44]: "The Defy shutdown was crazy... Mythical purchase everything and actually, you know, give us creative autonomy."

• Introduction of New Cast Members:
  Expanding the Smosh family by introducing new talent, ensuring the brand's longevity and diverse perspectives.
  Damien Haas [60:28]: "The introduction of new cast members was another huge defining moment because that's when you added longevity to the channel."

• Evolution of Content Formats:
  From scripted sketches to interactive formats like "Every [Blank] Ever," Smosh continuously innovated to stay relevant and engage their audience.
  Damien Haas [60:47]: "Introduction of the 'Every Blank Ever' format really made a mark... it was both comfortable and pushed the envelope."

4. Memorable Moments and Favorite Content

• Iconic Videos and Top Moments:
  The hosts enumerate their top Smosh moments, highlighting videos that defined their journey. Notable mentions include:

  • "Juju Mufu" with over 34 million views.
  • "Assassin's Creed 3" achieving nearly 100 million views.
  • "Real Death Note" resonating with anime fans.
  • "Two Truths and a Lie with Pam" which went viral and stirred memorable reactions.

  Ian Hecox [30:43]: "The Pokémon theme song was a major mark in history."

• Behind-the-Scenes Stories:
  Shane narrates the spontaneous creation of certain videos, such as the air mattress jump, which captured the essence of early Smosh’s unfiltered fun.
  Shane Topp [75:28]: "We just started to just launch each other on this and see who get the most air... it was a very special moment connected to that."

5. Personal Growth and Team Dynamics

• Learning and Adapting Together:
  The hosts discuss how working closely over the years fostered a familial bond, aiding in personal and professional growth.
  Courtney Miller [51:14]: "That shutdown definitely was like a lull kind of in life in general... realizing how much this was a huge part of our lives."

• Challenges of Growing Pains:
  Reflecting on the rigorous 12-14 hour workdays and the unsustainable pace before institutional support was provided.
  Ian Hecox [00:17]: "We were working ourselves to death... what we were doing was not sustainable."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ian Hecox [00:30]: "We worked 12, 14 hour days every single day and did a lot of the work."
• Shane Topp [00:43]: "Holy crap, we're doing this."
• Courtney Miller [02:51]: "Be careful with where you put your personal information online."
• Damien Haas [22:00]: "We can adapt."
• Ian Hecox [31:54]: "Once you got your video on the front page, that was the only way to really get discovered on YouTube."
• Courtney Miller [83:24]: "Girls are Gross was the first female-centric music video that Smosh ever did."

Conclusions and Future Directions

As the podcast draws to a close, the hosts announce a temporary hiatus for the Smosh Cast. This break allows them to dedicate more time to other projects, including expanding their presence on Twitch and developing new content formats. While this marks the end of an era for the Smosh Mouth podcast, the legacy of Smosh continues to thrive across multiple platforms, adapting to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Ian Hecox [95:02]: "We're not saying Smosh cast is going away forever. This is a break."

Courtney Miller [96:01]: "Living our lives on other channels while Smosh continues is a bonus."

Damien Haas [96:25]: "It's a break, but we're focusing on what’s most important."

Final Remarks

The "Smosh Turns 15!" episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the brand's journey, encapsulating the highs and lows, the laughter and the trials. It underscores the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and staying true to their comedic roots. As Smosh steps into the next chapter, the bonds formed over 15 years ensure that their humor and creativity remain as vibrant as ever.

End of Summary