Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Nick Kroll | In Plane Sight
Release Date: May 15, 2025

1. Stephen Colbert's Opening Monologue

[01:33] – [05:13]

Stephen Colbert opens the episode with his characteristic sharp humor, focusing on former President Donald Trump's recent visit to Qatar. Colbert satirizes the exchange between Trump and the Qatari emir, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

• Trump's Bribe Jet:
  • Colbert: "Sometimes you just gotta tune out, tune out the noise and do something just for you. Like accepting a free bribe jet from Qatar."
  • Trump (Clip, [02:45]): "What a beautiful place. And we appreciate those camels... This is what they call perfecto."

Colbert mocks Trump's appreciation for the camel-mounted motorcade and criticizes the oversized jet as a "personalized bribe mobile," emphasizing the extravagance and impracticality of such gifts.

• Critique of Trump's Jet:
  • Colbert: "Trump keeps ranting about how this jet is a gift free of charge. So of course it's going to be really expensive."
  • Trump (Clip, [04:58]): "I believe that we should have the most impressive plane."

He further ridicules the notion of refurbishing the jet into a new Air Force One, pointing out the exorbitant costs and the unlikely scenario where the jet serves its intended purpose.

2. Newark Airport Technology Failures

[05:13] – [08:44]

Transitioning from international politics to domestic issues, Colbert delves into the repeated technical failures plaguing Newark Airport.

• Air Traffic Control Issues:
  • Colbert: "Newark has had repeated radar outages and communication problems, leading to canceled flights and delays of almost six hours."
  • Colbert: "Apparently, the technology used in our airports is so old that some systems still rely on floppy disks."

He humorously compares the outdated technology to the classic game "Oregon Trail," highlighting the inefficiency and chaos caused by staff shortages and technological glitches.

• FAA's Response:
  • Colbert: "To fix the staffing shortage, Duffy says that he plans to raise the mandatory retirement age for air traffic controllers from 56 to 61."
  • Colbert: "You get a 61-year-old to manage a system stuck in the past. Logical."

3. Introduction of Nick Kroll

[13:37] – [22:41]

After a brief interlude of advertisements and promo clips, Stephen Colbert welcomes his guest, Nick Kroll, an Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, writer, and producer, known for creating the animated series "Big Mouth."

• Celebrating "Big Mouth":
  • Colbert: "Eight big years for you."
  • Kroll: "Yes, it's been a busy eight years. I got married."
  • Colbert: "Congrats! There's a war on marriage. So who's winning?"
  • Kroll: "I got married, had a couple of kids. Nice."

Kroll discusses the journey of "Big Mouth," its impact, and notable achievements, including being the longest-running scripted show on Netflix.

• Achievements and Milestones:
  • Kroll: "Eight seasons will be the longest running scripted show on Netflix."
  • Colbert: "That's an incredible achievement."

4. Behind the Scenes of "Big Mouth"

[22:41] – [27:26]

The conversation shifts to the creative process behind "Big Mouth," touching upon personal anecdotes and the collaborative efforts in producing the show.

• Character Development:
  • Kroll: "We've gotten to know and love all these characters. It's been a beautiful thing together."
  • Colbert: "Holly Hunter plays a compassion elephant."

Kroll shares insights into the show's final season, including guest stars like Cynthia Erivo and Steve Buscemi, and delves into the themes of adolescence and personal growth.

• Final Season Highlights:
  • Kroll: "In this final season, we've had incredible guest stars... It's genuinely quite moving."

5. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

[22:41] – [27:26]

Nick Kroll introduces his new project, "Adults," an upcoming show that explores the challenges of early adulthood, drawing parallels to the themes of "Big Mouth."

• Introducing "Adults":
  • Kroll: "Adults is about your early 20s, like, another very hard, awkward time in life."
  • Colbert: "You don't get to do what you want to do yet."

They discuss the show's premise, likening it to "Friends" but set in a more mature and chaotic environment, reflecting the uncertainties of adulthood.

• Show Concept:
  • Kroll: "It's a codependent group of best friends living together."
  • Colbert: "This is you as an adult, but really not adulting yet."

6. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

[27:26] – End

Stephen Colbert wraps up the interview by promoting the upcoming conclusion of "Big Mouth" and Kroll's new show "Adults."

• Final Promotions:
  • Colbert: "The final season of Big Mouth premieres next Friday on Netflix."
  • Kroll: "Adults premieres end of the month."

Colbert thanks Nick Kroll for joining the show, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into Kroll's career, the success of "Big Mouth," and his future projects.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert on Trump's Jet:
  "Sometimes you just gotta tune out, tune out the noise and do something just for you. Like accepting a free bribe jet from Qatar."
  [01:33]

• Donald Trump Clip:
  "What a beautiful place. And we appreciate those camels... This is what they call perfecto."
  [02:45]

• Colbert on Newark Airport:
  "Apparently, the technology used in our airports is so old that some systems still rely on floppy disks."
  [05:28]

• Nick Kroll on "Big Mouth":
  "Eight seasons will be the longest running scripted show on Netflix."
  [17:29]

• Kroll on New Show "Adults":
  "Adults is about your early 20s, like, another very hard, awkward time in life."
  [22:52]

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a blend of sharp political satire and an engaging celebrity interview. Stephen Colbert's monologue provides a humorous take on Donald Trump's diplomatic antics and the inefficiencies within Newark Airport. The highlight, however, is the in-depth conversation with Nick Kroll, celebrating the success of "Big Mouth" and delving into his upcoming projects. The episode balances humor with insightful discussions, making it a compelling listen for fans of both political satire and behind-the-scenes entertainment insights.