Stephen Presents: Joan Baez (Extended) - The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert: Stephen Presents: Joan Baez (Extended) – Detailed Summary

Episode Overview

In the February 11, 2025 release of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert sits down for an extended and intimate conversation with legendary folk musician and social justice icon, Joan Baez. The episode delves deep into Baez's illustrious career, her enduring commitment to activism, her reflections on pivotal historical moments, and her latest artistic endeavors. Through candid discussions and heartfelt anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Baez's impact on music and social movements over the past six decades.

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

The episode begins with the podcast's usual banter, introducing Becca, a producer, and Stephen Colbert. Becca sets the tone by explaining the podcast's format—revisiting classic interviews and offering fresh insights with Stephen's commentary. The anticipation builds as they reveal the guest of the night: Joan Baez.

Notable Quote:

Becca [01:46]: "This is a musician for 2023 who is relevant right now for many reasons. Because of legend status and also because of the little movie that's getting a lot of Oscar buzz called 'A Complete Unknown.'"

2. Joan Baez’s Artistic Side and Recent Projects

Stephen and Becca reminisce about Baez's unique talents beyond music, highlighting her foray into cartooning and illustration. Baez discusses her new book, Am I Pretty When I Fly?, which features upside-down drawings—a creative endeavor stemming from her childhood habits of writing and drawing in unconventional ways to cope with school monotony.

Notable Quote:

Joan Baez [14:34]: "I was just going to say. You would be the person to guess that... I'm drawing so that if you are seeing it properly, I'm seeing it upside down."

Baez humorously clarifies misconceptions about her drawing process, emphasizing that she doesn't physically invert herself but rather the drawings themselves.

3. The Viral Newark Airport Encounter

A significant portion of the conversation centers around a recent viral moment involving Baez at Newark Airport, where she met Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson of the Tennessee 3. The trio spontaneously performed "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around," symbolizing a passing of the torch in activism.

Notable Quote:

Stephen Colbert [07:58]: "Turn me around... Ain't gonna let nobody turn me around... Keep on walking Keep on talking Marching up."
Joan Baez [11:37]: "With somebody really, really young and interested in nonviolence, that's kind of blew my mind."

Baez expresses her astonishment and joy at connecting with the younger generation of activists, highlighting the seamless blend of her legacy with contemporary movements.

4. Reflections on the March on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As the episode coincides with the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Baez reminisces about her performance of "We Shall Overcome" alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She shares poignant memories of the event, describing the electric atmosphere and the profound impact of Dr. King's oratory skills.

Notable Quote:

Joan Baez [09:42]: "There was a war, there was the draft... Woodstock... civil rights... and then there was one kid who intelligently said... 'we had everything back then. You guys had the music and the politics and the civil rights, and you had the glue.'"

Baez underscores the importance of unity and collective action during that era, contrasting it with what she perceives as a lack of cohesive "glue" in today's movements.

5. The Essence of Social Change and Youth Activism

Baez and Colbert delve into the dynamics of social activism across generations. Baez emphasizes the necessity of risk-taking for meaningful change, praising the Tennessee 3 for their courage and steadfastness. She reflects on how historical movements required individuals to step out of their comfort zones to effect change.

Notable Quote:

Joan Baez [14:03]: "I truly believe that you can't make real social change without somebody taking a risk. And maybe that's what's missing."

Colbert adds to the conversation by encouraging young activists to create their own opportunities for change, reinforcing Baez's message about the importance of agency and initiative.

6. Exploring Baez's New Book and Artistic Process

Transitioning back to her artistic pursuits, Baez discusses her creative process for Am I Pretty When I Fly?. She explains how she drafts her drawings upside down, not by inverting herself physically but by visualizing the artwork from a different perspective. This technique allows her to infuse a unique and whimsical quality into her illustrations.

Notable Quote:

Stephen Colbert [15:32]: "So here's like, examples of... Here's some examples of some of the drawings."
Joan Baez [15:06]: "I think I found my little ways to keep, you know, keep myself in comfort in school."

Baez's playful interaction with Stephen, including live demonstrations of her drawings, offers listeners an intimate glimpse into her creative mind.

7. Insights from the Upcoming Documentary

Baez touches upon the forthcoming documentary about her life, titled Joan Baez. She shares surprising revelations from watching it, including rediscovering a quote from her teenage years that she had forgotten, underscoring the personal nature of the documentary.

Notable Quote:

Joan Baez [16:11]: "I am a noise, and I already knew it back then."

This introspective moment highlights Baez's journey of self-discovery and her enduring self-awareness throughout her prolific career.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, Baez expresses gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with her legacy and engage with new generations of activists. Stephen and Becca wrap up the episode by promoting Baez's latest works and the documentary, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into her multifaceted life and career.

Notable Quote:

Joan Baez [17:08]: "Thank you."

Key Takeaways

Legacy and Continuity: Joan Baez remains a pivotal figure in both music and social justice, seamlessly bridging her rich history with contemporary activism.
Intergenerational Connection: Baez's interaction with the Tennessee 3 symbolizes the enduring relevance of her activism and the importance of passing the torch to younger generations.
Creative Endeavors: Baez continues to innovate artistically, exploring new mediums and expressions through her unique upside-down drawings.
Historical Reflections: Her experiences during the March on Washington and her relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. offer valuable insights into pivotal moments in the civil rights movement.
Activism Today: Baez emphasizes the necessity of risk-taking and unity in driving social change, drawing parallels between past and present movements.

Final Thoughts

This extended interview with Joan Baez on The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert provides an enriching exploration of her enduring influence in music and activism. Through heartfelt conversations and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Baez's contributions and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to her work, this episode offers valuable insights into the life of a true icon.