The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Brandon Scott Jones | 'Ghosts' Release Date: February 1, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes actor and comedian Brandon Scott Jones, known for his role in CBS's hit sitcom Ghosts. The conversation delves into Brandon's journey in the entertainment industry, his experiences on The Late Show, and the intricacies of portraying a historical character on a modern sitcom.

Early Collaborations and The Late Show Ensemble

Brandon Scott Jones reminisces about his early interactions with The Late Show team. Stephen Colbert highlights their previous collaboration during the show's first year, particularly the “Reject TED Talks” segment—a humorous take on TED Talks that didn’t make the cut for the official website. Brandon recalls being one of the inaugural participants:

Brandon Scott Jones [02:28]: "Yes. It was one of my favorite things."

Stephen praises Brandon’s performance in the segment where he humorously questions his costume choice, underscoring the ensemble nature of their collaboration:

Stephen Colbert [02:37]: "You're part of the ensemble here."

Brandon shares a memorable moment portraying Reince Priebus during the Trump administration, reflecting on the fleeting nature of political roles and his personal attachment to the character:

Brandon Scott Jones [03:51]: "I probably took it worse than he did."

Transition to Ghosts and Character Development

Transitioning to his current role, Brandon discusses his character Isaac Higgintoot, a captain from the Revolutionary War era who resides in the afterlife within the show's setting. Stephen probes whether this historical portrayal offers educational value:

Stephen Colbert [04:16]: "Is it educational?"

Brandon responds candidly, explaining that while the show incorporates historical references, his primary focus is on the character rather than traditional historical accuracy:

Brandon Scott Jones [04:22]: "It's an educational program. It's a bunch of characters from different parts of history."

Immersing in the Role: Learning French in Montreal

One of the standout segments of the conversation centers on Brandon’s efforts to authentically portray his character by immersing himself in the local culture of Montreal, where Ghosts is filmed. He shares his humorous yet insightful experience attempting to learn French:

Brandon Scott Jones [05:14]: "I'm trying to learn French. I'm in classes now."

Drawing inspiration from his father, a foreign language teacher, Brandon aimed to accelerate his language acquisition by immersing himself in the French-speaking environment of Montreal:

Brandon Scott Jones [05:22]: "One of the things he always said was that the best way to learn a foreign language was to immerse yourself in that culture. 100%."

However, Brandon candidly recounts the challenges he faced, particularly a memorable mishap at a local café where his attempt to order an iced coffee in French didn't go as planned:

Brandon Scott Jones [06:14]: "I was a good mimic. I was imitating the Google robot woman's voice saying that very slowly."

Brandon Scott Jones [07:49]: "I basically have no idea where it went wrong."

Stephen expresses empathy and amusement over Brandon’s experience, highlighting the universal struggle of language learners.

Cultural Adjustments in Montreal

The discussion also touches on Brandon’s adjustment to Montreal’s unique culture. He humorously references the linguistic divide, noting his endeavors to blend in by learning the local language:

Brandon Scott Jones [05:50]: "I'm gonna be the next, you know, Timothee Chalamet."

Brandon emphasizes the importance of a foundational understanding before full immersion, reflecting on his initial missteps and the lessons learned through the process.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Stephen reflects on the enriching conversation with Brandon, highlighting his dedication to his craft and the humorous anecdotes that make his journey relatable and inspiring. Brandon expresses his gratitude for being part of the Late Show ensemble and shares enthusiasm for his ongoing role in Ghosts.

Brandon Scott Jones [08:36]: "It's such a pleasure."

The episode concludes with a promotional nod to Ghosts, airing Thursdays on CBS, and an encouragement for listeners to explore more content on The Late Show YouTube channel.

Key Takeaways

• Brandon Scott Jones' Versatility: From parody segments to serious character portrayals, Brandon showcases his range as an actor and comedian.
• Cultural Immersion Challenges: Brandon’s attempt to learn French illustrates the humorous and humbling challenges of language acquisition and cultural immersion.
• Collaborative Spirit of The Late Show: The episode underscores the supportive and collaborative environment of The Late Show, fostering meaningful relationships with its ensemble members.

Notable Quotes

• Brandon Scott Jones [07:01]: "puy je va cafe glace. I want an iced coffee. May I please have an iced coffee?"
• Stephen Colbert [02:37]: "You're part of the ensemble here."
• Brandon Scott Jones [04:22]: "It's an educational program. It's a bunch of characters from different parts of history."

This episode offers listeners an insightful look into Brandon Scott Jones' professional journey, the blend of humor and dedication in his roles, and the personal anecdotes that make his story both entertaining and inspirational.