The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Guest: Eugene Levy

Air Date: September 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Emmy-winning actor and comedic legend Eugene Levy joins Stephen Colbert for a lively, heartfelt conversation. They chat about the joys (and anxieties) of grandparenthood, the peculiarities of hosting the Emmys with his son, Dan Levy, and stories from the newest season of his Apple TV show, The Reluctant Traveler. Stephen, in his signature warm and witty style, coaxes out humorous anecdotes and reflections on travel, family, and the terrors of stand-up.

Major Discussion Points & Insights

1. Becoming a Grandfather

• Eugene's Grandson Jamesy
  • James recently turned three and, amusingly, has developed a habit of starting every sentence with "unfortunately".
    • "What are you eating, James? 'Unfortunately, an apple.'"
      — Eugene Levy [03:14]
    • "He’s not saying it to be funny. I think it’s more in case you think I’m not smart."
      — Eugene Levy [03:24]
  • The habit likely comes from adults around him using the word "unfortunately" often.
• Grandparenting vs. Parenting
  • Eugene enjoying the lighter side of grandparenthood: "With a grandchild, it's just fun and games...If things go south, behavior-wise, you know, it's somebody else's problem."
    — Eugene Levy [04:17]
  • He’s called “Papa,” while his wife is “Nanny”.

2. The Emmy Awards with His Son Dan

• Co-hosting as a Family
  • Stephen brings up Eugene and Dan's hosting stint at the Emmys the previous year, calling them a "comedy dynasty."
  • Eugene modestly denies being a “real” comedian:
    • "We're not comedians. We don't do jokes. We're actors who act the part of comedians, I guess."
      — Eugene Levy [04:59]
  • He found the suggestion to test their Emmys monologue at actual comedy clubs “terrifying”:
    • "That's why I didn't go into standup comedy...the idea of being alone on a stage in front of an audience..."
      — Eugene Levy [05:26]
  • Credits his love for improv, especially at Second City, for always being able to "take someone down with me" if things failed.
    • "You're always with somebody else. You are in a troupe. So if I go down, I'm going to take some people with me."
      — Eugene Levy [05:54]

3. ‘The Reluctant Traveler’ — New Season Adventures

• Changing Attitude Toward Travel
  • Eugene admits he's becoming less “reluctant”:
    • "I am a less reluctant traveler. I’m inching my way towards being a seasoned traveler.”
      — Eugene Levy [06:58]
  • Still challenges with jet lag and airports, but gains richer experiences through the people he meets:
    • “I’m actually learning to experience the country and the culture through the people that I’m meeting and their families.”
      — Eugene Levy [07:10]
• Season Three 'Bucket List' Destinations
  • This season’s theme is Eugene’s personal “bucket list”:
    • Celebrated Day of the Dead in Mexico
    • St. Patrick’s Day in Galway, Ireland
      • "...a town maybe 100,000 people...90,000 showed up for the parade.”
        — Eugene Levy [08:30]
    • Trip to Vienna, Austria
      • Describes Vienna as a city of “classic beauty” and shares:
        • “That town holds 200 balls... in two months every winter.”
          — Eugene Levy [09:18]
      • Attended the famed Vienna Philharmonic Ball, wearing white tie and tails, and waltzed with the great-granddaughter of Richard Strauss:
        • "...talk about two left feet...I think the welts on her ankles have gone down by now."
          — Eugene Levy [10:12]

4. Looking Forward

• Uncertain if there will be a season four, but hints at interest:
  • “I think there’s going to be another season. It's not entirely up to me, but, you know, if you’d like to see one, pass it on.”
    — Eugene Levy [10:23]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Eugene on Stand-Up Comedy vs Improv:
  • "That's why I didn't go into standup...You're always with somebody else [in improv]."
    — Eugene Levy [05:26]
• On Grandparenting:
  • "With a grandchild, it's just fun and games...If things go south, you know, it’s somebody else’s problem."
    — Eugene Levy [04:17]
• Vienna Adventure:
  • “I had the opportunity to waltz with the great granddaughter of Ricard Strauss. ...This was not a great...I don’t know if anybody’s tried waltzing on a crowded dance floor lately, but…” — Eugene Levy [09:48–10:12]
• Playful Banter:
  • Eugene, pointing out his Jewish heritage in a family photo:
    • “As I say, find the Jew right here.”
      — Eugene Levy [03:55]
  • Stephen, not wanting to wade into those waters:
    • “I’m gonna leave that one there.”
      — Stephen Colbert [04:05]

Key Timestamps

• 01:40 — Stephen introduces Eugene Levy.
• 02:56 — Eugene discusses becoming a grandfather.
• 04:17 — Eugene on being "Papa"; grandparenting vs. parenting.
• 04:45 — Recalling the Emmy Awards co-host with son Dan Levy.
• 05:51 — On love for improv and working in a troupe.
• 06:44 — Introduction to the third season of The Reluctant Traveler.
• 07:45 — This season’s “bucket list” theme explained.
• 08:38 — Stories from Ireland and Vienna adventures.
• 10:17 — Eugene jokes about his waltzing skills.
• 10:23 — Talks about potential for a new season.
• 10:32 — Episode sign-off and Stephen’s thanks.

Final Thoughts

This episode highlights Eugene Levy's signature blend of humility, self-deprecating humor, and warmth. Whether talking about family or fumbling through a Viennese waltz, Levy’s stories invite listeners into the richness of his recent adventures—proving that even the most "reluctant" traveler can find joy, connection, and plenty to laugh about in new experiences.