Eight years intoLas Culturistas, its hosts are recalibrating how open they want to be.
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We started this podcast with the idea that it was going to be just for us, Rogers says.
We did not think this was going to be a thing.
Athingis exactly what the show became.
The following year,Las Culturistasheld its first live show in New York featuring more than 50 comedians.
A lot has changed about theLas Culturistasuniverse since they first vowed to attack culture.
The most alluring aspect of the podcast was Rogers and Yang approaching it like a mutual diary.
Thank God theres still space for that.
Right before the pandemic began, I remember a topic onLas Culturistaswas how to record the podcastmoving forward.
Ideally, Bowen and I are in the same place not just for the podcast but for friendship.
Sometimes, virtual is the only way to accomplish it and then we make the best of it.
But do I like doing the podcast virtually?
The energy when were in person with each other or with the guest makes the podcast what it is.
:The Zoom episodes with guests feel more like interviews in a way that I personally dont like.
WhenLas Culturistasfeels like a conversation between two or three people, thats whats fun about it.
The pandemic forcing us virtual made it seem like this was an interview podcast, and its not.
Were comedians, were fools, were clowns.
Im curious about the one-on-one episodes.
Prior to 2019, those were extremely uncommon.
What was the benefit to including episodes that just feature the two of you chatting?B.Y.
:Matt and I are true variety people.
:Youre not saying the name of the show.
Classic Bowen to downgrade what that is.
Matt and I enjoy the different hats.
:Any given episode of the show is one we wanted to put out.
If its me and Bowen fucking around stoned, or its an interview with
Katie Couric.M.R.
:Yousaid that, I didnt say that.
:Wait, what did he say?
:You really are one of the girls, arent you?
You guys talked toKatie Couric!
[Both laugh.]
I see you, bitch.
Dont clutch those pearls.
And just note that Im clapping my hands and punctuating it:Do.
What was the value of that vulnerability?B.Y.
:It goes back to the low-concept thing.
That gave us so much latitude to react in the moment so it would always end up being personal.
Over the years, weve learned to temper the response a little bit in a way that benefits everybody.
:It was a classic case of not knowing any better.
We started this podcast with the idea that it was going to be just for us.
We did not think this was going to be a thing.
It was a totally different world.
We were anti-Reputation,by Taylor Swift.
And we were so wrong.
You mentioned my breakup with Henry.
I was keeping so much back from the podcast.
And then I realized Ihavebeen keeping a diary.
I dont think I could write out something more in-depth than what weve shared in episodes.
I do feel I have to throw two words out:Honesty Zone.B.Y.:Yes.
:I have employed Honesty Zone in professional tweaks.
Ive used Honesty Zone atSNLwith producers.
And sometimes, the demand for honesty is way higher than what we are able to supply.
:There are real stakes in our careers now because were talented and have worked really hard.
So if that comes at the expense of someones experience, then adjust what you want from us.
Also, the podcast is not that fucking different.
Maybe were just not being completely reckless anymore.
And I think thats okay.
:Im angsty about it, though.
I dont know what podcasts with people who are actually advancing in their careers are more diaristic than ours.
So why start Honesty Zone on Instagram Live?M.R.
:Because were stupid.
I want to talk to my sister!
I think there is a value, emotionally, to sharing.
Watching the Instagram Lives, it seemed you were excited to give edgier opinions and stories.B.Y.
:I think that is accurate.
Matt and I both have our individual death drives.
We have our ways of courting danger or walking to the edge.
I was just talking about this in therapy today.
I do feel like there is this sense of restricted vernacular.
We are finding the words in real time, and Honesty Zone is a way to release the valve.
It is us acknowledging that things have been slightly more muzzled than they were in the beginning.
:On Jennifer Lopezs door … M.R.
:And explain yourself?
Like, Im sorry, but that is a parable Im going to learn from 1,000 percent.
It might not even matter because anything Ayo said, I bet weve said worse!
How do you approach it?B.Y.
:I mean, count on Tina Fey to change gay mens lives once again.
She really dropped a bomb and then walked away, and weve been assessing the damage ever since.
We love her, obviously.
I contend there is honesty in us figuring it out.
There is something deeply, for lack of a better word, authentic about that.
:I just dont like to be called inauthentic.
I think its really insulting.
It really chaps my ass.
:Youre 100 percent right.
But I will say with my full chest what I think and what I believe.
I do thinkThe Tortured Poets Departmentis one of her best albums.
:Radical Optimismis my favorite Dua Lipa album, for the record, as well.
B.Y.:Matthew!
We dont say yes to everyone.
If someone puts out mid work, were not going to talk to them about it!
:I think the solution for the honesty question is to have Jason ask these questions on the pod.
Do you remember that?M.R.
:Yeah, I do.
We had a fucking incredible time.
I think my and Bowens relationships to the audience are a little bit different.
I think there is a familiarity between me and theKayteighsbecause I am not super A-list famous.
I think they feel the need to, in a way, keep me close to them.
I take it very personally when they feel disappointed in me.
Im also very sensitive not to say Bowen isnt, but Bowen has had to build up different armors.
Im building up those armors now.
And I do think this is a very vocal minority, but its something Im in my head about.
And thats Honesty Zone.
:Matt, I wish I could get you out of that cell.
My relationship with the audience is that I recede a bit.
I feel like Matt is, in a lot of ways, the main character ofLas Culturistas.
I am there as an audience surrogate, to receive his opinions and validate them or sometimes challenge them.
The podcast will always reflect something about where we are in our lives as friends and as individuals.
You both describe having a complicated relationship with your audience.
I really, really like that.
I think Ive spoiled myself for the rest of my life and career by performing exclusively in that space.
Theyve given us everything.
It feels like so much love in the room and so much excitement in the room.
Everyones in it to be themselves and laugh at this stupid shit.
Where doesLas Culturistasgo from here?B.Y.
