The Colbert Report Season 5 Episode 54 Ira Glass

In season 5, episode 54 of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes radio personality and producer Ira Glass to the show. The episode opens with Colbert introducing Glass and discussing the work he has done in the world of radio, including his popular show This American Life.

As the interview begins, Colbert and Glass engage in a lively conversation about radio storytelling and the evolution of journalism in the digital age. Glass talks about his love of radio and the power of storytelling to connect people and create empathy. He explains that he believes radio can be more intimate and powerful than other forms of media because it allows listeners to use their imaginations.

Colbert then asks Glass about some of the stories he has covered on This American Life, including a controversial piece on Apple's overseas manufacturing practices. Glass explains that the story was difficult to report on because Apple is notoriously secretive, but he and his team were able to gather information from former employees and others who were willing to speak out. The segment sparked a national conversation about the ethics of outsourcing and the responsibility of corporations to their employees.

The conversation then turns to politics, as Colbert and Glass discuss the role of the media in the 2012 presidential election. Glass reflects on the challenges of covering the election and the impact of social media on political discourse. He also talks about the importance of fact-checking and holding candidates accountable for their statements.

Throughout the interview, Glass and Colbert share a sense of humor and camaraderie, with both men poking fun at themselves and each other. Glass reveals that he used to be a terrible interview subject, but that he has learned to be more comfortable on camera over time. Colbert jokes that he always knows when he is doing a good interview because he can hear Jon Stewart laughing in the control room.

In addition to the interview with Glass, the episode also features Colbert's signature segments, including the Word and the Threatdown. In the Word, Colbert discusses the concept of "re-kidnapping," which involves asking someone to reenact a traumatic event for the camera. He argues that this practice is exploitative and insensitive to victims of violence and abuse.

In the Threatdown, Colbert counts down the top five things that are most threatening to America, including a car company that uses Chinese steel and a new breed of military drone. As always, the Threatdown is filled with Colbert's trademark humor and satire, poking fun at the absurdities of modern society.

Overall, season 5, episode 54 of The Colbert Report is a fascinating and entertaining look at the world of radio, journalism, and politics. Colbert's interview with Glass is insightful and engaging, offering a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and the role of the media in modern society. Whether you are a fan of Colbert or Glass, or simply interested in the world of journalism, this episode is definitely worth checking out.