Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode Title: Meanwhile | Are Men Ok?
Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into contemporary societal issues with his signature wit and humor. The episode intertwines sharp monologues, a vibrant "Meanwhile" news segment, and a poignant exploration of men's mental health under the segment titled "Are Men Ok?". Listeners are treated to insightful discussions, hilarious anecdotes, and thought-provoking commentary, making the episode both entertaining and meaningful.

Monologue Highlights

Stephen opens the episode with a humorous take on his responsibilities as a host, likening the creation of his monologue to crafting a fine chocolate bar:

"I spend most of my time right over there selecting the finest Trinitario and Forastero Cocoa News beans which are dry roasted and then milled to create a fine topical cocoa mass which is conked into a silky smooth, velvety texture to create the intense and luxurious Lindt premium gold bar."
[02:10]

He contrasts this luxurious process with the chaotic and often absurd nature of daily news, setting the tone for the episode's blend of humor and seriousness.

"Meanwhile" News Segment

Colbert transitions into the "Meanwhile" segment, delivering a rapid-fire rundown of quirky and noteworthy news stories from around the world:

1. Brazilian Nun Beatboxing:

   • A nun becomes viral for her unexpected beatboxing skills on a religious TV show.
   • "The greatest collaboration between the Catholic Church and hip hop culture since Pope Benedict won the B boy dance off."
     [02:51]

2. Colorado Rockies' Struggles:

   • The Rockies become the third-fastest team to reach 50 losses in MLB history.
   • Their humorous response includes a parody of the classic "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" song:

     "Take me out behind the shed and kill me."
     [02:51]

3. Child's Adventure at Newark Airport:

   • A two-year-old successfully navigates the airport's conveyor belt luggage system, delighting onlookers.
   • "That's how they did it. Quick after him."
     [02:51]

4. France's Smoking Ban:

   • France announces a ban on smoking in most public places, sparking Colbert's humor:

     "That's like banning baguettes or croissants. Or threesomes."
     [02:51]

5. Makeout News - Kissing and Mental Health:

   • Researchers find that kissing can spread depression and anxiety due to mood-induced cortisol affecting oral bacteria.
   • Colbert reflects humorously on his past:

     "Well, that explains why I was so happy and relaxed in middle school. Hang in there, buddy."
     [02:51]

6. Honeybee Escape Incident:

   • A truck accident in Washington releases millions of honeybees, though reports vary dramatically in numbers.
   • "4 million 1. 4 million 2. 4 million..."
     [06:05]

7. Aldi vs. Oreos Packaging Controversy:

   • Aldi faces accusations from Mondelez for mimicking Oreo packaging.
   • Colbert jokes about the legal nuances:

     "Technically, these aren't Oreos. And did you think these were Wheat Thins?"
     [06:08]

8. Saharan Dust Cloud Heading to Florida:

   • An enormous dust cloud from the Sahara is set to hit Florida, though residents joke about already being 75% dust:

     "Reportedly, the enormous dust cloud left Africa last week and drifted into the Caribbean."
     [06:08]

Colbert skillfully blends humor with current events, making the segment both informative and entertaining.

Main Segment: Are Men Ok?

Transitioning from light-hearted news, Stephen Colbert addresses a more serious topic: men's mental health and social isolation.

The Issue at Hand

Colbert highlights alarming statistics indicating that men are increasingly at risk of social isolation:

"According to recent global studies, men are at the most risk of social isolation. And 2/3 of young men said, nobody really knows me well."
[08:00]

He candidly shares his own feelings of isolation, humorously illustrating his solitude by showcasing his name in giant lights:

"Sometimes I feel like nobody knows me, but I fix that by putting my name in giant lights on the front of this building. You see? Now look at that. 10 stories tall."
[08:15]

Exploring the Manosphere

Delving deeper, Colbert examines the online subculture known as the Manosphere—a community where men congregate to discuss topics like sports, gambling, weightlifting, and relationships.

Ed Mylett's Time Management Philosophy

Colbert introduces Ed Mylett, an influential figure within the Manosphere, known for his unconventional approach to time management:

"To save time, my day is 6am to noon... I've changed and manipulated time. I now get 21 days a week."
[09:30]

Colbert humorously critiques Mylett's method, pointing out the flawed logic with his trademark sarcasm:

"Three days a day equals 21 days a week. That's simple math. It’s Algebro. And you know you can trust Ed as a life coach because only the soundest advice starts with the phrase, 'I'm not crazy. You're crazy.'"
[09:56]

Andy Elliot's Confidence Manifesto

Next, Colbert spotlights Andy Elliot, another Manosphere influencer with nearly three million followers, known for his over-the-top declarations of self-sufficiency:

"Nobody's gonna be a better father to my children than me... Nobody is literally going to work out my workout partner harder than me."
[10:44]

Colbert satirizes Elliot's relentless self-promotion and ego:

"Call it America's Got Sex with this guy's Wife, but this, this model of male confidence is not done dominating."
[11:14]

Critical Insights and Reflections

Through his exploration, Colbert underscores the profound issue of social isolation among men, highlighting the need for authentic connections beyond the superficiality of online personas. He balances humor with empathy, urging listeners to recognize and address the silent struggles faced by men in modern society.

Conclusion

In "Are Men Ok?", Stephen Colbert adeptly navigates the delicate topic of men's mental health, weaving in humor without diminishing the seriousness of the issue. By juxtaposing light-hearted news with meaningful discourse, he invites listeners to reflect on societal norms and the importance of genuine human connections. The episode stands out as a compelling blend of entertainment and introspection, staying true to the spirit of The Late Show.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nobody's gonna be a better father to my children than me." – Andy Elliot
  [10:44]

• "I'm not crazy. You're crazy." – Ed Mylett
  [09:30]

• "That's like banning baguettes or croissants. Or threesomes." – Stephen Colbert
  [02:51]

Listener Takeaway: This episode skillfully balances humor with heartfelt discussion, shedding light on the real challenges men face regarding social isolation. Stephen Colbert’s insightful commentary encourages a deeper understanding and opens the dialogue for listeners who may relate to these struggles.