The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Stephen Presents: Terry Gross (Extended)
Feb 13, 2026
Terry Gross, veteran radio interviewer and long-time Fresh Air host, reflects on five decades of conversations. She recalls starting at a college station and the evolution to national radio. The chat touches on rituals of interviewing, stories about grief and dreams, and behind-the-scenes memories from a prolific career.
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How A Van Joke Became A Catchphrase
- Stephen Colbert uses the phrase "The Knack" as a catch-all band name due to a van-ride trivia story with Scott Allman.
- The in-joke stuck after Scott confidently (and incorrectly) declared many answers were "The Knack."
Own The Script, Don't Be Its Slave
- Read the entire script and prompter to understand setups, jokes, and flow before performing.
- Treat the prompter as a prompt, not a dictator, and make the delivery feel conversational.
The Show As Ongoing Experiment
- The Late Show constantly reexamines its form and Colbert's role, blending satire with variety elements.
- Colbert views the program as a work in progress, continually questioning format, segments, and tone.
