10 Best Episodes of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend
How would you feel about being Conan O’Brien’s friend? Produced by Earwolf and Team Coco, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is an opportunity for the comedian and talk show host to have more in-depth conversations with his celebrity guests, and maybe strike up a friendship along the way. Co-hosted by Conan’s assistant Sona Movsesian and producer Matt Gourley, and featuring guests like Marc Maron, Bill Burr, Timothy Olyphant, and Bill Hader, Conan’s podcast feels like eavesdropping on a great hangout between hilarious and interesting people.
Last Updated: Aug 23rd, 2021
1) David Sedaris
In this delightful episode, Conan is joined by legendary author and humorist David Sedaris. Their winding conversation covers everything from cheap people to colonoscopies to handling criticism and hate. David also discusses his new book, Calypso, and what it’s like to write about your family. From their conversation, it’s clear how much respect Conan has for David, and hearing the two talk so openly and honestly is a breath of fresh air.
2) Ali Wong
Despite a hilarious indirect encounter at a gym, Conan and the comedian Ali Wong have never actually talked to each other before this podcast episode. This laugh-out-loud episode with the leopard print-wearing standup comedian, “Always Be My Maybe” actor, and best-selling writer dives into embarrassing parent stories, farts, Netflix’s metrics hostage, and what it means to be an Asian American comedian. By the end of their chat, you’ll agree that Conan and Ali should definitely be friends in real life.
3) Timothy Olyphant
Actor Timothy Olyphant joins his real life buddy Conan O’Brien in this early episode of the podcast. Despite being actual buddies who hang out, hear why Olyphant feels “eh” about Conan’s friend. You’ll be rolling on the floor laughing when the “Deadwood” actor hilariously hijacks the podcast to sell fake podcast ads while eating a selection of fruit. They also discuss why Conan is like Gwenyth Paltrow with quick wit, whether Olyphant is as chill as he actually looks, and why this episode is — in Conan’s opinion — the worst on his show ever.
4) Kumail Nanjiani
Comedian, actor, and writer Kumail Nanjiani feels apologetic about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Kumail sits down with Conan to discuss his recent absence on the television program, coming fr...Show More
5) Stephen Colbert
Comedian, writer, and television host Stephen Colbert feels cool about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Stephen and Conan sit down this week to chat about bonding like brothers, growing a sustai...Show More
6) Tom Hanks
Actor Tom Hanks feels grand about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Tom sits down with Conan to talk about recovering from COVID-19 in Australia, writing the screenplay for his new WWII-era film G...Show More
7) Jim Gaffigan
Comedian Jim Gaffigan feels like Nikki Glaser felt about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Jim and Conan sit down to talk about showbiz friendships, the power of bragging, drinking options, and pr...Show More
8) Judd Apatow
Writer/director/producer Judd Apatow does not feel hopeful about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Judd sits down with Conan to talk about using silence in their work, lifting up comedy stars like...Show More
9) Malcolm Gladwell
Author and journalist Malcolm Gladwell feels pressured into being Conan O’Brien’s friend. Malcolm and Conan sit down to talk about Malcolm’s new book Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about...Show More
10) John Mulaney
Comedian John Mulaney feels falsely modest about being Conan O’Brien’s friend. John and Conan sit down to talk about growing up in a family trapped in the 1950s, the power of dressing well, f...Show More
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