Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Episode Featuring Leanne Morgan

Episode Title: Leanne Morgan
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Leanne Morgan, Stand-Up Comedian, Author, Actor, and Star of Her Own Sitcom

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes Leanne Morgan, a multifaceted comedian, author, actor, and grandmama from Tennessee. The conversation delves into Leanne's humble beginnings, her extensive career in stand-up comedy, her personal life, and the creation of her own sitcom, Leanne. The dialogue is enriched with humor, heartfelt insights, and noteworthy anecdotes that paint a comprehensive picture of Leanne's journey and accomplishments.

Early Life and Background

Leanne Morgan hails from Adams, Tennessee, a small farming community with a population of approximately 500 residents, situated near the Kentucky-Tennessee border. Stephen expresses surprise upon learning about Adams, prompting Leanne to describe it as "a tiny, tiny little farming community about 35 miles northwest of Nashville" ([05:08]). She fondly reminisces about her childhood, highlighting her early interest in hairstyling.

A touching moment occurs when Leanne shares a childhood photograph, reminiscing about her visits to the local beauty shop with her aunts. She recalls, "I was probably 4 or 5, and my Aunt Lila and Aunt Margaret would take me to the little beauty shop in Adams and I would get my hair shampoo and set while they did" ([06:30]). These early experiences not only shaped her personality but also instilled a love for aesthetics and performance.

Stand-Up Comedy Career

Leanne candidly discusses her long-standing passion for stand-up comedy, revealing that she had been performing for about 20 years before gaining widespread recognition. Stephen notes, "you were an overnight sensation" following her viral video in 2019 ([07:08]). Leanne explains that the video featured her taking her husband to a Def Leppard and Journey concert, where both she and the audience ended up limping out due to plantar fasciitis. This authentic and relatable moment resonated with viewers, catapulting her career to new heights.

Reflecting on her delayed success, Leanne humorously speculates, "If I'd have had that, because I still had my figure and my bloom, as we say in the sale, and I truly believe I was so stupid. In my 20s, if I had made it in my... I'm afraid I would have been on dope and I'm afraid that I would have done horrible things, terrible things" ([07:43]). This self-deprecating humor underscores her grounded nature and the authenticity she brings to her performances.

Personal Life and Marriage

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Leanne discusses her marriage to her husband, Chuck Morgan, spanning 33 years. Stephen shares a personal connection, mentioning his own 32-year marriage, and the two commiserate over the challenges and joys of long-term relationships. Leanne attributes the longevity of her marriage to simple yet effective practices: "I pray in the bathtub a lot, Steven" ([08:44]) and managing disputes by "going to bed mad because we're tired and we don't feel like resolving conflict" ([08:59]). This approach has allowed both partners to maintain harmony despite having different personalities—Leanne being the "messy" artist and Chuck the "Type A, anal retentive" individual ([09:11]).

Leanne humorously elaborates on their differing habits, particularly in household chores, saying, "He wants everything, you know, folded. Right. I fold laundry, I get it done, but I don't. His laundry looks like he could work at Nordstrom's" ([09:23]). This lighthearted exchange highlights the balance and mutual respect that underpin their relationship.

Creating Her Own Sitcom

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Leanne's venture into creating her own sitcom, aptly named Leanne. Stephen expresses admiration for her multifaceted role in co-creating, producing, and writing the show. Leanne candidly shares her initial apprehensions about taking on such a substantial project, revealing, "It's very daunting, you know, learning all that... camera blocking and learning a script and all these words" ([10:02]).

However, she credits renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld for boosting her confidence. After discussing her Netflix special, I'm Every Woman, Seinfeld provided invaluable advice: "Leigh Ann, you are out touring and you're in front of thousands of people every night. You make them laugh for over an hour. You've got this. You know what's funny? You can do this" ([10:16]). This endorsement was pivotal in her decision to pursue the sitcom.

Leanne also acknowledges the talented team behind her show, mentioning collaborators like Kristen Johnston, Ryan Stiles, Celia Weston, and Blake Clark, who have been instrumental in bringing her vision to life ([10:04]). The collaborative effort and support from seasoned professionals have been key factors in the success of Leanne.

Conclusion

Stephen wraps up the interview by congratulating Leanne on her achievements and promoting her upcoming sitcom, Leanne, set to stream on Netflix starting July 31st. The episode concludes with mutual admiration and well-wishes, reflecting the genuine rapport between host and guest.

Leanne Morgan's episode on The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers an inspiring narrative of perseverance, authenticity, and creative ambition. Her journey from a small Tennessee town to national recognition exemplifies the rewards of dedication and staying true to one's passion. Listeners gain valuable insights into the world of stand-up comedy, the dynamics of a long-term marriage, and the challenges and triumphs of creating original content in the entertainment industry.

Notable Quotes:

• “I’m not disparaging the nut. I am celebrating the pistachio right now. I’m on board. I love pistachios.” – Stephen Colbert ([01:14])

• “I pray in the bathtub a lot, Steven.” – Leanne Morgan ([08:44])

• “Leigh Ann, you are out touring and you're in front of thousands of people every night. You make them laugh for over an hour. You've got this. You know what's funny? You can do this.” – Jerry Seinfeld ([10:16])

Additional Information:

Listeners interested in Leanne Morgan's work can catch her sitcom, Leanne, streaming on Netflix from July 31st. To stay updated with more episodes and exclusive content, visit The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert on your preferred podcast platform.