Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert – Episode Featuring Sarah Snook

Episode Details:

• Title: Sarah Snook | Ladies Who Launch
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Host: Stephen Colbert
• Guest: Sarah Snook
• Show Description: The #1 late-night show delivered straight to your ears, featuring sharp writing, hilarious monologues, and insightful conversations with celebrity guests.

1. Opening Monologue

Stephen Colbert kickstarts the episode with his signature blend of humor and current events commentary. He touches on several topics, including a recent all-female space mission orchestrated by Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Donald Trump's latest health assessment, and a surprising appearance by Senator Bernie Sanders at Coachella.

• All-Female Space Mission:

  • Colbert humorously critiques the aesthetics of the rocket, saying, “Because this time it's an all female crew. It looks like a personal massager.”
  • He also jokes about celebrity interactions, highlighting Gayle King's awkward departure from the capsule: “That face of someone quietly cursing Oprah in her mind.”

• Donald Trump's Health Report:

  • Colbert delivers a satirical take on Trump's health, mimicking a doctor's report: “Good, hard working people are routinely diagnosed with terminal illnesses, but an objectively evil monster who only eats cheeseburgers and fried chicken lives forever.”
  • He mocks the bureaucratic language used in the health assessment and Trump's response, blending humor with political satire.

• Bernie Sanders at Coachella:

  • Colbert expresses bewilderment at Sanders' appearance: “Do you know how bad things have to be for an 83-year-old man to willingly go to Coachella?”
  • He jokes about Sanders performing at a music festival, comparing it to Richard Nixon opening at Woodstock.

2. Guest Introduction

Stephen warmly welcomes his guest, Sarah Snook, an Emmy and Olivier Award-winning actress known for her roles in "Predestination," "Memoir of a Snail," and "Succession." Snook is currently starring in a Broadway production of "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

• At [15:50]:
  Colbert: “My first guest tonight is an Emmy and Olivier award winning actor... Please welcome back to the Late Show, Sarah Snook.”

3. In-Depth Interview with Sarah Snook

a. Broadway Experience: Sarah Snook discusses her role in the one-woman show adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," where she portrays 26 characters. She shares insights into the challenges and creative processes involved.

• Performance Dynamics:

  • Snook: “No other actors you want to share the stage with at this point? If you're... it’s you or nothing at this point.”
  • She explains the complexity of managing multiple characters and the technical aspects of the performance.

• Memorable Moments:

  • Snook: “Something went wrong the other night. I just had to keep rolling and barreling through.”
  • She recounts a moment when she forgot her lines during a preview in London, highlighting the pressures of live theater.

b. Comparing Audiences: The conversation shifts to the differences between performing in New York and London, emphasizing cultural nuances in audience reactions.

• Audience Engagement:
  • Snook: “American audiences... they want to laugh and clap and, like, let you know they're there.”
  • Colbert: “Whereas London audiences tend to be reserved... just make sure that she's okay.”

c. Transition from "Succession" to Theater: Snook explains the transition from her acclaimed role in "Succession" to the stage, noting the strong ties between TV and theater actors in New York.

• Collaborative Networks:
  • Snook: “We have a succession thread... we've been on successionites for a while.”

d. Personal Anecdotes: Stephen and Sarah share light-hearted stories about navigating the theater world, including interactions with fellow actors and balancing personal life with a demanding career.

• Balancing Act:
  • Colbert: “He showed up. What night is this? Was your opening night?”
  • Snook: Discusses the excitement and challenges of opening nights and previews.

e. Life Outside the Stage: The discussion touches on Sarah's upbringing in Australia, her international lifestyle, and raising her daughter in multiple cities.

• International Upbringing:
  • Snook: “She’s lived in London and she's lived in Australia and she's lived in New York.”
  • Colbert: “She's lived in London and Australia and New York at 2 years old. Does she have a favorite?”
  • Snook: “We taught her to say New York City, baby.”

f. Reflections on Acting: Sarah reflects on the dedication required for her craft, the importance of live performances, and her aspirations.

• Commitment to the Craft:
  • Snook: “The play is an hour 55. I’m just talking for an hour and 55.”
  • Colbert: “To learn 60,000 words. I mean, one of the things that’s kind of amazing... It really kind of is miraculous.”

4. Notable Quotes

Throughout the interview, several memorable quotes stand out:

• Colbert on All-Female Space Mission:
  “It looks like a personal massager.”

• Snook on Performing Multiple Characters:
  “I just have to have a moment with the brow.”

• Colbert on Audience Differences:
  “American audiences... want to laugh and clap... London audiences... tend to be reserved.”

• Snook on International Life:
  “We taught her to say New York City, baby.”

5. Closing Remarks

Stephen wraps up the conversation by expressing appreciation for Sarah Snook's contributions to both television and theater. He encourages listeners to watch her performance at the Music Box Theater and directs them to The Late Show YouTube channel for more exclusive content.

• At [24:33]:
  Colbert: “Sarah, it’s so lovely to see you again. Thank you for being here... Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers a delightful blend of humor, current events, and an intimate glimpse into Sarah Snook's multifaceted acting career. From her challenging role on Broadway to her experiences transitioning from acclaimed TV series to live theater, Snook provides insightful and engaging commentary. Colbert's sharp wit and seamless interaction with his guest make this episode both entertaining and informative for listeners.

Listeners are encouraged to:

• Watch Sarah Snook's performance in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" at the Music Box Theater.
• Explore more content on The Late Show YouTube channel for additional clips and exclusives.
• Utilize discount codes mentioned for exclusive offers related to the show and its guests.

Notable Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 01:46: Introductory ads and advertisements (Skipped)
• 01:46 – 15:50: Stephen Colbert’s opening monologue covering various topics
• 15:50 – 16:11: Introduction of Sarah Snook
• 16:11 – 24:33: In-depth interview with Sarah Snook
• 24:33 – End: Closing remarks and episode wrap-up

Additional Information:

• Discount Code: Listeners can use "TLS20" for 20% off The Late Show with Stephen Colbert products on ParamountShop.com.
• Streaming: Watch the show weeknights at 11:35/10:35c on CBS or stream on Paramount+.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, humorous exchanges, and insightful moments between Stephen Colbert and Sarah Snook. It is crafted to provide value to listeners who may not have tuned into the episode, offering a detailed overview of the content and its engaging elements.