Episode Summary: Paul Giamatti | Fools Out For Summer

Podcast Information

• Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
• Host: CBS
• Episode: Paul Giamatti | Fools Out For Summer
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes the Emmy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti. Known for his compelling performances in Sideways, Billions, and The Holdovers, Giamatti joins Colbert to discuss his latest work, insights into the entertainment industry, and delve into the technological themes portrayed in the new season of Black Mirror.

Stephen Colbert's Opening Monologue (00:31 – 03:31)

Stephen Colbert sets the tone with his signature blend of humor and current events commentary. He begins by celebrating the arrival of summer and Memorial Day, highlighting the surge in travel with over 45 million Americans expected to hit the roads:

"Shotgun this year is expected to break travel records with more than 45 million Americans expected to hit the road." (01:15)

Colbert humorously addresses the potential travel chaos, referencing longer lines at service areas and flight delays due to air traffic control issues:

"They are all in line ahead of you at the bathroom for the 995. James Fenimore Cooper Service area." (02:05)

He transitions to political satire, mocking former President Trump's attempts to influence the Kennedy Center's programming:

"Trump continues to be obsessed with getting rid of what he calls woke programming down at the Kennedy Center." (04:07)

Colbert also teases upcoming segments, including a playful jab at Vice President J.D. Vance's comments on dating apps and a fictional portrayal of Judge Jeanine Pirro's office antics.

Introducing Paul Giamatti (14:16 – 14:44)

As the episode progresses, Stephen transitions to introduce his guest, Paul Giamatti:

"My guest tonight is an Emmy award-winning actor… Please welcome back to The Late Show, Mr. Paul Giamatti." (14:16)

Paul enters with a humorous exchange about his appearance, showcasing his shaved head and beard, which Colbert teases as fitting for a "cult leader."

Paul Giamatti's Career Highlights and Anecdotes (14:44 – 17:38)

The conversation shifts to Giamatti's diverse acting roles. He reflects on his past appearances, including his work on Star Trek and Planet of the Apes. A memorable moment is his amusing story about finally securing a call from Cher after years of trying:

"She appreciates being called a white whale. She called, and I talked to her for about a half an hour. Lovely woman." (16:56)

Colbert playfully suggests that Giamatti's agent might have placed him in the witness relocation program due to his newfound fame from fan interactions.

Deep Dive into Black Mirror and Technological Themes (21:35 – 27:30)

A significant portion of the episode centers around Giamatti’s role in the latest season of Black Mirror, specifically the episode titled "Eulogy." Giamatti describes the episode's premise:

"It's about a technology that's invented that uses people's memories to build sort of memorial services for people who have died… you can move into photographs, old photographs." (24:24)

The discussion explores the haunting nature of the technology depicted in the show, with Colbert and Giamatti pondering the future implications of AI and memory manipulation:

"I'm on the fence, too, because I don't know what it's gonna become. It could be something very good… Right now, it's scary and weird." (26:42)

Giamatti elaborates on the ethical and emotional complexities introduced by such technologies, reflecting the show's signature contemplative tone.

Exploring Fan Art and Personal Interests (28:02 – 30:05)

Stephen shifts the conversation to discuss Paul's appreciation for fan art. Giamatti shares his delight in receiving portraits from admirers:

"I have been receiving these lovely artists' paintings. It's beautiful." (28:04)

Colbert humorously comments on the nature of the fan art, highlighting a stylized portrait where Giamatti is depicted holding an oversized Oscar equivalent:

"I just love this one. How big is this award? The shoe is really, really big, that one." (29:05)

Paul expresses both amusement and modesty about the artworks, contemplating the idea of hanging them around his home, likening it to a "crazy dictator" having portraits everywhere.

Closing Remarks and Future Content (30:05 – End)

As the episode winds down, Colbert thanks Paul Giamatti for his time and insightful conversation. They briefly joke about future appearances and the enduring popularity of Giamatti’s performances. The episode concludes with promotional segments, but these are outside the scope of the content-focused summary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Colbert: "Shotgun this year is expected to break travel records with more than 45 million Americans expected to hit the road." (01:15)

• Stephen Colbert: "Trump continues to be obsessed with getting rid of what he calls woke programming down at the Kennedy Center." (04:07)

• Paul Giamatti: "She called, and I talked to her for about a half an hour. Lovely woman." (16:56)

• Paul Giamatti: "It's about a technology that's invented that uses people's memories to build sort of memorial services for people who have died… you can move into photographs, old photographs." (24:24)

• Paul Giamatti: "I'm on the fence, too, because I don't know what it's gonna become. It could be something very good… Right now, it's scary and weird." (26:42)

• Paul Giamatti: "I have been receiving these lovely artists' paintings. It's beautiful." (28:04)

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show offers a blend of sharp humor, insightful discussions on contemporary issues, and an in-depth look into Paul Giamatti's illustrious acting career. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes to philosophical musings on technology, Colbert and Giamatti deliver a captivating conversation that both entertains and provokes thought. Listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of topics, making it a must-listen for fans of late-night talk shows and engaging celebrity interviews.