Welcome to Better Know a Guest, your weekly guide to the wonderful and diverse array of personalities appearing on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ each week.
Welcome to another exciting week of the Late Show! It is clear to see by now that Stephen has very eclectic tastes when it comes to his guest line-up. His interviews have really raised the bar for late night television. This week Stephen welcomes politicians, a world-renowned cellist, a famous ballerina, an economist, the CEO of Airbnb, a fellow late night host, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, actors, and musical guests. This is an impressive and compelling line-up.
Who are you looking forward to? We want to hear from you. Take our poll and tell us your thoughts in the comment section. Have a great week, Hubsters!
Monday, October 5 (2015)
John McCain (Senator from Arizona)
John McCain is a U.S. Senator from Arizona, and currently serves as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. During a Senate hearing last Thursday, McCain said the Navy program has become “one of the most spectacular acquisition debacles in recent memory. And that is saying something.” According to CNN, McCain said Thursday that he has confirmed that some of Russian airstrikes in Syria were aimed not at ISIS, but instead at CIA-backed fighters taking on the Assad regime. McCain told CNN’s Chris Cuomo, “Their initial strikes were against the individuals and the groups that have been funded and trained by our CIA, in a credible flaunting of any kind of cooperation or effort to conceal what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s priority is — and that is, of course, to prop up (Syrian President) Bashar Assad.” McCain is up for re-election for a sixth term in Arizona’s 2016 Republican primary.
Yo-Yo Ma (Album – “Songs from the Arc of Life“)
Yo-Yo Ma is a French-born Chinese American cellist. Yo-Yo Ma has collaborated with pianist, Kathryn Stott, on the new album “Songs from the Arc of Life.” In a review, Anastasia Tsioulcas of NPR states, “On Songs From The Arc Of Life, released just a few weeks shy of the cellist’s 60th birthday, Ma and Stott attempt to sketch out the emotional trajectories of a lifetime. Each track is meant to reflect a signpost of a life well lived, from the fleeting pleasures of childhood through the stormy depths of youthful passion to the power of enduring unspeakable trauma.”
Misty Copeland (Ballerina)
Misty Copeland is the first-ever African-American principle dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Copeland is the subject of a new documentary, “A Ballerina’s Tale,” which chronicles Copeland’s rise to fame. The film had its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. Regina Mogilevskaya of Blouin Art Info reviewed the film, saying, “As we watch Copeland at such a close perspective, it truly does feel as if every movement, its finesse almost unbearable, is more beautiful than the last. Copeland’s dancing is eternal, its radiance forever committed to your memory once you’ve encountered it.” “A Ballerina’s Tale” opens in the U.S. on October 14th.
Tuesday, October 6 (2015)
Bill Clinton (CGI U)
Former President Bill Clinton will host the ninth annual CGI U meeting with his daughter, Chelsea Clinton. According to the website, “Building on the successful model of the Clinton Global Initiative, President Clinton launched the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world.” This year’s CGI U will take place at the University of California, Berkley from April 1-3, 2016. The early decision and travel assistance application deadline is October 16, 2015.
Billy Eichner (Host – “Billy on the Street” and Actor – “Difficult People“)
Billy Eichner is the executive producer, creator, and star of “Billy on the Street,” a game show that test pop culture knowledge of passersby on the streets of New York City. The first three seasons ran on Fuse. The forth season will premiere on October 8th on truTV. Eichner also stars on the Hulu original series, “Difficult People” with Julie Klausner. The two play struggling and jaded New York comedians. Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello guest starred on Season 1, Episode 6
“Even Later”.
Florence and the Machine (Album – “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful“)
Florence and the Machine are an English indie rock band consisting of Florence Welch, Isabella Summers, and a collaboration of other artists. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is the third studio album released by the band. Will Hermes of Rolling Stone reviewed the album saying, “The tension makes for a sexy record that sticks to some familiar themes: a woman wrestling with lovers and emotions, often with biblical allusions, liquid-courage assists and a near-violent intensity.”
Wednesday, October 7 (2015)
Gina Rodriguez (Actress – “Jane the Virgin“)
Gina Rodriguez plays Jane Villanueva on the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Jane is a religious young Latina virgin who became pregnant after being artificially inseminated by mistake. For her portrayal of Jane, Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series, Musical or Comedy. The second season of “Jane the Virgin” premieres on October 12th.
Ben Bernanke (Economist and Author – “The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and its Aftermath” )
Ben Bernanke is an American economist at the Brookings Institution and served two terms as chairman of the Federal Reserve. Bernanke’s new book, “The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and its Aftermath,” will be released on October 5th. The publisher, Norton, says Bernanke will “pull back the curtain on the tireless and ultimately successful efforts to prevent a mass economic failure,” and provide an “unequaled perspective on the American economy.”
Tame Impala (Album – “Currents“)
Tame Impala is an Australian psychedelic rock band founded by Kevin Parker. “Currents” is the third studio album released by the band. Nina Corcoran of Consequence of Sound said in a review, “‘Currents’ is all about the wide lens. It’s not the landscape worth falling in love with, but the way Parker gives us a tour. Let it happen, and it will carry you off somewhere much further away than you realized was worth visiting.”
Thursday, October 8 (2015)
Cate Blanchett (Actress – “Truth” and “Carol”)
Cate Blanchett is starring in the new film “Carol” alongside Rooney Mara, based on the novel “The Price of Salt, or Carol” by Patricia Highsmith. The film tells the story of two women who have a love affair during the 1950’s. Cate thought that this film would never be released, and in an article for ‘Variety’ she discussed why women need more starring roles in films today, and the struggle in Hollywood for actresses like herself, she said “People want to see good films. We should have equal access to the multiplexes.” The film opens in theaters on November 20, 2015.
Cate is also starring in another film titled “Truth”, which tells the story of Dan Rather the famed CBS news anchor/journalist, and the scandal he was involved in, presenting false information about George W. Bush on “60 minutes”. Cate plays Mary Mapes who was Dan Rather’s producer and fellow news anchor. The film is set to be released October 16, 2015.
Brian Chesky (CEO of Airbnb)
Brian Chesky is an American internet entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, an online hospitality exchange service that allows people to rent out lodging space to travelers. This site/app allows for the average every day person to become a host, and rent out a room, apartment, or home to travelers, to provide a more “home like”, and comfortable environment to stay at while they travel. There are “Airbnb” locations in over 190 countries, and 34,000 cities. Chesky placed 194th on the “Forbes” top 400 list for 2015, and according to “Forbes” he has a net worth of 3.3 billion dollars.
Friday, October 9 (2015)
James Corden (Host – “The Late Late Show“)
James Corden is an English actor, writer, producer, comedian, and host of “The Late Late Show.” Since being on the air for barely seven months, Corden had received praised for his style. Diane Gordon of The Wrap writes, “Corden is a talent worth watching for his sheer likability, musical and comedy talent, and genuine love of culture, pop and otherwise. He’s bending the late-night comedy show formula to fit his skill set, which given this first outing, is impressive.” “The Late Late Show with James Corden” follows “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Monday through Friday at 12:37pm EST on CBS.
Shane Smith (Co-Founder and CEO of Vice Media)
Shane Smith is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and web entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of the international media company VICE media. VICE operates an international network of digital channels, a television production studio, a record label, an in-house creative services agency, a book-publishing house, and a feature film division. VICE also has a critically-acclaimed documentary TV series on HBO. VICE recently did a special report, “Fixing the System,” in which Barack Obama became the first sitting President to visit a federal prison.
Halsey (Album – “Badlands“)
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known by her stage name Halsey, is an American singer/ songwriter and recording artist. “Badlands” is her studio debut. Joe Levy of “Rolling Stone” wrote, “The music recalls Lorde or Rihanna heard from across a suburban football field, and it wears out faster than the lyrics — which vibrate with the twists and turns of a young woman taking command of her body, mind, and then the world.” Halsey is currently on tour until 2016, performing 43 concerts.
Better Know A Guest – October 5 – 9, 2015
Welcome to another exciting week of the Late Show! It is clear to see by now that Stephen has very eclectic tastes when it comes to his guest line-up. His interviews have really raised the bar for late night television. This week Stephen welcomes politicians, a world-renowned cellist, a famous ballerina, an economist, the CEO of Airbnb, a fellow late night host, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, actors, and musical guests. This is an impressive and compelling line-up.
Who are you looking forward to? We want to hear from you. Take our poll and tell us your thoughts in the comment section. Have a great week, Hubsters!
Monday, October 5 (2015)
John McCain (Senator from Arizona)
John McCain is a U.S. Senator from Arizona, and currently serves as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. During a Senate hearing last Thursday, McCain said the Navy program has become “one of the most spectacular acquisition debacles in recent memory. And that is saying something.” According to CNN, McCain said Thursday that he has confirmed that some of Russian airstrikes in Syria were aimed not at ISIS, but instead at CIA-backed fighters taking on the Assad regime. McCain told CNN’s Chris Cuomo, “Their initial strikes were against the individuals and the groups that have been funded and trained by our CIA, in a credible flaunting of any kind of cooperation or effort to conceal what (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s priority is — and that is, of course, to prop up (Syrian President) Bashar Assad.” McCain is up for re-election for a sixth term in Arizona’s 2016 Republican primary.
Yo-Yo Ma (Album – “Songs from the Arc of Life“)
Yo-Yo Ma is a French-born Chinese American cellist. Yo-Yo Ma has collaborated with pianist, Kathryn Stott, on the new album “Songs from the Arc of Life.” In a review, Anastasia Tsioulcas of NPR states, “On Songs From The Arc Of Life, released just a few weeks shy of the cellist’s 60th birthday, Ma and Stott attempt to sketch out the emotional trajectories of a lifetime. Each track is meant to reflect a signpost of a life well lived, from the fleeting pleasures of childhood through the stormy depths of youthful passion to the power of enduring unspeakable trauma.”
Misty Copeland (Ballerina)
Misty Copeland is the first-ever African-American principle dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Copeland is the subject of a new documentary, “A Ballerina’s Tale,” which chronicles Copeland’s rise to fame. The film had its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival. Regina Mogilevskaya of Blouin Art Info reviewed the film, saying, “As we watch Copeland at such a close perspective, it truly does feel as if every movement, its finesse almost unbearable, is more beautiful than the last. Copeland’s dancing is eternal, its radiance forever committed to your memory once you’ve encountered it.” “A Ballerina’s Tale” opens in the U.S. on October 14th.
Tuesday, October 6 (2015)
Bill Clinton (CGI U)
Former President Bill Clinton will host the ninth annual CGI U meeting with his daughter, Chelsea Clinton. According to the website, “Building on the successful model of the Clinton Global Initiative, President Clinton launched the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world.” This year’s CGI U will take place at the University of California, Berkley from April 1-3, 2016. The early decision and travel assistance application deadline is October 16, 2015.
Billy Eichner (Host – “Billy on the Street” and Actor – “Difficult People“)
Billy Eichner is the executive producer, creator, and star of “Billy on the Street,” a game show that test pop culture knowledge of passersby on the streets of New York City. The first three seasons ran on Fuse. The forth season will premiere on October 8th on truTV. Eichner also stars on the Hulu original series, “Difficult People” with Julie Klausner. The two play struggling and jaded New York comedians. Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello guest starred on Season 1, Episode 6
“Even Later”.
Florence and the Machine (Album – “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful“)
Florence and the Machine are an English indie rock band consisting of Florence Welch, Isabella Summers, and a collaboration of other artists. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” is the third studio album released by the band. Will Hermes of Rolling Stone reviewed the album saying, “The tension makes for a sexy record that sticks to some familiar themes: a woman wrestling with lovers and emotions, often with biblical allusions, liquid-courage assists and a near-violent intensity.”
Wednesday, October 7 (2015)
Gina Rodriguez (Actress – “Jane the Virgin“)
Gina Rodriguez plays Jane Villanueva on the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Jane is a religious young Latina virgin who became pregnant after being artificially inseminated by mistake. For her portrayal of Jane, Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series, Musical or Comedy. The second season of “Jane the Virgin” premieres on October 12th.
Ben Bernanke (Economist and Author – “The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and its Aftermath” )
Ben Bernanke is an American economist at the Brookings Institution and served two terms as chairman of the Federal Reserve. Bernanke’s new book, “The Courage to Act: A Memoir of a Crisis and its Aftermath,” will be released on October 5th. The publisher, Norton, says Bernanke will “pull back the curtain on the tireless and ultimately successful efforts to prevent a mass economic failure,” and provide an “unequaled perspective on the American economy.”
Tame Impala (Album – “Currents“)
Tame Impala is an Australian psychedelic rock band founded by Kevin Parker. “Currents” is the third studio album released by the band. Nina Corcoran of Consequence of Sound said in a review, “‘Currents’ is all about the wide lens. It’s not the landscape worth falling in love with, but the way Parker gives us a tour. Let it happen, and it will carry you off somewhere much further away than you realized was worth visiting.”
Thursday, October 8 (2015)
Cate Blanchett (Actress – “Truth” and “Carol”)
Cate Blanchett is starring in the new film “Carol” alongside Rooney Mara, based on the novel “The Price of Salt, or Carol” by Patricia Highsmith. The film tells the story of two women who have a love affair during the 1950’s. Cate thought that this film would never be released, and in an article for ‘Variety’ she discussed why women need more starring roles in films today, and the struggle in Hollywood for actresses like herself, she said “People want to see good films. We should have equal access to the multiplexes.” The film opens in theaters on November 20, 2015.
Cate is also starring in another film titled “Truth”, which tells the story of Dan Rather the famed CBS news anchor/journalist, and the scandal he was involved in, presenting false information about George W. Bush on “60 minutes”. Cate plays Mary Mapes who was Dan Rather’s producer and fellow news anchor. The film is set to be released October 16, 2015.
Brian Chesky (CEO of Airbnb)
Brian Chesky is an American internet entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Airbnb, an online hospitality exchange service that allows people to rent out lodging space to travelers. This site/app allows for the average every day person to become a host, and rent out a room, apartment, or home to travelers, to provide a more “home like”, and comfortable environment to stay at while they travel. There are “Airbnb” locations in over 190 countries, and 34,000 cities. Chesky placed 194th on the “Forbes” top 400 list for 2015, and according to “Forbes” he has a net worth of 3.3 billion dollars.
Friday, October 9 (2015)
James Corden (Host – “The Late Late Show“)
James Corden is an English actor, writer, producer, comedian, and host of “The Late Late Show.” Since being on the air for barely seven months, Corden had received praised for his style. Diane Gordon of The Wrap writes, “Corden is a talent worth watching for his sheer likability, musical and comedy talent, and genuine love of culture, pop and otherwise. He’s bending the late-night comedy show formula to fit his skill set, which given this first outing, is impressive.” “The Late Late Show with James Corden” follows “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Monday through Friday at 12:37pm EST on CBS.
Shane Smith (Co-Founder and CEO of Vice Media)
Shane Smith is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and web entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of the international media company VICE media. VICE operates an international network of digital channels, a television production studio, a record label, an in-house creative services agency, a book-publishing house, and a feature film division. VICE also has a critically-acclaimed documentary TV series on HBO. VICE recently did a special report, “Fixing the System,” in which Barack Obama became the first sitting President to visit a federal prison.
Halsey (Album – “Badlands“)
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, known by her stage name Halsey, is an American singer/ songwriter and recording artist. “Badlands” is her studio debut. Joe Levy of “Rolling Stone” wrote, “The music recalls Lorde or Rihanna heard from across a suburban football field, and it wears out faster than the lyrics — which vibrate with the twists and turns of a young woman taking command of her body, mind, and then the world.” Halsey is currently on tour until 2016, performing 43 concerts.