Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: Asher Perlman's Final Dunk
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert delves into an inspiring and humorous journey of one of his writers, Asher Perlman. The episode intertwines Stephen's characteristic wit with heartfelt moments, showcasing Asher's ambitious quest to emulate NBA star Ja Morant by perfecting a dunk—a challenge that underscores themes of perseverance, ambition, and the nobility of striving for seemingly impossible dreams.

Asher Perlman's Dunking Quest

The episode centers around Asher Perlman's six-month endeavor to master the art of dunking a basketball, inspired by watching Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant's impressive performances during the Christmas break. Asher's determination leads him to regularly train, despite facing numerous setbacks and injuries.

• Inspiration and Commitment:
  Asher's journey begins with a spark of ambition after witnessing Morant's "memorable dunk that captivated everyone" (07:12). Believing he could achieve the same feat, Asher commits to a rigorous training regimen, supported by Stephen who humorously mentions, "I got you a gym membership" (08:04).

• Challenges and Setbacks:
  The path to dunking is fraught with obstacles. Asher confronts multiple injuries, including shoulder surgery and chronic knee pain, which impede his progress. He humorously shares, "When I run, my knees hurt" (08:58), highlighting the physical toll of his quest.

• Notable Encounters:
  Amid his struggles, Asher experiences a memorable moment when he meets actor Robert De Niro. After an unsuccessful dunk attempt, De Niro approaches Asher to commend his efforts, saying, "That was a nice attempt" (11:10). This interaction serves as a motivational boost, reinforcing Asher's determination.

• Final Attempt and Reflection:
  In the episode's climax, Asher performs his final dunk attempt, which, despite the audience's cheers, does not result in a successful dunk. Stephen humorously compares it to a layup from their youth: "When I was in seventh grade, we called that a layup" (10:08). Reflecting on his journey, Asher shares a profound takeaway inspired by Man of La Mancha: "Having something to strive for was still worthwhile" (11:28), emphasizing the intrinsic value of pursuing ambitious dreams, regardless of the outcome.

Philosophical Insights and Takeaways

Beyond the physical challenge, the episode delves into deeper themes of ambition and personal growth. Asher draws parallels between his experience and the narrative of Don Quixote, highlighting the importance of dreaming the impossible dream:

• "To dream the impossible dream. To fight the unbeatable foe..." (12:53)
  This excerpt from Man of La Mancha encapsulates the episode's core message: the nobility in striving for goals that may seem unattainable, and the personal fulfillment derived from the pursuit itself.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Colbert on Asher's Effort:
  "You worked as hard as you possibly could. Ultimately, you failed to dunk." (10:33)

• Asher Perlman on Personal Growth:
  "Having something to strive for was still worthwhile." (11:33)

• Stephen Reflecting on the Journey:
  "That's a message of hope." (12:30)

Conclusion

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully blends humor with heartfelt storytelling in this episode, offering listeners both entertainment and inspiration. Asher Perlman's relentless pursuit of his dunking dream serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to aim high, face challenges head-on, and find value in the journey, regardless of the final outcome. The episode not only showcases the camaraderie and support within Stephen's team but also leaves listeners with a resonant message about the importance of dreaming big and the personal growth that comes from pursuing one's passions.

Timestamps

• 00:00-03:19: Sponsor read and humorous exchange about Wonderful Pistachios.
• 04:00-12:43: Introduction and discussion of Asher Perlman's dunking challenge.
• 12:53-14:34: Philosophical reflections and episode conclusion with additional sponsor messages.