The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Meanwhile | Syrup Sneakers
Date: December 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show centers around Stephen Colbert’s signature “Meanwhile” segment—a rapid-fire, witty roundup of the weirdest, most amusing, and offbeat news stories from around the world. Colbert’s energetic delivery and trademark sarcasm shine as he covers everything from celebrity conspiracy theories, syrup-filled sneakers, and church DJs, to world records and bankruptcy news for robot vacuums.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrity Identity Rumors & Secret Musicianship

• Topic: Online speculation surrounds actor Timothée Chalamet, who refuses to confirm or deny whether he's the enigmatic British rapper Sdkid.
• Colbert Quip: “He wouldn’t be the first Oscar-nominated actor to secretly be a musician. And who can forget when it was revealed that one of the guys in Daft Punk was Michael Caine?”
  (01:36)

2. Denny’s Syrup-Filled Sneakers

• Topic: Denny's unveils a bizarre fashion item—limited edition, syrup-filled high-top sneakers containing actual Denny's syrup sealed within the soles.
• Warning: The syrup is not edible, and Denny's "strongly advises against puncturing the shoes or trying to get a taste."
• Colbert Punchline:

  “Are you telling me that Denny’s syrup isn’t edible? Because that checks out.” (02:08)

• Segue: His riff inspires a hungry tangent: “Man, I could go for a stack of pancakes.” (02:15)

3. Cookie World Record

• Topic: Pittsburgh bakers set out to break the world record by baking over 83,000 cookies.
• Colbert’s Take:

  “That record: most Tupperware you’ll never get back.” (02:20)

4. Portugal’s DJ Priest

• Topic: A priest in Portugal is blending spirituality with nightlife, DJing with sermons set to heavy beats.
• Colbert’s Playful Biblical Reference:

  “Remember what St. Peter says in the Gospel of Matthew, ‘I can’t hear you, gu. This is very loud.’” (02:40)

5. Hollywood Alien Conspiracy Theories

• Topic: Internet rumors spark the question: do real aliens star in Steven Spielberg’s latest film?
• Colbert’s Satire:

  “Personally, I believe that ET would have been so much better if they’d cast an actual alien like Willem Dafoe.” (03:00)

6. Sports Feats & Getting Older

• Topic: Skier Lindsey Vonn wins the World Cup downhill at age 41—a notable late-career achievement.
• Self-Deprecating Humor:

  “At 61, I recently tore a hamstring when I put on my socks too fast.” (03:20)

7. The Reindeer Who Thinks It’s a Dog

• Topic: On a farm in England, a reindeer named Lars was raised among dogs, now believing it's one of them.
• Colbert’s Nod to ‘Air Bud’:

  “Ain’t nothing in the rule book says a reindeer can’t be a dog… or named Lars.” (03:45)

8. The Rise and Fall of Robo-Vacuums

• Topic: iRobot, maker of Roomba vacuums, declares bankruptcy.
• Colbert’s Bit:

  “I’m told we have footage of a Roomba’s reaction to hearing the news.” (04:06)
  (Followed by implied comedic sound effect)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colbert, on his monologue process:

  “I spend most of my time right over there at the news workbench, pattern cutting the most topical story silk … to make for you the Oscar de la Renta foxglove sequin tulle shift dress that is my monologue.” (01:12)

• Colbert, on Denny’s shoes:

  “So at least if you get trapped somewhere without food, you know you’ll die in the dumbest shoes possible.” (02:05)

• Colbert, on ecclesiastical DJing:

  “While that sounds like an odd combination, remember what St. Peter says in the Gospel of Matthew: I can’t hear you, gu. This is very loud.” (02:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:12 – Colbert’s monologue as haute couture metaphor
• 01:36 – Timothée Chalamet/Sdkid rumor
• 02:03 – Denny’s syrup-filled sneakers segment
• 02:20 – Cookie World Record in Pittsburgh
• 02:33 – Portugal’s DJ priest
• 03:00 – Spielberg/Alien movie rumors
• 03:20 – Lindsey Vonn’s win, aging slapstick
• 03:40 – Lars the reindeer who thinks he’s a dog
• 04:06 – iRobot (Roomba) bankruptcy news

Episode Tone & Style

Colbert maintains his playful, irreverent tone throughout, blending absurd news items with sharp, self-deprecating humor and pop culture references. Despite the offbeat subject matter, his monologue structure and running “Meanwhile” motif keep the pace brisk and the laughs coming.

This summary covers all significant comic beats and themes from the episode’s “Meanwhile” segment as delivered by Stephen Colbert, while skipping advertisements and non-content sections.