Podcast Summary: Smosh Reads Reddit Stories

Title: Liar Liar, Pants On Fire! | Reading Reddit Stories
Host: Shayne Topp
Release Date: May 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Smosh Reads Reddit Stories, host Shayne Topp and his co-hosts delve into the theme of Liars, exploring various tales of deceit, secrets, and the consequences that follow. Through a series of Reddit submissions, the Smosh team unpacks personal anecdotes that range from harmless white lies to more severe betrayals, providing both humor and heartfelt commentary.

Story 1: Pretending to Graduate College

Timestamp: 03:15 – 10:11

A Reddit user shares their experience of faking a college graduation. Facing burnout and academic struggles, they fabricated their graduation to avoid disappointing their family. The story unfolds with the user revealing the immense pressure of being the first in the family to attain a degree and the ongoing guilt associated with maintaining the lie.

• Ethan: "I hate lying to them. I hate lying to everyone. I've finally re-enrolled and I'm taking night classes now. So slowly fixing the mess I made." (04:02)
• Amanda: "They killed someone and they have a different name." (03:27)

Discussion Highlights:

• The group empathizes with the storyteller's predicament, acknowledging the stress and pressure of academic achievements.
• Shayne: "There's a big difference between lies and pranks. This is actually just like living in a lie." (05:45)
• The conversation shifts to the societal expectations surrounding education and the importance of honesty in personal growth.

Story 2: Taking Credit for a Purchase in a Relationship

Timestamp: 16:19 – 26:50

A long-term couple faces tension when the woman, the primary breadwinner, buys a house without her boyfriend’s financial contribution. During a family dinner, her boyfriend’s family mistakenly praises him for buying the house, prompting her to publicly correct them. The fallout leads to her questioning the viability of their relationship.

• Amanda: "I bought this house. You weren't ready. You never even contributed." (20:23)
• Ethan: "Their values are just so different. This does not sound like it's gonna work." (25:07)

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts discuss the importance of transparency and teamwork in financial decisions within relationships.
• Shayne: "He wanted to look like a big man while writing his girlfriend's coattails." (25:27)
• They explore the dynamics of financial insecurity and how it can undermine trust and respect between partners.

Update: The original poster reveals that after their confrontation, the boyfriend attempted to move back in, leading to a tense standoff where he decides to leave permanently. She expresses relief and the need to protect her space, highlighting the severity of unresolved financial and emotional conflicts.

Story 3: Missing Out on a Paid Volunteer Opportunity

Timestamp: 34:06 – 44:10

A Reddit user regrets not informing their friend about a paid volunteer gig that offered both financial compensation and networking opportunities. Their friend felt betrayed, believing they were intentionally withholding information to sabotage his chances.

• Ethan: "Am I the asshole? You set me up... you didn't let me do this opportunity." (37:19)
• Amanda: "Ryan's just causing drama, man." (43:56)

Discussion Highlights:

• The conversation touches on the ethics of withholding information, even with good intentions.
• Shayne: "He couldn't have assumed you would get paid later on." (42:30)
• The hosts debate whether the original poster is at fault for not sharing the information promptly and discuss the balance between honesty and protecting friends from disappointment.

Story 4: Faking a Peanut Butter Allergy

Timestamp: 44:31 – 58:33

A Reddit user confesses to lying about having a peanut butter allergy to avoid unwanted advances and peer pressure. Six years later, the lie has become so ingrained that even his new girlfriend is unaware of his deceit, leading to mounting stress and complications.

• Ethan: "I love peanut butter. I eat it in secret. I have a stash at work." (45:46)
• Amanda: "Peanut allergy is... you can die from it." (48:34)

Discussion Highlights:

• The group underscores the dangers and ethical issues associated with lying about health conditions.
• Shayne: "You gotta back. You gotta stop." (54:03)
• They discuss potential resolutions, emphasizing the importance of honesty and the challenges of undoing long-term lies.

Audience Engagement: Listeners debated the morality of "white lies" and the potential fallout from such deceptions, with a consensus leaning towards valuing honesty over temporary comfort.

Story 5: Husband’s Tattoo and Affair

Timestamp: 58:41 – 68:41

A Reddit user narrates the discovery of her husband’s affair, which was indirectly revealed through his tattoos. Initially, her husband explained the tattoo as a tribute to his sister-in-law’s husband but later admitted it was connected to an ongoing affair, leading to the end of a 19-year marriage.

• Amanda: "This is devastating." (60:56)
• Ethan: "He tattooed Ivy next to Lily. That's a betrayal." (62:16)

Discussion Highlights:

• The hosts express deep sympathy for the user's situation, highlighting the betrayal and the complexities of long-term relationships.
• Shayne: "He’s gaslighting his wife and begging her not to end it with him." (62:16)
• They discuss the psychological impact of deceit in marriage and the challenges of rebuilding trust or moving forward post-betrayal.

Story 6: Lying About Cupcakes in the Office

Timestamp: 70:31 – 76:00

A Reddit user admits to lying about the quality of cupcakes in the office break room to spare a coworker with dietary restrictions from disappointment. Despite good intentions, the lie creates awkwardness and guilt.

• Ethan: "You're lying to make someone feel good." (71:56)
• Amanda: "If you tell her they sucked, she'll stay the same." (73:37)

Discussion Highlights:

• The team debates the fine line between kindness and honesty, questioning whether the lie ultimately serves a greater good or causes unnecessary complications.
• Shayne: "If you're lying to protect someone, it's not a lie, it's just not." (72:28)
• They conclude that while the motive may be noble, honesty is generally preferable to avoid unintended consequences.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Shayne Topp and his co-hosts provide a blend of humor and sincere advice as they navigate through stories centered around deceit and the ramifications it carries. From personal confessions about academic dishonesty and relationship betrayals to lighthearted tales of office cupcakes, the episode emphasizes the importance of honesty, communication, and the complex motivations behind why people choose to lie. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with truth and deception, fostering a space for both laughter and introspection.

Notable Quotes:

• Shayne: "There's a big difference between lies and pranks. This is actually just like living in a lie." (05:45)
• Ethan: "I hate lying to them. I hate lying to everyone." (04:02)
• Amanda: "Peanut allergy is... you can die from it." (48:34)
• Shayne: "He wanted to look like a big man while writing his girlfriend's coattails." (25:27)

Closing Remarks

For those who haven't tuned into the episode, Smosh Reads Reddit Stories offers a captivating exploration of human experiences through the lens of Reddit submissions, providing both entertainment and valuable life lessons. Whether it's grappling with personal lies or facing the fallout from others', the Smosh team delivers relatable content that resonates with a wide audience.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe: Follow Smosh Reads Reddit Stories every Saturday for more themed storytelling and discussions.
• Engage: Share your own stories or suggest themes and subreddits for future episodes.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the core discussions and stories presented during the podcast.