Summary of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" Featuring Joe Manganiello
Episode Title: Joe Manganiello
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Joe Manganiello
Podcast: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Introduction
In this engaging episode of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert," host Stephen Colbert welcomes back Hollywood's Joe Manganiello. The conversation delves into Manganiello's passion for gaming, his latest project in the film industry, and his unique approach to fitness optimization.
1. Dungeons & Dragons and HeroQuest
Timestamp: [02:11] - [03:52]
Stephen Colbert opens the discussion by highlighting Joe Manganiello's reputation as a "hunkiest nerd in Hollywood" and his involvement with the iconic tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D).
Stephen Colbert:
"Do you still roll the dice? Do you still hit the Dungeons?" [02:53]
Joe explains his evolving relationship with D&D, noting that their creative paths diverged:
"You know, I realized that Dungeons and Dragons and I were moving in different creative directions." [02:53]
He humorously describes his separation from D&D and rekindling his love for the board game HeroQuest:
"And while we were separated, I got back together with my ex—the board game HeroQuest made by Avalon Hill." [03:15]
Stephen Colbert:
"Hero Quest is like D&D in a box. Joe Manganiello's the Crypt of Perpetual Darkness." [04:05]
Joe elaborates on HeroQuest, presenting it as a streamlined alternative to D&D, complete with pre-designed quests and an accompanying app that serves as a game master, allowing solo play.
2. Upcoming Netflix Film: "Nonas"
Timestamp: [04:48] - [07:55]
The conversation shifts to Manganiello's new role in the Netflix film "Nonas." Stephen seeks insights into the plot and Joe's character.
Stephen Colbert:
"You’re starring in a new Netflix film called Nonas. Nona is like a grandma." [04:48]
Joe describes "Nonas" as a heartfelt story inspired by the real-life Enoteca Maria restaurant in Staten Island, which employs Italian grandmas to honor the memory of a beloved mother. He plays Bruno, Vince Vaughn's character’s best friend, who helps build the restaurant.
Joe Manganiello:
"It's about a real story... and I play Vince's best friend, Bruno, who's a contractor." [05:18]
A discussion ensues about the intensive filming process, including Joe's humorous take on managing high-calorie meals on set.
Joe Manganiello:
"There was like 412 course meals a week." [05:58]
The episode features a clip from the movie highlighting themes of communication and personal sacrifice, accompanied by a brief exchange between Joe and Vince Vaughn's characters.
3. Fitness Optimization and Biohacking
Timestamp: [08:39] - [12:02]
Stephen shifts the focus to Joe Manganiello's commitment to fitness, humorously noting his robust physique despite entering his late 40s.
Stephen Colbert:
"Is this true that you have engaged the services of a guy who trains NASA astronauts to keep their muscle tone?" [08:48]
Joe introduces Chris Talley, a former NASA phlebotomist turned fitness specialist, who has revolutionized his approach to health through personalized biohacking.
Joe Manganiello:
"He took 10 vials of my blood. Three weeks later, he came back with 26 pages of results of what I'm supposed to be eating..." [09:17]
Joe explains how Talley's tailored recommendations have allowed him to optimize his diet and supplementation, emphasizing the importance of a bespoke plan over general advice.
Joe Manganiello:
"If you take equal in your coffee, one packet for the next three months, it's going to provide more energy for you." [10:30]
The dialogue underscores Joe's commitment to maintaining his physique naturally, avoiding performance-enhancing substances by leveraging scientific insights.
Notable Quotes
-
Stephen Colbert:
"Hero Quest is like D&D in a box. Joe Manganiello's the Crypt of Perpetual Darkness." [04:05] -
Joe Manganiello:
"It's about a real story... and I play Vince's best friend, Bruno, who's a contractor." [05:18] -
Joe Manganiello:
"He took 10 vials of my blood. Three weeks later, he came back with 26 pages of results of what I'm supposed to be eating..." [09:17] -
Stephen Colbert:
"He sounds like a genius." [10:56]
Conclusion
Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by thanking Joe Manganiello for his insights into gaming, his new film "Nonas," and his innovative fitness regimen. The conversation offers listeners a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and valuable information on balancing creative passions with personal health.
Stephen Colbert:
"Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod show with Stephen Colbert." [12:05]
Note:
This summary excludes all advertisements and non-content segments, focusing solely on the substantive discussions between Stephen Colbert and Joe Manganiello to provide a comprehensive overview for listeners who have not tuned into the episode.