The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Meanwhile... A musical about the life of Luigi Mangione is headed to the stage, the release of video game "Grand Theft Auto 6" has been delayed by a year, an escaped tortoise was found one year later, a Roman artifact shaped like a penis was unearthed in England, YouTube star Mr. Beast is collaborating on a novel with writer James Patterson, and it's best not to eat cheese made from dog's milk. 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

Mother's Day expert Evie McGee Colbert joins Stephen in this extended edit of their exchange to review greeting card options for this year's celebration of Mom. 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 new Pope is an American from Chicago, and Melania Trump is M.I.A. so her husband has taken on tasks traditionally managed by the First Lady. For decades, businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates has leveraged his wealth to combat diseases and bring down the world's child mortality rate, telling Stephen that he plans to spend the next 20 years doing what he can to finish the job as critical funding gets slashed by Elon Musk's DOGE. Check out his memoir, “Source Code,” 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

All eyes are on Vatican City as the world's Catholics wait for news from the papal conclave, Stephen imagines a world where the Cardinal of Newark is elected Pope, President Trump selected Rudy Giuliani's son Andrew to manage the 2026 World Cup, and the rollout of America's new ID cards is going anything but smoothly.  When Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski found herself with some rare free time at home, she began digging through her archives for relics like a photo of her with Bruce Springsteen backstage at the Kennedy Center Honors. Watch “Nine Perfect Strangers” starting May 21st 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

America's air traffic control system is in disarray thanks to aging technology and recent DOGE staff cuts, President Trump decided to reopen an abandoned prison after watching the Clint Eastwood film, “Escape From Alcatraz,” and Stephen breaks down what to expect as the College of Cardinals seal themselves inside the Vatican to elect the next Pope. Emmy-winner and bestselling author Rachel Maddow joins Stephen to talk about the first 100 days of President Trump's second term and the demonstrations against his actions that are popping up in all 50 states on a daily basis. Grab her number-one bestselling book, “Prequel,” available now in paperback. 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

America's president doesn't know if he's required to uphold the Constitution, he blames all bad economic results on his predecessor, he wants to reopen the country's most famous prison, and “Star Wars” fans think he is one of the bad guys. Comedian Jim Gaffigan put his five children to work when it was time to create a cover for his latest comedy album. Gaffigan's Fathertime Bourbon is available now and his album, “The Skinny,” is available for pre-order starting today at https://jimgaffigan.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

Comedian and bestselling author Amber Ruffin stops by to tell Stephen how it felt to be uninvited to her hosting gig at the 2025 White House Correspondents Dinner. Watch her new show, “Have I Got News For You,” streaming 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… Filmmaker George Lucas filled in a big gap in Yoda's origin story, we think we know why Shaquille O'Neal ran off the set of a live broadcast, “The White Lotus” star Walton Goggins wants nothing left to the imagination when it comes to his physique, Glen Powell puts the weirdest stuff on his waffles, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry revealed the inspiration behind their nicknames for each other, and scientists say drinking champagne might be good for your heart.   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

Columbia University linguistics professor and bestselling author John McWhorter discusses some of the quirks of the English language and explains why one of Stephen's favorite Southern words will always be considered slang. McWhorter's book “Pronoun Trouble” 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 ousted National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and gave the job to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, officials are hoarding supplies ahead of an expected spike in prices, someone needs to check Attorney General Pam Bondi's math, and Stephen weighs in on a question that is burning up the internet. You've probably seen the steamy photos of superstar actor Walton Goggins in a tiny yellow bathing suit, but did you know he almost got himself arrested that day? The series finale of “The Righteous Gemstones” airs this Sunday on HBO and streaming 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

 Amid alarming signals that the economy is headed into recession, President Trump is trying to pass the buck to his predecessor and refusing to admit his mistake in deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. MSNBC host and former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki points out several ways in which President Trump's actions over his first 100 days are far worse than his first term in the White House. Stick around for more with Jen Psaki and watch her new show, “The Briefing,” when it premieres Tuesday on MSNBC. 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

More Americans would flunk President Trump than give him a passing grade on the first 100 days of his second term, voters in Canada chose a liberal for their next prime minister, more than half of the Philadelphia Eagles chose not to attend a White House ceremony with the president, and many former Pentagon officials are calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign after a series of blunders. And if you don't know his favorite action movie or what he thinks happens when we die, do you really know Will Ferrell? 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 has the lowest approval rating in the history of polling as he exaggerates his dealmaking prowess and Elon Musk's DOGE fails to deliver meaningful cost savings. Elsewhere, Catholics around the world celebrated the life of Pope Francis and are looking ahead to the selection of a new pope. Emmy-winning comedian Wanda Sykes weighs in on the “embarrassing, incompetent, corrupt” Trump administration and offers tips for folks who want to hit the streets and protest the president's policies. Tickets for Wanda's “Please & Thank You” comedy tour 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

Acclaimed actor Joe Manganiello returns to The Late Show to tell Stephen about the delicious true story that inspired his latest film, "Nonnas," and how he works with a NASA scientist to hack his diet and exercise regime in a way that keeps him in outstanding shape at age 48. “Nonnas” premieres May 9th 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

Erin Maguire, comedian and host of "The Dear Pod" podcast, makes her late night television debut with a stand-up set at the Ed Sullivan Theater. Check out Erin's special, "Baseline Presentable," available now at erinmaguire.com. Next up, The Late Show's own Paul Mecurio takes the stage to perform a stand-up comedy set for the crowd at the Ed Sullivan Theater, asking crucial questions like, "what would you talk about at The Last Supper?" For more comedy, go to paulmecurio.com and follow Paul's socials. 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, director and musician Finn Wolfhard tells Stephen what it was like directing himself in the new film, “Hell of a Summer,” and the emotional and exciting year he spent wrapping up the series that made him a household name, “Stranger Things.” “Hell of a Summer” 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

Becca and Stephen play a new game, 'Celebrity Boss,' so that Becca can 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 more. Then enjoy Stephen's interview from this past December 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

When Stephen Colbert isn't hosting the Late Show, he's got a hunk of meat smoking in his Big Green Egg, and he's excited to tell you all about it. Plus, some history on the design of The Late Show set, since comedian Michelle Buteau decided to run upstairs during her most recent visit. Season 2 of the show she created and stars in, "Survival of the Thickest," 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 gives podcast listeners a play-by-play on how wastepaper basketball came to be and launches into his most recent match with New York Knicks captain and all-star point guard Jalen Brunson. Next, inspired by NBA star Ja Morant's incredible dunking skills, Late Show writer Asher Perlman embarked on a six month journey this January to learn to do a double-pump dunk. Finally, some meditations on how steel doorknobs are made - only on The Late Show Pod Show! 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 podcast producer Becca are amped to be back on The Late Show Pod Show while the show's dark this week, and kick things off with a 'Hacks'-filled extra-long extravaganza! Enjoy EXTENDED interviews with star Hannah Einbinder and co-creator, co-showrunner, and co-star Paul W. Downs, only on The Late Show Pod Show, and catch season 4 of 'Hacks' 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

Philanthropist and author Melinda French Gates talks about a chapter from her new book addressing the death of a close friend, who taught her a unique way of thinking about living. Check out the book, “The Next Day: Transitions, Change and Moving Forward.” 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… Teen boys are making a mess at screenings of “A Minecraft Movie,” you won't believe what washed up on New Jersey's beaches, France is getting its own version of the hit CBS comedy, “Ghosts,” a new machine can tell how much fat is in tuna meat, wild salmon exposed to anxiety drugs took more risks, ancient Romans fed tax evaders to leopards, and scientists grew real “chicken” meat in a lab. 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 fabulous Evie McGee Colbert stops by The Late Show to help Stephen select the perfect greeting card for Easter in this podcast-exclusive extended cut! 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

Whoever came up with our Easter traditions must have been really stoned, Italy's new prime minister paid a visit to the White House, scientists may have discovered living organisms on a distant planet, and idiots online are insisting that Gayle King and Katy Perry didn't really go to space. Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock sympathizes with soul-weary Americans who have been through a lot in recent decades, and he condemns the Republican-led Congress for pushing a budget plan that will serve to enrich this country's billionaires. “We're in This Together: Leo's Lunch Box” is available everywhere next Tuesday. 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

Two federal judges blasted the Trump administration for disregarding their orders regarding illegal deportations to El Salvador, the president doubled down on his desire to deport U.S. citizens during an appearance on a Spanish-language news channel, and GOP lawmakers like Sen. Chuck Grassley are struggling to defend the president's policies in front of angry constituents. Sen. Elizabeth Warren introduced a bill that will compel the Senate to affirm or restrict the emergency powers President Trump is using to deport and imprison people without due process. 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

America's constitutional crisis has arrived as President Trump ignores the Supreme Court's order to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador and threatens to begin kidnapping American citizens without due process. Amid this turmoil, Harvard University is refusing to capitulate to the administration's demands. Renowned actor David Oyelowo talks about his experience traveling to Selma, Alabama with Martin Luther King III and others to mark the 60th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement. Oyelowo's latest project is the new series, “Government Cheese,” 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

Vice President J.D. Vance dropped the NCAA football championship trophy at a White House ceremony, CBS News anchor Gayle King kissed the ground after returning from space, President Trump's doctor says golfing is keeping him in good shape, and Sen. Bernie Sanders surprised the crowd at Coachella. Emmy- and Olivier Award-winning actor Sarah Snook tells Stephen how he prepared for the grueling challenge of starring in a one-woman Broadway play where she speaks 60,000 words and embodies 26 different characters. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” is playing now at the Music Box Theatre. 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

"Dying For Sex" star Jenny Slate shares the embarrassing details about what she wrote in her journal the day she met her husband while on a trip in Norway. Watch her new show "Dying For Sex" 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... The New York Mets mascot got into crazy shape in the offseason, New Zealand is home to two of the oldest geckos in the world, and a statue of Molly Malone in Ireland needs protection from grabby tourists. And in The Sound of Science, science lover Stephen Colbert examines the latest scientific developments in his 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

Kids. You would have gotten away with it if not for their meddling. Special thanks to the Mayor of Flavortown, Guy Fieri, for helping Stephen answer these real questions from real kids! If your kid has a question for Stephen Colbert, post it on social media with the hashtag #ColbertKidQuestions. Please include your child's name and age, and you may see your kid featured on a future episode! Visit https://colbertlateshow.com/kidquestions for more information. 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 Michael Lewis offered his perspective this Tuesday, April 8th on the economic chaos sparked by President Trump's tariffs announcements. In his newest book, "Who Is Government?", Michael Lewis writes about the federal workforce and the many benefits America enjoys from the fruits of their labor. The book 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

The president who said his policies would never change changed his tariff policy today, after telling the nation to chill out, but not before China struck back with a threat to deny American filmmakers access to their lucrative market. And between DOGE shutting down Social Security offices and phone lines, and RFK Jr.'s push to discredit vaccines and remove fluoride from drinking water, President Trump's team is destroying America at lightning speed. Emmy-winner Sheryl Lee Ralph joins Stephen to celebrate the upcoming season finale of her hit show “Abbot Elementary,” and reveals what she has planned for her 20th wedding anniversary. Watch the season finale of “Abbot Elementary” next Wednesday 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 tariffs are going to make everything more expensive, including video games, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said any new manufacturing jobs will go to robots, and America's president wants a military parade in Washington, D.C. for his birthday. If you don't know his favorite sandwich, or what he thinks happens when we die, do you really know actor Woody Harrelson? Find out more about the legendary actor in his 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

Americans turned out in all 50 states to protest President Trump's policies, and the stock market meltdown continued on Monday as Trump's tariff regime created panic among investors. And Stephen Colbert's full extended conversation with Senator Cory Booker, who talks about his record-setting speech on the Senate floor, how Americans are pushing back against President Trump's disastrous second-term agenda, and why the country is ready for a new generation of leadership in Washington.  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

Max Thieriot, who is the co-creator, star and executive producer of the hit CBS drama "Fire Country," talks about growing up in Northern California where several of his classmates trained to fight wildfires. "Fire Country" airs Fridays at 9pm on CBS and is streaming 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

Meanwhile... The FDNY's sexy firefighter calendar is returning after a hiatus, metal braces are back in fashion, a man was arrested for allegedly robbing a store using his finger as a fake gun, Dolly Parton's denim line is the hottest new thing in fashion, a couple was busted for doing it in a Florida cemetery, and the longest cat tail in the world measures 18.5 inches. 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

Tony and GRAMMY-winning actor Jonathan Groff talks about going deep into a rabbit hole of Bobby Darin videos on YouTube, which kicked off a seven-year journey that led to Groff portraying Darin in his new Broadway show. "Just In Time" is playing now at the Circle in the Square theater. 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 tariff announcement, which sent stocks into a nosedive and enraged America's allies around the world, mysteriously excluded one major country: Russia. Beloved actor Noah Wyle shares some of the feedback he's received from doctors and nurses after watching his new medical drama, “The Pitt.” Watch new episodes of “The Pitt” every Thursday 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

President Trump announced new tariffs which economists warn could plunge the world into a depression, Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly rejected Elon Musk's preferred candidate for the state's Supreme Court, and Senator Cory Booker spoke for a record-breaking 25 hours on the Senate floor in protest of Trump's actions. Legendary actor Pierce Brosnan tells Stephen about reclaiming his Irish accent for his role in the new gangster drama “MobLand,” which his mother will be watching via her new Paramount+ account. 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 plans to unveil his economy-killing tariffs in a splashy Rose Garden event fit for reality television, and he wants us to believe that climate change is going to be good for the world, while his administration is snatching people off the street and sending them to a prison in El Salvador without due process. Oscar nominee Michelle Williams recites a line from a poem that she keeps close to her heart when she's working, and Stephen Colbert responds in kind with a few lines from one of his favorite works. Watch Michelle Williams in her new show, “Dying For Sex” premiering 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

“Trust in Trump” is the administration's response to concern about the president's tariffs, Donald Trump admitted he is looking at ways to remain in office past the end of his second term, and VP J.D. Vance let loose a curse word upon arriving at a U.S. military base in Greenland. “CBS Evening News” co-anchor Maurice DuBois talks about the guiding principles he and John Dickerson aim to uphold when presenting the news to the American people each night, and goes with Stephen on a walk down memory lane to his facial hair choices in the early 1990s. Watch Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson on “CBS Evening News” weeknights at 6:30pm.  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 what he thinks happens when we die, do you really know acclaimed actor Chris Hemsworth? Learn more about Chris in this episode of The 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