The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: "Stephen Presents: Dave Franco"
Release Date: August 20, 2025
Guest: Dave Franco
Main Theme:
A lighthearted and candid conversation with actor Dave Franco, centered on the quirks of public intimacy with his wife Alison Brie, on-set adventures making their new horror-romance film "Together," and a comical behind-the-scenes look into Stephen Colbert and his staff’s pedicure culture.
Episode Overview
This episode features an interview with Dave Franco, known for "21 Jump Street," "The Disaster Artist," and his latest horror-romance film "Together." The discussion ranges from viral moments with his wife, the comedic and bizarre difficulties of shooting their new film, and a detour into the surprisingly competitive world of WikiFeet and office pedicures. The conversation is marked by Steven Colbert's signature wit, amusing tangents, and Franco's easygoing humor.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Viral Intimacy: Alison Brie Clips Dave Franco’s Toenails
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Topic Introduction (04:03 – 04:27)
- Colbert and Batiste bring up recent paparazzi coverage of Alison Brie clipping Franco’s toenails in a public park, sparking social media reactions about the intimacy of such acts in public.
- Colbert jokes about the practical need for someone else to cut one's nails:
“Are your hip flexors so tight that you can’t clip your own toenails?” (04:32, Stephen Colbert)
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Franco's Perspective (10:07 – 10:36)
- Franco doesn’t find it weird, saying,
“Best pedicure of my life.” (10:35, Dave Franco)
- Colbert comedically wonders if this will become a new part of his own marriage.
- Franco doesn’t find it weird, saying,
2. WikiFeet, Pedicures, and Office Fun
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WikiFeet Anecdote (05:10 – 05:27)
- Colbert recounts discovering he's rated on WikiFeet, boasting a perfect score, and how this inspired an office-wide pedicure party.
“I had a five out of five. I mean, I don’t want to brag, but I mean, I’m just... I’m in it for the love of the game.” (05:26, Stephen Colbert)
- Colbert recounts discovering he's rated on WikiFeet, boasting a perfect score, and how this inspired an office-wide pedicure party.
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Pedicure Party Details (05:37 – 06:40)
- Jon Batiste describes how the staff enjoyed dry pedicures at work:
“We just sort of put our toes on their knees and they gave us this. Filed away, filed away.” (06:14, Jon Batiste)
- Over 30-40 staffers participated:
“A lot of people. 30 or something. Like 30 or 40.” (06:30, Jon Batiste)
- Jon Batiste describes how the staff enjoyed dry pedicures at work:
3. Dave Franco’s Career and 21 Jump Street Memories
- Looking Back on 21 Jump Street (08:18 – 09:33)
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Franco fondly recalls his breakout role as Eric Molson and the offbeat characterization:
“The writing was so great. And they created this character for me that was really ahead of its time... the coolest kid in school, but he's also like a Greenpeace activist.” (08:32, Dave Franco)
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Shares a funny story about improvising a song for the party scene:
“Mother Earth is dying. And when it rains means that beautiful bitch is crying. Reduce, reuse, recycle.” (09:23, Dave Franco)
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4. Making 'Together' – A Horror, Romance and Comedy Mashup
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Acting and Intimacy Challenges (10:44 – 11:44)
- Franco explains the film’s unique premise: a couple infected with a sickness that literally fuses them together when separated.
- Real-life awkwardness:
“We were very conscious about not drinking too much water to try to avoid frequent bathroom [trips]. But inevitably, one of us would have to go, and we would drag the other one with us. ... I just remember... she was peeing and I was standing above her, attached to her.” (11:14–11:39, Dave Franco)
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Film Prop Collector (13:01 – 13:39)
- The most memorable prop was a life-like bust of Franco’s head, created for a scene where something is violently pulled from his mouth.
- Franco jokes about his wife’s interest in the bust:
“Kind of the most romantic she was with me all shoot was when she met my bust... She was getting everything she needed from it, and it didn’t ask for anything.” (14:16–14:21, Dave Franco)
- Ultimately, their director now displays it behind him during Zoom meetings.
5. Lighthearted Banter and Notable Quotes
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Dave Franco’s Praise for Colbert
“You are an absolute legend. ... Everything you touch turns to gold. You are one of the sharpest, funniest people on the planet. And I am honored to be here.” (07:34–07:57, Dave Franco)
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Stephen Colbert’s Response
“Really kind. Thank you very much. This is gonna be a nice 10 minutes.” (07:57, Stephen Colbert)
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Joking about Public Intimacy
“Is that something that you and your wife would do?” (10:15, Dave Franco) “We haven't done it yet.” (10:17, Stephen Colbert)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Dave and Alison Brie's Public Toenail Clipping: [04:03–04:49], [10:07–10:36]
- WikiFeet and Staff Pedicure Party: [05:10–06:47]
- 21 Jump Street Memories and Song: [08:18–09:33]
- Together—Prosthetic Attachment and Filming Stories: [10:44–11:44], [13:01–14:21]
- Dave’s Praise for Colbert: [07:34–07:57]
- Funniest Moments, Public Intimacy Banter: [10:07–10:36], [13:01–14:21]
Memorable Moments & Tone
- The episode is consistently playful, self-aware, and delightfully offbeat, swinging naturally from the absurd (celebrity feet ratings, office pedicures) to genuine discussions about creative work and the challenges of collaborating closely with a partner.
- Franco’s deadpan humor and readiness to poke fun at himself pairs well with Colbert’s quick wit, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comedic spontaneity.
Conclusion
"Stephen Presents: Dave Franco" is a riotous blend of behind-the-scenes oddities, self-deprecating humor, and unique celebrity insights. The episode excels at letting listeners in on both the private and professional quirks that make Franco and Colbert such engaging figures. Whether you’re a fan of offbeat anecdotes, the craft of acting, or just want a primer on what’s weird about working at "The Late Show," this episode delivers.
