The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Guest: Comedian Ramy Youssef
Date: April 27, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Stephen Colbert sits down with Ramy Youssef, acclaimed comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his work in Ramy and the recent film Poor Things. The conversation seamlessly blends humor, personal anecdotes, and sincere discussion as the duo revisits their extraordinary trip to the Vatican, the complexities of faith, and comedic craft. Notably, Youssef discusses the inspiration behind his comedy careers, reflects on milestone moments, and shares behind-the-scenes stories featuring Conan O’Brien and even Martin Scorsese.
Key Discussion Points & Highlights
Meeting the Pope: An Unforgettable Vatican Visit
- [03:03–05:16]
- Stephen and Ramy recall their joint visit as part of a small American delegation to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis.
- Ramy humorously details his initial skepticism about the invitation:
"I was like, okay, is Steven trying to get me in the Illuminati? Like, I don't know." (Ramy Youssef, 03:27)
- They joke about their “exclusive” entrance:
"We came in through the servants entrance…It was not a good entrance. We came in through the back door, basically." (Colbert & Youssef, 03:44)
- Ramy shares that his Muslim faith made the visit particularly meaningful and recalls his father’s advice:
"Rami, this is incredible. You're a Muslim. You get to go meet a really holy man. We believe in anyone who believes in pure love. Go meet the Pope. It's your job to meet him, love him, and convert him." (Ramy Youssef, quoting his father, 03:59)
Rome Adventures & Celebrity Encounters
- [05:16–06:08]
- Ramy describes it as his first trip to Rome, calling it "incredible" and referencing the surreal experience of "courtside Pope."
- Youssef talks about connecting with Conan O’Brien and Stephen Merchant during the visit, teasing Conan's sunburn after just three minutes in the Roman sun.
- A standout tale involves an insider tour given by Amir, "Scorsese’s guy," adding an extra layer of high-profile hijinks:
"He's this Iranian guy with an Italian accent, and he takes you in a golf cart all around Rome... Cause he's Scorsese's guy." (Ramy Youssef, 05:22)
The Art of Comic Impression
- [06:08–06:57]
- Colbert brings up Youssef’s recent SNL appearance portraying politician Zohran Mamdani, prompting Youssef to explain his approach:
"I would just watch him smile no matter what he was saying…It could be the most serious thing, and he'd have a smile and then be incredibly serious. And I thought that was kind of the way in." (Ramy Youssef, 06:19)
- The real Mamdani's reaction?
"He called me when I was still dressed as him, and he was really creeped out by it." (Ramy Youssef, 06:51)
Comedy and Faith: A Delicate Balance
- [07:05–07:54]
- Colbert asks Ramy why faith is often a theme in his comedy:
"Why? I've got my own reasons why I enjoy doing that when the opportunity arises...Why you?" (Stephen Colbert, 07:05)
- Ramy responds with nuanced insight:
"Cause it means so much, you know, And I think we're inherently imperfect and it's nice to laugh at ourselves. So I'm never making fun of the thing. It's always just…" (Ramy Youssef, 07:11)
- He reflects on how surreal it was to go from his first-ever standup appearance on The Late Show to meeting the Pope with Colbert:
"That felt like a spiritual moment…if we looked in the eyes, I feel like you could have made me Christian. So I looked away." (Ramy Youssef, 07:11)
- Colbert jokes back:
"I'm coming for you." (Colbert, 07:53)
Personal Moments and Signature Humor
- [02:36–03:03, 02:47–02:57]
- Playful banter about Youssef’s cologne and not wanting to reveal the scent to avoid imitation:
"It's the kind of thing, it's, you know, I wouldn't really tell you. Cause I don't want." (Ramy Youssef, 02:53)
- Colbert teases the idea of stealing Youssef’s career if he wore the same cologne.
Notable Quotes
-
"I was like, okay, is Steven trying to get me in the Illuminati? Like, I don't know."
—Ramy Youssef, [03:27]
-
"We came in through the back door, basically."
—Stephen Colbert, [03:47]
-
"It's your job to meet him, love him, and convert him."
—Ramy Youssef (quoting his father), [03:59]
-
"It was my first time [in Rome]. First time Vatican, courtside, Pope. Incredible."
—Ramy Youssef, [05:14]
-
"He called me when I was still dressed as him, and he was really creeped out by it."
—Ramy Youssef, [06:51]
-
"We’re inherently imperfect and it's nice to laugh at ourselves. So I'm never making fun of the thing."
—Ramy Youssef, [07:11]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Vatican Visit & Pope Anecdotes: [03:03–05:16]
- Celebrity Encounters in Rome: [05:16–06:08]
- SNL Impression & Reaction: [06:08–06:57]
- Comedy & Faith Discussion: [07:05–07:54]
- Signature Humor & Cologne Bit: [02:36–03:03]
Memorable Moments
- Ramy’s playful anxiety over whether the Vatican invitation was an Illuminati recruitment ([03:27])
- The story of Conan O’Brien’s rapid Roman sunburn ([05:01])
- Ramy’s heartfelt reflection on how much faith and comedy intertwine in his work ([07:11])
Conclusion
This episode offers a warm, candid, and consistently funny peek into Ramy Youssef’s worldview—combining stories of international travel, spiritual encounters, and the inside world of comedy. The chemistry between Stephen Colbert and Ramy Youssef keeps the conversation sharp, genuine, and memorable. If you enjoy humor that straddles reverence and self-deprecation, this is an episode worth your time.
Ramy Youssef in Love debuts April 17th on HBO and HBO Max.
