Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend Zach Galifianakis Returns Again
131 snips
May 4, 2026 
Zach Galifianakis, comedian and actor famed for Between Two Ferns and The Hangover films, returns for a freewheeling chat. He revisits early odd jobs and fame, defends comedy that punches up, and shares how gardening became his grounding passion. They also riff on strip-club stories, worries about AI, and workshop playful gala jokes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Between Two Ferns Legacy
- Conan cites Between Two Ferns as a standout piece of Zach's work that endures and changed expectations for celebrity interviews.
- Zach admits he resents the piece a little because of its prominence but acknowledges its comedic power.
Fame Magnifies Who You Already Are
- Conan describes fame as a magnifying lens that intensifies preexisting traits—gratitude, insecurity, or anger—rather than creating them.
- He observed Zach's groundedness as evidence that success didn't fundamentally change his character.
Strip Club Busboy Days
- Zach worked as a busboy at Stringfellows in New York, wearing a cummerbund and using a crumber while dealing with intimidating coworkers and patrons.
- He recalls a blizzard day, a coworker losing $1,000, and the club being shut down by the feds the same day.