The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Meanwhile | Nicole Scherzinger Release Date: December 1, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delivers his signature blend of humor and sharp commentary, followed by an engaging interview with the multi-talented Nicole Scherzinger. The episode navigates through a series of amusing and thought-provoking news snippets before delving into Scherzinger’s exciting Broadway debut in Sunset Boulevard.
Monologue and "Meanwhile" Segment
Stephen Colbert’s Monologue
Timestamp: [00:37]
Stephen Colbert opens the episode with his characteristic wit, humorously describing his creative process. He likens his monologue writing to preparing a gourmet meal:
“I spend most of my time right over there wandering the ki nu story forest hunting the most succulent news reindeer, which I then freeze to. Thinly slice the meat and gently braise it in Vallejo butter with allspice before serving it with droning holm lingonberry preserves and savon sai le sliced pickles to offer you the subtle yet satisfying finish.”
— Stephen Colbert [00:37]
This inventive analogy sets a playful tone for the episode, showcasing Colbert’s ability to combine absurdist humor with relatable commentary.
"Meanwhile" News Highlights
Timestamp: [00:37 – 05:29]
In the "Meanwhile" segment, Colbert presents a series of humorous news briefs, each delivered with his unique comedic flair. Key stories include:
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Pan-European Forgery Network
Timestamp: [01:15]
Italian authorities uncover a forgery ring producing counterfeit artworks by Banksy, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Colbert humorously notes:“Experts became suspicious when they noticed that the horse in Picasso's Guernica had a speech bubble saying I caramba.”
— Stephen Colbert [01:15] -
Costco Butter Recall
Timestamp: [02:00]
Costco recalls £80,000 of butter due to labeling issues. Colbert jests:“It’s butter. It’s basically cigarettes that you can spread on an English muffin.”
— Stephen Colbert [02:00] -
Cheese Heists on the Rise
Timestamp: [03:00]
With cheese thefts increasing, Colbert quips about the elusive nature of stolen cheese:“Cheese is a master of disguise. It starts as a solid, then it melts into a liquid, and if you eat too much, a gas.”
— Stephen Colbert [03:00] -
College Football Bowl Game - Pop Tarts Bowl
Timestamp: [04:00]
Announcing the upcoming Pop Tarts Bowl, Colbert humorously speculates on the new mascots:“Could it be frosted man?”
— Stephen Colbert [04:00] -
French Teens Delaying First Sexual Experience
Timestamp: [04:45]
Highlighting a trend among French youth, Colbert delivers a comedic take on changing social behaviors:“Clearly, French teens want to wait. No, Camille, we are moving too fast. I am only 17.3.”
— Stephen Colbert [04:45] -
Stupid Art News - Duct-Taped Banana Valuation
Timestamp: [05:15]
Commenting on the art world's peculiarity, Colbert mocks the exorbitant valuation of a simple duct-taped banana:“This duct taped banana is now worth $1 million. Really? If you're going to do that, at least try to make it look like art.”
— Stephen Colbert [05:15]
These segments collectively highlight Colbert’s ability to extract humor from a wide array of current events, keeping listeners entertained with his sharp observations and comedic timing.
Interview with Nicole Scherzinger
Guest Introduction
Timestamp: [06:09]
Following a brief interlude, the podcast welcomes Nicole Scherzinger, a platinum-selling singer, actress, and dancer, making her Broadway debut as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard. Colbert exudes enthusiasm as he greets Scherzinger:
“Please welcome to the Late Show. Nicole Scherzinger, you're an absolute vision. Thanks for dolling up for.”
— Stephen Colbert [06:09]
Broadway Debut and Preparation
Timestamp: [06:36 – 09:54]
Scherzinger shares her excitement and dedication to her first Broadway role:
“Oh, Stephen, I have been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I've been working towards this moment my entire life. A lot of people don't know that I grew up in theater, and this is my first love.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [06:47]
Colbert praises her performance and preparation, leading to a humorous exchange about her multi-showday experience:
Stephen: “I got a chance to see you on Wednesday... Little bit of a spoiler here of how things end up at the end. That's you and me backstage afterwards.”
— Stephen Colbert [07:05]
Scherzinger responds with playful banter about their differing worlds:
“You look like we're in two different places. Like you're in Disney World and I'm at Jurassic Park or something. I'm going to eat you like a snack.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [07:25]
Performance Insights and Community Support
Timestamp: [08:14 – 11:20]
Discussing the demanding nature of her role, Scherzinger reveals her behind-the-scenes rituals:
“A lot of the times I'm at the very start of the show, I'm on stage just in the backstage in a chair. And that's where I do all my prayers and my meditation to just anchor me and to ground me.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [08:50]
She emphasizes the importance of community within Broadway, contrasting it with the competitive nature of the broader entertainment industry:
“The Broadway community is like the world's most talented humans. As your biggest supporters, they believe in you when you don't believe in yourself.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [10:58]
Colbert commends her for breaking into Broadway and her peers' supportive nature:
“It makes total sense. It makes 100% sense.”
— Stephen Colbert [11:20]
Influence of Prince and Artistic Philosophy
Timestamp: [12:20 – 14:31]
The conversation shifts to Scherzinger’s friendship with Prince and the lessons she gleaned from him:
“He always said, don't do things that you know you can already do. Do things that you haven't done yet. And that's why I'm here.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [12:22]
Colbert shares his admiration for Sondheim, connecting it to Scherzinger’s role:
“My favorite Sondheim song is Losing My Mind. Just like Norma Desmond loses her mind every night. Like I'm losing.”
— Nicole Scherzinger [14:17]
The interview concludes with mutual appreciation, highlighting Scherzinger’s anticipation to perform and Colbert’s support for her Broadway venture.
Conclusion
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor with heartfelt conversation. Colbert's incisive monologue and amusing news briefs set the stage for a compelling interview with Nicole Scherzinger, offering listeners an insightful look into her Broadway journey. Scherzinger’s passion for theater and her experiences transitioning from music to stage performance provide an inspiring narrative, enriched by Colbert’s engaging and supportive dialogue.
Notable Quotes:
-
Stephen Colbert [00:37]:
“I spend most of my time right over there wandering the ki nu story forest hunting the most succulent news reindeer... That is my monologue.” -
Nicole Scherzinger [06:47]:
“I have been waiting for this moment my entire life, and I've been working towards this moment my entire life.” -
Stephen Colbert [02:00]:
“It’s butter. It’s basically cigarettes that you can spread on an English muffin.” -
Nicole Scherzinger [12:22]:
“He always said, don't do things that you know you can already do. Do things that you haven't done yet. And that's why I'm here.”
Additional Information
Listeners can support Nicole Scherzinger by attending her performances in Sunset Boulevard on Broadway at the St. James Theater. For more content, visit The Late Show YouTube channel for exclusive clips and updates.
This summary provides an in-depth look at the key discussions and highlights from the episode, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can appreciate the humor, insights, and engaging conversation between Stephen Colbert and Nicole Scherzinger.