Summary of "Stephen Colbert on His Rise to Fame and Becoming a Cookbook Author" (October 2024)

Podcast: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
Host: Willie Geist
Guests: Stephen Colbert and Evie Colbert
Release Date: August 10, 2025

1. Introduction and Background

Willie Geist opens the episode by introducing Stephen Colbert, highlighting his illustrious career transition from "The Colbert Report" on Comedy Central to hosting "The Late Show" on CBS. Geist mentions the surprising announcement in July regarding the potential cancellation of Stephen's show, attributing it to Paramount's stalled media merger influenced by political factors and Stephen's outspoken criticism of the Trump administration.

Notable Quote:

"Stephen and I sat down for this conversation well before that news... it's going to be mostly deviled eggs and shrimp paste."
—Willie Geist [03:39]

2. The Genesis of the Cookbook

Evie Colbert delves into the origins of their new cookbook, "Does This Taste Funny?". The idea was sparked during the COVID-19 lockdown when the Colberts found themselves confined at home in South Carolina. With restaurants closed and reliance on home-cooked meals, Stephen and Evie began revisiting and rediscovering old family and local recipes, which laid the foundation for their cookbook project.

Notable Quote:

"We started rediscovering all these old recipes, these family recipes. And then somebody asked us to write a cookbook."
—Evie Colbert [04:54]

3. Charleston, South Carolina: A Culinary and Cultural Influence

Evie paints a vivid picture of Charleston, emphasizing its rich history, culinary excellence, and unique cultural atmosphere. She highlights the city's deep-rooted traditions, seafood-centric cuisine, and the serene yet vibrant environment that has significantly influenced their cooking style.

Notable Quote:

"Charleston's something of a land that time forgot... It's so on the water that it's kind of in the water."
—Evie Colbert [05:08]

4. Family Traditions and Personal Stories

The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes, where Evie shares heartwarming and poignant stories about her family. She recounts her childhood in Charleston, the tragic loss of her father and two brothers in a plane crash on September 11, 1974, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and outlook on life.

Notable Quote:

"I was 10 when my father and my brothers died in that plane crash... it took me that long to come to that realization."
—Evie Colbert [50:43]

5. Creating the Cookbook Amidst Challenges

During the pandemic, the Colberts implemented a chore wheel at home, which included rotating cooking responsibilities. This necessity led them to explore local produce and traditional recipes, fostering creativity and collaboration in the kitchen. Evie humorously describes early attempts at recipes, such as mishaps with shrimp paste and red rice, highlighting the trial-and-error process involved in developing their cookbook.

Notable Quote:

"We ended up living during COVID... We just dove into the surf with a knife in my teeth and pulled out a sword."
—Evie Colbert [08:26]

6. Signature Recipes and Culinary Philosophy

Evie discusses some of their standout recipes, including red rice and shrimp paste, explaining their significance and the stories behind them. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and tradition in their cooking, aiming to preserve and share the culinary heritage of Charleston.

Notable Quote:

"Red rice is the thing that I would make more than anything else... it's half stolen from Alison Roman."
—Evie Colbert [09:58]

7. The Role of Comedy in Personal and Professional Life

Evie reflects on her journey in comedy, from being a high school class clown to performing at Second City in Chicago. She shares insights into her struggles with depression and how creating and performing comedy served as a coping mechanism, ultimately leading to her success on shows like "Strangers with Candy" and "The Colbert Report."

Notable Quote:

"Actually writing jokes with my friends is the thing that keeps me off the antidepressants."
—Evie Colbert [34:23]

8. Overcoming Career Challenges and Embracing Success

The Colberts discuss the highs and lows of their careers, including Evie's transition from struggling performer to a celebrated comedian. They touch upon the importance of persistence, creativity, and support systems in navigating the entertainment industry.

Notable Quote:

"I never wanted to walk away from improv... creating on a daily basis is my Xanax."
—Evie Colbert [34:23]

9. Addressing Grief and Finding Purpose

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Evie's personal experiences with grief and loss. She shares her profound conversation with Anderson Cooper, where she elucidates how accepting grief has allowed her to connect with others and find spiritual nourishment. Evie's narrative underscores the therapeutic value of sharing personal pain and fostering community support.

Notable Quote:

"Talking about it is the opposite of... it actually opens the light."
—Evie Colbert [52:43]

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with heartfelt acknowledgments and expressions of gratitude. Evie and Stephen emphasize the collaborative nature of their cookbook project, the importance of family traditions, and the enduring bond that sustains them through personal and professional challenges.

Notable Quote:

"I learned the only healthy response to that... was given to me by my mother."
—Evie Colbert [50:38]

Insights and Takeaways

• Culinary Heritage: The Cookbooks serve as a medium to preserve and celebrate Charleston's rich culinary traditions.

• Resilience Through Creativity: Both Evie and Stephen exemplify how creativity and passion can help navigate personal tragedies and professional uncertainties.

• Importance of Community: Evie's experiences highlight the significance of sharing personal histories to foster community support and mutual understanding.

• Intersection of Comedy and Healing: Comedy is portrayed not just as entertainment but as a vital tool for coping with life's adversities.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

• Embrace Tradition: Rediscovering and honoring family and local traditions can lead to meaningful projects and personal growth.

• Persistence Pays Off: Navigating and overcoming career challenges is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

• Sharing Personal Stories: Openly discussing personal struggles can provide comfort to others and promote collective healing.

• Balance Creativity and Stability: Maintaining a creative outlet is crucial for mental health and resilience.

This episode offers a deep dive into Stephen and Evie's journey through fame, personal loss, and culinary creativity, providing listeners with an intimate look at the inspirations and stories behind their latest cookbook.