Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang: Episode Summary - "External Delights"

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Hosts: Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Produced by: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts

1. Behind the Scenes of the Culture Awards

Duration: 02:32 - 07:56

Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang delve into the intricacies of producing the Culture Awards, an event premiering on Bravo and streaming on Peacock. They discuss the expansion from previous years, highlighting the increased scale and production quality.

• Matt Rogers (03:03):
  "Hopefully like September, October comes around and I'll have like a gorgeous little fall life that low key is not as busy and stressful as our lives have been because we've been stretched them."

• Bowen Yang (04:47):
  "And we'll get to the Culture Awards because there's so much to say in preparation for it coming out on Bravo on the 5th and streaming the next day."

Key Highlights:

• The evolution of the Culture Awards from intimate gatherings to a larger, more elaborate production.
• Matt expresses pride in how the awards turned out, mentioning the involvement of over 50 talents and the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
• Bowen shares her admiration for Matt's photographic skills, attributing it to her Ricoh GR3X camera usage.

2. Personal Reflections and Mental Health

Duration: 07:56 - 12:32

The conversation shifts to more personal territories as Matt and Bowen discuss mental health, anxiety, and the emotional toll of their responsibilities.

• Matt Rogers (08:08):
  "I think about this a lot. I mean, it's one of the reasons I don't get a dog."

• Bowen Yang (10:41):
  "Is your anxiety a fixed point to you? Like, do you feel like you can..."

Key Highlights:

• Matt opens up about his struggles with anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like hosting award shows.
• Bowen empathizes, sharing her own experiences and the challenges of managing anxiety while maintaining a demanding career.
• They highlight the importance of seeking professional help, with Matt mentioning plans to engage with his psychiatrist.

3. The Labubu vs. Lefufuu Craze

Duration: 49:20 - 54:44

Matt and Bowen explore a contemporary cultural trend centered around collectible items known as "labubus" and "lefuufu." They humorously dissect the nuances that differentiate the two and their significance in pop culture.

• Bowen Yang (49:20):
  "It's biological. I think this is filling the void in my heart. A lot of healing happened on this trip."

• Matt Rogers (53:10):
  "How much is. Depends."

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to the labubu trend, comparing it to collectible phenomena like Beanie Babies.
• Detailed discussion on distinguishing features, such as the number of teeth each collectible has.
• Light-hearted banter about the value and collectibility of labubus, touching on their cultural impact and potential future.

4. Upcoming Content and YouTube Expansion

Duration: 40:12 - 43:40

The hosts announce exciting developments for Las Culturistas, including the launch of their own YouTube channel. They discuss the benefits of this expansion and what audiences can expect.

• Matt Rogers (40:17):
  "The time has come. You've asked and we've answered the call. Las Culturistas is getting our own YouTube channel."

• Bowen Yang (40:23):
  "Check out full episodes, iconic interviews, visual bits, and culture moments that'll change your life."

Key Highlights:

• Announcement of the new YouTube channel aimed at providing full episodes and exclusive content.
• Emphasis on accessibility and reaching a broader audience through visual platforms.
• Integration of Culture Award nominations with the YouTube launch, enhancing promotional efforts.

5. Pop Culture Discussions and Personal Anecdotes

Duration: 28:15 - 36:38

Matt and Bowen engage in lively discussions about recent movies, personal experiences with roller coasters, and their ongoing projects. They share anecdotes that provide insight into their personalities and interests.

• Matt Rogers (41:51):
  "But I also don't think I am because I'm... I had a, you know, a witness there in Melissa, and we were really..."

• Bowen Yang (35:58):
  "And now we... It's another movie that neither of us now. It's a movie."

Key Highlights:

• Reviews of recent films like "Superman" and discussions about iconic scenes and performances.
• Personal stories about their experiences with roller coasters and the challenges that come with high-adrenaline activities.
• Reflections on past projects and the impact they've had on their careers and personal growth.

6. Closing Remarks and Teasers for Future Content

Duration: 46:14 - 56:48

In their concluding segments, Matt and Bowen hint at future episodes, upcoming cultural dives, and wrap up with teasers that keep listeners engaged.

• Matt Rogers (47:14):
  "This is our time. It's our moment in the, in the, in that episode to sort of rant and rail against something in pop culture or culture at large."

• Bowen Yang (57:26):
  "And I just have to heal that child."

Key Highlights:

• Teasers about upcoming episodes focusing on rants and cultural critiques.
• Acknowledgment of their listeners' support and the community they've built.
• Final encouragement to tune into the Culture Awards and stay connected through new platforms like YouTube.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Rogers (03:03): "Hopefully like September, October comes around and I'll have like a gorgeous little fall life that low key is not as busy and stressful as our lives have been because we've been stretched them."

• Bowen Yang (10:41): "Is your anxiety a fixed point to you? Like, do you feel like you can."

• Matt Rogers (40:17): "The time has come. You've asked and we've answered the call. Las Culturistas is getting our own YouTube channel."

• Bowen Yang (49:20): "It's biological. I think this is filling the void in my heart. A lot of healing happened on this trip."

Conclusion

In the "External Delights" episode of Las Culturistas, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang offer a blend of behind-the-scenes insights, personal reflections, and engaging cultural discussions. From the complexities of producing the Culture Awards to navigating personal mental health challenges, the hosts provide a candid and entertaining narrative. Their exploration of the labubu craze and upcoming YouTube expansion underscores their commitment to evolving with their audience and the broader cultural landscape. This episode serves as a testament to their dynamic partnership and passion for dissecting the multifaceted world of culture.

Stay Connected:

• YouTube Channel: Las Culturistas on YouTube
• Culture Awards Premiere: August 5th on Bravo, streaming on Peacock the following day.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and moments from the "External Delights" episode of Las Culturistas, providing listeners and newcomers alike with a comprehensive overview of the content.