Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Elton John & Brandi Carlile | Xmas & Chill
Release Date: December 18, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this festive episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes two illustrious guests: the legendary musician Elton John and the acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile. Titled "Xmas & Chill," the episode blends holiday cheer with heartfelt conversations about music, personal growth, and enduring friendships.

2. Stephen Colbert's Christmas Monologue

Colbert kicks off the episode with his signature humor, delving into contemporary Christmas traditions and trends:

• Holiday Meal Shake-Up: Highlighting a recent poll, Colbert jokes about Americans desiring non-traditional Christmas meals, such as burgers, pizza (44%), tacos (38%), and Chinese takeout (34%). He quips, “If we eat burgers on Christmas, what are we gonna eat on the 4th of July?” (01:03).

• Fashion Preferences: With 47% of respondents preferring to spend Christmas day in pajamas, Colbert humorously critiques this trend, suggesting it’s less a celebration and more indicative of “clinical depression” (02:52).

• New Dating Trends: Introducing terms like “snowmanning” and “winter coaching,” Colbert satirizes the complexities of modern holiday relationships, blending wit and wordplay to entertain listeners (03:43).

• Public Domain Popeye: Colbert announces the upcoming entry of Popeye into the public domain in 2025, blending nostalgia with a humorous outlook on copyright laws (19:41).

3. Interview with Elton John

a. Celebrating an EGOT

Colbert warmly welcomes Elton John, celebrating his recent achievement of an EGOT—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Elton reflects on the honor, emphasizing his deep appreciation for American culture and the support he's received:
"Becoming an EGOT meant so much to me because the American public have given me so much throughout my career." (13:15)

b. Discussing "Never Too Late" Documentary

The conversation shifts to Elton’s documentary, "Elton John Never Too Late," where he shares personal insights:

• Life Transformation: Elton discusses his journey from early fame and personal struggles to sobriety and finding happiness with his family:
  "Never too late to change your life, to make decisions that will make your life better." (15:28)

• Advice to Younger Self: He candidly advises his younger self to slow down and avoid substance abuse, acknowledging the toll fame took on his well-being:
  "Stay away from the cocaine, for God's sake." (18:38)

c. Personal Anecdotes and Musical Collaborations

Elton reminisces about his friendship with John Lennon, highlighting their collaborative spirit and mutual support:
"John had this reputation of having a mean temper and being difficult. Never with me. He was just so nice." (25:58)

He also shares touching moments from the documentary, illustrating his deep connections within the music industry and the impact of these relationships on his personal growth.

4. Collaboration with Brandi Carlile

a. Meeting Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile joins the conversation, sharing how she met Elton:

• The Letter that Started It All: Brandi recounts writing Elton a letter after becoming a fan, leading to their collaboration on her song:
  "I wrote Elton a letter when I first came to California, got a record deal and made an album." (30:32)

• Forming a Friendship: Their professional relationship blossoms into a deep friendship, with Elton expressing gratitude for Brandi’s initiative:
  "If she hadn't written that letter, she might not have met me. And it's been one of the greatest joys of my life to have a relationship with her." (30:57)

b. Supporting Young Artists

Elton discusses his commitment to nurturing emerging talent, highlighting his program "Rocket Hour" on Apple Music:

• Promoting New Music:
  "I try and play as much new music as I can, and I try to interview people that I can who are young." (32:00)

• Brandi’s Impact: Brandi shares how Elton’s support has been instrumental in her career, emphasizing his genuine interest in fostering artistic growth:
  "It's been one of the greatest joys of my life to have a relationship with her." (31:45)

c. Reflections on Musical Influences

Brandi delves into how Elton John’s music influenced her:

• Skyline Pigeon: The first Elton song that profoundly impacted Brandi was "Skyline Pigeon," which inspired her to pursue songwriting:
  "It was a crossroads in my life because the music changed my whole worldview." (33:16)

d. Shared Musical Experiences

The duo reminisces about jamming with Joni Mitchell, illustrating the collaborative and joyous nature of their musical endeavors:

• Joni Mitchell Jams:
  "Seeing someone you idolized and be able to sit there in their house and have a sing song... There are no egos." (38:49)

• Covering Elton’s Music: Brandi discusses her admiration for Elton’s songs and her desire to cover his albums in their entirety:
  "Captain Fantastic and the Miranda at Cowboy because it's such a realized story." (40:20)

5. Conclusion

As the conversation winds down, Elton and Brandi express their continued passion for music and future projects. Elton hints at new recordings and creative ventures, while Brandi emphasizes the enduring influence Elton has had on her artistry. Colbert wraps up the episode by appreciating the heartfelt and insightful discussion, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and inspiration during the holiday season.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Colbert on Holiday Meals:
  “If we eat burgers on Christmas, what are we gonna eat on the 4th of July?” (01:03)

• Elton John on EGOT Achievement:
  “Becoming an EGOT meant so much to me because the American public have given me so much throughout my career.” (13:15)

• Elton John Reflecting on Sobriety:
  “Stay away from the cocaine, for God's sake.” (18:38)

• Brandi Carlile on Meeting Elton:
  “If she hadn't written that letter, she might not have met me. And it's been one of the greatest joys of my life to have a relationship with her.” (30:57)

• Elton John on Supporting Young Artists:
  “I try and play as much new music as I can, and I try to interview people that I can who are young.” (32:00)

• Brandi Carlile on Musical Influence:
  “It was a crossroads in my life because the music changed my whole worldview.” (33:16)

This episode masterfully intertwines humor, personal anecdotes, and profound reflections, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into Elton John’s illustrious career and his meaningful collaboration with Brandi Carlile. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their music, "Xmas & Chill" provides both entertainment and inspiration, embodying the spirit of the holiday season.