The Colbert Report Season 1 Episode 15 Mary Roach
- November 9, 2005
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(23)
The Colbert Report is a satirical TV show hosted by Stephen Colbert. In season 1, episode 15, Colbert invites Mary Roach, the author of the non-fiction book "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers," as a guest on the show.
The episode begins with Colbert's usual segment, "The Word," where he uses his comedic skills to talk about a pressing issue. This time, he talks about the controversy surrounding the release of the film "Brokeback Mountain," which had recently been banned in some theaters. He then introduces Roach, who comes on stage to discuss her book and her fascination with the macabre.
Roach is a science writer who has written several books on various topics such as sex, the afterlife, and digestion. "Stiff," which was published in 2003, explores the various ways human corpses are used for science, research, and education. Colbert asks Roach about the inspiration behind the book, to which Roach explains that she was always interested in science and was fascinated by the idea that human bodies could still be used for research even after death.
The conversation then shifts to the various ways corpses are used, such as in car crash simulations, medical student dissections, and organ transplants. While some may find the topic morbid, Roach emphasizes the importance of using human cadavers for scientific research and education. She also discusses some of the challenges and ethical considerations that come with working with cadavers.
As always, Colbert adds his own comedic touch to the conversation, making jokes about Roach's fascination with the topic and suggesting outrageous ways corpses could be used, such as in a game of human bowling. Despite this, the conversation remains informative and insightful.
The episode ends with Colbert thanking Roach for coming on the show and for her contributions to science writing. He also encourages viewers to read her book and learn more about the fascinating world of human cadavers.
Overall, season 1, episode 15 of The Colbert Report is an entertaining and informative episode that explores the often-unseen world of human anatomy and scientific research. Roach's expertise and Colbert's comedic talent make for an engaging conversation that is sure to leave viewers both entertained and educated.