The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Stephen's on the podcast telling the origin story of The Late Show's resident First Lady: Broadway star and friend-of-the-show Laura Benanti! Hear her latest performance as Melania, followed by a conversation with Stephen as her lovely self from 2017 when she explains how she first prepared for her iconic impression.

Stephen Colbert jumps on the podcast to rave about the hospital drama everybody's talking about before a podcast-exclusive extended interview with everyone's favorite TV nurse, Emmy-winner Katherine LaNasa! New episodes of "The Pitt" premiere Thursdays on HBO Max. Tune in all week long for more behind-the-scenes Stephen on The Late Show Pod Show!

Stephen returns to the podcast booth for a week of exclusive behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else! Tonight, he slides down memory lane and recalls his bobsled run at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games before launching into an extended interview with friend of the show, Tim Meadows. The actor, comedian and "kitty daddy" reunites with his old friend Stephen Colbert for a hilarious discussion about music, pet parenthood, his new life in Detroit, and his new CBS comedy, "DMV." Tim Meadows originally aired October 14th, 2025.

If you don’t know the first concert he attended, or which animal he fears most, do you really know legendary director James Cameron? Watch his latest film, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” in theaters now.

Evie McGee Colbert stops by to help her sweetie Stephen pick out the perfect cards for Valentine’s Day, but before they get started, Stephen has a surprise for his lovely wife.  The Late Show Pod Show has the EXCLUSIVE extended segment with the Colberts that you won't hear anywhere else!

Writer, podcaster and the official chaplain of Colbert Nation, Father James Martin, tells Stephen in this podcast-exclusive EXTENDED interview about the life lessons he learned at jobs as varied as dishwasher and corporate executive, and how each functioned as a step on his path towards the priesthood. His book, "Work in Progress," is out now.

President Trump complained about the bad publicity he got after his immigration forces murdered two people in Minneapolis, the United States military has a weapon nicknamed “The Discombobulator,” and there are a surprising number of references to a bran muffin recipe in the Epstein files. Six-time GRAMMY-winner and future Broadway producer James Taylor sits down for a fascinating EXCLUSIVE chat with Stephen Colbert, who asks the Songwriting Hall of Famer to identify which five of his songs are his favorites - only on The Late Show Pod Show! Then check out his live performance in The Ed Sullivan Theater on our YouTube page: www.YouTube.com/ColbertLateShow

President Trump made misogynistic comments to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Speaker Mike Johnson claims to know more about The Bible than the Pope, and journalists are outraged at Jeff Bezos over mass layoffs in the newsroom at The Washington Post. Stage and screen legend Ian McKellen sits down for an extended conversation with Stephen Colbert about his long career as a performer, reprising his roles as Gandalf and Magneto in upcoming films, the unique joys of live theater, and the Shakespeare role he originated in the 1960s which resonates just as loudly today. Grab tickets to see Ian McKellen in “An Ark,” playing now in New York City at The Shed: https://www.theshed.org/program/484-an-ark.

Kid Rock is set to headline an unofficial Super Bowl halftime show for conservatives who don’t like Bad Bunny, the mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics have been revealed, and Chicago residents can visit http://Chicagoshovels.org to vote to name their new snow plow after Stephen Colbert. President Trump is publicly campaigning for Republicans to take control of elections away from the states, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said “the American people need to understand that it isn’t a crime to party with Mr. Epstein.” Acclaimed actor Mark Ruffalo traces his rebellious nature from his early days clowning around in Kenosha, Wisconsin, all the way through to his acting career where he’s not afraid to fib about his skills in an audition. Then Mark Ruffalo offers a sneak peek at the action in his new film where he plays a jewelry thief alongside co-stars Halle Berry and Chris Hemsworth. “Crime 101” is in theaters next Friday.

President Trump is referenced thousands of times and accused of hideous crimes in the latest release of documents from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the Department of Justice failed to redact the identities and personal information of many of Epstein’s victims, and the DOJ announced that there will be no investigation into any of the prominent men implicated in the files. “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver stops by to help Stephen Colbert raise some cash for World Central Kitchen by auctioning off one-of-a-kind pieces of television history ahead of the series finale of The Late Show. Learn more about what’s up for grabs and help raise money for a great cause at http://colbertlateshow.com/ebay.

If you don't know the story of her first concert, or her earliest memory, do you really know Hollywood icon Jodie Foster? See her new film, "A Private Life," in theaters now!

Meanwhile... Junk from space is falling from the sky, DNA science is helping us learn more about ancient STDs, a Chinese mushroom makes you see tiny people, gym-goers need to go wash their hands right now, Sydney Sweeney has been accused of an undergarment misdemeanor, a bus driver in Delaware did the unthinkable, and scientists announced a big leap forward in robotic speech.

Jacob Soboroff, author and Senior Political and National Correspondent for MS NOW, has been on the ground covering Trump's violent immigration policy as put into practice by the likes of Greg Bovino and Tom Homan. His new book, "Firestorm," is both personal, as it chronicles his experience watching his childhood neighborhood burn down in last year's Los Angeles fires, and universal as it serves to warn the public that the fires of the future are here today.

The Boss dropped a fiery anti-ICE protest song, the people of Milan don’t want Trump’s DHS thugs to provide security at the Winter Olympics, the president’s latest MAGA fundraising email is bizarrely threatening, and no one wants to see the First Lady’s movie. Stephen surprises Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner Alexander Skarsgård with a special Late Show gift before deep-diving into the sexy world of Skarsgård’s latest film. “Pillion” is in select theaters February 6th and opens nationwide on February 20th.

Americans are expressing their anger about ICE in some unlikely corners of the internet, Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller are pointing fingers at each other as the administration does damage control over Alex Pretti’s murder, Rep. Ilhan Omar bravely fended off a bizarre attack at a speech in Minneapolis, and 40 million gallons of poo are washing into the Potomac River every day.  If you don’t know his earliest memory, or which five words he’d use to describe the rest of his life, do you really know Super Bowl Halftime show star Bad Bunny?

President Trump tried to clean up the mess he made in Minnesota by moving Greg “Little Napoleon” Bovino out and lambasting Homeland Security head Kristi Noem, the president’s body and mind are in pretty rough shape, and the First Lady’s self-titled film is a box office stinker. It’s so cold in Georgia that ice-covered trees are exploding, America’s premiere weather-predicting mammal could lose his job to a hologram, and the world’s hottest viral toy is a stuffed horse from China. Stephen Colbert’s extended interview with Oscar-winner Sam Rockwell goes delightfully off the rails as the two talk about Rockwell’s early jobs in New York City, acting gigs on cop shows, and why time travel movies usually don’t work. Watch Sam Rockwell in the new film, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,” in theaters February 13th.

The Trump Administration is lying about the killing of Alex Pretti, Pretti’s family wants everyone to know the truth about who he was and what happened to him, and America’s founding document outlines what should be done if the government turns on its citizens. Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania pledges to protect the people of Pennsylvania in the event that President Trump chooses to target his state next. Grab a copy of his new memoir, “Where We Keep The Light,” available tomorrow.

Acclaimed actress Jessica Williams says that her friendship with Harrison Ford is as fun off-screen as it is between their characters in the hit show, "Shrinking." Tune in for this exclusive extended interview with Stephen and Jessica as they discuss DIY upholstery, their dogs' astrological signs, and more - only on The Late Show Pod Show! The third season of "Shrinking" premieres next Wednesday on AppleTV.

Meanwhile... A man set a world record for fastest-moving trash can, a food delivery robot was hit by a train, 1909's hottest sandwich recipe was popcorn on bread, and Stephen learns a new term from Gen Z.

Nonviolent resistance scholar Maria J. Stephan talks about things regular citizens can do to push back against government aggression without the threat or use of violence. Check out her book, “Why Civil Resistance Works.”

President Trump says his concept of a deal with Greenland has no end date, anyone with a billion dollars can help Trump rule the world as Chairman for Life of the Board of Peace, and Stephen Colbert is offering an alternative fake club membership for only $100M. Stephen Colbert is on the run from Johnny Law again as the FCC’s Brendan Carr announced a push to enforce rules that would suppress the visibility of political candidates on network talk shows. Chance The Rapper looks back at the year he released his groundbreaking mixtape, “Coloring Book,” and tells Stephen that his recent encounters with Black artists from different parts of the world informed the songwriting on his latest album, “Star Line.” Check out his performance on YouTube and find Chance The Rapper’s upcoming tour dates at https://chancestuff.com.

Freezing weather could hinder ICE’s operations in Minnesota, President Trump made the Davos summit all about Greenland, the United States reportedly used a disturbing sonic weapon to kill people in Venezuela, and Canada is preparing to repel an American invasion. Legendary actress and political activist Jane Fonda talks about the oppression she witnessed in the former Soviet Union and warns that President Trump’s authoritarian treatment of the American public will spare no one. To learn more about the Committee for the First Amendment visit https://www.committeeforthefirstamendment.com.

Americans are exhausted by the daily horrors of President Trump’s second term, U.S. consumers would pick up the tab for any new tariffs levied against imports from Europe, and the president indicated he’s no longer interested in peace after losing out on the Nobel Peace Prize.  Vermont’s Senior Senator defines the term “oligarchy” and argues that the United States is already being dominated by billionaires who control the economy, the media and the political system.

If you don't know the story behind her favorite sandwich, or the first concert she attended, do you really know Hollywood icon Sigourney Weaver?

Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Jon Meacham argues that the authors of the Constitution anticipated that authoritarian leaders would one day seek to corrupt the principles on which this country was founded.

Meanwhile... Historians may have found actual DNA from Leonardo da Vinci, Stephen checks in on his fellow Olympic bobsledders, a man was found with over 100 human skulls in his house, a town in Japan appointed a calico cat to run a train terminal, Stephen fearlessly bites into a trending fish-covered donut, Mr. Beast is penniless, a bear broke into a candy store, and Staten Island is back on top!

Incoming Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger talks about what she will do if President Trump threatens to send troops to her state, and argues that the deployment of unaccountable federal agents to our cities undermines the public's trust in law enforcement.

We’re learning more about what it takes to become an ICE officer, Greenland’s diplomatic delegation needed a smoke break after meeting with Vance and Rubio, and the parties at Mar-a-Lago keep getting weirder. Stellan Skarsgård, the patriarch of an internationally renowned acting family, tells Stephen how his children reacted to his Golden Globe-winning performance in the film “Sentimental Value,” which is available to rent or buy now and returns to theaters on January 25th.

Protein is back in vogue after RFK Jr. turned America’s food pyramid upside down, President Trump flipped off auto worker TJ Sabula who called him a “pedophile protector,” and the president promoted his moral compass in a chat with CBS’s Tony Dokoupil. Stephen announces several hot new items available on The Late Show’s charity auction page at http://www.colbertlateshow.com/ebay, then takes a look at how members of Congress are staying busy as our nation falls into fascism. Emmy-winner Paul Giamatti finally realized his decades-long dream to play a Klingon in the “Star Trek” world. He tells Stephen Colbert what to expect from his character in the new series, “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” premiering tomorrow on Paramount+.

The Wall Street Journal called the charges against Fed chief Jerome Powell “lawfare for dummies,” President Trump is surging thousands of additional ICE agents to Minnesota, and Stephen Colbert has an update on the Midwest’s monkey emergency. The pride of Allentown, Amanda Seyfried, stops by to join Stephen Colbert for a look at what’s going on this month in her hometown. Watch her portrayal of the Shaker firebrand in the new film, “The Testament of Ann Lee,” is in theaters now.

Experts warn that interfering with the Federal Reserve could have extremely negative consequences, President Trump is extorting oil companies over his Venezuela plans while continuing to threaten Greenland, and Stephen looks into reports of some monkey mischief in St. Louis. If you don’t know his favorite sandwich, or the first concert he attended, do you really know late night legend Jimmy Kimmel? Get to know the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” when he takes the patented Colbert Questionert!

If you don't know her favorite action movie, or what she thinks happens when we die, do you really know Natalie Portman? Catch Natalie Portman in ARCO in theaters on January 30th.

Science-loving late night host Stephen Colbert brings you the latest science news in his science segment, "The Sound Of Science." Meanwhile... Another celebrity couple hit the skids, people in New Jersey seem really attached to an old walrus penis bone, and the DMV in Illinois is a total buzzkill.

Actor, writer and director Ethan Hawke felt immense pride in the success of his daughter Maya Hawke and the rest of her "Stranger Things" castmates in this podcast exclusive extended interview. Watch Ethan Hawke in his new film, "Blue Moon," in theaters now.

Trump’s propaganda machine wants you to believe the killing of Renee Nicole Good wasn’t a senseless and predictable crime committed by our government, artificial intelligence is creeping into the health care system in dubious ways, and a $5,000 smart toilet that can call for help is the best new gadget of the year. Acclaimed actor Tom Hiddleston talks about the moral fortitude of his character in “The Night Manager,” and the advice he got from author John le Carré upon whose book the series is based. Season two of “The Night Manager” premieres Sunday on Prime Video.

Stephen Colbert and Chris Hayes react to video of the deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis. The Secretary of State says America’s goal is not to invade Greenland but to purchase it from Denmark, President Trump said he will sell 50 million barrels of Venezuela’s oil and that he will determine where the profits go, and the FDA removed its own guidance on how much alcohol is safe to drink on a daily basis.

It’s been five years since Donald Trump’s failed coup at the U.S. Capitol, the assault on Venezuela might be just the beginning of the president’s territorial aggression, and Stephen Colbert’s audience size was three times bigger than Trump’s when hosting The Kennedy Center Honors. Oscar-winner Jodie Foster recalls covering for her “Taxi Driver” costar when Robert De Niro was too nervous to face the press while promoting the film at Cannes. “A Private Life” opens in theaters on January 16th.

President Trump may have decided to snatch Venezuela’s leader after being enraged by Nicholás Maduro’s defiant public dancing, Maduro’s VP is currently running the country, and there’s no question that the U.S. is seeking to control Venezuela’s oil riches. Puck News Washington correspondent Julia Ioffe shares her analysis of how the Russians might react to President Trump’s military actions in Latin America, and rumors of a deal between Putin and Trump over Venezuela.

Actor Jessie Buckley, who plays Shakespeare's wife in the new film, "Hamnet," says the cast enjoyed dancing to Rihanna's "We Found Love" as a way to keep things light on set while performing material that deals with love, loss and grief. In this podcast EXCLUSIVE extended interview, hear Jessie and Stephen's fascinating conversation about using dreams to enhance your acting. "Hamnet" is in theaters now.

Acclaimed actor Daniel Craig climbs up to Stephen's special hillside thinking spot to ponder the mysteries of the universe. Watch Daniel Craig in the new film, "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," available now on Netflix.

We're playing our favorite Stephen-hosted podcasts from 2025 all week long to ring in the New Year! In today's Intro Rewind, hear the moment that went viral when Stephen described Patti Smith's mid-conversation interruption. And later in the extended interview, Patti Smith offers advice to young artists and shares stories from her decades-long career like being photographed by the legendary Robert Mapplethorpe for the cover of her seminal 1975 album, “Horses.” Her new memoir, “Bread of Angels,” is available everywhere now. For a performance by Patti Smith, head to YouTube.com/ColbertLateShow! This podcast was originally released on November 24th, 2025.

A huge Late Show Pod Show highlight from 2025 was when Stephen and Becca were joined by Becca's Aunt Carol, who helped the Late Show Host and sidekick launch a lucrative investigation via speakerphone. Then we revisit the field piece from 2021 when a Late Show producer sent his mom to a sex party to prove to Stephen that they exist. This podcast was originally released on October 9th, 2025.

We're playing some of our favorite Stephen-led podcasts from 2025 to celebrate the New Year! In this Intro Rewind, Stephen plays another round of 'Late Show Vocab' to reveal the deeper meanings of workplace nicknames and lingo before examining some of life's biggest perplexities in a special Keanu edition of 'Big Questions With Even Bigger Stars.' This podcast was originally released on August 21st, 2025.

One of our favorite podcast highlights from 2025 was playing 'Late Show Vocab' with Stephen, in order to showcase the unique etymology of life at The Late Show. And enjoy this truly lovely, EXTENDED conversation with poet, bestselling author, and McArthur Genius Grant recipient Ocean Vuong. His latest book, "The Emperor of Gladness," is available now. This podcast was originally released on August 14th, 2025.

Tonight we're rewinding back to everyone's favorite Late Show Pod Show game, 'Celebrity Boss' - Part One. Originally dropped in April, Stephen answered a variety of questions so we normals could find out more about what life is like for the rich and famous. Find out if stars really are like us, what they shop for on eBay, how it works when a restaurant has a framed photo of a celebrity on the wall, and so on. Then enjoy Stephen's interview from December 2024 with Oscar-winner Adrien Brody!

Acclaimed actress Lesley Manville is taking Broadway by storm in "Oedipus," a 2,500 year-old play that still has the power to surprise people. Tickets for "Oedipus" at Studio 54 are available now.

Meanwhile... Actor Timothée Chalamet refuses to confirm or deny that he's the mysterious rapper known as EsDeeKid, Denny's is making shoes now, Stephen shares the sweet story of a reindeer who was raised alongside a family's dogs, and a Roomba throws itself down the stairs.

If you don't know his favorite sandwich or which animal he fears most, do you really know legendary actor Jeff Bridges?

Find out why Stephen loves December 26th and what makes Americone Dream day at The Late Show the best day of the year for the entire staff & crew. Then hear iconic ice cream makers and humanitarians Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield stop by to celebrate 18 years of delicious partnership with Stephen Colbert and the top-ten Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, Americone Dream!

Merry Christmas from The Late Show Pod Show! Our gift to you is legendary Late Show writer Brian Stack's Colbert Questionert, which he completed in the character (and full-body makeup) of Frankenstein's Monster as a web exclusive this Halloween. Tune in to find out what the necromancer's favorite sandwich is and what he thinks happens when we die.