Podcast Summary: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Featuring Max Thieriot | 'Fire Country'

Release Date: April 7, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes Max Thieriot, the co-creator, star, and executive producer of the hit CBS series “Fire Country”. The episode delves into Max's illustrious career, the inspiration behind his latest projects, his personal background, and life beyond the camera. Through a series of insightful discussions and humorous exchanges, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Max's journey in the entertainment industry and his endeavors in storytelling.

Career Journey and Achievements

Stephen Colbert opens the conversation by highlighting Max Thieriot's impressive resume.

Stephen Colbert [01:37]: "You did six seasons of Seal Team right there. Then you're the co-creator, star, EP of Fire Country right there. You've co-created a spin-off debuting this fall called Sheriff Country. How many more countries are there in the Terriot universe?"

Max humorously responds, hinting at future projects.

Max Thieriot [02:03]: "Next up is gonna be Vacation Country. All right, next up, that's gonna be me and Cabo drinking a margarita."

This light-hearted banter sets the tone for a discussion that underscores Max's multifaceted role in the television landscape, emphasizing his creative prowess and commitment to expanding his cinematic universe.

Creation of “Fire Country” and “Sheriff Country”

Colbert delves deeper into “Fire Country”, exploring its roots and the forthcoming spin-off.

Stephen Colbert [02:12]: "I understand Fire Country's inspired by things you knew growing up in Northern California."

Max affirms this, sharing the personal connections that fueled the series’ development.

Max Thieriot [02:19]: "Yeah. Grew up in a small little town and had a lot of friends that were firefighters, you know, buddies. Started in high school, honestly, going to Thursday night drills and training."

This segment reveals how Max's upbringing and community influences shaped the authentic portrayal of firefighters in the show. The mention of the spin-off, “Sheriff Country”, slated to debut in the fall, highlights Max's strategic expansion of his creative projects within the CBS network.

Personal Background: Growing Up in Northern California

The conversation shifts to Max's early life, providing listeners with a glimpse into his formative years.

Max Thieriot [02:28]: "I did not. Although when they were leaving class because their pagers were going off senior year, I was a little jealous."

Max reflects on his high school experiences, offering a candid perspective on his aspirations and the allure of firefighting depicted in his youth.

Early Acting Experiences and Improv Classes

Colbert and Max reminisce about Max’s initial foray into acting, which began unexpectedly.

Stephen Colbert [03:13]: "How did you get into acting?"

Max Thieriot [03:13]: "I fell into it. Like, totally random. You know, I grew up in this tiny little town where acting was not a thing, wasn't reality. Well, I guess it still isn't, but was very foreign."

Max shares his accidental discovery of acting through an improv class, guided by his mother's encouragement to keep him engaged.

Max Thieriot [03:33]: "I was always. My mom was fight fires or improv was one of the two things."

This anecdote underscores the serendipitous nature of his career path and the pivotal role of improvisational skills in his development as an actor and creator.

Breakthrough and Early Roles

Stephen Colbert reminisces about Max's early appearances in the entertainment industry, highlighting his evolution from child actor to television producer.

Stephen Colbert [02:46]: "You've been in front of the camera since you were just a kid. This is you. Here you are modeling."

Max reminisces about his early work, including a memorable commercial.

Max Thieriot [04:08]: "Yes."

Stephen Colbert [04:15]: "Would you grace us with a reading of what you said in that commercial?"

Max Thieriot [04:27]: "Oh, man. Okay, sell it... We were tuning up when Scott says he had Reese's for breakfast..."

Max narrates his experience with the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cereal commercial, reflecting on his initial discomfort with advertisements and how it served as his gateway into the industry.

Life Beyond Acting: Washington State and Animal Husbandry

The dialogue transitions to Max’s personal life, particularly his relocation to Washington state and his life on a sprawling 50-acre property.

Stephen Colbert [05:04]: "You now live in Washington state. Are you out in the country?"

Max Thieriot [05:57]: "I am, yeah."

Max describes his rural lifestyle, humorously comparing it to “Old McDonald's farm”, and shares charming details about his pets.

Max Thieriot [06:18]: "Yeah, it's like old McDonald's farm a little bit. It's farmish."

He introduces his animals, including pigs named Dolly and Hank, adding a touch of levity and personality to the discussion.

Max Thieriot [06:31]: "We got Dolly and Hank."

A relatable and entertaining story unfolds as Max recounts an incident involving his boar, Hank.

Max Thieriot [06:05]: "I went in there, and he likes to play... And so he comes around and goes behind me and gets in between my legs... he started shaking his head... and he took both of my knees out, went shooting away... put me flat on my back."

This vivid recounting not only entertains but also offers insight into the challenges and unexpected moments of rural living.

Reflections and Humor

Throughout the episode, Max and Colbert engage in playful exchanges that highlight Max's wit and down-to-earth nature. From discussing his tolerance for different wine bottles to joking about his commercial past, their banter adds a layer of warmth and relatability to the conversation.

Stephen Colbert [05:22]: "Do you remember the commercial?"

Max Thieriot [05:25]: "Oh, yes."

Stephen Colbert [05:27]: "Now bite and smile."

These interactions showcase Max's ability to laugh at himself and maintain a lighthearted demeanor, even when sharing anecdotes that could be considered embarrassing.

Conclusion

Stephen Colbert wraps up the episode by celebrating Max Thieriot's contributions to television and entertainment, promoting “Fire Country” and encouraging listeners to tune in.

Stephen Colbert [08:09]: "Sadly on that, thank you so much for stopping by. Fire country airs Fridays at 9pm on CBS and is streaming on Paramount. Plus Max Terry, everybody."

Max's candid discussions about his career, personal life, and humorous stories offer a multifaceted view of his persona both on and off the screen. This episode serves as an insightful and entertaining exploration of Max Thieriot's journey, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Max Thieriot [02:03]: "Next up is gonna be Vacation Country. All right, next up, that's gonna be me and Cabo drinking a margarita."

• Stephen Colbert [04:16]: "Do you remember what you said?"

• Max Thieriot [06:49]: "I'm ready to fight right now, you know?"

These quotes capture the essence of Max's humor, resilience, and authentic storytelling throughout the episode.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and moments shared by Max Thieriot and Stephen Colbert, providing both depth and entertainment value for listeners who seek an in-depth understanding of the episode without tuning in.