Smosh Reads Reddit Stories

Episode: Finally A Happy Ending | Reading Reddit Stories

Host: Shayne Topp
Guests: Angela, Damien
Date: January 24, 2026

Overview

This special "wholesome" episode swaps out the usual Reddit chaos for feel-good stories, each with a happy ending. Host Shayne, joined by Angela and Damien, guides the group through a series of Reddit-sourced tales, sparking plenty of laughter, poignant reflection, and the occasional tear. From navigating relationships at work to life-changing gestures of love and tales of lifelong friendship, this episode delivers heartwarming content and hilarious, deeply human reactions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Navigating Office Romance at Holiday Parties

[02:30 – 13:58]

• Summary:
  The first story involves an office romance—two employees, now openly a couple, attending their holiday party together, but uncertain about the right balance between professionalism and openness.
• Commentary:
  • Shayne draws parallels to his dynamic working with Courtney, noting the unique Smosh work environment and how couples at workplaces can set clear boundaries.
  • Angela and Damien discuss the importance of professionalism at work events, even after hours, reminding listeners that conduct outside the office can still affect workplace reputation.
  • The trio agree that being matter-of-fact and calm about relationships tends to normalize them for others.
• Notable Quote:
  • "If you treat it like no big deal, everyone else will likely treat it like no big deal." – Shayne (11:04)
• Memorable Moment:
  • The crew riffs on ugly sweater couples and workplace Oompa Loompas, blending real advice with their signature absurdity.

2. Should You Say No to Grandpa’s Shortcake?

[17:25 – 24:35]

• Summary:
  A 21-year-old feels guilty after letting his 77-year-old grandfather (with high blood sugar) indulge in strawberry shortcake, drawing the wrath of a vigilant grandma.
• Commentary:
  • Angela and Shayne reflect on the balance between health and happiness in old age, agreeing it’s reasonable to let older adults enjoy treats in moderation.
  • Damien shares a heartfelt anecdote about his own family, supporting the idea that the joy of life sometimes trumps strict adherence to rules.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "It’s not your job to control other grown adults. The man is 77 years old. If he wants to eat a shortcake every now and then… let him." – Shayne quoting Reddit comments (23:19)
  • “If a man can’t have a strawberry shortcake every now and then at 80, what’s the point of living to 81?” – Anonymous Reddit comment, read by Shayne (24:01)
• Memorable Moment:
  • The team reminisces about grandparents sneaking treats and the irreplaceable value of small joys late in life.

3. When Your Partner’s Kid Calls You “Dad” For The First Time

[44:25 – 30:37]

• Summary:
  A man in a long-term relationship worries about being a good father figure when his girlfriend's son calls him "dad" for the first time.
• Commentary:
  • Angela and Damien praise the OP’s healthy self-doubt, agreeing that caring enough to question oneself is a sign of a good parent.
  • The group highlights the unique nature of chosen family bonds, emphasizing patience, communication, and understanding.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Take the best of what your parents offered you and pay it forward… Everything else should flow from that." – Reddit commenter, summarized by Shayne (27:25)

4. The Case of the Mysterious Woman Visiting My Boyfriend

[31:15 – 42:54]

• Summary:
  A woman questions her boyfriend's fidelity when an elderly neighbor reports seeing another woman visit their house while she's away—with suspiciously intimate goodbyes.
• Discussion:
  • The group weighs various ways to approach the suspected infidelity, but remembers the episode's theme is wholesome.
  • The update reveals her boyfriend was planning a proposal with help from her best friend—the “other woman” was only there to help with this surprise.
• Notable Quotes:
  • "I guess maybe if it’s best, best friend, like depending on how close you are, there can be a little like… But I don’t know." – Damien (40:05)
  • "He's been preparing to propose to me. Yes." – Shayne (38:56)
• Memorable Moment:
  • Genuine joy as the hosts realize the story’s tension resolves with an engagement, not a breakup.

5. A Father’s Sacrifice: Paying Off Student Loans

[43:04 – 48:09]

• Summary:
  A woman’s student debt is mysteriously paid off—turns out her father sold his prized, lifelong Harley project to make it happen.
• Discussion:
  • Damien gets emotional, relating the story to personal family experiences and highlighting parental love as the driver of selflessness.
  • The cast talks about how acts of sacrifice are also gifts for the giver and how accepting such sacrifice is sometimes the ultimate gratitude.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “Doing that for you is one of the proudest moments of his life. Don’t feel guilty, but do feel loved.” – Reddit comment read by Shayne (48:04)

6. Lifelong Friendship Turns To Love Amid Illness (James & Amumu Story)

[48:40 – 76:37]

• Summary:
  The centerpiece of the episode: a woman in cancer treatment reflects on 25 years of best friendship with James, a man who has been her unwavering support through coming out, crisis, and illness. Despite identifying as gay, she experiences a profound emotional and budding romantic attraction to James. She debates whether to tell him, worrying about the impact if her health turns for the worse.
• Discussion:
  • The room falls silent and emotional as Shayne reads the beautifully written original post and the update, which recounts the moment she confesses her feelings. James reciprocates; the two finally become a couple.
  • The group and their crew are visibly and audibly moved, pausing at times to process the powerful emotions and affirm the story’s cinematic, almost novel-like depth.
  • They reflect on love transcending labels, sexuality, and adversity.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “He’s the only thing I want for the rest of my life.” – OP (53:00+)
  • “You’re the only thing I’ve ever wanted.” – James, as recounted by OP (68:54)
  • "You give that man a hug and love him as much as you can. That's what you do." – Shayne quoting Reddit comment (47:31)
• Memorable Moments:
  • The whole crew weeping, including the production staff ("Everyone behind the camera is crying." – Damien, 60:09).
  • Angela describes the saga as worthy of a stage play.
  • In the update, OP describes James breaking into tears (for the first time in their friendship) and their mutual happiness as they decide to face whatever future may come, together.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "If you treat it like no big deal, everyone else will likely treat it like no big deal."
  — Shayne (11:04)

• "If a man can't have a strawberry shortcake every now and then at 80, what's the point of living to 81?"
  — Reddit comment, read by Shayne (24:01)

• "Take the best of what your parents offered you and pay it forward... Everything else should flow from that."
  — Reddit commenter, summarized by Shayne (27:25)

• "He’s the only thing I want for the rest of my life."
  — OP, James & Amumu story (53:00+)

• "You’re the only thing I’ve ever wanted."
  — James, as recounted by OP (68:54)

• "Doing that for you is one of the proudest moments of his life. Don’t feel guilty, but do feel loved."
  — Reddit comment, read by Shayne (48:04)

Recurring Themes & Closing Thoughts

• Value of Honest Communication: Many stories center on open, vulnerable conversations—whether about relationships at work, difficult family dynamics, or lifelong romantic feelings.
• Compassion, Acceptance, Forgiveness: The group repeatedly affirms that empathy and acceptance lead to happier, healthier outcomes than paranoia or judgment.
• Cherishing Small Joys: Whether it’s letting a grandparent have shortcake or savoring the tiny gestures of a lifelong friend, there’s constant acknowledgment of the preciousness of life’s small moments.
• The Power of Found Family & Support: From stepdad stories to lifelong friendships, the crew emphasizes that chosen, nurtured relationships can become our greatest sources of love and resilience.
• Laughter Amid Tears: Even the most emotional stories are seasoned with the signature Smosh blend of irreverent humor and affectionate ribbing.

Final Segment

[79:46 – end]

• The crew wraps up emotionally exhausted but grateful for the opportunity to share stories affirming the goodness in people and the possibility of unlooked-for joy and love.
• With a final nod to James and the hope that the central story’s happy ending continues, Shayne and his guests encourage listeners to cherish the wholesome moments in their own lives.

For more feel-good episodes, join Smosh Reads Reddit Stories every Saturday!