The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich argues that reversing the Citizens United decision is key to reclaiming America's democracy, and that a new progressive era would follow as a result. He also comments on the societal factors that may have opened a path to the presidency for Donald Trump, and argues that America veered off the path of progress in the 1980s. Reich's book, "Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America," is 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

Science-loving late night host Stephen Colbert brings you all the latest scientific developments from the world of science. 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 Fred Armisen wanted to honor the tradition of the role of Uncle Fester by including references to others, like Christopher Lloyd, who played the iconic character in the past. Season two of "Wednesday" is streaming 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

Donald Trump's new global tariffs kicked in at midnight, the president made note of The Late Show's ratings in an Oval Office presser, and JD Vance is a spoiled baby emperor. California Senator Alex Padilla talks about the legislative paths Congress can pursue to reform America's immigration system without the cruelty employed by President Trump. 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 Administration officials are gathering to create a strategy for putting the Jeffrey Epstein scandal to rest, ICE is relaxing its recruiting standards, RFK Jr. is cutting funding for mRNA vaccine research, and the president wants to eliminate two satellites responsible for measuring carbon dioxide emissions. Actor Josh Brolin gives a sneak peek at the character he plays in the upcoming “Knives Out” sequel. Brolin's latest film, “Weapons,” is in theaters this Friday. 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 appeared on the White House roof today for some reason, a new poll found everyone in the his administration is deeply unpopular, people are speculating about the reason for Ghislaine Maxwell's transfer to a prison known as “Club Fed,” and voters are letting GOP lawmakers know they're unhappy about the Big Beautiful Bill. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker promises to protect the Texas Democrats who fled their state to prevent GOP lawmakers from enacting a gerrymandered redistricting plan. 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 Smithsonian removed Donald Trump from an exhibit on presidential impeachments at the American History Museum, the president says we shouldn't trust the government's own economic data, planning is underway for a giant golden ballroom to be constructed at the White House, and HBO Max streamed “The Golden Age” in Spanish to all viewers last night. Three-time Emmy-winner Julia Garner brings Stephen a video message from her “Weapons” co-star Josh Brolin, and warns that the film gets pretty spooky at times. “Weapons” is in theaters Friday.  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

Dr. Francis Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, talks about the devastating consequences of President Trump's attack on America's scientists and why many are now taking their work overseas. Dr. Collins's new book, “The Road to Wisdom,” is out now. Originally aired July 16th, 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

Meanwhile… An orgy in the U.K. was so loud it upset the neighbors, scientists recommend people get 7,000 steps per day to stay healthy, Jennifer Lopez released a sexy new song celebrating her birthday, and singer Harry Styles has his own line of sex toys.  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

In this extended interview with Stephen Colbert, Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin talks about the politicization of intelligence under President Trump, warns that Democrats need to stop being polite and embrace “alpha energy,” and argues that Israel's war on Gaza is not helping the long-term cause of the Jewish state. 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 tariffs are set to kick in on August 1st, school kids will soon be required to pass a new Presidential Fitness Test, the musical tastes of some well-known people were leaked after a Spotify hack, and disgraced lawyer Alan Dershowitz was denied service by a pierogi vendor on Martha's Vineyard. In this extended conversation with Stephen Colbert, former Vice President Kamala Harris explains why she opted not to run for governor of California and argues that anyone capitulating to President Trump is “completely naive” about the consequences. Her new book, “107 Days,” will be available starting September 23rd.  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 EPA is seeking to scrap limits on greenhouse gas emissions, America's fertility rate hit an all-time low, and the president's son weighed in on the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle eugenics controversy. Legendary actor Liam Neeson reveals that he and Pamela Anderson take part in a threesome in “The Naked Gun,” which marked Neeson's first time working with an intimacy coordinator on set. “The Naked Gun” is in theaters this Friday. 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 Jamie Lee Curtis get caught in a "Freaky Tuesday." Republicans want to put President Trump's name on The Kennedy Center, American taxpayers can send the government extra money via Venmo, Trump is suing the owner of The Wall Street Journal over stories linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, and the president's latest executive order makes it legal to preach religion to your coworkers at a government office. Oscar and Emmy-winner Jamie Lee Curtis makes her first visit to The Late Show and spills the beans about Stephen Colbert's budding bromance with her husband, Christopher Guest. Watch her in the new film, “Freakier Friday,” opening in theaters August 8th. 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

Scotland welcomed President Trump with protests and questions about Jeffrey Epstein, speculation is raging about what was said at a meeting between the president's lawyer and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, FCC chairman Brendan Carr approved the merger between Paramount and Skydance, and the president is threatening to revoke the broadcast licenses of ABC and NBC.  Podcast kingpins Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang tell Stephen what to watch out for when they kick off their new awards show, “The Las Culturistas Culture Awards.” Watch it August 5th on Bravo or stream it the next day on Peacock. 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 and director Molly Gordon reveals the sordid details of her summers at theater camp and talks about directing the new comedy, “Oh, Hi!,” which 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

Meanwhile... Moms are selling breast milk to bodybuilders, and actress Emma Watson got caught speeding. 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

Stand up comedian, author and actress Leanne Morgan has some advice for people seeking the long-lasting marriage. Her show "Leanne" premieres on Netflix on July 31st. 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 denied that the Attorney General told him his name is in the Jeffrey Epstein files, the GOP-led House voted to subpoena the files, the Justice Department met with imprisoned Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell today, and the government is promising not to regulate the artificial intelligence industry. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro talks about the arson attack against his family's residence, and what he learned about the power of prayer. 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 getting hot under another heat dome, Pat Bondi said Trump's name was in the Epstein files back in May, and Trump gloats over his latest media settlement. Next, the thing you have to know about the second act, dear podcast listeners, is that Stephen Colbert and Steve Buscemi are inside a hot air balloon gondola. 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 is doing everything he can to distract the world from his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein, including launching attacks on former president Barack Obama.  “There's nothing better than being yourself” says global music superstar Bad Bunny, telling Stephen Colbert that Benito and Bad Bunny are ultimately the same person and that having a perfect day is possible in Puerto Rico. Watch him in “Happy Gilmore 2” opening in theaters on July 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

 For the next ten months Stephen Colbert can finally speak unvarnished truth to power, including in response to the president's post celebrating The Late Show's cancellation, and about the creepy birthday letter Donald Trump sent to his good pal Jeffrey Epstein. Emmy-winner Sandra Oh shares how thrilled she is to be working alongside the talented cast of Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” as they prepare for opening night in Central Park. 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

Actress and playwright Liza Colón-Zayas, who recently took home an Emmy Award for her performance in the hit series “The Bear,” entertains Stephen with stories from behind the scenes of her award-winning night. Season four of “The Bear” is streaming now 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

Meanwhile… Japanese researchers downloaded all of Netflix in just one second, a man was caught smuggling spiders, African chimpanzees are sporting a new fashion trend this season, and Stephen reports on one of the most Florida-coded stories of all time. 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

Comedian and actor Meg Stalter gives a preview of what to expect from her new series, “Too Much,” which is streaming 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

Stephen Colbert tells his audience that the next season of “The Late Show” will be the last, and that the series will end in May 2026. A heat wave is baking most of the continental U.S., President Trump has a mysterious wound on his hand, and the MAGA world is not ready to forget about Jeffrey Epstein's client list despite the president's effort to distract them with a big announcement about Coca-Cola. California Senator Adam Schiff discusses his tumultuous relationship with President Trump and offers some choice words to describe how he feels about being the target of the president's attacks. 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 lashed out at supporters who want him to release Jeffrey Epstein's client list, Stephen digs deeper into the mystery surrounding Epstein's death, and the president continues telling a weird lie about his uncle John Trump and Ted Kaczynski.  If you don't know his favorite smell, or whether he prefers cats or dogs, do you really know Owen Wilson? Listen to Owen Wilson's thrilling Colbert Questionert and check out his performance in “Stick,” streaming now on AppleTV+. 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

Stephen returned from vacation to learn that Paramount settled President Trump's nuisance lawsuit for $16 million, MAGA is in full revolt against the Trump administration over their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the president managed to make the FIFA Club World Cup trophy presentation all about himself. Already a huge star in the worlds of sports and media, Stephen A. Smith reveals why he's giving serious thought to a run for political office in 2028. Stay tuned for two new shows from Stephen A. Smith premiering on SiriusXM on September 2nd. 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

Every night before taping The Late Show, our host answers a handful of questions from the studio audience. In this podcast exclusive compilation, hear Stephen give advice to an aspiring SNL cast member, regale the crowd with stories from a recent trip to Ireland, and give an earnest answer as to what inspires him to do his show day after 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

Meanwhile... Everyone's favorite Late Show segment is a hit in Finland. (Originally aired December 2024) 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

Beloved actor Michael C. Hall tells Stephen how his iconic character Dexter came back to life for a new series, even though everyone definitely saw him die in the finale of the original series. Watch "Dexter: Resurrection" on Paramount+ with Showtime beginning July 11th. 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 hopes his latest interview with New Zealand's biggest pop star makes up for his prankish antics he pulled the last time he was on her side of the globe. GRAMMY-winner Lorde tells Stephen about her new album, her upcoming "Ultrasound" world tour, and a special type of therapy that helped her conquer the stage fright that had plagued her since childhood in this podcast exclusive extended interview. Lorde's new album, "Virgin," is 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

Stephen loves 'Andor' and keeping his famous friends listed as secret nicknames on his phone, and Peabody-winning writer and director Tony Gilroy says his show is accessible to everyone, whether or not they are a "Star Wars" fan. "Andor" is streaming now on Disney+. 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

Colbert jumps on the podcast to play another round of "Celebrity Boss" and reveals what life is really like in the limelight. And verified celebrity and Academy Award winner Julia Roberts returns to The Late Show to tell Stephen about playing Martha Mitchell in the Starz series, “Gaslit,” which takes place in the Watergate era. Julia Roberts' interview originally aired April 18th, 2022. 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 talks about traveling across the pond to sit down with Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden, Jonathan Pryce and Kristin Scott Thomas to discuss their critically-acclaimed series, "Slow Horses." Season five of "Slow Horses" premieres September 24th on AppleTV+. 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 Damson Idris tells Stephen about working opposite Brad Pitt and what happened when he had to yell angrily into the Oscar-winner's face. "F1: The Movie" opens in theaters on Friday, June 27th. 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

Every night before the show, our host takes a few questions from the audience. In this podcast-exclusive round up, Stephen talks candidly about his writing process, favorite NYC pizza, and tells the story of when he realized he had reached the perfect level of fame. This compilation of Audience Questions previously ran in December 2023. 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

In honor of the fourth season of "The Bear," enjoy these interviews with Emmy-winning stars Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach! Actor and comedian Ayo Edebiri described the wild ride she's been on since “The Bear” became a massive hit, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach told Stephen about the careful consideration that went into his portrayal of Cousin Richie on “The Bear.” Ayo originally aired on January 4th, 2023; Ebon originally aired January 9th, 2024. 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

Various interpretations of what qualifies as 'sandwich' are accepted in The Questionert, but not all answers are scored equally by our host. Hear what Stephen had to say about Ryan Gosling's round in the hot seat in this exclusive podcast introduction to a family favorite: The Colbert Questionert. (Gosling originally aired May 9th, 2024). 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 gets to talk to the most powerful people in the country as host of The Late Show, among other Meat Lover's perks. Then, the 39th President of the United States and 'Faith' author Jimmy Carter told Stephen he prays for Donald Trump. Whether those prayers are being answered is another question (Original Air Date: March 30th, 2018). 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 covers the origin of The Late Show Sea Captains softball team and tells the story of The Late Show's first trial episode in Monroe, Michigan in this podcast exclusive introduction to John Cena's Community Calendar! 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

GRAMMY, Emmy and Tony-winning superstar Cyndi Lauper gifted Stephen a pink wig and invites the world to come see the combination of art and music that is going to make her farewell tour the best show she's ever put on. Grab tickets for the final leg of the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" Farewell Tour on her website! 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