The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Michael J. Fox | Tearing Down The House
Date: October 22, 2025

Overview

This engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show is a two-part treat: a whip-smart, satirical breakdown of current political headlines, followed by a heartfelt, candid interview with Michael J. Fox. Marking the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future, Fox discusses his experiences making the film, his new memoir Future Boy, and his relentless work fighting Parkinson's Disease. The episode balances Colbert's signature comic insight with reflective moments, making it both entertaining and meaningful.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Satirical Monologue: "Tearing Down The House"

(04:00–15:52)

Donald Trump's White House Ballroom Project

• Colbert lampoons President Trump’s controversial demolition of the East Wing for his "White House ballroom" project, referencing Trump’s earlier promises not to alter the existing building.
• Notable Quote:
  • "Give the man credit. Every so often, he takes the time attach the electrodes to our nipples." – Stephen Colbert (04:12)
• Covers the secrecy around the construction, Treasury Department instructions, and Trump's fantasy of lavish soirees.
• Memorable Mockery:
  • "Could just as easily end up being a combination Pizza Hut, Taco Bell. Nobody out pizzas the bell." – Stephen Colbert (05:56)

GOP & Scandals

• Mocks the Republican party for ongoing scandals, referencing Nazi imagery and racist group chats among staffers.
• Notable Quote:
  • "You got any Nazi in you? You a Nazi? Let me ask you before I dig in, is there any poop in this casserole? Oh, just a streak." – Stephen Colbert (09:16)
• Satirizes proposed immigration reforms favoring white Europeans, riffing on American vs. European cultural norms.

Protest Culture

• Colbert comments on massive national protests, comparing differing regional responses.
• Tells the humorous story of a 61-year-old woman arrested in a penis costume in Alabama.
• Quote:
  • "They can't call that obscene. You can clearly see in the picture, the penis is using a flag to cover its boobs." – Stephen Colbert (13:00)

2. Cultural Commentary: AI, Relationships, & Tech

(15:52–21:16)

AI Hype & Erotica

• Jokes about the AI industry's similarities to the dot-com bubble, and OpenAI's move to allow AI-generated erotica.
• Notable Quote:
  • "OpenAI will now allow verified adults to use ChatGPT to generate erotic content. No? Why do we need a robot to make our erotica? There are thousands upon thousands of randy humans writing the best smut you've ever seen." – Stephen Colbert (16:36)

Tech & Society

• Pokes fun at Elon Musk's anime-inspired erotic chatbots.
• Discusses a satirical legislative effort to ban human-AI marriages.
• Notable Quote:
  • "That headline again? Ohio lawmaker's wife left him for an AI chatbot. Whoa. Craig Snyderman." – Stephen Colbert (18:32)

3. In-Depth Interview: Michael J. Fox

(21:16–31:20)

Reflections on Back to the Future

• Marks 40 years since the film's release.
• Stephen links DeLoreans more to the movie than their infamous history.
  • "When I look at DeLorean, I rarely think about cocaine deals anymore. I mostly think about your movie." – Stephen Colbert (21:21)
• Fox recalls joining the movie late, replacing Eric Stoltz after five weeks of filming had already occurred.
• Cast and crew had to reshoot or adapt pre-recorded scenes with Fox as Marty McFly.
• Explains the awkwardness and technical challenge of acting in pre-blocked scenes, and contrasts multi-cam sitcom rhythm with film precision.
• Quote:
  • "They couldn’t believe they had to do it again...their reaction shots existed. They were reacting to another guy. So it’s not fair. As an actor, that’s not an ideal situation." – Michael J. Fox (22:51)

Grueling Filming Schedule

• Fox worked days on "Family Ties" and nights on "Back to the Future," sometimes getting only 3–4 hours of sleep for three months.
• Quote:
  • “That’s how they break people at Gitmo, you realize.” – Stephen Colbert (25:15)
  • “Yeah, I was 23 years old and too stupid to know any better.” – Michael J. Fox (25:19)
• Details vivid memories: being shuttled between sets, taking showers and coffee on the fly, mentally transitioning from Alex P. Keaton to Marty McFly.

Memorable Scenes & Behind-the-Scenes

• Fox learned guitar for the "Johnny B. Goode" performance, persuaded production to film his handwork for authenticity.
• Recalls high school bands (notably “Helix”) and feeling relief at not having to sing live on the film tracks.
• Did most of his skateboarding stunts, often spontaneously.
  • “My body was not a temple, it was there to be ravage...I just throw myself into slide over a car.” – Michael J. Fox (26:46)

Cultural Impact and Influence

• Marty McFly inspired real-life musicians: John Mayer, Chris Martin (Coldplay).
• Fox reminisces performing with Coldplay at Glastonbury, playing “Fix You” (28:40).

Parkinson’s Advocacy & Personal Resilience

• Marks the 25th anniversary of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised over $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research.
• Fox talks about the initial years post-diagnosis, the process of going public, and the positive response from the community.
• Quotes:
  • “It was a tremendous privilege...the overwhelming force of all that energy I could turn as an opportunity to take that and turn it into something positive.” – Michael J. Fox (29:23)
  • “People that have Parkinson’s for years were stigmatized...so now to represent something to them, to be a marker and be a place marker in society, claim this ground for us.” – Michael J. Fox (30:01)
  • “The attention goes on me, but it’s not about me. It’s about all these families and people that want to change things, get better and want to be healthy.” – Michael J. Fox (30:55)

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (w/ Timestamps)

• “Give the man credit. Every so often, he takes the time attach the electrodes to our nipples.” – Stephen Colbert (04:12)
• “My body was not a temple, it was there to be ravage...I just throw myself into slide over a car.” – Michael J. Fox (26:46)
• “It was a tremendous privilege...I could turn as an opportunity to take that and turn it into something positive.” – Michael J. Fox (29:23)

5. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:00 — Start of satirical monologue on Trump and current GOP
• 15:52 — Transition to AI, technology, and cultural segment
• 21:16 — Interview with Michael J. Fox begins
• 28:21 — Second half of interview: Fox’s cultural impact and Parkinson’s Foundation
• 31:06 — Interview concludes

Tone & Style

Stephen Colbert’s narration is sharp, witty, and bursting with smart-aside humor, frequently using hyperbole, playful references, and quick-turn punchlines. Michael J. Fox brings warmth, humility, and self-deprecating humor, giving an honest, open look into both his creative process and his advocacy.

Wrap-Up

This episode balances Colbert’s scathing political satire with the heart of Michael J. Fox’s legacy in film and advocacy. Whether you’re in for the headlines, the laughs, or the inspiring life stories, the episode offers a dynamic snapshot of pop culture and resilience.