Podcast Title: Smosh Reads Reddit Stories
Episode: We Are NEVER Getting Back Together | Reading Reddit Stories
Release Date: June 7, 2025
Hosts: Shane, Trevor, and Aria (Smosh Cast Members)
Episode Overview
In this engaging "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories" episode, hosts Shane, Trevor, and Aria delve into captivating tales from Reddit centered around the theme of exes and situations that lead to breakups. The trio provides humorous yet thoughtful commentary, dissecting each story to uncover underlying issues, miscommunications, and emotional complexities within relationships.
Story 1: Photosynthesis and Divorce Threats
Source: Am I the Asshole?
Title: Am I the asshole? My wife wants a divorce because I told her I'll water her regularly for photosynthesis.
Summary: The first story involves a husband who, during a casual conversation, tells his wife he would "water her regularly for photosynthesis" if she were a plant. His intention was to express unwavering love, but his wife interpreted it as insensitivity, leading her to consider divorce.
Key Points & Discussion:
- Miscommunication: The husband's attempt at humor was misunderstood as a lack of seriousness in the relationship.
- Emotional Overreaction: The wife's immediate jump to divorce highlights potential underlying issues beyond the joke.
- Consent and Perception: The importance of understanding each other's communication styles and emotional needs.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [01:03]: "Every story we've read about ex friends always hits way harder than yeah, wow."
- Aria [04:08]: "It's like, dude, would you still love me if I was a worm? And it's like, I'd make a little home for you."
- Trevor [06:33]: "Do you guys think I'd still be a cast member if I was a plant?"
Conclusion: The Reddit community largely sided with the husband, deeming him not the asshole. Commenters empathized with his unintentional blunder and pointed out that the wife might have been seeking deeper communication about feeling undervalued.
Reddit Verdict: Not the Asshole
Story 2: The Erotic Novel Dilemma
Source: Am I the Asshole?
Title: Am I the asshole for not taking down an X rated book when my ex's girlfriend asked me to?
Summary: A 24-year-old woman author wrote an erotic novel inspired by her now ex-boyfriend. After publishing, the ex's new girlfriend approached her, requesting the removal of the book, claiming it made her uncomfortable. Although the protagonist was initially willing to comply, her ex denied discomfort, leading to escalating conflicts and negative reviews associated with the book.
Key Points & Discussion:
- Consent and Boundaries: The writer had consent from her ex before publishing, but the ex's new girlfriend's interference complicates the scenario.
- Ethical Considerations: Balancing personal expression and respecting others' privacy and comfort levels.
- Impact of Public Perception: Negative reviews linked to personal disputes can unfairly tarnish the author's reputation.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [15:00]: "The big fuck up was the house, which I was 50% responsible for." (As part of another story, illustrating responsibility in relationships)
- Aria [15:21]: "It's like, it's true, man."
- Trevor [19:23]: "Kinky dollars."
Conclusion: The hosts and Reddit commenters felt the author was not the asshole, recognizing her right to express herself through writing while also acknowledging the ex-girlfriend's discomfort. The focus was placed on better communication and setting appropriate boundaries to prevent such conflicts.
Reddit Verdict: Not the Asshole
Story 3: Predicting Divorce Amid Financial Strain
Source: Am I the Asshole?
Title: Am I the asshole for telling my wife I won't be as stressed out next year because I won't be married to her?
Summary: A 32-year-old man shares his deteriorating marriage due to significant financial hardships stemming from a bad move, family emergencies, and a totaled car. After securing a well-paying job, he informs his wife during a dinner with her parents that he expects to be divorced within a year, leading to immediate coldness and estrangement.
Key Points & Discussion:
- Financial Stress: Money issues are placing immense strain on the relationship, exacerbating existing tensions.
- Communication Breakdown: The abrupt declaration of impending divorce without proper dialogue intensifies feelings of instability.
- Emotional Consequences: The husband's outburst in front of his wife's parents symbolizes a culmination of unresolved frustrations.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [33:03]: "Now we're at the mall for her girl's lunch and I'm sitting at the table like a weirdo."
- Trevor [37:04]: "She's saying that I'd be divorced again year from now."
- Aria [40:13]: "I do totally get it. I think that's something that would make me uncomfortable as far as where my insecurities are."
Conclusion: The consensus among hosts and Reddit users was that the husband was the asshole for making such a significant and hurtful statement in a highly inappropriate setting, particularly without attempting to resolve issues through constructive communication or counseling.
Reddit Verdict: Asshole
Story 4: Accusations After a Tragic Coincidence
Source: Relationship Advice
Title: I think that my wife, who's 23, thinks that I murdered her ex.
Summary: A man recounts a bizarre coincidence where he and his wife ran into her ex, who later died in an unforeseen accident. Following the tragic event, his wife exhibits unusual suspicion and distance, leading him to fear she's subconsciously attributing his potential involvement in her ex's death.
Key Points & Discussion:
- Grief and Coping Mechanisms: Understanding how individuals process loss differently and the impact on current relationships.
- Trust and Communication: The importance of maintaining trust and open dialogue to prevent baseless accusations.
- Psychological Strain: Navigating unfounded suspicions can severely strain marital bonds.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [51:10]: "How do you bring that up in an earnest, like, way to be like, hey, do you think that I murdered your ex?"
- Trevor [54:05]: "Nothing in the book is that bad, especially if you like erotica already."
- Aria [54:41]: "She could just be in a really weird head space about it."
Conclusion: Hosts and Reddit commentators emphasized the need for compassionate communication and possibly professional counseling to address the wife's unfounded fears. It was recognized as a complex emotional situation requiring sensitive handling rather than assigning blame.
Reddit Verdict: (Not explicitly provided, but implied sympathetic approach)
Story 5: Rekindling a Decade-Old Romance
Source: Ex reaching out
Title: After 10 years, I'm at a loss for what to answer with.
Summary: A man receives a heartfelt letter from his high school ex after a decade, expressing a desire to reunite based on a promise they made to find each other if neither was married by age 32. Despite being in a new relationship with differing life goals, he grapples with emotions and the potential ramifications of responding to his ex's overtures.
Key Points & Discussion:
- Past Promises vs. Present Realities: Navigating longstanding emotional bonds amidst current commitments and differing life aspirations.
- Emotional Complexity: Balancing nostalgia with practicality and existing relationship dynamics.
- Decision-Making: Weighing the implications of pursuing past relationships against current ones.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [65:33]: "The verdict was asshole." (Referring to a different story, highlighting the complexity of judgment)
- Aria [69:45]: "It's clear that he's also still very connected to Nicole, even though he set a boundary."
- Trevor [72:20]: "He waited two years."
Conclusion: The hosts and Reddit community provided nuanced perspectives, acknowledging the emotional tug but advising caution. They stressed the importance of evaluating current relationship satisfaction and long-term compatibility before making any decisions influenced by past promises or romanticized memories.
Reddit Verdict: (Encouraged self-reflection and prioritizing current happiness)
Final Update: The story concludes with a positive resolution where the protagonist ends his current relationship amicably to pursue his past love, leading to a fulfilling marriage and family life.
Notable Quotes:
- Shane [73:45]: "You deserve better than both." (From another story, signifying the importance of self-worth)
- Conclusion by Shane: "That is a great ending there."
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Communication is Crucial: Misunderstandings and unaddressed issues can escalate into significant relationship conflicts.
- Understand Emotional Cues: Recognizing and responding to a partner's emotional needs fosters healthier connections.
- Consent and Boundaries: Respecting each other's boundaries and seeking mutual consent is foundational in maintaining trust.
- Navigating Past and Present: Balancing past relationships with current commitments requires careful consideration and honesty.
- Handling External Pressures: Involving third parties (like ex-partners or parents) can complicate personal matters and should be approached thoughtfully.
Closing Remarks
The episode of "Smosh Reads Reddit Stories" offered a blend of humor, empathy, and insightful commentary on complex relationship dynamics. Through storytelling and candid discussions, Shane, Trevor, and Aria provided listeners with relatable scenarios and valuable perspectives on managing ex-related tensions and fostering healthy partnerships.
Additional Notes:
- The hosts maintained a lighthearted tone while addressing serious issues, ensuring an engaging and balanced listening experience.
- Audience interaction was encouraged, with discussions on the nature of "X's and O's" symbolizing hugs and kisses, adding a fun element to the episode's conclusion.
For more insightful and entertaining episodes, be sure to tune in every Saturday as Smosh continues to explore fascinating Reddit stories with their signature comedic flair.