The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert

Santa and his workshop are, like America, having a bumpy sleigh ride transitioning to the incoming Trump administration. When Elon Musk is put in charge of Christmas efficiency as part of his D.O.U.C.H.E. program, Santa must either pledge absolute loyalty, or face a gladiator battle of ancient Roman proportions. Will Father Christmas survive? Will Joe Biden stay awake through the entire special? Will RFK Jr.'s brainworms have enough brain meat left to eat this winter? Find out in "It's A Worm-derful Life," the new Late Show Holiday Animated Classic! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some people are calling Elon Musk “president” after President-elect Trump followed Musk’s lead in coming out against the House Republicans’ spending bill, the first severe human case of bird flu has been reported in the U.S., and Stephen takes a look at some of the world’s strangest Christmas traditions. Actor Edward Norton talks about the truly authentic way he and Timothée Chalamet approached playing the music of Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger in their new film, “A Complete Unknown,” which opens in theaters on Christmas Day.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stock market is on a 10-day skid but meme coins are getting hot, President Biden attempted to calm America’s nerves over the mysterious drone swarms, President-elect Trump continues to file lawsuits against media companies, and Justin Timberlake suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Academy Award-winning actor Adrien Brody tells Stephen Colbert that he’s been an avid student of human nature since he was a child, and his observations help inform his choices as an actor. Watch Adrien in the new film, “The Brutalist,” in select theaters this Friday and opening nationwide in January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans are ready to shake up some tired Christmas traditions, Stephen looks into some cold weather dating trends, Canada’s prime minister has become deeply unpopular with the public, and England may run out of Guinness due to its surging popularity with a new generation of female drinkers. Elton John talks to Stephen Colbert about the dizzying highs and lows of his life from 1970-1975 as he became one of the most famous entertainers in the world, all while privately spiraling into drug addiction and despair. And the amazing Brandi Carlile joins Elton John and Stephen Colbert for an extended conversation about their friendship and artistic collaboration, Elton’s commitment to lifting up new artists like Chappell Roan, Brandi’s special relationship with Joni Mitchell, and the potential for new Elton John music in the near future. The new documentary, “Elton John: Never Too Late,” is streaming now on Disney+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices