Podcast Summary
Anthony Padilla's journey from Smosh to redemption: Despite selling Smosh to a corporation and facing creative limitations, Padilla and Hecox eventually regained control and experienced a successful comeback.
The YouTube career arc of Anthony Padilla, a former Smosh cast member, is an unprecedented story of loss and redemption. Padilla sold Smosh to Defy Media in 2011 but was unhappy with the corporate direction and creative limitations. He left in 2015, and the company changed hands multiple times. When Padilla and Ian Hecox, another Smosh co-founder, bought Smosh back in 2020, they became part of an extraordinary comeback story. Working at Defy earlier, Padilla expressed regret for trusting the businessmen he never met in person. The corporate environment felt alienating compared to the fun and creative Smosh days. The corporate side imposed numerous unplanned projects, leaving little room for creative freedom. Padilla and Hecox's attempts to regain control were often overshadowed or took too much time. Eventually, the situation became unmanageable. The Smosh story is a reminder of the challenges of maintaining creative control in a corporate environment and the rewards of perseverance and second chances.
The intense work schedule of Ian and Anthony: Ian and Anthony's busy schedules left little time for personal interactions due to their involvement in multiple projects, including movies, TV shows, and live streams, making their farewell poignant even six years later.
Ian and Anthony, the individuals being discussed, had an incredibly busy work schedule during the time the speaker worked with them. They were constantly engaged in multiple projects, including movies, TV shows, and live streams, leaving little time for personal interactions. The absence of a live audience and laugh track in sitcoms, as mentioned, further emphasizes the intensity of their workload. The speaker expresses a sense of nostalgia and bittersweetness about their last day working with them, as they knew it was their final day but hadn't been told yet, making their farewell particularly poignant. Despite the passage of six years, the memory of their hectic work schedule and the significance of their departure remains vivid.
The number six held significance during Ian Hecox's career transition from Smosh: The number six represented the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in Ian Hecox's career with Smosh
The number six seemed to hold significant meaning during a major transition period in the career of the speaker, Ian Hecox, co-creator of Smosh. The number appeared frequently throughout key moments in their YouTube channel's history, including the sale and repurchase of the company. The first video back after Ian's departure was titled "Summoning the Demon," which added to the intrigue of this apparent pattern. During Ian's departure, he felt a strong sense of finality, as if he was leaving a significant part of his identity behind. The feeling was so profound that he compared it to a void or an ethereal experience. This sense of loss was intensified by the public nature of the departure and the massive reaction it received on social media. Overall, the number six seemed to represent the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the Smosh saga.
Friendship and creativity in uncertain times: Embracing vulnerability and staying true to oneself can lead to unexpected success and a lasting impact, even in the face of uncertainty and setbacks.
Even in the face of uncertainty and setbacks, the power of friendship and creativity can help shape the direction of a career. The speakers discussed their experiences with Smosh, a YouTube channel built on friendship, and how they found success in unexpected ways. Despite doubts and challenges, they embraced their unique talents and formed close bonds with their colleagues. This not only revitalized the secondary Smosh Pitt channel but also influenced the main channel's identity. Embracing vulnerability and being true to themselves ultimately led them to discover their strengths and make a lasting impact.
Ian's leadership skills surface during Anthony's absence: Ian's comedic skills took a backseat during Anthony's absence, revealing his hidden leadership abilities. This transformation led to a renewed appreciation for Ian's growth and his role in Smosh.
Ian's experience as the leader of Smosh during Anthony's absence revealed deeper layers to his personality beyond his comedic skills. This experience forced Ian to step out of his comfort zone and develop leadership abilities, which he didn't fully exhibit when both were active in the group. This transformation was noticeable to Anthony upon his return, as he observed changes in Ian's demeanor and appearance. The conversation they had about buying Smosh together led to Anthony's increased engagement with the content and a renewed appreciation for Ian's leadership and growth.
Ian's newfound confidence impacts his performance: Ian's personal growth and professional certainty transformed his contributions to the brand, allowing him to fully embrace his unique abilities and thrive.
Ian's newfound confidence and certainty in the future direction of their brand has significantly impacted his performance and creativity. His increased self-assurance, both on and off-camera, has allowed him to fully embrace his unique abilities and shine in his roles. Previously, Ian had doubts about his comedic talents and would hesitate to fully commit to his ideas. However, with the clarity of the brand's vision and the support of his team, he has been able to fully embrace his innate humor and go all in, resulting in his best work. The combination of personal growth and professional certainty has transformed Ian's contributions to their brand and allowed him to truly thrive.
Ian Hecox's Leadership During Defy's Collapse: Despite Defy's financial struggles, Ian Hecox's determination and leadership kept Smosh alive, demonstrating resilience and the ability to rally a team through adversity.
During a difficult time for the Smosh production company, Defy, Ian Hecox showed remarkable leadership and determination to save the channel. During Defy's collapse, many people involved in the company didn't care about Smosh, focusing instead on numbers and their own businesses. Ian, however, took charge and worked tirelessly to keep Smosh alive. This was a turning point for Ian, as he exhibited a newfound confidence and commitment to the project. The speaker was initially skeptical about Smosh's chances of recovery but was proven wrong when Rhett and Link stepped in to help and the team was able to revitalize the channel as Smosh Pit. This experience showcased Ian's resilience and his ability to lead the team through adversity.
Ian's return to Smosh Pit brought creative freedom: Ian felt disconnected from Smosh, but regained creative control and passion upon his return to Smosh Pit.
The Smosh channel, which was once a mainstay for comedy content, faced challenges in allowing its creators to fully express their passion and creativity. The creators felt they were trying to figure out what worked without their input, and the mentality was to keep the channel alive rather than letting it evolve. However, when Ian came back to revive Smosh Pit, it immediately felt right as it allowed for more creative freedom. Ian had always wanted to be in a position to make decisions about the creative direction if he were to return, as he needed to be fully invested. The idea of returning as just a cast member didn't excite him. Ian felt like a distant memory by the time he came back in 2019, and the channel had moved on from him. He started to notice mentions of himself online, and when he discovered the Wild West Smosh Summer Games, he realized it was Ian's creation. Despite feeling like a folklore tale, Ian was intrigued by the opportunity to guide the ship creatively once again.
The 'Where's Anthony?' joke on Shane Dawson's channel: The 'Where's Anthony?' joke on Shane Dawson's channel started as a coping mechanism for dealing with public obsession over Anthony's absence, but later evolved into an ongoing bit.
The "Where's Anthony?" joke on Shane Dawson's channel was a response to the public's obsession with Anthony's absence during a controversial period. The joke started as a way for Shane and his team to cope with the constant comments asking about Anthony, but it later evolved into an ongoing bit. Initially, Shane found it funny as it was just poking fun at the situation. However, he later wondered if there was more to the joke as it seemed to be repeated frequently and intensely. Despite his confusion, Shane didn't want the joke to stop as he didn't feel any animosity towards those making it. The absence of Anthony was a significant topic during that time, and Shane's team used humor to address it. The joke became a part of the channel's history, and Shane's involvement in it started during the Wild West summer games.
Navigating Negative Comments as Public Figures: Public figures face complex fan communities with both praise and criticism, which can impact their emotional well-being. Approach online interactions with empathy and understanding.
Working in the public eye comes with its challenges, including facing negative comments and criticism from fans. The individuals in this conversation had to deal with such comments after leaving a popular collaborative project, and it took time for them to move past the negativity and focus on new opportunities. The comments were often from the same people who had previously praised their work, demonstrating the complex nature of online fan communities. Despite the difficulties, it's essential to remember that public figures are real people, and the comments and criticisms they receive can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being. It's important to approach online interactions with empathy and understanding.
Recognition from a fan: Encounters with fans can be surprising and impactful, highlighting the disconnect between public persona and private life, but every experience contributes to personal and professional growth.
Our perception of people can be shaped by their public persona, and it can be surprising to encounter them in real life. The speaker shared an experience where a fan recognized him from Smosh and wanted to buy him a drink, despite his sister's boyfriend being present. This encounter made the speaker feel seen and appreciated, but it also highlighted the disconnect between his public persona and his private life. The speaker acknowledged that sometimes fans may feel let down when their heroes don't meet their expectations, but he believed that every experience, including his departure from Smosh, was necessary for personal and professional growth.
Stepping away for personal growth and creativity: Taking a break from a successful venture can lead to personal growth, renewed creativity, and eventual success.
Taking a step back from something that has defined your identity for a long time, even if it's a successful venture, can be beneficial for personal growth and renewed creativity. The story of Smosh, a popular YouTube channel started by Anthony and Ian when they were teenagers, highlights this idea. They felt the need to leave the project and figure out who they were outside of their on-camera friendship. This decision not only allowed them to rediscover themselves but also brought new energy and success to Smosh when they returned. Moreover, leadership and endurance are essential qualities for navigating challenges in creative endeavors. Ian, who took over Smosh during Anthony's absence, faced significant pressure and demonstrated resilience in managing the channel through shutdowns and the pandemic. The duo's individual successes and their reunion as Smosh have made them a standout in the YouTube community.
Discovering new skills through interviewing other creators: The speaker learned to adapt and communicate effectively, discovering new skills as an interviewer and improviser, leading to a successful independent creative career.
The speaker discovered his strengths as an independent creator by stepping out of his comfort zone and interviewing other YouTubers. He realized that his writing skills weren't as strong without his collaborator, but he excelled at improvisation. Additionally, he found that interviewing allowed him to create loosely scripted, improvised content while still having a structure to fall back on. Furthermore, the speaker admitted that his extroverted persona was an illusion, and through the interview process, he learned to communicate effectively with people and practice being an extrovert. This newfound ability to connect with others led him to explore various interview topics, from the strange and cringey to more focused, curious conversations. Overall, the speaker's experience demonstrates the importance of adapting and discovering new skills to thrive as an independent creator.
Exploring the unusual leads to personal growth: Exploring unconventional beliefs and identities can reveal empathy, understanding, and universal human experiences
Exploring the unusual and misunderstood aspects of humanity can lead to unexpected insights and personal growth. The speaker's experience of interviewing people with unconventional beliefs or identities, such as flat earthers and furries, taught them about the importance of empathy and understanding. They learned that people often create alternative personas or communities to feel more comfortable and accepted. This exploration also helped the speaker discover more about themselves and their own desires to be curious, connect with others, and express their absurd and over-the-top side. The speaker's journey shows that delving into the seemingly strange or cringeworthy aspects of life can reveal universal human feelings and experiences. Additionally, the speaker's experience with Smosh and the decision to refocus their series on curiosity and connection demonstrates the importance of staying true to one's strengths and passions while also allowing room for expression of different aspects of one's personality.
Exploring Different Characters and Identities Leads to Self-Discovery: Embracing various personas through acting or personal growth can broaden our understanding of ourselves and the world.
The process of embracing different characters and identities, whether through acting or personal exploration, can lead to a better understanding of oneself and the world around us. Anthony Padilla shares how his experience as a performer, particularly in the character of Smosh, has helped him gain new perspectives and let go of old judgments. Since returning to Smosh, he's been overwhelmed but excited by the various content formats and interactions with new and old cast members. The journey of self-discovery and growth continues as he observes and contributes to the evolving Smosh brand.
Understanding audience and continuous learning: Speakers value getting to know their team, staying curious, and exploring new passions to create authentic content for their audience.
The key to success in content creation is a deep understanding of one's audience and a continuous push to learn and grow beyond comfort zones. The speakers expressed their desire to get to know their team members better, understand what resonates with their audience, and encourage each other to explore new passions and express themselves authentically. They emphasized the importance of staying curious and excited about the creative process, rather than focusing solely on meeting numbers or pleasing others. Additionally, they announced their plans to collaborate on a new podcast, further emphasizing their commitment to growth and exploration within their creative endeavors.
Smosh Team's Excitement for New Projects and Collaborations: The Smosh team is enthusiastic about new projects and collaborations, with potential for more shows featuring the Smosh cast. They value their creativity and trust in each other to handle their projects.
The Smosh team is excited about new projects and collaborations, with potential for more shows featuring the Smosh cast. Anthony's pride in their work and Shane's appreciation for the team's creativity were evident during their conversation. Despite past disagreements, there is a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the team members. Shane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the Smosh channel and the trust the team has in each other to handle their projects. The Smosh pit channel's success with various shows under its umbrella has inspired the possibility of more shows with similar vibes featuring the Smosh cast. Overall, the team's enthusiasm and creativity are driving the evolution of their content.
