Chef José Andrés | Home Shopping

Summary

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The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode Summary: Chef José Andrés | Home Shopping

Date: March 20, 2026
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Chef José Andrés

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show centers on two primary themes: a heartfelt, comedic home shopping auction of show memorabilia to benefit Chef José Andrés’ humanitarian organization, World Central Kitchen, and Andrés’ dynamic, fiery cooking segment. Bursting with humor, personal anecdotes, and meaningful charitable endeavors, the episode showcases the camaraderie between Colbert and Andrés while celebrating food, generosity, and the show's impending finale.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Late Show Memorabilia Auction for Charity

[01:54–07:05]

• Stephen Colbert launches into the segment announcing a home shopping–style auction of Late Show props, wardrobe, and unique items.
• All proceeds go to Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, which provides disaster relief globally.
  • Notable auction items include:
    • A rug "stolen from a senator"
    • One of the guest interview chairs
    • A “props closet dash,” where a winner grabbed a handful of zany items (including a cardboard Colbert and stuffed donkey)
    • Prop pillows from the Coveton House segment
    • Colbert’s 2017 Emmys tuxedo
    • Lithgow-signed "Air Lithgos" basketball shoes
    • Special "The Last Show with Stephen Colbert" t-shirts, commemorating the show’s final episode
• Raised so far: $406,433.53 for World Central Kitchen.

Quote:

“We always try to hit the big stories... But I cannot pass this up. Our own John Lampley on trumpet over there has a new album!”
– Stephen Colbert, [01:54]

• José joins Colbert early, excited about giving out t-shirts to the audience in the theater.

2. José Andrés Joins the Stage & Audience Appreciation

[06:18–07:05]

• José makes an impromptu appearance driven by excitement over the charitable t-shirts, advocating for audience appreciation.
• They hand out t-shirts to the live studio audience, spreading camaraderie and celebration.

Quote:

“We should be giving them…”
– José Andrés, [06:33]

“Let’s give them. All right, all right.”
– Stephen Colbert, [06:37]

3. Cooking with Fire: Catalonian Cremat & Audience Participation

[07:28–11:28]

• Colbert formally welcomes Andrés, highlighting his humanitarian achievements.
• José begins an on-stage cook with open flame, prepping cremat (a Catalan rum-based drink), describing nostalgic memories from Catalonia’s Costa Brava.
• The setup includes rum, fire, sugar, cinnamon, and coffee beans—evoking stories of seaside Catalan traditions where people would gather, burn rum, and sing songs from Cuba and the Spanish-American War.

Memorable Moment:

Sound of audience and hosts reacting as José flambés the dish, requesting the lights to come down, and joking,
“Don’t do this at home, people. I mean, if you want.”
– José Andrés, [10:15]

Quote:

“I have to make a dish that brings memory of home, but in strange ways, brings memory of who you are.”
– José Andrés, [08:43]

• Colbert jokes about both safety and the state of his eyebrows, as José nearly singes his own nose.

• José mentions he's now part of the Marvel Universe, delighting Colbert and the audience.

Quote:

“Now, José, many people call you a superhero for all the work you do, but you are a real superhero now because you’re in the Marvel Universe.”
– Stephen Colbert, [10:32]

4. Auction Bonus: Cook Live with José Andrés

[11:11–11:58]

• Reveals a new auction prize: a home Zoom cooking session with Chef José.
  • Winner will receive food sent to their home and cook virtually, step-by-step, with Andrés.

Quote:

“Imagine the person that wins this auction can call me on a Zoom, and... we cook together in your kitchen with me.”
– José Andrés, [11:28]

5. Making (and Speeding Up) Traditional Paella

[12:04–14:06]

• José prepares to make traditional paella Valenciana (chicken, rabbit, green beans), noting the dish’s deep Spanish roots.
• Explains “paella” is the name of the pan, which gives the dish its name.
• Amusing debate over whether the paella can be made in 45 minutes on TV; José jokes about needing more time. He then reveals a pre-cooked giant paella.

Quote:

“Paella is the name of the pan. And the name of the pan gives the name to the dish.”
– José Andrés, [12:08]

• Prepares enough paella for both Colbert and the audience.

Quote:

“Not only did you make paella for me, but my understanding is you made food for everyone in the audience tonight.”
– Stephen Colbert, [13:55]

• The audience receives both shirts and Spanish food as the taping wraps up.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |:-------------:|:------------------|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | [01:54] | Stephen Colbert | “We always try to hit the big stories... But I cannot pass this up. Our own John Lampley on trumpet over there has a new album!” | | [06:33] | José Andrés | “We should be giving them…” (re: audience t-shirts) | | [07:05] | Stephen Colbert | “If you'd like to buy one of these shirts or bid on Late show items, head to [e-mail] eBay and get some great stuff for a great cause.” | | [08:43] | José Andrés | “I have to make a dish that brings memory of home, but in strange ways, brings memory of who you are.” | | [10:15] | José Andrés | “Don’t do this at home, people. I mean, if you want.” (while flambéing) | | [10:32] | Stephen Colbert | “Now, José, many people call you a superhero for all the work you do, but you are a real superhero now because you’re in the Marvel Universe.” | | [11:28] | José Andrés | “Imagine the person that wins this auction can call me on a Zoom, and... we cook together in your kitchen with me.” | | [12:08] | José Andrés | “Paella is the name of the pan. And the name of the pan gives the name to the dish.” | | [13:55] | Stephen Colbert | “Not only did you make paella for me, but my understanding is you made food for everyone in the audience tonight.” |

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:54] – Colbert introduces the auction and charity, lists unique show memorabilia.
• [06:18] – José interrupts with excitement over t-shirts and audience gratitude.
• [07:28] – José is formally introduced for the main interview/cooking segment.
• [08:43] – José’s “memory of home” dish and sentimental stories from Catalonia.
• [10:15] – Dramatic flambé moment with audience reaction.
• [11:28] – Announcement of Zoom cooking session auction prize.
• [12:04]–14:06] – Paella preparation, reveal of giant paella, audience food giveaway.

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Episode Tone & Atmosphere

• Warm, playful, and collegial: Colbert’s humor, Andrés’ lively stories, and their banter keep the mood lighthearted, even as the show approaches its finale.
• Celebratory and generous: Repeated emphasis on giving back, both through charity and treating the live audience.
• A mix of comedy and culinary education: Fans get a taste of classic Late Show fun blended with authentic food culture.

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Summary Takeaway

This Late Show Pod Show episode is a blend of comedic nostalgia, charitable action, and culinary spectacle. Stephen Colbert steers a home shopping segment packed with offbeat memorabilia, all to benefit Chef José Andrés' disaster relief efforts. Their mutual affection hits the spotlight as Andrés flambés a Catalan cocktail, shares tales of home, and surprises the audience with paella. In true showman fashion, Colbert and Andrés transform a final appearance into a night of laughter, generosity, and community spirit—culminating in food, fun, and support for a worthy cause.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

It's the Late Show Poncho with Stephen Colbert.

[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome back everybody. Give it up for Louis Cato and the great big Joy machine. There you go, Louis. You know we like, you know, there's always, we always try to hit the big stories. Yeah, yeah. Of course. This show, one of the things we guarantee is that we keep our ear to the ground. We tell people the big stories that are happening. And though I so I cannot pass this up, our own John Lampley on trumpet right over there has a new album right now folks, coming out on June 22nd. It's called Notes to Self and the lead single, the lead single called Greener is available now. It features a cameo from oh my God. How'd you get this? Stephen Colbert. You can pre order the vinyl and the [e-mail] also a great place to get hard to find watch batteries. Yes, indeed, folks. Lately I've been thinking about trying to get rid of all the wonderful stuff we've accumulated here at the Ed Sullivan Theater over the last 11 years. No particular reason, just spring cleaning. So I've decided to auction off some of our great Late show props and wardrobe and donate all the proceeds to an organization started by tonight's guest, Jose Andres, that feeds people in times of crisis, World Central Kitchen. And to achieve that, I started a home shopping segment where I've been auctioning off cool stuff with guests like Paul Rudd, John Oliver, and Steve Carell, who all happen to be in New York because they're starring in an Off Broadway production of the Odd Throuple. We've sold things, including a rug I stole from a senator, one of our interview guest chairs, and one lucky viewer named Ron from Texas even won a once in a lifetime opportunity to run through our props closet and grab as many items as he could in just 60 seconds. Look at Ron go. He ended up grabbing a cardboard cut out of me, a stuffed donkey and a barrel full of severed limbs. And yes, I believe he has been put on a watch list. And I'm happy to say so far that we have raised a total of. Joseph, please. $406,433.53. Boom. But we're not stopping there. Through the end of this show, we will continue adding late show memorabilia to our auction [e-mail] eBay. Just tonight we're adding prop pillows from my long running segment Coveton House and the signed tuxedo that I wore when I hosted the 2017 Emmys, meaning you could own the garment that was center stage for an evening critics raved was perfectly pleasant. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Perfectly pleasant. Not only that, last year we made a fake commercial with John Lithgow for a basketball shoe called Air Lithgos Rock Meet rim. And we are now auctioning off those shoes signed by Lithgow himself. And for anyone out there who wants to get in on the action, but not the auction, we are also selling special T shirts commemorating the last issue of the Late show on May 21. On the front they read the Last show with Stephen Colbert. And on the back it reads thanks for watching. Unless you watched on YouTube, the network couldn't monetize that. Go get these bad [e-mail] et eBay. And again, all the money we make will go to Jose Andres World Central Kitchen. And here's the great thing is that hey. Hey, Steve. Oh, Jose. Hey. I love you, Jose. I love you. But, Jose, what are you. What are you doing out here? We're not. We're not going to cook until later.

[Jose Andres]

I know, but I got so excited about the T shirts.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, I love the T shirts.

[Jose Andres]

That we should do something like what? All these people, the audience, they love you, and they wait for hours to come into the theater.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Jose Andres]

Wait. I think we should be giving them.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let's give them. All right, all right,

[Jose Andres]

all right, all

[Stephen Colbert]

right, all right, all right, all right, all right.

[Jose Andres]

Good job, Mr. Knight.

[Stephen Colbert]

If you'd like to buy one of these shirts or bid on Late show items, head to [e-mail] eBay and get some great stuff for a great cause.

[Narrator/Announcer]

More with Chef Jose Andres after this.

[Stephen Colbert]

My next guest is a chef and humanitarian whose charity, World Central Kitchen, has provided disaster relief to millions all over the world. Please welcome back to the Late show, my friend and yours, Chef Jose Andres. Thank you.

[Jose Andres]

Jose.

[Stephen Colbert]

Jose. Before we begin, I just want to put it out there. I always have fun talking. I can rarely follow what we're supposed to be doing, but I just want to ask you this. There's a fire marshal backstage with an extinguisher. Is this going to be a particularly dangerous meal?

[Jose Andres]

Could be.

[Stephen Colbert]

Could be. Take me through, Maestro, please.

[Jose Andres]

We've been through few fires before.

[Stephen Colbert]

We have. Yes, we have.

[Jose Andres]

And now what I love after so many years with you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Jose Andres]

Is that I don't know how to do this.

[Stephen Colbert]

There you go. Okay.

[Jose Andres]

Is that. Now you understand my English.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes, I do.

[Jose Andres]

Thank you for giving this opportunity to this humble immigrant. Oh, yes. Thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you. No, thank you for what you brought to our country. Thank you. Now, that is an open flame. And that is rum. And I like my eyebrows. So I'm gonna stand back here.

[Jose Andres]

So I don't know if this is my last time I'm cooking here with you.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let me check. Yes, it is. Yes, it is. What are we making? What is this?

[Jose Andres]

I have to make a dish that brings memory of home.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Jose Andres]

But in strange ways, brings memory of who you are.

[Stephen Colbert]

Thank you. So this is from Catalonia.

[Jose Andres]

This is from Barcelona.

[Stephen Colbert]

Catalonia.

[Jose Andres]

Yeah. And it's rum.

[Stephen Colbert]

Rum.

[Jose Andres]

Okay. And I grabbed. Okay, one teaspoon of rum. And this is what happens. Open me this bottle. We need more rum.

[Stephen Colbert]

More rum. Okay. Yes.

[Jose Andres]

And in Catalonia, when I grew up in the Costa Brava, in the beaches at night, after sunset. Yes. People will start burning this rum. But can you put it inside the label? Basketball? Inside the label, inside the Label.

[Stephen Colbert]

All right.

[Jose Andres]

And people will start making this fire.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay?

[Jose Andres]

And as they make the fire, they will begin singing songs. Songs from Cuba, from the Spanish American War, all the sailors that came back. And the songs will always have the same rhythm, the rhythm of the waves. And as people will sing different songs. Don't worry, you don't have a mustache. Okay. Can you turn it off?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes, I can.

[Jose Andres]

And then we put sugar, and we put cinnamon, and we put coffee beans. Only few of them.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. All right.

[Jose Andres]

Can we bring the lights down?

[Stephen Colbert]

We can try.

[Jose Andres]

You have powers.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes. Ooh.

[Jose Andres]

And then.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, my God.

[Jose Andres]

And then. Don't do this at home, people. I mean, if you want.

[Stephen Colbert]

Jose, also, don't do it here.

[Jose Andres]

And then you put coffee to finish, to extinguish the fire.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Jose Andres]

This is the new tradition now.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Jose Andres]

Oh, my God.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now, Jose, many people call you a superhero for all the work you do, but you are a real superhero now because you're in the Marvel Universe.

[Jose Andres]

Oh, my God.

[Stephen Colbert]

And the Spider Man. Could I have a little bit?

[Jose Andres]

No, no, not yet. I almost burned my nose.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Yes.

[Jose Andres]

Yeah, you can. For you. Okay.

[Stephen Colbert]

So cheers.

[Jose Andres]

This is called crematorium. Cremat in Catalan. Cremat. Cremat. It means little fire. Cremat. Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

[Stephen Colbert]

Oh, it does burn. Congratulations on this.

[Jose Andres]

What a mess. I did. I'm sorry.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Jose Andres]

I always do a mess.

[Stephen Colbert]

Now, by the way, Jose is going to sign these, and they will be up for auction on our Home Shopping Network, benefiting World Central Kitchen. And. And. And one other. And there's one other thing you're doing for our auction site for television. What is it?

[Jose Andres]

You know when you call me in the middle of Thanksgiving, Even your wife is a great chef. And you, too, and you ask me, what is the temperature of the turkey?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Jose Andres]

Imagine everybody should have a chef as a friend. Imagine the person that wins this auction can call me on a zoom, and I go together through the fridge, I send them some food to home, and we cook together in your kitchen with me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, that is going to be. That'll be on the website as well. You can bet. You can bet on that. You can.

[Jose Andres]

And now we are making paella.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. Paella. What does paella mean?

[Jose Andres]

Paella is the name of the pan. And the name of the pan gives the name to the dish.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay?

[Jose Andres]

And this is the traditional paella. Rabbit, chicken, green beans.

[Stephen Colbert]

Rabbit.

[Jose Andres]

Rabbit, rabbit. If you don't have rabbit, you can put the squirrels.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, I got it.

[Jose Andres]

And then you start by sauteing the meat the chicken and the rabbit. No, until gets very brown.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Jose Andres]

And then the rosemary at the end.

[Stephen Colbert]

At the end.

[Jose Andres]

This is gonna take us around 45 minutes to 1 hour to make.

[Stephen Colbert]

We don't have that much time.

[Jose Andres]

Hey, Stephen, you told me that I could do whatever I wanted on the last time. I'm not able to cook this whole thing from scratch to finish.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're gonna be finishing this tomorrow morning with Gail.

[Jose Andres]

But. But we have time

[Stephen Colbert]

to do. All right, I'm moving ahead. I'm moving ahead.

[Jose Andres]

All right.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is there any way to speed this up, Jose?

[Jose Andres]

Oh, I have a way.

[Stephen Colbert]

All right, do it then.

[Jose Andres]

I have a way. I mean, I have my own line of produce that make paella. Yeah, this is a commercial, but because I thought we may get behind.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yes.

[Jose Andres]

I have a surprise.

[Stephen Colbert]

Surprise me.

[Jose Andres]

I have a big paella here. A big paella already cooked.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bring it out.

[Jose Andres]

People of America. You see?

[Stephen Colbert]

All right.

[Jose Andres]

This comes from Mercado, little Spain. And this is the traditional paella Valenciana. This is for two people.

[Stephen Colbert]

And not only this. Not only this, not only did you make paella for me, but my understanding is you made food for everyone in the audience tonight.

[Jose Andres]

We gave you a shirt. We have to give you food in your way. Out, everybody tonight. And I help you. Oh, my God. Look at the rabbit. He's so happy. The chicken is so happy. I think we need to be wrapping up these, my friend.

[Stephen Colbert]

I think we. I think we do, too.

[Jose Andres]

Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

The show only lasts till May, so. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor one last time to thank this man, Chef Jose Andres, my friend and yours. We'll be right back. World Central Kitchen. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

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[Stephen Colbert]

How quick?

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[Jose Andres]

Me and my brother, we grew up off the grid. A new Paramount plus original documentary explores the wild true story of two brothers.

[Stephen Colbert]

They were dubbed the Wild Boys. There's no driving records, nothing tangible.

[Jose Andres]

What's their story? Who shook a small town after they emerged mysteriously from the Canadian wilderness?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Are they criminals?

[Jose Andres]

Maybe they're in a cult.

[Stephen Colbert]

Who are these guys? Why are they here? It's not my job, to tell you the truth. Wild Boys Strangers In Town now streaming on Paramount plus.