Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out Stephen Colbert: A Gift from the Comedy Gods
28 snips
Jan 5, 2026 
Stephen Colbert, the iconic comedian and late-night host, shares insights from his illustrious career, tracing his comedic roots back to Chicago improv. He discusses the wisdom imparted by legends like David Letterman and Mike Nichols, the balance between being a decisive leader and a vulnerable performer, and the thrill of unexpected improv. Colbert reflects on the emotional power of beauty, his experiences meeting the Pope, and the evolving role of politics in comedy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in his craft.
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Del Close's Sacred-Stage Ritual
- Stephen Colbert recounts Del Close telling performers to open all their senses and let the universe channel through them.
- He describes Close placing a pentagram on his chest because he treated the stage as a sacred space.
Memory Vs. Clear Thinking
- Stephen Colbert distinguishes memory from intelligence, saying he has great recall but others are clearer thinkers.
- He credits clarity of analysis as the core of true intelligence.
Show Rhythm Carves The Day
- Colbert explains his workday is highly structured with many decisions carved into slots.
- That matrixed schedule cuts attention into boxes so he only needs to stay upright and move to the next thing.
