The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Patton Oswalt

Nov 22, 2025
Patton Oswalt, Emmy- and Grammy-winning comedian, shares insights from his career and new audio-only stand-up special. He talks about the allure of classic comedy albums, inspired by legends like Richard Pryor and Steve Martin. Patton hilariously recounts his experience as a sexy Vulcan on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He also shares delightful moments watching horror movies with his daughter, showcasing their funny take on film logic. The conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a glimpse into his creative process.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Choose Audio To Let Imagination Lead

  • Do consider audio-only specials to let listeners imagine the performance and focus on comedy content.
  • Patton Oswalt says audio freed him from worrying about lighting, wardrobe, or makeup, making him looser on stage.
INSIGHT

Audio Highlights Verbal Craft

  • Audio formats shift focus from visuals to language and audience imagination, revealing different comedic strengths.
  • Patton felt this format produced his proudest, loosest hour on stage.
ADVICE

Strip Back Visuals To Improve Performance

  • Try performing without visual distractions to focus on content and audience connection.
  • Patton reports that jeans and a t-shirt on stage helped him be more natural and confident.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app