Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"They think that queer people can only communicate through our trauma. Yes, that's an important part of where we come from and are paying and growing from that. They want to hear the story about how your dad hated you. They don't want to hear the story about, like, your family supports you. They want to hear me talk about my hairplugs. They want to hear another thing get blocked." — Mateo Lane
"But I do think that when God is reflected in whatever you're working on, then you're going to hold it up to that standard. And I don't know. For Italians, it's always seemed to me that, like, the food isn't manifestation of what it is to be them. So you have to treat it at the highest level." — Andrew Schulz
"The French are so mad at me. I did a video about ordering a cheeseburger in France. And it now is, I think, at 15 million views. People are view. First of all, as if no one reads the comments. That's my favorite thing about comments. Everyone, every comment is the exact same. But in my joke about saying how the French are not accepting of other people, no matter how hard you try. In the comments, they are not accepting of you." — Mateo Lane
The episode features comedian Mateo Lane discussing the release of his new YouTube special, a significant personal investment that he funded himself after facing rejections from major platforms. Lane details the process, including the initial concept, the financial commitment, and his decision to release it independently. He also shares personal updates, including a recent hair transplant procedure, which he humorously describes and connects to his comedic persona. The conversation touches upon his relationship with his boyfriend, Rodrigo, exploring modern relationship dynamics and the joys and challenges of public partnership.
Further into the discussion, Lane and host Andrew Schulz delve into broader cultural observations, including evolving societal perceptions of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and comedy, with Lane expressing frustration at the tendency for queer narratives to be solely focused on trauma. They also touch upon the cultural nuances of different countries, particularly Italy and France, examining their distinct relationships with food, language, and societal norms. The segment explores how cultural identity is perceived and represented, with Lane sharing an anecdote about ordering a cheeseburger in France and the ensuing online reaction.
The latter part of the episode shifts to discussions about the entertainment industry, including the pressures faced by performers and the business of comedy. They reflect on the influence of social media, the nature of audience reception, and the importance of authenticity in a comedian's work. The conversation also touches upon the evolving landscape of sex work and online content creation, and the personal experiences of navigating these spaces. The episode concludes with Lane sharing upcoming projects and reflecting on his journey as a comedian.