The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

That's it for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, everybody! When you're done listening to the final Pod Show, make sure you feast your eyes on the series finale on a TV screen (with good speakers - trust us!)

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

The new Trump Mobile phone has arrived, rotisserie chickens now fly for free, and Stephen presents World Central Kitchen’s Chef José Andrés with a check for $2,497,404.15 representing generous donations from fans of The Late Show. With the end of The Late Show quickly approaching, it's finally time to get to know our Emmy-winning late night star on a deeper level with help from special guest questioners John Dickerson, Billy Crystal, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Josh Brolin , Martha Stewart, Mark Hamill, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Daniels, Tiffany Haddish, Evie McGee Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Ben Stiller, Aubrey Plaza, James Taylor, and Robert De Niro.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

Donald Trump created a government slush fund for payouts to people like convicted January 6 rioters, the president decided not to resume attacking Iran, and construction is underway at the new White House ballroom. Comedy legend Jon Stewart tells Stephen there’s a great life on the other side of a cancelled TV show, and that one day Americans will cheer as Donald Trump’s time in office comes to a close.  Oscar-winner Steven Spielberg shares a clip from his latest film, where contact with alien life causes unexpected powers to emerge in the film’s main characters.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

Stephen Colbert presents a special episode dedicated to all the pieces he cut over the years, including a trip to Chicago and some truly outlandish bits by Late Show writers that never made it to air - UNTIL NOW! Be sure to check out the full extended version with 'Graphics Graveyard' on YouTube after you hear the podcast!

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

If you've already heard this final lightning round of 'Late Show Vocab,' then please do enjoy these jokes a second time. We find that comedy gets so much fresher when you know what's coming! Stephen and Becca spent their last podcast-booth moments together talking about the whole Late Show staff & crew and what has made working with everyone so magical over the years. It's all leading up to an instant staff favorite: Rescue Staff Rescue! Stephen reveals some of the insane, humiliating and wonderful things his employees have done in service of late night television. This podcast originally aired April 30th, 2026.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

In another look back at our favorite 'Late Show Vocab' segments, Stephen and Becca are joined by Becca's Aunt Carol via speakerphone to track down the original owner of a piece of Colbert History. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2026

With less than a week left until The Late Show goes off the air, we're remembering all of our favorite 'Late Show Vocab' moments from the 'Stephen Presents' series to celebrate the unique office culture that Colbert's staff & crew have built together! Enjoy this extra long, extra exclusive Pod Show introduction where Stephen Colbert and his producer Becca talk about carousels, The Knack, reading from a prompter, what it's like being interviewed by Terry Gross, and more behind-the-scenes thoughts and feelings that you won't hear Stephen talk about anywhere else! Then enjoy this beautiful, extended interview with radio icon Terry Gross, featuring stories from early in her life and career that we didn't have time to air on TV. This podcast introduction was recorded and released in February 2026. Terry Gross's interview originally aired January 8th, 2026.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

The Chinese and American presidents shared an uncomfortably long handshake, Trump told his one billionth lie, Fox News star Bret Baier reported on the future of fast food, and the Iran war is causing major problems in the world of potato chips. “I have every right to be pissed off,” says legendary “Late Show” host David Letterman upon his return to the Ed Sullivan Theater. Make sure you check out the Late Show's YouTube page for the rest of David Letterman's iconic visit to The Ed Sullivan Theater... roof!

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

President Trump brought men like Elon Musk and Brett Ratner along on his trip to China, the Pentagon wants to restart the clock on the costly Iran war by changing the name, and the president’s poll numbers have never been lower as many Americans feel the country is spiraling out of control. Then President Barack Obama takes The Colbert Questionert! And Tom Hanks joins Stephen Colbert for a wide-ranging chat about dairy alternatives, SCUBA diving during the making of "Splash," and his father's experiences in World War II. Watch "World War II with Tom Hanks" starting May 25th on The History Channel.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

President Trump’s trip to China kicked off as Americans are suffering from high prices at home, the president went on an epic late night social media blitz, and RFK Jr. says the public need not worry about the Hantavirus outbreak. Stephen Colbert’s extended interview with Julia Louis-Dreyfus has it all: a casual kiss between two friends, useful advice for a guy who is prepping for his series finale, and a personalized late night tribute cooked up by the writers of “Veep.” Enjoy the moments that didn’t make it to air, then catch Julia Louis-Dreyfus in the new film, “The Sheep Detectives,” in theaters now. And acclaimed actor Pedro Pascal gets chummy with Stephen Colbert and offers hints about what to expect from his character in the new film, “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” where he stars opposite one of his childhood idols, Sigourney Weaver.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

President Trump says his plan to defeat Iran is very simple, the president seemingly failed to wish the First Lady a happy Mother’s Day, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has returned to his reality television roots, and the government released files related to UFO sightings. Stephen Colbert reunites with his Strike Force Five podcast co-hosts for a rowdy group interview that went far too long for one broadcast episode. Catch the entire segment here then keep an eye out for a special emergency episode of the Strike Force Five podcast dropping soon wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver! 

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

We're wrapping up The Late Show Pod Show with the best of "Late Show Vocab," a game where Stephen reveals the origin stories of slang terms and shorthand only his staff knows! In the first round, Stephen sheds light on "Brap It On The Poof," "Dollar Signs," and "sack, sack, sack, sack, saaack!" Then enjoy this lovely EXTENDED conversation with poet, bestselling author, and McArthur Genius Grant recipient Ocean Vuong. This podcast was originally released on August 14th, 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

With The Late Show wrapping up this month, The Pod Show is looking back at some of our favorite moments from Stephen's many exclusive podcast visits from the 'Stephen Presents' series. We wanted to bring back our host's charming tale of a special journal from this introduction to an extended interview with the journaling queen herself, Suleika Jaouad, who 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. This podcast and extended interview originally aired in May 2025.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2026

With The Late Show coming to an end, The Late Show Pod Show is running back some of our favorite segments from the 'Stephen Presents' series: where Colbert sits down to tell exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and sometimes exchange recipes with podcast producer Becca. In tonight's Top of The Tops, they talk office baked goods and whose cookies from staff made it into the Colbert's family cookbook: 'Does This Taste Funny?' Then enjoy another Late Show Pod Show specialty: Audience Questions! Stephen's introduction was previously recorded for a podcast released on April 24th, 2024.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2026

Americans are feeling economic pain as a result of Trump’s war against Iran, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Marco Rubio to the Vatican with a song, and Stephen consults an expert in online age verification.  Stephen challenges his good friend John Krasinski to a leg wrestling match, possibly related to the shots of bourbon the duo downed during their interview. “Jack Ryan: Ghost War” premieres May 20th on Prime Video. 

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

America’s most confusing war might be coming to an end, crews are painting the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, President Trump pressured the FDA to approve fruity vape flavors, and there’s a new scandal surrounding the suppression of government-funded vaccine studies. Stephen’s fabulous wife Evie McGee joins him to help The Late Show audience select the perfect Mother’s Day card for 2026. Oscar-winner Sally Field tells Stephen Colbert that she resisted months of efforts by Robin Williams to make her laugh on set, but one fart noise from Pierce Brosnan made her totally fall apart. Watch “Remarkably Bright Creatures” on Netflix this Friday.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

President Trump hosted children at the White House to mark the return of the Presidential Fitness Test, Pete Hegseth explained the military’s plan to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the war against Iran is hurting American businesses of all sizes, and Stephen reacts to the red carpet looks at this year’s Met Gala. And Colbert travels to Chicago to interview former President Barack Obama at the newly-completed Obama Presidential Center, where they discuss the president’s love for Chicago, his long-term hopes for his legacy, and which presidential powers are ripe for abuse. Grab tickets to the Museum at the Obama Presidential Center starting May 6th at www.obama.org/visit/museum-tickets.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

A new “Star Wars” film is on the way and the merchandising has begun, President Trump rejected Iran’s latest offer to end the war, and beloved brands Ask Jeeves and Spirit Airlines are no more. Oscar-winning producer, writer and director Christopher Nolan sits for an EXTENDED conversation with Stephen Colbert about the upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” starring Matt Damon alongside Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson. And 19-time GRAMMY-winning Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Grohl tells Stephen that all he wanted to do was disappear after Nirvana ended, but the universe sent him a sign that he should keep making music. Over three decades later, Grohl’s daughter is releasing her debut album and Foo Fighters are releasing their 12th.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

May the 4th be with you as you get to know Hollywood legend Mark Hamill on a deeper level in this special edition of The Colbert Questionert!

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

Emmy- and GRAMMY-winning comedian Patton Oswalt reveals why his name is mentioned by Jeffrey Epstein in an email that is part of the latest batch of files released by the Department of Justice. "Tea & Scotch" premieres on YouTube on June 9th.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2026

Beloved actor and director Andy Serkis recalls reading the novel "Animal Farm" as a young adult and immediately being inspired to adapt it into a motion picture. A few decades later, his dream is a reality and "Animal Farm" the film is in theaters now!

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2026

Stephen and Becca spend their final Pod Show moments together talking about the whole Late Show staff & crew and what has made working with everyone so magical over the years. It's all leading up to an instant staff favorite: Rescue Staff Rescue! Stephen reveals some of the insane, humiliating and wonderful things his employees have done in service of late night television. If you've already seen this segment, please do enjoy these jokes a second time. We find that comedy gets so much fresher when you know what's coming! And from everyone here at The Late Show Pod Show: thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

As The Late Show comes to an end, Stephen's getting by with a little help from his rock star friends. 12-time GRAMMY winner Jack White sits down for an extended interview that touches on Jack’s early days playing music in school, memories of goofing around with his mom, and how music may change in the age of artificial intelligence. On the next extended interview, award-winning creative types Nick Offerman and Jeff Tweedy share tales from their very real friendship, and evaluate whether to admit Stephen Colbert into their clique.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

There's still a few weeks left for Stephen to take The Colbert Questionert like he's promised, but until then, he's agreed to answer the four *retired* questions from early in the segment's run EXCLUSIVELY on the podcast! Because if you don't know what the most used app on his phone is or whether he prefers flat or sparkling, do you really know Stephen Colbert? Then enjoy friend-of-the-show's Jon Stewart's iconic Questionert from 2021!

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

To kick off the last batch of 'Stephen Presents' podcasts, Colbert and his producer Becca go all the way back to Episode 1 of The Late Show to talk about Stephen's first interview on the Ed Sullivan Theater stage and how the show almost didn't air that night! Stay tuned all week for more exclusive stories straight from our host, only on The Late Show Pod Show.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

Award-winning actor, writer and standup comedian Ramy Youssef returns to The Late Show, where he made his first televised standup comedy appearance, and catches up with Stephen about their incredible trip to the Vatican. “Ramy Youssef: In Love” is now streaming on HBO Max.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

Meanwhile... Eating more plants is linked to a lower risk of dementia, Stephen has nothing in common with people who like to run on vacation, and New York City says it's now safe to eat fish caught in the Hudson River.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2026

If you don't know who performed at his first concert, or which animal he fears most, do you really know music legend Paul Simon?

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2026

President Trump is planning to attack the press at the White House Correspondents’ dinner, there are currently no negotiations going on between the U.S. and Iran, the government might rescue struggling budget airline Spirit, and RFK Jr.’s congressional testimony was hard to listen to. The senior Senator from Massachusetts tells Stephen that she doesn’t trust President Trump’s Federal Reserve Chairman pick to remain independent of influence from the White House in this extended interview with Sen. Elizabeth Warren!

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

President Trump lashed out after Iran boasted that America is “the losing side” in the war, the war is causing price hikes in everyday goods like condoms, Finnish pilots are so immature, and FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking on the job. Stephen Colbert is joined by his longtime friend and “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart to announce a HUGE drop of memorabilia for The Late Show’s charity auction. Visit http://colbertlateshow.com/ebay to bid on these one-of-a-kind items and grab a “The Last Show” t-shirt while you’re at it! All profits go directly to World Central Kitchen. Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg returns to The Late Show to share what he’s been doing to help Democratic candidates across the country, and to issue a warning to his party ahead of the midterm elections.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Stephen fixed Red Lobster’s new “Endless Shrimp” commercial, President Trump claimed he would have won the Vietnam war “very quickly,” and Spirit airlines could go out of business as the war against Iran roils the global energy supply. “This war did not have to be fought" says former Secretary of State John Kerry, who offers his expert perspective on Iran’s nuclear program and the goals President Trump’s team should pursue as they negotiate to end the war. Best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest book, “Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter,” is intended as an instruction manual to prepare Earth’s residents for contact with life from outer space. The book is available starting May 12th, find more information at https://neildegrassetyson.com/books/2026-05-take-me-to-your-leader.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

Pope Leo XIV would make a great hang on April 20th, people are concerned about President Trump after he made several depressing social media posts, and FBI Director Kash Patel is fighting back against reporting that he is getting drunk on the job. Acclaimed actor Don Cheadle says he prefers not to know when famous faces are going to be in the audience at his Broadway show. “Proof” is at the Booth Theater through July 19th, find tickets at proofbroadway.com. Jake Tapper reacts to President Trump’s complaint that CNN and other news organizations aren’t praising his negotiating prowess during the war against Iran, and presents Lord Of The Rings superfan Stephen Colbert with a painting of our host as Gollum to celebrate their many years of friendship. “The Lead with Jake Tapper” airs weeknights on CNN. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

Comedian Josh Johnson is one of the hosts of "The Daily Show," where he takes great care not to break anything during his weeks behind the desk. His new comedy special, "Symphony," is out May 22nd on HBO.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

Comedy legend Rachel Dratch joins Stephen Colbert on The Late Show's Women's Hotline to take calls from real women with real issues that need fixing.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2026

Beloved Food Network star and bestselling author Ina Garten is known for giving home cooks permission to serve store-bought ingredients, but she draws the line at lime juice from a squeeze bottle. Ina Garten's next cookbook, "simply ina," is coming soon and her memoir, "Be Ready When The Luck Happens," is available now in paperback.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

The Trump administration is waging a war of words against Pope Leo XIV, Pete Hegseth read a prayer from the book of Tarantino, and a sneaker brand is reinventing itself as an artificial intelligence company. Emmy-winner and 22-time guest at The Late Show, Anderson Cooper, tries to make sense of the infamous image that President Trump insists depicts him as a doctor. “Anderson Cooper 360” airs weeknights on CNN. 

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

The war against Iran is making America’s affordability crisis worse, Stephen imagines a future beyond President Trump, and VP Vance sounds ridiculous criticizing the Pope. Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway was thrilled to reunite with the “supergroup” of elite actors who are her co-stars in “The Devil Wears Prada” films, including Stanley Tucci who clearly owes her a meal.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

Some of his most ardent supporters are concerned that President Trump may be the Antichrist, a top official at FEMA might have a substance abuse problem, and Stephen uses The Get It On Cam to encourage Americans to raise the fertility rate. Billy Crystal announces his upcoming return to Broadway in a one-man show he wrote amid the chaos of the devastating 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, which took the house his family had called home for over 40 years. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

Laura Benanti guest stars as America’s first lady, and addresses last week’s bizarre press conference about her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Vice President Vance returned empty-handed from negotiations with Iran, President Trump is no closer to achieving his war goals, and the president deleted an AI-generated image of himself that many found blasphemous. A nice woman in a “DoorDash Grandma” t-shirt got a front row seat to Donald Trump’s chaotic relationship with the press when the president asked her to stick around for a news conference following her appearance in the Oval Office. Emmy-winner Maya Rudolph is making her Broadway debut in a show she calls “goofy and weird and bitchy and ridiculous and over-the-top.” Catch her in “Oh, Mary!” starting April 28th, tickets are available now at https://www.ohmaryplay.com. 

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

If you don't know his favorite sandwich, do you really know the hilarious Jim Gaffigan? Find out when he takes the patented Colbert Questionert!

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

Meanwhile… Washington, D.C. is battling a rat infestation, AI guru Sam Altman says it’ll take another year before his chatbot can start a timer, and scientists are warning people not to try a trending home remedy for hemorrhoids. And American television host Stephen Colbert checks in on the rest of the world in his long-running international news segment, "What's Going On Over There?"

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2026

Comedian Pete Holmes says being 47 years old isn't so bad when you are the father of a youngster who loves to be pushed on the playground swings. Pete's new comedy special, "Silly Silly Fun Boy," is available now on the 800 Pound Gorilla streaming service and YouTube. His first book for children, "Spells To Cast On Your Parents," is available for pre-order now. Originally aired March 11, 2026.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

GRAMMY-winning singer and songwriter Brandi Carlile says the best part of her job is documenting the phases of her personal life and connecting with other people through the songs she creates. In this EXTENDED interview, Brand and Stephen talk more about why she traveled to Minnesota to show solidarity with a community that was being brutalized by the federal government. Check out Brandi Carlile's performance on The Late Show on our YouTube page, and grab tickets to “The Human Tour” at https://www.brandicarlile.com.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

No one seems to know if the war against Iran is over, we’re learning more about how Israel’s prime minister convinced President Trump to launch the war, and JD Vance brought his trademark charisma to a rally for Hungarian strongman Viktor Orbán. Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston doggedly pursued the creator of “Malcolm In The Middle” about reuniting the cast, even though his character Hal was routinely subjected to physical stunts like having his body covered in bees. Watch “Malcolm In The Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” this Friday on Hulu.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission completed their historic journey around the moon, President Trump threatened to destroy an entire civilization, and a top official at FEMA has a wild story about teleporting to a Waffle House. As a teenage girl, Oprah Winfrey prayed every day that Paul McCartney would come sweep her off her feet. Little did she know that she would one day stand shoulder to shoulder with the Beatle as their careers were celebrated at the Kennedy Center Honors. Catch new episodes of “The Oprah Podcast” every Tuesday.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

President Trump boasted about plans to blow up civilian infrastructure in Iran, children attending a White House Easter event got an earful from the president, and the Artemis II crew has flown farther than any human has gone before. Iconic actor Keanu Reeves stops by to chat about his latest project, a film which also stars Susan Lucci and Martin Scorsese, in which Reeves plays a grown up child star with a troubled past. Watch “Outcome” starting this Friday on AppleTV.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

Late night television legend Arsenio Hall reveals his unorthodox method of snagging celebrity guests for his groundbreaking late night show, and recalls many of the musicians who got their first big break on the program. His memoir, “Arsenio,” is available now.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

Meanwhile… A dolphin is trying to be like Mike, a big box store is selling a 10-pound chocolate Easter bunny, and bird experts say woodpeckers grunt like tennis players while they peck holes in trees. And science-loving late night host Stephen Colbert brings you all the latest scientific developments from the world of science in his science-focused segment, “The Sound of Science.”

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2026

If you don’t know which animal she thinks is scariest, or whether she prefers the window or aisle seat on flights, do you really know Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson?

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2026

Space fans are over the moon about the successful launch of Artemis II, Attorney General Pam Bondi lost her job today, and President Trump’s primetime speech about the Iran war was all over the map. In this extended interview with Stephen Colbert, legendary musician Paul Simon talks about moving to Europe in the 1960s, busking on the streets of Paris, taking requests at his concerts, and some of the lyricists he most admires. Go to our YouTube channel to see a performance by Paul Simon and grab tickets for this summer’s “A Quiet Celebration” tour at tour.paulsimon.com. 

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026