Season 8

01 Jerome Groopman Episode 13rd October 2011 Rick Perry's hunting camp once bore a racially charged name, Obamacare heads to the Supreme Court, and Jerome Groopman discusses medical decision-making. 02 John Lithgow Episode 24th October 2011 Rick Davis weighs in on Chris Christie fever, ESPN pulls Hank Williams Jr.'s song, and John Lithgow talks drama. 03 Black Star Episode 35th October 2011 Herman Cain gives his take on homosexuality, Mexico City proposes two-year marriage licenses, and Black Star performs. 04 Jason Amerine Episode 46th October 2011 Sarah Palin bows out of the presidential race, Stephen apologizes to Karl Rove, and Lieutenant Colonel Jason Amerine discusses the early days of the Afghanistan War. 05 Harry Belafonte Episode 517th October 2011 The Occupy Wall Street movement goes global, Stephen unveils Colbert Super PAC's NBA lockout ad, and Harry Belafonte talks political activism. 06 Steven Pinker Episode 618th October 2011 Herman Cain may or may not be joking about an electrified border fence, schools take potatoes off their menus, and Steven Pinker discusses the decline of human violence. 07 Ali Soufan Episode 719th October 2011 Herman Cain blames the unemployed, Republican candidates want to end EPA regulations, and Ali Soufan provides an inside look at the war on terror. 08 Coldplay Episode 820th October 2011 Libyan rebels kill Muammar al-Gaddafi, Tea Party Nation demands a hiring freeze from its members, and Coldplay perform from "Mylo Xyloto." 09 Jon Huntsman Episode 924th October 2011 Stephen unveils Colbert Super PAC's message, Frank Luntz conducts a focus group, and GOP presidential candidate Jon Huntsman talks about fixing America. 10 Susan Saladoff Episode 1025th October 2011 Herman Cain's campaign ad gets buzz, Ben & Jerry's endorses Occupy Wall Street, and Susan Saladoff explores the myth of frivolous lawsuits. 11 Taylor Branch Episode 1126th October 2011 PETA files a lawsuit to free captive whales, immigrant farm workers flee Alabama, and Taylor Branch discusses the multi-billion dollar college sports industry. 12 Toby Keith Episode 1227th October 2011 Occupy Wall Street wears out its welcome, Stephen unveils his second NBA lockout Super PAC ad, and Toby Keith performs. 13 Neil MacGregor Episode 1331st October 2011 Stephen joins Occupy Wall Street, Wisconsin allows concealed weapons in its Capitol, and Neil MacGregor tells the history of the world with 100 objects. 14 Yo-Yo Ma Episode 141st November 2011 Herman Cain's sexual harassment controversy unfolds; Stephen returns to Wall Street; and Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile perform. 15 Michael Pollan Episode 152nd November 2011 Herman Cain discusses the Chinese nuclear threat, the government releases information on Muffingate, and Michael Pollan talks food. 16 Nathan Wolfe Episode 163rd November 2011 Hans Beinholtz hawks Europe to investors, Colbert Super PAC adopts Herman Cain's fundraising strategy, and Nathan Wolfe examines viral pandemics. 17 Niall Ferguson Episode 177th November 2011 Make Us Great Again airs its Rick Perry ad, Colbert Super PAC takes on issue advocacy, and Niall Ferguson discusses the end of western dominance. 18 Seth Meyers Episode 188th November 2011 Herman Cain holds a press conference to address sexual harassment charges, Stephen saves Christmas, and Seth Meyers talks "Saturday Night Live." 19 Father James Martin Episode 199th November 2011 Herman Cain blames Democrats for his troubles, Michigan Senate Republicans amend an anti-bullying bill, and Father James Martin explores the role of comedy in religion. 20 Brian Eno Episode 2010th November 2011 Barack Obama plans to station U.S. troops in Australia, Rick Perry bungles another debate, and Brian Eno sings a cappella with Michael Stipe and Stephen. 21 Thomas Thwaites Episode 2114th November 2011 Michele Bachmann gets an e-mail snub, Bill McKibben opposes construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, and Thomas Thwaites talks toasters. 22 Elijah Wood Episode 2215th November 2011 The NYPD dismantles Occupy Wall Street, investors accuse Goldline International of theft, and Elijah Wood talks Middle-earth and penguins. 23 Chris Matthews Episode 2316th November 2011 Newt Gingrich defends his Greek cruise, Ron Paul supporters publish a pin-up calendar, and Chris Matthews discusses John F. Kennedy's elusive heroism. 24 Susan Orlean Episode 2417th November 2011 People Magazine picks its sexiest man, the congressional super committee eyes veterans' healthcare benefits, and Susan Orlean discusses the life of Rin Tin Tin. 25 Siddhartha Mukherjee Episode 2528th November 2011 Barack Obama omits God from his online Thanksgiving address, CNN lays off staffers in favor of user-generated content, and Siddhartha Mukherjee researches cancer. 26 Tinariwen Episode 2629th November 2011 Herman Cain rethinks his candidacy, Pope Benedict XVI gets caught breaking the law, and Malian musical group Tinariwen performs. 27 Stephen Sondheim Episode 2730th November 2011 Newt Gingrich denies lobbying, conservatives bid Barney Frank farewell, and Stephen Sondheim ponders the artist life. 28 Richard Branson Episode 281st December 2011 Senator Lori Klein defends Herman Cain, Bret Baier grills Mitt Romney, and Richard Branson explains why he wants to screw business as usual. 29 Jimmie Johnson Episode 295th December 2011 Herman Cain abandons his campaign, William Tapley studies apocalyptic signs, and Jimmie Johnson reveals NASCAR racing details. 30 The Black Keys Episode 306th December 2011 Iran claims to have captured an American drone, Donald Trump organizes his own GOP debate, and The Black Keys perform. 31 David Hallberg Episode 317th December 2011 Stephen sets the date for his GOP debate, Dick Harpootlian helps Colbert Super PAC with its referendum, and ballet dancer David Hallberg performs. 32 Jack Abramoff Episode 328th December 2011 Rick Perry puts out a controversial ad, doctors perform fecal transplants, and Jack Abramoff exposes the truth about Washington corruption. 33 Samuel L. Jackson Episode 3312th December 2011 Newt Gingrich alerts America to electromagnetic threats, Norway faces a butter crisis, and Samuel L. Jackson considers Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal life. 34 Mark Whitaker Episode 3413th December 2011 Donald Trump backs out of his debate, Madison charges protesters for the right to protest, and Mark Whitaker pays tribute to his parents with his memoir. 35 Raymond Odierno Episode 3514th December 2011 Christine O'Donnell backs Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann frets over military bestiality, and Ray Odierno celebrates the troops homecoming from Iraq. 36 Daniel Craig Episode 3615th December 2011 Nat Geo Wild pulls out their lion humping footage and Animal Planet sends honeydew melons to get in on Stephen's debate. Megyn Kelly clarifies that Mitt Romney and Barack Obama are not the same person. Daniel Craig reveals his technique for staying sexy and arm-wrestles Stephen. 37 Sen. Bernie Sanders Episode 373rd January 2012 Rick Santorum rises in the polls, Stephen remembers the late Kim Jong-il, and Bernie Sanders strives to overturn the Citizens United decision. 38 John Heilemann Episode 384th January 2012 Mitt Romney qualifies his Iowa caucus victory with a familiar speech, Newt Gingrich calls Mitt Romney a liar, and John Heilemann weighs in on the GOP frontrunners. 39 Steve Case Episode 395th January 2012 George Will thinks that Rick Santorum is fun, Pat Robertson gets a message from God, and Steve Case explores the benefits of sharing. 40 Melissa Harris-Perry Episode 409th January 2012 Back-to-back New Hampshire GOP debates unfold, Rick Santorum offends African Americans, and Melissa Harris-Perry considers American history from a black female perspective. 41 Bill Moyers Episode 4110th January 2012 Mitt Romney takes heat for a firing gaffe, conservative pundits attack White House celebrations, and Bill Moyers considers corporate personhood a threat to democracy. 42 George Stephanopoulos Episode 4211th January 2012 Mitt Romney wins in New Hampshire, a Russian spacecraft threatens the Earth, and George Stephanopoulos weighs in on the GOP frontrunners. 43 Mike Allen Episode 4312th January 2012 Jon Stewart adopts the Colbert Super PAC, Stephen makes a monumental announcement, and Mike Allen anticipates Stephen's possible South Carolina results. 44 Scott Douglas Episode 4416th January 2012 Jon Stewart puts out an attack ad, Jon Huntsman withdraws from the presidential race, and Scott Douglas takes a stand against Alabama's anti-immigrant law. 45 Jennifer Granholm Episode 4517th January 2012 A controversial Colbert Super PAC ad surfaces, pastor Ed Young leads a sexperimental crusade, and Jennifer Granholm confesses secrets from her past. 46 David Frum Episode 4618th January 2012 Mitt Romney faces questions about his tax rate, Stephen announces his South Carolina rally, and David Frum shares his hopes for the Republican Party. 47 Carrie Rebora Barratt Episode 4719th January 2012 Rick Perry drops out of the GOP race, Newt Gingrich's ex-wife exposes his controversial marital request, and Carrie Rebora Barratt discusses historical American art. 48 Bruce Bueno De Mesquita Episode 4823rd January 2012 Newt Gingrich wins South Carolina, Stephen recalls the South Cain-olina Primary Rally with Herman Cain, and Bruce Bueno de Mesquita explores the applications of game theory. 49 Andrew Sullivan Episode 4924th January 2012 Rick Santorum panders to the elderly, Maurice Sendak discusses his literary work, and Andrew Sullivan praises Barack Obama's greatest accomplishments. 50 Terry Gross Episode 5025th January 2012 Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union address, Maurice Sendak gives Stephen a storybook ending, and Terry Gross provides a fresh perspective on Bill O'Reilly. 51 Drew Barrymore Episode 5126th January 2012 Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney woo Florida; John Harwood, Katrina vanden Heuvel and David Cassidy answer hard-hitting questions; and Drew Barrymore considers an "E.T." prequel. 52 Laurence H. Tribe Episode 5230th January 2012 Stephen repossesses the Colbert Super PAC, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney compete for the Hispanic vote in Florida, and Laurence Tribe explores constitutional law. 53 Björk Episode 5331st January 2012 Sarah Palin spitefully endorses Newt Gingrich, Tennessee Tea Partiers strive to remove slavery from school textbooks, and Björk explores new methods for creating music. 54 Ameena Matthews Episode 541st February 2012 Mitt Romney beats Newt Gingrich in Florida, Stephen announces Americone Dream's 2012 election edition packaging, and Ameena Matthews strives to end gang violence. 55 Christiane Amanpour Episode 552nd February 2012 Stephen unveils GOP super PACs' biggest donors, Newt Gingrich faces a copyright infringement lawsuit, and Christiane Amanpour examines Iran's political environment. 56 Bill McKibben Episode 5613th February 2012 The New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin seduces America, Stephen writes a love letter to Jimmy Fallon, and Bill McKibben fights the Keystone XL pipeline. 57 William J. Broad Episode 5714th February 2012 Catholics oppose the Obama administration's birth control mandate, a Seattle woman marries a building, and William Broad considers the effects of yoga on the mind and body. 58 Ann Patchett Episode 5820th February 2012 Mitt Romney deploys Donald Trump in Michigan, Rick Santorum attacks environmentalists, and Ann Patchett fights to revive bookstores. 59 Robert Kagan Episode 5921st February 2012 Prince Pierre Casiraghi of Monaco sustains a beating, Nancy Pelosi slams Colbert Super PAC, and Robert Kagan examines Iran's potential nuclear threat. 60 Nancy Pelosi Episode 6022nd February 2012 Stephen gives up something he truly enjoys for Lent, Target knows when customers miss their periods, and Nancy Pelosi objects to super PACs. 61 Placido Domingo Episode 6123rd February 2012 Mitt Romney wins the Arizona GOP debate, Elie Wiesel protests the Mormon conversion of dead Jews, and Placido Domingo discusses his operatic performances. 62 Peggielene Bartels Episode 6227th February 2012 The Oscars' liberal clusterfarce unfolds, Rick Santorum criticizes Barack Obama's promotion of higher learning, and Peggielene Bartels talks about her kingship. 63 Ross Eisenbrey Episode 6328th February 2012 The Colbert Report airs its 1000th episode, rising oil prices threaten Barack Obama's approval rating, and Ross Eisenbrey examines the problem of unpaid labor. 64 William Shatner Episode 6429th February 2012 Mitt Romney takes Michigan, researchers develop a male birth control pill, and William Shatner revels in his own beauty. 65 Claire Danes Episode 651st March 2012 Republicans eye Jeb Bush as a potential GOP candidate, researchers discover a 3500-year-old "Yo Mama" joke, and Claire Danes discusses mental health. 66 Audra McDonald Episode 665th March 2012 Host Stephen Colbert interviews Audra McDonald and discusses the day's news and important topics. 67 Jonathan Safran Foer Episode 676th March 2012 Stephen prepares a Super Tuesday tailgating party, Attorney General Holder redefines due process, candy bars shrink, and Jonathan Safran Foer talks Passover traditions. 68 Willem Dafoe Episode 687th March 2012 Stephen prepares for Super Tuesday results, CNN visits a virtual Republican National Convention, Iran poses a new threat, and Willem Dafoe goes Martian for "John Carter." 69 Don Fleming, Elvis Costello, & Emmylou Harris Episode 698th March 2012 Stephen prank calls Eric Bolling, is inspired by Herman Cain's avant-garde ad, and talks folk music with Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris and Don Fleming. 70 Katherine Boo Episode 7012th March 2012 The Republican Southern primary leads to blue collar pandering, Dave "Mudcat" Saunders talks Southern strategy, and Katherine Boo discusses poverty and Mumbai's slums. 71 Andrew Bird Episode 7113th March 2012 Seattle's Pop Conference overlooks Stephen's dissertation; Pat Robertson and Muslim-American reality shows pose threats; and Andrew Bird performs "Eyeoneye." 72 Mark McKinnon Episode 7214th March 2012 Greg Smith is a "Banker-dict Arnold," Rick Santorum condemns teleprompters, Kermit the Frog weighs in on the GOP primary race, and Mark McKinnon talks about reforming Congress. 73 Dexter Filkins Episode 7315th March 2012 Stephen is suspicious of geriatric jihadists, Rick Santorum speaks from his heart, and Dexter Filkins tells Stephen why we need other countries. 74 David Page Episode 7426th March 2012 Geraldo Rivera blames the Trayvon Martin shooting on hoodies, Mitt Romney boosts Etch a Sketch sales, and biomedical researcher Dr. David Page defends the Y chromosome. 75 Charles Murray Episode 7527th March 2012 Host Stephen Colbert interviews Charles Murray and discusses the day's news and important topics. 76 Mark Ruffalo Episode 7628th March 2012 The Supreme Court weighs in on Obamacare, a new magazine targets conservative teens, and Mark Ruffalo discusses the dangers of fracking. 77 Peter Beinart Episode 7729th March 2012 Stephen involves college students with Colbert Super PAC, Mitt Romney tries comedy, and Peter Beinart discusses Israel. 78 Gary Johnson Episode 782nd April 2012 College students order up Colbert Super PAC's Super Fun Pack, beef state governors defend pink slime, and Governor Gary Johnson runs as the 2012 Libertarian candidate. 79 Nikki Haley Episode 793rd April 2012 Colbert Super PAC Super Fun Pack adds not-legal advice, Colbert Super PAC SHH! faces scrutiny, Rick Santorum speaks from his heart, and Governor Nikki Haley challenges Stephen. 80 Robert Ballard Episode 804th April 2012 Colbert Super PAC segments earn a Peabody award, Mitt Romney must appeal to Latino voters, Quaker Oats gets a facelift, and deep sea explorer Robert Ballard talks Titanic. 81 Anne Rice Episode 815th April 2012 Unemployment drops, Colbert's Very Wanted tracks a mailbox mutilator, a biker brightens Stephen's commute, and Anne Rice deals with werewolf psychology in "The Wolf Gift." 82 Bob Lutz Episode 829th April 2012 The Easter Bunny meets competition down under, Mitt Romney reaps a potential running mate, Germany's elderly gymnast depresses Stephen, and Bob Lutz talks car business. 83 Richard Hersh Episode 8310th April 2012 Rick Santorum drops his presidential campaign, the EPA sets coal industry regulations, Stephen honors male "Lady Heroes," and Richard Hersh examines higher education. 84 Michelle Obama Episode 8411th April 2012 Troops and their families face unique economic challenges, Stephen trains a Marine to be a pundit, and Michelle Obama voices support for military families. 85 James Cameron Episode 8512th April 2012 Mitt Romney flips the "war on women" script with the help of Hilary Rosen, survivalist singles embrace online dating, and director James Cameron talks "Titanic 3D." 86 Bonnie Raitt Episode 8616th April 2012 The Secret Service commits a sex scandal, Newt Gingrich endorses global gun rights, and blues performer Bonnie Raitt sings from her album "Slipstream." 87 Jonah Lehrer Episode 8717th April 2012 Mitt Romney reveals his prankster side, insects add color to Starbucks drinks, GSA spending sparks outrage, and Jonah Lehrer explores creativity. 88 Arianna Huffington Episode 8818th April 2012 Mitt Romney seeks a bland running mate, Tennessee outlaws "gateway sexual activity" education, survivalists plan for the unthinkable, and Arianna Huffington talks journalism. 89 Tavis Smiley & Cornel West Episode 8919th April 2012 Cory Booker saves one of his constituents, bologna smuggling is on the rise, Time Magazine honors Stephen, and guests Tavis Smiley and Cornel West talk poverty in America. 90 Don McLeroy Episode 9023rd April 2012 Steve Doocy reports on Barack Obama's subtext, Arizona redefines pregnancy, Mitt Romney insults a Pittsburgh bakery, and Don McLeroy discusses textbook standards. 91 Magnus Carlsen Episode 9124th April 2012 Super Tuesday II goes live, Stephen plugs his children's book, Julie Andrews discusses fairy tales, Canada creates a bioluminescent coin, and Magnus Carlsen talks chess. 92 Michael Sandel Episode 9225th April 2012 NASA shuts down its "Spacebook" site, some blame immigrants for global warming, feeding tube diets gain popularity, and Michael Sandel considers market ethics. 93 Jack White Episode 9326th April 2012 Republicans attack Barack Obama's slow jam, Stephen releases the first Super Fun Pack treasure hunt clue, and Jack White discusses his solo album and rare marketing ploy. 94 Diane Keaton Episode 9430th April 2012 Chen Guangcheng escapes house arrest, Missouri wants to outlaw sexuality dialogue in schools, companies offer "concealed carry" clothing, and Diane Keaton promotes her memoir. 95 Carne Ross Episode 951st May 2012 Barack Obama makes an Osama bin Laden ad, Paul Ryan plans cuts to poor people, Rev. Thomas Reese contests Paul Ryan's budget, and Carne Ross recommends leaderless democracy. 96 Jonathan Haidt Episode 962nd May 2012 Designers craft a Richard Branson ice mold, debt collectors infiltrate hospitals, Germany censures Kermit the Frog, and Jonathan Haidt discusses conflict and politics. 97 Lena Dunham Episode 973rd May 2012 Newt Gingrich suspends his campaign and backs Mitt Romney, Stephen tracks a Super PAC rival, Buzz Aldrin presents a space award, and writer Lena Dunham talks "Girls." 98 Andy Cohen Episode 987th May 2012 L.A. teens drink Purell, Joe Biden supports same-sex marriage, Eric McCormack plays a straight man, bears hijack broadcasting, and TV host Andy Cohen talks entertainment. 99 Michelle Alexander Episode 998th May 2012 Billionaires need donor anonymity, Claire McCaskill opposes secret money, Stephen honors the late Maurice Sendak, and Michelle Alexander examines racial inequality. 100 Anna Wintour Episode 1009th May 2012 An ex-Playmate jolts Mexico's debate, North Carolina snubs gay marriage as Barack Obama backs it, Jon McNaughton paints socialist America, and Anna Wintour talks fashion. 101 Dr. Francis Collins Episode 10110th May 2012 Stephen salutes Mother's Day, Barack Obama rejects Jesus, gay strokes and monkeys threaten America, Republicans forge identities, and Francis Collins examines obesit 102 Charlize Theron Episode 10229th May 2012 Donald Trump makes a contentious claim, Egypt kicks off its presidential elections, and Charlize Theron discusses her film "Snow White and the Huntsman." 103 Alan Alda Episode 10330th May 2012 A Mexican cartel burns down PepsiCo, gay bars target bachelorettes, Mitt Romney breaks into iPhone apps, Robert Mugabe heads global tourism, and Alan Alda talks science. 104 Jack Hitt Episode 10431st May 2012 "I Am a Pole (And So Can You!)" gains Best Seller status, the Obama administration redefines "combatants," Michael Bloomberg confronts soda, and Jack Hitt talks amateurism. 105 John Lewis Episode 1054th June 2012 America's leaders talk like teens, North Carolina bans climate change models, Represent-O-Map 6000 fuels BKAD bookings, and John Lewis describes the civil rights movement. 106 Jill Biden Episode 1065th June 2012 The CDC denies the zombie apocalypse, America exports the most sperm, a North Dakota woman marries herself, and Dr. Jill Biden reflects on teaching and troops. 107 Neil Patrick Harris Episode 1076th June 2012 The private sector plans Mars reality TV, Scott Walker prevails in Wisconsin, an Arkansas town bans bingo, Neil Patrick Harris talks theater, and Stephen honors Ray Bradbury. 108 Regina Spektor Episode 1087th June 2012 Pakistan's "Sesame Street" faces corruption, Mitt Romney's house meets critique, a pig divides America, and singer Regina Spektor talks about music and Russia. 109 Martin Sheen Episode 10911th June 2012 Neil deGrasse Tyson wrecks movies, the Church scorns a nun's sex book, Simone Campbell explores service, the Banana Bunker prevents bruising, and Martin Sheen talks acting. 110 Will Allen Episode 11012th June 2012 Mitt Romney owns a competition horse, the U.S. leaks anti-terror info, Barack Obama blunders, Stephen seeks Sweden's Twitter, and Will Allen talks urban farms. 111 Gregg Allman Episode 11113th June 2012 Niagara Falls welcomes a stuntman, cafeteria workers demand expired food, orangutans operate iPads, and Gregg Allman recalls his rock 'n' roll past. 112 Steve Coll Episode 11214th June 2012 Marijuana legalization can win elections, Super PACs raise more money than ad space, Xiaflex treatment corrects curved penises, and Steve Coll examines ExxonMobil. 113 Paul Krugman Episode 11318th June 2012 Barack Obama changes immigration policy, Neil Munro interrupts the president, Sweden confronts Stephen's Twitter-control crusade, and Paul Krugman talks economic strategy. 114 Olivia Wilde Episode 11419th June 2012 John Kerry plays Mitt Romney in practice debates, Stephen invents a dressage tradition, PooPrints tracks suburban dog waste, and Olivia Wilde talks Maxim and politics. 115 Daniel Klaidman Episode 11520th June 2012 Asians outnumber Mexican immigrants, the "Fast and Furious" scandal proves complex, a gun control ad causes controversy, and Daniel Klaidman examines the war on terror. 116 Lawrence Krauss Episode 11621st June 2012 Officials delay Egypt's presidential election, penguins engage in erotic sex, Stephen sings to Sweden's Twitter executives, and Lawrence Krauss discusses the universe. 117 Frank Deford Episode 11725th June 2012 The Supreme Court postpones Obamacare rulings, Mitt Romney asks Florida to limit good jobs news, teens abuse drugs to study better, and Frank Deford explores sports writing. 118 Richard Ford Episode 11826th June 2012 Arizona pursues state immigration laws, Pixar flaunts its gay agenda, Dish Network's AutoHop removes all TV ads, and writer Richard Ford talks about his novel "Canada." 119 Melinda Gates Episode 11927th June 2012 Democrats lack money for the national convention, Mike Turzai sparks Voter ID controversy, Oreo cookies come out of the closet, and Melinda Gates explores family planning. 120 Aaron Sorkin Episode 12028th June 2012 Obamacare passes as constitutional, Republicans slam John Roberts, Emily Bazelon explains the Obamacare tax, and Aaron Sorkin romanticizes TV journalism in "The Newsroom." 121 Anne-Marie Slaughter Episode 12116th July 2012 Katie Holmes divorces Tom Cruise, Mitt Romney retroactively retires from Bain Capital, Starbucks hits funeral homes, and Anne-Marie Slaughter talks career choice and family. 122 Nas Episode 12217th July 2012 Nevada's presidential ballot threatens Mitt Romney, Texas Republicans reject critical thinking education, the Rosenbach Museum honors Stephen, and Nas talks hip-hop. 123 Mayor Annise D. Parker Episode 12318th July 2012 Mitt Romney spotlights struggling waiters, tablet computers go Christian, Def Leppard covers its songs, and Houston Mayor Annise Parker talks business and gay marriage. 124 Lisa Jackson Episode 12419th July 2012 Police bust Fred Willard for lewd conduct, Dave Leonhardt explores the Libor scandal, Canadians out-earn Americans, and Lisa Jackson talks green standards. 125 Vikram Gandhi Episode 12523rd July 2012 Mike Tyson bails on The Report, liberal shills love Shepard Smith, pundits speculate about James Holmes' political ties, and filmmaker Vikram Gandhi explores made-up philosophy. 126 James Fallows Episode 12624th July 2012 Late night television causes depression, America faces a disastrous drought, NASA schedules vegan meals, and James Fallows explores China's aerospace business. 127 Dan Gross Episode 12725th July 2012 Mitt Romney values his Anglo-Saxon heritage, Barack Obama discusses entrepreneurship, "Fifty Shades of Grey" reaches hotels, and Dan Gross shares his gun control campaign. 128 Peter Westmacott Episode 12826th July 2012 Engineers enhance Olympic sounds, Mitt Romney offends England, Chick-Fil-A opposes gay marriage, and Peter Westmacott discusses the summer Olympic games. 129 Joan Rivers Episode 12930th July 2012 Danny Boyle directs the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, Mitt Romney lacks dressage expertise, Tony Robbins' fire stunt burns participants, and Joan Rivers shares her memoir. 130 Jeff Koons Episode 13031st July 2012 Mitt Romney's press secretary lashes out, Rafalca delays Mitt's VP announcement, Colbert Nation plans for StePhest Colbchella '012, and Jeff Koons explores arts education. 131 John Grunsfeld Episode 1311st August 2012 Obamacare mandates birth control coverage, Democrats pass a Democratic tax bill, U.S.women's gymnastics wins Olympic gold, and John Grunsfeld shares NASA's plan for Mars. 132 Chris Hayes Episode 1322nd August 2012 Rafalca finishes one round of Olympic dressage, Russ Carnahan touts Missouri's redistricted district, plants talk to each other, and Chris Hayes describesbe U.S. elitism. 133 Pete Seeger Episode 1336th August 2012 NASA's Curiosity rover reaches Mars, Mike Huckabee's "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" boosts sales, and activist Pete Seeger discusses his music career and upbringing. 134 Mark Shriver Episode 1347th August 2012 Alisyn Camerota criticizes U.S. patriotism, Wikipedia writers sway elections, Steve King defends dogfighting, and Mark Shriver highlights his father's civic influence. 135 Liza Mundy Episode 1358th August 2012 Obamacare increases Papa John's pizza rates, digital pills hold seniors accountable, General Mills backs same-sex marriage, and Liza Mundy examines women in the workforce. 136 Woody Harrelson Episode 1369th August 2012 Michele Bachmann dabbles in McCarthyism, Representative Keith Ellison turns down Mitt Romney, scientists analyze truthiness, and Woody Harrelson talks theater. 137 fun. Episode 13713th August 2012 StePhest Colbchella '012 gets underway, Mitt Romney picks Paul Ryan as his running mate, and fun. reviews their history and hygiene. 138 Grizzly Bear Episode 13814th August 2012 Colbchella '012 launches into night two, Mitt Romney's foreign experience comes into question, celebrities simulate soldiers, and Grizzly Bear describes their indie style. 139 Santigold Episode 13915th August 2012 StePhest Colbchella '012 embarks on night three, U.S. gymnastics' Fierce Five stops by The Report, Stephen visits the USS Intrepid, and Santigold discusses her music. 140 The Flaming Lips Episode 14016th August 2012 Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan connect over policy, GOP Senate candidates challenge the 17th Amendment, and The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne shares his latest album. 141 Andrew Sullivan Episode 14128th August 2012 Hurricane Isaac hits the 2012 GOP convention, Stephen hosts Colbert Super PAC's Convention, Rep. Todd Akin blunders on rape pregnancy, and Andrew Sullivan talks U.S. politics. 142 Jennifer Burns Episode 14229th August 2012 The "Mitt Romney story" storms the GOP convention, Ann Romney tries to reach women voters, Paul Ryan breaks from Ayn Rand, and Jennifer Burns explores Ayn Rand's objectivism. 143 Jon Huntsman Episode 14330th August 2012 Mitt Romney struggles to attract African American voters, Paul Ryan lies in his GOP convention speech, and Jon Huntsman examines campaign finance and the Republican Party. 144 James Carville Episode 14431st August 2012 Mitt Romney wraps up the GOP convention, Clint Eastwood's empty chair joins Stephen, Neil Armstrong passes away, and James Carville talks about the middle class. 145 Reihan Salam Episode 1454th September 2012 The DNC convention begins, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke praises Brooklyn's diversity, Paul Ryan lies about marathon times, and Reihan Salam explores election politics. 146 Michael Grunwald Episode 1465th September 2012 Brit Hume critiques the DNC convention noise level, Michelle Obama rakes in record tweet numbers during her speech, and Michael Grunwald explores the Recovery Act. 147 Bill Richardson Episode 1476th September 2012 Storms disrupt the Democratic National Convention, Bill Clinton delivers a charming speech, Democrats reinstate "God" language, and Bill Richardson talks Hispanic outreach. 148 Ed Rendell Episode 1487th September 2012 A catchy message indulges young voters, Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination, Stephen analyzes both conventions, and Ed Rendell examines government leadership. 149 Drew Faust Episode 14917th September 2012 Rick Santorum errs at a conservative summit, Mitt Romney misconstrues Obama's handling of Libya, Ira Glass calls the Atone Phone, and Drew Faust reviews Civil War history. 150 Jeffrey Toobin Episode 15018th September 2012 USA Today redesigns its logo, Mitt Romney responds to secret fundraiser footage, Apple wins a patent lawsuit, and Jeffrey Toobin details Supreme Court cases. 151 Itzhak Perlman Episode 15119th September 2012 Fox News slams Barack Obama's secret video, Mitt Romney explains what he won't do in office, a papyrus scrap mentions Jesus' wife, and violinist Itzhak Perlman performs live. 152 Errol Morris Episode 15220th September 2012 Vladimir Putin glides with cranes, Mitt Romney tries to sway Hispanics, an amateur painter botches Jesus, and Errol Morris talks Jeffrey MacDonald and filmmaking. 153 Claressa Shields Episode 15325th September 2012 Barack Obama leads Mitt Romney in the polls, Peggy Noonan gives Mitt advice, the NFL lockout bumps up ratings, and boxer Claressa Shields describes a satisfying punch. 154 Jim Holt Episode 15426th September 2012 The world faces an unavoidable bacon shortage, President Obama restores the Ottoman Empire, churchgoers pray for Mitt Romney, and Jim Holt ponders the universe. 155 Vince Gilligan Episode 15527th September 2012 Stephen promotes "America Again," Mitt Romney ignores discouraging polls, Fox News doubts the election forecast, and Vince Gilligan explores his series "Breaking Bad.