Podcast Summary: Smosh Reads Reddit Stories – Episode: Queer Queries | Reading Reddit Stories

Podcast Information:

• Title: Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
• Host: Shane Topp (from Smosh)
• Description: Tall tales from Reddit form the backbone of these engaging hour-long reaction videos. Host Shane Topp entertains and sometimes exasperates his panel of Smosh guests with themed Reddit posts, leading to humorous and insightful commentary. This episode delves into stories revolving around friendship, romance, revenge, and more, all through the lens of Pride Month.
• Release Date: June 28, 2025

Introduction (01:24 – 02:34)

Shayne Topp:
"Hello and welcome to Smosh Reads Reddit Stories. I'm Shane, and today's episode is our Pride episode. I am joined by two guests who are dying."

The hosts humorously set the stage for a lively discussion centered around Pride-themed Reddit stories, establishing an engaging and light-hearted atmosphere.

Story 1: Am I the Asshole for Sending Pink Envelopes? (02:34 – 34:00)

Overview:
A Reddit user explains his side gig of selling Pokémon cards on eBay, where he employs a unique system of sending orders in randomly colored envelopes (red, blue, pink, green, yellow) to distinguish different orders. A buyer specifically requests the cessation of pink envelopes, associating the color with femininity and, by extension, homosexuality. The buyer threatens to stop purchasing if pink envelopes persist.

Key Points and Discussions:

1. Justification for Colored Envelopes (02:58 – 05:03):

   • The seller uses different colored envelopes to organize orders and enhance the buyer's unboxing experience.
   • Shayne Topp: "I like to send them in different colored envelopes to stand out." (03:02)

2. Buyer’s Complaint and Association with Sexuality (05:03 – 07:28):

   • The buyer equates pink with being "gay" and fears judgment from neighbors upon receiving pink envelopes.
   • Shayne Topp: "Pink is not gay. I sell Pokemon cards on eBay as a side job." (05:02)

3. Host’s Girlfriend’s Defense (07:28 – 09:05):

   • Shane’s girlfriend suggests the buyer might be closeted, implying that sending pink envelopes outed him to his family.
   • Shayne Topp: "She said his girlfriend said he could have been in the closet and... you exposed him to his family." (05:14)

4. Community Verdict and Reactions (09:05 – 34:00):

   • The Reddit community overwhelmingly deems the original poster (OP) not the asshole.
   • Key Arguments:
     • The color pink is harmless and not inherently linked to sexual orientation.
     • OP complied with the buyer's request initially but chose to continue sending pink envelopes as a petty retaliation.
     • It wasn’t OP’s responsibility to manage the buyer’s fragile masculinity or assumptions about color meanings.
     • Guest Commentator: "Not the asshole because how were you to know... pink is not linked to sexuality." (10:10)

5. Shane’s Personal Anecdotes on Fragile Masculinity (07:28 – 09:05):

   • Shane shares experiences where men associate cleanliness and good appearance with being gay, highlighting societal stereotypes.
   • Guest Insight: "That's the response that's gonna happen." (27:26)

6. Conclusion and Final Verdict:

   • Shayne Topp: "Verdict was not the asshole comments. Not the asshole... it's such a nothing burger." (09:14 – 10:17)
   • The community supports OP, viewing the situation as a reflection of the buyer’s insecurities rather than any wrongdoing by the seller.

Notable Quotes:

• "She just let Pride happen to me." (02:20)
• "Your girlfriend’s scenario seems pretty far-fetched." (09:03)
• "This is hilarious." (05:02)

Insights:

• The episode underscores the societal stereotypes linking colors to sexual orientations and critiques the buyer’s narrow-mindedness.
• Highlights how small, seemingly insignificant actions (like envelope colors) can become battlegrounds for deeper social issues.
• Emphasizes the importance of not taking stereotypes at face value and understanding individual preferences.

Story 2: Am I the Asshole for Telling My Friend That I’ve Been Sleeping with Her Fiance? (34:00 – 35:26)

Overview:
A 22-year-old gay man inadvertently kisses his friend Sienna's fiancé, Marcus, leading to the cancellation of the wedding. When he tries to apologize, Sienna’s girlfriend sides with Marcus, believing the kiss might indicate Marcus is in the closet.

Key Points and Discussions:

1. Background and Initial Incident (35:26 – 39:18):

   • Shayne Topp: Narrates the story of meeting a woman, developing a fling, and accidentally sending her a message that leads to sleeping with her fiancé.
   • Key Moment: "I very loudly and to the entire club drunkenly said, it's not my fault your cheating fiance likes getting his back blown out." (19:28)

2. Reaction and Fallout (39:18 – 45:40):

   • Sienna reacts violently, leading to her fiancée confessing multiple infidelities, resulting in the wedding being called off.
   • Community Verdict: Both parties are scrutinized, with OP seen as somewhat justified but recognizing his pettiness.
   • Guest Commentary: "Your girlfriend is wrong. Even if he is closeted, nobody in their right mind is going to assume that because somebody mailed him a pink envelope that he's secretly gay." (09:14)

3. Personal Reflections and Host’s Insights (45:40 – 35:26):

   • Shane discusses the complexities of outing someone and the nuances of handling such sensitive situations.
   • Guest Insight: "It's not great, but I don't understand it." (26:16)

4. Conclusion and Final Verdict:

   • Shayne Topp: "He is the asshole." (20:10)
   • The betrayal and lack of communication make both parties bear some responsibility, but the primary blame lies with Marcus for his repeated infidelities.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's happen because they were making fun of homophobes..." (49:07)
• "Call this woman Sienna." (21:50)

Insights:

• The episode highlights the repercussions of drunken honesty and the importance of clear communication in relationships.
• Explores themes of betrayal, hurt pride, and the complexities surrounding sexuality and assumptions.
• Illustrates how misunderstandings can escalate into significant life changes, such as the cancellation of a wedding.

Story 3: Am I the Asshole for Telling Our Family and Friends That My Best Friend Has Herpes Because She Outed Me as a Lesbian? (35:26 – 43:22)

Overview:
A 25-year-old woman retaliates against her best friend Emma for outing her as a lesbian by disclosing Emma’s herpes diagnosis to their family and friends. This act leads to Emma’s ostracization and the end of the poster’s relationship with her.

Key Points and Discussions:

1. Background and Setting (35:26 – 41:08):

   • The poster, a 25-year-old lesbian, shares a lifelong friendship with Emma, who has been supportive during her struggles.
   • Emma later contracts herpes and faces stigma, causing loneliness.
   • After the poster reveals her own sexuality to a woman she’s interested in, Emma outed her to their social circles.

2. Retaliation and Consequences (41:08 – 45:23):

   • In response, the poster shares Emma's herpes diagnosis publicly, leading to community backlash.
   • Emma’s reputation is tarnished, and she is shunned by family and friends.
   • Shayne Topp: "They find out... they immediately throw slurs at her." (25:43)

3. Community Verdict and Reactions (35:26 – 43:22):

   • The Reddit community largely condemns the poster and Emma’s family for their actions.
   • Key Arguments:
     • Betraying someone's trust and privacy is unacceptable.
     • Outing someone’s medical condition or sexuality as a form of revenge is highly unethical.
     • The community recognizes the complexity of emotions but finds the actions unjustifiable.
   • Guest Commentary: "Emma's family are the assholes for saying contracting herpes makes her a dirty hoe." (28:33)

4. Personal Reflections and Host’s Insights (43:22 – 35:26):

   • Shane discusses the impact of betrayal, societal stigma, and the healing process.
   • Guest Insight: "She’s stuck. She was so miserable." (25:43)

5. Conclusion and Final Verdict:

   • Shayne Topp: "She retaliated against Emma in a way that you knew would hurt her, which is perfectly understandable, but still an asshole move." (27:26)
   • The consensus is that the poster acted out of hurt but cannot justify violating someone’s privacy and trust.

Notable Quotes:

• "Cause politics and sexuality are two different things." (34:00)
• "They are demon people. Absolute monsters." (34:42)

Insights:

• The story serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of revenge and the importance of handling personal betrayals with maturity.
• Highlights societal prejudices against STDs and LGBTQ+ identities, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding.
• Encourages healthy communication and forgiveness over vindictive actions.

Story 4: Am I Overreacting? Suspected Cheating and Sexual Orientation (43:22 – 54:20)

Overview:
A 25-year-old woman suspects her 33-year-old boyfriend is cheating with his best friend, Tyler, and possibly concealing his sexual orientation. She seeks validation on whether her concerns are justified.

Key Points and Discussions:

1. Initial Concerns and Evidence (35:26 – 39:18):

   • The poster notices overly familiar and sexual interactions between her fiancé and his best friend.
   • Evidence includes sexting and explicit photos exchanged between them.
   • Shayne Topp: "What were you gonna say?" (07:09)

2. Community Verdict and Reactions (43:22 – 54:20):

   • The Reddit community analyzes whether the behavior indicates deeper issues, such as potential infidelity or hidden sexual orientation.
   • Key Arguments:
     • The exchange of explicit images and language suggests inappropriate boundaries.
     • Whether the actions are consensual jokes or signs of genuine romantic interest requires honest communication.
     • Guest Commentary: "She's not overreacting. No, I don't think she's overreacting." (50:35)

3. Personal Reflections and Host’s Insights (54:20 – 55:40):

   • Shane shares anecdotes about similar behaviors and the importance of addressing discomfort in relationships.
   • Guest Insight: "If he has feelings, either gay or bi. He better speak now because if you find proof, it won't go well." (49:55)

4. Conclusion and Final Verdict:

   • Shayne Topp: "She's not overreacting. No, I don't think she's overreacting." (50:35)
   • The consensus suggests that the woman has valid concerns and should seek an honest conversation with her partner to clarify intentions and boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's like, I can't do that." (49:02)
• "She’s not wrong to question." (50:36)

Insights:

• Emphasizes the necessity of clear communication in relationships, especially when boundaries are crossed.
• Addresses the complexities of interpreting actions that may signify deeper issues like sexual orientation or infidelity.
• Highlights the importance of setting personal boundaries and addressing discomfort promptly.

Story 5: Do Trans People Belong at Celtics Games? (54:00 – 62:35)

Overview:
A transgender woman expresses feeling unwelcome at Boston Celtics games due to past negative experiences and fears of encountering toxic crowds. She seeks reassurance and honest feedback from the community.

Key Points and Discussions:

1. Initial Post and Concerns (54:00 – 56:35):

   • The poster shares traumatic experiences at sporting events and fears lack of acceptance at TD Garden.
   • Shayne Topp: "Am I allowed to exist here? That's what you're asking?" (56:35)

2. Community Support and Positive Responses (56:35 – 62:35):

   • The Reddit community, including Celtics employees, responds overwhelmingly positively, offering support and reassurance.
   • Key Moments:
     • Moderator Response: "Yes, if you are in danger, look for a Thea's jersey." (55:59)
     • Celtics Team Rep: Updates indicating that the Celtics organization supports her and is making her game experience special.
     • Final Update: The poster attends the game, feels welcomed, receives Celtics gear, and expresses profound gratitude.
   • Shayne Topp: "That makes me think of that story that destroyed me." (45:41)
   • Community Verdict: Trans individuals are welcome and supported at Celtics games.

3. Conclusion and Final Verdict:

   • Shayne Topp: "They’re welcome and supported." (57:19)
   • The story concludes on a high note, showing the impact of community support and organizational allyship in fostering inclusive environments.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm glad this is something my boy no longer feels he has to keep from me." (34:00)
• "We need our lucky doll at every game." (60:57)

Insights:

• Demonstrates the power of community support in transforming negative expectations into positive experiences.
• Highlights the role of organizations in fostering inclusive spaces and actively supporting marginalized individuals.
• Celebrates personal victories and the importance of representation and acceptance in large public venues.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up (62:35 – End)

Shayne Topp:
"All right. Well, this has been quite the Reddit Stories episode. Yes, it sure has. Thank you both for being here. And hey, Happy Pride Month."

Key Takeaways:

• The episode successfully tackled diverse and sensitive issues related to sexuality, identity, and societal expectations through engaging Reddit stories.
• Hosts and guests provided thoughtful, humorous, and empathetic commentary, fostering a supportive environment for discussing complex topics.
• Emphasized the importance of empathy, understanding, and open communication in navigating personal and interpersonal challenges.

Final Remarks:

• Shane extends gratitude to listeners for their support and encourages them to suggest future themes and subreddits.
• Concludes with celebratory wishes for Pride Month, reinforcing the episode's central theme of inclusivity and acceptance.

Notable Quotes:

• "I'm overjoyed that this was your experience. If we can't welcome everyone into our team, what the fuck is the point?" (60:37)
• "Happy Pride Month." (62:26)

Overall Insights:

• The podcast episode effectively balances humor with serious discussions, making it relatable and insightful for a broad audience.
• By addressing real-life stories and providing a platform for marginalized voices, it promotes a message of acceptance and understanding.
• The interactive elements, including notable listener comments and updates, enhance engagement and provide a dynamic narrative flow.

Notable Timestamps with Speaker Attribution:

• Pink Envelopes Story:

  • "I like to send them in different colored envelopes to stand out." – Shane Topp (03:02)
  • "Pink is not gay." – Shane Topp (05:03)

• Sleeping with Friend’s Fiancée:

  • "It's not my fault your cheating fiance likes getting his back blown out." – Shane Topp (19:28)
  • "He is the asshole." – Shane Topp (20:10)

• Outing Friend with Herpes:

  • "They are demon people. Absolute monsters." – Shane Topp (34:42)
  • "She retaliated against Emma in a way that you knew would hurt her." – Shane Topp (27:26)

• Suspected Cheating and Sexual Orientation:

  • "She's not overreacting." – Shane Topp (50:35)
  • "A conversation does need to be had." – Guest (49:19)

• Trans Woman and Celtics Game:

  • "Am I allowed to exist here?" – Shane Topp (56:35)
  • "They’re welcome and supported." – Shane Topp (57:19)

• Wrap-Up:

  • "Happy Pride Month." – Shane Topp (62:26)
  • "Thank you all for watching." – Shane Topp (62:29)

Final Thoughts:

This episode of "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories" offers an engaging exploration of various personal and societal issues through real Reddit posts, all contextualized within the framework of Pride Month. The hosts adeptly navigate humor and empathy, providing insightful commentary that resonates with listeners. By featuring diverse stories, the podcast fosters a space for reflection, understanding, and community support, embodying the inclusive spirit of Pride.