Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Guest: Judd Apatow
Episode Date: November 1, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Stephen Colbert is joined by renowned writer, director, and producer Judd Apatow. The conversation centers around Apatow’s new memoir-scrapbook, Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures. The two discuss the roots of comedic obsession, the importance of preserving comedy history, and the quirks of their personal lives as life-long comedy fans. The interplay is a lively, affectionate, and comedic exploration of show business, personal anecdotes, and the crucial role of comedy in shaping worldview.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Judd Apatow’s Return & Mutual Admiration

• [01:22] Apatow jokes about buying a new suit “in case this is my last time on the show,” to which Colbert quips, “It's not our last one, but it might be your last one.”
• [01:45] Apatow proclaims, “This is the best show ever,” noting his longstanding enjoyment as a recurring guest.

2. Stephen Colbert: The Movie Star?

• [02:09] The two riff on the idea of Colbert needing a new job, with Apatow pitching "61-Year-Old Virgin" and comparing Colbert to Tom Cruise.
  • Apatow: “You could be like Tom Cruise.”
  • Colbert: “I do all my own stunts on the show.” ([02:47])
  • Apatow: “You have to be willing to die in a stunt to do those movies.”
  • Colbert (deadpan): “Oh, no, no, no, no. I have very little will to live.” ([02:53])

3. Comedy Nerd: Hoarding and Preservation

• [03:09] Apatow admits to having “seven storages” filled with comedy memorabilia, joking that writing the book proved to his wife Leslie that hoarding had a purpose.
  • Apatow: “I’m like the Felix Unger of hoarding… It's in little cases and photo albums, you know?” ([03:35])
• [03:51] Colbert expresses jealousy over Apatow’s note from famed director Mike Nichols.
  • Apatow (reading Nichols’ note): “I don’t think there’s ever been a movie as funny and as true as the one you guys just made. I wept with laughter and then plain wept… I do think you and Judd and your girls are magic together.” ([04:17–04:51])

4. The Roots of Comedic Obsession

• [05:28] Discussion pivots to Apatow’s passion for studying comedians and gathering their autographs.
• [06:00] Apatow credits the lack of religion in his childhood home for his turn to comedy, filling that existential space with comics like George Carlin and Richard Pryor.
  • Apatow: “They didn't talk about God existing or not existing... I think it got filled by George Carlin and Richard Pryor and people like that.” ([06:10])
  • Colbert: “Class clown.”
  • Apatow: “Yeah. They just broke everything down. You know, what was fair and unfair.” ([06:29])

5. Comedy Legends: Remembering the Greats

• [06:34] Colbert and Apatow trade names of old-school comedians like David Fry, Phil Silvers, and Professor Irwin Corey.
• [06:56] Apatow shares how Jack Burns taught George Carlin to care about politics (“Oh, wow.” says Colbert).
• [07:10] They wax nostalgic over Professor Irwin Corey, describing his act as surreal and “crazy.”
  • Apatow (on Corey): “It's surreal that he existed and was that bad. Crazy.” ([07:20])
• [07:27] The two discuss the concept of “having an act” versus just telling jokes, noting the evolution in stand-up.

6. Comedy Obsession vs. Normalcy

• [07:55] Colbert shares a story about his wife accidentally meeting Professor Irwin Corey at the Friars Club, highlighting the gulf between their comedic fervor and their wives’ indifference.
  • Apatow: “Yeah, but that's the difference between us and our wives, because they would not kill to be us.” ([08:26])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Apatow on collecting comedy artifacts:
  • “This was, like, proof to Leslie that I wasn't crazy for having seven storages.” ([03:28])
• On the artistry of comedy legends:
  • “They just broke everything down. You know, what was fair and unfair.” (Apatow, [06:29])
• On generational comedy obsession:
  • “That's the difference between us and our wives, because they would not kill to be us.” (Apatow, [08:26])
• Colbert on life-threatening movie stunts:
  • “Oh, no, no, no, no. I have very little will to live.” ([02:53])

Key Timestamps

• [01:22] Judd Apatow jokes about a possible last appearance.
• [02:09–02:53] Colbert and Apatow riff on Colbert’s movie star potential and doing his own stunts.
• [03:09–03:48] Apatow discusses his hoarding and how it led to writing the new book.
• [04:05–04:51] The Mike Nichols letter—an emotional highlight.
• [05:28–06:29] Exploring the origins of Apatow’s comedy obsession.
• [06:34–07:43] Rapid-fire reminiscing about comedy legends.
• [07:55–08:26] Colbert’s Friars Club story and comedic priorities.

Tone & Style

The episode is playful, affectionate, and steeped in showbiz camaraderie. Both host and guest are candid about their obsessions and quirks, celebrating the seriousness of comedy with warmth and humor.

Conclusion

For fans of comedy’s rich history, this conversation between Colbert and Apatow is both insightful and hilarious. The discussion offers a peek into the mind of a true comedy nerd, the craft’s evolving history, and the passion required to preserve and understand humor’s impact over generations.

Recommended for: Comedy enthusiasts, Apatow fans, and anyone interested in behind-the-scenes anecdotes about entertainment legends.