The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: "Stephen Presents: Late Show Book Club | 'Orbital'"

Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction to the Late Show Book Club

In this special episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, the hosts transition from their usual comedic banter to introduce a new segment: the Late Show Book Club. Stephen Colbert, along with producer Becca and Ali Jaffe, delve into the inaugural book selection, setting the stage for engaging literary discussions.

Launching the Book Club

Stephen Colbert opens the segment by sharing the genesis of the Late Show Book Club. He attributes the idea to Ali Jaffe, a producer who convinced him to embark on this literary journey despite the daily demands of their show. Colbert remarks, “We got a show to do every day. But she finally got bent my ear long enough to go like, yeah, book club would be a great idea” (04:14). This collaboration marks the first step in integrating thoughtful book discussions into the show's dynamic format.

Introduction to 'Orbital' by Samantha Harvey

The spotlight turns to the selected book, Orbital by Booker Prize-winning author Samantha Harvey. Stephen expresses his enthusiasm for the book, stating, “I love Low Orbit. Low Orbital seemed like a good book” (04:34). The hosts reveal their excitement for the upcoming reads, hinting at future selections that will continue to engage their audience in meaningful conversations about literature.

In-Depth Interview with Samantha Harvey

A significant portion of the episode features a Zoom Q&A between producer Ali Jaffe and Samantha Harvey, providing listeners with an intimate look into Harvey's creative process and the themes explored in Orbital.

Exploring the Essence of 'Orbital'

When asked to describe Orbital in one sentence, Samantha Harvey responds, “Orbital is a novel that takes place over one 24 hour period orbiting the Earth in a space station and takes place over 16 orbits around the planet” (05:09). This concise description sets the stage for a narrative deeply entrenched in the isolation and beauty of space, reflecting on humanity's relationship with our planet from an extraterrestrial perspective.

Inspiration Behind the Novel

Harvey delves into the origins of her inspiration, reminiscing about her teenage years spent gazing at Earth from space through images in books. She shares, “I wanted to write a book that was about the natural world...a novel that was about beauty” (05:27). Her fascination with astronaut quotes and the serene view of Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) culminated in a story that intertwines nature writing with speculative fiction, offering a melancholic yet reverent homage to our planet.

Reception Among Astronauts and the Scientific Community

Despite initial apprehensions about how astronauts might perceive her portrayal of space life, Harvey reveals, “A couple of them have been in touch with me and they've been incredibly generous” (07:00). She highlights the positive reception from the scientific community, noting a growing openness to integrating the arts with scientific endeavors. This blend fosters a richer, more nuanced understanding of space exploration and its impact on humanity.

Reflection on the International Space Station (ISS)

Harvey provides a poignant reflection on the impending deorbiting of the ISS in 2030. She articulates a sense of loss for what she describes as “a peaceful era of space travel” and the collaborative spirit the ISS symbolized. Harvey laments, “We can see very clearly that we are entering or have already entered a very new paradigm in terms of world politics...a relatively peaceful era” (09:13). Her sentiments underscore the ISS as not just a scientific hub, but a beacon of international cooperation and peace.

Personal Insights and Literary Advice

When queried about whether writing Orbital inspired her to become an astronaut, Harvey humorously admits, “I would make a terrible astronaut” (08:23). She emphasizes her emotional and unadventurous nature, contrasting sharply with the daring life of an astronaut. Offering advice to aspiring writers, Harvey underscores the importance of perseverance: “the problems of the novel...are never solved by thinking about it. They're only solved by sitting and writing it” (13:35). Her insights advocate for a hands-on approach to writing, encouraging writers to navigate challenges through active creation rather than mere contemplation.

Symbolic Naming on the ISS

In a light-hearted exchange, Harvey contemplates what item on the ISS she would desire to have named after her. She thoughtfully chooses “the unit that the poor mice live in,” expressing empathy for the animals involved in space missions. This choice reflects her deep compassion and respect for all creatures, even those contributing to scientific advancements without recognition.

Conclusion: Embracing 'Orbital'

As the episode concludes, Stephen and Becca invite listeners to enjoy Orbital and engage with the insightful interview conducted by Ali Jaffe. They encourage the audience to join the Late Show Book Club, fostering a community of readers eager to explore diverse literary worlds.

Notable Quotes

• Stephen Colbert on starting the Book Club: “I think it might have literally might have been years ago at this point...” (04:14)
• Samantha Harvey on writing through challenges: “They're only solved by sitting and writing it...” (13:35)
• Harvey's reflection on the ISS: “...this peaceful era of space travel... symbolized by the ISS” (09:13)
• Harvey's humorous take on being an astronaut: “I would make a terrible astronaut. Terrible.” (08:23)

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert seamlessly blends humor with intellectual discussion, introducing the Late Show Book Club and diving deep into Samantha Harvey's Orbital. Listeners are treated to a thoughtful exploration of space, literature, and the human condition, making it a compelling listen for both fans of the show and literary enthusiasts alike.