The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Christine Baranski (Extended) | Papal Watching Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delivers his signature blend of humor and insightful commentary, seamlessly blending current events with engaging conversations. The episode, titled "Christine Baranski (Extended) | Papal Watching," features an extended interview with the Emmy and two-time Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski, alongside a comedic monologue focused on the ongoing Papal Conclave.

Monologue: Papal Conclave and Cardinal Camaraderie

Timestamp: [01:36] – [14:57]

Stephen Colbert opens the episode with a humorous take on the current Papal Conclave in Vatican City. He playfully speculates about the selection of the new Pope, weighing the chances of a seasoned frontrunner against a surprise newcomer like "Cardinal Mikey Madsen." Colbert lightens the gravity of the conclave with jokes about the cardinals’ lunch decisions:

"For today we are deciding on what do we have for lunch. Some of us are gluten free, so we can only get a pizza from the Good Place. Or maybe we order sushi. No, sushi has soy sauce. Soy sauce got the gluten. Okay, maybe we just go to Sweet Greens."
—Stephen Colbert [02:47]

He continues to satirize the conclave process, comparing the cardinals' seclusion and decision-making to mundane choices, all while maintaining a lively and engaging tone. Colbert humorously describes the anticipation around the famous Vatican chimney smoke signal, which traditionally indicates the selection of a new Pope. When black smoke is observed, signaling no consensus, he quips about his newfound addiction to watching the chimney:

"And I have to say, and I'm sure this will never been taken out of context in any way, I am addicted to the pipe now."
—Stephen Colbert [04:26]

Colbert also imagines the cardinals coping without modern technology, mocking the idea that they might engage in "raw dogging" without access to cell phones:

"Do they call it raw dogging, as the youth say. Those cardinals are going to take this conclave to pound town and spend the next several days..."
—Stephen Colbert [04:29]

He introduces fictional contenders like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Joseph Tobin with his characteristic wit, portraying their personalities and potential influences humorously. The monologue culminates with Colbert's ongoing observation of the Vatican chimney, keeping listeners entertained as the conclave continues:

"Black smoke. Black smoke. Angelo's Italian has started a pepperoni pizza. White smoke will mean calzone."
—Stephen Colbert [04:29]

Interview: Christine Baranski on Her Career and Personal Milestones

Timestamp: [14:59] – [32:04]

After a break filled with advertisements, Stephen Colbert welcomes his guest, Christine Baranski, to the show. The conversation begins with warm greetings and compliments on Baranski's spring attire, transitioning naturally into discussions about her career and personal experiences.

Career Reflections and Spring Cleaning

Baranski shares insights into her extensive career, reminiscing about her first play in Buffalo, New York, and her involvement in significant performances like the Kennedy Center Honors. She recounts a poignant memory:

"It was the year I did the Kennedy center honors and I sang in honor of Lauren Bacall. And it was the year Bruce Springsteen sang in honor of Bob Dylan."
—Christine Baranski [17:41]

This nostalgic moment highlights her long-standing presence in the acting world, emphasizing her dedication and passion for the craft.

Birthday Celebrations and Personal Anecdotes

The conversation shifts to personal milestones as Baranski discusses her recent birthday celebrations. She describes attending a fundraiser for United Way Women in Denver, highlighting the empowering atmosphere:

"I have to fly to Denver and do a fundraiser for United Way Women in Denver. It was 1,200 women in a very large ballroom... and they all sang to me."
—Christine Baranski [19:30]

Baranski humorously narrates her attempt to find a quiet dinner spot post-fundraiser, culminating in an unexpectedly thoughtful gesture from the restaurant:

"They come out with a mousse cake, with a candle, just like, don't let people see that."
—Christine Baranski [20:25]

Peak Career Moments and Collaborations

Reflecting on her most memorable birthdays, Baranski recounts turning 50 at the Met Ball while performing in Sweeney Todd at the Kennedy Center. She shares a touching encounter with composer Stephen Sondheim:

"Steve Sondheim was coming to see our first run through, which is terrifying... He never misses a 50th birthday. He sat there for... we sat there till one in the morning, drinking wine."
—Christine Baranski [20:29]

This story underscores the deep professional relationships Baranski has cultivated and her admiration for influential figures in the arts.

The Gilded Age: Behind the Scenes

Baranski delves into her role in The Gilded Age, praising the show's cast and the collaborative environment reminiscent of a theater repertory company. She highlights the meticulous attention to period-specific details and the camaraderie among her peers:

"We have the great Audra McDonald. We have Kelly, Kelli O'Hara. We have Donna Murphy. We have Nathan Lane."
—Christine Baranski [23:41]

She elaborates on the disciplined nature of portraying 1880s New York, likening the set etiquette to choreography:

"It's like choreography. It is."
—Christine Baranski [23:14]

Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Project Choices

Baranski offers a glimpse into her decision-making process for selecting projects, emphasizing her love for diverse locations and challenging roles. She discusses her involvement in Nine Perfect Strangers, filmed in the Austrian Alps, and her passion for music and opera:

"The Munich Orchestra and the Munich Opera, I was there constantly."
—Christine Baranski [26:15]

Her enthusiasm for the picturesque settings and the depth they add to her performances is evident as she describes her experiences traveling through Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest for filming.

Personal Preferences and Future Projects

In a lighthearted exchange, Colbert inquires about Baranski’s interest in wellness therapies and relaxation, leading to a humorous discussion about her preferences:

"I just want a strong man with really great hands massaging me. And then... leave me alone."
—Christine Baranski [27:11]

Baranski expresses her desire for simple, genuine relaxation over trendy wellness trends, adding a relatable and human touch to the conversation.

Conclusion: Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

As the interview wraps up, Colbert highlights Baranski’s upcoming projects, including the return of The Gilded Age for its third season and her continued role in Nine Perfect Strangers. Baranski emphasizes her commitment to storytelling and the collaborative spirit of working with talented colleagues:

"It's a great season and, you know, beautiful locations and, you know, troubled, wounded people in a beautiful location. What more do you want?"
—Christine Baranski [26:52]

Closing Remarks

Stephen Colbert thanks Christine Baranski for her time and contributions to the arts, reinforcing her status as "America's treasure." The episode concludes with promotional segments for upcoming shows and products, maintaining the show's characteristic blend of entertainment and advertisement.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Colbert on the Papal Conclave:
  "Black smoke. Black smoke. Angelo's Italian has started a pepperoni pizza. White smoke will mean calzone."
  —[04:29]

• Christine Baranski on Her First Play:
  "It was the year I did the Kennedy center honors and I sang in honor of Lauren Bacall. And it was the year Bruce Springsteen sang in honor of Bob Dylan."
  —[17:41]

• Christine Baranski on the Met Ball Birthday:
  "Steve Sondheim was coming to see our first run through, which is terrifying... He never misses a 50th birthday."
  —[20:29]

• Christine Baranski on The Gilded Age Cast:
  "We have the great Audra McDonald. We have Kelly, Kelli O'Hara. We have Donna Murphy. We have Nathan Lane."
  —[23:41]

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully balances topical humor with heartfelt conversation, offering listeners both laughs and meaningful insights into the life and career of Christine Baranski. Stephen Colbert's adept hosting ensures a memorable and engaging experience, making it a valuable listen for both fans of the show and those unfamiliar with its dynamic content.