Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Episode Featuring Christian Pulisic
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Episode: Josh Gad | Jack Squat
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Christian Pulisic
Introduction
In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert engages in a heartfelt and candid conversation with guest Christian Pulisic, delving into personal struggles, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Throughout the episode, Colbert interweaves his signature humor and sharp commentary on current events, providing listeners with a blend of insightful dialogue and entertaining monologue.
Stephen Colbert's Opening Monologue
Trump's Inauguration and Village People Performance
Stephen Colbert opens the episode with a humorous yet critical take on the impending inauguration of Donald Trump. He jokes about the tension surrounding the event, likening it to a high-stakes James Bond scenario:
"It feels like we're all James Bond strapped to the table and the laser is slowly inching toward our crotch." [00:50]
Colbert highlights the unexpected decision for the Village People to perform at one of Trump's inaugural balls, noting the group's previous objections to Trump using their music:
"It's YMCAA is not gay. Where did that even come from?" [01:00]
DOJ's Report on Trump and January 6th
Shifting to political commentary, Colbert discusses the Department of Justice's Special Prosecutor Jack Smith's report on Trump's election interference:
"In it, Smith says if Donald Trump hadn't won the presidential election in November, the Justice Department would have had ample evidence to convict him at trial." [02:30]
He criticizes the Justice Department's regulations preventing the prosecution of a sitting president, emphasizing the need for equal accountability:
"A president should be bound by the same laws as everyone else. That's what makes them a president and not a king." [03:00]
Senate Confirmation Hearings for Secretary of Defense Nominee
Colbert humorously critiques the Senate hearings for Trump's Defense Secretary nominee, Mark Hegseth, highlighting the nominee's controversial past and personal failings:
"You are that man. That is devastating. That is the most devastating burn." [04:00]
Starbucks Bathroom Policy Changes
Transitioning to lighter topics, Colbert mocks Starbucks' new policy requiring customers to pay for bathroom use, poking fun at the company's leadership under new CEO Brian Nickel:
"Any amount of cake pops could ever remove the memory." [05:30]
Viral Coyote Clip in Chicago
Colbert narrates a viral video of a coyote found hiding in a Chicago grocery store, blending humor with commentary on wildlife behavior:
"The police officer is rooting around in the bottom of the produce section, pushing past the lettuce." [07:00]
He underscores the absurdity of the situation while praising the quick response of the local authorities.
Conversation with Christian Pulisic
Natural Disasters and Personal Loss
The conversation shifts to a more serious tone as Christian Pulisic discusses the recent natural disasters he witnessed, reflecting on their impact on his community:
"I saw fires everywhere I looked. It was surreal." [14:00]
Pulisic shares the emotional toll of seeing friends and acquaintances lose their homes, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the disaster:
"It's not over. No, it's not over. The Santa Ana winds continue to blow through." [14:25]
He commends the heroic efforts of firefighters, describing them as the true superheroes in these crises:
"If there are superheroes in this world, it's these firefighters. They are unbelievable." [14:35]
Supporting the Affected Community
Pulisic highlights the urgent need for resources and support for those affected, including families, pets, and first responders:
"Families, pets, firefighters. Everybody needs something right now." [14:50]
He urges listeners to donate and assists by sharing resources on his social media platforms.
Christian Pulisic's Memoir: "In Gad We Trust"
Colbert introduces Pulisic's memoir, "In Gad We Trust. A Tell Some," exploring Pulisic's personal journey and the challenges he's faced:
"This is the first time I've written a memoir." [15:42]
Reconnecting with His Father
A poignant moment arises as Pulisic recounts reuniting with his estranged father after 20 years. He describes the emotional encounter following a performance of his show "Gutenberg the Musical":
"We talked about a lot of stuff and resolved a lot of stuff. It was… I was at peace." [19:51]
Pulisic reflects on using comedy as a coping mechanism during his childhood to alleviate his mother's depression, illustrating the transformative power of humor:
"I found that the only way I could take her misery away was by making her laugh." [16:06]
Early Career Struggles and Surreal Experiences in Los Angeles
Pulisic shares anecdotes from his early career in Los Angeles, including an unexpected meeting with Jeff Goldblum:
"Standing in a bathrobe is Jeff Goldblum. I thought I was at the wrong house. I was not at the wrong house." [22:07]
He humorously recounts an acting exercise with Goldblum and a chance encounter with Robert Downey Jr. at a coffee shop, highlighting the unpredictability of life in Hollywood.
Experiences as Olaf from Frozen
讨论转向Pulisic饰演《冰雪奇缘》中的Olaf，他分享了扮演该角色带来的独特挑战和有趣经历：
"I'll get asked by random people, by, like, very high profile people, to do voice messages as Olaf." [23:32]
他讲述了为萨沙·巴伦·科恩（Sacha Baron Cohen）制作多次语音消息的有趣经历：
"I did it four times before he was satisfied with the voice message." [23:27]
Conclusion
Throughout this episode, Stephen Colbert masterfully balances humor with heartfelt conversation, providing listeners with both entertainment and meaningful insights. Christian Pulisic's openness about his personal struggles and triumphs offers an inspiring narrative of resilience and the healing power of reconnecting with one's roots. Colbert's incisive monologue on current events further enriches the dialogue, making this episode a compelling listen for both fans of light-hearted banter and those seeking deeper reflections.
Notable Quotes:
- "A president should be bound by the same laws as everyone else. That's what makes them a president and not a king." – Stephen Colbert [03:00]
- "If there are superheroes in this world, it's these firefighters. They are unbelievable." – Christian Pulisic [14:35]
- "I found that the only way I could take her misery away was by making her laugh." – Christian Pulisic [16:06]
- "We talked about a lot of stuff and resolved a lot of stuff. It was… I was at peace." – Christian Pulisic [19:51]
- "Standing in a bathrobe is Jeff Goldblum. I thought I was at the wrong house. I was not at the wrong house." – Christian Pulisic [22:07]
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, emotional narratives, and the interplay between humor and serious commentary that defines The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert.