Matt Rogers, host of Lifetime Television’s Coming Home, is interviewed by host Jim Benson about this remarkable reality TV series and his career as singer and television host.
For this journey of TV Time Machine, we are privileged to have the opportunity to honor that relatively small number of Americans who protect our vast country and its inherent freedoms with their extraordinary bravery, commitment and sacrifice. In this edition of our program, we are proud to welcome Matt Rogers, host of Coming Home, the extraordinary television series that not only celebrates our men and women in uniform, but the joy these patriots and their families experience on that very special day when they’re finally… Coming Home.
Over these three audio segments, Matt Rogers not only helps us explore virtually every aspect of this remarkable series, but also discusses his work in television as host and correspondent, and his musical career, which was most notably showcased in 2004 when Mr. Rogers was featured as a finalist on American Idol. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to take that long journey home, feel free to surprise your loved ones, as we journey from the past, to honor our brave warriors of the present.
Listen to the Interview Below
Matt Rogers audio interview Segment One
In this segment, host Jim Benson talks to Matt Rogers, host of Lifetime Television’s Coming Home about his early years as college football player for the University of Washington and playing in the 2001 Rose Bowl. Mr. Rogers also discusses his positive attitude about life and success, his performance as a semi-finalist in 2004 on American Idol, getting to know Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul and the help Simon gave Matt shortly after his appearance on Idol. Matt also reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the creation of his classic title song for Coming Home.
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Matt Rogers audio interview Segment Two
For the second segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Matt Rogers the genesis of Coming Home, dealing with the fear and pain of the families waiting for their loved ones to come home from military deployment, and the extraordinary story of Lt. Colonel Frank Latt meeting the family of his heard, but unseen friend Senior Airman Mark Forester, who was killed in Afghanistan attempting to save a fallen comrade. Matt also talks about the warm-hearted story of Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Rutledge, Jr. and how he surprised his football player son, on National Signing Day.
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Matt Rogers audio interview Segment Three
For the final segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Matt Rogers the joy and meaning of hosting a show like Coming Home, where reality ends and where reality TV begins, and the type of coordination that is required when orchestrating the many family reunions and surprises on Coming Home. Mr. Rogers also talks about one of his most exciting reunion seen on the program, when an Army Sergeant returning from Afghanistan poses as an NHL goalie, surprising her husband, who hasn’t seen her for over a year.
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