Stephen A. Smith | Settle Down

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Stephen A. Smith | Settle Down
Release Date: July 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes renowned sports commentator Stephen A. Smith for a candid conversation that intertwines career highlights, political commentary, and lighthearted family interactions. The episode delves into Stephen A. Smith's professional journey, his foray into acting, thoughts on the current political climate, and amusing exchanges with his daughter, providing listeners with a comprehensive glimpse into his multifaceted life.

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Stephen A. Smith's Career Highlights

Stephen A. Smith begins by discussing his recent professional milestones. He proudly announces signing a five-year deal with ESPN, valued at a reported $100 million, solidifying his position as a leading voice in sports media.

Stephen Colbert [20:33]: "You recently signed a five-year deal with ESPN where the reported $100 million. That's American dollars, not Canadian dollars."

Stephen A. Smith also shares exciting news about launching two new shows on Sirius XM scheduled for September.

Stephen A. Smith [20:39]: "Earlier this year, teased a possible 2028 run for President. But I want to ask you about hitting the actual big time."

Additionally, Smith recounts his debut appearance on Law & Order, highlighting the unique experience of filming a police procedural drama.

Stephen A. Smith [21:31]: "It was a wonderful experience. However, I mean, I was very, very happy, very proud of my performance."

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Foray into Acting and Law & Order

Stephen A. Smith elaborates on his unexpected role in Law & Order, detailing the humorous challenges faced during filming.

Stephen A. Smith [21:43]: "I got a couple of daytime jobs, man. I ain't got time to audition. You want me or you don't. So thank you."

He humorously describes a scene where his character meets an untimely demise in Central Park, emphasizing the repetitive nature of shooting the scene.

Stephen A. Smith [22:09]: "They had to kill me. Do we see you get killed?"

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Political Commentary and Jeffrey Epstein Conspiracies

The conversation takes a serious turn as Stephen Colbert brings up recent news involving Paramount's $16 million settlement with Donald Trump over a lawsuit related to 60 Minutes. Smith voices his skepticism and frustration over the settlement's implications.

Stephen Colbert [05:05]: "Paramount paid Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over his 60 Minutes lawsuit. As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended and I don't know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company."

The discussion further delves into the ongoing conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death and Trump's alleged connections. Smith criticizes the polarization in politics, expressing his disillusionment with both major parties.

Stephen A. Smith [28:40]: "I'm a registered Independent. I don't like either party. And I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country is because both sides have been so polarizing."

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Considering a Presidential Run

Stephen A. Smith opens up about his contemplations of running for President in 2028, highlighting his desire to bridge the political divide and address the issues plaguing the nation.

Stephen A. Smith [28:38]: "I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I'm not scared, I'm not running. I would love to take some of these folks on because I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country and they need to be held accountable for it."

Colbert encourages Smith to consider his potential candidacy, questioning what might hold him back.

Stephen Colbert [30:11]: "I want to point out that you want to start as President of the United States. Why not?"

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Family Banter with Daughter Samantha

Adding a personal touch, the episode features a delightful interaction between Stephen A. Smith and his daughter, Samantha. Samantha humorously critiques her father's show, First Take, revealing familial dynamics and her educational pursuits.

Samantha Smith [26:12]: "I don't watch First Take, however, this morning. Okay?"

Samantha Smith [26:34]: "I'm getting educated, y'."

Colbert and Smith express amusement over Samantha's candid remarks, showcasing the lighthearted side of Smith's life outside of his high-profile career.

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Personal Insights and Reflections

Smith reflects on his upbringing as the youngest of six siblings, detailing how familial interactions shaped his argumentative nature and drive.

Stephen A. Smith [23:04]: "I have two daughters, both beautiful, both highly intelligent. Hers, That's Samantha, her sister Nyla is brilliant."

He emphasizes the importance of being an independent thinker amidst increasing political polarization, advocating for conscientious observation and individual accountability.

Stephen A. Smith [28:40]: "I'm a registered Independent. I don't like either party... I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country and they need to be held accountable for it."

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Notable Quotes

• Stephen Colbert [05:20]: "Paramount's settlement did not include an apology. Instead, the corporation released a statement where they said, 'you may take our money, but you will never take our dignity.'"

• Stephen A. Smith [28:38]: "If I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I'm not scared, I'm not running."

• Samantha Smith [26:30]: "I'm getting educated, y'."

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Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor, personal anecdotes, and incisive political commentary through the dynamic interaction between Stephen Colbert and Stephen A. Smith. Listeners are treated to an in-depth look at Smith's professional achievements, his critical stance on current political issues, and endearing moments with his family. The conversation not only entertains but also provokes thoughtful consideration of the interplay between media influence, political polarization, and individual agency.

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Additional Information

• Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Weeknights at 11:35/10:35c on CBS or stream on Paramount+.

• Discount Code: Use "TLS20" for 20% off all The Late Show with Stephen Colbert products on ParamountShop.com.

Transcript

[Stephen Colbert]

Hey, everybody. Stephen Colbert here about to read the copy for our sponsor. This is from our friends at Wonderful Pistachios. And I was the wonderful pistachio spokesman for years. Yeah, I have a real close association with nut meat. Okay. You know what they say when they reach for a snack? Don't hold back. And that's exactly the approach with Wonderful Pistachios. The don't hold back snack. These little wonders are so tasty, it feels like getting away with something. But surprise. Each serving has 6 grams of protein and 0 grams of regret. That's right. No guilt. Just glory, glory in our nuts. Whether it's a satisfying crack of in shell pistachios, and that's capitalized in shell, or the smooth, instant gratification of no shells. No judgment. That's just it. Just eat. No judgment. I take issue with one thing. It's instant gratification. It's super tasty smooth.

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's a hard nut smooth.

[Stephen Colbert]

Exactly. I mean, even out of the shell, it's still a nut.

[Stephen A. Smith]

We can't disparage the nuts.

[Evie Colbert]

You.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not disparaging the nut. I'm describing the nut.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Don't disparage any flavors.

[Stephen Colbert]

I'm not. I am celebrating the pistachio right now. I'm on board. I love pistachios. I love. I love crushed pistachio. Like a pistachio crusted trout. Oh, unbelievable. Instead of a trout amandine, a trout pistachio. Fantastic. Enough butter? Who cares?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Very good.

[Stephen Colbert]

And I love pistachio ice cream.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Have you had the sea salt and vinegar? Wonderful pistachio. It's delicious. I get them.

[Stephen Colbert]

I didn't even know I get them.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Before the softball games.

[Stephen Colbert]

But that's. You see, it's been a while since I've been the spokesman for wonderful pistachios. I didn't realize we'd achieved new pistachio technology.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. Wonderful pistachios has every snack style covered. Right now. There's an obsession with jalapeno lime. There is an obsession session. It's almost a disorder. It's spicy, it's zesty. It's basically a flavor roller coaster in a nut. Snacking on the go. Grab a bag of no shells. Feeling contemplative and want to work for it a little. So earning it, they're saying if you want to earn your nut, crack open those in shell beauties. Either way, it's snacking like a champ. So the next time hunger strikes, don't hold back. Unless it's a hunger strike. And then it's important that you do. Because whatever you're doing that for, I'm sure it's a worthwhile cause. Snack like you mean it with wonderful pistachios. Visit wonderfulpistachios.com to learn more. That was a wonderful I wonder what more there is to learn. We just told them so much. We just told them so much about pistachios. But evidently there's a whole other world. There's an unexplored vista.

[Stephen A. Smith]

They got a bunch of flavors. They got dill pickle, jalapeno lime, as we learned, smoky barbecue. There's a lot of different flavors.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. And I would not disparage any of them.

[Evie Colbert]

No, no, no.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bring it on.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Nothing bad to say.

[Stephen Colbert]

Nut me, nut, nut me with nut meat.

[Samantha Smith]

We're nut.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, we got nothing but nut. Nutty, nutty, nutty, nutty. Talk about, talk about, talk about, talk about, talk about nutty.

[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Stephen Colbert]

Welcome one and all to the Late Show. I'm your host, Stephen Colbert. And that's right, it's me under this salt and pepper cookie pusher for tonight. My upper lip is home to what many in the beauty industry are calling technically a mustache. I know you've got questions, so let me take you behind the stache. The show was on vacation for the last couple weeks and I visited the beautiful nation of Turkey. I had heard so many great things from Mayor Adams about it. While I was there. While I was there, I grew the traditional vacation kohl beard. And then upon threat of trial separation by my wife Evie, I went to a barber shop for a straight razor shave. They have great barbershops in Istanbul. Very nice barber there. When I sat down for the shave, he goes, we keep the mustache. And I said, no, my wife doesn't like it. Shave it off. But then he said, I make very nice. And I said, very nice. And he goes, oh, very even. Very even. And he did so for the rest of the trip. To everyone I was traveling with, I was no longer Stephen. I was Mr. Stephen. Okay, Stephen Colbert. Mr. Stephen, international purveyor of scented oils and rose flavored candies. Mr. Steven has a signature cocktail made with bergamot and pistachio liqueur, which he orders at the swim up bar, and a bathing bottom that would get you arrested this side of the Bosphorus. Mr. Steven gets the best tables at all the best restaurants. Because when Mr. Steven walks in, the maitre d sometimes thinks he's Bryan Cranston. And tonight, and tonight, ladies and gentlemen, my mustache comes to you with a heavy heart. Because while I was on vacation, my parent corporation, Paramount, paid Donald Trump a $16 million settlement over his 60 Minutes lawsuit. As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended and I don't know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company. But just taking a stab at it, I'd say $16 million would help this settlement. This settlement. This settlement is for a nuisance lawsuit Trump filed claiming that 60 Minutes deceptively edited their interview with then candidate Kamala Harris last fall. Paramount knows they could have easily fought it because in their own words, the lawsuit was completely without merit. And keep in mind, Paramount produced Rise of the Beast. They know completely without merits. Now, unlike, unlike, unlike the payoffs from ABC and Twitter, Paramount's settlement did not include an apology. Instead. That's good. Instead, the corporation released a statement where they said, you may take our money, but you will never take our dignity. You may, however, purchase our dignity for the low, low price of $16 million. We need the cash. Now, I believe. What can I say? What can I say? Mr. Steven loves to dance. Now, I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles. It's big fat bribe. Because this all comes as Paramount's owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new Skydance. Not the music I was expecting. Okay? That was me dancing in the sky. And some of the TV typers out there are blogging that once Skydance gets cbs, the new owner's desire to please Trump could put pressure on late night host and frequent Trump critic Stephen Colbert. Okay, okay, but how are they going to put pressure on Stephen Colbert if they can't find him? And even if they do, and even if they do, Mr. Steven always has his scented oil business to fall back on. Oh, here's a sentence I've never said. There's some fun news involving Jeffrey Epstein. While I was on vacation, filtering cheap rose through my stash like krill through a whale's baleen. MAGA got a little cranky. And now Donald Trump is facing a revolt MAGA base over his failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Oh. Oh, no, don't fight, you guys. Here's why they're all so angry. MAGA and a bunch of other folks have long believed that Jeffrey Epstein did not die by suicide back in 2019, but instead was killed to prevent him from revealing the names of prominent elites who he was blackmailing. Because of the stuff with the plane and the island and the girls, and it's all just awful. And the Trump campaign rode into office on a giant wave of conspiracy theories. And Trump administration officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi, head of the FBI Cash Patel and Vice President JD Vance have all said the government is hiding evidence about who the clients of Jeffrey Epstein were. Which is hard to dispute because we don't know for sure who the clients of Jeffrey Epstein were. But last week, Bondi dropped a bom d releasing a memo saying that there is no incriminating client list of Epstein and no credible evidence that Epstein blackmailed prominent individuals. You can't take this away from your base. That is maga's favorite conspiracy. What are we going to find out next? That immigrants aren't eating cats? That if you sail to the horizon, you don't fall off the world? That explained this cover for Kansas. Point of no return. They spell no K n o. Dust in the wind. MAGA is especially mad at Trump himself because just in February, Attorney General Bondi.

[Evie Colbert]

Said this one of the things that.

[Stephen Colbert]

You alluded to, and this is something Donald Trump has talked about. The DOJ may be releasing the list.

[Evie Colbert]

Of Jeffrey Epstein's clients.

[Stephen Colbert]

Will that really happen?

[Stephen A. Smith]

It's sitting on my desk right now to review.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wait a second. If it was sitting on Pam Bondi's desk in. And now it doesn't exist. That can only mean one, someone stole Pam Bondi's desk. And don't, and don't try to tell me it just committed desiccide. Do I look stupid? And before you answer, imagine that I don't have this mustache. Trump's base heard that and went banana pants. So Bondi released a 10 hour security video of the door to Epstein's cell to show that no one else went in. Only problem, at one point, the video actually skips ahead 60 seconds in what some are calling a missing minute. It sounds suspicious, but Bondi explained it during a cabinet meeting.

[Stephen A. Smith]

There was a minute that was off the counter.

[Stephen Colbert]

And what we learned from Bureau of.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Prisons was every year, every night they redo that video. It's old from like 1999. So every night the video is reset and every night should have the same minute missing.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, that checks out because in a maximum security prison, they always turn off the cameras for a little bit every night so the inmates can have some fun. You know, I mean, even, even murderers need to dance like no one's watching. Also. Also murder like no one's watching. One person who is not happy MAGA is pointing their pitchforks his way is Deputy Director of the FBI and Sponge Dan Square Face Dan Bongino. Bongino's old job was doing conspiracy podcasting and he talked about Epstein a lot. Reportedly he's blaming Bondi for this whole mess and is out of control, furious and threatening to quit. Yes, Bongino could soon Bongin go Trump, thank you very much. Sorry, I still haven't gotten all the rose out of my system. Trump didn't like all this inner MAGA infighting. So on Saturday, he posted a long screed that started what's going on with my boys and in some cases gals, they are all going after Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is doing a fantastic job on one team maga. And I don't like what's happening. We have a perfect administration, the talk of the world, and selfish people are trying to hurt it all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein. Wait, what? What do you. Maga. What did you never. Huh? Huh? What? Maga, you heard your leader. Jeffrey Epstein is alive. That can mean only one zombie Epstein. He's coming for our brains. And thank goodness, because I do not want to think about him anymore. Here's some news about soccer. The thing your kid's friend needs a ride to. Yesterday, Donald Trump and Melania together attended the FIFA Club World cup final at MetLife Stadium. And here's how they were received. During the national anthem. Normally, to get soccer fans that mad at you, you have to be a pub that doesn't open at 7 in the morning. The big winner last night was Chelsea. Congratulations to her. I'm sure she's great. After the victory, Trump and the FIFA president brought in the big golden trophy. The FIFA guy then said to Trump, hey, let's leave. Trump totally ignores him, stays with the players, and then it is jumpy time. Jumpy, jumpy, jumpy. He just who just stays? You bring it and you go. Imagine if you're a waiter to that. And for you, madam, the Bronzino. No, no. Go ahead and start chewing. Mr. Steven likes to watch. Go ahead. Yes, yes. Oh, yes. After the game, the team captain said he was a little surprised by Trump sticking around for overtime.

[Evie Colbert]

I thought that he was gonna exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, we all thought that once. BIG had a great show for you tonight. Coming up.

[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Evie Colbert]

That's what they said.

[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Stephen Colbert]

Ladies and gentlemen, my first guest tonight is one of the most recognizable voices in sports media. He is the face of ESPN's First Take, the host of the Stephen A. Smith show. And in September he'll be launching two new shows on Sirius xm. Please welcome back to the Late Show, Stephen A. Smith.

[Evie Colbert]

What's going on?

[Stephen Colbert]

Yeah, what's going on, everybody? You know what I like is I like a guest who doesn't come straight to the chair, right? They take a second to be with the audience to let them be drinking. You know, you need to acknowledge something, I hope you can acknowledge something, is that you are known to make an entrance. You got that bounce in your step that we just saw right there. And as I said, you took a little time. Are you aware of something that scientists call the Stephen A. Strut? Have you heard, have you heard this term?

[Evie Colbert]

I haven't heard it, but I believe it.

[Stephen Colbert]

You don't need it.

[Evie Colbert]

I mean, I do. I do have it.

[Stephen Colbert]

You do not need to hear it to know it. What inspires that gate and that swagger?

[Evie Colbert]

Well, listen, man, you know, I cover sports and you know, obviously these are multimillion dollar athletes, the greatest athletes in the world, NBA, NFL and all that other stuff. And, and a lot of times people think I'm walking in because, you know, I'm walking in like one of the players. First of all, I didn't ask the camera to be on me. I just know. I just know it's going to be there. And secondly, and secondly, because I know it's going to be there, my attitude is when I roll up in the arena, I consider myself to be probably the best dressed dude in the building or in the stadium. So they've been making this stage about, oh, he think he's one of the players. No, I think the players should look at my wardrobe and take notes. That's what I'm saying.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wow. Okay.

[Evie Colbert]

No, that's what I'm saying.

[Stephen Colbert]

Bold, bold. True. It's a good time to be Stephen A. Smith. What's the A4, by the way?

[Evie Colbert]

Anthony, Anthony, Anthony.

[Stephen Colbert]

There you go, Anthony. All right. You recently signed. This is why it's a good time to be. You recently signed a five year deal with ESPN where the reported $100 million. That's American dollars, not Canadian dollars. Okay. You also got two new shows coming on SiriusXM this September. Earlier this year, teased a possible 2028 run for President. But I want to ask you about hitting the actual Big time. This year you made your debut on Law and Order. Yeah.

[Evie Colbert]

Yeah. You know, that was fun.

[Stephen Colbert]

How did that come about?

[Evie Colbert]

There was this wonderful lady named Pam Wexler that I saw in la. She's a writer. She was a writer for Law and Order. And she saw me and she said, oh, my God, they would love to have you on the show. And I was like, what show? You know, because obviously I have a recovering role in General Hospital, the soap opera and stuff like that.

[Stephen Colbert]

Everybody knows that.

[Evie Colbert]

Everybody knows that, right? So what happened is that they said. She said, law and Order. I said, law and Order. Law and Order. The law honor. Is that what you're saying?

[Stephen Colbert]

Right.

[Evie Colbert]

You know.

[Stephen Colbert]

Did you have to audition?

[Evie Colbert]

I did not. I ain't got no time to audition.

[Stephen Colbert]

I don't know.

[Evie Colbert]

I got a couple of daytime jobs, man. I ain't got time to audition. You want me or you don't. So thank you.

[Stephen Colbert]

But that's a rite of passage in New York to be on Law and Order.

[Evie Colbert]

I feel you on that. And let me tell you something right now. It was a wonderful experience. However, I mean, I was very, very happy, very proud of my performance. The flip side to it, though, is that one of the scenes involved me being dead. They had to kill me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay. And do we see you get killed?

[Evie Colbert]

You see? No, you see my body, My dead body in Central Park. Now, I was in Central park for five hours. Five hours. I was born and raised. Born in the Bronx, raised in Hollis, Queens, New York, and I was in Central park laying dead for five hours. You understand? They kept having me redo it over and over. Like, we gonna take the seat.

[Stephen Colbert]

Wait, you weren't convincingly immobile.

[Evie Colbert]

I thought I was, but they wanted to film this other stuff. Okay. You're running up in there and the person stabs you in the chest and you fall down. I will say this, though. They had me fall down on a rock and it looks like a really, really. Like a real rock. And you're walking and it's nice and cushiony. It was very comfortable. It was very comfortable. I gotta give it to you. I hear the push out there now. So, I mean, I liked it. I liked it. I enjoyed it and, you know, gave me a little acting bug there, I must confess.

[Stephen Colbert]

You like acting?

[Evie Colbert]

I do. Because you get to be whatever the role requires, whatever that is.

[Stephen Colbert]

Let me ask you this.

[Evie Colbert]

Yes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Is the Stephen A. Smith we see on a daily basis on espn, is that a role or is this you?

[Evie Colbert]

No, that's me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay.

[Evie Colbert]

That's me. That's me. That's me. I've always been argumentative, but peacefully so. I mean, I know my lane, you know, well, my mama, God rest her soul. I mean, I didn't argue with her so much. I didn't want to get slapped upside my head. And so I. And, you know, with my sisters, I got four older sisters that would not hesitate to beat me up. So I was the youngest of six and I got beat down. So I had to watch my mouth. But then as I grew older, I was. I was away from home. There was a freedom that I didn't have growing up. I could run my mouth and get away with it. And then I learned I could get paid for it. And after that, sky's the limit.

[Stephen Colbert]

Also, the baby loves attention.

[Evie Colbert]

The baby loves attention. That's right.

[Stephen Colbert]

We have to take a quick break. We'll be right back with more Stephen A. Smith, everybody.

[Evie Colbert]

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Evie Colbert]

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[Stephen Colbert]

We're firefighters.

[Evie Colbert]

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[Stephen Colbert]

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[Stephen A. Smith]

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[Evie Colbert]

Possibility means you have a chance. Passion opens the door to all possibilities.

[Stephen A. Smith]

When I feel like anything's possible, I.

[Evie Colbert]

Feel kind of giddy.

[Stephen Colbert]

I want to be an astronaut, an.

[Evie Colbert]

Artist, be an actress, to visit another country.

[Stephen Colbert]

All I need is a backpack and a pair of shoes, and I'll find.

[Stephen A. Smith]

A way I'm able to do anything.

[Stephen Colbert]

I set my mind to. I've never felt like more things are.

[Evie Colbert]

Possible than right now. In the right shoes, anything's possible.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Dsw, countless shoes at bragworthy prices. Imagine the possibilities.

[Stephen Colbert]

Okay, we both know what it's like to host shows. We know what it's like to have an unruly guest. You know, you just gotta ride that Chaos sometimes. You recently brought someone on to the Stephen A. Smith show who gave you some problems.

[Evie Colbert]

Oh, Lord.

[Stephen Colbert]

Do you want to talk about this guest before we show the clip?

[Evie Colbert]

She's very undisciplined. I know who you're talking about. Yes, I know who you're talking about. Yeah, she, you know, she's very undisciplined. She doesn't listen. She knows everything. I'm archaic, outdated. I don't know anything. And she basically mirrors the thoughts of her little sister. That's what she does when it comes to me.

[Stephen Colbert]

You're talking about your daughter. And here's the clip.

[Samantha Smith]

If we're talking. If we're speaking truthfully, right? A lot of people wonder if I watch First Take every morning. No, I avoid it. If it's in the gym, I leave. If it's in the restaurant, I leave. I don't watch First Take, however, this morning. Okay?

[Evie Colbert]

Say that about your daddy.

[Samantha Smith]

No, I love you and I love First Take. It's just not my cup of te.

[Evie Colbert]

Because you're not in. Because you're in school.

[Samantha Smith]

Yeah, I'm getting.

[Evie Colbert]

That's a real reason.

[Samantha Smith]

I'm getting educated, y'.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All.

[Samantha Smith]

But listen, all right?

[Evie Colbert]

Say that. Don't just say like you don't like the show and you don't watch your dad.

[Stephen Colbert]

No, it's a great show. In school.

[Samantha Smith]

Yeah, I'm in school. I'm getting educated. Okay, y', all. But let me tell y', all, I was watching First Take this morning, and they were talking a lot about this home cook court advantage, okay? Home court advantage is a real thing. Now, obviously, are going to be like a Samantha. Like, duh. But no, for real, for real. I really think that is going to carry Oklahoma City to the championship, to the chip.

[Evie Colbert]

Why'd you say for real Twice? Like, for real for real. How come once isn't good enough?

[Samantha Smith]

Cuz it's like, for real, but not like, for real for real.

[Evie Colbert]

Fathers around the world need to be more appreciated for what we have to deal with. We really, really do.

[Stephen Colbert]

Well, you're known as a virtuoso of conversational combat. What is it like to continually lose arguments with your daughter?

[Evie Colbert]

I have two daughters, both beautiful, both highly intelligent. Hers, That's Samantha, her sister Nyla is brilliant. She's. See, Samantha wants to be a star. You know, Nyla is this brilliant, beautiful, argumentative child that I can't decide whether she's gonna be a lawyer or she's gonna run for office because she's one of those. And so she critiques everything and she's smart as a whip. She's just, she's off the chain. Brilliant. She really is special.

[Stephen Colbert]

She might run for office. But you said you might run for office in 2028.

[Evie Colbert]

Well, I don't want to. I don't. Listen, I'm not an officiant, I'm not an expert. I know this. But some would say neither are people we see in office. But that's a different subject for another day. What I would say to you, what I would say to you, however, is that for me, I'm a conscientious observer. I pay attention to the issues. I care about all of America, not just the people that like me.

[Stephen Colbert]

Are you a member of a party?

[Evie Colbert]

No, I'm an Independent. I'm a registered Independent. I don't like either party. And I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country is because both sides have been so polarizing that it forces you as an American citizen, if you're out here busy busting your tail every day, trying to make ends meet, trying to pay, take care of your family and your loved ones, et cetera, et cetera, you don't have time to know all the intricate issues, all the integral issues. And I think about it from the standpoint that you have to be an individual that's conscientious, that's an observer in that fashion, and that cares about the vast majority of the American people. And too many politicians, they engage in polarization and the real work comes from the campaign. Once they're in office, in this day and age, do you realize the way they've been acting on Capitol Hill? All you have to do is disagree with the other side. You don't even have to look at a bill. You don't even have to pay attention to the issues. What's that side voting? We gonna vote the other way? Cuz we don't wanna do anything they want to do. They don't wanna do anything we want to do. This polarization that takes place and the American citizens are used as pa. Taken advantage of, I hate it, I detest it. And as a result, I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I'm not scared, I'm not running. I would love to take some of these folks on because I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country and they need to be held accountable for it.

[Stephen Colbert]

I agree. I agree with what you're saying I agree with you saying. I want to point out. That was well said. That was well said. I want to point out that you want to start as President of the United States. Why not?

[Evie Colbert]

Why not?

[Stephen Colbert]

That's your entry. Why not? Because the camera's always on you.

[Evie Colbert]

Well, not only that, the voice resonates. And if the voice resonates to have an impact. Why are some of these folks. Look at the Republican Party right now. You look at a lot of the decisions that they make. Trump has them in the palm of his hands. Why? Because he could snap his fingers. He can turn his base against them. They know it. They're scared of it. And they want to be career politicians instead of actually getting things done. So they're at his mercy.

[Stephen Colbert]

Why?

[Evie Colbert]

Because of his popularity and his ability to resonate with the masses. I resonate with the masses. I believe I can resonate with the masses. And so that's what it is. It's not hard. No.

[Stephen Colbert]

It is good to be Stephen A. Smith sometimes.

[Evie Colbert]

There it is sometimes.

[Stephen Colbert]

Good to see you. Thanks so much for being here. Thank you for listening to the Late show pod show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives.

[Evie Colbert]

Now streaming.

[Stephen Colbert]

When everything's on the line, real heroes rise to the occasion.

[Evie Colbert]

TV's hottest show is Fire Country.

[Stephen Colbert]

We're firefighters.

[Evie Colbert]

We're gonna find a way to get.

[Stephen Colbert]

You out of here.

[Evie Colbert]

We take the hits together. We're on the same team. I'm right here with you no matter what. I would never leave you hanging in the deep end. This place is a way of giving you new family. Fire Country. All episodes now streaming on Paramount.

[Stephen Colbert]

Plus.

[Evie Colbert]

The grill isn't the only thing sizzling this summer. Pluto TV is bringing the heat with thousands of free movies. It's summer of cinema and it's all for free on Pluto TV stream. All your favorite blockbuster hits. Gladiator.

[Stephen Colbert]

Are you not entertained?

[Evie Colbert]

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The Matrix trilogy. Here we go. Boyz n the Hood, Good Burger and Jerry Maguire. Show me the money. All for free. Pluto TV Stream now pay Never.