The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Episode Featuring W. Kamau Bell
Release Date: February 8, 2025
Introduction and Guest Background
In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, the host warmly welcomes the Emmy Award-winning television host, director, and stand-up comedian W. Kamau Bell. Bell is set to embark on his much-anticipated comedy tour, marking his return to the stand-up stage after a seven-year hiatus.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert [00:31]: "Please welcome back to the late show, W. Kamau Bell. Hey, good to see you again."
W. Kamau Bell on Celebrity Jeopardy
Stephen and W. Kamau dive into Bell's recent achievement as a semifinalist on Celebrity Jeopardy. Bell humorously discusses his unexpected win and his light-hearted approach to the trivia show.
Key Points:
- Bell won his initial round on Celebrity Jeopardy, advancing to the semifinals.
- He reflects on his trivia knowledge, likening himself to "an old school cereal box reader" and mentions Wikipedia as his homepage.
- The conversation highlights Bell's self-deprecating humor regarding his understanding of certain topics despite getting answers right.
Notable Quotes:
W. Kamau Bell [02:04]: "I answered a question on Celebrity Jeopardy. I was like, I don't even know why I know this. The answer is, what is Shintoism? And I was like, I rung in like, what is Shintoism? And it was right. And I was like, I still don't know what Shintoism is." [02:14]
Stephen Colbert [02:16]: "Just want you to know that. Just keep that in your arse."
Discussion on Donald Trump's Racism and DEI Programs
A significant portion of the episode delves into the contentious topic of former President Donald Trump's stance on race and his efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Bell passionately criticizes Trump's legacy, labeling him as "a first ballot hall of fame racist" and expressing frustration over the reluctance of certain groups, particularly white individuals, to acknowledge this characterization.
Key Points:
- Bell emphasizes Trump's extensive history of racist behavior and policies.
- He criticizes the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency for canceling events marking Black History Month, attributing this to Trump's influence.
- Bell underscores the importance of Black history as an integral part of American history, not a separate category.
- He highlights his involvement with Donors Choose, advocating for the empowerment of teachers to continue Black history education despite political pushbacks.
Notable Quotes:
W. Kamau Bell [03:12]: "The idea is that people who don't like Trump, even don't agree with him on left and right of the spectrum, still don't want to admit that he's a racist."
W. Kamau Bell [04:18]: "Black history, quite as it's kept, is American history. It is not a separate function of history."
W. Kamau Bell [05:16]: "Donors Shoes, like teachers who are teaching Black History Month need to be empowered to do that. And that's why I work with Donor Shoes."
W. Kamau Bell’s Upcoming Stand-Up Tour
Shifting gears, Bell shares insights about his forthcoming stand-up tour titled "Who's With Me?" The tour marks his return to performing after the pandemic-induced break, a decision encouraged by his wife who noticed his habit of talking and laughing to himself.
Key Points:
- The tour kicks off on February 13th in Washington.
- Bell humorously attributes his return to stand-up to his wife’s observation of his behavior during the pandemic.
- He reflects on his commitment to addressing uncomfortable conversations through comedy, consistent with his work on United Shades of America.
Notable Quotes:
W. Kamau Bell [05:47]: "I thought I was retired after the pandemic, but then my wife pointed out I was walking around talking to myself and laughing. And so she said, either you go back and do stand up or we need to get you evaluated mentally."
Stephen Colbert [05:17]: "You're about to embark on your first stand up tour in how long it's been?"
Uncomfortable Conversations America Should Be Having
In a thought-provoking segment, Bell addresses the broader question of America's identity and who holds the authority to define it. He expresses concern over billionaires influencing the nation's direction, potentially sidelining diverse voices and perspectives.
Key Points:
- Bell questions who gets to define what America is, highlighting the disproportionate influence of wealthy individuals.
- He draws parallels between contemporary America and the declining days of the iconic Studio 54 nightclub, questioning whether the country is losing its cultural vibrancy.
- The discussion underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue to preserve America's dynamic and inclusive spirit.
Notable Quotes:
W. Kamau Bell [06:23]: "What is America and who gets to decide? Because right now I think we all might have different ideas of what America is, but I don't get to decide."
W. Kamau Bell [07:04]: "We're like Studio 54 in the mid-80s when it was like, you know, it was starting to get a little sad."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Stephen Colbert promoting W. Kamau Bell’s upcoming comedy tour and encouraging listeners to engage with more content from The Late Show on YouTube. The conversation between Colbert and Bell offers a blend of humor, insightful social commentary, and a glimpse into Bell's creative endeavors, making it a compelling listen for both fans and new audiences alike.
Notable Quote:
Stephen Colbert [07:25]: "Tickets for his comedy tour, who's with Me? Are available now on his website. W. Kamau Bell, everybody."
Additional Information
Listeners can use the discount code "TLS20" for 20% off all The Late Show with Stephen Colbert products on ParamountShop.com. For those interested in watching the show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35/10:35c on CBS and is available for streaming on Paramount+.