Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the men and women who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. So, he started a podcast to do just that. Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way.
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend ad-free and a whole week early.
Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 20min
Bley’s Fastballs Part II
Conan debates the dramatic role that could lure him out of retirement, with a quirky fantasy inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis. He imagines a life as a 19th-century prosthetics maker. The duo dives into fan-suggested roles, hilariously discussing Pippi Longstocking and a reimagined James Bond. A wild mismatched cop movie with Timothy Olyphant takes center stage, exploring comedic dynamics. As the ideas spiral into absurdity, they riff on scenarios like a gigolo roommate and chaotic mishaps, wrapping up with a call for fan contributions.
75 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 7min
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster, the iconic Academy Award–winning actress and filmmaker, joins to share her mixed feelings about friendship with Conan. She reminisces about her childhood acting days, highlighting the supportive environment of 1970s TV. Jodie talks about the transformative experience of filming 'Taxi Driver' and the unique challenges of directing while balancing intention and freedom. She also discusses the impact of speaking French in her latest film, revealing how it enriched her performance and brought a new vulnerability. Their witty banter lightens the deep dive into her artistic journey.
20 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 20min
Bley’s Fastballs Part I
Aaron Bleyaert, a writer and producer celebrated for his comedic segment pitches, joins Conan for a lively discussion. They dive into the art of pitching, with Conan critiquing Aaron's rapid-fire style and advocating for a more measured approach. The banter also touches on quirky retail anecdotes, Sona's new Hyundai Palisade, and fun techniques to enhance pitch delivery. Aaron even showcases a refined idea about Daniel Day-Lewis returning to acting, much to the delight of Conan and the crew, setting the stage for a follow-up.
177 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 1min
Matt Damon
Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon joins Conan O’Brien to share insights into his impressive career and his new film, The Rip. He reveals the humor of sharing a bank account with Ben Affleck in their early days and reminisces about the vulnerabilities of starting in Hollywood. They discuss the challenges of realistic running in films and the unique styles of directors like Clint Eastwood. Matt also reflects on the creative dynamic with Ben and offers thoughts on parenting in the digital age.
19 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 20min
The Jazz Singer
In this lively conversation, jazz singer Lucy shares her journey from Armenia to New York and the passion that led her to choose music over a career in history. She recounts learning English through pop culture, including Conan’s antics. A real treat comes as she teaches Conan the art of scat singing, mixing humor with melody. They delve into blues themes, discussing vulnerability in performance, and Lucy's experiences as an immigrant artist navigating tough choices. Their banter highlights both resilience and the joy of storytelling through music.
21 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 6min
D'Arcy Carden Returns
D'Arcy Carden, the talented actress known for her roles in The Good Place and Barry, shares delightful childhood memories and her journey through musical theater. She recounts a humorous story about performing while her grandfather was recovering from an amputation and reflects on her UCB beginnings that led to her breakthrough in Broad City. The conversation dabbles into D'Arcy's evolving confidence as a performer and her unique perspectives on religion and childhood fears, all wrapped in laughter and insightful anecdotes.
46 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 23min
Scents and Sensibility
Conan chats with Sandra, who traded engineering for a perfume shop. She shares her journey and tips for making TikTok videos go viral to boost her business. Discover the art of urgency and engaging hooks in social media marketing! Sandra also suggests unique fragrances, including cowboy scents for Conan. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn with a humorous mention of a delayed Darth Vader helmet. Finally, Conan expresses support for Sandra's adventurous career switch, adding a light-hearted touch to the episode.
125 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 4min
Paul Rudd Returns Again
Paul Rudd, beloved actor known for his roles in Ant-Man and Anchorman, shares insights on his father's Titanic obsession and hilarious critiques of films. He reminisces about his time at Oxford, reflects on playing goofy characters, and discusses his latest film Anaconda, where he teams up with Jack Black. Their banter includes tales of incompetence in comedy, insights into Toy Story 5, and playful discussions about targeted ads and absurdity in filmmaking. This charming conversation showcases the enduring friendship between Rudd and Conan.
28 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 27min
Limp Paddle With Special Guest D’Arcy Carden
D'Arcy Carden, actor and comedic talent known for her vibrant roles on TV, joins Conan for a lively chat with Derek, a pinball enthusiast and commissioner from the San Francisco pinball league. Derek dives into the competitive pinball scene, sharing strategies and the importance of patience and finesse. He reveals intriguing stories about league culture, the challenges of cheating, and even the thrill of owning unique machines like Jim Henson's Labyrinth. The trio brainstorms what a Conan-themed pinball machine might look like—expect comedic animatronics and risqué imagery!
23 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
James L. Brooks
James L. Brooks, an award-winning director known for classics like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, chats with Conan O'Brien. He reflects on his eclectic journey from a CBS usher to a television visionary. The conversation touches on the cultural impact of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its perfect timing in history. Brooks also shares insights on writing authentic female characters, his transition back to directing with Ella McKay, and the lasting legacy of The Simpsons. Plus, a hilarious hygiene scandal lightens the mood!
