156. Stephen Colbert Returns: A Gift from the Comedy Gods

Mon Jan 13 2025

This week the legendary Stephen Colbert returns to the podcast. Mike and Stephen discuss the behind-the-scenes of Stephen’s Late Night job as well as his Chicago improv days. Stephen talks wisdom passed down to him by David Letterman, Del Close, and Mike Nichols, and shares what makes him cry most easily. Plus, Stephen’s thoughts on meeting George Lucas and the Pope. Please consider donating to: https://wck.org or https://www.radiolollipop.org/

Transcript

Stephen Colbert (0:00)

My first person I like, studied in improv with was Del Close. And a lot of people had a guru relationship to him or some people. Not a lot, but some people did. I never did. I might not have. Probably when I was younger, I was too emotionally distant to actually allow myself to join the cult, if you know what I mean. And also too much of a skeptic to get involved in the culture. Some part of myself, the part whose father died when he was young, was like, you be my daddy. It was, I'm sure in there, but I never acted on it. It. That's a fitting aside to say. He used to say, you're not improvising. You're just letting the universe channel through you. If you just open up all your senses, that's it. Your job is to open up all the stops on the organ.

Mike Birbiglia (0:42)

That's it.

Stephen Colbert (0:43)

And so that you. So it can just flow through you. And he would take out his little pentagram and put it on his chest before he performed because he said the stage was a sacred space.

Mike Birbiglia (0:53)

And it is. I mean, showstoppers. Stephen Colbert throwing showstopping pitches all day. That is the voice of the great Stephen Colbert. Stephen Colbert. Come on. This podcast has everybody. We feel very lucky to have Stephen today in the studio. We had him remotely a few years back and it was one of our favorite episodes of all time. And we were so excited to have him in the studio. What can you say about this legend of a man? He has made some of my favorite comedy of all time. He and I also were among the comedians who visited the Vatican last year. So we talk about that. We talked about it with David Sedaris on the podcast a few weeks ago. So check out that if you haven't heard it. So excited for this episode today. And thanks everybody who came out to my shows at the Englert Theater in Iowa City this past weekend. I had such a great time. We have a big announcement today. We added a fifth show. Count em five New York City shows. The show is called the Good Life. It is at the Beacon Theater in New York City. It is the finale March 16th, 6pm Tickets are on sale today, Monday, January 13th at 10am Eastern. Get the tickets now on Burbigs.com before I do my shows at the Beacon Theater in New York. I'm going to be doing some shows in Northampton and Burlington, Vermont. As a matter of fact, I just added three shows in West Palm Beach, Florida. I performed at the Kravis center in November. The tickets went really fast, so we added three more shows in February. It is February 13, 14, 15. It's the Pearson Playhouse, which is at the Kravis center for the Performing Arts. Those shows are going to be so fun. And I have a great chat today with Stephen Colbert. Obviously, Stephen's known as the host of the Late show with Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Report. But of course, Chicago Improv is a legend of Chicago Improv and Second City. We talk about that a lot today. We talk about why improv is such a creatively satisfying experience. I even tried to convince Stephen to come and improvise with me and my friends from the group. Please don't destroy. Will Steven come and improvise with us? Find out today. Enjoy my chat with the great Stephen Colbert. Okay, so how do I interview you best? What's the best. What's the best you are being. You're an expert interviewer.

Summary

Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out: Episode 156 – Stephen Colbert Returns: A Gift from the Comedy Gods

Release Date: January 13, 2025

In this compelling episode of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out, comedian Mike Birbiglia welcomes the iconic Stephen Colbert to dissect the intricacies of comedy, improv, and the delicate balance of hosting a late-night talk show. Their candid conversation delves deep into personal experiences, creative processes, and the profound connections that shape their comedic journeys.

1. Improv Roots and Mentorship

Stephen Colbert opens the discussion by reflecting on his early days in improv:

"[00:00] Stephen Colbert: My first person I like, studied in improv with was Del Close. [...] your job is to open up all the stops on the organ."

Del Close, a legendary figure in the improv community, profoundly influenced Colbert's approach. Stephen emphasizes the philosophy of letting the "universe channel through you," highlighting the spiritual and almost ritualistic aspects of performing.

2. Balancing Hosting and Creativity

Transitioning to his role as a talk show host, Stephen Colbert shares insights into managing the multifaceted responsibilities of hosting:

"[07:58] Stephen Colbert: There's the writing job, there's a producing job, and then there's kind of the show business job..."

Stephen discusses the relentless pace of decision-making on set, likening his daily tasks to "making like maybe 15 decisions an hour." This constant stream of choices requires a disciplined approach to maintain the show's quality and cohesiveness.

3. The Essence of Connecting with the Audience

A significant portion of their conversation centers on the importance of authentic connection with the audience:

"[22:03] Stephen Colbert: And now I'm doing the show for the room, and the camera there captures it. So it's different vibe."

Stephen emphasizes that beyond the scripted jokes and performances, the genuine interaction and community-building with the audience are paramount. This connection transforms a series of jokes into a shared experience, fostering a sense of communion between the performer and the viewers.

4. Personal Anecdotes and Emotional Depth

Both comedians open up about their personal lives, exploring how emotions influence their comedy:

"[28:21] Stephen Colbert: Is there a song that doesn't make me cry? [...] I'm not a crying person."

Stephen reveals his vulnerability, discussing how certain songs evoke deep emotional responses tied to his past and personal losses. This introspection showcases the profound ways in which personal experiences shape comedic material.

5. Navigating Religious Themes in Comedy

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they explore the intersection of religion and humor:

"[43:05] Stephen Colbert: Divine wisdom practiced your art for none other than God himself."

Stephen recounts an interaction with the Pope, highlighting the humorous yet respectful contemplation of making light of divine subjects. He draws parallels between religious teachings and his own comedic philosophies, illustrating how faith and comedy can coexist thoughtfully.

6. The Art and Challenges of Improv Collaborations

Mike and Stephen discuss the dynamic nature of improvisation and collaborative performances:

"[26:06] Stephen Colbert: Right. doing object work and scene work and characters."

They delve into the spontaneity of improv, emphasizing the importance of listening and building upon each other's cues. This segment underscores the delicate balance between planning and spontaneity inherent in successful improvisational comedy.

7. Charitable Endeavors and Giving Back

Concluding their conversation, Stephen Colbert and Mike Birbiglia highlight the significance of supporting meaningful causes:

"[45:55] Stephen Colbert: I'm such an enormous fan of what Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen is doing..."

They discuss their commitment to charities like World Central Kitchen and Radio Lollipop, emphasizing the role of comedians in leveraging their platforms for positive social impact. This segment serves as a heartfelt reminder of the responsibility that comes with influence and visibility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Stephen Colbert on Del Close's influence:
"[00:00] Stephen Colbert: [...] your job is to open up all the stops on the organ."
Stephen Colbert on decision-making as a host:
"[03:46] Stephen Colbert: [...] I don't have a permanent guest host. No."
Stephen Colbert on emotional connections in comedy:
"[22:03] Stephen Colbert: [...] we are a shadow of the news."
Stephen Colbert on the Pope and comedy:
"[43:05] Stephen Colbert: Divine wisdom practiced your art for none other than God himself."

Conclusion

Episode 156 of Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Stephen Colbert’s world, blending humor with heartfelt revelations. Their dialogue not only underscores the challenges and triumphs of crafting comedy but also celebrates the deeper connections that make their work resonate. For those seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the comedic craft, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and genuine camaraderie.

Tune in to Mike Birbiglia's Working It Out for more enlightening conversations with your favorite comedians and creators, as they work out original material and tackle both tried-and-true and uncomfortable topics.