Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Mariska Hargitay | Tanks For Nothing
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert engages in a lively and insightful conversation with Emmy Award-winning actress Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The episode delves into Mariska's latest documentary, My Mom Jane, exploring her personal journey and the legacy of her late mother, Jayne Mansfield.

Sponsorship and Pre-Show Banter

The episode begins with a humorous and spirited promotion of Wonderful Pistachios, featuring Stephen Colbert, Jon Batiste, and Mariska Hargitay. The trio shares light-hearted banter about their favorite pistachio flavors, showcasing their camaraderie and setting an engaging tone for the episode.

• Stephen Colbert (00:00): "Don’t hold back. And that's exactly the approach with Wonderful Pistachios. The don't hold back snack."
• Jon Batiste (01:05): "It's a hard nut, smooth."
• Mariska Hargitay (01:06): "Exactly."

Their playful exchange emphasizes the brand's variety and appeals to listeners with a mix of humor and personal anecdotes.

Stephen Colbert’s Monologue

Transitioning from sponsorship, Stephen Colbert delivers his characteristic monologue, focusing on the recent presidential birthday parade.

• Stephen Colbert (02:41): "No one came to Trump's big stupid birthday parade. Isn't that pleasant? Nobody. Just no."

Colbert humorously critiques the event's low attendance and lack of enthusiasm, juxtaposing political commentary with comedic observations about military displays and sponsorships.

• Stephen Colbert (04:27): "And now apparently a quarter of a million people looks like this. They must have really good hide and seek."

He continues to satirize the parade's sponsors and the president's participation, blending current events with his signature wit.

Main Segment: Interview with Mariska Hargitay

Introduction of the Guest

Mariska Hargitay joins Stephen Colbert to discuss her documentary, My Mom Jane, which unveils personal and previously unknown facets of her mother, Jayne Mansfield.

• Stephen Colbert (17:31): "My first guest tonight is an Emmy award-winning actor, known as Olivia Benson in Law and Order Special Victims Unit. She's now directed a documentary called My Mom Jane. Please welcome, Mariska Hargitay."

Discussion on My Mom Jane

Mariska delves into the motivations behind creating the documentary, revealing the emotional and personal significance of unearthing family history.

• Mariska Hargitay (18:16): "I found these boxes of fan letters that I'd received from fans that were all pertaining to my mom... I think I want to dig in here."

She shares poignant stories about discovering her mother's hidden talents and the impact of learning more about her life beyond the public persona.

• Mariska Hargitay (19:46): "Because they put her in a box. And that's what they did to many women in the 1950s. That's what happened in the time."

Mariska reflects on the challenges of growing up without memories of her mother and how the documentary serves as a cathartic journey.

• Mariska Hargitay (21:39): "So much that I didn't know about her, so much that I assumed... It's been an exquisite and rewarding and cathartic and extraordinary journey."

Exploring Family Secrets

The conversation touches on the delicate process of uncovering and sharing family secrets through storytelling and film.

• Mariska Hargitay (24:55): "There are things I'll say that I've carried around for 30 years that were secrets I never shared with anyone because I was afraid to."

She emphasizes the importance of releasing these secrets as a form of personal liberation and healing.

• Mariska Hargitay (25:03): "The only way out is through. And so I feel about 1,000 pounds lighter."

Premiere and Personal Reflections

Mariska shares experiences from the documentary's premiere at Cannes, highlighting the emotional significance of revisiting joyous moments from her mother's life.

• Mariska Hargitay (23:30): "I really wanted to bring her back there. And I got to. So it was."

She discusses the supportive environment created by her Law & Order family during the premiere, underscoring the strong bonds formed over the show's long run.

• Mariska Hargitay (25:57): "I was lit up like a Christmas tree because they were all there in full force and there was a lot of love."

Closing Remarks

Stephen Colbert wraps up the interview by acknowledging Mariska's ongoing commitment to her role on Law & Order: SVU and expressing excitement for her documentary's release.

• Stephen Colbert (26:42): "So nice to see you."

Mariska concludes with heartfelt thanks and anticipation for the audience to experience her work.

• Mariska Hargitay (26:47): "Thank you for being here. God bless. Thank you."

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep dive into Mariska Hargitay's personal journey and creative endeavors, blending heartfelt storytelling with Stephen Colbert's signature humor and insightful commentary. Listeners gain a profound understanding of the challenges and rewards of uncovering and sharing one's family history through film.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Colbert (00:00): "Don't hold back. And that's exactly the approach with Wonderful Pistachios."
• Mariska Hargitay (18:16): "I think I want to dig in here."
• Mariska Hargitay (21:39): "It's been an exquisite and rewarding and cathartic and extraordinary journey."
• Stephen Colbert (02:41): "No one came to Trump's big stupid birthday parade. Isn't that pleasant? Nobody. Just no."
• Mariska Hargitay (25:03): "The only way out is through. And so I feel about 1,000 pounds lighter."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, emotional insights, and the dynamic interactions between Stephen Colbert and Mariska Hargitay. It provides a clear and engaging overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.