Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Episode Featuring Dawn Staley

Release Date: June 2, 2025
Guest: Dawn Staley
Host: Stephen Colbert
Podcast Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Description: The #1 show in late night delivered straight to your ears, every day. Featuring whip-smart writing, hilarious monologues, and revealing conversations with celebrity guests.

Introduction to Dawn Staley

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show, Stephen Colbert welcomes basketball legend and head coach Dawn Staley to discuss her illustrious career, her new memoir Uncommon Favor, and her profound impact on women's basketball.

Timestamp: [04:32]

Colbert: "My next guest is a basketball icon and head coach of the University of South Carolina women's basketball team. She has just written a new memoir, Uncommon Favor. Please welcome to THE Late Show, Dawn Staley."

Dawn Staley: "Nice to meet you."

Transition from Philadelphia to South Carolina

Dawn Staley delves into her personal journey, highlighting the cultural shift from her hometown of Philadelphia to the slower-paced South Carolina. She shares the initial challenges she faced adapting to a community where interactions are more personal and pervasive.

Timestamp: [05:25] - [06:12]

Colbert: "What do you think of my home state of South Carolina? Have you taken to it?"

Staley: "It was somewhat difficult at first. I grew up in a big city, Philadelphia. And when you go down to South Carolina, it's a little slower. If you want to go to the grocery store and get a loaf of bread, you're going to have to have a conversation with 20 people."

Colbert: "Cause that's where you find out about everybody's family."

Staley: "Yes. It took me a while to get used to being addressed as 'ma’am,' which initially felt almost insulting because I thought it was reserved for the elderly. But I realized it's a sign of respect for anyone, regardless of age."

Honoring Achievement: The Statue Experience

A significant moment in the conversation revolves around Staley's new statue in South Carolina. She reflects on the honor and the mixed reactions following its unveiling.

Timestamp: [06:43] - [08:09]

Colbert: "We had your former player, WNBA All-Star Asia Wilson, on the show. She's got a statue down in South Carolina, and I just found out you just got your own statue down there. That it is. Congratulations."

Staley: "I really wanted Asia to be the only statue initially because I think she's deserving and a local star. When they told me only 6% of women worldwide receive this honor, I felt compelled to do it for other women as well."

Colbert: "How did it feel to see yourself in bronze?"

Staley: "It's pretty cool. Initially, when they released the statue, South Carolinians felt it didn't resemble me accurately, leading to some backlash. However, after adjustments, I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. It captures the essence of who I am."

From Player to Coach: Career Transition

Staley shares her unexpected journey from a celebrated player to a revered coach, highlighting the pivotal moments that steered her into coaching.

Timestamp: [08:33] - [10:48]

Colbert: "When you became a coach, did you see it as your ultimate destiny?"

Staley: "No, I didn't want to be a coach initially. I had great coaching experiences as a player but never envisioned myself on the coaching side until I was approached by the Athletic Director at Temple University."

Colbert: "You got tricked."

Staley: "In a way, yes. Dave O'Brien from Temple reached out, thinking bringing a local hero would be beneficial. Though I was hesitant at first, his confidence in my leadership abilities convinced me to take the position. It was a challenge I didn't anticipate but ultimately embraced."

Impact on Women's Basketball and the WNBA

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the growth of women's basketball and the WNBA, with Staley expressing optimism about its future and her role in its expansion.

Timestamp: [09:32] - [10:15]

Colbert: "CBS is going to run the WNBA in primetime, and you're set to commentate on it. How does it feel to see the rise in popularity of women's basketball?"

Staley: "It's a breath of fresh air and long overdue. Our game has been held back for so long. Now, there are ample opportunities to showcase the incredible talents of players like Asia Wilson, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and Breanna Stewart. It's an exciting time where women's basketball is finally receiving the recognition it deserves."

Reflections on Coaching Excellence

Staley's coaching prowess is acknowledged, with the Wall Street Journal lauding her as one of the greatest basketball players ever and an even better coach. She reflects on her coaching philosophy and the legacy she aims to build.

Timestamp: [10:32] - [12:10]

Colbert: "The Wall Street Journal said you're one of the greatest basketball players ever and an even better coach. Did you always see coaching as your ultimate path?"

Staley: "No, coaching wasn't my initial plan. But being asked to lead the Temple women's basketball program presented a challenge I couldn't refuse. My leadership as a team captain translated well into coaching, and I've been fortunate to build a successful program that brings championships to South Carolina."

Conclusion and Book Promotion

As the interview wraps up, Colbert invites listeners to explore Dawn Staley's memoir, Uncommon Favor, encouraging them to delve deeper into her life lessons and experiences.

Timestamp: [12:10] - [12:13]

Colbert: "Her book Uncommon Favor is available now. Dawn Staley, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert."

Notable Quotes

1. Dawn Staley on Southern Hospitality:

   "If you want to go to the grocery store and get a loaf of bread, you're going to have to have a conversation with 20 people."
   [05:25]

2. On Respect and Titles:

   "It took me a while to get used to being addressed as 'ma’am,' which initially felt almost insulting because I thought it was reserved for the elderly. But I realized it's a sign of respect for anyone, regardless of age."
   [06:04]

3. Regarding Her Statue:

   "Nothing beats skinny. It stays that way forever, which is nice."
   [08:09]

4. On Embracing Coaching:

   "I was drawing to challenges. Are you challenging me? Right? And then he was like, okay, well, can you come down and meet some other people."
   [10:48]

5. On Women's Basketball Growth:

   "It's a breath of fresh air and long overdue. Our game has been held back for so long."
   [09:36]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Dawn Staley's remarkable journey from a top-tier basketball player to a celebrated coach and author. Her candid reflections on cultural transitions, leadership, and the evolution of women's basketball provide valuable insights for listeners. Through her experiences, Staley exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making her a truly inspiring figure in the world of sports.