Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Audience Questions | Ask Me About Shrimp
Release Date: May 31, 2025

1. Engaging Story with Jennifer Lawrence ([01:07] - [02:40])

In one of the episode's standout moments, Stephen Colbert shares an amusing and candid anecdote about an evening spent with actress Jennifer Lawrence. When an audience member asked about his experiences taking a drink at the back bar, Colbert reminisced:

"Jennifer Lawrence was on the show a long time ago, back in 2017... She really didn't want to be here. But contractually she had to be here." ([01:11])

Colbert humorously recounts how their casual conversation led to drinking multiple shots of rum, resulting in both of them becoming quite inebriated. This lighthearted story not only showcases Colbert's rapport with celebrity guests but also his ability to inject humor into personal experiences.

2. Becoming an Armchair Expert: The Shrimp Specialist ([02:46] - [03:56])

When asked about the mundane topics people might consider Colbert an expert in, he surprisingly highlighted his knowledge of cooking shrimp. Addressing the question, he stated:

"I know how to cook shrimp. I know how to cook shrimp. I know how not to overcook shrimp... People ruin a lot of shrimp. Shrimp's a simple thing. Gets ruined all the time." ([03:06])

Colbert elaborates on the nuances of preparing shrimp, emphasizing common mistakes people make, such as overcooking or awkward presentation with tails on. This segment adds a relatable and quirky dimension to Colbert's persona, endearing him further to the audience.

3. Reflections on His Previous Show and Interviewing Obama ([03:56] - [07:02])

An audience member inquired whether Colbert missed hosting The Colbert Report. Colbert responded thoughtfully:

"No, because I still work... But I don't miss it at all, really, for that reason." ([03:59])

He delves into his experiences, particularly highlighting a memorable moment when he interviewed former President Barack Obama while still in character. Colbert recounts attempting to mimic Bill O'Reilly's interview style, which led to a humorous and insightful exchange:

"When he started to answer, he said to me, this is how sharp he was. He doesn't miss anything. He goes, now, now, now, come on now, Bill, Bill." ([06:15])

This reflection underscores Colbert's commitment to his craft and his ability to blend humor with meaningful dialogue, even in high-profile interviews.

4. Hypothetical Drag Name ([07:04] - [07:29])

In a playful segment, an audience member asked Colbert about his potential drag name. Embracing the moment with humor, he proposed:

"If I was a drag queen, my name would be Consuela." ([07:07])

This brief but entertaining exchange highlights Colbert's versatility and willingness to engage in lighthearted banter with his audience.

5. Strange Experiences in New York City and Family Stories ([07:29] - [09:55])

Colbert shares personal stories about his long-term relationship with New York City, where he has lived and worked for over three decades. When asked about the strangest things he's encountered, he reflects on a nostalgic encounter related to his family's history:

"The strangest things I've seen or experienced around New York City... my name in lights on Broadway on the front of this building is the weirdest thing I've ever seen in New York." ([07:34])

He recounts a touching moment at Iona Prep, his father's alma mater, where he discovered memorabilia about his late father:

"I went over there to look to see who it was. And the center of it, it said, class president. It said, Harry J. Byrne... there was my dad in the photo in high school, who died when I was 10." ([09:14])

This deeply personal story not only provides insight into Colbert's family background but also his emotional connection to New York City.

6. Additional Lighthearted Exchanges ([09:56] - [11:42])

Towards the end of the content segment, Colbert continues to engage with his audience through various anecdotes and reflections, further solidifying his rapport with listeners and showcasing his multifaceted personality.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, listeners are treated to a blend of humorous anecdotes, personal reflections, and engaging conversations. From stories about celebrity interactions and culinary expertise to heartfelt family memories, Colbert offers a well-rounded and entertaining glimpse into his life and experiences. Notably, his ability to seamlessly transition between lighthearted jokes and meaningful narratives ensures that both new listeners and longtime fans find value and enjoyment in the discussion.

Notable Quotes:

• "Jennifer Lawrence was on the show a long time ago, back in 2017... She really didn't want to be here. But contractually she had to be here." ([01:11])

• "I know how to cook shrimp. I know how to cook shrimp. I know how not to overcook shrimp... People ruin a lot of shrimp." ([03:06])

• "I don't miss it at all, really, for that reason." ([03:59])

• "If I was a drag queen, my name would be Consuela." ([07:07])

• "The strangest things I've seen or experienced around New York City... my name in lights on Broadway on the front of this building is the weirdest thing I've ever seen in New York." ([07:34])

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content provided and excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to deliver a clear and concise overview of the episode's main discussions and themes.