Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 324 | How To Make It In America ft. Bryan Greenberg & Victor Rasuk

Introduction and Episode Overview

In Episode 324 of "New Rory & MAL," hosts Rory Farrell and Jamil "Mal" Clay delve into an engaging discussion with special guests Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk. The episode, titled "How To Make It In America," explores the creation, impact, and legacy of the HBO series "How to Make It in America," featuring insights from the show's prominent actors.

Reunion and Impact of "How to Make It in America"

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt reunion as Mal expresses his admiration for Bryan and Victor, highlighting the profound cultural impact of "How to Make It in America."

Mal [01:48]: "Today you saw some emotion and some happiness out of me that you probably..."

Rory echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the show's role in representing New York City's streetwear and hustle culture.

Rory [03:03]: "I think what you guys did laid the blueprint for what I think New York City is today..."

Casting and On-Set Chemistry with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk

Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk share their casting experiences, revealing how their genuine chemistry was pivotal in bringing authenticity to their roles.

Victor Rasuk [05:56]: "That's how I got my foot in with how to make it in America."

Mal acknowledges the seamless connection between Bryan and Victor, attributing it to their shared backgrounds and mutual understanding of the show's ethos.

Mal [05:56]: "The chemistry right away was like, these two guys have to know each other..."

Comparison to Other Shows (Entourage, Girls)

The hosts and guests draw comparisons between "How to Make It in America" and other contemporary shows like "Entourage." They discuss the unique narrative style of their HBO series, which contrasts with the aspirational tone of "Entourage."

Kid Cudi [24:30]: "Entourage was about, like, very aspirational... These guys were trying to, like, put twelve hundred dollars together..."

Challenges Leading to the Show's Cancellation

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the factors contributing to the show's cancellation. Bryan and Victor speculate that the niche audience and high piracy rates via platforms like BitTorrent played crucial roles.

Victor Rasuk [49:23]: "I've ripped everything on BitTorrent... That's the reason why we got canceled."

They also mention HBO's strategic shift towards other shows like "Girls," suggesting that market dynamics and network decisions influenced the discontinuation of their series.

Rory [25:37]: "The producers were like, we're working on the show called Girls next season..."

Anecdotes from Filming "How to Make It in America"

Bryan and Victor reminisce about memorable on-set moments, including spontaneous interactions and the challenges of shooting on location without permits.

Victor Rasuk [41:49]: "We had no permits, just shooting with one camera... Probably why we got canceled."

They recount specific scenes, such as selling leather jackets and the dynamics between characters Ben and Cam, highlighting the raw and authentic portrayal of their experiences.

Mal [22:09]: "One of my favorite scenes ever in how to make it is when y'all are on the corner downtown selling the leather jackets."

Influence of the Show on Streetwear and Culture

The discussion extends to the show's influence on streetwear brands like Kith. Mal credits "How to Make It in America" with inspiring modern streetwear aesthetics and fostering a deeper connection between fashion and urban culture.

Mal [57:30]: "How to make it in America and Crisp inspired Kith... Ronnie always says, you're telling our story."

Evolution into Podcasting: "How to Pod in America"

Transitioning from their acting careers, Bryan and Victor introduce their new venture, "How to Pod in America." They explain how their podcast serves as a platform to relive their "How to Make It in America" experiences while exploring broader themes of ambition, hustle, and success across various fields.

Victor Rasuk [64:31]: "But the pod idea came around... There's so much more meat on the bone than just the 16 episodes we shot."

Interactions with Notable Actors: Meryl Streep and Johnny Knoxville

The guests share anecdotes about working with esteemed actors like Meryl Streep and Johnny Knoxville. Victor describes his experiences on "Lords of Dogtown," highlighting the professionalism and camaraderie on set.

Victor Rasuk [87:00]: "He wanted to start something character-based... His vibe was just, like, he was already on a different frequency."

They reflect on the challenges and learnings from these collaborations, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and genuine connections in the acting industry.

Reflections on the Show's Legacy and Future Possibilities

The conversation turns introspective as Bryan and Victor contemplate the enduring legacy of "How to Make It in America." They express a desire for potential revivals or reboots, inspired by the show's lasting cultural relevance and dedicated fanbase.

Victor Rasuk [70:25]: "We're gonna get that... Somebody's gonna hear us next campaign."

However, they acknowledge the hurdles in reviving a show from a decade ago, including rights issues and shifting entertainment landscapes.

Merchandise and Streetwear Connections

Mal and the guests discuss the intersection of their show with the streetwear industry, particularly the unexpected rise of Kith. They explore how the show's depiction of denim and urban fashion resonated with real-life brands, fostering a symbiotic relationship between on-screen aesthetics and off-screen fashion trends.

Kid Cudi [57:54]: "I'm a big fan of Kith and what Ronnie's done with the brand..."

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

As the episode concludes, Bryan and Victor express their gratitude towards the hosts and listeners. They share plans for future podcast episodes, potential collaborations, and their ongoing commitment to celebrating the hustle and creativity that "How to Make It in America" embodied.

Victor Rasuk [68:14]: "That's a big part of it... We're just sitting at the studio, chop it up..."

Mal commends their efforts, underscoring the unique value their podcast brings by bridging nostalgic storytelling with contemporary ambitions.

Mal [103:27]: "This has been a nostalgic... It's so special and unique. I think it's amazing."

Notable Quotes:

• Mal [01:48]: "Today you saw some emotion and some happiness out of me that you probably..."
• Rory [03:03]: "I think what you guys did laid the blueprint for what I think New York City is today..."
• Victor Rasuk [05:56]: "That's how I got my foot in with how to make it in America."
• Kid Cudi [24:30]: "Entourage was about, like, very aspirational... These guys were trying to, like, put twelve hundred dollars together..."
• Victor Rasuk [49:23]: "I've ripped everything on BitTorrent... That's the reason why we got canceled."
• Mal [57:30]: "How to make it in America and Crisp inspired Kith... Ronnie always says, you're telling our story."
• Victor Rasuk [64:31]: "But the pod idea came around... There's so much more meat on the bone than just the 16 episodes we shot."

Conclusion

Episode 324 of "New Rory & MAL" offers an intimate glimpse into the journey of Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, shedding light on the creation and impact of "How to Make It in America." Through candid conversations and nostalgic reflections, the episode celebrates the show's cultural significance, its influence on streetwear, and the enduring bonds formed on set. As Bryan and Victor transition into podcasting, they carry forward the spirit of their beloved series, inspiring new conversations about ambition, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of success in America.