The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Intro Rewind: Julia Roberts
Date: August 30, 2025

Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show features a lively and humorous conversation between Stephen Colbert and his guest, Julia Roberts, focusing on Roberts' new series "Gaslit," her experiences in Hollywood, and personal anecdotes about fame, friendship, and life. The episode also includes a playful segment called "Celebrity Boss" with co-host Becca, where Colbert answers lighthearted questions about his life as a celebrity and offers insight into the world of celebrity culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrity Boss Segment

Starts: 04:05

• Premise: Becca, the podcast producer, interviews Colbert with questions typically directed at celebrities, playfully acknowledging his dual role as a boss and a public figure.

• Public Transit Anecdotes:

  • Colbert reminisces about his days riding buses and the subway in New York and Chicago before fame.
  • Shares a moving story about receiving a New Testament from a stranger on a bus, which he’s treasured for decades.
    • Quote: "I've treasured it for going on 40 years." – Stephen Colbert [07:30]

• Algorithm & Fame:

  • Colbert discusses whether social media algorithms recognize his celebrity status.
  • Mentions creating a "finsta" (fake Instagram) and being targeted with knee-related content due to a recent injury.
  • Quote: "They know I’ve got bad knees because they're feeding me knee videos." – Stephen Colbert [09:03]

• Fame in Dreams:

  • Colbert admits he doesn’t appear in his own dreams and still feels more like a comedy writer than a celebrity.
  • Quote: "I think that's my base identity—not as the guy in the front." – Stephen Colbert [10:22]

• Concerts & Perks:

  • Talks about buying tickets for concerts, getting on lists as a celebrity, and the joys of live music.
  • Colbert plans to see Paul Simon and reminisces about seeing Lake Street Dive.
  • Light teasing between Becca and Colbert about celebrity perks and whether he pays for shows.

• Julia Roberts Rom-Com Debate:

  • Becca and Colbert attempt to name their favorite Julia Roberts rom-coms, leading to Colbert admitting he hasn't seen many but is a fan of the genre.
  • Notable moment: Colbert recalls going to college with Dermot Mulroney, star of "My Best Friend’s Wedding." [14:04]

2. Interview with Julia Roberts

Starts: 14:32

Intro & Role in “Gaslit”

• Stephen Colbert introduces Roberts, highlighting her new role as Martha Mitchell in "Gaslit," a series about the Watergate scandal.

• Roberts discusses Martha Mitchell's unique position as the outspoken wife of Nixon’s Attorney General, John Mitchell.

  • Quote: "She should have been glamorous and quiet and she was glamorous and loud... She became wildly popular." – Julia Roberts [17:09]
  • Colbert notes Martha would have “done great on Twitter.” [17:49]

Research & Surprises About Martha Mitchell

• Roberts shares her discovery that Martha, though outwardly bold, suffered anxiety and was dyslexic—challenges unexpected in a public figure of the time.

• The Nixon administration leveraged and later suppressed her fame, with her husband confining her to a hotel to stop her from leaking information.

  • Quote: "She actually had a lot of anxiety being in front of people... they really put her out in the forefront as much as they could, until they didn't." – Julia Roberts [18:08]

Accents & Upbringing

• Conversation about Roberts’ Southern roots and whether actors “train away” regional accents.
  • Colbert admits his own accent resurfaces when angry or drunk.
  • Roberts: "I think for most Southern people, you don't realize you have a Southern accent... it's fabulous." [20:44]
  • Both lament how American media often stereotypes Southern accents.
    • Quote: "You're raised like American media makes it seem like... if you have a Southern accent, you’re not smart." – Colbert [21:08]

Working with Sean Penn

• Roberts describes acting alongside Sean Penn (who’s nearly unrecognizable in heavy makeup for "Gaslit"):

  • Praises Penn's patience, warmth, and talents, playfully noting he would hate for people to know how sweet he is.
  • Recalls knowing Penn since she was a teenager and reflects on their deep friendship.
  • Quote: "[Sean Penn]'s a dream. He cares so deeply about film, character, and people." – Julia Roberts [24:21]

• Colbert shares a humorous video clip:

  • Sean Penn, in a previous tribute, fantasizes about watching Julia Roberts eat in 3D and helping her with food in her teeth.
    • Memorable moment: "I could watch her eat for hours on end, even if the food got stuck in her teeth. I want her to make an eating movie in 3D." – Sean Penn [25:10]

Quarantining & Friendship with George Clooney

• Colbert asks Roberts about "bubbling" and quarantining with George Clooney during the filming of "Ticket to Paradise" in Australia.
  • Roberts jokes that Clooney always brings tequila and is an even better friend than people expect.
  • Reminisces about staying at Clooney's Lake Como house while filming "Ocean's 12"—and the protective treatment she received as a pregnant cast member.
    • Quote: "You would have thought I was made of glass... really charming." – Julia Roberts [27:42]

Marriage Advice

• Both Colbert (28 years married) and Roberts (20 years) share their secrets:

  • Colbert: "Apologize."

  • Roberts: "Kissing."

  • Both agree that forgiveness and affection are key.

    • Quote: “You apologize, and then you just start making it up.” – Julia Roberts [29:16]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colbert's Keepsake:
  “I've treasured it for going on 40 years.” – Stephen Colbert [07:30]

• On Social Media Targeting:
  "They know I’ve got bad knees because they're feeding me knee videos." – Stephen Colbert [09:03]

• Fame’s Reality:
  "I think that's my base identity—not as the guy in the front." – Stephen Colbert [10:22]

• Sean Penn’s 3D Eating Movie Fantasy:
  "I want her to make an eating movie in 3D... you could take your virtual toothpick and say, 'I got that, babe.'" – Sean Penn [25:10]

• On Clooney’s House:
  "You would have thought I was made of glass... really charming." – Julia Roberts [27:42]

• Marriage Advice:
  "You apologize, and then you just start making it up." – Julia Roberts [29:16]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 04:05 | Start of "Celebrity Boss" game with Stephen Colbert and Becca | | 14:32 | Julia Roberts joins, introduction to "Gaslit" and Martha Mitchell | | 16:41 | Who is Martha Mitchell and her Watergate significance | | 18:08 | Martha’s real personality and struggles | | 20:44 | Colbert and Roberts discuss Southern accents and upbringing | | 22:03 | Working with Sean Penn and their friendship | | 24:56 | Sean Penn's tribute and the “eating movie” fantasy | | 26:56 | Filming and quarantining with George Clooney | | 28:29 | Discussion about marriage and advice | | 29:00 | Shared laughter and concluding thoughts |

Final Thoughts

This episode is full of sharp wit, genuine camaraderie, and heartfelt moments, with Colbert’s and Roberts’ down-to-earth personalities at the forefront. Listeners gain behind-the-scenes insight into celebrity life, an appreciation for Hollywood friendships, and an affectionate look at personal histories and advice for long-lasting relationships. Julia Roberts’ blend of humor and candor—combined with Colbert’s self-deprecating charm—makes for an engaging and memorable episode.