157. Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas Meets Las Birbiglia-istas

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out

Published: Mon Jan 20 2025

Matt Rogers is a beloved comedian, writer, actor, and co-host of cult hit podcast “Las Culturistas.” Matt sits down with Mike for a chat about the ups and downs of show business, the inside of writing for a hit TV series, and what it was like when Matt and his podcast co-host Bowen Yang were both invited to audition for SNL. Matt also discusses why having fun is the most important ingredient for creativity. Plus, advice via Jessica Chastain and why Mike somewhat regularly has to throw muffins in the garbage.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out - Episode 157: Matt Rogers: Las Culturistas Meets Las Birbiglia-istas

Introduction

In Episode 157 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, host Mike Birbiglia welcomes comedian, singer, and songwriter Matt Rogers for an engaging and heartfelt conversation. Released on January 20, 2025, the episode delves into Matt’s creative journey, his experiences in the entertainment industry, personal growth, and reflections on pop culture. This episode stands out as one of Birbiglia’s most personal and illuminating discussions, offering listeners a deep dive into the complexities of success, rejection, and artistic expression.

I. Matt Rogers and His Work

Mike begins by introducing Matt Rogers, highlighting his multifaceted career as a comedian, singer, songwriter, actor, and co-host of the popular podcast Las Culturistas alongside Bowen Yang. Matt has also made notable appearances in Vanessa Bayer’s I Love That for You and the Netflix series No Good Deed. Additionally, he is known as the self-proclaimed "pop prince of Christmas" with his Showtime comedy special, Have You Heard of Christmas?.

II. Exploring "Don't Think Twice"

The conversation shifts to Matt’s film, Don't Think Twice, exploring its themes of friendship, ambition, and the pain of divergent paths. Matt reflects on his initial negative reaction to the movie upon its release, feeling it portrayed the creative community as "mean-spirited" (04:43). However, as he matured, he appreciated the film's honest depiction of the internal and external struggles faced by artists when success alters personal relationships.

Matt Rogers [04:43]: "I remember thinking, like, what a mean-spirited, like, depiction of our community. I remember, like, it was a real firestarter amongst people that were doing that."

III. Experiences with Fame and Hammer Cats

Matt recounts his time with Hammer Cats at NYU, an improv group that included future stars like Donald Glover, Rachel Bloom, Stephanie Hsu, and Jack Quaid. He discusses the pressure of being surrounded by highly talented peers and the ensuing feelings of envy and ambition when members achieved significant success.

Matt Rogers [09:04]: "I kind of pivot at that point to an exclusively collaborative relationship with Bowen."

IV. Handling Rejection and Personal Growth

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around rejection and its impact on personal and professional life. Matt shares his struggles with not making it to Saturday Night Live (SNL) despite rigorous preparation and the emotional toll it took on him.

Matt Rogers [12:35]: "I know my thing is that it's, it is my natural tendency to be, like, not good enough."

Both Matt and Mike share their vulnerabilities regarding rejection, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-compassion. Matt highlights how overcoming rejection has fortified his confidence and lessened his fear of failure.

V. Creative Processes in Comedy and Songwriting

Matt delves into his creative process, particularly how he intertwines his emotions with comedy and music. He explains his method of capturing raw emotions and transforming them into comedic material, often through improvisation and reflective writing.

Matt Rogers [34:12]: "I will sort of catalog how I'm feeling, and I'll just allow myself to talk to myself about how I'm feeling, and then I'll go back later and make fun of that."

He shares anecdotes about writing songs that stem from personal experiences, such as a breakup, and how these moments of vulnerability translate into humor.

VI. Pop Culture Insights: Influential Figures and Trends

Matt and Mike discuss the most significant pop culture phenomena of the last 25 years. They highlight Taylor Swift as a pivotal figure who has reshaped the music industry with her control over her creative output and ownership. Additionally, they touch upon the transformative impact of streaming services on television and film consumption.

Matt Rogers [26:07]: "I think Taylor Swift is that [culture-shifting individual]."

They also analyze the cultural shifts influenced by political figures like Barack Obama and Donald Trump, noting how celebrity and politics have increasingly intertwined.

VII. The Role of Story Pirates and Encouraging Creativity

Changing the conversation to philanthropy, Matt emphasizes his passion for supporting organizations that foster creativity in youth. He speaks passionately about his involvement with Story Pirates, an organization that transforms children's stories into performances, empowering young minds through the arts.

Matt Rogers [52:00]: "Just always was very moved by the things I saw being a part of that company."

VIII. Q&A: Personal Reflections and Humor

The episode features a "slow round" segment where Matt engages in light-hearted Q&A, sharing personal insights and humorous anecdotes. Topics range from songs that move him emotionally to the absurdities of daily life, showcasing his unique blend of humor and sincerity.

Matt Rogers [38:01]: "There's nothing like John Williams movie scores."

IX. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, Mike and Matt reflect on the importance of enjoying the creative process and maintaining authenticity. They encourage listeners to pursue their passions wholeheartedly and to find joy in their artistic endeavors, regardless of external validation.

Mike Birbiglia [17:03]: "If you're not having fun, like, get out."

Notable Quotes

Matt Rogers [07:03]: "But I was excited to come talk to you about it because I remember my perspective on your film then, as opposed to now."
Matt Rogers [11:42]: "I went through a lot where certainly at that point, I developed envy for the experiences they were gonna have."
Matt Rogers [17:51]: "And they’re entitled. Everyone’s entitled."
Matt Rogers [34:39]: "And less like, I'm gonna sit down and write this thing."
Matt Rogers [47:00]: "And then what's behind it? It's like I had one door I was looking at."

Final Notes

Episode 157 offers a profound exploration of Matt Rogers' journey in the entertainment industry, blending humor with heartfelt reflections. Mike Birbiglia and Matt Rogers provide listeners with valuable insights into handling success and rejection, nurturing creativity, and navigating personal relationships within the creative sphere. This episode is a must-listen for fans of both hosts and anyone interested in the intricate dynamics of artistic growth and friendship.