The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Episode: Stephen Presents: Julia Roberts
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction to Celebrity Boss Segment
Timestamp: 02:00 - 10:00
The episode kicks off with Becca, the podcast producer, reintroducing the "Celebrity Boss" segment—a playful take where celebrities discuss their lifestyles from their unique perspectives. This segment sets a lighthearted tone, allowing Stephen Colbert to engage in amusing and candid conversations about everyday experiences as a celebrity.
Notable Quotes:
- Becca (02:02): "It's time to play Celebrity Boss again."
- Stephen Colbert (06:07): "No, but they know I'm a middle-aged man somehow."
During this segment, Stephen shares anecdotes about commuting in New York City, reminiscing about his early days before his show. He humorously details his reliance on the subway, contrasting it with his experiences on long-distance buses in Chicago.
Highlights:
- Commuting Tales: Stephen reflects on his subway rides in New York, mentioning, "Subway all the time. I still ride the subway all the time," providing a glimpse into his daily routines outside the limelight.
- Life Hacks Discussion: The conversation takes a quirky turn as Becca and Stephen discuss random life hacks, showcasing Stephen's playful side. For instance, Stephen jokes about an Instagram algorithm knowing his personal quirks: "They know I've got bad knees because they're feeding me knee videos."
Transition to Main Interview with Julia Roberts
Timestamp: 10:00 - 19:59
The episode smoothly transitions to the main feature—an in-depth interview with Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts. Stephen welcomes Julia with his characteristic humor and charm, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.
Notable Quotes:
- Stephen Colbert (12:14): "You are in for a treat because my guest tonight is an Academy Award-winning actress."
- Julia Roberts (12:43): "Oh, why, thank you, dear. And could you please get a martini for Ms. McClendon?"
Highlights:
- Julia's New Role: Julia discusses her portrayal of Martha Mitchell in the new series Gaslit, delving into the historical context of Watergate and Martha's influential role. She explains, "She was a pioneer of women speaking their mind at a time and in a position where she wouldn't have."
- Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Julia shares intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, including her long-term friendship with Sean Penn. She humorously describes their on-set dynamics: "George brings the tequila. Obviously. He's everything that you think he is. He is more than that."
Exploring Julia Roberts’ Career and Personal Insights
Timestamp: 19:00 - 29:50
The conversation deepens as Stephen and Julia explore her illustrious career, personal anecdotes, and perspectives on fame and relationships.
Notable Quotes:
- Julia Roberts (16:03): "What surprised me the most in my research was to discover that she actually had a lot of anxiety being in front of people."
- Stephen Colbert (29:42): "We have to take a little bit of a break, but when we come back, I will ask Julia what it's like to..."
Highlights:
- Career Reflections: Julia discusses the challenges and triumphs of her acting career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in her roles. She states, "She would have been very popular today," referring to Martha Mitchell's outspoken nature.
- Personal Milestones: The duo celebrates Julia's 20 years of marriage, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Julia offers sage advice on marriage: "Maybe it's apologize and then you just start making it up."
Humorous Interlude and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 29:50 - 30:45
As the interview wraps up, Stephen introduces humorous elements, including playful interactions with Julia about her co-stars and upcoming projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Stephen Colbert (28:39): "Is this the first thing y'all have done together?"
- Julia Roberts (29:50): "There is someone in the audience who is so sweet. And every, like, third thing I've said, they've gone, 'aw.'"
Highlights:
- Upcoming Projects: Julia teases her upcoming romantic comedy with George Clooney, titled Ticket to Paradise, discussing their experience filming in Australia.
- Closing Banter: The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, reinforcing the friendly rapport between Stephen and Julia. Julia remarks, "This is you with your co-star here, the man playing the Attorney General, John Mitchell."
Key Takeaways
- Engaging Conversations: The episode offers a blend of humor and insightful discussions, making it both entertaining and informative.
- Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Listeners gain unique insights into Julia Roberts' perspectives on her roles, personal life, and the intricacies of maintaining a successful career in Hollywood.
- Humorous Interactions: Stephen Colbert's witty remarks and playful interactions with Julia add a delightful layer of entertainment, enhancing the overall listening experience.
This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert stands out for its engaging dialogue, authentic interactions, and the seamless blending of humor with meaningful conversations. Whether you're a fan of Stephen, Julia, or simply enjoy insightful celebrity interviews, this episode offers a rich and enjoyable listening experience.