Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Episode: Tig Notaro Reads A Poem By Andrea Gibson
Air Date: November 10, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Tig Notaro

Episode Overview

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show features comedian and actor Tig Notaro in a candid, heartfelt conversation with Stephen Colbert. The focus is on Tig's recent work in the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, which centers on acclaimed poet Andrea Gibson and their journey through terminal illness. The segment reaches its emotional apex when Tig reads a moving poem by Andrea Gibson, underscoring themes of life, loss, and appreciation for the human experience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Farewells and New Beginnings

• Show Ending Announcement (04:28–05:13):
  • Colbert and Notaro begin by lamenting the upcoming end of The Late Show in May. Tig jokes about having seen the end coming years in advance, leading to a banter about being "firm but fair."
    • "A few years ago, I was like, yeah, this thing's probably gonna wrap up soon, you know." — Tig (04:52)
    • "You're firm, but you're fair." — Stephen (05:10)
• Future Projects (05:13–06:24):
  • Discussion transitions to their upcoming work together on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
  • Stephen will be the "digital dean," the ship’s computer voice, and Tig reprises her role as engineer Jett Reno.
    • "You sound like you don't really know what your job is." — Tig, poking fun at Colbert’s confusion (05:54)
    • They joke about the complexities of integrating into the Star Trek universe.

The Andrea Gibson Documentary

• Introducing Come See Me in the Good Light (06:58–08:09):

  • Tig introduces Andrea Gibson as an “incredible poet” and details the film's intimate portrayal of Andrea’s life after a stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis.

    • "This documentary is about... [Andrea] was really just a rock star in the world of poetry. I know that sounds impossible." — Tig (07:10)

  • The documentary is described as both “very touching” and “so life-affirming,” mixing honesty about mortality with love and humor.

    • "Andrea's wife Meg is also a poet. And just their story together, it's just incredible. It won the Sundance Film Festival." — Tig (07:51)

  • Memorable Moment – The Synchronized Outfits (08:19–08:40):

    • Tig remembers when she, Andrea, and the director, Ryan White, showed up to an event unintentionally dressed identically.
      • "We were head to toe in the exact same outfit." — Tig (08:25)
    • This is playfully labeled as “kismet” by Colbert.

Tig Notaro Reads Andrea Gibson’s Poem "Tincture"

• Setting the Stage for the Reading (08:41–09:17):

  • Tig expresses admiration for Andrea’s poetry and warns that she’s not as skilled at performing it.
  • She gives personal insight into the poem’s meaning: it serves as a reminder to appreciate the sensations of life, even those we might otherwise complain about.
    • "Anytime I am out in my life and even, like, feeling cold or exhausted. This poem talks about just after you're gone, what your soul would give to experience even the feeling of being cold again." — Tig (08:53)

• Poem Excerpt: "Tincture" (09:18–11:39):

  • Tig reads an edited version of Andrea Gibson’s "Tincture," which contemplates the soul's longing for the body and its experiences after death—a reflection on cherishing every moment, even the difficult ones.
  • Highlighted lines from the poem:
    • "Imagine when a human dies, the soul misses the body, actually grieves the loss of its hands and all they could hold…"
    • "The soul misses every single day the body was sick, the now it forced, the here it built from the fever… the fever is how the body prays, how it burns and begs for another average day."
    • "There's so much more." — Tig, voice faltering with emotion (11:39)

• Aftermath (11:39–11:47):

  • Tig is visibly moved and struggles to finish, but Colbert gently thanks her:
    • "Thank you for sharing that." — Stephen (11:39)

Closing Notes

• Documentary Plug (11:47–11:54):
  • Colbert encourages listeners to watch Come See Me in the Good Light (streaming on Apple TV from November 14th).
• Show Wrapping (11:54–12:43):
  • Standard show closing and sponsor messages (omitted in this summary).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the End of the Show:
  • "You should have had me on more. That could have saved it." — Tig (05:13)
• On Cherishing Life:
  • "Anytime I am out in my life and even, like, feeling cold or exhausted... this poem talks about just after you're gone, what your soul would give to experience even the feeling of being cold again." — Tig (08:53)
• On the Power of Art & Vulnerability:
  • "Just. You get it. You'll see. I don't know if that was a great example, but anyway..." — Tig, humbly introducing the poem (09:09)
• After Poem Reading:
  • "Thank you for sharing that." — Stephen (11:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Farewell Banter & Star Trek News: 04:28–06:24
• About Andrea Gibson & the Documentary: 06:58–08:40
• Reading and Reflection on "Tincture": 08:41–11:47
• Plug for Documentary/Closing: 11:47–12:43

Tone & Presentation

The episode leans into a blend of wit, warmth, and sincerity. Colbert’s usual playful banter is on display, but the show also makes room for genuine emotion, especially as Tig Notaro honors her friend’s work with a heartfelt poem reading. Laughter and light jabs give way to poignant reflection on life, making this episode a memorable tribute to art, friendship, and the beauty of everyday moments.