The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Robert De Niro | Fired up Release Date: February 20, 2025

Political Satire and Current Events

The episode kicks off with Stephen Colbert diving into the latest chaotic developments affecting American institutions. At [02:19], Colbert humorously laments, “KFC is moving its corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Texas. That. That is finger licking,” highlighting the absurdity of the move and its cultural implications.

Colbert transitions seamlessly into a satirical critique of recent government actions orchestrated by Elon Musk and his enigmatic entity, Doge. He mocks the hasty and inconsistent firing of federal employees, particularly those overseeing critical sectors like nuclear weapons and food safety. At [04:16], Colbert quips, “Then on Monday, another email said the initial notices were a mistake. Then on Tuesday, they got a third email confirming their firings. That's an emotional roller coaster ride, honey. I'm leaving you,” underscoring the chaotic nature of the layoffs.

The host continues to expose the inefficiencies within the government’s response to these abrupt terminations. He points out the alarming consequence of essential personnel being abruptly dismissed, stating, “[...] the government is now scrambling to rehire the nuclear staff it fired on Friday,” at [04:48]. Colbert also addresses the broader implications of these actions on national security and public safety, emphasizing the destabilizing effect of such erratic decisions.

A significant portion of the satire targets the fictional Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, whom Colbert references with biting humor: “It’s not exactly clear what Doge is,” at [08:27], poking fun at the nebulous nature of this new governmental body. He parodies Trump’s declaration by stating, “We will create the new Department of Government Efficiency, headed by a gentleman named Elon Musk,” at [08:56], further highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

The segment culminates with a humorous take on international politics, particularly the strained peace talks involving Ukraine and Russia. Colbert mocks the ineffectiveness of these negotiations, quoting Trump’s vague stance on Russia’s concessions: “Maybe Russia will give up a lot, maybe they won't. And it's all dependent on what is going to happen,” at [11:03]. This line encapsulates the frustration and bewilderment surrounding current geopolitical tensions.

Interview with Robert De Niro

At [15:17], Stephen Colbert warmly welcomes Robert De Niro back to "The Late Show," setting the stage for an engaging and insightful conversation. The host reminisces about seeing De Niro at the SNL 50th anniversary, mentioning, “Robert De Niro was there. Yeah. And you did a great job in Debbie Downer,” at [15:29], celebrating De Niro’s memorable appearance.

SNL 50th Anniversary and Musical Reflections

The discussion shifts to De Niro’s experience at the SNL event, where Paul McCartney performed. Colbert asks about De Niro’s connection to The Beatles, to which De Niro responds thoughtfully at [16:30], “Not really. But what I started thinking about when I was listening to Paul, that they're all part of my unconscious conscious. They've been in my life for most of my life.” This reflection reveals the deep-seated influence of music on De Niro’s life and career.

Acting Techniques and Inspirations

Colbert delves into De Niro’s acting methodology, inquiring about his use of music to get into character. De Niro shares at [19:16], “I can sometimes. I've used music, certain type of music to get me to feel a certain way.” He recounts a poignant moment where a sad commercial's music helped him perform an emotional scene: “I saw a commercial, a kind of. A commercial had not sappy music, but very sad kind of music, and it actually worked, got me to cry every time I watched it,” at [19:34]. This anecdote underscores the powerful interplay between auditory stimuli and emotional performance.

New Netflix Series: Zero Day

A significant portion of the interview focuses on De Niro’s latest project, a Netflix series titled "Zero Day." At [22:35], Colbert introduces the topic: “It's a new Netflix series called Zero Day. And I'm just curious. I mean, you're a movie star. How does this compare to making movies?” De Niro explains the intense workload involved, likening it to “doing three features back to back” ([22:48]). He highlights the series' premise—a political thriller centered around a nationwide cyber attack—and his portrayal of a former president tasked with leading a commission to address the crisis.

De Niro elaborates on the character’s complexities and the series' thematic depth: “It's about the country. And I should know this, but it might have been the world, but the country stopped for a minute and everything went crazy,” at [23:33]. He expresses enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its smart writing and the compelling narrative that explores national turmoil and leadership.

Heroes and Influences

Colbert prompts De Niro to reflect on his heroes, both personal and professional. De Niro mentions iconic figures like Brando, stating, “I knew him a little bit and did a movie with him. So we all looked as young actors, we all looked up to him,” at [17:36]. He also honors modern heroes, including Mandela and the Capitol Police officers affected by recent events, highlighting their bravery and resilience.

Closing Remarks and Series Promotion

As the interview wraps up, Colbert and De Niro discuss the impact of De Niro’s work and his contributions to the film and television industry. Colbert hints at future episodes and encourages listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth discussions with esteemed guests.

Key Quotes

• Stephen Colbert [02:19]: “KFC is moving its corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Texas. That. That is finger licking.”

• Stephen Colbert [04:32]: “These are folks involved with designing, building, and overseeing US Nuclear weapons stockpile after concerns grew that their dismissal could jeopardize national security. I share those concerns.”

• Stephen Colbert [08:27]: “All these cuts are the work of Doge, but it's not exactly clear what Doge is.”

• Robert De Niro [17:36]: “Mandela was a hero to me. I do think of the Capitol Police, the guys at Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and Michael Fanone, Aquino, Grinnell, Harry Dunn, Daniel Hodges and everybody else who was involved and affected and hurt by that. They're heroes.”

• Robert De Niro [19:34]: “I saw a commercial, a kind of. A commercial had not sappy music, but very sad kind of music, and it actually worked, got me to cry every time I watched it.”

• Robert De Niro [23:33]: “It's about the country. And I should know this, but it might have been the world, but the country stopped for a minute and everything went crazy.”

Conclusion

This episode of "The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert" masterfully blends sharp political satire with an intimate and engaging interview with one of Hollywood’s most revered actors, Robert De Niro. Colbert’s incisive humor provides a timely commentary on current events, while De Niro’s insights offer a glimpse into the craft of acting and the complexities of modern storytelling through his new Netflix series. For listeners seeking a blend of wit, wisdom, and celebrity charm, this episode stands out as a compelling and thought-provoking installment.