Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Ben Stiller | Reign Of Tariff
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Ben Stiller
1. Opening Remarks and Current Events
The episode begins with Stephen Colbert addressing the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, expressing heartfelt sympathies for those affected. He emphasizes the community's plight and encourages listeners to support relevant charities using a QR code provided during the show. Colbert remarks on inappropriate responses to tragedies, humorously criticizing the online betting site Polymarket for allowing wagers on the duration of the fires.
Notable Quote:
“In times like these, it's hard to know what to do, but it's pretty easy to know what not to do.”
— Stephen Colbert [01:05]
Colbert then shifts focus to political news, highlighting President Joe Biden's recent announcement of becoming a great-grandfather. He humorously critiques Biden’s longevity in office and mocks the president's farewell interview, where Biden reflects on his tenure and uncertainties about serving another term.
Notable Quote:
“This happy occasion makes Joe Biden the first sitting president to become a great grandfather while in office.”
— Stephen Colbert [02:20]
2. Political Satire and Social Media Commentary
Transitioning to geopolitical tensions, Colbert discusses former President Donald Trump's ambitions, specifically his controversial interest in annexing Greenland. He satirizes the potential impact of Trump's tariffs on Danish imports, including hearing aids and Lego, injecting humor about the repercussions on everyday life.
Notable Quote:
“These tariffs are going to hit us hard because Denmark also sells us baked goods, pig meat, and petroleum. But that's the entire menu at Denny's.”
— Stephen Colbert [06:52]
The conversation then shifts to Meta's (formerly Facebook) policy changes under Mark Zuckerberg's leadership. Colbert criticizes the termination of Meta’s fact-checking program and the relaxation of its hateful conduct policies, mocking the potential spread of misinformation and derogatory language on the platform.
Notable Quote:
“No, don't trust the community. The worst part about social media is other people they know don't believe me.”
— Stephen Colbert [11:22]
3. Interview with Ben Stiller
A. Personal Reflections and Family Ties
Ben Stiller joins the show, expressing his concern for those affected by the LA wildfires. He fondly recalls his two decades living in Los Angeles and empathizes with the struggles of first responders and residents.
Notable Quote:
“I just keep thinking about all the people affected and the first responders who are working so hard to save people's lives.”
— Ben Stiller [14:04]
Stiller shares insights into his family life, mentioning his children’s ages and the joy of spending holidays together. He humorously discusses his children's interest in watching his old movies, highlighting the blend of personal and professional life in show business.
Notable Quote:
“My sister and I grew up within it, and then now I have kids who are interested in being in it.”
— Ben Stiller [22:42]
B. Severance and Creative Process
The discussion delves into Stiller's work on the second season of Severance. He explains the unique process of creating the show without external viewers, using his children as a test audience to gather authentic feedback during production.
Notable Quote:
“My kids are sort of the test audience for the show.”
— Ben Stiller [18:42]
C. Tribute to His Parents and Comedy Legacy
Stiller opens up about his documentary focusing on his late parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, acclaimed comedians of the 20th century. He narrates how his parents' partnership on The Ed Sullivan Show shaped their careers and his own upbringing in a showbiz household.
Notable Quote:
“When they started to have success on the show, it became their comedy team, became their identity.”
— Ben Stiller [21:55]
He shares a nostalgic clip from a 1974 family interview, highlighting the humorous dynamics between him and his parents. The playful banter underscores the complexities of growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry.
Notable Quote:
“It's spooky to be in there because it's just exactly the set.”
— Ben Stiller [20:30]
D. Star Trek Memorabilia and Fandom
Benjamin Stiller proudly showcases his extensive Star Trek collection, including authentic memorabilia like James T. Kirk's tunic and intercoms from the Enterprise set. He recounts meeting Leonard Nimoy, who graciously sent him props from the original series, highlighting his passion for the franchise.
Notable Quote:
“It's the most amazing thing I've ever got.”
— Ben Stiller [18:24]
4. Closing Remarks and Future Projects
As the interview concludes, Stiller announces the premiere of the second season of Severance on Apple TV, expressing gratitude for his audience's patience. Colbert wraps up the conversation by promoting additional content and upcoming shows, maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and informative content.
Notable Quote:
“Season two of Severance premieres next Friday on Apple TV.”
— Stephen Colbert [24:12]
5. Conclusion
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a blend of current events satire and an intimate conversation with Ben Stiller. From heartfelt tributes to his family's comedic legacy to behind-the-scenes insights into his latest projects, Stiller provides a multifaceted look into his life and work. Colbert's sharp wit and timely humor complement the discussion, making for an engaging and informative listen.
Additional Resources:
- Watch the Show: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Stream on Paramount+: Access all episodes and exclusive content on Paramount+
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content elements to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.