Oprah's Super Soul

Super Soul Special: Stephen Colbert: Finding Your Stride

Nov 26, 2025
Stephen Colbert, comedian and late-night host, dives deep into his journey on The Late Show. He candidly shares the anxiety of taking over David Letterman's slot and how his show's focus on love and community resonates in today's world. Colbert discusses the importance of truth in the post-truth era and how he balances fame with humility, often leaning on his family's honesty. His Catholic faith serves as a guiding force, helping him navigate challenges while emphasizing the power of love, even towards those we disagree with.
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INSIGHT

Comedy Builds Community

  • Stephen Colbert says nightly jokes create a shared community that keeps people from feeling alone.
  • Comedy reframes the day's events so audiences can process emotions together.
ANECDOTE

Producer Shift That Changed The Show

  • Chris Licht joined and told Colbert to focus on making jokes about what happened that day and he'd handle the rest.
  • That change led them to do live shows and sharpen the show's speed before the 2016 election.
ADVICE

Use Humor To Reduce Fear

  • Do aim to influence how people feel rather than trying to change their beliefs outright.
  • Use humor to reduce fear because laughing helps people think more clearly.
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