The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Julia Roberts | A Total Shutshow
Date: October 2, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a lively and revealing conversation between Stephen Colbert and his guest, acclaimed actress Julia Roberts. Amidst ongoing political chaos including a U.S. federal government shutdown, Colbert delivers topical humor and satirical takes on current events. The main focus shifts to a candid interview with Julia Roberts, discussing her film "After the Hunt," her personal life as a new empty nester, navigating fame, career reflections, and, delightfully, her famous banana bread recipe.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Colbert's Monologue: Government Shutdown and Satire

(Timestamps: 03:57–16:40)

• The show opens with Colbert riffing on the U.S. federal government shutdown, offering comic analogies for a rebooted government (“maybe toss it in a bag of rice”), and mixing absurdity with biting satire.
• Critiques are leveled at the continuity of the more unpopular branches of government during shutdowns, including immigration crackdowns (“Why are we keeping only the unpopular parts of government?” [06:12]).
• Colbert lampoons questionable political website statements and bizarre moments, e.g., the Trump administration’s pop-up messages, and recent ostentatious decorating of the Oval Office.
• Notable lampoon: “Mr. Gorbachev. Check out my grill, bitch.” ([14:25])
• The monologue closes with the government chaos as urgent context for the interview.

2. Julia Roberts: Personal Revelations and Career Talk

(Timestamps: 16:40–33:27)

A. Becoming an Empty Nester

• Julia reflects on sending her kids off and embracing her new life stage:
  • “It's all fun. Honestly, it is all so delicious. And my kids. I know everyone thinks their kids are great. Well, I think my kids are great.” – Julia Roberts [18:53]
• Discusses visits with her children and the joy she finds in their company:
  • “They indicate that [they enjoy my company].” – Julia Roberts [19:27]

B. Starring in "After the Hunt" and Working with Luca Guadagnino

• Julia proudly discusses her “Luka sweater,” featuring the director’s face and her affection for the film’s cast.
• She recounts being intimidated to meet Chloe Sevigny, highlighting the relatable, humorous vulnerability actors feel even at her level:
  • “I said, ‘I'm scared,’ and [Ayo Edebiri] goes, ‘me, too.’ And my daughter, who is making herself some lunch, she said, ‘I'm leaving.’” – Julia Roberts [21:14]
• The table reads and home rehearsals become storytelling gold, especially with the eccentric reputations in the cast.

C. Opening at the New York Film Festival: A Life Highlight

• Julia shares her awe at opening the festival:
  • “To open the New York Film Festival. This is like pixie dust, right? It was just so wonderful.” – Julia Roberts [25:04]
• Calls it a top-three moment of her "New York life," alongside childhood visits to the Statue of Liberty and appearing on “The Late Show” itself:
  • “Of course, number two would be appearing on right here.” – Julia Roberts [25:56]

D. Early Years in NYC

• Julia moved to New York at 17, following her sister rather than chasing immediate stardom. She sheds light on humble beginnings:
  • “I worked at the athlete's foot on 72nd and Broadway.” – Julia Roberts [26:52]
• Shares a humorous in-character sales pitch for Adidas shoes.

E. Tabloid ‘Scandal’: Banana Bread Recipe

• Colbert jokingly prompts Julia about a faux scandal involving her banana bread:
  • “Page Six has confirmed that Roberts does not cream cheese topping to her banana bread. They insist it’s so good it doesn't need it.” – Stephen Colbert [29:21]
• Julia’s response radiates self-awareness and wit:
  • “First of all, nothing makes me feel like more of a badass than just people talking about my banana bread recipe.” – Julia Roberts [29:56]
  • On cream cheese: “It's not a thing.” – Julia Roberts [30:13]
• The friendly banter leads to Colbert offering his own banana bread recipe, suggesting a playful "banana bread off."

F. Reflecting on "Erin Brockovich" (25th Anniversary)

• Julia gets sentimental recalling her co-star Albert Finney and director Steven Soderbergh, recounting the easy camaraderie on set:
  • “It was so easy, that movie. Everybody was so easy. There was just a flow. The days were great, and it was just a job that just felt very kind to the inside of me.” – Julia Roberts [31:22]
• Touching stories include watching “Animal House” at the local “Sticky Shoe Theater” and Finney showing up in a toga, bringing both humor and warmth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On government dysfunction:
  “Let’s unplug it for a while, plug it back in, see if it reboots. That doesn’t work, maybe toss it in a bag of rice, leave it there for a couple hours...” – Stephen Colbert [03:57]

• Banana bread saga:
  “Nothing makes me feel like more of a badass than just people talking about my banana bread recipe.” – Julia Roberts [29:56]

• On meeting Chloe Sevigny:
  “I was up all night. I wanted to start crying. ...Because we're all scared of Chloe.” – Julia Roberts [22:19–22:31]

• On opening the New York Film Festival:
  “This is like pixie dust, right? ...just so wonderful.” – Julia Roberts [25:04]

• Looking back at "Erin Brockovich":
  “It was just a job that just felt very kind to the inside of me. And Albert was surely part of it.” – Julia Roberts [31:22]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Monologue on Government Shutdown: 03:57–16:40
• Julia Roberts Introduction & Acting Clip: 16:40–17:34
• Discussion: Empty Nest, Family: 18:10–19:24
• “After the Hunt”/Chloe Sevigny Anecdote: 20:31–22:43
• NY Film Festival/NYC Life: 24:06–26:56
• Job Memories/Athlete’s Foot: 26:52–27:17
• Tabloid & Banana Bread: 27:54–30:13
• “Erin Brockovich” Reflection: 30:51–33:27

Tone and Style

The episode maintains Stephen Colbert’s signature blend of sharp political satire, self-aware humor, and warmhearted conversation. Julia Roberts matches this with elegant candor, quick wit, and a willingness to poke fun at herself, making for a dynamic, genuinely enjoyable listen.

For anyone who missed the episode, this conversation is a breezy mix of absurdist political commentary and heartwarming celebrity storytelling—a flavorfully nutty good show, much like the beloved pistachios they can’t stop talking about.