Summary of "First Drafts Father's Day 2025" Episode on The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Release Date: June 14, 2025

Introduction

In the "First Drafts Father's Day 2025" episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into the heartfelt and humorous aspects of celebrating Father's Day. Joined by his wife, Evie Colbert, and accompanied by musical guest Jon Batiste, the episode explores the intricacies of crafting the perfect Father's Day card, blending genuine emotion with Colbert's signature wit.

Main Segment: First Drafts – Crafting the Perfect Father's Day Card

The centerpiece of the episode is the "First Drafts" segment, where Stephen and Evie examine various Father's Day card messages. This segment highlights the difference between polished, store-bought sentiments and the more candid, first-attempt drafts that reveal deeper emotions and personal anecdotes.

• Introduction to First Drafts

  Stephen introduces the concept by presenting a standard Father's Day card message:

  "Dad, This Father's Day, you'll get just what you want. Time with your loving family."
  [05:00]

  He contrasts this with a humorous first draft:

  "Dad, this Father's Day, you'll get just what you want. A bowling ball. A Japanese watercolor. Rock climbing shoes. Wow. I do not know you at all."
  [05:16]

  Evie Colbert responds with laughter, appreciating the honesty behind the first draft.

• Emotion and Authenticity in Messages

  The discussion shifts to the emotional weight of being a new father. Stephen shares a personal anecdote about his first Father's Day:

  "I woke up in the middle of the night, standing on the bed holding a pillow, going, 'Where is she?'"
  [06:38]

  This vulnerability underscores the challenges and fears new fathers face, adding depth to the Father's Day celebration.

• Creative Expressions of Gratitude

  Stephen presents another polished card message:

  "To the man who spends his weekends teaching me how to change attire. Happy Father's Day."
  [08:09]

  Followed by its candid first draft version:

  "To the man who spent his weekends teaching me how to change a tire, I never really listened. Can you come get me?"
  [08:16]

  These exchanges highlight the blend of admiration and the humorous, everyday struggles between fathers and their children.

• Acknowledging Stepdads

  The episode also touches on the role of stepfathers with a heartfelt message:

  "You're not my stepfather. You're my father who stepped up. Happy Father's Day."
  [10:20]

  Contrastingly, the first draft takes a comedic turn:

  "You're not my stepfather. Cause to me, you'll always be Rick from the gym who took away my mommy. I hate you, Rick."
  [10:28]

  This juxtaposition emphasizes appreciation while maintaining Colbert's characteristic humor.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the segment, Stephen Colbert and Evie Colbert explore the balance between heartfelt messages and the imperfections that make familial relationships authentic. The "First Drafts" showcase not only the love and respect for fathers but also the relatable, imperfect moments that define family bonds.

A notable quote encapsulating this sentiment is:

"Dads just keep it all inside. Keep it all inside. Give me advice."
[06:22]

This line reflects the often unspoken struggles and silent strengths of fatherhood, resonating with listeners who appreciate the multifaceted roles fathers play.

Conclusion

The "First Drafts Father's Day 2025" episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a blend of humor, sincerity, and personal storytelling to celebrate fathers. By examining both polished and raw expressions of gratitude, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on fatherhood, encouraging authenticity in celebrating the men who shape our lives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert [05:16]: "Dad, this Father's Day, you'll get just what you want. A bowling ball. A Japanese watercolor. Rock climbing shoes. Wow. I do not know you at all."
• Stephen Colbert [06:38]: "I woke up in the middle of the night, standing on the bed holding a pillow, going, 'Where is she?'"
• Evie Colbert [08:27]: "That's good. You did that."
• Stephen Colbert [10:28]: "Cause to me, you'll always be Rick from the gym who took away my mommy. I hate you, Rick."

This episode serves as a heartfelt homage to fathers, blending humor with genuine appreciation, making it a memorable Father's Day tribute for listeners.