Summary of "Stephen Presents: Cyndi Lauper"
The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Introduction and Guest Reveal (01:35 – 03:36)
The episode kicks off with a lively interaction between Stephen Colbert and his producer, Becca. They engage in a playful quiz where Becca provides one-word clues to help Stephen guess the upcoming guest. The game leads to humorous exchanges, showcasing Stephen's quick wit and rapport with Becca. The culmination of the quiz reveals the guest as the iconic singer and activist, Cyndi Lauper.
Notable Quote:
- Stephen Colbert [03:36]: “Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and songwriter with hits like 'Time After Time,' 'True Colors,' and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.' Please welcome to the Late Show, Cyndi Lauper.”
Cyndi Lauper's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (03:36 – 04:34)
Stephen warmly welcomes Cyndi Lauper, congratulating her on her impending induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cyndi humbly expresses her belief in the transformative power of rock and roll, highlighting past philanthropic efforts like Live Aid and "We Are the World." She reflects on her early career, mentioning her first experience as a lead singer with a cover band during the COVID era.
Notable Quotes:
- Cyndi Lauper [04:07]: “I still believe that rock and roll can save the world.”
- Stephen Colbert [04:34]: “Bad Company.”
- Cyndi Lauper [04:36]: “No, no, it wasn't.”
Journey to Becoming a Lead Singer (04:34 – 05:43)
The conversation delves into Cyndi's unexpected path to becoming a lead singer. She recounts her time as a background singer who also danced, often leading to mishaps like falling due to platform shoes in the '70s. A pivotal moment occurred when a manager, impressed by her performance despite her frequent falls, offered to make her the lead singer, setting the stage for her illustrious career.
Notable Quotes:
- Cyndi Lauper [05:17]: “And then there was a manager who said, 'the only way I'll manage the band is if you see that girl on her back that falls all the time. She sings good, just make her the lead singer.' So that's how I became a lead singer.”
- Stephen Colbert [05:38]: “You owe your career to them.”
Launching the Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund (05:59 – 07:22)
Cyndi introduces her latest initiative, the "Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund." Inspired by witnessing young women advocating for their rights during the Women's March, she collaborated with friends to create a fund that supports women's health and rights. She emphasizes the importance of giving back and ensuring future generations have fundamental rights.
Notable Quotes:
- Cyndi Lauper [06:11]: “When I was watching the Women's March on TV, I saw young women with these signs that said, 'girls just want to have fundamental rights.'”
- Cyndi Lauper [07:19]: “We’re on tour. And this is the last leg of my tour.”
Details of the Farewell Tour and Artistic Vision (07:26 – 10:22)
The discussion shifts to Cyndi's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun Farewell Tour." She elaborates on how this tour differs from her previous ones by integrating art with music, inspired by living art movements from early 20th-century Paris. Collaborating with renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, Cyndi aims to create a more immersive and artistic concert experience. She highlights the inclusive nature of the tour, where attendees are encouraged to express themselves, even dressing up and purchasing themed merchandise like wigs to support the fund.
Notable Quotes:
- Cyndi Lauper [07:33]: “I collaborated with Yayoi Kusama, and it's very much inspired by the living art.”
- Cyndi Lauper [09:39]: “All the proceeds of the T-shirt go to the Fundamental Rights Fund.”
- Stephen Colbert [09:52]: “Those are the bangs in the front.”
Closing Remarks and Support for Women's Health (10:22 – 11:03)
Towards the end of the interview, Cyndi emphasizes the critical support the fund provides for women's health needs, ranging from safe and legal abortions to prenatal and postnatal care. She also touches on supporting victims of domestic violence and ensuring access to essential sanitary products. Stephen and Cyndi reiterate the importance of the initiative, thanking her for her dedication and contributions.
Notable Quotes:
- Cyndi Lauper [10:36]: “All the proceeds of the T-shirt go to the Fundamental Rights Fund. We help women's health from everything from safe and legal abortions to prenatal care, postnatal care, domestic violence, even right down to sanitary napkins.”
- Cyndi Lauper [11:03]: “Cindy, thank you so much for being here.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts (11:03 – 11:44)
The episode concludes with a brief exchange highlighting upcoming content and promotions. Cyndi Lauper's impactful conversation leaves listeners inspired by her dedication to both her art and activism.
Overall Highlights:
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Cyndi Lauper's Career Evolution: From a background singer who often danced her way into mishaps to becoming a celebrated lead singer and an influential artist.
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Philanthropic Endeavors: Launching the "Girls Just Want to Have Fundamental Rights Fund" to support women's health and rights, demonstrating her commitment to activism alongside her musical contributions.
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Innovative Farewell Tour: Integrating art and music to create a unique concert experience, reflecting her passion for both disciplines and enhancing the celebratory nature of her final tour.
Notable Quotes Recap:
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Stephen Colbert [03:36]: “Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest is a Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning singer and songwriter with hits like 'Time After Time,' 'True Colors,' and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.' Please welcome to the Late Show, Cyndi Lauper.”
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Cyndi Lauper [07:33]: “I collaborated with Yayoi Kusama, and it's very much inspired by the living art.”
-
Cyndi Lauper [10:36]: “All the proceeds of the T-shirt go to the Fundamental Rights Fund. We help women's health from everything from safe and legal abortions to prenatal care, postnatal care, domestic violence, even right down to sanitary napkins.”
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers an insightful look into Cyndi Lauper's enduring legacy in music and her unwavering commitment to advocating for women's rights. Through engaging dialogue and candid reflections, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for both her artistic journey and philanthropic efforts.