Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out 156. Stephen Colbert Returns: A Gift from the Comedy Gods
14 snips
Jan 13, 2025 
Stephen Colbert, renowned comedian and host, shares his comedic journey and invaluable lessons from legends like David Letterman and Mike Nichols. He reflects on the nuances of live performance versus television, emphasizing the importance of genuine dialogue and emotional connections with audiences. Colbert also candidly reveals what makes him cry and recounts memorable encounters with figures like George Lucas and the Pope. With humor and warmth, he highlights the beauty of improvisation and the significance of supporting charitable causes.
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Improv and Memory
- Improv relies on quick associations and attentiveness.
- A good memory, like Colbert's, aids in making connections on stage.
Meeting George Lucas
- Despite being on the Time 100, Colbert didn't recognize George Lucas.
- He questions if anyone actually wants to meet him.
Connecting with the Audience
- Colbert likens connecting with an audience to hooking up jumper cables.
- He says comedians must signal their comedic style early on.