Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Book Recommendations

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. P...

Episodes 668
Books 512

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Here (Pantheon Graphic Library) cover

Here (Pantheon Graphic Library)

Richard McGuire

Mentioned 5 months ago

Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt + Bowen at the Olympics in Milan

This was mentioned as Mariah Carey's latest album, from which she performed the song "Nothing Is Impossible" during the opening ceremony.

And then she sang her song. nothing is impossible. And we actually agreed in our seats that nothing was. And it's off of her latest album, Here For It All, which we were there for it all.

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What you think of me is none of my business by Terry Cole-Whittaker (1979-05-03) cover

What you think of me is none of my business by Terry Cole-Whittaker (1979-05-03)

Terry Cole‐Whittaker

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Rode Hard And Put Away Wet" (w/ Will Ferrell & Harper Steele)

Will Ferrell mentioned that his mother had a self-help book with this title on her shelf, and that the book's message was his mantra as a child and while traveling across the country with Harper.

Here's a book that my mom literally had a self-help book on her shelf. Called It's None of My Business What You Think of Me.

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It Ends with Us: Special Collector's Edition: A Novel (It Ends with Us) cover

It Ends with Us

Colleen Hoover

Mentioned 1 year ago

"An Attack On Leos" (w/ Matt, Bowen & Friends)

It was mentioned that the book is famous, but a sequel was supposed to be in the works, and it doesn't seem like it's happening anymore because of the drama surrounding it.

but see that this is the thing it's like the behavior effects the work so much yeah so yeah well well that's the summer that's the summer i think we will earnestly start

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Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu (Princess Cupcake Jones Series) cover

Princess Cupcake Jones and the Missing Tutu (Princess Cupcake Jones Series)

Ylleya Fields

Mentioned 1 year ago

"An Attack On Leos" (w/ Matt, Bowen & Friends)

It was compared to the plot of a theme park ride where a lot of musicians have to play a big show.

You know, that's like actually the plot of Princess Tauties by you dip. It's like we have to get a lot of musicians to play a big show. It's like okay, cool. This is a theme park ride right?

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It's Not That Complicated: The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health and Money cover

It's Not That Complicated

Ari Parker

Mentioned 1 year ago

"An Attack On Leos" (w/ Matt, Bowen & Friends)

It was mentioned that if you read her book, you would know that she had tougher relationships with her mother and sister, who both passed away recently.

if you read her book you know those were tougher relationships and sometimes social in months that are the most difficult to lose so i really hope she's okay and i didn't mean to make light at that

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I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself: One Woman's Pursuit of Pleasure in Paris cover

I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself

Glynnis MacNicol

Mentioned 1 year ago

"White, Fair and Blessed" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

They briefly mentioned "I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself" as a memoir about seeking pleasure in middle age by author and podcaster Glynis McNicol.

Like a recent episode with author and podcaster Glynis McNicol on her new memoir, "I'm Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself."

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Red, White & Royal Blue: Collector's Edition: A Novel cover

Red, White & Royal Blue

Casey McQuiston

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Toxically Benevolent" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

It was mentioned as the book written by Casey McQuiston, who also wrote the audio mystery podcast, "Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?".

From the writer of Amazon Prime's Red, White and Royal Blue comes a hilarious and demented new audio mystery.

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Mean Boys: A Personal History cover

Mean Boys

Geoffrey Mak

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Toxically Benevolent" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

The book, Mean Boys, was mentioned in relation to the concept of culture and politics flowing downhill from culture, and it was suggested that it might be worth exploring the themes of the book further.

And actually kind of on face value, it kind of speaks to Mean Boys a little bit, too, because that book is a lot about how culture, about politics flows downhill from culture, like and just about like interesting things to think about as of late.

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Status and Culture: How Our Desire for Social Rank Creates Taste, Identity, Art, Fashion, and Constant Change cover

Status and Culture

W. David Marx

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Toxically Benevolent" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

It was mentioned in the context of a timetable about how evaluations of certain trends change over time, using Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill as an example. The book, Status and Culture, explores how our desire for social rank creates taste, identity, art, fashion and constant change.

So he has a timetable in there for how long it takes for something.

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The School of Life: An Emotional Education: An Emotional Education cover

The School of Life

The School of Life

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Good Walz" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

Bowen recommended it for people to look up on YouTube, they were mentioned to have made books and videos on subjects like early bedtimes and simplified lifestyles.

Zuri the Zebra and the Rainbow Race for Kindness (S.H.I.N.E.'s Kindness Adventures Book 2) cover

Zuri the Zebra and the Rainbow Race for Kindness (S.H.I.N.E.'s Kindness Adventures Book 2)

Kaitlyn Vasilko

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Good Walz" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

It was mentioned as a seminal standup album by Gabe Liedman, containing jokes about algorithms before they were a common topic.

Fifty Shades of Grey 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 1) cover

Fifty Shades of Grey 10th Anniversary Edition (Fifty Shades of Grey Series, 1)

E L James

Mentioned 1 year ago

"Good Walz" (w/ Matt & Bowen)

It was referenced during a discussion about Kamala Harris's running mate selection, with a humorous comparison to the book's themes of dominance and submission.

Ding dong last culture is calling back at the table back at the Fifty Shades table

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Most Recommended

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Songbook (PIANO, VOIX, GU) Cover

Lauryn Hill

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill Songbook (PIANO, VOIX, GU)

It was mentioned as a defining piece of pop culture that helped Chloe Fineman to form into a person; she associated it with womanhood, hip hop and a first crush.

"

The miseducation of Lauren Hill. I love this answer.

— Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fin...

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Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fineman)

It was mentioned as a defining piece of pop culture that helped Chloe Fineman to form into a person; she associated it with womanhood, hip hop and a first crush.

"

The miseducation of Lauren Hill. I love this answer.

Wow, and just celebrated its 20th anniversary. Which is insane.

It was like the first time I really had a crush on somebody. Wow. Yeah, Andrew GK.

It was that music that kicked in just as you were kind of becoming a person.

I mean that album, they're the best. But there's something still to this day, like when, oh my God, do up that thing comes on. You're like, wow, this is unique. You'll never hear it again.

A Star Is Born: Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Cover

Alfred Music

A Star Is Born

Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

It was mentioned that reviews were all very positive. It was mentioned that Lady Gaga's performance was a good source of material for impressions.

"

Stara's born, the reviews have come out and they're all very positive.

— Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fin...

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Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fineman)

It was mentioned that reviews were all very positive. It was mentioned that Lady Gaga's performance was a good source of material for impressions.

"

Stara's born, the reviews have come out and they're all very positive.

Really?

You must work on the Lady Gaga.

There was so much material in her Netflix special.

Oh, she's giving you material for beyonds.

The Favourite (Brides of Karadok Book 6) Cover

Alice Coldbreath

The Favourite (Brides of Karadok Book 6)

It was said to be a comedy of manners starring Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone and Olivia Colman, with rave reviews, and Emma Stone's performance was particularly praised.

"

There's a movie coming out with Rachel Weiss, Emma Stone and Olivia Coleman called The Favorite.

— Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fin...

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Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fineman)

It was said to be a comedy of manners starring Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone and Olivia Colman, with rave reviews, and Emma Stone's performance was particularly praised.

"

There's a movie coming out with Rachel Weiss, Emma Stone and Olivia Coleman called The Favorite.

Oh, that looks really good with the same lobster guy.

Olivia Coleman plays like a queen.

And rave reviews, and they're saying that Emma Stone is phenomenal in it.

She's good for her. She's really good.

The House of Whispers (Living Nightmares) Cover

C Hebert

The House of Whispers (Living Nightmares)

It was described as a new comic book published by DC Vertigo, taking place in New Orleans, with a focus on voodoo mythology; it was said to be a fusion of magical realism and southern fantasy.

"

Our little faces will show up in a new comic book called House of Whispers.

— Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fin...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "You Have To Grow A Penis" (w/ Chloe Fineman)

It was described as a new comic book published by DC Vertigo, taking place in New Orleans, with a focus on voodoo mythology; it was said to be a fusion of magical realism and southern fantasy.

"

Our little faces will show up in a new comic book called House of Whispers.

And issue number one is in stores right now.

And doesn't it take place in New Orleans and center around the world of voodoo mythology?

Yes.

One is just. The number one. Number one, it's a fusion of magical realism and Southern fantasy, a realm of fantasy, often unseen in mainstream comic culture.

Bird Babble (Brentwood Buddies Children's Books) Cover

Julie Barnett

Bird Babble (Brentwood Buddies Children's Books)

The book, an autobiography, was mentioned as being re-released, highlighting a successful run with a subsequent re-release.

"

And he's also celebrating the re-release of his book Buddy Babel on the Autobiography.

— Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

The book, an autobiography, was mentioned as being re-released, highlighting a successful run with a subsequent re-release.

"

And he's also celebrating the re-release of his book Buddy Babel on the Autobiography.

Love a good re-release.

You know the release went well when there's a re-release.

Chrysalids Cover

Chrysalids

The book was briefly mentioned, suggesting that Scott potentially enjoyed science fiction or dystopian themes.

"

the Chrysalids like the sort of stuff

— Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

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Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

The book was briefly mentioned, suggesting that Scott potentially enjoyed science fiction or dystopian themes.

"

the Chrysalids like the sort of stuff

Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights Cover

Kenji Yoshino

Covering

The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights

It was suggested that both hosts should read it, due to it covering the stages of coming out and the negotiation of passing, a topic relevant to Scott's personal experience.

"

oh you should both read uh have you read Covering by Kenji Yoshino

— Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "Sodomy Wins" (w/ Scott Thompson)

It was suggested that both hosts should read it, due to it covering the stages of coming out and the negotiation of passing, a topic relevant to Scott's personal experience.

"

oh you should both read uh have you read Covering by Kenji Yoshino

no he's a yell uh he's uh he's um I guess he's already turned off okay

no he's boring bitch he's a he's a legal scholar but he wrote this book that's about the stages of coming out yeah yeah of coming out and then maybe of trying to like pass of like having this

Sex, Drugs and Cartoon Violence: My Decade as a Video Game Journalist Cover

Russ Pitts

Sex, Drugs and Cartoon Violence

My Decade as a Video Game Journalist

It was mentioned as the title of an audio mystery book, featuring a murder plot set in the Monroe estate.

"

From the writer of Amazon Prime's Red, White and Royal Blue and the author of the book The Hilarious and Demented New Audio Mystery Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?

— Episode: "The Las Culturistas Vulture Festival Se...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "The Las Culturistas Vulture Festival Segment Fest...

It was mentioned as the title of an audio mystery book, featuring a murder plot set in the Monroe estate.

"

From the writer of Amazon Prime's Red, White and Royal Blue and the author of the book The Hilarious and Demented New Audio Mystery Does This Murder Make Me Look Gay?

Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Book Cover

Joss Whedon

Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Book

It was described as bad and was deemed to have committed musical theatre songwriting crimes.

"

And also, hot take Dr. Horrible is bad.

— Episode: "I Don't Think So, Honey! 3" LIVE (Part...

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Episode: "I Don't Think So, Honey! 3" LIVE (Part Two)

It was described as bad and was deemed to have committed musical theatre songwriting crimes.

"

And also, hot take Dr. Horrible is bad.

It is bad and it commits musical theater songwriting crimes.

The Other People: A Novel Cover

C. J. Tudor

The Other People

A Novel

It was discussed in the context of how it represented a relatable experience from a gay man's life. It was also discussed as a good example of gay male stories that are successful without relying on fantasy or unrealistic elements.

"

I still haven't seen other people because I know I'm gonna enjoy it so much and I know it's gonna affect me so deeply that I'll be out for in a week and a half.

— Episode: "Drag Mother" (w/ Guy Branum)

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: "Drag Mother" (w/ Guy Branum)

It was discussed in the context of how it represented a relatable experience from a gay man's life. It was also discussed as a good example of gay male stories that are successful without relying on fantasy or unrealistic elements.

"

I still haven't seen other people because I know I'm gonna enjoy it so much and I know it's gonna affect me so deeply that I'll be out for in a week and a half.

Brian Lauder in Slate Magazine, Slate once said that he questioned whether it was possible to tell like emotionally relevant gay male stories without some element of fantasy to them and I love that a great deal.

In other people there is a moment where Jesse what's his name sits behind Molly Shannon while she puts on makeup and he talks to her while she is getting ready to go to this party that they're having at their house.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.