The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode Featuring Drew Brees (Extended) | Executive Disorder

Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Drew Brees, Super Bowl Champion and MVP, Former Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints

1. Introduction

In this extended episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into a mix of political satire, media critiques, and an engaging interview with former NFL superstar Drew Brees. The episode skillfully balances humor with insightful commentary, keeping listeners entertained while shedding light on significant current events.

2. Stephen Colbert's Monologue and Commentary

Colbert opens with his trademark wit, addressing the proliferation of CBS's new procedural shows. He humorously critiques the network's strategy, mentioning titles like "FBI CIA," "FBI International," and "FBI's Most Wanted," poking fun at their PG-13 approach to thrillers.

2.1. CBS's New Procedural Shows

• Timestamp [01:05]:
  Stephen Colbert: "CBS is working on a new FBI spinoff with a CIA twist called FBI CIA. This is the perfect addition to the extended FBI verse."

Colbert amusingly enumerates the network's expanding "FBI" universe, highlighting his skepticism about New York needing more fictional law enforcement.

2.2. Commentary on the Trump Administration

Transitioning to political satire, Colbert critiques the early days of the Trump administration, comparing it humorously to a rough week characterized by trampling norms and laws.

• Timestamp [03:17]:
  Stephen Colbert: "Back in reality, it's day four of the Trump administration, aka AKA Four Loko. It's been a rough week watching the Trump administration re-trample our norms and laws."

He then discusses a significant legal victory where a federal judge blocked Trump's order ending birthright citizenship.

• Timestamp [03:06 - 04:30]:
  Stephen Colbert: "Because this afternoon a federal judge blocked Trump's order ending birthright citizenship. Yeah, baby blocked it. That means every baby born in this country is a citizen and has the right to life, liberty and pumpable cheese."

Colbert further elaborates on Judge John Kunauer's stance, underscoring the judge's clear rejection of Trump's executive order as unconstitutional.

• Timestamp [04:00]:
  Judge Kunauer: "I've been on the bench for over four decades. I can't remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one."

2.3. January 6 Capitol Riot Subcommittee

Colbert shifts focus to Capitol Hill, discussing Speaker Mike Johnson's announcement of a new subcommittee to probe the January 6 Capitol riot, led by Representative Barry Loudermilk.

• Timestamp [04:30 - 06:12]:
  Stephen Colbert: "I'm surprised that Republicans want to re-litigate January 6th. Because when it comes to Trump's pardoning of the rioters, well, they've all been saying stuff like this. We're not looking backwards, we're looking forward."

He humorously critiques the Republicans' approach to the investigation, highlighting the paradox in their statements.

2.4. Elon Musk Controversy

The host addresses Elon Musk's ongoing backlash following a gesture at a Trump inauguration rally, which some interpreted as a Nazi salute—a claim Musk vehemently denies.

• Timestamp [08:10 - 09:40]:
  Stephen Colbert: "Posting the everyone is Hitler attack is so tired. Yes, Musk is fed up with the Hitler comparisons. He's had it up to, wow. Wow. How do I. How do I do this? Elon, where have you headed? Up to? So, hi."

Colbert narrates the fallout, including a meteorologist from Wisconsin denouncing Musk, which led to her termination.

• Timestamp [09:05]:
  Donald Trump: "The head of a country that lives in forests, a number of them actually and it was beautiful the way they expressed it. They said, we live in a forest. We are a forest nation. That's beautiful, isn't it?"

He satirizes Trump's statements on California wildfires and TikTok spying concerns, blending political critique with humor.

3. Interview with Drew Brees

3.1. Introduction and Early Career

At [13:12], Stephen Colbert welcomes Drew Brees to the show. The conversation begins with Colbert reminiscing about their previous meeting in 2014 and transitioning to Brees' retirement and reflections on his illustrious NFL career.

• Timestamp [13:33 - 15:24]:
  Stephen Colbert: "With the big games coming up, you got the AFC and NFC and the super bowl coming up. Compare the enjoyment of watching the game as opposed to trying to prevent being pulverized by 300-pound linemen."

Brees humorously discusses the challenges of retirement, including dealing with his teenage sons' playful aggression.

• Timestamp [14:01 - 14:26]:
  Drew Brees: "So I got three. Three boys. 16, 14, and 12. And then a daughter who's 10."

3.2. Relationship with Teammates

Colbert probes into Brees' camaraderie with his offensive linemen, essential players in protecting the quarterback.

• Timestamp [17:10 - 19:01]:
  Drew Brees: "Absolutely. That is one of the most important jobs you have is to take care of the big fellas. So we're talking, like, weekly meals. Every Thursday night was O-line dinner. ... I want you to go and have this experience."

Brees emphasizes the importance of fostering strong relationships with his teammates, sharing anecdotes about thoughtful gifts and team outings that built camaraderie.

3.3. Super Bowl Experiences

The conversation shifts to Brees' experience in the Super Bowl, contrasting the intensity of the game day with regular season play.

• Timestamp [24:19 - 26:42]:
  Drew Brees: "Yeah, we started with an onside kick. We get the ball, and that was a total change of momentum for us, which kind of propelled us to victory."

Brees recounts the strategic decisions and the emotional rollercoaster of playing in the Super Bowl, highlighting the unique pressures and thrilling moments that define championship games.

3.4. Love for New Orleans

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Brees' deep connection with New Orleans, the city that embraced him and where he achieved his greatest successes.

• Timestamp [26:26 - 28:43]:
  Drew Brees: "This is so much greater than just football. This is a true calling for us to be here, to be part of the resurrection of one of America's greatest cities."

Brees narrates his journey from acquiring the Saints to becoming a beloved figure in the community, illustrating how New Orleans' resilience post-Katrina mirrored his own determination and commitment to excellence.

4. Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by thanking Drew Brees for his time and insights, reflecting on the inspiring story of Brees' career and his profound impact on both the sport and the city of New Orleans.

• Timestamp [28:43 - 29:04]:
  Stephen Colbert: "Thanks so much for being here. Thank you, Super Bowl Champion Drew Brees, everybody."

Colbert encourages listeners to engage further with the show through YouTube for additional clips and exclusives, effectively bridging the podcast with the visual components of The Late Show.

5. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert on CBS's New Shows:
  [01:05] "CBS is working on a new FBI spinoff with a CIA twist called FBI CIA. This is the perfect addition to the extended FBI verse."

• On Birthright Citizenship Ruling:
  [03:17] "Yeah, baby blocked it. That means every baby born in this country is a citizen and has the right to life, liberty and pumpable cheese."

• Drew Brees on Taking Care of Teammates:
  [17:10] "Absolutely. That is one of the most important jobs you have is to take care of the big fellas."

• On the Super Bowl Moment:
  [24:19] "Yeah, we started with an onside kick. We get the ball, and that was a total change of momentum for us, which kind of propelled us to victory."

• Drew Brees Reflecting on New Orleans:
  [26:42] "This is so much greater than just football. This is a true calling for us to be here, to be part of the resurrection of one of America's greatest cities."

In Summary, this episode masterfully intertwines Stephen Colbert's sharp political and social commentary with an in-depth and heartfelt conversation with Drew Brees. Listeners gain insight into both the current political climate and the personal journey of one of football's most respected figures, making for a compelling and informative listen.