Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang: From Friendship to Cultural Icons

Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, two names that resonate with creativity, humor, and friendship, have taken their decade-long bond to new heights. Known for their wildly successful podcast Las Culturistas, the duo has transformed their shared wit and cultural commentary into a celebrated awards show. On August 5, 2025, the fourth annual Las Culturistas Culture Awards will air on Bravo, marking yet another milestone in their shared journey.

The Evolution of a Friendship

Rogers and Yang’s story began as 19-year-old students at New York University, where they quickly bonded over their mutual love for pop culture and comedy. Reflecting on their journey, Rogers shared with PEOPLE, “If I could go back and tell those 19-year-olds what would happen, they’d probably find it daunting. But we did it.” This friendship, rooted in humor and shared experiences, became the foundation for their creative partnership.

The duo launched their podcast Las Culturistas in 2016, initially unsure of its potential reach. As Rogers revealed during an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, “We thought no one would listen. But during the pandemic, people craved connection, and that’s what we provided—a window into a genuine friendship.” Their podcast has since earned a spot on Time Magazine’s list of the 100 all-time best podcasts, a testament to its cultural impact.

Inside Jokes Turned Cultural Celebration

The Las Culturistas Culture Awards began as an inside joke on their podcast, where they humorously celebrated niche aspects of pop culture. Over time, this concept grew into a live event, attracting fans in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Now, in its fourth year, the awards show has found a home on Bravo, with categories as eclectic as “Eva Longoria Award for Tiny Woman, Huge Impact” and “Best Hand Moment, Excellence in Hands.”

Speaking to PEOPLE, Yang explained the effort behind the event. “This started as a bit, but we’ve put so much hard work into it. It’s a celebration of culture through our lens, and that’s what makes it special.” The awards aim to democratize cultural recognition, offering a platform for moments and individuals often overlooked by mainstream accolades.

Why It Matters

The significance of the Las Culturistas Culture Awards extends beyond its humor. It challenges traditional notions of cultural importance, celebrating the seemingly trivial moments that shape our collective experience. As Yang noted, the awards invite everyone to be “in on the joke,” fostering a sense of community among listeners and viewers.

In a media landscape often dominated by exclusivity, Rogers and Yang’s approach stands out for its inclusivity. Their awards show is not just entertainment; it’s a cultural statement, emphasizing that everyone’s experiences and contributions matter.

Looking Ahead

As Rogers and Yang prepare to air the fourth annual awards on Bravo, they continue to reflect on their journey. From their early days as NYU students to becoming cultural icons, their story is a testament to the power of friendship and creativity. As Yang eloquently put it, “What we’re building with the podcast and the awards is a space where everyone feels included, where everyone can laugh and celebrate together.”

The Las Culturistas Culture Awards airs on August 5, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day. For fans of humor, culture, and camaraderie, it’s a celebration not to be missed.

From inside jokes to cultural milestones, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang have shown the world what’s possible when passion meets partnership.