The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Late Show Book Club chats with Samantha Harvey, author of the Booker Prize-winning novel, "Orbital," our June book club pick. Find out which book Harvey would take into space with her, the significance of the International Space Station being deorbited in 2030, and her advice for aspiring writers. 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

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won a stunning victory in New York City's mayoral primary, beating disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo. Elsewhere, corporations are shamefully backing away from their supposed commitments to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. CNN'S Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward joins Stephen remotely from Amman, Jordan to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East including what civilians in Iran and Israel are doing to pick up the pieces after the war between the two countries. 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 expressed frustration over continued fighting between Israel and Iran after he announced a ceasefire deal, new intelligence suggests that America's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities did not achieve its objective, and FEMA is paying to build a new ICE detention facility in the middle of the Florida Everglades. The rumors are true! Actor and 17-time WWE champion John Cena confirms that he will compete in his final wrestling events this year. Watch “Heads of State” on Prime Video beginning July 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

The president announced America's bunker-busting attack on Iran in a strange late night speech, after approving the strike based on “a feeling” over actual intelligence, and regime change in Iran appears to be on the table. And hear Stephen Colbert's extended, uncut interview with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, two of the leading mayoral candidates in the New York City Democratic primary. 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

Democratic Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth argues that the money spent on President Trump's birthday parade could have been put to better use, funding scholarships for military children. 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... A cute baby raccoon was rescued from bad weather in Massachusetts, the hottest new food flavor is dill pickle, and a restaurant on Long Island pardoned a lobster named Lorenzo and set him free. 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

Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost tells Stephen why Governor Ron DeSantis is acting more extreme than ever, and why unlawful ICE detentions are tearing apart families in his 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

The president tried to halt observances of the Juneteenth holiday but Americans celebrated anyway, the FDA is scrapping guidelines on daily alcohol limits, we're in for a very hot weekend across the country, and a special nuke-proof plane was spotted landing in Washington, D.C. as Trump contemplates bombing Iran. Legendary singer and songwriter Paul Simon sits for an extended, wide-ranging interview with Stephen Colbert that touches on the meaning behind the lyrics on his latest album, ‘Seven Psalms,' and stories from his over 50-year career in music. Head to The Late Show's YouTube channel to watch Paul's performance! 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 focused on redecorating the White House while the world waits to know if he will bomb Iran, Israel's prime minister freaked out the president with a blood-soaked gift, and the MAGA world is being torn in half by a fight between war hawks like Ted Cruz and isolationists like Tucker Carlson. Should Americans have to put up with gangs of unaccountable ICE thugs roaming our streets doing whatever they want? And should Defense Secretary Hegseth be forced to answer whether he's given the military orders to fire on American civilians? And “M3GAN 2.0” star Allison Williams treats Stephen to a peek inside her bizarre thought process as a young woman staring out her bedroom window at night. “M3GAN 2.0” hits theaters on 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

President Trump appears ready to officially enter the Israel-Iran war, you can tell the Pentagon is on a war footing because of all the pizza they ordered, Stephen shares a decade-old photo of his writers room on the day Donald Trump came down the golden escalator, and fans of the president's merch have a raft of new collectables to spend their cash on. Acclaimed stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze has been tapped to host the Emmy Awards this year, Sunday, Sept. 14 on CBS, so he now faces a challenge that Stephen Colbert knows all too well: making an awards show fun to watch. “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories From A Simpler Mind” 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

President Trump's birthday parade featured low turnout and squeaky tanks, the champagne was flowing over at Fox News, and over five million Americans hit the streets to protest against the president's despotic behavior. Emmy-winner Mariska Hargitay took advantage of her downtime during the pandemic and emerged with a film that is a thrilling portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, one of the most acclaimed actors and sex symbols of her time. “My Mom Jayne” comes out June 27th on HBO and Max.  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

Writer and director Eva Victor nerds out with Stephen Colbert over their Chicago improv comedy roots, then tells our host how they came to write, direct and star in the critically-acclaimed film, "Sorry, Baby." Watch the film in select theaters June 27th and opening everywhere 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

Meanwhile... America's sweetheart Kristin Chenoweth gave new meaning to the term "fur baby," a hungry elephant gently broke into a grocery store for a snack, and Stephen marvels at the discovery of a 200-year-old condom. And science-lover Stephen Colbert brings you the latest science news in his long-running science-focused segment. 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 Evie Colbert go searching for the perfect Father's Day card. 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 birthday parade may be scuttled by bad weather, fans of democracy are planning “No Kings” marches for this Saturday, a group of drag queens made their presence felt at the Kennedy Center's opening night, and a new tell-all book makes the 1970s-era NPR newsroom sound like quite a party. ohn C. Reilly tells Stephen about the decades-long process of finding love songs and stashing them away for a project that would eventually become his new album, “What's Not to Love?” Watch him perform those love songs live on stage in his new show, “Mr. Romantic,” tickets 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

California Governor Gavin Newsom warned that President Trump plans to send troops to any state he perceives as an enemy, ICE raided a major meatpacking plant in Nebraska, and the president announced he's reversing Congress's decision to remove Confederate names from military forts. Emmy-winner Colman Domingo stops by to catch up about his many projects, including a Nat King Cole biopic, the final season of “Euphoria,” and a new Netflix series called “The Four Seasons” which stars Domingo and counts him as one of the directors. “The Four Seasons” is 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

President Trump claims he's not throwing himself a birthday parade, he sent Marines to Los Angeles in a major escalation of his attack on the city's residents, and taxpayers are already on the hook for $134 million to cover the military deployment. MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace joins Stephen to discuss President Trump's dangerous second term agenda including the administration's current attack on the people of California. New episodes of Nicolle's podcast, “The Best People,” are released every Monday.  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

Los Angeles residents pushed back against President Trump's authoritarian immigration raids this past weekend after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller pushed ICE officials to increase the pace of their deportations. Expect exploration of the spiritual, geographical and medical realms in the new stage show from William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Find tickets to their “Rocking” tour here: https://rockingwithbillandneil.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

Accomplished actor Cristin Milioti bonds with Stephen over their shared love of Joni Mitchell and "Jesus Christ Superstar," and she shares the joy she felt while wearing outrageous costumes for her role in HBO's "The Penguin," a new series that takes place in the "Batman" universe. "The Penguin" is available now on Max. 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... A nun is going viral for her dope beatboxing skills, the Colorado Rockies are making history for the wrong reasons, and a study claims that kissing can spread depression and anxiety. Next, Stephen Colbert dives deep into the manosphere to take a look at some of the man-fluencers who are teaching a new generation of Americans how to be “real” men. 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

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein shares an update on his state's recovery from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, and warns that President Trump's plans to downsize or eliminate FEMA will leave states unable to properly recover after natural disasters. 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 full-scale flame war has broken out between the world's most famous besties causing their former buddy Kanye West to wade into the fray, and an intern is running Homeland Security's terrorism prevention unit. The race to elect New York's next mayor is in full swing and two of the leading candidates are as weird as it gets. GRAMMY, Emmy and Tony-winning actor and singer Cynthia Erivo won't say who she's rooting for this weekend when she hosts The Tony Awards on CBS, but she confirms that she has seen all the nominated shows. Stick around for more with Cynthia Erivo and tune in to The Tony Awards this Sunday on CBS. 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

After he was booted from the White House, Elon Musk called President Trump's budget bill a “disgusting abomination,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene admitted she didn't read the bill before voting for it, and the Trump administration is marking Pride month by curtailing federal protections for LGBTQ+ folks and removing gay icon Harvey Milk's name from a Navy ship. Mark Hamill offers a blow-by-blow account of what happened when his pants fell all the way down while presenting an award on stage at the BAFTAs. “The Life of Chuck” is in select 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

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

Sen. Joni Ernst horrified constituents with a heartless comment about people who will lose Medicaid coverage under the GOP's budget bill, Elon Musk denied reports that he is a heavy user of ketamine and psychedelics, and President Trump reposted a wild conspiracy theory about his predecessor. Six-time Emmy winner and “Hacks” star Jean Smart has three famous faces in mind for cameos on the show's next season. Until then, catch her on Broadway starring in “Call Me Izzy” at Studio 54.  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

Basketball icon and head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team shares what it felt like to see herself depicted in bronze when her adopted home state erected a statue to honor her remarkable career. Her book, "Uncommon Favor," 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

Meanwhile... Gwyneth Paltrow wants people to stop criticizing Goop's vagina-scented candle, Stephen learns about a new rule that helps you declutter your house, and YouTube star Mr. Beast is under fire for inappropriately staging a product release stunt at ancient Mayan ruins. Next, Stephen Colbert loves the sciences, and he wants to tell you all the latest science news in his long-running science segment, "The Sound 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

Every night before taping the show, Stephen takes a handful of questions from the studio audience that we compile and serve to you, the podcast listeners! In this latest edition, Stephen answers questions about the staff bar at the back of the theater, what mundane thing he's an expert in, if he ever misses doing "The Colbert Report," and what the strangest thing he's experienced in NYC has been. 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 is on the podcast again talking about his relationship to journaling, and one very special journal he keeps around at all times. All this and more for a very special introduction to his interview with friend of the show and bestselling author Suleika Jaouad! In this extended interview for The Late Show Pod Show, Suleika talks about the importance of connecting with one's creativity, and why she's flipping her doctor's advice on its head as she battles cancer for a third time. Her latest work, "The Book of Alchemy," is out now (originally aired May 5th, 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

Stephen Colbert and his podcast sidekick talk at length about the history and span of Broadway (the street) before launching into Stephen's interview with Broadway star and comedian Cole Escola! Cole reveals what they hope to do next after the incredible success of "Oh, Mary!" on Broadway and challenges Stephen to a straight-off during their Late Show debut. Go see Tony-nominated "Oh, Mary!" at the Lyceum Theatre, tickets are available at ohmaryplay.com (originally aired April 28th, 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

Stephen discusses his love for the popular sciences in this exclusive podcast introduction to the extended cut of his interview with physicist and television host Professor Brian Cox. Hear them talk about the probability of intelligent life on distant planets and put the uniqueness of our human existence into mathematical perspective. 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 this week with exclusive introductions to memorable Late Show moments, and he's kicking things off with comedy legend Don Novello, who recently reprised his iconic role as Father Guido Sarducci and took Colbert deep into the intrigue surrounding the Vatican conclave while the world's Catholics were waiting to learn who would be the next Pope (originally aired May 6th, 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

Accomplished actor Bradley Whitford shares a harrowing story of how he successfully navigated a nude scene in an off-Broadway play while battling an upset stomach. The final season of "The Handmaid's Tale" 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... we're going to ignore a study that argues ice cream is dangerous for your gut health, "Mission: Impossible" star Tom Cruise wants to make movies into his 100s, people are signing up for a clothing-optional race in South Carolina, an airline passenger gave birth mid-flight, scientists believe they've figured out the origin of the echidna, and AI might soon be able to translate animal sounds into human language. 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 reviews are in and it sounds like actress Meghann Fahy's birthday party was a hell of a good time. Her latest project, "Sirens," premieres Thursday 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

Americans are planning to hit the road in record numbers this holiday weekend, President Trump is escalating his war on “woke” arts programming at The Kennedy Center, Vice President Vance discussed online dating with Pope Leo XIV for some reason, and the new interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro is already making awkward water cooler conversation. Emmy-winner Paul Giamatti stars in an episode of “Black Mirror” that centers around a technology that lets users enter and interact with their memories. 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 economy is headed down the golden toilet, Americans are horny for a good deal, DHS head Kristi Noem knows nothing about our constitutional rights, and Knicks fans need to be on high alert for fake playoffs tickets. Oscar-winner Natalie Portman moved to Paris but she's still far too American to measure things in meters and celsius. Watch "Fountain Of Youth” on AppleTV+ starting May 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

Speaker Mike Johnson is ramming the GOP's cruel budget bill through the House despite disagreements over how deeply to cut Medicaid, President Trump initially wanted to lease Qatar's “palace in the sky” jumbo jet, and Stephen offers to help settle the president's lawsuit against CBS and Paramount. Author and former FBI Director James Comey explains why his former job comes with a ten year term and why he wishes Director Wray had stood up to President Trump instead of resigning early under pressure. Check out his crime novel, “FDR Drive,” 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

WalMart is passing the cost of President Trump's tariffs along to consumers, the president lashed out at celebrities for not supporting him, and “Sesame Street” will now be produced by Netflix. Oscar-winner Angela Bassett raves about some of the fresh new faces in the cast of “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning,” including her new bestie Hannah Waddingham. The film opens 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

The star of CBS's "Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage," Emily Osment, is an adventure seeker who once pack-rafted for hundreds of miles with legendary actress Demi Moore as a way to raise awareness for river conservation. 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

Comedic icon Paula Poundstone, host of the "Nobody Listens To Paula Poundstone" podcast, performs stand-up for the lucky crowd at the Ed Sullivan Theater. You can see Paula on tour now, tickets and more tour dates are available at paulapoundstone.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

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the sophomore Democratic Congresswoman from Texas, reacts to the Trump administration's threat to arrest congresspeople and indicates she and her colleagues are up for the fight. 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