The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Drew Barrymore | What The Health?!

Date: September 5, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Drew Barrymore

Episode Overview

In this lively and heartfelt episode, Stephen Colbert sits down with actress, talk show host, and author Drew Barrymore. The pair delve into everything from current controversies in public health to Drew’s personal journey toward self-love in her 50s. The conversation is marked by trademark Colbert wit and Barrymore’s infectious warmth, covering topics ranging from road trip adventures to wisdom about aging, self-acceptance, and thriving as your own best friend.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Monologue: Satire on Current Public Health and Political Climate

• [03:57 - 15:14]
• Colbert delivers his signature humor, taking aim at recent decisions by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services RFK Jr., new vaccine mandates (or lack thereof), and Florida’s efforts to eliminate vaccine requirements.
• Uses satire to highlight the absurdities and potential risks in current public health policy.

Notable Quotes:

• "RFK Jr. looks neither healthy nor human." — Stephen Colbert (03:57)
• "Your job is to tell me to cut down on salt, and my job is to pretend that I did that." — Stephen Colbert (07:49)

2. Drew Barrymore on Resilience, Parenting, and Adventure

• [17:12 - 18:41]
• Drew shares a harrowing story about her daughter’s e-bike accident in France and her daughter's surprising quick thinking to use her bra as a tourniquet.
• Reflects on parenting, pride in her children’s resilience, and the unpredictability of life.

Notable Quotes:

• "She ripped off her bra and turned it into a tourniquet...I just marvel at her." — Drew Barrymore (17:56)
• "You raised her right." — Stephen Colbert (18:13)

3. The Art of Road Tripping

• [18:42 - 20:43]
• Drew and Stephen bond over a shared love of road trips and the sense of freedom they provide.
• Drew explains her method for cross-country RV travel, including her firm bathroom rules.

Memorable Moments:

• Drew’s rule for RVs: "Don't you dare ever poo in that bathroom. Cause you're gonna be in it for a while." — Drew Barrymore (19:30)
• "Let me write that down. Don't poo in Drew's bathroom." — Stephen Colbert (19:42)

4. Turning 50 and the Wisdom of the '50 Effets'

• [20:43 - 24:08]
• Drew discusses hitting 50 and embracing the ‘50 Effets,’ a philosophy of caring less about external validation and being kinder to herself.
• Shares how Ellen Pompeo inspired her to value self-acceptance over constant people pleasing.

Notable Quotes:

• "It is no longer worth it for me to dislike me." — Drew Barrymore (22:30)
• "You’re not lowering your expectations for yourself. You're just not killing yourself emotionally if you don't reach them." — Stephen Colbert (24:08)
• "The reason I'm my best friend is because I'm what I have in this world now." — Drew Barrymore (24:29)

5. Season Six of The Drew Barrymore Show and Celebrity Guests

• [27:05 - 27:36]
• Drew teases the new season and upcoming guests, including Jennifer Aniston, Issa Rae, Katherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, and David Letterman.

Memorable Exchange:

• "Catherine Zeta Jones. And Zeta Jones. Both of them?" — Stephen Colbert (27:17)
• "Yeah, both of them. And her husband, Michael Douglas." — Drew Barrymore (27:18)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Vaccine Policy Satire:
  "This will also impact America's most vulnerable population: Disney adults… They only got one doc and he's got his hands full with Sneezy and a drug addict named Dopey." — Stephen Colbert (10:32)
• Self-Acceptance:
  "Nothing is worth me talking this way to myself anymore. I'm done." — Drew Barrymore (23:49)
• On Being Your Own Best Friend:
  "She’s there for me. I don’t know—does anyone else call themselves names or say, 'you should have done that better,' things you would never say to a child but somehow you are fair game?" — Drew Barrymore (23:13)
• Humor on Bathroom Rules:
  "Don't you dare ever poo in that bathroom… that will come back to haunt you." — Drew Barrymore (19:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:57] – Colbert’s Monologue on RFK Jr., vaccines, and public health
• [17:12] – Drew Barrymore joins the show; parenting stories and e-bike accident
• [18:42] – Road trip adventures and RV living tips
• [20:43] – Turning 50 and the '50 Effets'
• [22:30] – Discussion on self-kindness and ending negative self-talk
• [27:05] – Preview of Season 6 of The Drew Barrymore Show and celebrity guest rundown

Overall Tone and Takeaway

The episode is a delightful blend of sharp political satire and heartfelt personal reflection. Colbert’s incisive humor sets the stage for an introspective, empowering conversation with Drew Barrymore. Listeners are treated to candid stories of family, aging, and self-growth, alongside the playful banter for which both Colbert and Barrymore are known. The lasting message: self-compassion and authenticity become even more valuable as you grow older.