Black and White Advice: Episode Summary - "Steven Rogers & 'Why Do Fat White Guys Have Beards?'"

Released on May 13, 2025

Hosts: Turner Sparks (White) and Phil Duckett (Black)
Guest: Steven Rogers
Description: Comedians Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett tackle questions on race with humor and insight. In this episode, they delve into the world of stand-up comedy, featuring a candid conversation with comedian Steven Rogers.

1. Introduction and Studio Updates (00:00 - 02:34)

The episode kicks off with the hosts, Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett, introducing themselves and the premise of the show—answering all questions about race, no matter how challenging. They emphasize their commitment to educating listeners through humor and open dialogue.

Notable Quote:

Phil Duckett [00:00]: "I grow on people, you know? I mean, I'm like herpes. You start to live with me. You're like, it's not that bad."

Transitioning from the introduction, the hosts discuss their efforts to upgrade their podcasting setup, highlighting the success of their Patreon campaign. They humorously navigate questions about sponsorships and the delicate balance of maintaining authenticity while monetizing their content.

Notable Quote:

Turner Sparks [02:34]: "So go to patreon.com/blackandwhiteadvice and Phil can. And Joe can get money too."

2. Live Show Announcement (03:33 - 04:01)

Turner and Phil announce an upcoming live show at the New York Comedy Club, featuring themselves and guest Joe Russell. They express excitement about performing stand-up together and interacting with the audience in real-time.

3. Interview with Steven Rogers (04:05 - 47:25)

a. Performing Venues and Experiences (04:05 - 06:20)

Steven Rogers shares his experiences performing at various venues, highlighting the differences between intimate clubs and large theaters. He praises smaller venues for their engagement but admits that theaters offer a different kind of challenge.

Notable Quote:

Steven Rogers [05:12]: "They’re not there to see me."

b. Discussing His New Comedy Special (06:23 - 16:33)

Steven dives deep into his latest comedy special, which centers around his recent breakup. He explains the creative process behind integrating personal experiences into his material, emphasizing honesty and authenticity.

Notable Quote:

Steven Rogers [11:59]: "I do the whole special as if we're still engaged. And then I go... my fiancé and I just broke up."

c. Mentorship and Career Advice (16:33 - 22:39)

The conversation shifts to mentorship in comedy. Phil discusses his relationship with fellow comedians like Greer Barnes and Godfrey, emphasizing the importance of being likable and avoiding arrogance. Steven echoes these sentiments, stressing that being funny is complemented by not being an "asshole" to achieve sustained success.

Notable Quote:

Phil Duckett [17:51]: "Don't be an asshole. He said, people like you, you'll get opportunity."

d. Challenges in the Modern Comedy Landscape (22:39 - 35:05)

Steven elaborates on the evolving nature of the comedy industry, highlighting the necessity of social media presence and the decline of traditional avenues for comedians to gain recognition. He discusses the financial struggles many face and the shift towards self-promotion and online content to build a career.

Notable Quote:

Phil Duckett [21:40]: "Stand up should just be my only form of income. But because I don't have the social media thing... it's literally what this game is."

e. Comedian Doppelgangers and Misidentifications (35:05 - 47:25)

The trio engages in a humorous segment about celebrity look-alikes and the commonality of being mistaken for others in the industry. They share personal anecdotes about confusing fellow comedians and the awkwardness that ensues.

Notable Quote:

Steven Rogers [33:16]: "People keep coming up to me and going, 'Hey, Earthquake.' And I'm like, 'Again with this?'"

4. Audience Questions (47:25 - 43:38)

Listeners submitted questions via Patreon, and the hosts address them with a blend of humor and genuine insight. The primary question revolves around racial perceptions and whether concerns about misidentification are unique to white individuals or universal.

Notable Quote:

Phil Duckett [26:11]: "That literally just happened to me. 45 minutes, did it."

They discuss cultural differences in recognizing individuals and how living in diverse environments like China versus the U.S. affects one's ability to identify people accurately.

5. Fact Check Segment: White Lies and Dark Truths (43:38 - 46:24)

Joe Russell introduces the "White Lies and Dark Truths" segment, where they explore fun facts about celebrities and their look-alikes. They humorously analyze reasons why "fat white guys have beards," attributing it to practical reasons like covering a double chin and historical influences like the fascination with knights.

Notable Quote:

Turner Sparks [38:46]: "The warmness… It really does help. Keeps you toasty."

They also touch upon the trend of growing beards post-breakup, with mutual jokes about their own attempts and challenges in maintaining facial hair.

6. Conclusion and Promotions (46:24 - End)

The episode wraps up with final thoughts and shout-outs. The hosts remind listeners to support their Patreon for bonus content and future episodes. They tease upcoming live shows and encourage audience engagement through questions and subscriptions.

Notable Quote:

Phil Duckett [47:46]: "Stay black."

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity in Comedy: Steven Rogers emphasizes the importance of honesty in stand-up, especially when integrating personal life events like breakups into material.

• Mentorship and Likability: Both hosts and guests agree that being likable and avoiding arrogance are crucial for sustained success in the comedy industry.

• Evolving Industry Dynamics: The conversation highlights the shift from traditional comedy venues to the necessity of a strong online presence and self-promotion.

• Cultural Perceptions: The episode delves into how race and environment influence one's perceptions and interactions, particularly in recognizing individuals.

• Humor with Insight: Throughout the episode, Turner and Phil blend humor with thoughtful discussions on race, identity, and the challenges within the comedy landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Phil Duckett [00:00]: "I grow on people, you know? I mean, I'm like herpes."

• Steven Rogers [11:59]: "I do the whole special as if we're still engaged. And then I go... my fiancé and I just broke up."

• Phil Duckett [17:51]: "Don't be an asshole. He said, people like you, you'll get opportunity."

• Phil Duckett [26:11]: "That literally just happened to me. 45 minutes, did it."

• Steven Rogers [33:16]: "People keep coming up to me and going, 'Hey, Earthquake.' And I'm like, 'Again with this?'"

• Phil Duckett [47:46]: "Stay black."

Conclusion:

In this engaging episode of Black and White Advice, Turner Sparks and Phil Duckett, along with guest Steven Rogers, navigate the intricate intersections of race, comedy, and personal experiences. Through humor and candid conversation, they offer listeners a blend of laughter and valuable insights into the modern comedy scene and the nuanced conversations surrounding race and identity.