Episode 972 of The Viall Files: Matt Rogers, Austin Nichols, The Valley & Next Gen Finales, Uber Cancels Men, and 5-Year Anniversary
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 972 of The Viall Files, host Nick Viall, alongside Natalie Joy and the Household, delves into a myriad of topics spanning dating advice, personal milestones, reality TV finales, and pop culture insights. The episode features engaging conversations with special guests Matt Rogers and Austin Nichols, as well as comedy duo Taylor Owen and James Neal. Listeners are treated to a blend of humor, heartfelt stories, and sharp commentary on the latest in reality television and celebrity news.
Celebrating Anniversaries
The episode kicks off with Nick celebrating his five-year anniversary with his partner, Allie. This personal milestone sets the tone for a lighthearted discussion on how different couples commemorate their relationships.
- Nick Viall ([03:29]): "Apparently yesterday was mine and Allie's five-year anniversary from which we started dating."
- Mary ([03:29]): "Leia, do you have how many anniversaries do you have with Danny that you celebrate?"
- Sierra ([04:00]): "We obviously will have July 1st, the engagement anniversary."
The conversation humorously explores varying ways couples mark their anniversaries, highlighting the uniqueness of each relationship.
Men in Sweatpants: A Hot Topic
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the ongoing debate: What do people think of men wearing sweatpants?
- Nick Viall ([06:15]): "What do you think of men in sweatpants?"
- Sierra ([06:26]): "Honestly? I mean, I love sweatpants, so I like."
- Nick Viall ([07:14]): "If I'm wearing sweatpants in the middle of the day, I feel like I have the flu."
The hosts share personal anecdotes and humorous takes on the practicality and perception of sweatpants, with Sierra advocating for comfort and Nick playfully criticizing the style.
Uber’s Women-Only Drivers Feature
Nick introduces a timely topic: Uber's new feature allowing women to request women drivers, dubbed "Uber Cancels Men."
- Nick Viall ([09:27]): "Ladies, how do you feel about Uber's big announcement that ladies will be allowed to order women drivers just cancel the men."
- Mary ([09:43]): "I feel like I'll be among friends because I won't have to be like, you know..."
The discussion humorously speculates on the potential delays and social dynamics this feature might introduce, blending light-heartedness with genuine curiosity.
The Future of Late Night TV
Reflecting on the evolving media landscape, the hosts lament the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show and speculate on the future of late-night television.
- Nick Viall ([14:25]): "The legends of late night TV got together... What was your favorite late night show growing up, guys?"
- Melissa ([15:14]): "Letterman and Conan. That was mine."
The conversation nostalgically honors late-night veterans while questioning how current shows will adapt in a rapidly changing entertainment environment.
Reality TV Show Finales Recap
A central segment of the episode provides an in-depth recap and critique of the latest finales from prominent reality TV shows, including The Valley and Next Gen.
The Valley Finale
- Mary ([22:25]): "Janet wants Kristen to punch her in the face so she'll go to jail and have her engagement ring taken away."
- Nick Viall ([23:08]): "He was like, I'm getting the fuck out of here."
The hosts dissect the dramatic twists and character developments, expressing both amusement and frustration with the show's trajectory.
Next Gen Finale
- Mary ([31:32]): "Georgia soft launches Club Club. It's literally just a normal bowling alley."
- Melissa ([34:00]): "Next Gen is all about class struggles... a spiritual successor to Lena Dunham's Girls."
The recap highlights the show's attempts to blend humor with serious themes, though opinions on its execution vary among the hosts.
Guest Segment: Taylor Owen and James Neal
Comedians and content creators Taylor Owen and James Neal join the conversation, sharing insights into their creative process and the dynamics of performing as a couple.
- Nick Viall ([16:55]): "We are happy to have you on and figured, well, let's just bring them on because we love talking about..."
- Austin Nichols ([17:46]): "They were really nice and lovely. And then I remember Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Geller..."
Taylor and James discuss balancing their relationship with their comedy careers, the inception of their sketch group, and the challenges of maintaining their duo amidst personal and professional growth.
Guest Segment: Matt Rogers and Austin Nichols
Matt Rogers shares his experience working on the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot and introduces his upcoming project, Salamander King.
- Matt Rogers ([44:24]): "I love movies. I love movies... was a punch for."
- Matt Rogers ([62:12]): "It's called the Salamander King. It's about a rundown public golf course in Austin, Texas..."
Key Highlights:
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Rebooting a Classic: Matt discusses the excitement and nostalgia of being part of the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot, reflecting on his early inspirations from the original films.
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Directing Salamander King: Matt provides an overview of his new indie film, detailing its storyline about saving a beloved public golf course from corporate takeover. He emphasizes the film's blend of humor, heart, and social commentary.
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Collaboration and Growth: Austin Nichols and Matt delve into their collaborative efforts, touching on industry challenges, the evolution of acting and directing, and the importance of fostering genuine relationships in Hollywood.
Matt Rogers ([55:20]): "The first time I directed was on One Tree Hill... It was kind of hard."
Austin Nichols ([52:24]): "Yes, I'm flowing through, boy!"
Final Discussions and Banter
The episode concludes with a lively exchange among the hosts and guests, covering topics such as award shows, the impact of social media on reality TV, and personal fitness journeys.
- Bowen Yang ([72:50]): "I have respect for you, dude. I haven't. I'm not comfortable allowing them to edit me."
- Nick Viall ([84:21]): "It's like, I think we'll just continue to be fans."
Humorous anecdotes about late-night show antics, reality TV drama, and the importance of authenticity in entertainment wrap up the episode on a high-energy note.
Notable Quotes
- Nick Viall ([07:14]): "If I'm wearing sweatpants in the middle of the day, I feel like I have the flu."
- Matt Rogers ([62:12]): "It's called the Salamander King. It's about a rundown public golf course in Austin, Texas..."
- Bowen Yang ([84:38]): "We need ensemble comedy."
- Sierra ([31:32]): "Georgia soft launches Club Club. It's literally just a normal bowling alley."
- Mary ([22:25]): "Janet wants Kristen to punch her in the face so she'll go to jail and have her engagement ring taken away."
Conclusion
Episode 972 of The Viall Files offers a comprehensive mix of personal storytelling, insightful discussions on reality TV, and engaging guest interviews. From celebrating anniversaries to dissecting the latest in reality television drama, Nick Viall and his team provide listeners with a rich and entertaining narrative that both informs and amuses. Whether you're a fan of dating advice, relationship dynamics, or the intricacies of reality TV, this episode has something for everyone.
Join Nick Viall and the Household on The Viall Files as they continue to explore the ever-evolving landscapes of love, life, and pop culture. Don't forget to tune in for more insightful and entertaining episodes each week!