The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Guest: Patton Oswalt
Release Date: May 3, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Stephen Colbert welcomes back celebrated comedian, writer, and actor Patton Oswalt. The conversation bounces between Oswalt’s wry reflections on parenting, an unexpectedly hilarious connection to the “Epstein Files,” parenting woes over being called “dude” by his teen daughter, and the surprising pedigree and “acting range” of the dog from The Thing. The episode is a lively blend of personal anecdotes, pop-culture riffs, and comedic storytelling, true to both Colbert and Oswalt’s signature wit.
Key Discussion Points
1. Patton’s Return & New Material
- (01:11) Colbert warmly introduces Oswalt, noting his storied career and latest stand-up special, Tea and Scotch.
- Oswalt launches into a bit about modern parenthood, poking fun at the generational divide with his daughter:
- “No, wait. I'm not here to sell you weed, okay? I'm still signing permission slips.”
2. The Difference Between TV & Movie Guests
- (01:56) They compare how movie and TV stars make their entrances on shows.
- Colbert: “There's the TV guest… and the movie stars… Anne Hathaway from last night.”
- Oswalt jokes that he’s “absorbing energy” from the set, calling Colbert his “yellow sun” à la Superman.
- “You are my yellow sun. Thank you so much.” (02:38, Oswalt)
3. Patton Oswalt in the “Epstein Files”
- (02:48) Oswalt reveals his name is in the infamous “Epstein Files”—but with a punchline.
- He explains a bot or intern used the Department of Justice's searchable database to look up names, including his.
- His daughter and her friends discovered him listed, then uncovered why:
- Jeffrey Epstein and associates screened the film Young Adult, in which Oswalt appears in a nude scene.
- “I gave him the worst night of his life. And she [my daughter] said, well, second worst.” (05:02, Oswalt)
- Oswalt imagines Epstein’s crowd surprised by his “pasty ass” onscreen, accompanied by Curb Your Enthusiasm music.
4. Parenting, Being Called “Dude,” and Losing ‘Cool’ Status
- (05:17) Colbert probes Oswalt’s feelings about his daughter referring to him as “dude.”
- Oswalt: “Your kids never will fully think that you're cool… I still want the dad thing.” (06:11)
- Colbert shares a personal anecdote from the Grammys, agreeing with Oswalt that parenting never really confers coolness, even with a Grammy win.
5. Movie Connections: John Carpenter’s The Thing
- (06:28) Discussion moves to classic horror. Oswalt’s daughter found Halloween “the funniest movie ever.”
- Colbert is envious of Oswalt’s connection to The Thing's iconic dog:
- The “dog” (actually a wolfdog named Jed) is described as a master animal actor:
- “When I say animal actor, he is doing like early 70s Gene Hackman in The Conversation acting.” (07:01, Oswalt)
- Jed also co-starred in The Journey of Natty Gann with Oswalt’s wife, Meredith Salinger.
- Oswalt recounts that when Jed died, John Carpenter took out full-page ads in trade papers as a tribute:
- “He was like one of the best actors I ever worked with. Incredible. Jed the dog.” (07:27)
- They riff on Jed’s onscreen range—from sinister in The Thing to protective in Natty Gann, showing “range” as an actor.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Oswalt on Parenting & Generational Gaps (01:27):
"No, wait. I'm not here to sell you weed, okay? I'm still signing permission slips... put your headphones back on and let Phoebe Bridgers whisk you away from this bland planet."
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Colbert and Oswalt, Superhero Metaphor (02:36):
"You're Superman and they're the yellow sun."
"Yes, exactly. You are my yellow sun. Thank you so much." (Oswalt)
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Oswalt on the Epstein Files (04:36):
"I just love the fact that it's my 45 year old pasty ass right in front of Jeffrey Epstein and his pals... I gave him the worst night of his life. And she said, well, second worst." (Oswalt, 05:02)
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Colbert and Oswalt, Coolness with Kids (06:10):
"I mean, you're a dork with a Grammy now, but you're still a dork." (Oswalt)
"Still a dork. That's true." (Colbert)
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Oswalt regarding animal acting (07:01):
"When I say animal actor, he is doing like early 70s Gene Hackman in The Conversation acting." (Oswalt)
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On Jed the Dog’s Range (08:30):
"That's range." (Oswalt & Colbert)
Timestamps & Important Segments
- 01:11 – Colbert introduces Oswalt and plugs his latest stand-up special, Tea and Scotch.
- 01:56-02:36 – TV vs. Movie guest entrances, with Superman “yellow sun” joke.
- 02:48-05:17 – The Epstein Files saga; Patton’s comic recounting and his daughter’s deadpan reaction.
- 05:17-06:26 – “Dude” dilemma: Patton isn’t cool in his daughter’s eyes; Colbert’s Grammy anecdote.
- 06:28-08:31 – Oswalt’s John Carpenter/animal acting stories, the true Hollywood legend of Jed the wolfdog.
Closing Thoughts
The episode is a fast-paced, witty exchange, full of classic Patton Oswalt observations about the absurdity of parenting, showbiz, and unexpected brushes with scandal. Colbert and Oswalt’s rapport is warm and sharp, making for a delightful listen, especially for fans of dry humor, pop-culture deep cuts, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood tales.