Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Conan O'Brien and comedian Andy Daly connect with Peter, a caller from Framingham, Massachusetts, who works for the CPCS Innocence Program—an organization that uses DNA evidence to exonerate the wrongly convicted. The trio explores the surprising places investigators find DNA, from discarded items to everyday objects, injecting humor into the serious business of justice. They also reflect on how comedy can serve as a bridge during difficult discussions, drawing on their own experiences as performers.

Conan O'Brien welcomes Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, for a nostalgic conversation about the early days of The Simpsons writers' room, the challenge of sustaining comedy over 800+ episodes, and the endless comedic potential of Futurama's sci-fi setting. Sona later recounts a botched attempt to have Conan's food delivered, adding a moment of behind-the-scenes chaos.

Conan O'Brien, Sona Movsesian, and Matt Gourley reunite with their spouses Liza, Tak, and Amanda for a conversation about marriage and family life, wrapping up the Summer S’pouses series.

Comedian and actor Andy Daly returns to Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend for another conversation. They cover Daly's surprisingly physical relationship with his pets, a look back at his self-described controversial high school persona, and the early comedic moments that set him on his path in comedy. Conan's team also shares the story of how they came to lend their voices to the animated Disney series Big City Greens.

Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend's Summer S'pouses series continues with an episode featuring only the spouses. Liza, Tak, and Amanda sit down together to discuss the unexpected ways the podcast has altered their lives. The episode gives the show's extended circle a turn as the main voices, away from the usual hosting format.

John Cena joins Conan to talk about his unlikely career trajectory from professional wrestling to comedy acting. He explains how the theatrics of wrestling prepared him for comedic timing and performance. Cena also shares strategies for reducing self-sabotage and adopting a long-term perspective in both personal and professional life. The conversation touches on his voice role in the animated film Coyote vs. Acme.

Conan O'Brien's wife, Liza, joins him alongside Sona and Matt for an intimate and humorous conversation about the realities of being married to Conan. She discusses his extremely rigid and peculiar approach to food—eating the same thing every day and the social awkwardness it creates. The episode blends self-deprecating humor with genuine affection, revealing how Liza navigates his eccentricities and what it's like to be the anchor for a larger-than-life personality.

Gillian Anderson joins Conan to discuss her career, from playing Agent Scully on The X-Files to portraying Margaret Thatcher on The Crown, and her new book about anonymous sexual fantasies. Plus, Conan and Sona take a platonic friendship quiz.

Tak Boroyan, Sona Movsesian's spouse, joins Conan, Matt, and Sona for the third installment of the Summer S'pouses series. He discusses emigrating from Soviet Armenia at a young age and adjusting to life as Sona's partner. The conversation covers their first date and his favorite music to play, which Sona cannot stand.

Actress and writer Greta Lee joins Conan to discuss her Korean-American upbringing and the experience of moving from a deeply Korean childhood to the Midwest. She reflects on the impact of her acclaimed role in the 2023 film Past Lives and how audiences have connected with it, and previews her upcoming Netflix film The Last House. The conversation is lighthearted and includes a celebration of Sona’s husband Tak’s recent black belt achievement.

Comedian Amanda Lund joins Conan to talk about enthusiastically embracing the role of being Matt Gourley’s spouse, her past performing as a Disney princess at Tokyo Disney, her satire of 'The Total Woman,' and a shocking secret side hustle that Matt has been keeping.

Ice Cube joins Conan to share the serendipitous origins of his rap career in a typewriting class, his time with N.W.A. and the guiding vision of Eazy‑E that propelled the group to global fame, and his pivot into sports entrepreneurship with the creation of the BIG3 basketball league. The conversation reveals how foundational skills, bold leadership, and a willingness to reinvent a traditional sport shaped one of hip-hop’s most enduring icons.

Conan, Sona, and Matt prepare for the first episode of a new summer series where their spouses join the podcast. They discuss what to expect and get ready for the special occasion.

Leslie Jones returns to discuss her ideal partner, her fascination with serial killers, her friendship with Kenan Thompson, and her new HGTV show Roast My Rental. The conversation reveals Leslie's conflicted feelings about her friendship with Conan and explores her personality through personal anecdotes and aspirations.

Conan speaks with Josh, a master blade smith from Liverpool, NY, about the craft of knife-making. The conversation explores what makes a perfect knife, the technical and aesthetic considerations in blade design, and the obsessive attention to detail required to create functional art from steel.

Molly Shannon returns to discuss her rule-breaking youth, creative approaches to managing anxiety and stress, and her decades-long friendship with Will Ferrell, including their new Netflix series The Hawk. The episode touches on her creative processes and the unexpected corners of internet culture surrounding Conan's work.

Conan O'Brien opens packages of Toy Story 5 merchandise featuring his character Smarty Pants. He jokes and contemplates how the movie might introduce his comedy to a whole new, younger audience.

Mick Jagger sits down with Conan to discuss the Rolling Stones' 25th studio album Foreign Tongues, his six-decade career at the forefront of rock music, the friendly creative competition with peers like David Bowie and John Lennon, and the tension between living in the present moment while drawing inspiration from the past. Jagger reflects on longevity, artistic evolution, and what it means to remain relevant across generations.

Conan talks with Brian, a professional wedding vow writer, about the craft of writing meaningful speeches for weddings. They discuss why sincerity matters more than cleverness, the most awkward and revealing moments Brian has witnessed during speeches, and what makes a wedding vow actually land with an audience.

Danny McBride returns to discuss his creative journey across comedy, television, and literature. The conversation ranges from formative childhood cartoons to pitching film ideas directly to directors like John Carpenter, and how his experience writing for television shaped his approach to crafting his short story collection Thrilling Tales of Modern Men.

In this short comedic installment, Conan faces the daunting task of picking an edible from his assistant Sona’s massive gift box. As the third entry in the recurring ‘Edibles’ series, the bit mines humor from the absurd stress of having too many fun options.

Eric Andre returns to chat with Conan about his mental health, his unusual Uber conversation preferences, and his new film Little Brother with John Cena. The conversation touches on the personal side of a comedian known for chaotic energy, and the gang wraps up with a Review the Reviewer segment that imagines Conan as a Terminator.

Conan O'Brien and his assistant and co-host Sona Movsesian record an episode from the backseat of a car as they drive through Morocco to Marrakesh, discussing their recent travel experiences and adventures.

Singer-songwriter Josh Groban joins Conan to reflect on his breakout moment at 16 performing with Céline Dion at the Grammys, his creative evolution as an artist, and his comedic interests. They discuss his latest album Cinematic, which features his dad on trumpet, and Conan gets a first look at his character's toy from the upcoming Toy Story 5.

Conan sits down with kinetic sculptor Breakfast to discuss the art and engineering behind moving sculptures. They explore the process of designing large-scale kinetic pieces, including a ambitious 50-foot sphere installation for cruise ships, and what it takes to make art that moves—literally and emotionally.

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka joins Conan to discuss her stand-up special Father, her childhood experience being kidnapped by her grandmother to the United States, learning humor as a survival mechanism within her family, the lasting bonds formed through cheerleading, and the absurdity of internet reviews. Okatsuka brings sharp observational comedy rooted in her multicultural upbringing and family dynamics.

Conan chats with Zach, a self-taught animator from Ohio, about the unconventional moment he proposed to his partner beneath a rare cosmic event and his creative venture designing a trading card game from scratch. The conversation captures the intersection of personal milestone and creative ambition—two things Zach has pursued with equal intensity.

Patton Oswalt returns to discuss his new special Tea & Scotch, the absurdity of modern press tours, his obsession with Martin and Lewis knock-offs, and the paradoxical comfort found in being overwhelmed. The conversation explores how comedians navigate promotional cycles and the appeal of classic comedy partnerships in contemporary culture.

Conan interviews Brooke, an intimacy coordinator in New York City, about her work choreographing sex scenes on film and television. They discuss closure practices that protect actors' emotional and physical boundaries, common mistakes filmmakers make when depicting intimate moments, and how professional coordination has transformed on-set safety and authenticity.

Conan O'Brien delivers Harvard's 2026 commencement address, reflecting on his career in late-night television and the lessons learned from public failure, career pivots, and the importance of authenticity over external achievement.

Andrew Scott joins Conan to discuss his film Pressure and his relationship with Shakespeare as both actor and adapter. They explore the tension between academic over-analysis of Shakespeare and the lived experience of performing his work, Scott's one-man adaptation of Vanya where he plays every role, and the craft of portraying morally complex characters—people who are good without being conventionally nice. Conan shares a personal technique for entering a meditative state.

Conan chats with Micah, a collections manager at the Center For Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, about the surprisingly intricate world of puppet conservation and maintenance. The conversation explores how puppets—especially iconic ones like Big Bird—require specialized care, the niche communities that form around puppetry fandom, and what it's actually like to steward cultural artifacts that millions of people grew up with.

Actress Olivia Munn joins Conan to discuss her journey breaking her family's mold to pursue acting, the unexpected core memories she's creating for her children through everyday moments, and her advocacy for breast cancer awareness following her own diagnosis. The conversation weaves personal storytelling with Conan's signature humor, including a segment where he tests his grasp of modern slang.

In this short episode, Conan O'Brien opens up about why he resists his assistant Sona Movsesian's invitations to indulge in edibles and other hedonistic pleasures. He traces his cautiousness to a complex family history, exploring how early experiences can shape adult behavior. The conversation is lighthearted but reveals a deeper psychological thread about risk, identity, and the pull of family patterns. It’s a candid moment that shows a different side of Conan beyond the usual jokes.

Charlie Puth joins Conan to discuss his latest album Whatever's Clever! and his worldwide tour. They explore how musicians use sound to shift room energy, the dangers of self-centered artistry, and what it takes to sustain a creative career in music.

Conan sits down with Jessica, an OBGYN from New Jersey, for a humorous and educational conversation about human reproductive anatomy. The episode captures Conan's comedic approach to learning about a subject most people don't discuss openly, with Jessica providing straightforward medical explanations while Conan mines the interaction for laughs.

Billie Eilish returns to discuss her parents' nearly-chosen name for her, her collaborative work co-directing her concert film with James Cameron, and her commitment to staying connected with her audience through authentic communication.

Conan talks with Cooper, an architectural historian from Ohio, about the process of nominating buildings to the historic registry. The conversation explores what makes a building worthy of preservation and includes a playful exercise where Conan imagines what type of building he would be.

Zach Galifianakis returns to the podcast, this time opening up about his earliest days working as a busboy in a strip club, the duty he feels comics have to challenge authority, and the surprising passion that led to his new show This Is a Gardening Show. The conversation touches on the formative power of humbling jobs and the role of comedy in speaking truth to power. Galifianakis reveals a more serene side as he describes the meditative joy he finds in gardening, contrasting with his chaotic on-screen persona.

Conan interviews Phillip from Colonial Williamsburg about the unexpected dangers and discoveries of relic hunting. They discuss how treasure hunters sometimes unearth live ordnance alongside historical artifacts, and why leaving holes unfilled creates hazards for the community. A humorous deep dive into an overlooked occupational hazard.

Ike Barinholtz joins Conan to discuss his game show victories, lessons learned from performing in Amsterdam's comedy scene, the creation of his character Sal Saperstein in The Studio, and his new podcast Funny You Ask. David Melmed also provides insights on podcast-related tax write-offs.

Conan and executive producer Jeff Ross discuss the current state of the entertainment industry, its structural challenges, and why certain formats work for certain personalities. The conversation touches on what makes talk shows viable in the modern era and the mismatch between Conan's comedic sensibility and daytime television conventions.

Actor, director, and writer Dan Levy feels thrilled, titillated, excited, and stimulated about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan stares down the possibility of expanding his mind with edible cannabis recommendations from his staff. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Actor David Oyelowo feels Conan-ified about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. David joins Conan once more to discuss his accidental introduction to the stage, nearly getting slapped by Oprah while filming The Butler, and exploring life after a wrongful incarceration in his latest film Newborn.

Conan talks to Reginald from New Haven Connecticut about a past mistake that led him to a life of enrichment, education, and eventually the founding of FreedomReads.org, a non-profit that transforms the experience of incarceration by opening libraries in cellblocks.

Elizabeth Banks feels blessed about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Elizabeth sits down with Conan to talk about actually being Conan’s friend, her experience working on Wet Hot American Summer, and her new Peacock series The Miniature Wife.

To celebrate the WWE debut of the very first CONAFan guest, Conan revisits his conversation with professional wrestler Danhausen. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Comedian, actor, and talk show host Arsenio Hall feels relieved about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan talks to Mike from Ontario about working as a conservation authority (and former polar bear monitor), training bald eagles, and bear escape tactics. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan?

Documentarian Ken Burns feels hopeful about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Ken sits down with Conan to discuss his latest docuseries The American Revolution, the historical myth of “us vs. them", and how his 1990 series The Civil War brought a recent American folk tune into cultural ubiquity.

Conan sits down with staff writer Laurie Kilmartin about her journey from college swimming to performing standup four nights a week, how to keep Conan entertained by his own jokes, and why writing for the Oscars is a lot like computer coding. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan?

Lisa Kudrow feels still really good about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan talks to staff writer Skyler Higley about his origin story, writing eye catching comedic headlines, and takeaways from last year’s Oscars. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com. Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847.

Actor and comedian Wanda Sykes feels indifferent about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Wanda sits down with Conan once more to discuss honing her comedy chops while working at the NSA, being tricked into auditioning for Curb Your Enthusiasm, and her first foray into drama with her new movie Undercard.

Conan sits down with staff writer Todd Levin to discuss his trajectory as a comedy writer, Minty the Candy Cane, and making things needlessly complicated. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan?

Actor, producer, and television host Johnny Knoxville feels harder than a turnbuckle about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan sits down with comic and staff writer Brian Kiley for a look back on their storied partnership over the years. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Comedian and actor Denis Leary feels like he could give a f*** about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan talks to film preservationist Joey in Toronto about working on famous home movie collections and uncovering remarkable footage of his own grandparents. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan?

Actress Halle Berry feels still ghosted about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan and special guest Kevin Nealon chat with luchador Chris from Tucson about his wrestling persona The Prophet, his new agua frescas line, and what Conan and Kevin’s wrestling tag team duo would be called. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan?

Comedian Kevin Nealon feels nothing about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan talks to Noah in Woburn, MA about working as a condom size specialist and the latest developments in condom technology. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Filmmaker Josh Safdie feels like a liar saying he feels anything about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan chats with clown Mathew in Australia about working in a multi-generational circus family. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Singer-songwriter Charli XCX feels nervous about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan carefully considers what dramatic role he’d come out of acting retirement for. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Actress and filmmaker Jodie Foster feels ambivalent about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.

Conan helps Aaron Bleyaert improve the quality of his segment pitches for the podcast. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Actor Matt Damon feels good about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Matt sits down with Conan to discuss sharing a bank account with Ben Affleck at the start of their careers, the key to running convincingly in movies, his latest film The Rip, and more.

Conan talks to jazz singer Lucy in New York City about vocal scat technique and the themes of her favorite tunes. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Actress D’Arcy Carden feels literally very happy about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. D’Arcy sits down with Conan once more to discuss childhood tales of musical theater and grandpa’s leg, coming up with her UCB contemporaries, and interacting with religious tradition from an adult point of view.

Conan talks to Sandra from Lakewood, CA about running a perfume shop and tips for getting a TikTok to go viral. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App!

Actor Paul Rudd feels right chuffed about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Paul sits down with Conan once more to discuss his father’s obsession with the Titanic, playing low-authority goofballs in Anchorman and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and teaming up with Jack Black in his latest film Anaconda.

Al Pacino discusses his memoir Sonny Boy, his approach to acting, and the loneliness of fame. A surprisingly vulnerable conversation with one of the greatest actors alive.

Larry David discusses the end of Curb Your Enthusiasm, his friendship with Jerry Seinfeld, his pathological inability to be polite, and why he believes discomfort is the wellspring of all comedy.

Walton Goggins discusses his breakout role in Fallout, his decades as a character actor, and why being unknown for 20 years was the best preparation for sudden fame at 52.

Tom Hanks joins Conan for a wide-ranging conversation about his new novel, his relationship with fame, why he still gets nervous before every role, and the friendship rituals that have kept him grounded for four decades in Hollywood.

Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson discuss their 40-year friendship, aging in Hollywood, and why their bond has outlasted every marriage, career setback, and industry change they've experienced.

Comedy legend Carol Burnett, at 90, discusses her career, the loss of her daughter Carrie, and why she believes kindness is the most underrated quality in show business. Conan is visibly moved.

Conan interviews President Joe Biden at the White House — a surreal, funny, and unexpectedly moving conversation about grief, friendship, aging, and the absurdity of the presidency.