The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Intro Rewind: Ocean Vuong (Extended)
Dec 31, 2025
Ocean Vuong, a celebrated poet and the author of the novel The Emperor of Gladness, shares his insights in a captivating conversation. He discusses the intriguing premise of his novel about a man's poignant encounter with an elderly woman. Vuong elaborates on the role of kindness in service jobs and introduces the concept of hope as a driving force in education and language. He emphasizes the importance of embracing foolishness for artistic growth and reminisces about the impact of Oprah's Book Club in making literature accessible to all.
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Origin Of 'Brap On The Poof'
- Stephen explains 'brapping on the poof' originated from the show's cold opens and a musical 'brap' cue.
- The phrase became a rewrite-room motto and daily shorthand for ending a cold open.
Dollar Sign As A Joke Placeholder
- 'Dollar sign' in scripts marks places needing a better joke, acting as a placeholder for humor.
- Stephen also links the symbol metaphorically to 'funny is money.'
The Late Show 'Sack' Tradition
- Stephen described the long-running 'sack' ritual where staff drop dollars and one person wins.
- He explains he stretches the reveal by pulling two dollars, naming a 'loser' then a winner to heighten tension.