The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Julia Roberts' Colbert Questionert | Bubba Troubba
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features Stephen Colbert’s signature comic monologue—this time, fixated on the ongoing drama surrounding the release of Epstein-related documents and the viral “Bubba” email—followed by a delightful, revealing conversation with guest Julia Roberts. In her segment, Roberts participates in the "Colbert Questionnaire," providing candid, humorous, and sentimental insights that offer fans a rare glimpse into her personality and values.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Monologue: Epstein Files, Bubba, and Political Mayhem

(00:53 – 11:35)

• Epstein Document Dump:
  Colbert unpacks the political crossfire after Congress released new documents from the Epstein trove, skewering both parties’ media strategies and the unintended consequences for Trump.

  • “In this new batch, Trump's name appeared over 1600 times. Wow. That's a big number. What numbers are less than that? 900, 600, 500, 1200. That checks out.” (02:33)

• The “Bubba” Email:
  With his trademark irreverence, Colbert riffs on the now-infamous 2018 email from Jeffrey Epstein’s brother referencing “Trump blowing Bubba,” exploring internet theories and the official denial that the “Bubba” in question refers to Bill Clinton or even a horse.

  • “If people have to deny that you went, shall we say, Churchill Downs on a horse – you've already lost. I don’t know what you’ve lost, but it’s gone forever.” (07:35)

• Republican Infighting and Trump’s Response:
  The host details the legislative battle over releasing the Epstein files, Trump’s frantic attempts to pressure Republicans, and the comedic chaos that ensued, including Trump’s flamboyant social media posts.

  • “When intimidating MAGA failed, Trump tried another desperate ploy… I will be asking AG Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton...” (09:09)
  • “If he really has nothing to hide, Trump as President can order the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files… Yes, if he wants, Trump can provide the full release, something he did not provide. A horse.” (11:24)

2. Julia Roberts: The Colbert Questionnaire

(13:07 – 24:08)

Colbert and Roberts dive into a quick but deep “Colbert Questionnaire” segment, balancing earnestness and levity throughout.

Favorite Sandwich

• Roberts: “Peanut butter and jelly with sour cream and onion potato chips smashed in it.… On wheat—not white, because it would stick in the gap in my teeth.” (14:21)

First Concert Attended

• “Cheap Trick. And my mom thought I was at Donna Walters' house studying for a math test.” (15:05)
• Colbert and Roberts bond over their love for Cheap Trick, with Colbert sharing Rick Nielsen’s connection to "The Colbert Report." (15:45)

Scariest Animal

• Roberts cycles through: “Hyena…anaconda—no, honey badger.”
• Colbert: “Judges? They will allow it.” (16:32)

Apples or Oranges

• Roberts: “Apples. Oh, yeah.”
• Colbert: “Can’t put peanut butter on an orange.” (16:42)

Autograph Requests

• Roberts once asked for: “Yul Brynner. At the Atlanta Civic Center, where my dad took me to see the king.”
• The exchange turns sentimental as Roberts recalls her father accompanying her and attempts to avoid tears. (17:05)

What Happens When We Die?

• Roberts: “We just do this for eternity?”
• Colbert: “I hope so. St. Peter has his own blue cards.”
• The pair riff on the concept: “Just one big press tour.” (17:30)

Favorite Action Movie

• Roberts first answers “Rambo,” but pivots to “The Untouchables” after Colbert's encouragement. (19:13)

Window or Aisle?

• Roberts: “Window…what is the point of the aisle?”
• Colbert: “Not having to go past someone when you need to go to the bathroom.” (19:42)

Favorite Smell

• “Oh, my husband's neck… Lily of the Valley... Patchouli… No, he doesn't wear cologne, he just...” (20:04)

Least Favorite Smell

• “When the socks are waiting too long for me to do the laundry.” (20:48)

Earliest Memory

• Roberts jokes: “This morning…” then recalls a real memory:
  • “Just my family in Georgia in a park where my parents worked. Being with my sister off to the side... giant papier mache heads… My parents had a theater. I was three.” (21:12)

Cats or Dogs?

• “Well, don’t tell my cat, but dogs.… Our cat is a dog in a cat suit, basically. She’s rad.” (22:04)

Desert Island Song

• “There’s this incredible song…I don’t know if this is the name of it, but it’s the first words… 'Oh, Darling' by Supertramp.”
• Colbert: “I would have gone with Breakfast in America, but…” (22:40)

Number Colbert is Thinking Of

• Roberts: “5.”
• Colbert: “Nope.” (23:51)

Describe the rest of your life in five words

• Roberts: “Oh, it’s going to be spectacular.” (24:02)

• Colbert closes: “Julia. Congratulations, you are known.” (24:08)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colbert (on political document releases):
  “That’s gotta hurt. When Jeffrey Epstein calls you a bad guy. That’s like an airport muffin accusing you of being drunk.” (03:19)

• Julia Roberts (on her iconic sandwich):
  “Peanut butter and jelly with sour cream and onion potato chips smashed in it.” (14:21)

• Colbert (on afterlife):
  “I hope so. St. Peter has his own blue cards.” (17:33)

• Julia Roberts (on favorite smell):
  “Oh, my husband’s neck.” (20:04)

• Roberts (on her parents’ theater):
  “My parents had a theater. I was three.” (21:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Epstein Files & Monologue: 00:53 – 11:35
• Julia Roberts Interview Starts: 13:07
• Colbert Questionnaire Highlights:
  • Sandwich question: 14:15
  • First concert: 15:05
  • Scariest animal: 16:14
  • Yul Brynner's autograph: 16:53
  • Afterlife: 17:21
  • Favorite action movie: 19:13
  • Favorite/Least favorite smell: 20:04, 20:48
  • Earliest memory: 21:12
  • Cats or dogs: 22:04
  • Desert island song: 22:40
  • Five words for the future: 24:02

Tone & Style

The episode is quintessentially Colbert: sharp, satirical political humor followed by genuine, warm, but still playful interview moments. Julia Roberts brings vulnerability, nostalgia, and a hint of the unexpected, all while keeping step with Stephen’s rapid wit. It’s a blend of comedy, cultural commentary, and authentic celebrity insight.