Podcast Summary: Smosh Reads Reddit Stories – "They Think They Deserve This"

Episode Details:

• Title: They Think They Deserve This | Reading Reddit Stories
• Host/Author: Smosh (Shayne Topp)
• Release Date: July 26, 2025

Introduction to Entitlement

In this episode of Smosh Reads Reddit Stories, host Shane Topp delves into the pervasive issue of entitled behavior through a series of compelling Reddit stories. Joined by guests Tommy and Arasha, the trio explores various manifestations of entitlement, blending humor with insightful commentary to dissect why some individuals believe they deserve more than others.

Entitled People in Everyday Situations

The conversation kicks off with a relatable scenario set in movie theaters. Shane introduces the theme by discussing how seat reservations often lead to conflicts, especially when individuals refuse to vacate their spots despite being in the wrong seat.

Shane [02:15]: "Entitled people are everywhere and they suck."

Tommy [02:46]: "The amount of times that I reserve seats at a movie theater and I go and someone is in that seat. I hate it."

The trio humorously reenacts a common situation where reserved seats lead to unnecessary disputes, highlighting how entitlement can disrupt simple pleasures like watching a movie.

Reddit Story 1: Entitlement in the Emergency Room

The first Reddit story comes from the subreddit Self, where a user recounts an experience in the emergency room (ER). A man with a severe abdominal injury is prioritized over other patients, leading to frustration among those waiting for treatment for minor issues.

Shane [04:43]: "It's not Starbucks. There is no line. It's not first come, first served. It's who might die first."

Arasha [08:29]: "Entitled shit is so exhausting because... we should all work together and consider ourselves one and the same."

The hosts discuss the lack of empathy displayed by some ER patients who fail to understand the critical nature of others' conditions. They emphasize the importance of community and empathy, arguing that modern society often overlooks the collective well-being in favor of individual grievances.

Discussion: Empathy and Healthcare System Challenges

Tommy and Arasha expand on the story, reflecting on personal experiences and broader societal issues. They critique how entitlement hampers effective healthcare delivery and stress the need for systemic change to foster a more compassionate environment.

Tommy [06:39]: "It's clear that the entitlement is the inability to see that somebody clearly needs it more than you right now."

Shane [09:04]: "There's a lack of community. It's all so individual. Everyone's their own little island."

Reddit Story 2: Karen's Extreme Revenge

Transitioning to a more intense narrative, the second story involves a character named Karen who escalates her frustration over gardening disputes into criminal behavior. Initially upset about her neighbor removing daylilies, Karen ends up committing arson against an unintended target.

Shane [31:04]: "She lit a house on fire as retribution."

Tommy [34:45]: "Horrible people. Horrible story."

This story highlights the dangerous extremes of entitlement, where personal grievances lead to destructive actions. The hosts express shock and disbelief over Karen’s drastic measures, discussing the fine line between justified anger and pathological entitlement.

Discussion: The Consequences of Extreme Entitlement

The conversation shifts to the ramifications of Karen's actions, questioning the factors that drive individuals to such lengths. They ponder whether loneliness, substance abuse, or inherent personality flaws contribute to extreme entitlement and resultant harmful behaviors.

Arasha [36:56]: "She's a nightmare."

Shane [37:12]: "She's marrying... horrible people. Horrible story."

Reddit Story 3: The Push Present Dilemma

The next story explores the concept of push presents—gifts given to mothers after childbirth. The narrative centers on a husband who feels overwhelmed by his wife's extravagant expectations, such as receiving a car or permanent tattoo, leading to marital tension.

Shane [16:35]: "I felt that those expectations are very entitled."

Tommy [43:03]: "It's just more blowjobs."

The hosts critique the materialistic aspect of push presents, arguing that genuine appreciation should not equate to lavish gifts. They discuss the influence of social media platforms like TikTok in amplifying unrealistic expectations, making generosity a transactional gesture rather than an expression of love and gratitude.

Discussion: Materialism and Social Media Influence

Shane, Tommy, and Arasha dissect the pressures exerted by social media on personal relationships. They highlight how influencers often set unattainable standards, leading individuals to measure love and appreciation in terms of material possessions rather than emotional support.

Shane [20:04]: "If you wanna get a, the point is not to actually give advice to people. The point is to get attention."

Tommy [22:23]: "Even though we are wanting to do this thing, wanting to become a parent and wanting to get pregnant, we almost attach the sense of entitlement to be like, oh, yeah, I am actually really big for doing that."

Reddit Story 4: Petty Revenge Over Parking

A lighter yet still telling story from the Petty Revenge subreddit illustrates how minor disputes can escalate. The narrative involves blocking a neighbor's car in the driveway, leading to a standoff where the neighbor calls the police, only to resolve the issue humorously.

Shane [52:00]: "The entitled Parker."

Tommy [55:42]: "Driving entitlement is like a whole nother thing."

This story serves as a humorous yet insightful example of how petty retaliations can stem from a sense of entitlement, further emphasizing the episode’s central theme.

Discussion: Parking and Territorial Entitlement

The hosts discuss the commonality of parking disputes and how territorial attitudes can lead to unnecessary conflicts. They reflect on personal experiences and the broader implications of territorial entitlement in shared spaces.

Arasha [54:44]: "It would make me think, like, so has our whole friendship been, like, tainted by this thing?"

Shane [55:46]: "It's really bad."

Reddit Story 5: Relationship Expectations and Jealousy

The final story delves into relationship dynamics, where a girlfriend's excessive expectations for her partner’s physical affection lead to emotional distress and a potential breakup. The boyfriend exhibits extreme jealousy over his brother's relationship, resulting in public displays of vulnerability.

Shane [57:49]: "He wants to lose weight for your wedding?"

Tommy [62:58]: "That kind of entitlement and immaturity is a boner killer."

This story highlights how unrealistic expectations and possessive behavior can strain relationships, further illustrating the detrimental effects of entitlement.

Discussion: Healthy Relationship Boundaries

Tommy and Arasha emphasize the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. They argue that support should be offered when solicited, rather than imposed, and that mutual respect is crucial for a healthy partnership.

Shane [61:00]: "You're allowed to be obsessed with it. You're allowed to want to be like perfect in your own world, but to care about other people's journey."

Tommy [43:25]: "Don't think you can just overlook it. Right."

Conclusion: Reflecting on Entitlement

As the episode wraps up, Shane, Tommy, and Arasha reflect on the various facets of entitlement discussed through the Reddit stories. They underscore the importance of empathy, community, and realistic expectations in fostering healthier interactions and relationships.

Shane [68:05]: "This is one of my favorite Reddit stories we've ever read."

Arasha [68:47]: "It's like a delicious flan at the end of a meal."

The hosts conclude with a mix of humor and sincerity, encouraging listeners to recognize and address entitlement in their own lives to build more compassionate and understanding communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Entitlement Manifestations: Entitlement can surface in mundane settings like movie theaters or escalate to extreme actions such as arson.
• Impact on Relationships: Unrealistic expectations and possessive behavior rooted in entitlement can severely strain personal relationships.
• Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok exacerbate entitlement by promoting materialistic and unrealistic standards.
• Empathy and Community: Building empathetic communities and fostering genuine connections are essential in mitigating entitled behavior.

Notable Quotes:

• Shane: "Entitled people are everywhere and they suck." (02:15)
• Tommy: "The amount of times that I reserve seats at a movie theater and I go and someone is in that seat. I hate it." (02:46)
• Arasha: "Entitled shit is so exhausting because... we should all work together and consider ourselves one and the same." (08:29)
• Shane: "It's not Starbucks. There is no line. It's not first come, first served. It's who might die first." (04:43)
• Tommy: "That kind of entitlement and immaturity is a boner killer." (62:58)

This episode of Smosh Reads Reddit Stories offers a humorous yet poignant exploration of entitlement, drawing from real-life anecdotes to illuminate how this attitude affects individuals and communities alike. Through engaging storytelling and candid discussions, Shane, Tommy, and Arasha provide listeners with both laughs and food for thought on addressing and overcoming entitlement in various aspects of life.