Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Stephen Presents: Suleika Jaouad (Extended)
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: CBS (Stephen Colbert)
Guest: Suleika Jaouad, Bestselling Author

Introduction and Pre-Interview Banter

Timestamp: 01:36 - 13:06

The episode begins with Stephen Colbert and his co-host Becca engaging in light-hearted conversation about their personal lives, including plans for Memorial Day weekend and hiking adventures. They discuss the challenges and joys of hiking, favorite snacks, and personal anecdotes, setting a relaxed and personable tone for the show.

Notable Quote:
Becca: "We're gonna go hiking in Switzerland for a friend's wedding in the French Alps." (02:55)

Guest Introduction: Suleika Jaouad

Timestamp: 13:06 - 13:27

Stephen introduces the guest, Suleika Jaouad, highlighting her bestselling books, including Between Two Life Interrupted, The Isolation Journals, and her latest work, The Book of Alchemy. He warmly welcomes her to the show.

Main Interview with Suleika Jaouad

Creative Alchemy and Its Significance

Timestamp: 13:27 - 18:39

Suleika delves into the concept of "creative alchemy," describing it as a philosophy that transforms difficult life passages through creative expression into something meaningful and beautiful. She emphasizes that creativity is an innate gift accessible to everyone, which often diminishes due to "creative injuries" experienced in adulthood.

Notable Quote:
Suleika Jaouad: "Creativity is a gift that we all have access to as kids... it gets knocked out of us as adults." (14:05)

The Power of Journaling

Timestamp: 16:34 - 24:59

Suleika discusses her lifelong relationship with journaling, recounting a pivotal moment in eighth grade when her extensive creative writing was met with unexpected criticism, leading to a loss of uninhibited creative freedom. Despite this setback, journaling remained a vital outlet for her, especially after her leukemia diagnosis at age 22. She describes journaling as a lifeline that allowed her to process intense emotions and maintain a dialogue with herself and others.

Notable Quote:
Suleika Jaouad: "Journaling saved my life... It was a first massive interruption for me, and the act of externalizing those emotions on paper was transformative." (17:20)

Collaborative Creative Practices and Support Systems

Timestamp: 18:39 - 23:20

Suleika shares insights into her collaborative efforts with her husband, John Batiste, during her book tour. She highlights how their musical partnership embodies creative alchemy, transforming challenging experiences into joyous and meaningful moments. Suleika recounts a poignant memory of John and the band bringing music to her hospital room during a difficult cancer treatment phase, illustrating the healing power of community and creativity.

Notable Quote:
Suleika Jaouad: "They alchemized what was one of the hardest, most frightening days of my life into the most joyous of second lines." (21:01)

Personal Reflections and Resilience

Timestamp: 23:20 - 26:05

Addressing her leukemia diagnosis's recurrence, Suleika reflects on the overwhelming uncertainty it brings. Rejecting the common advice to "live every day as if it's your last," she adopts a gentler approach, striving to live with a sense of creative freedom and curiosity akin to childhood. This mindset shift allows her to navigate her illness with resilience and maintain her creative spirit.

Notable Quote:
Suleika Jaouad: "I'm trying to live every day as if it's my first to wake up with that sense of pure, uninhibited creative freedom." (24:59)

Conclusion and Book Promotion

Timestamp: 26:05 - End

Stephen and Becca wrap up the interview by promoting Suleika's new book, The Book of Alchemy, highlighting its themes and contributors, including notable figures like Gloria Steinem and Salman Rushdie. They encourage listeners to explore more content on The Late Show YouTube channel and provide information on where to purchase Suleika's book.

Notable Quote:
Becca: "The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad is out and available now." (25:29)

Key Takeaways

1. Creative Alchemy as a Therapeutic Tool: Suleika Jaouad introduces the concept of creative alchemy, emphasizing its role in transforming personal and challenging experiences into meaningful creative expressions.

2. The Lifeline of Journaling: Journaling serves as a crucial practice for Suleika, helping her process emotions and maintain a connection with herself and her community, especially during her battle with leukemia.

3. The Importance of Support Systems: Collaborative creative endeavors, particularly with her husband John Batiste, highlight the healing and transformative power of relationships and community support.

4. Resilience Through a Creative Mindset: Suleika advocates for living with a sense of creative freedom and curiosity, which aids in navigating the uncertainties and challenges of her health journey.

5. Promotion of The Book of Alchemy: Suleika's latest work encapsulates her philosophy and experiences, offering readers insights into the transformative power of creativity.

This episode offers an inspiring exploration of how creativity and supportive relationships can serve as powerful tools for healing and personal growth. Suleika Jaouad's candid discussion provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to navigate life's challenges through creative expression.