Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers recently shared insights about their enduring friendship and the success of their popular podcast during an exclusive interview ahead of the fourth annual Las Culturistas Culture Awards. The awards ceremony is set to air on Tuesday, August 5, at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
The duo, who have been hosting the Las Culturistas podcast for nearly a decade, reflected on how their comedic partnership evolved from an inside joke to a widely anticipated pop culture award show. The awards feature over 100 unique categories—ranging from the “Eva Longoria Award For Tiny Woman, Huge Impact” to the “Best Hand Moment, Excellence In Hands”—highlighting noteworthy cultural contributions as defined by the pair.
Reflecting on their journey, Yang emphasized the dedication behind the awards, countering a notion he had discussed with Tony winner Cole Escola about deserving recognition. Yang stated, “This is something that started as a bit, but we put a lot of hard work into it.” Rogers added that looking back at their younger selves, who initially met as students at New York University, would leave them in awe of their current successes.
In the lead-up to the awards show, the hosts celebrated their podcast at the Cannes Lions festival, highlighting the camaraderie that resonates with their audience. Yang noted that the dynamic of their friendship creates a rich tapestry of inside jokes that welcomes listeners into their shared experiences.
Both hosts were taken by surprise at the show’s success, which dramatically increased during the pandemic as listeners sought connection. Rogers remarked, “That’s what they wanted, to connect and hear a friendship in action.”
Their persistence and creativity in broadcasting eventually gained them recognition, including a feature on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 all-time best podcasts. Following the taping of their award show, Yang and Rogers also made appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
The Las Culturistas Culture Awards signify not just a celebration of pop culture, but also the enduring nature of friendship through laughter and shared experiences, promising an entertaining showcase for fans. Viewers can catch the awards on Bravo and stream it on Peacock the following day.
This event not only recognizes cultural achievements but also illustrates how friendships can flourish and adapt through various mediums, ultimately connecting audiences in entertaining and meaningful ways.