Podcast Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Stephen Presents: Joaquin Phoenix's Colbert Questionnaire
Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert engages in a playful and insightful conversation with acclaimed actor Joaquin Phoenix. The episode centers around the "Colbert Questionnaire," a series of personal and sometimes whimsical questions designed to delve deeper into the guest's personality beyond the typical interview format.

The Colbert Questionnaire Begins

[05:17] Stephen Colbert:
"What are we doing today, Becca?"

Becca introduces the concept of the lengthy questionnaire, highlighting its comprehensive nature. Stephen expresses enthusiasm about tackling the entire 19-and-a-half-minute questionnaire with Joaquin, setting the stage for an engaging and candid dialogue.

[05:09] Becca:
"We have a questionnaire that is the longest questionnaire of all time."

Notable Moments and Quotes

1. Favorite Sandwich

   [08:37] Stephen Colbert:
   "Joaquin Phoenix, what is the best sandwich?"

   [08:42] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "I guess I would do, like tahini, lettuce, tomato with red onion and sourdough bread."

   Stephen humorously reacts to Joaquin's unique sandwich choice, emphasizing the personalized nature of the questionnaire.

2. First Concert Attended

   [09:05] Stephen Colbert:
   "What was your first concert you attended?"

   [09:23] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "The first concert I attended was probably... Steel Pulse concert. That's a reggae band."

   This response offers a glimpse into Joaquin's early life and musical tastes.

3. Scariest Animal

   [09:52] Stephen Colbert:
   "What is the scariest animal? Do any animals scare you?"

   [09:56] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "No."

   This leads to a humorous exchange about sharks and spiders, showcasing the light-hearted rapport between the hosts and guest.

4. Favorite Smell

   [18:34] Stephen Colbert:
   "Favorite smell."

   [18:36] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "Definitely my kids."

   This heartfelt response adds depth to Joaquin’s personal side, highlighting his affection for his children.

5. Earliest Memory

   [20:18] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "Iguanas."

   [18:56] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "My dad holding me in it. Being in a swimming pool. And this was in Venezuela. And there were iguanas on the pavement."

   Joaquin shares a vivid childhood memory, reflecting on his experiences growing up abroad.

6. Favorite Song for Life

   [21:19] Stephen Colbert:
   "You only get one song to listen to for the rest of your life. What is it?"

   [21:33] Joaquin Phoenix:
   "Honestly, I don't know."

   This question stumps Joaquin, leading to a candid admission of uncertainty and the complexity of such personal choices.

Highlights of the Conversation

• Humor and Playfulness: The questionnaire format allows Stephen and Joaquin to engage in humorous banter, particularly evident when discussing unconventional answers or playful reactions to questions.

• Personal Insights: Despite some light-hearted moments, Joaquin shares meaningful personal anecdotes, such as his earliest memory and his feelings about aging, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of his character.

• Dynamic Interaction: The chemistry between Stephen and Joaquin is palpable, with Stephen often playfully teasing Joaquin while also respecting his thoughtful responses.

Conclusion

The episode successfully blends humor, sincerity, and thoughtful conversation, offering listeners an entertaining and intimate glimpse into Joaquin Phoenix's personality. Through the "Colbert Questionnaire," Stephen Colbert facilitates a dialogue that is both engaging and revealing, making it a standout episode for fans of the show and lovers of meaningful interviews alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Colbert [08:37]: "Joaquin Phoenix, what is the best sandwich?"

• Joaquin Phoenix [08:42]: "I guess I would do, like tahini, lettuce, tomato with red onion and sourdough bread."

• Joaquin Phoenix [18:36]: "Definitely my kids."

• Joaquin Phoenix [20:18]: "Iguanas."

• Joaquin Phoenix [21:33]: "Honestly, I don't know."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and memorable moments while providing insightful quotes and proper attribution to the speakers. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this summary offers a comprehensive overview of the engaging interaction between Stephen Colbert and Joaquin Phoenix.