Conan O'Brien: The fanboy's dream interview with a rock legend
Conan O'Brien expresses his immense excitement and honor at interviewing Mick Jagger, calling it a 'bucket list' moment. He recounts the surreal experience of being invited to London for the interview, highlighting his long-standing admiration for Jagger and The Rolling Stones.
Conan O'Brien: Navigating the chaotic early days of The Rolling Stones
Conan O'Brien reflects on the intense and often hostile environment The Rolling Stones faced in their early years, particularly in America. He notes how the media and public perceived them as 'freaks' and 'punks before punks,' a stark contrast to their current iconic status, highlighting the dramatic shift in their reception over six decades.
Vocal Mastery: The Art of Falsetto and Beyond
Mick Jagger discusses his vocal abilities, particularly his ease with falsetto on 'Foreign Tongues,' which he learned from soul singer Don Cave. He clarifies that while consistent falsetto is manageable, the true challenge lies in seamlessly transitioning between falsetto and his regular voice, a technique mastered by artists like Al Green. Jagger actively studies and practices these vocal nuances, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. This dedication to vocal craft, even after decades, showcases his pursuit of artistic excellence. His ongoing efforts to refine his technique reveal a deep respect for the art of singing.
Aaron Bleyaert establishes a strict rule for trilogies: all films within the core series must be counted, preventing cherry-picking of only the best installments. This means franchises with numerous entries, like Star Wars or Fast & Furious, are problematic if not all films are considered good. The discussion highlights the difficulty in defining a 'trilogy' when a franchise expands significantly beyond three films, leading to debates about what constitutes the core narrative.
John Wick: A Quadrology of Action Mastery
Eduardo Perez selects John Wick, acknowledging it as a 'quadrology' rather than a strict trilogy, but arguing for its inclusion due to its consistent quality and groundbreaking action. He praises the intricate world-building, the stylized fight choreography, and Keanu Reeves's iconic portrayal. The series' ability to deliver relentless, high-stakes action across multiple installments makes it a standout in the modern action genre, even if it technically exceeds the trilogy format.
Mad Max: Fury Road's Fiery Brilliance
Mad Max: Fury Road is a standout film, a true spectacle of post-apocalyptic cinema that pushes the boundaries of action and visual storytelling. Its sheer intensity and unique world-building make it a top-tier entry in the genre.
Bergen humorously recounts brief dating experiences with both a young Donald Trump, whom she found to be ostentatious, and Henry Kissinger, whom she describes as charming and intelligent company. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into her social life during her younger years.
Murphy Brown's Legacy and Beyond
Bergen discusses the success of 'Murphy Brown,' a show for which she won five Emmys, and the subsequent interest from '60 Minutes' in her as a journalist. This highlights her significant impact on television and her potential as a respected figure in media.
The Love of Her Life: Louis Malle
Candice Bergen reflects on her deep connection with French filmmaker Louis Malle, whom she describes as cultivated, educated, and charming. Their relationship, which began after meeting at a party, was a significant chapter in her life, marked by shared experiences and his celebrated filmmaking career.
Danny McBride humorously begins by stating he feels 'thrilling' to be Conan O'Brien's friend, a playful misstatement that sets a lighthearted tone for the interview. Conan playfully questions this choice of word, suggesting it implies a lack of genuine personal connection and more of a performative stance.
Danny McBride: The Ink-Stained Creative
Danny McBride reveals a peculiar habit of constantly having ink on his hands, stemming from his love for writing with a fountain pen. He describes the tactile nature of writing and doodling, even admitting to using a fountain pen gifted by Jeff Ross. This detail serves as a quirky personal insight into his creative process, contrasting with Conan's suggestion to embrace digital tools like the Kindle Scribe.
Conan O'Brien: Civil War History and Dark Humor
Conan O'Brien, a self-proclaimed history buff, shares a personal anecdote about a trip with his wife to Civil War sites, including Andersonville. He humorously recounts his wife's reaction to his morbid interest in the brutal history, contrasting his desire to visit historical sites with her preference for luxury and relaxation, highlighting his unique blend of historical fascination and dark humor.
Sona Movsesian: The Perils of Writing and Motherhood
Writing a book, especially one as personal as 'World's Worst Mom,' presents unique challenges. Sona Movsesian found the word count daunting for her first book and discovered that writing about motherhood is more vulnerable than writing about her previous role as an assistant, fearing judgment from her children.
Disney's Unintentional Scares
Several Disney animated films, not intended to be scary, inadvertently traumatized childhood viewers with their bizarre or unsettling imagery. Examples include the 'Night on Bald Mountain' sequence in Fantasia, the drug-like 'Pink Elephants on Parade' in Dumbo, and the death of Mufasa in The Lion King, which left an entire generation hardened.
The Shining's Lingering Disturbing Imagery
The scene featuring a naked, elderly woman in The Shining is recalled as a particularly disturbing and potentially arousing image that has stuck with viewers since childhood. This type of unsettling, ambiguous imagery from horror films can create complex and lasting psychological impressions.
True fortune in life stems not from luck but from a conscious choice to seek and acknowledge the good that already exists. This perspective encourages individuals to contribute positively, humming a 'kind note' that makes a difference, thereby embracing a philosophy of gratitude and purposeful living.
Mary Steenburgen & Alfre Woodard: Fighting Apartheid
Both Alfre Woodard and Mary Steenburgen were actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement, organizing efforts and confronting political figures like Senator Pete Wilson. Their shared commitment highlights a powerful intersection of personal conviction and public action, demonstrating how artists can leverage their influence for significant social causes.
Woodard's Portrayal of Winnie Mandela
Afre Woodard's portrayal of Winnie Mandela in a film allowed her to connect with the activist on a human level, understanding the complexities of her life and the abuse she endured. This artistic endeavor fostered a lasting friendship and provided a nuanced perspective on Mandela's resilience.
Conan O'Brien admits to a lack of genuine interest and knowledge regarding the World Cup, making it a challenging topic for the podcast, especially given the recording's distance from the actual event. He acknowledges that neither he nor his co-hosts are well-versed in soccer, leading to a humorous attempt to discuss it with limited expertise.
Andre's Absurdist Humor and Creative Process
Eric Andre discusses his unique approach to comedy, which often involves surrealism and pushing boundaries. He mentions his new album 'Film Scores for Films That Don't Exist' and his early musical training, highlighting a serious artistic foundation beneath his chaotic persona. Andre also touches on his experiences at Berkeley College of Music, humorously noting his dedication to playing the Seinfeld theme.
Andre's New Film 'Little Brother' and Stunt Work
Eric Andre discusses his new movie 'Little Brother,' starring alongside John Cena. He describes the film as featuring highly physical and cartoonish scenes, but clarifies that due to his age, he now uses a body double for the most dangerous stunts, humorously comparing himself to Tom Cruise in his commitment to secrecy about stunt performers.
The core debate revolves around defining what constitutes a 'duo' in film. The hosts establish that romantic couples are excluded, emphasizing that duos must work together towards a common goal, even if they start as adversaries. This distinction separates 'couples' from 'duos,' setting the stage for their selections.
Lethal Weapon: The Archetypal Cop Duo
Andrew Gruss argues for the 'Lethal Weapon' duo (Gibson and Glover) as a strong contender, emphasizing their role in popularizing the buddy cop genre. He highlights Danny Glover's 'straight man' dynamic as crucial to Mel Gibson's wild character, suggesting their chemistry and the film's success paved the way for similar cinematic pairings.
The SNL Duo Pipeline: From Blues Brothers to Bill & Ted
The conversation shifts to the legacy of SNL-born duos, drawing parallels between The Blues Brothers and Wayne and Garth. The hosts express a desire for SNL to create new iconic character duos, acknowledging the challenges of casting and timing in the show's ever-changing landscape. This leads to an honorable mention of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi from 'The Karate Kid' as a compelling, unexpected pick.
Norton reflects on Marlon Brando's early activism for civil rights and Native American rights, admiring his courage and bluntness, but also notes Brando's later disillusionment with his craft and fame, which led him to disparage his own art and lose faith in its power.
Edward Norton's Surfing Adventures
Edward Norton shares vivid anecdotes about his surfing experiences, including a remarkable day at Teahupo'o in Tahiti where the wave conditions were unusually safe, allowing him and Charlie McDowell to surf it without the usual crowds or danger.
Edward Norton: 'The Invite' as a Creative Triumph
Edward Norton describes 'The Invite' as one of the most creatively satisfying and joyful experiences of his career, likening the collective energy to that of 'Birdman' and 'Fight Club,' but with an added sense of operating without a net in a terrain of uncertainty and discovery.
Conan O'Brien and Josh Groban discuss a viral video of a robot kicking a child. O'Brien expresses fascination with the robot's subsequent retreat, questioning if it felt shame, while Groban humorously suggests the child might have 'had it coming.' The conversation touches on the dark nature of such content and how algorithms can surface disturbing videos, leading to a discussion about online bullying and the anonymity of modern interactions compared to past forms of harassment.
The Grammy Gamble
At 16, Josh Groban was unexpectedly asked by producer David Foster to step in for Andrea Bocelli and sing 'The Prayer' with Celine Dion at the Grammys, a moment that could have defined his career but which he initially doubted his ability to perform due to insecurity about his voice and the business.
Navigating the Abyss
Groban candidly discusses battling anxiety and depression, attributing his avoidance of substance abuse partly to the pressure of maintaining his vocal performance, which he felt would be compromised by drugs or alcohol. He contrasts this with the common industry path of self-medication.
Henry Winkler reveals that his early struggles with dyslexia and his parents' disappointment led him to feel like a failure and an outsider, despite his later fame. He felt like a 'kid looking in the glass,' not truly part of the success he was experiencing. This internal struggle persisted for decades, even as he achieved widespread recognition.
Winkler's Hopi Cultural Immersion
Henry Winkler shares a deeply personal story about visiting Hopi villages in Arizona with his family, facilitated by his father's work as a museum director. Despite the cultural barriers and restrictions on photography, Winkler was granted special access to witness sacred Kachina dances and received a profound gift of freshly baked bread from a Hopi grandmother, an experience he considers one of the greatest honors of his life.
Henry Winkler: The Directing Detour
Henry Winkler recounts his struggles and eventual abandonment of a directing career, despite early successes like an Emmy win. He details directing projects like 'Memories of Me' and 'Cop and a Half,' which did not lead to sustained opportunities, culminating in being fired from a project after only 13 days. This period was marked by frustration and a feeling of being stuck, leading him to cut ties with directing.
Conan O'Brien muses on hypothetical scenarios for his final days, including taking up smoking for the 'cool factor' or experiencing heroin, contrasting these with more conventional 'last meal' fantasies. He even conceptualizes a 'Death Row' restaurant where patrons can order their final meal before a simulated execution, which ultimately leads to a valet handing them their car keys. This dark humor explores the human fascination with the forbidden and the absurdities of life and death.
Atsuko Okatsuka's Unique Origin Story
Atsuko Okatsuka was born in Taiwan to a Taiwanese mother and Japanese father, but her early life was marked by her mother's schizophrenia and her grandmother's strategic efforts to facilitate a marriage and move to Japan. Her birth itself was unconventional, with an uncle assisting, and her father was absent due to a rocky relationship. This complex family dynamic and relocation set the stage for a childhood far from typical.
The Silent Dinners and Early Humor
Okatsuka describes her family dinners as intensely silent, almost like a funeral, where any noise or conversation was startling. To cope with this oppressive quiet and make the environment easier for herself, she began making small jokes. Her sarcastic comment after one such dinner, 'Well, that was really fun. We should do it again,' elicited a rare laugh from her uncle, marking an early instance of her humor breaking through the family's stoicism.
Timothy Simons recounts the bizarre and enduring legacy of a commercial he worked on early in his career, which gained notoriety and even inspired erotic fanfiction. The commercial's unexpected cultural footprint, spanning 15 years and multiple media retellings, highlights how art can take on a life of its own, often in unforeseen ways. This phenomenon underscores the unpredictable nature of cultural impact and the subjective interpretations that can arise from creative works.
The Paradox of Fame: Validation vs. Substance
Timothy Simons reflects on his experience with fame, noting that while recognition can be a 'nice pick-me-up,' he actively tries to steer his teenage children away from chasing external validation. He contrasts his own grounded upbringing in a small Maine town with the Los Angeles environment, emphasizing the 'intoxicant' of public approval. Simons stresses the importance of focusing on the 'good thing'—the work itself—rather than the fleeting affirmation, a lesson learned through his own career trajectory and observations.
The Economy of Comedy: Lessons from 'Cheers'
Reflecting on the 'Cheers' pilot, Timothy Simons praises its masterful economy in storytelling and performance, citing specific examples like Ted Danson's brief explanation for leaving baseball. Simons believes he might have 'put too much sauce' on similar jokes, highlighting the power of understated delivery. He admires the show's willingness to tackle dark themes early on and its respect for the audience's intelligence, a quality he feels is sometimes lacking in contemporary television.
Conan O'Brien and his team revisit a past incident where Sona Movsesian called Conan a "little bitch" during a cornhole game. Initially, Conan believed Sona would never use such harsh language, but footage revealed she did so twice. Sona defends her actions by stating she was drinking and competitive, suggesting that alcohol loosens inhibitions and can reveal true feelings, even if forgotten later. This incident serves as a humorous exploration of competitive dynamics and the effects of alcohol on behavior.
Conan O'Brien: The 3 AM Africa Text Thread
Conan O'Brien recounts a humorous anecdote about being in Africa for a travel show shoot and receiving late-night texts from his friends discussing obscure comedians like Soupy Sales and the Ritz Brothers. Despite being in the 'cradle of civilization,' his focus was pulled to these niche internet rabbit holes, illustrating the pervasive and sometimes absurd nature of online communities and shared obsessions, even in remote locations.
Conan O'Brien: The Gatekeeper Era vs. The Internet Age
Conan O'Brien reflects on the shift from an era with strong gatekeepers in media to the current internet age. While acknowledging the increased access for creators, he expresses concern that the immediate filming capabilities of today mean many artists bypass the years of 'wilderness' needed to develop an authentic persona, leading them to get 'stuck in a very early persona.' He uses the example of The Beatles, suggesting their early, raw performances might have been overexposed before their iconic evolution.
John C. Reilly: Spreading Love Through 'Mr. Romantic'
John C. Reilly created his performance art show, 'Mr. Romantic,' as a way to spread love and empathy in a weary world. The show features him as a character who travels the world in a steamer trunk, seeking to fall in love with someone in the audience each night. This concept aims to unite the audience and create a present moment free from past or future concerns, offering a form of pure theater that has given his life meaning.
Ted Danson: The Unscripted Connection
Ted Danson highlights the genuine nature of his relationship with his wife, Mary Steenburgen, by sharing an unscripted phone call during the interview. He also reflects on his own career longevity and the search for meaning, drawing parallels to Reilly's artistic journey. Danson's personal anecdotes and his admiration for Reilly's work underscore the authentic and engaging nature of their conversation.
Chicago Roots and Feminist Mentors
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side in the 60s and 70s, John C. Reilly describes a childhood of freedom and community, playing outdoors until curfew. His path into acting was significantly influenced by mentors at the Chicago Park District and, more profoundly, by the feminist educators at Mother McAuley, a liberal arts high school run by nuns. These women, including his drama teacher Miz Donna Martin, taught him about finding his voice and the principles of feminism, providing a crucial foundation for his artistic development.
Conan O'Brien laments the state of his hair in podcast photos, realizing he no longer combs it as he did for his TV show, leading to a wilder, 'mood hair' appearance. He humorously questions whether he needs to control it or accept it as his current look.
Andrew Scott's Irish Roots and Comedy
Andrew Scott discusses his Irish heritage, noting that while in Ireland, he doesn't consciously think about it, but outside the country, his Irishness becomes more pronounced. He attributes the Irish reliance on storytelling and humor as a survival mechanism that keeps people alive.
The Genesis of Performance: Shyness and Elocution
Andrew Scott reveals his childhood shyness and a pronounced lisp, which led him to elocution lessons. He found that the drama aspect of these lessons allowed him to overcome his shyness and explore different personas, sparking his interest in television and performance.
Lisa Ann Walter's Theatrical Debut and Improvised Save
Lisa Ann Walter recounts stepping into a lead role in a play with only one day's notice due to the original actress's breakdown. She successfully performed the dual role, saving the summer season for the Y Mills Theater and the town's economy, demonstrating remarkable quick-thinking and adaptability under extreme pressure.
The Thrill and Fear of Live Performance
Both Walter and Danson acknowledge the inherent fear and adrenaline rush associated with live performance, whether in theater or stand-up comedy. Walter admits to experiencing physical anxiety, like needing to urinate before going on stage, but finds that this fear often enhances her performance, a sentiment Danson echoes from his own theatrical experiences.
The Unseen Brilliance of 'Breaking News'
Walter passionately describes her experience on the prematurely canceled TV show "Breaking News," a groundbreaking drama about a 24-hour news network. Despite its critical acclaim and her pride in the work, the show was shelved by TNT due to network politics and a perceived lack of realism, only for its themes to become eerily prescient after 9/11.
Matt Gourley discusses his extended paternity leave, highlighting the magical experience of bonding with his older daughter and the ease with which his youngest daughter, Nell, has adapted. He contrasts this with Conan's brief paternity leave, which was only 20 minutes for his first child and four for his second, leading to humorous banter about fatherhood and time off.
Munn's Surreal Journey to Friendship with Conan
Olivia Munn expresses her surreal feeling of becoming friends with Conan O'Brien, calling it a 'hard thing to go back and be like, 'Hey, like one day you'd be friends with Conan O'Brien.'' She playfully suggests Conan might want out of the friendship within 10 minutes, but her presence signifies a significant moment for her, reflecting on her career and the podcast's appeal.
Parenting and 'Core Memories'
Olivia Munn reflects on how parents, often unknowingly, create significant 'core memories' for their children through their actions and words. She shares anecdotes about her own childhood experiences with her mother's white lies and how these moments shaped her perception of truth and trust, leading to a realization that parenting is a constant negotiation of reality and perception. This understanding influences her own approach to parenting her children, emphasizing the importance of mindful communication.
Andrew McCarthy's new book, 'Who Needs Friends?', directly addresses the pervasive issue of male loneliness and the struggle to build genuine connections in a world that often prioritizes superficial interactions. He admits to being someone who often skirts the edges of connection, finding solace in solitude but recognizing its potential to veer into isolation. This introspection fuels his exploration of what it means to be truly connected.
The Genesis of McCarthy's Writing Career
McCarthy's writing career began unexpectedly during a solo trip to Saigon, where he penned a story that felt as authentic as his first acting experience. This realization, coupled with transformative travel experiences like walking the Camino de Santiago, ignited a passion for writing. He pursued this path diligently, eventually working for publications like National Geographic Traveler before his book projects.
Fear as a Dominant Life Force
Both McCarthy and Danson acknowledge fear as a significant, often unacknowledged, force in their lives and in society, particularly for men who are conditioned to see fear as weakness. McCarthy's experience on stage during a play in Dublin, where he nearly froze, exemplifies how fear can manifest even in professional settings, yet pushing through it can be personally rewarding. They suggest that many people operate under the influence of fear without realizing it.
Sona Movsesian, Conan's assistant, discusses her recent appearances on 'Good Day LA' to promote her upcoming book, 'World's Worst Mom,' detailing her experiences raising her children and her transition to live television.
Charlie Puth's Musical Theory Phobia
Charlie Puth reveals his long-standing phobia of music theory, comparing it to his childhood aversion to math. He explains how he bypasses formal theory by relying on his ear and intuition, a method that has served him well in his music career.
Charlie Puth's 'Whatever's Clever' Tour
Charlie Puth is embarking on the 'Whatever's Clever World Tour' with his band, whom he praises as the best in the industry. He invites Conan to attend a show, highlighting the joy he finds in sharing the stage with them.
Ted Danson humorously describes Woody Harrelson as a 'whimsical' free spirit who operates on his own schedule, often arriving late, and is difficult to reach by phone, implying a unique and somewhat chaotic approach to life and commitments. This sets a lighthearted tone for the podcast, highlighting the dynamic between the two hosts.
Harrison Ford: The Early Days of Fame and Discomfort
Harrison Ford recounts his first interview for 'Star Wars' with the BBC, admitting he had no idea what the film was about. He describes the overwhelming energy and attention he received, particularly after 'Star Wars' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' noting that the public's adoration could be embarrassing and that he often felt uncomfortable with the intense fan reactions, preferring to avoid the spotlight.
Harrison Ford: Blacklisted from 'Cheers' Over a Pilot
Harrison Ford reveals he was blacklisted from 'Cheers' by NBC due to a pilot he did with the head of NBC's favorite actress, where the age dynamic didn't work for a father-daughter detective role. He recalls a memo being sent out advising against hiring him, indicating a significant professional setback early in his career that he overcame.
The episode opens with a discussion about producer Eduardo calling Conan O'Brien a 'little bitch.' While initially surprising, Conan and the team conclude that Eduardo's unique position and personality made the insult feel authentic and even fitting, creating a safe environment for candid remarks. This highlights the dynamic of trust and rapport within the podcast's production team. The moment was so fitting that it felt like stepping into a perfectly comfortable bath.
Childhood Name Woes
Both Conan O'Brien and Billie Eilish expressed dissatisfaction with their given names during childhood due to teasing and misperceptions, with Eilish even wishing for names like 'Sparkle' or 'Violet' and O'Brien enduring 'barbarian' comparisons. They both now appreciate their names, recognizing how they've grown into them. This point concludes with the shared sentiment that names can shape identity and that personal growth often leads to acceptance.
James Cameron's Directorial Vision
Billie Eilish revealed that James Cameron initiated the idea of filming her concert for a 3D movie, a proposal that initially seemed unbelievable. She emphasized that Cameron shared her desire to capture the show authentically without modifications, a collaborative approach that surprised and pleased her. This point concludes with Eilish expressing excitement about preserving her favorite tour performance for posterity.
Ted Danson reflects on the vast difference in career length between himself and Valerie Bertinelli, noting that 'Cheers' started in 1982 while 'One Day at a Time' premiered in 1975, giving him a significant head start in the industry. He humorously points out the 13-year age gap, suggesting they wouldn't have attended the same high school. This highlights the longevity and evolution of careers in television.
Valerie Bertinelli: The Journey to Being Fully Human
Valerie Bertinelli shares her mother's hope for her and her sister to become 'fully human,' a concept she now embraces as her life's purpose. She believes that pain and challenges are integral to the human experience, making joy more profound. This perspective reflects a mature acceptance of life's complexities and a commitment to personal growth.
Valerie Bertinelli: Launching Valerie's Place
Valerie Bertinelli expresses her enthusiasm for her new digital platform, Valerie's Place, which allows her to stay creative by sharing recipes and cooking content through various video formats. She notes that her old Food Network shows are now available on the site, providing a valuable resource for fans. This initiative reflects her adaptability and desire to connect with her audience in the evolving media landscape.
Conan O'Brien and his producer Sona Movsesian engage in a playful argument about who does more favors. Sona accuses Conan of taking advantage of her willingness to help, while Conan counters that he rarely asks for favors and that her job entails assisting him. David Hopping chimes in, suggesting Conan does favors for everyone. This sets a lighthearted, self-referential tone for the podcast.
From Busboy to Comedy Star: Early Career Struggles
Zach Galifianakis reveals he worked as a busboy at a strip joint called Stringfellows in New York until he was 28. He describes the intimidating environment and his serious demeanor at the time, contrasting with his later comedic success. This anecdote provides a stark look at his pre-fame life and the unconventional paths many comedians take.
Tommy Blotcher: The Genius Behind the Punchline
Conan O'Brien and Zach Galifianakis reminisce about Tommy Blotcher, a writer they both admire for his exceptional comedic talent. Blotcher's ability to craft hilarious, often absurd, lines, even for professional wrestling, highlights his unique genius. Galifianakis shares a personal anecdote about Blotcher's simple yet profound observation upon waking, which solidified his comedic brilliance in Galifianakis's eyes. This shared appreciation underscores the impact of truly gifted comedic writers on the industry.