Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Michelle Pfeiffer | War Or Else
Date: March 11, 2026
Host: Stephen Colbert
Main Guest: Michelle Pfeiffer

Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show serves up Stephen Colbert's signature blend of sharp political satire and celebrity conversation. The first half features Colbert’s comedic monologue lampooning U.S. political developments surrounding the recent war in Iran. The latter half is a conversation with Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, focusing on her new project "The Madison," her working process, on-set stories, and ventures outside of acting.

Monologue: The Aftermath of the Iran War

Timestamps: 00:05–10:42

Key Discussion Points

• "The War is Very Complete. Pretty Much."
  Colbert riffs on President Trump’s contradictory statements about the end of the Iran war, mocking political double-speak and the administration's uncertainty.
• Media and PR Spin:
  Stephen likens the back-and-forth narrative to “Grey’s Anatomy,” saying,

  "So it's over, but somehow still going. It's the military strategy known as Grey's Anatomy. It's a quality show. I'm a huge Ellen Pompeo fan." (01:55)

• Trump’s “Short-term Excursion” Comparison:
  Jokes about militaristic “excursions” and likens regime change to a cruise package upgrade.
• Spending Outrage at the Pentagon:
  Colbert skewers the Defense Department’s lavish expenditures on items like fruit basket stands, fine dining, and luxury recliners.

  "Hegseth also all out on the buffet. Reportedly, the Pentagon spent $2 million on crab legs, $6.9 million on lobster tail, and over $15 million on ribeye steaks." (03:30)

• Trump's Dress Shoe Dictate:
  Mocks reports that President Trump has mandated matching Florsheim wingtips for prominent officials, leading to awkward fashion moments among administration members.

  "It's hysterical because everybody's afraid to not wear them. ... Trump’s wet little shoe cucks." (09:22)

• Notable Quote:

  "If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed immediately. ... the military consequences in Tehran will be at a level never seen before." (Colbert quoting Trump, 02:56)

• Comedy Highlights:
  Jokes about the defense budget, including childlike party favors:

  "$3,160 on stickers with characters from Dora the Explorer, Frozen, and Paw Patrol. And despite all that, nobody came to Pete Hegseth's birthday party." (04:37)

Guest Segment: Michelle Pfeiffer

Timestamps: 10:54–20:09

Introduction

• Pfeiffer’s Arrival:

  "Please welcome to the Late Show, Michelle Pfeiffer. No, no, no, you sit, you sit. We stand. Here you go. You're the guest. I'm the host. So nice to meet you." (11:38)

Project Spotlight: “The Madison”

• Getting the Role:
  Pfeiffer describes how she joined "The Madison" before seeing a script and how Taylor Sheridan’s direct approach shaped her involvement.

  “Actually, I committed. There was no script.” (12:20)
  “I want to know who the actress is and then I write to that actress and I get it. That's a compliment.” (13:13)

• Show’s Premise:
  Pfeiffer plays Stacy Clyburn, a New York matriarch uprooted by tragedy and relocated to Montana.

  “It's kind of a fish out of water story.” (13:34)

• Helen Mirren’s Endorsement:
  To vet Sheridan, Pfeiffer reached out to Mirren:

  “She said the scripts are great and best productions I've ever worked on and I'm having a blast. So I thought that's no better recommendation right there.” (14:16)

• Reunion with Kurt Russell:

  • Fond reminiscences of working with Russell; his on-set charisma and memorable hair.

    “He comes in and he just takes command and you feel safe with him.” (15:30)
    “Those dimples. I know." (15:45)

Shooting in Montana & On-Set Stories

• Filming in Nature:
  Pfeiffer describes the Montana landscape as “majestic” and the sky as “the most beautiful skies I’ve ever seen.”

  “And Montana is the star of the show.” (16:36)

• Wolf Co-star:
  Pfeiffer shares a story about acting with a real wolf, the complications of wearing suede, and the production’s care for animal co-stars.

  “That is a proper wolf. They have a tiny bit of dog mixed in with them. Otherwise they’re not trainable.” (17:32)

• Notable Moment:
  On animal sensitivity:

  “Are you wearing any leather? ... Because ... it will make him very sad.” (17:57)
  Pfeiffer laughingly confesses:
  “So you made a wolf sad on purpose?” — Colbert (18:51)
  “I have a death wish.” — Pfeiffer (17:51)

Entrepreneurship: Fragrance Business

• Starting Henry Rose:

  “It was one of the hardest things I've ever done.” (19:10)
  Henry Rose is inspired by her children (“Henry and Rose”) and is focused on safety and transparency.

• On Scent and Children:

  “Does it smell like your children?” — Colbert
  “I wouldn't want things that smelled like my children. You know, kids don't smell that good sometimes after the beans.” (19:36)

• Colbert Receives a Gift:
  Pfeiffer wraps the segment by gifting Colbert a bottle of Henry Rose for his wife.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Artistic Faith:

  “I had to commit sight unseen. I mean, he has a pretty good track record.” — Pfeiffer (13:29)

• On Montana:

  "They call it big sky for a reason." — Pfeiffer (16:58)

• On Kurt Russell:

  “His hair's amazing.” — Colbert (15:51)
  “It's crazy. It's crazy.” — Pfeiffer (15:52)

• On Wolves in Showbiz:

  “I wasn’t able to get really close. So that picture was taken after the scene and I stripped my jacket off and went over and kissed the wolf.” — Pfeiffer (18:53)

Key Timestamps

• 00:05–10:42 — Monologue and political satire on the Iran war, Pentagon spending, and Trump’s “man shoe mandate”
• 10:54–11:38 — Michelle Pfeiffer introduced
• 12:20–14:32 — Pfeiffer on getting “The Madison” role without a script, Taylor Sheridan, and Helen Mirren’s advice
• 14:32–15:46 — Reuniting with Kurt Russell
• 16:33–17:56 — Shooting in Montana, adapting to the wilderness
• 17:27–18:53 — Acting alongside a wolf, wardrobe misadventure, and animal sensitivity
• 19:05–20:09 — Entrepreneurship: creating Henry Rose fragrance, inspiration, and gifting a bottle to Colbert

Conclusion

This episode delivers an entertaining mix of timely satire and honest, whimsical celebrity discussion. Colbert’s biting humor frames political absurdity, while Michelle Pfeiffer’s charm and candor shine as she recounts professional leaps of faith, the beauty of Montana, unpredictable animal actors, and her foray into clean fragrance. Perfect for those seeking wit, lighthearted storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insight.