Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Jeremy Strong | Things Keep Escalating
Date: September 26, 2025
Guest: Jeremy Strong
Key Theme: Exploring artistic authenticity, acting, Bruce Springsteen, and the urgency of climate change.

Episode Overview

This episode features actor Jeremy Strong, known for his acclaimed roles in "Succession," "The Trial of the Chicago 7," and his Tony-winning theater work. Strong joins Stephen Colbert to discuss his latest film “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” in which he plays legendary music producer John Landau, and his new Netflix documentary "The White House Effect" about the political and scientific origins of the climate crisis. The conversation dives deep into artistic integrity, the creative process, and the responsibilities artists and citizens face in a turbulent world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Stephen Colbert's Opening Monologue: Political Satire (01:34–14:27)

• Trump and the "UN Escalator" Incident:

  • Colbert humorously recounts Trump’s recent obsession with an escalator malfunction at the UN, mocking his melodramatic social media response and satirizing the situation as a CBS procedural (“Escalator Investigator”).
  • Notable Quote:

    "The White House has already demanded the UN Find whoever was responsible for this escalator escapade. And in his post, Trump went further, saying the people that did it should be arrested. Yes, it's a police matter now." — Stephen Colbert (03:29)

• Government Shutdown and White House Décor:

  • Colbert pokes fun at Trump’s gaudy redecorating, including a "Presidential Walk of Fame" and the childish portrayal of Biden.
  • Satire on the axing of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, criticizing the war on "woke" initiatives.

2. Jeremy Strong on "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere" (14:37–19:55)

• The Film’s Subject:

  • The film isn’t a typical biopic; it tells the story of Bruce Springsteen’s creation of the album "Nebraska," centering on a period of integrity and healing in Springsteen’s life.
  • Strong’s Perspective:

    "It's a story about a time in Bruce's life in 1982 where he was, I would say, trying to find, in James Baldwin's words, an honest place to stand." — Jeremy Strong (16:13)

• The Character of John Landau:

  • Landau is depicted as more than a manager—mentor, producer, and Springsteen’s closest collaborator.

    "John has been friend, mentor, manager, producer, co-pilot for near on 50 years." — Jeremy Strong (18:25)

• Production Details:

  • Springsteen and Landau were present on set nearly every day. Jeremy Allen White plays Bruce Springsteen.
  • Strong says his immersion in character allowed him to interact authentically with Landau, blurring lines between performance and reality.
  • On Filming:

    "Jeremy had to play Born in the USA inside the power station studio A, a few blocks from here... while Bruce and John sat there." — Jeremy Strong (19:49)

3. The Role of Artists in Society (20:25–21:51)

• Strong Discusses Artistic Responsibility:
  • Artists must offer “poems of love to a burning world,” especially in crisis.
  • Strong quotes Bruce Springsteen:

    "A song is life in 180 seconds and if you get it right, it has the power of prayer." — Jeremy Strong (21:13)

  • Emphasizes the power of art to create empathy and healing.

4. Climate Crisis and "The White House Effect" Documentary (21:58–25:31)

• About the Documentary:

  • Explores the origins of today’s climate crisis and why political inaction has prevailed.
  • Strong’s Advocacy:

    "I really think it's like mandatory viewing for anyone who cares about our planet." — Jeremy Strong (22:15)

• Clip Highlight:

  • Bill Riley, former EPA administrator, laments the missed opportunity for bipartisan climate action under President H.W. Bush.
  • Notable Quote (Clip):

    "If President Bush had committed to seriously undertake the reduction of greenhouse gases... we might have removed the partisan nature of the dialogue in the United States." — Bill Riley (23:10)

• Strong Reads NASA Scientist’s Warning:

  • Jeremy shares words from friend and NASA scientist Peter (paraphrased for clarity):

    "We risk losing essentially everything... Destruction of the Earth's rainforests, corals and other biodiversity. Unprecedented heat waves... Food system declines and subsequent famines... a spiraling out of control of deadly migrations and wars we're starting already to see. There's a path out... coming together to end fossil fuels as though our species depended on it. Which it does." — Jeremy Strong reading NASA scientist's letter (24:39)

Memorable Quotes

• Jeremy Strong (on John Landau):
  "He consumed music as if it were the staff of life." (17:38)

• Stephen Colbert (satirizing Trump):
  "This can only mean one thing. I'm getting a primetime special episode. Escalator Investigator. Triple sabotage at the U.N." (04:28)

• Jeremy Strong (on artists' function):
  "Our job is to train ourselves in the midst of a burning world to offer poems of love to a burning world." (21:01)

• NASA Scientist (read by Jeremy Strong):
  "Some of the things that keep me up at night... it's irresponsible to act like things will be fine at higher levels of global heating." (24:39)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• 01:34–14:27: Colbert’s satirical monologue on Trump, the UN escalator, and government news.
• 14:37–19:55: Interview Part 1 - Jeremy Strong discusses "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere", playing John Landau, filming with Springsteen present.
• 20:25–21:51: Strong on the role of the artist; art as prayer and empathy.
• 21:58–25:31: Interview Part 2 - Introducing "The White House Effect" documentary, climate crisis discussion, and reading the NASA scientist’s letter.

Tone and Style

Colbert’s trademark blend of sharp political satire and warmth sets a humorous, slightly irreverent tone. Strong’s presence brings thoughtful gravitas, particularly regarding purpose in art and urgent climate advocacy. Their rapport is friendly, insightful, and mutually respectful.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed this episode, you’ll find Colbert’s wit on full display as he lampoons current political absurdities before shifting to a soulful and substantive conversation with Jeremy Strong. The interview offers fans insight into the making of a unique Springsteen film, the importance of artistic integrity, and a passionate, fact-based call to action on the climate emergency. The episode balances humor with pressing cultural and environmental commentary—a signature late-night mix that both entertains and enlightens.