Set Rogen is a transparent weed enthusiast, something audiences have been aware of since his 2008 stoner film Pineapple Express. In recent years, the multi-dimensional creative, founder of the hemp and smoking accessories brand Houseplant, has also found solace in creating artistic, clay-cast ceramic pieces.
In addition to selling pre-rolls, Rogen's first few Houseplant products were crafted and polished by his hands in a Los Angeles ceramics studio, such as tall retro ashtrays and blob-covered pots that looked like they came from a colorful scene in a Dr. Seuss novel. The company's goal: to destigmatize cannabis use through flavorful, refined products with an impeccable eye for functional design.
Founded in 2019, the Houseplant company includes a wide range of glazed clay objects, mugs and marijuana strains tested by Seth and his co-founder, Evan Goldberg. Recently they even put together three box sets with vintage music on vinyl ($95) that are designed to be played with Houseplant flower.
“Houseplant all started from my very personal desire to own things that were my taste and my lifestyle as someone fascinated by design and architecture,” says Rogen. The Hollywood Reporter during an afternoon Zoom call.
On May 7, a busy Rogen will also take over the Hollywood Bowl with his headlining comedy-musical act, Seth Rogen smokes the bowlportion of the Netflix is a joke festival. The 42-year-old comedian and filmmaker has put together his dream line-up of jokers and musicians to accompany this evening. Outside of his own hosting set, Rogen has Snoop Dogg, Ramy Youssef, Lil Dicky, Janelle James, Ronny Chieng and more scheduled to perform with him at the Bowl.
“Our goal is to make this a really fun, fun and wild event, and every new idea we come up with is focused on pure entertainment value,” says Rogen.
As part of Seth Rogen smokes the bowlthe comedian will donate the evening's proceeds earned from the show to Hilarity for a good cause. Founded in 2012 by Rogen's wife, Lauren Miller, the nonprofit organization advocates for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Brain health is also what keeps comedians smart and original. “We're giving away hours of free home care to people dealing with loved ones living with dementia, and so far we've given away over 400,000 hours,” Seth Rogen explains.
Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen will co-host Hilarity for Charity Austin Brain Health Dinner on September 30, 2023 in Austin, Texas.
Rick Kern/Getty Images for hilarity for a good cause
Before the comedian lights up Hollywood's largest outdoor stage, Rogen talks to THR about how he likes to share his Houseplant product, bringing his comedy idols to the stage, and more.
Happy late April 20, how are you today?
I just found a lizard in my house so I had a bit of a moment, but I think I'm doing fine now. It was quite exciting and a bit scary. We don't let my wife know that this just happened.
Where does the idea of Houseplant come from?
I do a lot with ceramics and have learned organically from people commenting on posts with my various pottery creations. If you grew up smoking weed and smoke a lot of weed, you know that there is some sort of aesthetic and connotation of being lazy and not interested in a well-executed product. Houseplant is about making things that are very well executed, very well thought out and very thoughtful with good function and design.
What life philosophies are embedded in the lifestyle of houseplants?
I don't have many life philosophies, but I'm super proud of them. It represents me and my sensibilities and tastes. Our product range is a good representation of our creative goals, and that's how I usually judge my work: 'How close is this to what I hoped it would be? And is it being received in the way I hoped it would be?' At Houseplant, both of those things are very true and exist in the world as they should.
Who would you like to share Houseplant's product with?
I got to smoke weed with a lot of great people, including my wife and friends, and I ended up loving making ceramics and first took classes with my wife at Bitterroot pottery that started this all. I try to share my product with my friends all the time to see how they react to certain products and tree stains.
What can audiences expect at your upcoming comedy show at the Hollywood Bowl?
There will be giant comedians and musicians who will be part of the surprises. We're trying to make this show as funny and silly and create a spectacle whose magnitude is worth appearing at the Hollywood Bowl itself. So I have an orchestra currently learning to play “California Love,” which is pretty amazing.
How do you ensure that the hours you spend on stage embody your legacy in comedy?
Snoop Dogg is definitely someone who in many ways epitomizes LA and the kind of California culture that I'm a part of, and he's just a great guy. There's a lot I can't share, but there will be a lot of friends of mine and people I personally find hilarious.
What impact are you looking for with your headliner at this Hollywood Bowl extravaganza?
With proceeds from this show and other collective support, Hilarity For Charity is launching a brain health education program with Quinta Brunson, Kristen Bell, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and a few others. The program will teach brain health education, something that can have a big impact. My team and I have been able to be very good advocates and I think we can raise a lot of money for a very good cause and help a lot of people while also representing what we will find funny on this show. We don't shy away from really trying to entertain our audience in the way we would like to be entertained, which is a kind of comedy where there are no boundaries.