Fresh Air Weekend: Best Of – Seth Rogen & The Battle for the Bros
Episode Release Date: March 22, 2025
Hosts: Tonya Moseley & Terry Gross
Guests: Seth Rogen, Andrew Morantz
Segments:
- Seth Rogen discusses his new Apple TV series "The Studio."
- Ken Tucker reviews the latest music from Teddy Swims, Benjamin Booker, and Neil Young.
- Andrew Morantz explores the Democratic Party's efforts to reclaim support from young men in America.
1. Seth Rogen on "The Studio"
Introduction to "The Studio":
Tonya Moseley introduces Seth Rogen’s latest venture, "The Studio," an Apple TV series that offers a satirical glimpse into the inner workings of a Hollywood studio. Rogen stars as Matt Rimick, the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, navigating the chaotic and often absurd landscape of movie production.
Creation and Inspiration:
Rogen shares the genesis of the series, rooted in a formative experience from the year 2000. Reflecting on a candid conversation with a studio executive who confessed, "I got into this job because I love movies, and now I feel like my job is to ruin them" (06:16). This moment deeply influenced Rogen and his writing partner, Evan Goldberg, shaping the comedic yet poignant narrative of "The Studio."
Character Development:
Rogen delves into the complexities of his character, Matt Rimick. Describing him as someone who "grew up loving movies and worked very hard to be someone who got to make movies" (11:01), Rogen emphasizes Matt's internal struggle between creative passion and the relentless pursuit of keeping the studio afloat. This tension is highlighted through Matt’s constant anxiety and fear of disappointing both himself and his idols.
Notable Quotes:
- Seth Rogen (04:02): "Film is my life. Ever since I came to the studio as a kid and went on the tour, being the head of Continental is the only job I've ever wanted."
- Bryan Cranston (05:10): "At Continental, we don't make films. We make movies. Movies that people want to pay to see."
- Catherine O'Hara as Patti (14:19): "The job is a meat grinder. It makes you stressed and panicked and miserable. One week you're looking your idol in the eye and breaking his heart, and the next week you're writing a blank check for some entitled nipple baby in a beanie. But when it all comes together and you make a good movie, it's good forever."
Production Insights:
Rogen discusses the meticulous production choices, such as the use of one-take scenes to capture the authentic essence of Hollywood’s grandeur juxtaposed with its underlying absurdities. A memorable moment during filming involved waiting for the perfect weather to shoot an iconic scene, culminating in a spontaneous rainbow appearance that Rogen describes as "a real magical Hollywood moment" (18:12).
2. Ken Tucker’s Music Reviews
Teddy Swims:
Ken Tucker praises Teddy Swims for his emotive ballad singing, drawing parallels to southern soul legends like Al Green and Bobby Blue Bland. Highlighting tracks like "Are You Even Real?" Tucker notes Swims' "glowing clarity" in vocals that convey deep romanticism.
Benjamin Booker:
Booker’s latest album, "Lower," is lauded for its experimental approach, where Tucker observes, "Benjamin Booker opts to reduce his singing to just another instrument in the mix." The blend of distorted guitars and obscure lyrics creates a "beauty in the kind of musical chaos" (28:57).
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts:
Neil Young’s collaboration with the Chrome Hearts, featuring Willie Nelson’s son Micah and organist Spooner Oldham, is reviewed with enthusiasm. Tucker highlights the powerful, grungy sound of their single "Big Change," interpreting it as a reflection on political turbulence, especially with the imagery of Young waving an American flag (31:43).
Notable Lyrics Reviewed:
- Teddy Swims (28:13): "One are you even real? He's so swept away he wonders whether he's dreaming the object of his adoration."
- Benjamin Booker (30:02): "Same kind of lonely."
- Neil Young (32:14): "Big change is coming, coming right home to you..."
3. Andrew Morantz on "Can the Dems Win Back The Bros?"
Overview of the Issue:
Andrew Morantz, a staff writer for The New Yorker, discusses his investigative piece, "The Battle for the Bros," which examines the Democratic Party's struggle to regain support from young men who have increasingly aligned with right-wing ideologies.
The Manosphere and Male Disillusion:
Morantz defines the "manosphere" as a loosely connected network of podcasts, streams, and YouTube channels where disaffected young men find community and expression for their grievances. He explains how these platforms offer a sense of visibility and voice to men experiencing crises such as educational setbacks, unemployment, and mental health challenges (36:13).
Influence of Comedians in the Manosphere:
A significant portion of the manosphere is populated by comedians like Theo Vaughn and Joe Rogan, who leverage their long-standing parasocial relationships with audiences to influence political opinions. Morantz emphasizes the difficulty Democrats face in authentically engaging with these audiences, noting that mere financial investments in similar platforms lack the genuine connection that established podcasters have cultivated over years (38:15).
Key Insights from Interviews:
- Authenticity and Trust: Morantz highlights that the trust and authenticity built by these podcasters cannot be easily replicated by top-down strategies. The parasocial relationships—where listeners feel a one-sided friendship with hosts—make these platforms potent tools for political influence.
- Challenges for Democrats: The Democratic Party's efforts often fall short because they attempt to inject money into existing ecosystems without fostering the authentic, personal connections that drive loyalty and engagement among young men (46:38).
Notable Quotes:
- Andrew Morantz (36:52): "People often don't think of themselves as political people... They have a certain amount of trust and generosity when engaging with their favorite hosts."
- Theo Vaughn (41:53): "I'm just saying, you can't make white males feel like they don't exist."
- Andrew Morantz (50:28): "Can the center left, Democrat, anti Republican coalition win young men back? I think yes..."
Potential Solutions:
Morantz posits that winning back young men requires a coherent policy agenda that tangibly improves their lives, coupled with strategic presence both online and offline to communicate these policies effectively. However, he acknowledges the complexity of achieving such a feat, given the entrenched trust and authenticity established by right-wing influencers.
Conclusion
This episode of Fresh Air Weekend masterfully intertwines Seth Rogen's satirical take on Hollywood's inner workings with a critical examination of the Democratic Party's struggle to reconnect with young men in America. Through insightful interviews and compelling music reviews, the show offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary cultural and political landscapes.
Notable Timestamps:
- Seth Rogen discusses the genesis of "The Studio": 06:16
- Exploration of Matt Rimick's character: 11:01
- Production anecdote about the magical rainbow shot: 18:12
- Andrew Morantz on the influence of parasocial media: 46:38
- Morantz’s concluding thoughts on reclaiming young men: 50:28
Produced by Teresa Madden. Executive Producer: Danny Miller. Managing Producer: Sam Brigger. Technical Direction: Audrey Bentham. Additional Engineering: Diana Martinez.