Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Owen Wilson's Colbert Questionert | File Denial
Release Date: July 17, 2025

1. Main Discussion: Donald Trump and the Jeffrey Epstein Conspiracy

Timestamp: 12:34

The episode opens with Stephen Colbert diving into the controversial topic of former President Donald Trump's alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Colbert humorously criticizes Trump's attempts to downplay Epstein's significance, stating:

"Donald Trump seems desperate to stop us from knowing who Jeffrey Epstein's clients were. In fact, yesterday, he said he was surprised anyone even cares about the guy, why they would be so interested. He's dead for a long time. He was never a big factor in terms of life." (12:40)

Colbert highlights the absurdity of Trump's dismissive remarks by juxtaposing the gravity of Epstein's actions with Trump's apathy:

"The Epstein saga is a total snooze fest. I mean, the most powerful man in the world is blocking information about a cabal of the rich, the famous, and the royal..." (12:55)

He further satirizes the situation by mocking Trump's statements about the Epstein case being boring and compares the FBI's questionable video release to "Battlefield Earth":

"A new poll shows just 3% of U.S. adults are satisfied with the information released about Jeffrey Epstein. That's like Battlefield Earth's Rotten Tomatoes score." (14:10)

Colbert delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's death, pointing out inconsistencies and the lack of transparency from Trump's administration:

"The FBI admitted the video has a missing minute, which is concerning. Wired revealed nearly three minutes were cut out. That's not calming for conspiracy theorists." (15:25)

Throughout the discussion, Colbert employs his signature humor to question the integrity of the investigation and Trump's role, ultimately emphasizing the public's demand for transparency.

2. Guest Interview: Owen Wilson and the Colbert Questionnaire

Timestamp: 35:50

Stephen Colbert warmly welcomes actor Owen Wilson, known for his roles in films like Midnight in Paris, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Zoolander, as well as his latest appearance in the Apple TV show Stick.

Colbert Questionnaire Segment:

Colbert introduces the "Colbert Questionnaire," a rapid-fire segment designed to peel back the layers of Owen Wilson's personality through a series of quirky and personal questions. Key highlights include:

• Favorite Sandwich:

  Owen shares a heartfelt memory of his grandmother making PB&J sandwiches on Pepperidge Farm bread:

  "When we would visit my grandmother and go to the beach, she would make PB and Js with the crust cut off... nothing works up an appetite like swimming in the ocean." (36:15)

• First Concert Experience:

  Reflecting on his first concert, Owen describes attending The Rolling Stones' 1980 "Tattoo You" tour at age 12, detailing Mick Jagger's unique attire:

  "Mick Jagger was wearing tight yellow football pants. It was overwhelming for a 12-year-old, but an unforgettable experience." (37:05)

• Scariest Animal:

  Owen candidly admits his fear of rats:

  "I would have to say rats. I don't love them at all." (38:50)

• Apples or Oranges:

  Choosing apples, Owen prefers the classic red varieties like Macintosh and Red Delicious:

  "For me, I would say apple. Like a good crunchy apple—Macintosh, Red Delicious, Honey Crisp." (39:20)

• Autograph Anecdote:

  Owen recounts an amusing encounter while seeking an autograph from filmmaker Oliver Stone:

  "I asked for an autograph for my brother Luke, and Oliver called his wife over, saying, 'This is for Luke. That's a real Texas name.'" (40:45)

• Beliefs About Death:

  Offering a whimsical take, Owen envisions a playful afterlife golf course:

  "I think that when we die, we hear a voice like Jim Nance saying, 'Welcome to the first tee from Dallas, Texas, Owen Wilson,' and the angels go bananas." (42:30)

• Favorite Action Movie:

  Owen expresses his preference for Mad Max: Road Warrior, praising its iconic villains:

  "Road Warrior has a real terrifying villain with a mohawk. Great character." (44:10)

• Favorite Song:

  Combining nostalgia with personal significance, Owen selects "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys:

  "I would say 'Good Vibrations.' It's an eternal song that means the same to everyone." (46:00)

• Describe Life in Five Words:

  Owen succinctly encapsulates his life with vibrant locations:

  "Cabo. Vegas. Istanbul. Berlin." (47:20)

• Favorite Animal: Dogs over Cats:

  Despite an amusing attachment to a cat named Buckley during college, Owen prefers dogs:

  "I would say dogs. They’re more consistent companions." (48:05)

• Earliest Memory:

  Owen shares a nostalgic yet slightly bittersweet memory involving family friends moving in:

  "My earliest memory is my mother giving me a haircut while the Buckley family moved into our neighborhood." (49:15)

Through these questions, Colbert and Wilson engage in a lighthearted yet revealing dialogue that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Wilson's personal experiences and preferences. The segment is marked by genuine chemistry and humor, particularly when discussing shared interests and quirky anecdotes.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, listeners are treated to a blend of sharp political satire and heartfelt celebrity interviews. Stephen Colbert's incisive commentary on the Trump-Epstein saga is balanced by the charming and humorous interaction with Owen Wilson during the Colbert Questionnaire. The episode successfully entertains while providing insightful commentary and personal stories, making it a must-listen for fans seeking both laughter and thought-provoking discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert on Trump and Epstein:

  "Sex cults and murder are famously dull. That's why they call that movie Eyes Wide Shut, because everyone was asleep." (13:15)

• Owen Wilson on Favorite Song:

  "Good Vibrations. It's an eternal song that means the same to everyone." (46:10)

• Owen Wilson on Autograph Story:

  "I had that thing where he brought his wife over to compliment... I took it as a compliment." (40:55)

Disclaimer: Timestamps are approximations based on the provided transcript and serve to indicate the location of key discussions within the episode.