Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL – Episode 324 | How To Make It In America ft. Bryan Greenberg & Victor Rasuk
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Introduction and Welcome
The episode kicks off with a playful exchange between the hosts and guests, Brian Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, reflecting the casual and humorous tone characteristic of "New Rory & MAL." Victor begins by expressing his enthusiasm for the guests, leading into a heartfelt introduction of the legendary duo behind the acclaimed HBO series "How To Make It In America."
Impact of "How To Make It In America"
Victor Rasuk highlights the profound impact the show had on viewers from New York City, particularly those involved in the streetwear scene. He shares:
“How to make it in America represented with me and my friends and my circle were dealing with growing up in New York City finally felt seen. We felt like our story was being told.” ([01:31])
Brian Greenberg echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the show's authenticity and cultural relevance. The hosts discuss how "How To Make It In America" laid the groundwork for future New York-centric shows by authentically portraying the hustle and creativity of the city's youth.
Casting Process and Chemistry
The conversation shifts to the casting process, where Brian and Victor recount their initial interactions and the natural chemistry that led to their enduring friendship and on-screen partnership. Victor praises the show's creators:
“These two guys have to know each other, and if they don't, this is like the universe aligning itself in a way where we're gonna have something special.” ([04:00])
Brian shares his journey before joining the show, mentioning his roles in "October Road" and the film "Prime." He credits Ian Edelman for envisioning him for the role of Ben Epstein, noting:
“I felt like my character in that was similar to Ben Epstein, meaning he was like a Brooklyn guy. He was an artist.” ([12:10])
Season One vs. Season Two
Delving into the show's progression, the guests compare the dynamics of the first and second seasons. Victor appreciates how season two elevated the stakes and expanded their network within the fashion and streetwear industries, despite facing challenges with HBO's direction. Brian reflects on the increased budget and more ambitious shoots in Japan and South Korea, which enriched the show's storytelling but also strained resources.
“The stakes got higher. Like, when you're just doing, like, the $1,200 to pay a pattern maker, like, that's cool and relatable, but, like, it just feels like everything gets bigger.” ([46:00])
Production and Challenges
The hosts discuss behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including guerrilla-style shooting in Japan without permits and the logistical hurdles of filming internationally. Brian mentions:
“We could have done a whole episode only in Japan with all that material, but it was cut down to fit the season.” ([40:58])
They also touch upon the show's cancellation, expressing frustration over HBO's decision despite the show's growing cult status and dedicated fan base.
“It's a gamble. But I think it was just their way to kind of introduce us to the world.” ([16:41])
Music and Soundtrack
Music plays a pivotal role in setting the show's tone. Julian recounts the excitement of hearing Kid Cudi's "Man on the Moon" and how the soundtrack complemented the series' vibe.
“The credit sequence, that was just... it set the tone for the shows.” ([36:35])
They discuss the collaboration with music supervisors like Scott Venner, who helped curate the iconic soundscape that remains relevant today.
Memories and Behind the Scenes
Brian and Victor share memorable moments from filming, including interactions with cast members like Luis Guzmán and Johnny Knoxville. Julian recounts working with Heath Ledger on "Lords of Dogtown," highlighting Ledger's depth as an actor:
“Heady Ledger... he really broke into something. He embodied that role completely.” ([83:58])
Comparing to Entourage and Other Shows
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around comparing "How To Make It In America" to other contemporary shows like "Entourage." Brian explains how their show diverged by focusing on authentic street experiences rather than the aspirational, star-studded lifestyle portrayed in "Entourage."
“Entourage was about a very aspirational world... How to make it would later on expand upon.” ([24:12])
They argue that "How To Make It In America" was ahead of its time, capturing the essence of New York's underground culture in a way that later shows only began to emulate.
Show Cancellation and Reflections
The hosts reflect on the abrupt end of the series, expressing disappointment over its cancellation despite its positive reception among fans.
“The executives weren't sitting where you were sitting. They were registering on different frequencies.” ([48:05])
They lament the lack of transparency from HBO regarding the show's cancellation, suggesting that its niche appeal and authentic representation might not have aligned with the network's broader objectives at the time.
Future Plans and New Podcast
Transitioning to their current endeavors, Brian and Victor discuss their new podcast, which aims to relive the legacy of "How To Make It In America" while sharing their personal journeys and interviewing other hustlers across various industries.
“We wanna talk to people about their ambitions and how they went about achieving their goals and all the failures they had.” ([59:30])
They express enthusiasm for expanding the podcast's reach, potentially featuring guests like Ronnie Fieg of Kith, and emphasize the importance of community and shared experiences.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to Brian and Victor for their contributions to "How To Make It In America" and their ongoing support. They touch on the enduring legacy of the show and its influence on streetwear and entrepreneurial culture.
“How to make It. America will always hold a very special place in my heart, in my life and in my career.” ([66:21])
The hosts encourage listeners to follow their podcast and engage with their content, signaling the continuation of their collaborative journey.
Notable Quotes
- “How to make it in America represented with me and my friends and my circle were dealing with growing up in New York City finally felt seen.” – Victor Rasuk ([01:31])
- “These two guys have to know each other, and if they don't, this is like the universe aligning itself.” – Victor Rasuk ([04:00])
- “The stakes got higher... everything gets bigger.” – Brian Greenberg ([46:00])
- “Heady Ledger... he really broke into something. He embodied that role completely.” – Julian ([83:58])
- “Entourage was about a very aspirational world... How to make it would later on expand upon.” – Brian Greenberg ([24:12])
- “We wanna talk to people about their ambitions and how they went about achieving their goals and all the failures they had.” – Brian Greenberg ([59:30])
- “How to make It. America will always hold a very special place in my heart, in my life and in my career.” – Brian Greenberg ([66:21])
Conclusion
Episode 324 of "New Rory & MAL" offers an in-depth look into the creation and legacy of "How To Make It In America," featuring candid discussions with Brian Greenberg and Victor Rasuk. The episode not only celebrates the show's cultural significance but also provides valuable insights into the challenges of production, the importance of authentic storytelling, and the enduring bonds formed through shared creative endeavors. Listeners gain a nostalgic yet forward-looking perspective on the intersection of entertainment, fashion, and entrepreneurship in New York City.