The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Meanwhile | Where Echidnas Come From
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delivers his signature blend of humor and sharp commentary on a variety of current events and quirky news stories. Titled "Meanwhile | Where Echidnas Come From," the episode navigates through a series of amusing and thought-provoking segments, each introduced with Colbert's witty take on the latest happenings.
Key Segments and Discussions
Exclusive Comic Book Cover with DC
Stephen begins the episode enthusiastically discussing his cameo on DC's exclusive variant cover of Batman, Superman, World's Finest Number 40. He expresses his excitement and gratitude, stating:
"This is a huge honor. Thank you, DC."
[01:10]
Colbert humorously acknowledges the honor of being featured alongside iconic characters like Superman and Batman, and mentions other celebrities who have made similar appearances, including Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Jack White, and Lord William Shatner.
Gut Health and Ice Cream Study
Transitioning to health news, Colbert highlights a study linking ice cream consumption to potential gut health issues due to emulsifiers. He sarcastically promotes his fictional ice cream brand:
"...my brand, Americone Dream is loaded with fudge covered chunks of 'I Don't Care about Science' and a tasty swirl of 'Shut the Next Up.'"
[03:41]
This segment combines humor with a critique of scientific findings, showcasing Colbert's ability to blend comedy with topical issues.
Primate Behavior Insights
Colbert shares insights from a study on chimpanzees, remarking on their use of leaves for hygiene after mating:
"Chimpanzees use leaves to wipe their bums and clean up after sex. That is so dumb."
[03:41]
He jokingly questions the intelligence of primates, comparing their behavior to notions like using toilet paper.
Tom Cruise's Endless Acting Career
Highlighting celebrity news, Colbert discusses Tom Cruise's intention to continue making movies indefinitely:
"Fantastic. I hope he never stops because I for one am looking forward to seeing Mission Incontinent."
[05:05]
This playful pun on Cruise's famed Mission Impossible series underscores Colbert's knack for humorous wordplay.
Clothing Optional 5K Race in South Carolina
Colbert reports on a unique event—a clothing-optional 5K race hosted by a nudist resort:
"Running naked with everything flapping in the breeze. It'll be a sight to behold."
[05:06]
He humorously contemplates the logistics and visuals of such an event, adding his characteristic comedic flair.
Child's Fear of Historical Figures
Discussing a heartwarming yet bizarre story, Colbert shares about a young girl who fears John Wilkes Booth:
"...the little girl has developed an irrational fear that John Wilkes Booth is under her bed."
[05:06]
He empathizes with the child's fear while injecting humor into the historical reference.
Portland Bangers' Unconventional Mascot
Colbert critiques the Portland Bangers' new mascot, Saucy T Sausage, describing its rather unsettling appearance:
"He's known for his slightly overcooked ego, constant flexing and belief that he's Portland's sexiest piece of meat."
[07:30]
His vivid description paints a comical yet critical picture of the mascot, emphasizing its over-the-top characteristics.
Warner's Rebranding to HBO Max
Covering media industry news, Colbert discusses Warner's decision to revert the streaming service's name back to HBO Max:
"...HBO Max far better represents our current consumer proposition, and it clearly states our implicit promise to deliver content that is recognized as unique."
[07:39]
He humorously oversimplifies the corporate jargon, suggesting the restatement's redundancy.
FDA Approves At-Home Pap Smear Tool
In a lighthearted take on health advancements, Colbert mentions the FDA's approval of an at-home Pap smear alternative:
"This will make it so much more accessible for millions of men to still not know what a Pap smear is."
[09:42]
His joke underscores the absurdity of certain health initiatives, blending satire with informative content.
Viral Ryanair Passenger Stories
Colbert narrates two bizarre incidents involving Ryanair passengers:
-
Sleeping Passenger's Position:
"It's unorthodox, but undeniably the most efficient way to smell a thousand farts."
[09:42] -
Woman Giving Birth on Flight:
"She gave birth on the plane. And is this true? I'm told we have a picture of the position she had to assume before giving birth."
[09:42]
Both stories are presented with Colbert's trademark humor, highlighting the airline's questionable passenger experiences.
Mystery Sheep in Texas
A nod to Animal Planet's investigative content, Colbert mentions mystery sheep roaming near a Texas school:
"...mystery sheep is still Animal Planet's best detective show."
[10:XX]
This brief segment serves as a humorous aside, blending actual events with pop culture references.
Echidnas' Origins
Aligning with the episode's title, Colbert delves into a scientific theory about echidnas:
"Scientists have revealed a surprising new theory on where echidnas come from. Come on. Everyone knows echidnas come from adultnas. Echidnapod."
[11:45]
His pun-filled explanation adds levity to the discussion of animal biology.
AI Translating Animal Sounds
Concluding the main segments, Colbert touches on technological advancements in AI:
"Would be so much more fun if the kids could hear him talking trash."
[11:47]
He humorously speculates on the potential applications and implications of translating animal sounds into human language.
Concluding Remarks
Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode with his usual blend of humor and promotional content, inviting listeners to engage more with The Late Show through YouTube and other platforms. His closing remarks maintain the lighthearted and entertaining tone that characterizes the episode.
Notable Quotes
-
On the Exclusive Comic Book Cover:
"This is a huge honor. Thank you, DC."
[01:10] -
On Ice Cream and Gut Health Study:
"...Americone Dream is loaded with fudge covered chunks of 'I Don't Care about Science'..."
[03:41] -
On Tom Cruise's Acting Career:
"I hope he never stops because I for one am looking forward to seeing Mission Incontinent."
[05:05] -
On the Portland Bangers' Mascot:
"He's known for his slightly overcooked ego, constant flexing and belief that he's Portland's sexiest piece of meat."
[07:30] -
On the FDA's Pap Smear Tool:
"This will make it so much more accessible for millions of men to still not know what a Pap smear is."
[09:42]
Conclusion
In "Meanwhile | Where Echidnas Come From," Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor with current events, offering listeners a delightful mix of laughter and information. From celebrity cameos to bizarre news stories, Colbert's insightful and witty commentary ensures an entertaining and memorable listening experience for both regular fans and newcomers alike.