The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

John Krasinski, the heartthrob famous for The Office and A Quiet Place, stops by for a hilarious chat. He shares his thoughts on the absurdity of New York City's trash bag ban and dives into the humorous side of political appointments. The comedic reveal of him as People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2024 leads to playful banter about fitness tips and celebrity DNA extraction. They also share laughs over the art of deep-frying turkeys and lighthearted arm wrestling rivalries, showcasing the fun side of friendship and fame.

Javier Bardem, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like 'No Country for Old Men' and 'Dune', chats about his current work in Netflix's 'Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story'. He reflects on the global fascination with true crime dramas and shares insights from portraying complex characters like the villainous Anton Chigurh. Bardem also offers candid anecdotes about navigating family life and the creative process, blending humor with the depth of his experiences in the industry.

Join a comedian as he shares his hilarious journey from retail woes to the comedy stage. Discover cultural misunderstandings from his travel escapades, including a laugh-out-loud ride with an Uber driver. Enjoy a funny airport security encounter that turns a notebook of jokes into a comedic moment. Plus, find out about some creative streaming content to check out. Get ready for laughs and insightful reflections intertwined with humor!

Find out why the new “Gladiator” sequel may not be hitting all the historical marks. Marvel at the upcoming display of King Tut's underwear at Egypt's grand museum. Discover how giant African pouched rats are becoming unlikely heroes in detecting diseases, along with the quirky sensory powers of geckos. Delve into animal oddities and whimsical science ideas, from identifying elephants by their trunks to bizarre theories like glowing black holes. It's a blend of humor and fascination that’ll spark your curiosity!

Mike Birbiglia, a renowned comedian celebrated for his one-man shows, shares his surreal experience of meeting Pope Francis in Vatican City alongside Stephen Colbert. He humorously recounts the quirky selection process for comedians invited to the Pope and contrasts celebrity encounters with faith. Birbiglia reflects on the nostalgic yet critical views of his Catholic upbringing and explores the humorous dynamics of religion in comedy. Plus, he promotes his new show, "The Good Life," set to premiere at the Beacon Theater.

In this chat, Paul Bettany, celebrated for his roles in Avengers: Infinity War and WandaVision, shares insights from his latest film, Here. He discusses resilience in the face of challenges, lightening the mood with humorous anecdotes about life events. The conversation dives into interesting generational dynamics seen in films, alongside whimsical narratives about aging and identity. Expect laughs and relatable reflections on personal journeys, peppered with Bettany's signature charm!

John Dickerson, Chief Political Analyst for CBS News and co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, reflects on the unprecedented implications of Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election. He offers sharp insights on the challenges facing the Democratic Party, particularly in reconnecting with working-class voters. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they explore the absurdities of the political landscape and discuss the evolving integrity of journalism amidst rising skepticism. Dickerson also highlights the responsibility of voters in an increasingly complex political environment.

John Oliver, Emmy Award-winning host of Last Week Tonight, joins Stephen for a deep dive into the political landscape. They reflect on the chaotic nature of the electoral process and share humorous anecdotes about their own voting experiences. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn as they discuss the surreal aftermath of the 2016 election and the absurdity of celebrity culture. Oliver also shares his thoughts on recent Emmy wins and his plans for a chill Election Night, blending comedy and insight in a way only he can.

Tim Walz, Minnesota's Governor and Vice Presidential candidate, shares insights on the heated political landscape ahead of the election. He discusses Kamala Harris's promising lead among female voters and the campaign's vision for a fresh start. Lighthearted anecdotes highlight the challenges of campaigning, including some memorable gaffes from opponents. With a mix of humor and reflection, Walz emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and teamwork in democracy, all while sharing his pride in public service.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, best-selling author known for his profound insights on race, dives deep into his latest work, 'The Message.' He discusses the powerful impact of storytelling in literature and its role in resistance against cultural erasure. Coates shares personal experiences from his research in Israel and reflects on the significance of identity across cultures. He tackles segregation and media bias in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging for a more inclusive understanding of marginalized narratives.