The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Paul Rudd, the beloved actor known for both comedic and serious roles, joins Stephen Colbert to kick off a unique charity auction. The two dive into the fun of auctioning off Stephen’s wardrobe and iconic set pieces to benefit World Central Kitchen. Hilarity ensues as they discuss a signed first-episode script and even Paul’s own enticing contributions. From Biden-themed sunglasses to final show tickets, it's a laugh-filled segment packed with charm and purpose that encourages listeners to bid generously.

George Saunders, an award-winning author celebrated for his insightful short stories and essays, brings a touch of holiday magic by reading his original diary-entry piece titled 'Festive.' In this charming segment, he captures the essence of modest holidays, the joys of children's expectations, and the small wonders that make the season special. Stephen also hints at a delightful performance featuring Julie Andrews, who voices characters in a whimsical reading of A.A. Milne's poem. Cozy up for a heartwarming combination of storytelling!

Evie and Stephen dive into the fun of selecting the perfect holiday card for 2025. They trade polished sentiments for hilariously blunt first-draft jokes, debating the value of heartfelt messages versus the price of presents. A road trip discussion unfolds, complete with cravings for fries and Cinnabon. Their snowman card takes a dark twist with an unexpected punchline, and a sentimental card leads to a darkly comic riff about Marrakesh. Their playful banter shines through, making holiday card planning nothing short of entertaining.

Mandy Patinkin, an acclaimed actor known for his roles in Evita and Homeland, shares delightful insights into his life. He discusses his Hanukkah traditions, including latke-making tips, and the best advice he's received about listening more. Mandy recounts meeting his wife Catherine during a play, and the lessons he learned from legends like Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly on embracing opportunities and learning from failures. He also humorously addresses family suggestions about trying psilocybin, making for a lively conversation filled with warmth and wisdom.

Hugh Jackman, the award-winning star of Les Misérables and The Greatest Showman, joins Stephen Colbert to discuss his new film, Song Sung Blue. The two bond over their love for Neil Diamond's music, as Jackman shares how it influenced him growing up. He also explains the origins of his theater company, Together, aiming to make affordable productions accessible. Expect laughs as Jackman surprises with a playful rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'! Don't miss the heartfelt insights and holiday cheer as his film hits theaters on Christmas Day.

Kumail Nanjiani, a comedian and actor known for his roles in Silicon Valley and The Big Sick, dives into his new stand-up special, Night Thoughts. He hilariously shares his pesky nighttime worries and personal anecdotes, including his Broadway debut and his Pakistani family's reaction. Kumail opens up about therapy, masculinity, and the emotional weight of recording his special on the very day his wife emerged from a coma. He wraps up with heartfelt insights on community and the comforting power of shared experiences.

Andy Cohen, the engaging television host known for his lively banter on *Watch What Happens Live*, teams up with CNN's acclaimed journalist Anderson Cooper for a lighthearted chat. They share hilarious anecdotes from their annual New Year's Eve broadcasts, including how Anderson hilariously mismanages his drink. The duo recounts a memorable trip to Disney World and their weekly coloring club with Amy Sedaris. Anderson also shares the amusing Christmas lists from his kids, showcasing their quirky holiday wishes. It's a fun-filled conversation about friendship and festive chaos!

Paul Rudd, beloved for roles in classics like Ant-Man and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, shares his holiday spirit and hilariously reveals his job glazing hams before hitting it big in Hollywood. He dives into his latest film, Anaconda, and chats about the wild antics of his co-stars. Rudd also opens up about his fear of snakes and offers behind-the-scenes tales, making for a festive and entertaining conversation. Join in for laughs and delightful holiday stories!

Andrew Ross Sorkin, bestselling author and financial columnist for The New York Times, delves into the intense competition for Warner Bros. assets, highlighting Netflix and Paramount's bids. He discusses the affordability gap impacting American consumers despite seemingly positive economic numbers. Sorkin also warns of potential fallout if the AI bubble bursts, exploring its implications across various sectors. He ties these insights to themes from his new book, '1929,' drawing parallels to today's financial climate.

A man called in a bomb threat just to evade parking fees at an airport—talk about extreme measures! Katy Perry is making headlines for dating Canada’s former prime minister, while Martha Stewart is all about the all-denim lifestyle. In a bizarre twist, Miami's mayor pardoned a pig named Six Seven linked to a fatal incident. Meanwhile, NYC celebrates a remarkable murder-free milestone, and we learn that humans rank oddly in the scale of monogamy, sitting between meerkats and beavers. Who knew science could be this amusing?