Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Episode: VENMO JOELLA
Guests: Aaron Jackson & Josh Sharp
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Produced by: Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The episode kicks off with hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, joined by special guests Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp. The quartet dives directly into the heart of cultural discourse, blending humor with insightful commentary on contemporary pop culture.
Setting Standards and Cultural Benchmarks
Aaron Jackson opens the conversation by emphasizing the importance of personal standards:
[00:56] "Matt, I know you agree with me, but I've always felt that it's important to set standards for yourself."
Bowen Yang echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for high standards in various aspects of life:
[01:12] "I think I have a standard of living and a standard of loving."
This discussion segues into a playful "bit" about the hosts' attire, showcasing their signature humor and camaraderie.
The Joella Phenomenon and Drag Culture
A significant portion of the episode centers around Joella from Drag Race. The hosts and guests analyze her impact on drag culture and speculate on her potential return to the competition:
[09:19] "Joella was a Drag Race contestant on season I'm not 1749."
Bowen Yang passionately discusses the cultural significance of Joella:
[10:00] "They're giving and giving and gaping. The guy Venmo, Joella."
The conversation highlights how Joella's presence has become a staple in drag discussions, reflecting broader trends in LGBTQ+ representation.
Survivor and Reality TV Insights
Transitioning to reality TV, the group delves into Survivor, particularly praising Sam Pinkleton and discussing the dynamics of Australian versus American Survivor franchises:
[32:24] "Australian Survivor is now the superior franchise."
Aaron Jackson shares insights on casting and the show's evolution:
[32:34] "There are eight Australian Survivor players and then eight internationals."
The hosts critique the show's structure and casting choices, offering a fresh perspective on a long-running reality series.
Music Genres and LGBTQ+ Appeals
A lively debate unfolds about the intersection of music genres and LGBTQ+ communities. Josh Sharp advocates for the inclusion of hardcore music in gay spaces:
[14:52] "Radically accepting. Yeah, I just didn't hear you correct."
Matt Rogers counters by highlighting the emotional depth of pop music:
[15:35] "Pop doesn't have a lot of rage, age."
The discussion underscores the diverse musical tastes within the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of representation across genres.
Guest Spotlight: Megan Thee Stallion
The highlight of the episode is the appearance of Megan Thee Stallion, who engages in the recurring "I Don't Think So, Honey" segment. Megan delivers sharp, humorous critiques of current pop culture phenomena:
[22:37] "I don't think so, honey. With height restrictions on roller coasters, it's high discrimination and frankly, absurd."
Her participation adds star power to the episode, blending seamlessly with the hosts' comedic style while addressing serious cultural topics.
Notable Quote:
[22:40] Megan Thee Stallion: "I don't think so, honey. With superheroes, nobody can really pull off a cape. Like the trend is over and was never cute."
Personal Anecdotes and High School Memories
The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as hosts and guests reminisce about high school experiences, prom memories, and the evolution of their friendships:
[112:30] "I went to prom with Kincaid Suffolk Zone award."
Bowen Yang reflects on how these formative years shaped their cultural perspectives:
[36:40] "It was like we really went away from the challenge."
These stories humanize the hosts and guests, providing relatable content amidst the broader cultural discussions.
Planning the "For the Tour" Concert Series
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts brainstorm ideas for a concert series titled "For the Tour," envisioning performances across multiple cities with drag queens as opening acts:
[46:50] "Imagine if we added another five. That's a concert."
Aaron Jackson elaborates on the logistical aspects, emphasizing community and collaboration:
[46:55] "What we promise you is we will try to sing together as four as much as we possibly can."
This segment highlights the group's ambition to merge live performances with cultural celebration, fostering a sense of unity and festivity.
Closing Remarks and Final Bits
The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter, discussions about personal relationships, and playful jabs at each other's quirks. The hosts invite listeners to engage with their content and tease future episodes filled with more cultural insights and humorous anecdotes.
Final Quote:
[142:00] Bowen Yang: "Always remember to let the girls be the girls."
Key Takeaways
- Standards and Culture: Emphasizing personal and cultural standards to elevate societal norms.
- Joella's Impact: Highlighting Joella's role in shaping drag culture and LGBTQ+ representation.
- Reality TV Analysis: Offering fresh perspectives on Survivor and its international dynamics.
- Music and Identity: Exploring the relationship between music genres and LGBTQ+ communities.
- Celebrity Engagement: Leveraging guest appearances to deepen cultural discussions.
- Nostalgia and Growth: Sharing personal histories to connect with listeners on a human level.
- Future Projects: Planning ambitious cultural and musical endeavors to celebrate and unify communities.
Notable Quotes
- Aaron Jackson (00:56): "Matt, I know you agree with me, but I've always felt that it's important to set standards for yourself."
- Megan Thee Stallion (22:40): "I don't think so, honey. With superheroes, nobody can really pull off a cape. Like the trend is over and was never cute."
- Bowen Yang (36:40): "It was like we really went away from the challenge."
This episode of Las Culturistas masterfully blends humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful cultural critique, making it a must-listen for fans eager to stay abreast of the latest in pop culture through a lens of wit and authenticity.