The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Gov. Josh Shapiro | Oh Fudge
Release Date: July 25, 2025

1. Stephen Colbert’s Opening Monologue

a. Climate Change and Chocolate Prices Stephen Colbert opened the episode addressing the impact of climate change on everyday products. He humorously lamented the rising prices of chocolate due to climate-induced challenges in cocoa-producing countries.

“Thanks to climate change in countries that grow cocoa, chocolate makers are hiking prices.”
[01:15] Stephen Colbert

b. Epstein Scandal and Donald Trump’s Alleged Connections Colbert delved into the resurfacing Jeffrey Epstein scandal, focusing on allegations linking former President Donald Trump to Epstein. He highlighted the controversy surrounding Trump’s interactions with Epstein, including a 2010 deposition where Trump was questioned about socializing with minors.

“We've never even met before. I've wanted to talk to you for a little while.”
[22:54] Stephen Colbert

c. QAnon Shaman and Political Fallout The discussion shifted to the fallout from the Epstein scandal, mentioning the loss of support from figures like the QAnon Shaman and the broader implications for Trump’s alliances.

“The latest to jump ship is the QAnon Shaman. This has deep repercussions…”
[06:58] Stephen Colbert

d. Ghislaine Maxwell and AI Executive Orders Colbert touched upon Ghislaine Maxwell’s conviction and her visits from Trump’s Justice Department officials. He also mocked Trump’s executive orders related to Artificial Intelligence, highlighting their ambiguous and confusing nature.

“Donald flew on Jeff's plane a number of times. I don't know if they ever checked, but I know Jeff flew on Donald's plane.”
[05:41] Stephen Colbert

e. Trump’s Remarks on AI and Woke Culture Stephen humorously critiqued Trump’s speeches on AI and “woke” culture, pointing out the former president’s flubbed language and contradictory actions.

“What a group of smart ones we have in front of me today. That’s about as good as the cums up here.”
[10:06] Donald Trump
“On day one, I very proudly terminated Joe Biden's order on woke A.I. now, it's actually very uncool, as somebody told me the other day, it's so uncool to be woke.”
[10:34] Donald Trump

2. Interview with Governor Josh Shapiro

a. Introduction and Personal Background Stephen Colbert introduced Governor Josh Shapiro, highlighting his political journey from Pennsylvania State Representative to Governor. Shapiro shared a personal anecdote about his initial foray into politics during high school, emphasizing resilience after an early electoral defeat.

“I ran. I won. And I fell in love with serving others that way.”
[21:17] Josh Shapiro

b. Arson Attack on the Governor’s Mansion Colbert brought up the harrowing incident from April when an arson attack targeted Shapiro’s residence during a community seder. Shapiro recounted the event, highlighting the unity and support from the Pennsylvania community and the powerful role of interfaith prayers in his family's healing process.

“It was a deliberate act of arson. Someone had scaled the wall, broke into the house with a metal hammer, threw a bunch of Molotov cocktails around…”
[14:27] Josh Shapiro

“I actually could feel their prayer, actually felt strengthened by their prayers.”
[14:42] Josh Shapiro

c. Community Engagement and Problem-Solving Shapiro emphasized his commitment to engaging with communities, especially in rural areas where Democrats often have minimal presence. He contrasted his proactive approach with that of former President Trump, illustrating how he addresses tangible issues like repairing a leaking gas pump, thereby reinforcing trust and reliance on government action.

“If you understand the needs they have and fix them and. And it's a tangible way government can actually make their lives better.”
[27:37] Josh Shapiro

d. Political Strategy and Swing Voters Discussing Pennsylvania as a pivotal swing state, Shapiro articulated his strategy to connect with voters beyond party lines by addressing their immediate concerns and demonstrating genuine care.

“I show up. I speak to them honestly about that. I show up in communities where Democrats often don't go, especially in our rural areas. And I not only listen to them, I learn from them. I go back to those communities and I deliver for them.”
[25:05] Josh Shapiro

e. Comparison with Donald Trump’s Governance Shapiro drew a clear distinction between his governance style and Trump’s, highlighting his efforts to support law enforcement and reduce crime, contrasting with Trump’s policy decisions that Shapiro argued adversely affected communities that initially supported him.

“When I ran for office and he ran for office, we both ran with the support of local police. What have I done? I've hired more police, we've gotten them more training, we've brought crime down 38% in Pennsylvania.”
[25:11] Josh Shapiro

“Donald Trump has done with the power is turned his back on those communities that voted for him.”
[25:11] Josh Shapiro

f. Conclusion and Future Outlook The interview concluded with Colbert thanking Shapiro for his insights, noting the governor’s commitment to continuance in public service and improving lives in Pennsylvania.

“Governor, thank you so much for being here. We gotta go, unfortunately. Lovely to talk to you. Thank you. Please come again.”
[28:55] Stephen Colbert

3. Closing Remarks

Stephen Colbert wrapped up the episode by promoting further content and thanking listeners, while also mentioning upcoming topics and shows, ensuring a smooth transition from the interview segment.

Key Takeaways

• Community and Resilience: Governor Shapiro’s experience with the arson attack underscores the strength and solidarity of the Pennsylvania community, highlighting the universal power of prayer and collective healing.

• Political Engagement: Shapiro’s approach to governance focuses on direct community engagement, addressing tangible issues, and fostering trust, contrasting with the perceived divisiveness and unfulfilled promises of former President Trump.

• Bipartisan Appeal: The episode emphasizes the importance of reaching out beyond traditional party lines to solve common problems, reflecting the dynamics of a swing state like Pennsylvania.

• Personal Journey: Shapiro’s recounting of his early political loss in high school serves as an inspirational narrative of perseverance and dedication to public service.

Notable Quotes

• “I actually could feel their prayer, actually felt strengthened by their prayers.”
  [14:42] Josh Shapiro

• “My focus every day is on making their lives better.”
  [25:11] Josh Shapiro

• “If you understand the needs they have and fix them and. And it's a tangible way government can actually make their lives better.”
  [27:37] Josh Shapiro

This episode of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" offers a blend of satirical commentary on current political scandals and a heartfelt, in-depth conversation with Governor Josh Shapiro, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful perspectives on governance and community resilience.