The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Jessica Williams (Extended)
Date: January 26, 2026
Guest: Jessica Williams
Episode Overview
This episode features a warm and energetic conversation between Stephen Colbert and actress/comedian Jessica Williams, best known for her work on Love Life, 2 Dope Queens, and the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Shrinking. The discussion is lively, weaving through tales of awards show mishaps, mentorship from Harrison Ford, nostalgic reflections on childhood and millennial life, crafting obsessions, and the quirky personalities of their pets. The episode is rich with humorous anecdotes, off-script diversions, and charming chemistry between the two.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
SAG Awards Anecdote and Harrison Ford Connection
(02:23 – 05:14)
- Colbert prompts Williams to recount her memorable Screen Actors Guild Awards moment, where she delivered the opening “I am an actor” bit on live TV.
- Jessica shares Harrison Ford’s nonplussed reaction before the bit (“What?”) and the surreal aftermath of receiving a call from Ford, leading to comedic confusion about him eating tacos at the Paul Smith boutique.
- Jessica reflects on the unpredictability of doing live TV, saying: “When you’re in the room and you’re doing something live, you have no idea how things are going to play.” (05:15)
- Discussion about how Jessica stores Harrison Ford’s contact in her phone under “Harrison!” and the satisfaction of seeing it pop up.
Acting with Harrison Ford and Dynamics on Shrinking
(06:06 – 07:46)
- Jessica describes her relationship with Harrison Ford on the set of Shrinking as a surrogate father-daughter dynamic on and off-screen.
- She admires Ford’s legendary status:
“He’s Han Solo. He’s Indiana Jones. He’s that dude from Witness. Like, he’s all of it.” (06:41)
- Colbert and Williams discuss nerves working with icons and using that dynamic to fuel their characters’ relationship—Jessica enjoys her creative license to play an “annoying millennial” to Ford’s “Paul.”
The Joys and Struggles of Crafting
(08:02 – 09:27)
- Colbert pivots to how Jessica soothes herself in stressful times. She shares her obsession with arts and crafts, particularly reupholstering chairs and taking sewing classes.
- Colbert reminisces about reupholstering his first chair during a difficult period—jobless and preparing for a new baby—poking fun at how his wife wasn’t as impressed as he hoped.
Jessica: “She was probably, like, fully pregnant watching you build a chair, and she was like, ew.” (08:44)
- They laugh about what becomes of sentimental yet impractical furniture with changing family dynamics.
Life as Empty Nesters & Dog Personalities
(09:45 – 11:32)
- Jessica and Stephen compare life as empty nesters, enjoying pet companionship while their kids are grown.
- Jessica describes her dog's astrological sign (a Taurus) and relates it to family quirks.
- The conversation becomes heartfelt and goofy, discussing their pets’ tenderness, intelligence, and odd behaviors.
Jessica: “He was born tender...he doesn’t like any funny business...” (10:44) Colbert: “He has to know that we’re there and we’re okay. ...I’m not sure if he cares if we’re okay.” (11:04)
Generational Gaming & Tech Nostalgia
(12:05 – 14:54)
- Jessica shifts to video game nostalgia, referencing Donkey Kong, Dance Dance Revolution, and the “quarter system” etiquette at arcades, learning that this is universal “gamer etiquette.”
- Colbert boasts his classic arcade skills (Centipede, Air Hockey), while Jessica traces the evolution from pre-Internet childhood to the advent of colorful iMacs and typing tutorials.
- They gently roast each other’s generational gaps and bond over old-school, analog social rules.
Millennial Upbringing & Unexpected Tangents
(13:36 – 15:05)
- Jessica describes the “sweet spot” of the millennial experience—bridging life before and after the Internet.
“We did have that time before Internet, actually.” (13:35)
- Both laugh about how planned questions get derailed, with Jessica declaring:
“I’m happy we did this. This was none of the stuff we prepared to talk about.” (15:06)
Notable Quotes & Moments
Jessica Williams (on acting with Harrison Ford):
“Watching him perform...it’s like watching a beautiful sunrise...he’s got star quality. He’s Han Solo. He’s Indiana Jones. He’s that dude from Witness. Like, he’s all of it.” (06:41)
Stephen Colbert (on his first reupholstered chair):
“That chair should go. I said, no, that’s the first chair I reupholstered for you to rock in with our baby in your arms. And she’s like, oh, that should definitely go.” (09:37)
Jessica Williams (on being live at the SAG Awards):
“When you’re in the room and you’re doing something live, you have no idea how things are going to play.” (05:15)
Jessica Williams (on millennial pre-Internet childhood):
“I feel like millennials kind of grew up in a sweet spot because we did have that time before Internet, actually.” (13:35)
Jessica Williams (meta-commentary):
“I’m happy we did this. This was none of the stuff we prepared to talk about.” (15:06)
Timestamps of Key Segments
- 02:23 – Revisiting the SAG Awards “I Am An Actor” moment & Harrison Ford’s reaction
- 06:06 – Dynamic with Harrison Ford on Shrinking and real-life mentorship
- 08:02 – Arts & crafts as self-soothing; chair reupholstering stories
- 09:45 – Discussing empty-nester life, dogs’ personalities, and astrological signs
- 12:05 – Dog intelligence and quirky behaviors, segue to video gaming
- 13:36 – Millennial nostalgia: arcade etiquette, early Internet and typing classes
- 15:06 – Reflecting on conversational tangents and episode wrap-up
Atmosphere & Tone
This episode is characterized by authentic rapport, frequent laughter, and playful banter, with both host and guest relishing digressions. Williams’ warmth and spontaneity echo Colbert’s quick wit, resulting in an unscripted, humanizing celebrity interview. The overall mood: candid, friendly, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments.
For Listeners
This episode is a delightful, personality-forward chat offering behind-the-scenes glimpses at award shows, practical comedy from the acting trenches, and a celebration of the messy, funny moments of real life. Whether you’re a Shrinking fan, millennial, or dog lover, there’s something here that’ll make you smile.