Loading summary
Ian Hecox
I think you're gonna do really great things. But I think it's also important to note it doesn't have to be career. You can do really great things elsewhere in other parts of your life. Like, your career doesn't define you.
Shane Topp
We will hear legends of your travels and journeys from other people. I'll probably be out, like, in a diner in Nevada in the middle of the desert, and someone be like, ah, have you heard the tales of Sarah Whittle?
Courtney Miller
The woman whose hair color changes every week?
Shane Topp
She's like that horse from wizard of Oz.
Ian Hecox
Sara Wheedle. Sara Widdle. Sara Weedle. Sara Wheedle, Sara Widdle.
Sarah Whittle
Summer and Winter games. For me, producing that will be some of the most creatively fulfilling moments of my life. Like, it's so stupid because it's like, what's the punishment? And I'm like, eat a fart.
Shane Topp
Sarah's leaving.
Ian Hecox
All right, all right, start it off.
Sarah Whittle
Sarah's leaving.
Shane Topp
Sorry, Sarah has to. Sarah has to leave. She's going to hell.
Ian Hecox
Hello, everybody. Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Smosh cast. I know, I know, I know, I know. It's been a long time. No, this is not a mistake. This wasn't like an old podcast that randomly just popped up in your feed. This is a brand spanking new podcast. Do you want proof? Dogecoin hold up the newspaper. Yeah, we'll hold up a news newspaper that says Dogecoin.
Courtney Miller
Hits it again.
Ian Hecox
Hits it again. It's almost on the moon. But, guys, we're here today, and, well, I guess you probably read the title and it's something like, sarah Whittle is.
Courtney Miller
Leaving Smosh with like, five question marks and parentheses. Clickbait. Not really.
Ian Hecox
And then there's like a thumbnail of us going.
Sarah Whittle
And I'm like, sad.
Shane Topp
Or Sarah leaving. Smosh, parenthesis, bored. Af.
Ian Hecox
But no, this is a real thing that is happening. Sarah, you are. Oh. And for the listeners, it's myself here today, along with Courtney Miller, Shane Tupp, and our favorite person, Sarah Whittle.
Sarah Whittle
Aw, that's very, very nice. Thank you guys so much for doing this. When I had put in my notice, I wasn't expecting this. So I really do appreciate everyone taking the time and doing this. This is so. I was not expecting it. So I'm very humbled. Thank you, guys.
Courtney Miller
You deserve the best way out possible, Sarah.
Shane Topp
I mean, I kind of got the inkling over the months you were talking about, like, missing your family and kind of I got the sense, like, so is this something you were kind of been thinking about for a little bit or.
Sarah Whittle
Well, yeah, I guess, like, if you haven't seen the. Try not to laugh that was up today. Yeah. I'm leaving smos. I found new opportunity. And I think, like, everyone's question is, like, why is Sarah leaving? Smosh.
Ian Hecox
What's the tea, sis?
Sarah Whittle
What's the tea? Who is mean to you? And the. And the truth is, is Shane is mean to me.
Shane Topp
That's correct.
Sarah Whittle
And that's why. No, but I think it's like, it's always like. I think the question is. Is like, why is Sarah leaving? There must be something wrong. And ultimately, at the end of the day, there was no challenge here that I wasn't willing to face or work through. Um, and ultimately it came down to this past year being so hard and it really putting a spotlight on what home means for me and being a military kid, being someone that home is kind of everywhere and nowhere at the same time. And being home so much the last year, I really want to shift my focus to my home and my family and. And what that means. And for me, personally, I never looked as Los Angeles as, like, a place for me, too. I never felt like this was home for me. It was fun, and I. And it's a fun city, but I never saw myself, like, actually putting roots down here. And so the last year, I was. I was really challenging myself what that is. And so that's what I'm going to be doing. I'm literally leaving the state, and that's why I'm leaving.
Ian Hecox
She's running away from us as far as possible.
Courtney Miller
And as much as we've worked from home decently well throughout all this craziness, it's just we. You don't. You can't work. What? You can't work at Smosh. And what in where you're going. I don't delete it.
Sarah Whittle
What were you saying?
Courtney Miller
I was just saying, like, I was just. It was supposed to be a joke. I was like, yeah, we've been working from home.
Sarah Whittle
We can do it from home.
Courtney Miller
You can still be in Smash. Just delete it, Kevin.
Ian Hecox
No, but you found. But I mean, like, you. Because you found, like, a pretty kickass job.
Courtney Miller
Oh, my God.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
And we all. When we all heard what it was, we're like, yes, this is a Sarah joke.
Sarah Whittle
Well, it just so happens that, like, me wanting to make this, like, quality of life move also coupled with, like, a really, really cool opportunity that, you know, I'm gonna keep close to me because that's. It's my business. I Want to keep it close to me, but all my friends know, and it's like, it's such a. An exciting opportunity, and the fact that it's taking me out of California and then I can build what that home is for me. Like, it's. It's all such a dream situation. And I feel so grateful because I wouldn't be have this opportunity without Smosh. And that's the thing that it's like when I look back and then this is when we cry, but when I look back at my time at Smosh, I really feel so lucky. I feel like I. I realized I've done, like, pretty much every position because I started. I started as a coordinator. I was like, ap, then I was a producer. Then I moved over to the social team. And then, like, I one time was like, flew to Sacramento to cause Olivia had food poisoning. So I was Olivia's understud. And then, like, I, you know, at the top of last year, moved over to, like, kind of creatively directing Smosh Pit and Smosh games and then also being more in front of camera because of kind of the restrictions and stuff, us trying to keep it small. So I feel I've had so many perspectives. I've directed sketch too.
Shane Topp
You've been all over the place.
Sarah Whittle
It's crazy. And I feel so grateful for all those opportunities. Like, they taught me so much, but it was just the playground. Like, how cool. Thank you guys so much for that.
Shane Topp
Yeah, for. For our audience. You know, like, you're not on camera as much as us, but you've been there for the entire time. Like, it's weird for me to think about, like, the perspective of a lot of audience members, because for me, like, you. You were at. You were here every step of the way. Like, every. I think you were. Yeah. Winter games, summer games, like, everything.
Sarah Whittle
Like, I showed up at 2015. I think you guys were super fresh. I think it was right after.
Shane Topp
I think you and I showed up at, like, the same time.
Sarah Whittle
It was like, after the first Summer Games, I didn't. I wasn't involved in that. And then I just kind of. I was like, freelancing for a long time and hanging out. But, yeah, it's crazy. And then obviously, we knew. We know I left before. I know I left before, but I came back and we.
Ian Hecox
Yeah, we dragged you back. Sarah dipped out. She found a good job. She dipped out a smosh right before Defy collapsed. She saw. She saw the writing on the wall.
Shane Topp
You were the reason for the collapse.
Sarah Whittle
I did. I knew something was Going to happen because the. I was there for three years to happen in 2018. I was there for three years. At that point, I was managing budgets of, like, all the Smosh Pit productions and stuff people were saying to me from above. I was like, this is not a good thing to say to someone. So I think something is happening. And I think the day I had my interview for that job that I left Defy for, I had walked out and they had. They'd give me a big grab bag of, like, merch and product and stuff like that, and I was like, this is the best day of my life. And then my writer at the time at Defy said, hey, I can't write anymore or upload anything because Defy didn't pay the Internet. And it had gone out.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
And I was like, writing zone. Whoa. There's so many. Yeah, but you guys wanted me back, like, six or seven months later, whenever Mythical bot Smosh. And it was. It was a very easy decision.
Ian Hecox
But you were. Yeah, six or. Yeah, but I mean, you were like, a day one higher, right?
Sarah Whittle
Yes, I was. And I had to.
Ian Hecox
Then we came back.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. And I. And I had to, like, negotiate a starting date because it was like, get here now. And I was like, I cannot. I am on a show, and I am the only producer for this show. Yeah. But, yeah, I was, like, kind of working from home before the launch and then, like, arrived like, a week later.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. Because, I mean, like, we. I mean, we knew how. How important you. You were and. And how well are. But. And how, like, you know, special your brain is and. And how well you worked with us before. So it kind of seemed like. I mean, it was. It was vital that. That we got you back. Like, it was. It was incredibly important to us that Smosh started over with you.
Sarah Whittle
I mean. Sorry. I know.
Courtney Miller
I saw Corner.
Sarah Whittle
You interviewed me.
Courtney Miller
Sorry. I just have so much I want to say, and I, like, don't know.
Sarah Whittle
How to say it.
Courtney Miller
And so then my tears are like, I'll do it now. They're coming out.
Sarah Whittle
Look, I came back, and the reason why I said it was an easy decision. It was hard and stressful and, like, intense. But, like, it was an easy decision because I love all of you guys. And it was like, if. If we're coming back and we're. We have this last chance to fight, like, I want to be a part of it because, like, I know it's not all resting on me, but I want to be a part of the. And I want to believe that me being There can help everyone, like, get to the next level. Like, what is it? High. High tides raise all ships. Like, that's why I came back. And. And that's the only reason. Like, of course it's all fun and stuff, but it's because I love all you guys so much.
Ian Hecox
And we have now plumped. I mean, Xbox.
Shane Topp
When we were coming back, I mean, I pretty much said, like, I don't know if I would come back if Sarah wasn't there. Because I knew that Smosh pit. I knew that you just understood how to make good shows even after you left.
Courtney Miller
Literally. I'm just gonna. Sorry, let me gas you up. I don't care. When you left for the previous job, when Defy was still a thing, Josh Manley took it on. And Josh Manley was a really great director to work with, but you left him with a to do list of amazing ideas. And then suddenly, Pitt was making a million views. Every video. It was not every video. I'm exaggerating a little bit, but we were killing it. And when. When I remember during the shutdown, like, I was really nervous about the new chapter because there was just, like, so much in the unknown. Like, big changes were coming. And I'm like, I'm a person that, like, fears, like, what's gonna happen? Like, I have no idea. Like, you're irreplaceable. I have no idea what's gonna happen. Like, obviously, like, Smosh is gonna be okay.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
But, like, you, like, your brain, dude. You're like, sometimes I'm like, look at the little character. It'll be funny in a video. But, like, you have. So I remember at the shutdown, Matt and I, like, we were. We were close friends by the end of Defy, but, like, I decided to get him for lunch, and I was like, hey. Because I remember at that time, like, he really wasn't sure about go joining. And I was like, please, like, you. I need you. And I need you to help get Sarah on. Like, because, like, I don't, like, unscripted without you guys. Just doesn't make sense.
Sarah Whittle
It's so funny how it was like a chain, because as soon as I got hired, I was, like, talking to Matt, and I was like, how can we get Tommy? Like, I know he just got a new job, but, like, can we get. Let's get Tommy in, please. I want. And so it's just so funny that it was in shame.
Courtney Miller
I was, like, literally holding hands and creating this planet. But, yeah, and then I, like, sat down with you, and I was like, hey, like, how what do I do? And you were there to help me even during the shutdown. Like, you were helping people with their resumes. You were giving people basically the shirt off your back.
Sarah Whittle
I gave someone a laptop.
Courtney Miller
You literally gave somebody your computer to help them with their future. Like, that's. And that's such an epitome of, like, what you've done, because from the start of you at Smosh, like, you were doing way more than you were, like, signed her. You more than you bargained for. Sorry. You're. You're always doing so much. I feel like you're never. Like, you always just deserve more credit. Like, it doesn't matter. You will always deserve more credit than what's given.
Sarah Whittle
But I think I'm only as good as, like, the company I keep. And honestly, like, that's. That's fully what it is, is, like, I cannot do any of this alone. And, like, the thing that, like, really motivated me and that I loved about this job is, like, it's almost like party planning. Like, I'm planning a party for all of you guys to, like, have fun. And I'm, like, setting you guys up, and I'm putting, like, fake scenarios in my head. And, like, I'm. I'm a bit of an overthinker, and so that helps me in this situation because I'm like, ooh, if I put Shane in this outfit, I hope he makes this joke or whatever. And I was just explaining to everyone before the. Try not to laugh. I was like, I really wanted to wear, like, a black and white shirt today with cats on it, but I knew people were gonna make jokes about me wearing rainbow clothes, so I'm gonna wear rainbow clothes.
Ian Hecox
That's the producer brain.
Sarah Whittle
That's my producer brain. But especially with unscripted, it's only as good as you guys bring it. I could put the perfect party together if you guys aren't in it too. It's nothing. And so I think that's the awesome thing about Smosh, and that's one of the things I'll miss a lot, is it is such a collaborative effort, and every. Every person here is working so hard. Art is working so hard. Would you believe that most of the things we shoot is in one freaking room? And. And, you know, people are. We have thumbnail editors. We have editors, we have, you know, all. Everyone is working their ass off to create one thing that we present out into the world. And that's so cool.
Courtney Miller
You know how we get emails of people being like, how can I Join Smosh. Or like, when people leave Smosh. It's like, how can you do that? Like, how can you leave Smosh? Like, smosh is it. And it's like, easy, like. Cause this isn't just a job. Like, it really. It becomes your whole Life. It is 24 7. It's your personality. It become like, this job really becomes, like, a personality trait.
Shane Topp
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
But at the end of the day.
Sarah Whittle
This is therapy for all of us.
Courtney Miller
At the end of the day, it's a job. And, like, it's like, you've literally found something for you that is so much better for your life. And, like, I'm so excited. And like, I said this in the. Try not to laugh, but, like, I'm really excited for all the friends you're gonna make and all the people that are gonna lean on you and trust you. Because throughout all of the different buildings we worked in, throughout all the different producers, the different toxic people been around, I've always been able to lean on you and trust you with my brain. And that's so special to have, especially woman to woman, that I'm really gonna miss you. I'm really gonna miss you.
Sarah Whittle
And I think it's like, it was for. I always felt so connected to you and Olivia because I think, like, it's so. It's so, like, it's all about representation. Right? And I feel like when I first moved to LA and how YouTube was and stuff, there wasn't a lot of representation in. With funny, goofy women and. And. And Olivia being Asian, me being Korean. Like, I admired you guys so much. I thought you were so funny. Like, the first day I ever showed up on set, I was like, these people are goofy as fuck and I love it. And so, like, you guys have inspired me so much and that only want to put you in cool situations that you can be funnier and. And push it and everything like that. Like, that's. I think that's my favorite part of this job, is seeing everyone thrive. And like, when I'm directing, nodding my head and being like, that was really funny. And that was really. You did exactly, like, what I was thinking, or you did more than what I was thinking. How cool. Like, I loved seeing, like, Shane. Like, in the beginning, you were so quiet. I remember seeing you and being like, he's the quiet one of the group. And when I first. I think it was new. The squad was new. Like, you guys were figuring out the dynamic, like the first squad vlogs ever. And I remember thinking, he's so quiet. And then like, the next nine months, I saw you, like, grow into yourself and figure out how to work within the group and everything like that. And it's so amazing and inspiring to see people finding new things, new new levels to themselves, new new areas of their talent. I think that that has been really, really fulfilling. And, like, Tommy being a perfect example of seeing. Seeing the cool. Like, giving him the Runway, that was my big goal, was, like, giving him the Runway on the social team to be like, what do you want to make? And then him and I just have, like, this mental connection where we're like, boop, beep, boop. And all those stupid notes I give. He understands, and then he makes it better. So that is so satisfying in this. And I think that's what. That's why I loved it so much, because you guys made me better and I made you guys better.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, I mean, I. You're always gonna try and make. You're making me try and be better on TikTok because your TikTok game is better than any of our TikTok game combined.
Ian Hecox
Like, I don't even have a game.
Courtney Miller
But I'm the best influencer in this.
Sarah Whittle
Damn team right now. I always said I was, like, influence the influencers because I would, like. Yeah, that's great.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. I mean, the amount of work you did, a lot of which was probably unwarranted, could not be.
Courtney Miller
But absolutely necessary.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. It could not be counted, like, you did a lot more than what any one person should be doing. So, I mean, if I'm allowed to dispense some advice, I think in this next job, you shouldn't feel like you need to prove yourself because, you know.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, you hit it, dude.
Ian Hecox
Because I. I feel like you. You. It always seemed like you were fighting to, you know, to prove yourself as. As being worth it. And we always tried to acknowledge you.
Courtney Miller
Yeah. Sometimes it feels like a fight. It does, right?
Ian Hecox
And I. I know that, like, obviously, you know, coming up in, like, the entertainment industry as you did, like, being. Being a host and being, like, in news and everything and being in, like, a male dominated field, I know that can. I know that, you know, it could feel like a fight. And I hope that, you know, in this. In this next job, you can just. You can just kind of acknowledge that you have this wide range of talents. You don't need to overstretch yourself.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
Like, just.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
I feel like something I've always admired about you, though, is, like, you've always been so sure of yourself, like, from even in the beginning, like, like, we all, like, enjoy being in videos, but, like, you were off. We're like, what? You're also a clever host. Like, damn.
Sarah Whittle
Cool.
Courtney Miller
Holy. And, like, on social media, you've always been, like, it's something that I admire because I feel like I second guess everything I do online or just, like, in life. And I feel like you're very sure of yourself. I think it was like, I want people to recognize that I hope. I seriously hope where. Where you're going. And I feel like they already knew. They already understand, like, that you are one of the most talented people that they could possibly hire. And, like, it is a fight. It is a fight. It doesn't like. And I hope that there is, like, no fight. And I feel like that's what it's gonna be like. You are. This is a place where you, like, this is. It's not the end all, be all, but it's like, this is one of those opportunities where it's like, you did it.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
You did it.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
And you deserve this.
Sarah Whittle
Thank you.
Courtney Miller
So.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, I appreciate that so much. And, Ian, what you said, you, like, you nailed it. And I think that's, like, something that I've really learned in the last year and especially in the last month, like, giving my notice and everything being, like, I put so much pressure on myself, right? And I always think, like, how can I do this better? And I think I get it from my mom because she. She's an immigrant. She didn't know any English when she arrived, and she had a lot of people pushing her down. And she always said to me, like, work hard. Work hard. And I fully, like, yes, let's work hard. If I'm here. I don't want to waste my time. Like, let's fucking work hard. But I think also, yeah, like, I don't have to push myself to be everywhere and be everything for a while. And, like, last year was really hard. And, like, I was on camera a lot, and that was to, like.
Ian Hecox
That was just because we had a lack of. We had a lack of people. And you were just like, you and Matt, like, neither of you had aspirations to, like, be like, okay, we're gonna be the. The Smosh Games people. It's like, you guys just signed up for that because we just had a lack of people.
Sarah Whittle
We didn't have anyone around.
Ian Hecox
I know. I know. A lot of, like. A lot of, like, you thought that you guys were, like, scrambling for airtime, but you weren't. Like, you guys just stepped up to the plate on your own accord. And was like, we'll. We'll be there.
Courtney Miller
And you put. You guys. You put yourselves through all the bad punishments, too. Like, you had to go through this. Like, you. There was no.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. There was never a punishment or a food that I. I would give you guys that. I wouldn't do that. That's, like, been the rule since day one. I'm like, if. If I'm not gonna do it. That's why I'm like, we need to tone it down with the spice and stuff, because it fucked up my whole weekend. Like. And. Yeah, it was. It was intense because we were. It's nine hours a week on Twitch, and for a while, I was doing that every week. So that's a full workday gone. Of not my main job. I was going for it because I love you guys so much, and it was the thing we had to do, and I had fun. Like, we get to play board games on a live stream. Like, this stuff is so fun. It's exhausting. Yes, it's fun.
Courtney Miller
Yes.
Ian Hecox
So I hope you know, if this next place is like, hey, we. We have a lack of talent that you don't just go, okay, I'll do it all.
Sarah Whittle
No, no, I. I see. But that's the whole thing about investing, like, into my home and what my home is and outside and, like. Yeah, I picked up sewing again in the last year, and that was really fulfilling. It got me off my fucking phone. And, like, I was like, I want to explore more things like this. More things outside of. Of. Of looking at a screen, which I felt like for a while I was, like, glued to.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. And somehow you still managed to put out, like, all that TikTok content. I don't even understand how you do it.
Courtney Miller
I don't know. You don't have TikTok on your phone, so how could you understand?
Ian Hecox
That's true. I don't. But I'm just like, God, you're just creating all this content on the side.
Courtney Miller
Your picture should be next to the definition of powerhouse. Like, seriously, I'm not, like. I'm not trying to. Like, you're not working here. I don't have to suck up to you anymore. So this is just me. All right. What are you. Shane, what do you got?
Sarah Whittle
Shane, are you okay?
Shane Topp
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Are you okay? You okay?
Ian Hecox
Shane, are you okay?
Sarah Whittle
You okay?
Shane Topp
Are you okay? You know what I've been thinking about this whole week is, like.
Courtney Miller
He goes on about, like, sandwiches.
Shane Topp
Yeah. You know, so sandwiches. No, honestly, like, when we were, like, just talking about, like, this. This. Try not to laugh. And this podcast, I was just thinking back, and, like, the memory that keeps popping up in my head is back at Defy, you had a desk that was, like, right near, like, a corner. And I. My thing was always just. I would just walk around the entire office, like, all the time. Because if I had nothing to do, I would just walk around, just say hi to people. But I would walk past your desk, and in my loudest Courtney freakin Miller voice, I would just. As I was walking past, I would just, like, motherfuck. Like, I would just. I would just yell it. Like, I would yell it every time. Every single. Even if I had to walk past your desk like, 50 times that day, I would do it every single time. I just yell at the top of.
Sarah Whittle
My lungs, why did they put us on the other side of the office of everyone else? I wonder why.
Shane Topp
But that's. I don't know why. Like, that's. That. That period of time. For some reason, like, I feel like that's when you and I became, like, really good friends. And I was just constantly walking by your desk just to say, shit, yeah, just to roast you or just whatever.
Sarah Whittle
We would just shout at each other. And then, like, during our off time, we would talk.
Shane Topp
Yeah, yeah, yeah. When? Or. Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Or I'd be at a bar. I'd be like, come out, Come out, dude, you.
Courtney Miller
You introduced me to oysters.
Sarah Whittle
Oh, really? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's right.
Courtney Miller
Can't wait for those again.
Sarah Whittle
Claudio introduced me to oysters, so it's like a chain effect. We got Matt into oysters at Australia.
Ian Hecox
Oyster Gangs.
Sarah Whittle
I think. I think on that note, I'll talk about my favorite memories.
Ian Hecox
Okay, sure.
Sarah Whittle
Because I think a lot of us have similar ones. And I think I will obviously start with summer and winter games, like, Adult Sleep Away Camp making content. It was so, so fun, and it felt like it was such a bonding experience for everyone. And also, like, for me, producing that with Joe and Matt will be some of the most creatively fulfilling moments of my life. Like, it's so stupid because it's like, what's the punishment? And I'm like, eat a fart.
Shane Topp
I'll never forget the time where I.
Ian Hecox
Said fart, and Matt was like, that's the best idea I've ever heard.
Sarah Whittle
But that's what it would be like. That's what our brainstorms are like. And I learned so much from Joe, and I learned so much from Matt, and it's just like, that show was so fun.
Shane Topp
Did you have a conversation with Joe at all, where he gives you just the most heartfelt, like, have you had that conversation?
Sarah Whittle
Oh, yeah. Him and I had so many conversations.
Shane Topp
The sappiest human on the planet. He will take every opportunity to be like, hey, man, just want to say it's just incredible to see, like, your growth. It's incredible to see, like, what you're doing. And you're like. You're like, Joe, it's 7 in the morning.
Ian Hecox
It's 7am and that's Joe Beretta. For anyone that knows Joe Beretta of.
Sarah Whittle
The Valley Folk, he used to be a creative director when I first joined at Smosh. And it was so fun, and that was so fulfilling. But then actually being at summer and winter games, like, that Winter games house was. Was so cool.
Courtney Miller
That big old cabin.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. So nice. And then summer games camp was so fun.
Ian Hecox
Oh, yeah.
Sarah Whittle
And I think when people say, like, what's your emotional support YouTube video? Mine is Hot Pepper Talent Show.
Courtney Miller
Oh, my God.
Ian Hecox
Oh, Jesus. That one.
Sarah Whittle
Favorite video ever. And watching, like, it cut back to the audience, and everyone's just fucking up.
Ian Hecox
Oh, everyone's dead.
Courtney Miller
Empty auditorium with, like, 10 people, like.
Ian Hecox
Somebody scrambling for yogurt and just drooling.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
Go, Olivia.
Ian Hecox
I did ribbon. I did ribbon dancing, I believe.
Sarah Whittle
Yes. You were so funny in that everyone. And Olivia did burlesque.
Courtney Miller
Oh, yeah.
Sarah Whittle
So. And she, like, trips over the dress, I think.
Ian Hecox
I think the Hot Pepper Talent show is when we. When we started questioning whether hot peppers were good for our health.
Sarah Whittle
Yep.
Courtney Miller
I think that was one of the last times we ever did it.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, it was. There was a time where it was, like, happening very often.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Shane Topp
You know what's cool about, in my opinion, about winter and summer games is that a lot of times you're watching YouTube videos, and it's like. It's like everyone's having fun and doing this crazy thing and. Right. And we are having tons of fun, but we are. Afterward we yell cut. Then we're like, okay, now we're back to, like, let's. What are we doing next? Whatever. But with Summer and Winter Games, like, you're actually catching a glimpse of, like, a party that was going on for a whole week. And it'd be like, okay, y'all, cut. But then we're still having that same fun. Like, you're really getting a slice of life.
Ian Hecox
Except for the kick. Except for the kickball episode.
Courtney Miller
Oh, wow.
Shane Topp
But it's real. You're watching this.
Sarah Whittle
When I took a break during that moment, I was like, you guys have it I'm gonna, like, sit down, because those days sometimes are very intense. And then I was like, half. I was like, mom, have fun at school, kids. And then you guys all came back in the shittiest mood ever. It was like, no one's following rules. And then there's. And you guys are all covered in lube. And I was like, what is. Is this what happens?
Shane Topp
What happens when Keith and I are.
Sarah Whittle
On a team and Olivia gets so competitive?
Courtney Miller
That's the. Yes, she does. That has my. One of my favorite quotes of hers where Spencer put in, like, the tiny text of her running cry. Keith, don't even. Let me get me started your shit.
Shane Topp
We are all so competitive, but so many of us are not willing to admit it. Yeah, we're all like, we're not. I'm not competitive. And then we all get so competitive.
Ian Hecox
And we were so competitive over a game that nobody agreed on what the rules were.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, we're always like, we all know kickball. It's fine. But there's, like, east coast rules, west coast rules.
Sarah Whittle
It's also, like, hard, too, because, like, if you're a ref, I'll tell you the ref's perspective.
Courtney Miller
Please do.
Sarah Whittle
T is you don't want to be a dick, but you kind of have to be a little bit of a dick. Yeah. And so it's like this tough balance of being like, no, you guys are breaking the rules. But, like, you know, it's, like, tough because we don't want to be the bad guys. Of, like, it's a tough balance. And then more coworkers at the end. It's not like, that's why refs are probably not friends with players, because they could just be like, no.
Courtney Miller
And then there's also, like, okay, well, how does this video end? Interesting. And things like that all at play.
Ian Hecox
That was a rough one.
Shane Topp
It's so funny.
Ian Hecox
That was probably. I'm trying to think of, like, I.
Courtney Miller
Called Keith a cheater, and then he was so mad at me. I remember running around the bases. I was running for my life. I was so scared. Cause he was coming. He had the ball and the rage in his eyes, and he was running. I was like.
Ian Hecox
And you know how fast Keith is.
Courtney Miller
Oh, he got me. Oh, yeah. We have raced multiple times. He is faster than me. Rightfully so.
Sarah Whittle
He's so fast.
Ian Hecox
He's a quick little guy.
Courtney Miller
He's a fast dude.
Sarah Whittle
I had other favorite moments. Yeah. I wrote him down because I didn't want to forget. And I really want to spotlight it the first time I ever watched the Intergalact Whip. Intergalact Whip in rehearsals.
Shane Topp
Oh, wow.
Sarah Whittle
It was so cool. It was so cool. Like, I was not involved with any of that at the time. I was. I think I was, like, just helping out with. I was associate producer or something on Smosh Pit, and they were like, hey, come by and watch our stuff.
Ian Hecox
And this was for Smosh Live.
Courtney Miller
This was for Smosh Live rehearsal, right.
Sarah Whittle
At the YouTube space. Yeah. And so I was like, okay. And so we went and we were like, in this rehearsal space, and you guys did. Did all the sketches, but then you did the intergalact with. And I thought that was so fucking cool. It was so fucking funny.
Shane Topp
Smosh Alive is this distant memory. But it was such a crazy thing.
Courtney Miller
It's one of the biggest things we've ever done.
Shane Topp
It was just. Cause it was so early on. I hadn't even been here for a. When we did it, it was in 2016, and I joined in 2015, so it was like, right at maybe the year mark, but, like, it was this big, huge thing. It's so weird to think about, like, how you're talking about, like, you were just an associate producer. Like, you weren't involved. And at this point now, like, you were. You're. You're the main voice of so many things. Like, it's crazy to see that journey. It's hard for me to look back and be like, oh, you weren't the main driving force of that, because, like, I. It's hard for me to picture you not being such a driving force of this brand. It's crazy.
Sarah Whittle
It was so cool, and you guys were, like, so on it. That writing was so good. But then, like, Keith was so good, and then, like, Olivia and you guys all being aliens, like, so weird and, like, hilarious.
Ian Hecox
And like, even though.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Shane Topp
Still one of the best moments.
Ian Hecox
I think the reason we cracked up so much, or you guys cracked up so much of that was because in the rehearsals, you guys are always cracking up at that line, right?
Shane Topp
Well, no. Every time Olivia delivered, like, every time.
Courtney Miller
Her voice. Just her voice, that character, we were all like, oh, yeah.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Shane Topp
It's just quintessential. I think that was, like, the. I think that was probably one of the first times we saw Olivia as, like, weird Olivia.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, because that. That didn't come through right away.
Shane Topp
Olivia. Early on, like, in our in squad vlogs and stuff, we were all, like, a little bit more normal. And then, like, our. Our personality started to branch. Like, you were talking about Iceman became louder. But Olivia became weirder.
Sarah Whittle
I love it.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
And, yeah, because when they were hired, they, like, okay, we're hired actors and stuff. They didn't like, because Olivia told me she didn't realize, like, she had to be on first Mosh, second channel at the time. So, like, they were all confused of, like, what a YouTube Persona was, coming from vine and professional acting to that. So, like, it really was. You watched us literally find ourselves together.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. And then. And I wasn't close with you guys at that point, and I think, like, now, in the last year, since I've been on camera more, and I am experiencing probably what you guys experience as. As being on camera and having such large followings on a large platform. And that also opened up my eyes to things that I didn't ever realize that you guys were going through and that you guys experience. And so I have a whole nother.
Ian Hecox
Appreciation, like online harassment.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Shane Topp
Shane, are you okay?
Sarah Whittle
It's a lot to deal with, and it really forced. It forces a person to love themselves and fully accept who the fuck you are, man. I liked myself. I really like myself now. You have to. You have to. I think another favorite memory of mine is anytime we go out and we party.
Courtney Miller
Yeah. As a group, dude, Smoshno's had a party.
Sarah Whittle
Smoshno's had a party. We're the most, like, warming people. We're the ones taking up the dance floor and being like, everyone come.
Courtney Miller
Yeah. I start the Macarena. No matter what's going on, you can.
Ian Hecox
Do the Macarena to any song.
Courtney Miller
It's true.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. I think it's so much fun. One time we went to karaoke. Do you remember? We were at Defy and we went to karaoke, and it was. I think it was the first time. Oh, it was the first time. I really, like, understood Garrett because he sang karaoke that night, and he fucking killed it.
Ian Hecox
Was this. Was this the Soju night?
Sarah Whittle
This was like some small dive bar in Beverly Hills.
Shane Topp
Yeah. Are you talking about the one where.
Sarah Whittle
Yes. Yeah. So Scott Eastwood went up to Garrett and was like, who are these people?
Shane Topp
Oh, I thought he actually. He came up to me.
Sarah Whittle
Oh, was it you Came up to me?
Shane Topp
And he goes. He goes, hey, is this, like a. What is this like, a wedding or like, what? Like, he thought. He was just like, what is this? And I was like, oh, we just. Just. We're just off work. We work at Smosh. And he's like, oh, cool. And then it was a couple weeks later where Ian then had to do the prank interview. With Scott Eastwood and then completely forgotten about Smash.
Ian Hecox
I was like. I made some reference to, like, oh, yeah, we were at, like, a karaoke thing. And then after the. The camera stopped rolling, I was like. I was like, no, but really, though, like, we. We, like, ran into. He's like. He's like, yeah, okay.
Sarah Whittle
Who?
Courtney Miller
Scotty stood again.
Ian Hecox
Exactly.
Shane Topp
He's Clint Eastwood's son.
Ian Hecox
Yeah, he's Clint Eastwood's son. He's not.
Shane Topp
You wouldn't recognize him, but it was the same day that I did the. The prank interview with him. God, I always blink on it.
Ian Hecox
John Boyega.
Shane Topp
John Boyega. Yes.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. But, yeah, you're right. Like, Smosh does know how to party.
Sarah Whittle
Like, we went to that one vidcon party, and we were like, there's 35 people. And they were like, okay, Smosh, come on in. And a couple influencers, like, came up to me and were. I won't name names, but they were like. Like, can we, like, be in with your group? And I was like, yeah, Matt, add three more people.
Shane Topp
Because, like, we're just silly about it. You know, there's obviously influencers who, like, party, party. We party as in we're dancing stupidly and just laughing all night, maybe doing.
Courtney Miller
The same shit sober or not.
Sarah Whittle
Yep.
Shane Topp
Yes.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
There was Buca di Beppo's as well.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Shane Topp
We have a Buka d Beppo night. Except for last. We didn't get to have a Buca Beppo night.
Ian Hecox
Hashtag, not spawn. But one time, we were.
Sarah Whittle
We were for your birthday, the last time we went.
Ian Hecox
That was great.
Shane Topp
I'm so excited. Dude, we're going to have a party eventually, and you're not invited.
Ian Hecox
Nope. Sorry, sorry.
Sarah Whittle
That's okay. I'm going to make my own party. And then I have this little memory that I thought about, and I saw my stories, and it was super random, and I don't know if I ever told you guys a story, but a couple years ago, I went to Oktoberfest in Big Bear, which is, like, three hours away from la, and I. We were just sitting, and Claudia was like, look at the little kid. And he was watching a Smosh sketch that I had pitched. It was every spa ever.
Courtney Miller
Oh.
Sarah Whittle
And I. I turned and I turned around. I was like, oh, you're watching Smosh. And he was like, yeah, yeah. And I was like, cool. I'm in that video. And his eyes just, like, lit up, and I was like, yeah, I'm right there. And it, like, happened right at the moment.
Ian Hecox
Oh, shit.
Sarah Whittle
And he Thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was so cool.
Ian Hecox
And then you gave him a beer.
Sarah Whittle
And then I gave him. And we chugged a beer together.
Ian Hecox
Then I threw his phone into the lake.
Sarah Whittle
Then I smacked a phone up.
Shane Topp
No, you were like. You're like, I'm in that video. And then he immediately switched it to a markiplier video.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. Oh, shit.
Shane Topp
Okay.
Ian Hecox
Okay.
Sarah Whittle
It's just weird because outside of our bubble, it was happening. So weird.
Courtney Miller
Easy to forget.
Shane Topp
Oh, I know, dude. I got recognized for Smosh when I was in Croatia.
Ian Hecox
Like, everywhere people watch it, they're like Tom Cruise.
Sarah Whittle
When people recognize me, I am, like, floored.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, dude.
Sarah Whittle
I'm like, that's insane. And then you used to say, Shane, that you got recognized more once we started putting more, like, stuff on Facebook.
Shane Topp
Yeah, Facebook.
Courtney Miller
It's crazy.
Shane Topp
Many times I've gotten recognized, people have been like, oh, you're on videos on Facebook.
Courtney Miller
And I'm like, my answer is always so off guard. I'm like, yeah, I guess so. As if they're like, why are you. Why do you not know that?
Sarah Whittle
I looked it up the other day. The. The first episode of Spelling Bikini Wax on Facebook has 29 million views.
Ian Hecox
Holy shit.
Courtney Miller
And that was you. Like, when we first got back at Mythical, you were re editing our Smosh sketches and a lot of our videos to put them on Facebook for, like, that. And.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, that was my last job killing it. That was my last job at Defy. They were like, hey, do you want to move over from Smosh pit to getting our stuff on socials and overseeing all the socials and also getting cut downs on Facebook? And I was like, sure. And, like, with the team there, like, came up with the full strategy. And then when I came back, it was like, hey, Sarah, we need you to oversee that too, again. And that's what I did. And, yeah, it's crazy. It's crazy what that turned into.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. Well, it seems like now, just now, like, other YouTubers are figuring out that they could. That there's, like, business to be made on. On Facebook. Like, Mr. Beast just, like, signed a jelly smack. Like, everyone now is like, oh, like, there's people on Facebook. Yeah, dude.
Shane Topp
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
But that's also thanks to you. Oh, thank you. Because you kind of. You were like, watching Facebook and being like, oh, these things do well and. And these things.
Sarah Whittle
Oh, yeah.
Shane Topp
You're just very up on the trend.
Courtney Miller
You are literally multiple beautiful minds in one. Like, even just trying to comprehend after you and I, like, had our video call and you Told me, like, trying to comprehend someone having your job, it's like. Cause we have an amazing team and already, like, we're having people of our team direct different videos and stuff, but it's like someone who directs the way you do. Also, like, researching. Researching the right stuff. I wouldn't even know where to begin. And being able to put a smosh twist on it or zipping it up, upgrading it to being, like, smosh level content. I just cannot comprehend, like, what your day is like when you do stuff like that. So thank you for all that.
Sarah Whittle
Thank you.
Ian Hecox
I think it's. I mean, I think it takes. It takes, like, real passion to be, like, present and, like, watching what's going on. Like, I feel the same. I feel the same way about Rachel, who's. Who's running our socials right now.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, yeah.
Ian Hecox
Like, it's. It's like the same thing. She's just, like, in it and on it and understands it to a level that I'm just like, okay, yeah.
Sarah Whittle
And at the top of last year, when it was like, hey, Sarah, you're. Let's get someone else on the social team and let's get you over to. To Smash Pit and Smash Games. Because it's always been kind of this thing I wanted to do. I've always been like, I want to. I want to, like, oversee Smosh, Pit and Smosh games. And so, like, last year, that finally happened. I was nervous about handing over all the work I'd done on social to someone else.
Ian Hecox
I was so, like. And then you wanted to, like, do, like. You're like. You're like, okay, I'll help this person on social, but then I'll also do pit and games. And we're like, sarah, we need to eventually get you off of that thing.
Sarah Whittle
No, no, no.
Ian Hecox
You can't do everything, Sarah.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, well, yeah. And that's. But that's. The thing is, like, I cared so much about that thing, but Rachel is a fucking machine. And, like, it's just so cool to see where it went, because at the beginning, it was such a small team, and it was just like me and Tommy, like, just pumping out as much as we could. And now it's like a team of, like, five or six people. Like, many editors, many, many people. And, like, that is so cool to see. And I think me leaving the. The silver lining is. Is like, what's the next step for you guys? How do you guys level up? And the p. The fact that other people are directing and more creative voices are coming in that. That that was something that maybe I wasn't capable of. Of stepping back and looking at big picture because I was having a hard time.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Juggling everything.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. I don't. I don't think not capable is the right word. Like, nobody's. Nobody's capable of.
Courtney Miller
You're one of the most capable human beings in my life.
Ian Hecox
Nobody's capable of, like, knowing and seeing everything. So I think that a fun way to look at it is. Is. Is we have this really great Sarah era, and now the Sarah umbrella. And now, you know, we'll be moving on to an era where, you know, we're raising up maybe some other voices that are within the company. And, you know, the person that will be doing your job next won't be doing all of the work you did, because that's not possible.
Shane Topp
We're just gonna dress Spencer up in colorful clothing and hope he just can figure it out.
Ian Hecox
But I think it'll be. I think it'll be a wonderful evolution.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. And that' What I'm so excited about for you guys is like, yeah, what are the new processes? What's the next level? What's the new journey? And, like, obviously, we're all going to stay in touch. I love you guys forever. And like, that. It. Of course, we're not going to talk to each other every day, because I've talked to you guys the most in probably my whole life. I don't know. But, yeah, I'm just. I'm going to always be around. Yeah. I'm going to answer all your Instagram stories. Like, I already do everything.
Courtney Miller
We're still going to be exchanging TikToks on the daily.
Ian Hecox
Want to leave you alone with Claudia. We know how horrible that can be.
Sarah Whittle
Claudio is such a rock star. Oh, I did want to mention, like, that. Eat it or eat it with him in it.
Courtney Miller
Oh, yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Like, I don't know if we're gonna ever have children. I don't know. Also. No. No one's business. But if we do, like, showing that video will be so fun in the future and, like, bringing Claudio into the little world we have, like.
Shane Topp
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
It's just. That was, like, such a nice little moment.
Courtney Miller
That was amazing. Best.
Ian Hecox
I think we should. I think we should give Sarah a 12. A 12. Sara Weedo salute.
Courtney Miller
12?
Ian Hecox
Yeah, like a 12 gun salute.
Shane Topp
Okay, but it's.
Ian Hecox
But it's 12 of them.
Shane Topp
Okay, so 12 Sarah widdles.
Courtney Miller
All right, ready? One, two, three.
Sarah Whittle
I do want to. I want to take a look at my notes because I've been thinking about this so much.
Ian Hecox
Yeah, because you. Because I. Because I've been thinking about this so much because I saw that you posted. You posted something on Instagram where you're like, I wrote this big thing about, like, my career, and then Instagram, as they do, deleted all of it on accident. And I was like, I fucking hate when that happens.
Sarah Whittle
It's always the ones that you see. Yeah. I was like, fart. You fart, Graham.
Ian Hecox
It's always the largest, like, message.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah. Because I had. I had this whole thing about, like, you can recalibrate your dreams. And, like, maybe because when I hosted at Clevver, I was not into. Was fun to wear little dresses and read a teleprompter, but, like, it was just. Wasn't tickling my soul.
Ian Hecox
So.
Sarah Whittle
Soul.
Ian Hecox
Do you think you can pull that out of your brain right now? Like, what you were. What you were going to say on that Instagram post?
Sarah Whittle
I think what I. I think it's, like, all about finding what tickles your soul, and I think it's okay if it changes. And for me, I loved work and I loved this playground I got to play in. And I was so passionate, and I maybe spread myself too thin sometimes. And I learned a lot about myself and I challenged myself a lot. And it's not a lack of passion that I'm leaving. It's just I want to find a new part to tickle in my soul and another part and another part. And then maybe if I don't like this for. For I discover that I didn't like it, and I discovered that I love this. And I think, like, I think we're afraid to commit to a thing, or we think we're too far in a thing to quit, but it's not quitting. It's evolving. And you're not. I came to LA to, like, be like a Tina Fey, like, in front of the camera and behind the camera. Eventually I was like, I don't really want to be in front of the camera. I really want to be behind the camera. I really want to be in social. And what if I did this? And what if I got into a product type of environment rather than a content environment? Like, you shouldn't be afraid to make calculated risks, to find the thing that tickles your soul, and you should never be afraid of that, because I think if you feel like you're stuck, maybe that's a sign that it's time to move a little bit.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, it's like the more you follow your dream and actually pursue it, the more you learn about that passion, learn about yourself. Yeah. Because your dream and that thing that you really want to do, that's like, it's you. Like, it's you. So the more you chase that, the more you learn about. Because, like, yeah, we grew up thinking, like, oh, being Tina Fey, that's. That's the thing I want. Like, me being, like, I want to be a writer. That's. I don't understand what that is fully, but I want to do that. Then the more you actually chase those things, you understand that it's not like it's. It's not like a few switches on a board, like an entire circuit board of options. And I can do this and a little bit of this. Like, there's. There's side hustles, there's hobbies. Like, I think that the world is slowly starting to realize, like. Like, stop asking, what do you do for a living? Because that's not your life. Your job is your job, and you can love it. You can. That's great if you do, but it's not who you are. And you, like, you find that out more.
Sarah Whittle
And there's not only one spot for you.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
There's so many spots in different places, and it could change as it goes. And it's like there are jobs that didn't exist. Like, I talked to someone that has a social media, like, undergrad degree or whatever, and I'm like, that wasn't even a fucking thing when I went to school.
Shane Topp
That's in Twitter.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
So it's like, you don't. You don't even know. There's lawyers for, like, dogs, YouTube channels. There's like. There's so. There's lawyers for dogs, but there's so many, like, areas that you can find yourself in, in life, and I don't think you should ever limit yourself.
Ian Hecox
I think. I think also it could. I don't want it to be misconstrued that, like, what you did was, like, flippant, going from, like, thing to thing. Like, whatever you decide to do, you put your whole self into it. And I think. I think that's an important thing to note. It's not just like, ooh, maybe I'll. Maybe I'll be a cook today. It's like, I'm going to, like, do this thing, and I'm going to pour everything into it to make it. To see it happen.
Courtney Miller
So, yeah, that's another thing that I guess I need to learn from you is like, we all are. A lot of people, like, think it's like, this one path, and, like, I'm supposed to go this way, and if I make any wrong decisions, I. I'm. I'm mucking it up. And, like, understanding to, like, let go. Like, my mantra from therapy was like. Like, detach from outcome. Because all my fears in life was, like, fearing the outcome and, like, what the hell is going to happen? But, like, what you're doing is, like, you're literally. You're following your soul, and you're. You're following what works for you. And, I mean, just talking on, learning from you. Like, I. You have inspired me and helped me so much. And, like, seeing you be, like, so creative, so confident and being able to be so professional and, like, like, own a room and, like, you're just. You are in control. Like, I look up to you so much as, like, people listen to you and, like, you can be a great boss and a really fun person at the same time. And that's what inspired me to level up and, like, be more professional. And, like, now I'm directing multiple videos a month, something that a few years ago could not fathom, like, looking at our past directors, being like, I don't even know where to start with that. And, like, you made me feel like I could be capable. You made me feel like. Like I could, like, you know, because when you're put in an environment where it's like, that's not an option. Like, you know, back at Defy, we'll bring it up again and again. Like, that was not an option. We weren't. We weren't told our value. We weren't told, like, there was anything we could do other than what they told us that day when we come on set usually. And, like, you made me feel like I could be more. And I don't know where I'd be without you. I'm sorry. I'm doing it, bitch. I'm going there. Fuck you.
Ian Hecox
This is a bridesmaid speech.
Courtney Miller
That's right, bitch. Oh, you didn't invite me to your wedding, though, so that's.
Sarah Whittle
I did. I did. I did. I invited everyone. I was like. I was. No, I was like, do you guys want to go? Like, I could invite you, but I think we just got. We just got close that summer, too.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, yeah. No, I'm totally joking, but whatever. Fuck you, bitch. Fuck you, bitch. I love you, bitch. So detach from Outcome, I guess. Like, I don't know. I don't know what this job's gonna be without you.
Sarah Whittle
You guys will be fine. And you guys will. You'll Thrive, Totally. You see how sweaty my hands are? You guys will thrive because, like, I, I wouldn't have. And this is why I was like, when I put in my notice, I was like literally shaking because I, I only did so much because you guys were here and, and the team was supporting me and I had that. If I, what level of passion I had, if I didn't have the support, if I didn't have the talent from every person on this team, like, what it is today is like the love child of all of our passion and effort and put in. And I just like found a way and found a position to like, orchestrate some things together. But like, then other people's, other people completed things and other people like followed through on that. And I think, like, to touch on your note about like, being afraid of the outcome, like, I think about that a lot, lot and, and my past failures in my life and, and stuff like that. And I try not to view it that way. Even like relationships that have failed, I don't, I can't take that as a failure because it made me who I am and I love who I am and I also love the relationship I'm in. So if, if you can like, reflect that in other parts of your life where you failed, where you fell off a bike, you get back on the bike and you try it again and then you figure out if you like being on a bike or not.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
And, and, and that's what I, I, I, I want for you guys is to just like, continue doing the hard work you guys are doing, but also realize, like, there's other stuff outside of here, like enrich yourself. And I, and that's what I'm pursuing now is like, what is it? Obviously I'll always be in love with creating videos and content and like, you know, text you guys ideas just because wax and you guys can continue spelling be about like, do it, do it when you can do it. And I just wanna, I just want you guys to like, continue to have fun and like, find new areas to, to grow and like the JoJo Siwa thing. So excited about that.
Courtney Miller
Oh my God. Oh my God. When does this come out?
Sarah Whittle
This comes out May 4th.
Courtney Miller
Okay. Can we, yeah, we can talk about it a little bit.
Shane Topp
Well, yeah, it's public.
Courtney Miller
I mean, yeah, I mean, I didn't know if it'd be like, oh, it's gonna be already too old or something. But yeah, we threw a tweet out to Jojo Siwa and be like, you wanna be on. Try not to laugh Cause we talked about it in a video, and she fre. Applied just. Yes. And then followed the Smosh account. I'm shaking in my boots because I've been gonna rush.
Ian Hecox
I've been a shorter stool.
Sarah Whittle
No, I think you should do a bit with her.
Courtney Miller
You should DM her. Oh, my God. Okay.
Sarah Whittle
But that. I will say the one thing I'm a little sad about, but it's not gonna. You can't let it. I'm not gonna trip on it. Is that, like, when I finally, like, got to oversee Smosh Pit and Smosh games, like, fully, the panorama hit, and I had to do a lot of problem solving, and I just had. I had so many fun ide. So many fun ideas for guests and stuff, including JoJo was on my list. I want to bring in drag queens. I want to bring in a legitimate clown in mime, and, like, I want to, like, bring in all these people. But, like, I'm not going to harp on that, because I know you guys are going to do it, and you're going to do whatever you feel is right. And no clowns. I can't. I can't let, like, that overshadow, like, all the amazing things here. And, like, I have so much love for everyone here, here. And in front of the scenes, behind the scenes, the Smosh community as well. Like, thank you, guys. Like, this is crazy.
Courtney Miller
It's crazy.
Sarah Whittle
Thank you so much. Wow.
Courtney Miller
I would not.
Sarah Whittle
I would not be the person I am without you guys. I would not be in the position I am without you guys. I would. I would not be in la, like, as long as I have without you guys. And this has been an incredible journey that I will hold so close to me, like, forever.
Courtney Miller
Get a tattoo of us.
Sarah Whittle
I will not get a Smosh tattoo. I will never get.
Ian Hecox
Who are you gonna miss the most?
Sarah Whittle
Good question. Good question.
Courtney Miller
Shane. I think it's. Shane.
Shane Topp
I think it's game.
Sarah Whittle
And I didn't talk a lot during the day, though.
Courtney Miller
Shane, why didn't you talk to Sarah?
Sarah Whittle
Oh, my God. I'm not gonna say. Okay, I'm gonna make you guys.
Ian Hecox
You could text it to me. I know it's not me, so you could text it to me.
Sarah Whittle
I think I'm gonna miss everyone, like, equally. There's not, like, one person I stand because also, I'm gonna stay in touch with you.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Sarah Whittle
Stupid.
Courtney Miller
We're gonna hang out before you.
Ian Hecox
Yeah.
Shane Topp
No, like, we got to make up for this. Missing out on this past year.
Courtney Miller
Yeah. We have to party. We have to party.
Shane Topp
Extremely.
Sarah Whittle
We have to move in together.
Courtney Miller
We have to move in together so hard. Get enough hangovers in, I think we.
Ian Hecox
Can make a smosh version of Terrace House. I've been thinking about it.
Shane Topp
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
Oh, my God.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. Time for a shoe, dude.
Shane Topp
It is time for a shoot dude.
Ian Hecox
All right, guys, well, let's liven up the mood a little bit. We got ourselves a Shoot dude.
Courtney Miller
Shoot, dude. Shoot, dude.
Sarah Whittle
Shoot, dude.
Shane Topp
Shoot, dude.
Courtney Miller
Shoot shoot, Shoot dude.
Sarah Whittle
Look at all that merch.
Courtney Miller
Look at you.
Ian Hecox
I know. I came.
Courtney Miller
It's like multi chromatic, you know, because instead of monochromatic because it's like all the colors are there multiple colors he.
Sarah Whittle
Tried to outdo me in how many colors you can wear?
Courtney Miller
How many colors is it? Does it wear all?
Ian Hecox
Yes. Okay. Well, welcome to Shoot Dude. This is stories that you guys have submitted to us that make us go, shoot dude. I believe is this one from. So this one that we have here.
Shane Topp
We dug through our emails and we.
Sarah Whittle
Found this one in the shooter dm.
Courtney Miller
And when we hear the shoot, there'll be one thing, but after that. Do you have my shoot Dude? My shoot dude memory that you made me want to tell at the very end?
Sarah Whittle
Oh, yeah. What's the Shoot Dude? What is the Shoot Dude?
Shane Topp
An embarrassing moment where you go, ooh.
Ian Hecox
That was like, did you poopy your pants on this set show with no name?
Shane Topp
I don't feel like there's any shoot dudes. Everything's been perfect.
Courtney Miller
Or like, you accidentally, like, had an awkward exchange with one of the celebrity guests or like, something like that.
Sarah Whittle
Think about it while we're listening to the Shoot Dude.
Courtney Miller
I think it could be fun.
Ian Hecox
All right, this person says one time, like any good person with a good sense of humor, I agreed to help a friend punch up a tweet and make it sound better. Better. I also threw it alike and left a funny response because friendship.
Sarah Whittle
Oh, no.
Ian Hecox
However, as a social media professional who gets paid to write copy, I know my worth. Do you know what this is?
Sarah Whittle
No, but I. It was very relatable up until that.
Ian Hecox
Point, which is why I sent my friend a venmo charge requesting 73 cents for my Twitter ghost writing and engagement services. Friend and family discount, you know, Know. But he completed the payment and the rest was history. So I thought. You can imagine the shock I felt when I received a message from Sarah Whittle. Yep, I know this story that said, excuse me, what? With a screenshot of the Venmo transaction. Turns out that if you use the word engagement on Venmo, it doesn't matter what the rest of the context says. Your local Sarah Whittle will assume that she witnessed, and I quote, a proposal transaction. To be honest, it's funny, but it also makes me think, does Sarah think I'd accept a proposal via Venmo? I did. I did think. Did she think this was me paying my dowry? Shoot, dude.
Shane Topp
Wow. So this did involve you.
Sarah Whittle
It did. I remember it happened pretty recently, I think. Cause I had, like, engagement on my mind. Cause, like, Grace and Elliot just got engaged.
Courtney Miller
And Jennifer.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah, crazy. And so.
Ian Hecox
And that shoot, dude, comes from Kiana and Spencer.
Sarah Whittle
And Kiana and Spencer are the cutest little two together. They're just the best of friends. And she's his ghost writer. She's always like, do it. Making his jokes better. I'm not putting anyone on blast. Spencer's very funny, you know, Spencer the editor, you see, and Kiana, our content manager, she. So they had a funny exchange on Twitter. And then I saw the Venmo request that just said engagement, and I was like, wait a minute. Are you guys making a joke about being engaged? And I was like, oh, no, that's a word for, like, when you, like, you do something on social media.
Courtney Miller
You took your two co workers and went, no, Keith.
Shane Topp
Yeah, I ship you.
Ian Hecox
There's nothing you can do about it.
Courtney Miller
That's so cute. Kiana messaged me the other day with a tweet I did and was like, brilliant. No notes. And it was when I was pretending to be Shane and I wrote, I tore my ACL while wiping my ass. He did that. Shane did that.
Shane Topp
Yeah. True story. I'm an athlete.
Sarah Whittle
I feel like I need a nap from all the crying I've done.
Shane Topp
Yeah, we're all done. We're all mail. We tired.
Ian Hecox
We're not done yet.
Sarah Whittle
Oh, is there a mariachi band?
Ian Hecox
Well, I feel like. I feel like we should just say some final words.
Sarah Whittle
Okay.
Ian Hecox
Get those last little rest in peace, tear boys out. Jesus, Shane.
Shane Topp
Okay, speech. I said it on. Try not to laugh. But, like, seriously, the. The channel is only around now because of Sarah Whittle. Like, you, sincerely there.
Courtney Miller
I'm.
Shane Topp
And I. I mean, not saying this, like, what would this channel be without you? I mean, literally, there was a point, and I'm not gonna say when exactly, but there was a point when I was looking at the video and I was like, this channel's about to go away. And then you came in with just so many ideas, so much direction, so much focus, and it just lifted the channel up and, like, it's Been soaring ever since. And I think in that way you talked about us growing and everything and orchestrating knowing how to bring us out, like, so much of our growth is probably thanks to you. I mean, as performers, I think you helped bring that out. I mean, I've certainly discovered myself a lot through on camera, and I think that's a lot thanks to you. Probably you saw more in me than I saw in myself, and that's helped over the years. Yeah. I mean, we make jokes about how you dress so vibrantly and stuff, but you really bring an energy to rooms that you're in, and I know you're gonna continue to do that. We will hear legends of your travels and journeys from other people. I'll probably be out, like, in a diner in Nevada in the middle of the desert, and someone be like, have you heard the tales of Sarah Whittle?
Courtney Miller
The woman whose hair color changes every week? And her shirts, she's like that horse.
Shane Topp
From wizard of Oz, but with an Italian husband. With an Italian husband. No, but, like, seriously, I don't know. You are a. I don't know. We're big personalities on camera, but you're an even bigger personality off camera. You bring so much to the table, and you're gonna do that no matter where you go.
Sarah Whittle
Aww. Thank you. I appreciate that so much. I am also a little a result of our environment that we've created too, I think, like, you know, normal productions, you wear all black. And I was like, now I wanna. I'm allowed to wear with all that.
Ian Hecox
That's fun. Corny.
Courtney Miller
I've been kissing your ass this whole episode.
Sarah Whittle
I like it.
Courtney Miller
Good. Because you deserve it. And, like, it's no exaggeration. Yeah. Like I was saying to you last night, like, you and Claudio have been through so much together, but I feel like we have been through so much together, like, thick and thin, through everything with this brand. And I loved that our last, like, really big hangout thing was, like, getting to share hotel rooms in Australia and shopping together. Those crazy fans.
Sarah Whittle
Yeah.
Courtney Miller
So crazy. And I. And I really, like. Like I said in the. Try not to laugh. Like, I'm really. I am excited for the people that get to meet you and get to know you and, like, see what you're capable of. And, like, you. Who's fucking calling me? Sorry. And anyways, back to the. And just seriously, like, I. I looked to you for so much. Like, when there was any uncertainty, I feel like me and Olivia really, like, you are my rock a lot of times. And, like, sometimes you And I would look at each other like, when, when, when there was uncertainty in smosh. You would, you, I will say it. We, I would be like, sarah, we feel like we could fucking run this thing. You and me could take over the world. I'm like.
Sarah Whittle
And I'd always be like, just give a timeline.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, I think that's the energy that I think you're gonna bring wherever you go. And yeah, whoever those people are that you get to make friends with and hang out by the water cooler with, and you roast them and catch up with them, you're gonna make so many new friends.
Shane Topp
You're gonna be best friends with a five foot seven guy named Blaine.
Sarah Whittle
We'll be best friends.
Courtney Miller
What's up?
Shane Topp
I'm Blaine Bopp.
Courtney Miller
I'm just really, I'm, I'm really excited for you. I think it's such a fun, amazing opportunity. Like, you, you've done so much and like, this is one of those moments, like I said, where it's like you're leveling up and you're being acknowledged for the talent that you are. Like, and I feel like you will always deserve more of that. Like, I mean it. You will ne, like, no corny words, please. Just. I appreciate you very much and I hope everyone you meet appreciates you as much as we do.
Shane Topp
And if they don't, we will. We can beat them up.
Courtney Miller
Yeah, I will cyberbully them.
Shane Topp
You can.
Courtney Miller
Don't do that. Ian.
Ian Hecox
Yeah, I think, I think you got.
Courtney Miller
To write yours down.
Ian Hecox
No, no, I'm just looking at the computer. I'm not even actually looking at anything. It's just my comfort of just looking at a screen instead of looking at people in their eyes. Eyes. Yeah, I think, I don't know. I think you're going to do really great things. But I think it's also important to note that, like, it doesn't have to be career. Like, you know, you can, you can do really great things elsewhere in other parts of your life. Like, your career doesn't define you. And I think you're obviously based on your fashion, a good example of that. I, I, I think you're going to make a lot of good friends your next place. And I think you're going to do a great job, but you don't feel the pressure to do the best ever fucking job imaginable that'll force 10 people to have to or replace me.
Sarah Whittle
It's your fault we fail.
Courtney Miller
If we fail, it's cause you won't.
Shane Topp
And we say this, but you're going to end up being president of a. Another company, something you might be, but, but I think President of the United States.
Ian Hecox
I have, I have zero expectations for, for your, for your next job. I'm, I'm not saying, like, go out there and like, and just kill it, because I, I know you will. That's just the person that you are. I hope you have a really great time. Obviously, this isn't goodbye.
Sarah Whittle
No, no, no, not even close.
Shane Topp
No, no.
Ian Hecox
I think you'll do great. But I, I, I, I don't, I don't have. That sounds mean when I say I don't have high expectations, but I just mean, but I just mean to say, like, I, I don't want to, I don't want to put that pressure on you. Like, I think, I think that you bring enough worth wherever you go.
Sarah Whittle
Thank you. I really, really appreciate that.
Ian Hecox
I hope you can acknowledge that.
Sarah Whittle
That's so kind and I, I really appreciate that because that's really the, the thing that made my decision clear, clear was like, I need to find, I need to invest in my home. Like, I've invested in my work, family so much, and now it's time for me to, like, invest in my family and my, my home. What is home for me? And, and I have Claudio, who's such an amazing support system, and he's so excited about all of this and my cats. And I'm like, I want to create a beautiful home. And like, I didn't feel that in la. I didn't feel like that was the right place. And, and that ultimately was the only reason. And right now I feel like I'm in a dream because you guys are all saying such nice things and I feel so seen. But I really, really appreciate it. It was very unexpected to get a goodbye like this. And I'll never forget it.
Shane Topp
Well, we'll never forget you as we go. Imagine we walk out of here and I'm just like, who are you?
Sarah Whittle
Who are you, motherfuck.
Ian Hecox
What was her, what was her name again? Rebecca. Little Rebecca.
Shane Topp
I'm gonna miss Sierra.
Ian Hecox
Well, I think, I think you've cried enough. You've cried enough for one day I'm.
Sarah Whittle
Gonna sleep so good and then the day after I cry, I'm the funniest I've ever been. Releases all the time.
Shane Topp
Do a bunch of tiktoks.
Ian Hecox
Well, guys, I hope you enjoyed this special little podcast. If you haven't seen the awesome shoot dude merch, give it a shot@smosh.com. we got mugs, big mug fits, more coffee. Big mug. It's a big mug.
Courtney Miller
It's big mug.
Ian Hecox
Fitmoff. Also this great beanie that's very colorful.
Courtney Miller
It is nice. I, like, want to make more hoo Hoo ones out of this weave. Yeah, it's good. It's a nice weave on your head.
Ian Hecox
Yeah. Thanks. Thank you for listening to this podcast. I know it's been a long time. Will there be more? I'm sure.
Courtney Miller
But not, like, really.
Sarah Whittle
This is not.
Courtney Miller
We're not, like, back.
Ian Hecox
We're not, like, yeah, there won't be a podcast next.
Shane Topp
We're just doing them occasionally, like, when Sarah leaves.
Courtney Miller
Yeah. Someone as special as Sarah deserved. Like, we deserved a space to, like, fully show you our appreciation and let you tell your story.
Sarah Whittle
So.
Courtney Miller
So, yeah.
Shane Topp
So I'll leave so we can do another podcast.
Ian Hecox
Yes.
Courtney Miller
Yeah.
Ian Hecox
Everyone's like, we do your podcast.
Courtney Miller
Everyone's like, spin off the Bradley.
Ian Hecox
Everyone's just like, Shane.
Shane Topp
Yeah, you were loud, man.
Ian Hecox
You were. You screamed a lot. Anyway, shoot.
Sarah Whittle
Speaking of it, we're referencing.
Courtney Miller
There's a Try not to laugh out right now where we Everyone roast Sarah Whittle. Like, everyone.
Sarah Whittle
I think our favorite thing we've done.
Courtney Miller
I was, like, starstruck by our own content. So go watch that right now. It's on Smosh, if you haven't already.
Ian Hecox
Check it out.
Sarah Whittle
It's number 69.
Shane Topp
Yeah. Ew. Demonetized.
Ian Hecox
And with that, I'm Ian Hecox, this is Shane Topp, that's Courtney Miller, and this is. Is the dearly departed Sarah W. Oh, my God. Please don't. Please don't die before this podcast comes out.
Shane Topp
She's off to go live in a tiny acorn house, knit sweaters for the children.
Ian Hecox
Bye. Bye.
Sarah Whittle
It.
Podcast Summary: "Why Sarah is Leaving Smosh (not clickbait) (emotional)”
Smosh Mouth Episode Released on May 4, 2021
In this heartfelt episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (Shane), Amanda Lehan-Canto (Courtney), and Ian Hecox come together with their long-time colleague and friend, Sarah Whittle, to discuss her decision to leave Smosh. The episode delves deep into Sarah’s reasons for her departure, reflecting on her journey, contributions, and the emotional impact of her leaving on the Smosh family.
The podcast begins with an unexpected revelation as Shane announces, “[00:59] Shane Topp: Sarah's leaving.” This announcement sets the tone for the emotional discussion that follows. Ian quickly confirms the seriousness of the announcement, dispelling any notions of it being clickbait.
Notable Quote:
Sarah takes the floor to explain her departure, emphasizing personal growth and the need to invest in her personal life over her career. She discusses the challenges faced over the past year, particularly the impact of the pandemic, which intensified her longing for a stable home environment away from Los Angeles.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
The hosts share their personal memories and the significant role Sarah played in the success and creative processes at Smosh. They highlight her versatility, dedication, and the positive impact she had on the team.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
As the conversation progresses, the hosts pour out their appreciation and best wishes for Sarah. They reminisce about shared experiences, from production challenges to fun moments like parties and live streams. The emotions run high as they acknowledge the void her departure will create.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
In the final segments, Sarah shares her personal philosophy on growth and change, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion and not being afraid to evolve. The hosts reaffirm their support and express confidence that Smosh will continue to thrive.
Key Points:
Notable Quotes:
This episode serves as a poignant farewell to Sarah Whittle, celebrating her contributions and the indelible mark she leaves on Smosh. It underscores the importance of personal growth, the value of supportive communities, and the bittersweet nature of moving forward. For listeners who haven't tuned in, this summary captures the essence of Sarah's departure and the loving tribute from the Smosh family.