Stephen's back and the mics are rolling for another batch of exclusive podcast intros with our host! To kick off this summer hiatus, enjoy the longest Colbert Questionert to date. Because if you don’t know his favorite sandwich or what he thinks happens when we die, do you really know Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix? Joaquin Phoenix’s latest film, “Eddington,” is in theaters now.

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Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich argues that reversing the Citizens United decision is key to reclaiming America's democracy, and that a new progressive era would follow as a result. He also comments on the societal factors that may have opened a path to the presidency for Donald Trump, and argues that America veered off the path of progress in the 1980s. Reich's book, "Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America," is available now.

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Science-loving late night host Stephen Colbert brings you all the latest scientific developments from the world of science.

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Acclaimed actor Fred Armisen wanted to honor the tradition of the role of Uncle Fester by including references to others, like Christopher Lloyd, who played the iconic character in the past. Season two of "Wednesday" is streaming now on Netflix.

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Donald Trump’s new global tariffs kicked in at midnight, the president made note of The Late Show’s ratings in an Oval Office presser, and JD Vance is a spoiled baby emperor. California Senator Alex Padilla talks about the legislative paths Congress can pursue to reform America’s immigration system without the cruelty employed by President Trump.

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Trump Administration officials are gathering to create a strategy for putting the Jeffrey Epstein scandal to rest, ICE is relaxing its recruiting standards, RFK Jr. is cutting funding for mRNA vaccine research, and the president wants to eliminate two satellites responsible for measuring carbon dioxide emissions. Actor Josh Brolin gives a sneak peek at the character he plays in the upcoming “Knives Out” sequel. Brolin’s latest film, “Weapons,” is in theaters this Friday.

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President Trump appeared on the White House roof today for some reason, a new poll found everyone in the his administration is deeply unpopular, people are speculating about the reason for Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer to a prison known as “Club Fed,” and voters are letting GOP lawmakers know they’re unhappy about the Big Beautiful Bill. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker promises to protect the Texas Democrats who fled their state to prevent GOP lawmakers from enacting a gerrymandered redistricting plan.

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The Smithsonian removed Donald Trump from an exhibit on presidential impeachments at the American History Museum, the president says we shouldn’t trust the government’s own economic data, planning is underway for a giant golden ballroom to be constructed at the White House, and HBO Max streamed “The Golden Age” in Spanish to all viewers last night. Three-time Emmy-winner Julia Garner brings Stephen a video message from her “Weapons” co-star Josh Brolin, and warns that the film gets pretty spooky at times. “Weapons” is in theaters Friday. 

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Dr. Francis Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, talks about the devastating consequences of President Trump’s attack on America’s scientists and why many are now taking their work overseas. Dr. Collins’s new book, “The Road to Wisdom,” is out now.

Originally aired July 16th, 2025.

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Meanwhile… An orgy in the U.K. was so loud it upset the neighbors, scientists recommend people get 7,000 steps per day to stay healthy, Jennifer Lopez released a sexy new song celebrating her birthday, and singer Harry Styles has his own line of sex toys. 

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