The (p,t) reaction has been used to study the closed-shell nuclei $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$ and $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$, the former exhibiting some characteristics of a doubly closed shell. Exotic radioactive targets of $^{148}\mathrm{Gd}$ (${t}_{\frac{1}{2}}=75$ yr) and $^{146}\mathrm{Sm}$ (${t}_{\frac{1}{2}}=7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}$ yr) obtained from chemical and isotope separation of irradiated beam-stop material were employed. The ground-state mass excess of $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$ was measured as being $\ensuremath{\Delta}u=\ensuremath{-}76.083(15)$ MeV and the first excited state is confirmed as being a ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state at 1.580-MeV excitation energy. Thirteen states were observed in $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$ and 23 in $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$. The pairing-monopole and pairing-quadrupole states in both nuclei are observed for the first time. These levels are higher than systematics would predict, confirming a proton-subshell closure in $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$, and are split in $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$, indicating a strong interaction between nuclear modes.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{148}\mathrm{Gd}$(p,t)$^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$ and $^{146}\mathrm{Sm}$(p,t)$^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$ with isotopically enriched targets. ${E}_{\mathrm{p}}=25$ MeV; measured ${E}_{\mathrm{t}}$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ with Q3D spectrometer; DWBA analysis; deduced levels ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Identified pairing monopole and quadrupole vibrations in $^{146}\mathrm{Gd}$ and $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$. Observed deviations from systematics of $N=82$ nuclei and mixing of both the monopole and quadrupole pairing vibrations in $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$.