The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Bette Midler | America's Neck Top Model
Date: October 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode blends Stephen Colbert’s signature political satire with heartfelt nostalgia and showbiz camaraderie, featuring the legendary Bette Midler as the main guest. Colbert delivers his take on the latest political chaos, including the government shutdown, Trump’s diplomatic misadventures, and the militarization of Chicago, before turning to a warm, funny, and sometimes emotional interview with Midler. The episode stands out for its mix of biting humor, touching gratitude, celebrity reminiscence, and a few memorable musical moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Satire: The State of the Union (02:06–12:33)

• Middle East Ceasefire & Press Coverage
  Colbert opens with topical jokes about the recently brokered Middle East ceasefire by Donald Trump, lampooning Trump’s obsession with his image on magazine covers.

  • “It's like one of those optical illusions where you can't tell if it's an old woman or a young ball sack.” (Stephen Colbert, 03:01)
  • Mock magazine covers and NFTs riff on Trump’s self-mythologizing.

• Awkward Diplomacy
  Colbert skewers Trump’s bizarre handshakes with French President Macron and the clumsy, sexist comments toward Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

  • “Madam Prime Minister, with all due respect, you are hotter than Jessica Rabbit in a burger bikini.” (Stephen Colbert, 05:19)

• Government Shutdown & Fallout
  Lampoons the drawn-out government shutdown, CDC firings by Secretary RFK Jr, and the absurdities of TSA security under new political propaganda.

  • “The Capitol's now a spirit Halloween... There's no denying that the shutdown has gotten fugly.” (Colbert, 06:21–06:56)
  • Skewers Kristi Noem’s video blaming Democrats, riffing on TSA’s arbitrary rules:
    • “Why do I have to take my pants off? Why?” (Colbert, 09:26–09:42)

• Militarization of Chicago
  Satirizes the spectacle of sending National Guard troops to Chicago, especially focusing on their “authentic” Chicago looks and Pete Hegseth's fitness obsessions.

• "No Kings" Protest Movement
  Announces the upcoming "No Kings" protest rallies against authoritarianism, jabbing at Republican rhetoric:

  • “There are only three good kings: in Gayle, Stephen, and Berger.” (Colbert, 12:55)

2. Spotlight Interview: Bette Midler (15:26–28:45)

Opening: Gratitude and Homage (15:26–17:24)

• Midler expresses profound thanks to Colbert for his decade of late-night service:
  • “You’re a voice of sanity and reason and honesty and most important, honor.” (Bette Midler, 16:19)
• Shares her tradition of singing off beloved talk show hosts; recalls doing so with Johnny Carson.

Musical Tribute to Colbert (17:25–19:23)

• Bette performs a custom, humorous sendoff song for Colbert, blending “Wind Beneath My Wings” with playful, topical lyrics.
  • “Did you ever know that you're my Frodo. You stand for what's right with wit and class... You never kissed the orange ass.” (Bette Midler’s song, 17:36–18:56)
• The duet reveals genuine affection and playful banter.

Hollywood Anecdotes & Comic Timing (20:12–21:53)

• Midler on working with Lily Tomlin in “Big Business”—her advice: lighten up!
  • “Her comic timing depends on this precision... I told her, lighten up. And she fell down laughing.” (Bette Midler, 20:52)
• Recounts actually milking a cow on set; pokes fun at RFK Jr’s love for raw milk.

Remembering Diane Keaton (23:01–24:44)

• Reflects on working with Keaton and Goldie Hawn in "First Wives Club":
  • “There was something about her that was completely and utterly magical. She was completely her own person.” (Bette Midler, 23:23)
• Praises Keaton’s authenticity, style, and photography.

Environmental Stewardship & NYC Restoration (24:44–27:13)

• Discusses founding the New York Restoration Project to restore underfunded parks:
  • “I feel that nature is a fundamental right... There are many, many really big green spaces in the five boroughs that are under-resourced, underfunded, and nobody pays any attention to them. And those are the ones that I wanted to bring back.” (Midler, 25:05)

Costume Parties and Aging Boldly (26:23–27:58)

• Jokes about ditching restrictive costumes for her annual Huluween benefit:
  • “I will not be wearing a brassiere... I will not be dressed up like a Christmas goose with my boobs on a platter. I will not. Because I'm nearly 80, this is my 80th year, and I'm fed up.” (Midler, 26:23–26:45)
• Shares a hilarious story about gardeners dressing as “ladybugs” to save community gardens.

Nostalgia & Farewell (28:01–28:41)

• Jokes about “different Giuliani” selling gardens to her nonprofit; riffs about his public breakdowns.
• Warm sendoff and promotional plug for the annual Huluween benefit.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colbert on TSA security theater:
  “Why do I have to drop and take out my laptop and grip it between my butt cheeks and walk through the metal detector like this? ... The whole time I'm thinking, why did I spring for the 13 inch?” (09:26–10:04)

• Midler’s cheeky tribute song:
  “Thank you. And I hold you high as the great E G youe never kissed the orange ass. You never kissed the orange ass. Never kissed the orange ass.” (17:36–18:56)

• Midler on aging at Huluween:
  “Because I'm nearly 80, this is my 80th year, and I'm fed up... Plus, I have gerd.” (26:23–26:49)

• Midler on New York Restoration:
  “I feel that nature is a fundamental right... and those are the ones that I wanted to bring back.” (25:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:06–12:33 – Political monologue: Middle East deal, government, CDC firings, TSA, National Guard, protest rallies.
• 15:26–19:23 – Bette Midler joins Colbert, shares gratitude, and sings her parody tribute.
• 20:12–21:53 – Working with Lily Tomlin; milking cows on set.
• 23:01–24:44 – Remembering Diane Keaton and First Wives Club stories.
• 24:44–27:13 – New York Restoration Project, environmental work.
• 26:23–26:49 – Huluween costume banter, aging boldly.
• 28:01–28:41 – Selling community gardens, Giuliani's transformation.

Tone & Style

Playful, irreverent, affectionate, and witty. Colbert’s sharp satire draws laughs from today’s chaos, while Midler’s appearance brings spirited humor and warmth. The episode is a blend of acerbic late-night politics and genuine showbiz affection, all delivered with plenty of Broadway flair.

For listeners: This episode is a must-hear for fans of sharp political comedy, Broadway legends, and heartfelt late-night TV moments. Even if you missed it, these memorable exchanges and comedic highlights will leave you both laughing and touched.