The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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+. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you don't know his favorite sandwich or which animal he fears most, do you really know legendary actor Jeff Bridges? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen and his podcast producer Becca recall a certain glamorous tradition the staff all got into during 'A' Late Show's COVID days, then Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales-Sussex pops up at The Late Show to ask for Stephen Colbert's help in landing the role of a lifetime in a Hallmark Christmas movie. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the final season of "The Late Show" underway, host Stephen Colbert is auctioning off his wardrobe, props, set pieces and more to raise funds for charity. On this edition of Late Show Home Shopping, "Anaconda" star Paul Rudd stopped by to help Stephen kick off some truly amazing auctions, and to sweeten the deal with a few items of his own. Visit http://colbertlateshow.com/ebay to start bidding today! 100% of the proceeds go to support the work of World Central Kitchen. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stephen's back on the podcast for some very special holiday podcast introductions! Tonight he and his podcast producer Becca are going deep in the vault and tucking our listeners into their cozy beds with these two Bedtime Stories: listen as the incomparable Julie Andrews reads a story by A.A. Milne with Stephen, and Stephen's group chat buddy George Saunders reads an original piece for the Christmas season. George Saunders originally aired December 8th, 2015; Julie Andrews originally aired October 22nd, 2019. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Evie McGee Colbert returns to The Late Show to help her husband Stephen pick out the perfect holiday greeting card for the 2025 season. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mandy Patinkin talks Hannukah, the best advice he's ever gotten, how he met his wife, and more in this EXTENDED interview! Watch part one of "The Artist" now at https://stream.thenetwork.stream and stream part two beginning Christmas Day. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's pointless primetime speech disappointed even his most ardent fans, the DOJ is required by law to release the Epstein Files on Friday, and the Academy Awards will move to YouTube starting in 2029. Emmy-winner Hugh Jackman bonds with Stephen Colbert over their respect for Neil Diamond and his immense catalogue of hits, and says that he hopes the uplifting tone of his new film will hit the right note with audiences during the holiday season. Watch “Song Sung Blue” in theaters on Christmas Day.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All of the major networks agreed to air President Trump's surprise primetime address, the president confused White House partygoers with his telling of the Hanukkah story, the U.S. appears ready to attempt regime change in Venezuela, and New York City is bidding farewell to one of the quirkiest mayors the Big Apple has ever seen.  Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani describes “night thoughts” as pesky worries that plague his mind as he's trying to go to sleep. Watch as he shares a few recent examples with our audience, and watch his “Night Thoughts” stand-up special this Friday on Hulu. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump's Chief of Staff dropped dirt on her boss and his cronies in a series of interviews, the president's new White House ballroom is being built on top of an emergency operations bunker, and the Madagascar hissing cockroach is the spy of the future. The hosts of “Anderson Cooper 360” and “Watch What Happens Live” stop by for their annual Late Show visit ahead of their big New Year's Eve broadcast, which typically results in Anderson Cooper being overserved. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump kicked off his holiday celebrations with a speech about Peruvian vipers and the announcement of his latest building project, Miriam-Webster declared “slop” the word of the year, and Stephen checks in on a hard-partying furry friend. Some actors wait tables while trying to make it in Hollywood. Paul Rudd glazed hams! Listen as the former Sexiest Man Alive shares details about his unusual job, and check out his latest film, “Anaconda,” in theaters Christmas Day.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Best-selling author and co-anchor of CNBC's "Squawk Box," Andrew Ross Sorkin comments on the battle over Warner Bros., the implications for the economy if the AI bubble bursts, and how the affordability gap is impacting the American consumer. "1929" is available everywhere now. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices