The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
"Stephen Presents: Patti Smith (Extended)"
Date: November 25, 2025
Guest: Patti Smith
Overview
This extended interview episode features host Stephen Colbert in conversation with punk legend, acclaimed author, and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith. As part of the “Rock and Roll Thanksgiving” theme week, the segment explores Patti’s dual identity as a literary and musical icon, the creative process behind her celebrated memoirs, the personal history that informed her art, and her unique outlook on life. Throughout, Colbert and Smith share mutual admiration, candid insights, and moments of warmth and spontaneity.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Working Philosophy Behind the Show
[02:00–04:16]
- Stephen and producer Becca discuss the show’s insider shorthand, “Let’s earn it,” which means postponing a pleasurable activity until after they finish essential work.
- Quote: “Let’s earn it means…we have to finish the work in front of us. Because as much as I’d much rather at this moment, just listen to some music.” – Stephen [02:21]
- They touch on the pressure of quickly rewriting show material and the creative interruptions that characterize their writing room.
2. Introduction to Patti Smith and Her Unconventional Cool
[05:02–05:43]
- Stephen remembers Patti Smith’s memorable in-interview interruption:
- Quote: “She just put her hand on my arm and said ‘hi’ in the middle of me moving on to the next question. And I think she did the right thing...I really was so happy…” – Stephen [05:03]
- They praise her musical performance (“in such great voice”) and celebrate her new book, Bread of Angels.
3. Two Distinct Honors: National Book Award & Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
[06:51–08:07]
- Stephen notes Patti’s rare distinction of winning a National Book Award (for Just Kids) and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Patti reflects:
- Quote: “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…is a collaborative activity…you’re accepting on the part of your crew, your band…the National Book Award was for work I did in solitude…they’re both wonderful and obviously totally unexpected.” – Patti [07:21]
4. Advice for Young Artists
[08:08–09:20]
- Patti addresses the challenges of being young and offers candid, practical advice:
- “Don’t take advice from me…take good care of yourself. Take good care of your teeth. Drink plenty of water…If you want to have a good time, that’s great. But it’s really important to take care of yourself.” – Patti [08:30]
- On resilience and self-worth:
- Quote: “Look to themselves as their own best critic, as their own best measure of their worth…and not be swayed and demoralized by other people’s opinions.” – Patti [09:15]
5. The Genesis of ‘Bread of Angels’
[09:59–10:59]
- Patti describes the dream that inspired her latest memoir:
- “I had a dream the book came in the mail and it was already written…in the book, it really seemed to express gratitude to the people that I love and have lost…” – Patti [10:07]
- Writing nonfiction posed a challenge for her, as she admits living “in quite a fantasy world.”
6. On Memory and Writing True Stories
[11:07–11:26]
- Stephen asks about the reliability of memory when writing memoir:
- Patti: “I only write about things that I actually completely remember…I think it’s important to really, you know, feel what you’re writing.”
7. The Book’s Cover and The Meaning of “Bread of Angels”
[11:28–12:52]
- The cover photo was taken by Robert Mapplethorpe during the session for her album “Wave,” connected to significant personal transitions.
- Explaining the title:
- Quote: “It’s described in the book as being an unpremeditated gesture of kindness…like, you’re on the street and you fall and somebody comes up and helps you up…just an act of kindness.” – Patti [12:18]
8. Childhood Illnesses and the Artistic Mindset
[12:52–14:57]
- Stephen references parallels with Martin Scorsese and asks if illness shaped Patti’s creativity.
- “Convalescence, which I suffered a lot of, just meant time to read books, make up stories in my head…You’re sickly, you have a lot of fevers, you’re alone a lot, you’re living in your head…if you’re at all creative, it becomes a very fertile time.” – Patti [13:31]
- On vivid memories of hallucinations from fevers and medications in childhood.
- “I was such a fanciful kid. I just found them interesting and I can remember them to this day.” – Patti [14:26]
9. The Impact of “Horses” and Artistic Breakthrough
[14:57–16:27]
- Colbert highlights the 50th anniversary of Patti’s first album, “Horses.”
- Patti shares how the album emerged from poetry and allowed her to travel and communicate globally.
- “Horses is really…it stemmed from poetry…But what it allowed me not only to speak to so many people…It allowed me to travel…It was magical.” – Patti [15:15]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Stephen (about “let’s earn it”): “If I’m really paying attention, I’ll stop focusing.” [03:44]
- Patti, on giving advice: “Don’t take advice from me.” [08:30]
- Patti on small acts of kindness: “A bread of angel is really when someone…that’s like a moment of the bread of angels. Not really profound, not necessarily spiritual or religious. It’s just an act of a gesture of kindness.” [12:18]
- Patti, interrupting the format with affection:
- [12:56] “Hi.”
- [13:07] “Sorry.”
- Stephen, embracing the moment: “Stop me in the middle of anything just to say hi. That’s better than anything I’m going to ask you.” [13:08]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 02:00 – “Let’s earn it” explained – show jargon and creative process
- 05:02 – Colbert recounts Patti’s memorable interruption
- 06:01 – Introduction: Patti Smith—writer and “godmother of punk”
- 07:21 – Patti compares literary vs. musical honors
- 08:08 – Advice for young people/artists
- 09:59 – Bread of Angels: Dream inspiration and gratitude as theme
- 11:28 – Book’s cover: Photograph by Robert Mapplethorpe
- 12:18 – “Bread of Angels,” acts of kindness (title meaning)
- 12:56 – “Hi” moment: spontaneous warmth
- 13:31 – Childhood illness as catalyst for creativity
- 14:57 – 50th anniversary of “Horses” and its impact
- 16:27 – Closing, Colbert thanks Patti
Tone & Style Notes
- The tone is relaxed, honest, and occasionally playful, as Patti and Stephen exchange stories and affection. There’s a genuine warmth and mutual respect throughout, with moments bordering on philosophical reflection. Patti’s wisdom is delivered with humility, humor, and directness.
Final Thoughts
For listeners eager to dive deeper into the life and mind of Patti Smith, this extended conversation offers not only stories of musical legend and literary artistry, but thoughtful musings on creativity, memory, self-worth, and kindness. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will find inspiration in her pragmatic wisdom and the candid rapport she shares with Stephen Colbert.