Claire Danes (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Hi, [music] my name is Claire Danes and. I feel blessed. >> Oh my god. >> about being Conan O'Brien's friend. >> There's just so much spit on it. >> Hey there and welcome to Conan O'Brien. needs a friend. I just started the. podcast to stop Sona from jabbering. You. were jabbering a bit. Sonum Obsessian. joining me and uh Macy, did you see what. I did there? I started the podcast in.

order to stop her. >> Um I saw a slight opening and I jumped. in. >> I'm going to leave in the edit just the. last thing she said right before you. spoke, which is there's so much spit on. it. [laughter]. >> I was saying you rest your rest on the. microphone a lot. You did that. I. remember you had We shouldn't talk. No, it was in it was in the documentary. >> In the documentary. Uh, >> you had pus on your eye and then you. kept shoving the microphone in your eye.

and then I had to like wipe it with a. wipe. >> It's going back to 2010. >> Yeah. >> I'm preparing to do my tour. Uh, and. there's we're having lots of problems. getting the show up and going. >> And at one point, I remembered I wasn't. feeling well. >> I had a postulated eyeball. >> Don't even ask me what was going on. I. had some disease that has was eradicated. in the Middle Ages [laughter]. when I wasn't feeling well. And it's the. poster for the tour, the movie, the.

documentary. >> Um, Conor O'Brien can't stop [laughter]. >> is me. It's I see it every morning cuz I. had that someone gave me that frame. poster and I put it in my basement and. I'm always passing it like on the way to. like watch TV and I. >> uh it's me leaning my postulating eye on. the mic on the foam cover of the. microphone. >> He's you're holding it. I'm holding it. and I'm rubbing I'm wiping puss onto the.

microphone. >> and then the director Robin Fender got a. great shot of you. He inserted it later. of you with a little handy wipe. >> Yeah. Wiping. >> You had to clean up his puss. >> I had to clean up his eye puss from his. microphone. >> His eye. >> And to be fair, >> I did bring this up in your interview. for the job. Oh, [laughter]. I said I may I may have a postulating. eye and you will need to clean it up. >> I don't remember that. >> Well, you were pretty high. >> Yeah, I was pretty high.

>> Um, [laughter]. >> scored. >> Scored. >> Crushed it. >> Yeah. Uh, goals. >> What? >> I [clears throat] don't know. That. doesn't work. But you have a thing with. resting on whatever microphone. >> Yeah. Sometimes I don't know what it is, but I find it uh somehow calming. >> to rest my eyeball on the microphone. And Eduardo, you are of course uh the. designer of this wonderful studio. This. is your equipment. You're very finicky. about it. How do you feel when you see.

me resting my eyeball on this what I'm. sure is a $600,000 microphone? [laughter]. >> I It's not. Uh I'm okay with it because. we have a bunch of spares. So if you've. done it too long, I'll swap it out. Y. [laughter]. >> do you boil them afterwards? >> Uh they they can get cleaned actually. this foam. >> I hope so. So once once. >> because I secrete many uh secretions. >> and um they could get on the mic. It. just could happen. So. >> well also when people you're not the. only one who uses that microphone.

>> I know people spit on regularly does a. podcast in here and I've noticed lately. he has all these horrible sores around. his mouth. [laughter]. I I think he has what I have now. And he. probably thought, "Oh, there's going to. be no problem me speaking into this. mic." Little does he know [laughter]. that I have um some kind of scabies. [laughter]. from this era of the Salem witch trial. It's coming out my eye and it's going. into Ted Dansen. And the last time I saw.

him, he had trouble. He was trying to. just eat the softest muffin. >> You're killing Ted Dancing. >> I'm killing Ted Dancing. He couldn't get. the little soft muffin into his mouth. because of the giant cankers [laughter]. >> on his Ted dancing lips. >> The other concern is the earphones. You. know, sometimes when you have you. noticed if you've picked up earphones, sometimes they've got a little. >> I I clean them every presession. I. >> And I will say this, I move every time. we have a guest, I have to.

[clears throat] move here. >> They glisten. >> and sometimes guests ears glisten. >> They glisten. >> I know. I've seen you're talking about. is it sweat they're nervous around. what's happening. >> where they're oily? >> Yeah, >> maybe they're oily. >> Guest has been oily recent wax. I don't. know. >> You know, who knows? >> Ear wax around. >> Just saying. >> Can I just say and I can say this cuz. he's a friend. When Greg Daniels was. here, he walked in and he's just so. oily. He's just an oily. And I I at.

first I thought he was a an eel from the. deepest part [laughter]. the deepest part of the ocean. An oily. eel that liv eel was walking into your. studio. >> Yeah. And I said an eel. And then he. said, "Conan, it's me, your old writing. partner, Greg Daniels." And I said, "I'm. sorry." And I remember I recovered very. quickly. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. He took off his headphones and. they were dripping. >> Dripping. You heard. And someone's going. to get back to Greg with this, but just. he's an oily oily man. >> Greasy, oily guy. >> Yeah. Um I used to as his writing.

partner, I had to blot him [laughter]. >> every day. I had giant humansized. blotting tissues. >> Anyway, I wanted to throw him under the. bus for no reason. >> But I thought, I can't go after any. other guest, but I can go after Greg. Daniels. So, I made him oily [laughter]. >> when he's not oily at all. >> I know. >> Um but yeah. Well, I think uh we have a. terrific show today. I really do. And I. know that because we recorded it before. I spoke [laughter].

>> this little So now I'm going to act. excited. >> You were in a whole other state on the. other side of the country for this. >> Yeah, we're not in this interview. >> You're not in this interview and it's. only because the guest requested. >> Oh yeah. What? >> Well, she's a avid fan of the podcast, but she said that she goes to great. expense to have you two removed from it. >> Oh man. >> Yeah. Audibly removed. No. Uh I was in. New York uh doing some work there and. did a podcast or two and of course when. I'm there um there's no way to get you a. guys out to New York. You have uh both.

of you both have uh you know families. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But my boys are four. Like I can. use a night or two. >> I know. I know. The problem is you'd. probably insist on flying first and I'm. not paying for that. >> Well, yeah, you are. >> Coach is fantastic. I've heard. >> I have your I've heard coach I'll fly. coach and then showed me a sketch. >> sketch recently of coach. They drew it. for me. >> Oh, >> you've your only connection with coach. is someone showed you a drawing of it. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It was a illustration of what it.

looked like. Um, what are you talking. about? I came I was practically born in. coach. My whole life was coach. >> Only recently have I moved up. >> Now I sit with the pilots. [laughter]. >> Yeah. Oh my god. Imagine being on a. plane where the pilots are sitting next. to Conan. I would be so afraid for my. life. I'm doing bits and then the bits. get physical and then I hit a button.

>> and then suddenly we're in a power dive. and I'm just making a bit out of the. power dive. >> They have to What do they do when people. are unruly? They tape them to the chair. Yeah. >> They would do that to you. >> They would do that to me. Yeah. For. sure. >> Can we do that with you here? >> Yes, you can. >> Oh, we should tape him for a full. episode to the chair. Wait a minute. I'm. still allowed to talk. Yes. >> Oh, you just get the same amount of. jibber jabber as you always get. >> Well, we'll tape your mouth. >> You're not removing the problem. If you. tape the mouth shut, then you've got. something. >> Can we tape his mouth? We'll isolate. everything uh about Conan but his mouth.

[laughter]. >> What does my body ever do? My body is. >> Your body flails a lot. >> You are a flailer. You are. You're very. animated. >> You grab and you twist and you noogie. and you hit and you wedgie and. >> I don't hit. Let's for HR purposes. I. don't hit. I caress with purpose. >> for HR purposes. You hit. >> Yeah, you do. And then would you be able. to have a whole conversation where you. don't whip off your glasses. dramatically? >> And I make that sound. >> Yeah. >> When I take my glasses off. >> Yeah. >> Oh my god. People love that bit. >> Yeah. But you wouldn't be able to do it.

>> I'd do it in my mind and then I'd make. it happen. [laughter]. >> I amum uh there's so much happening in. my mind right now. It's. >> be great to do a segment where you're. here but your mouth is taped shut and. he's taped to the chair but we just get. to talk, you know, but we just talk. >> and we can say whatever we want and he. has to hear it. >> But then it would just sound like just. the two of us talking on the when people. listen to it. >> But we could do things to infuriate him. and the listener would know. >> that he was there and can't speak up. He. can't defend himself. >> Okay, I'm down. It'.

>> be fun. The worst thing you could do is. compliment me. >> I know. [laughter] I know. >> Say something nice about me. And I'm not. able to deflect. But you couldn't do. that, could you, girly? No, I couldn't. All right. And I What's that? >> I couldn't. And I wouldn't. You. wouldn't. >> Uh, it would be irresponsible. >> It would be wrong. What are you doing. over there? >> Yeah. What are you doing? What are you. doing? What are you pretending? >> Finger guns. >> Why are you doing finger guns? >> I don't know. I don't know. We were. wrapping up and I was like, and then I. had a mouth full of water. Why did you. have to draw attention to it? >> I just want people to know with the.

pilots either. >> No, [laughter] you can't sit with the. pilots. Okay, you can't be on the plane. >> My guest today is an Emmy award-winning. actress who starred in the hit HBO. series Homeland and the Hulu series. Fleshman is in Trouble. Now you can see. her in the Netflix limited series The. Beast in Me. Thrilled she's here today. Claire Danes, welcome. [music]. you've had uh wonderful career success,

but I do believe that this is the. moment. >> It is. This is the pinnacle. This is the. apex. And. >> so after today, >> it's all down. It's a steep descent. [laughter]. >> You know what? I uh you're such a breath. of fresh air. I love seeing you every. time you drop in. Um and you were a. great friend to me on the old late night. show. >> Yeah. >> Back in the glorious late. >> 90s. Yeah. >> When I think you were uh maybe 3 years. old, I think you came [laughter] on your.

first appearance. You cried the whole. time. >> I did. >> Yeah. Uh no. Um it is funny. I have this. >> interesting. relationship with people who were coming. on as kids or just very very young. adults. >> in that time. I'm I'm thinking of uh you. know and these clips come up every now. and then and I'll think. >> my voice was like eight octaves higher. >> and mine was 10 octaves higher. >> Hi Claire, how are you? It's good to see. you. >> Um yeah, I went through puberty I think.

in Obama's second administration as I. love to say. Uh but u it was just it's. always so nice and then I see you now. and it's like family, kids, uh you're. kicking ass in your career which gives. me a lot of joy. >> Thanks. Um, and all all good. >> Yeah. All a lot. Like. >> it's funny. You have a thing you do a. little bit which is like Yeah. >> which is you're allowing for the. possibility of disaster at any moment. >> That's accurate. I don't that I sense.

>> that is a very um fair description of. how I am perceiving my life. Yeah. No, it's good. It's very rich uh and uh and. on the verge of overflowing with life. Yeah. Yeah, I have I have three kids. Um, 12, seven, and. >> two. That last one was a real shocker. I. was so pregnant with her when I last. spoke to you. That's right. >> Here. That's right. >> Deeply pregnant, a little sick. I'm.

still sick, but. >> because I have three kids, but no longer. with child, which. >> I couldn't tell if the sickness was. pregnancy related or just my. personality. [laughter]. >> Yes. And and that it didn't help. Um, a. little like the Tylenol apparently, but. >> [laughter]. >> um, uh, uh, yeah. So, no, it's good. It's wonderful. It's just I'm, you know, kind of. ekking it out. It feels like, [laughter]. >> yeah, this is what I remembered when I. have two kids and when they were.

>> um, three and one, I remembered and I. this is a I feel guilty saying this. I. love them, but I was so happy to Oh, I've got to go to work. >> and I would pretend. >> I have to Well, I [laughter] I wish I. just wish I could be here. And my wife. saw through it all. She was like, "Uh-huh." Yeah, really. >> But I have to go to work and talk to. Claire Danes. [laughter]. >> It's It's like working in the mines. You. try talking to her. She's a nightmare.

>> Yeah. >> And uh so uh and she'd be like, "Uh-huh. Really? Okay. Well, good luck with. that.". >> No, no, no. It's so much harder staying. put, staying home, and just, you know, making waffles for your children. You. will get it wrong. You will fail every. time. You will fail. Even if you just. put it in a toaster, it's not the right. maple syrup. It's not enough maple. syrup. It's too much maple syrup. And. you know, it's uh the response is not. commensurate with the effort, the effort.

that you put into it or the failure or. whatever it is. It's just it's always. had such a high pitch literally. It's. just a lot of hyperbole. It's a lot. It's a lot. Yeah. >> They're very expressive and they're. beautiful and I love them and [laughter]. and I too am very excited to go. >> You gritted your teeth as you [laughter]. said. I love them. I love them. >> so much. It is uh you know I again this. is kid talk but I remember my son being.

>> so particular. >> that he would call it a bit if there was. a bit meaning like a little tiny grain. of something anywhere. >> uh he wouldn't eat it and um and I just. thought who's this little Lord Fontroy. who won't [laughter] have a bit of. course then remembered me being one of. six. >> sure. >> and trying to declare to my parents I. will not eat Yes. Yes. >> That didn't go over too well in my. house. >> I'm sure that's true. Six. One of six. >> I was one of six. We were born 3 months.

apart. >> Oh my. [laughter]. Yes. Well, uh, >> which I'm told is never is not medically. possible, but it's what happened. My mom. was one of five and uh and she was the. the el like she was sort of four and a. half when everybody else was born at 3. months apart in very very quick. succession and uh was the kind of. default you know uh nanny sort of and um. I absorbed that through her. >> You absorbed it all. >> Yeah. >> And you know I don't know if you ever. done this with your kids but uh it.

doesn't work when you try to declare to. them you know I'm. >> I'm a big deal in my in the world. That's. >> You need to understand something. [laughter]. This waffle may not be perfect, but I'm. Claire Danes. [laughter]. >> You give a you give a whole speech about. that. >> Rowan was asking me today on the way to. school. He said, "Mama, what is the. least favorite part of your job?". [laughter]. Um, and I said, "Huh?". I said, "Maybe rejection. There's just a. lot of rejection.

and the heels, the high heels that I. have to occasionally wear. Um, anyway, but. >> no, I I uh first of all, >> heels. I've worn them. It's a it's it's. killer. >> Um, I went to u this premiere last night. and my wife came with me and she was. wearing very high heels and the first. thing that happened when we stepped out. of the car and people were taking. pictures was her heels went right. through a great and one of her shoes. came off. >> Yeah. And we've just both started. laughing because. >> her white skirt flew out.

>> Yeah, exactly. But we're just not built. for any occasion that a normal show. business person has to do all the time. >> I'm not one of those people. She's not. one of those people. She looked. absolutely beautiful, but we step out. foot right into a great shoe. >> Stuck to the great. I think there are. welders right now trying to free it. Yeah. >> And that's just the world we're in. >> It's true. >> It's interesting. You talk about. rejection. >> and these are the things that really. interest me because an untrained person.

would say. well no Claire Danes is so. wellestablished and so that's not. something that you would deal with and. people don't understand that it comes in. many forms and it's it's still. >> it's the life we've chosen. >> is no matter what you do I remember I. would you know do a monologue or. anything I do it doesn't matter how many. of your fans are there, how much they. like you. >> If you tell five jokes, they'll. [clears throat] be like, "I like the. first one.". >> Yeah.

>> Second one, >> right? Fair enough. I mean, >> yeah. And and that's how it should be. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's not like I you. know, I understand why the rejection. exists. I don't begrudge it really, but. it's just not my favorite favorite part. of the job or Yeah. Just the. self-consciousness. You like, you know, Yeah. pedalling your wares. But, you. know, the actual thing itself is. glorious, but there's so much that. surrounds that that thing. >> Yeah. I don't know if the last time we.

talked was for Fleshman. >> that Yes. >> Was it for Fleshman? Uh, and um. >> you had these moments, performance. moments that were that I still think. about to this day, which were so. spectacular. >> Thanks. >> Where you're in extremist, you are. things are. >> you're falling apart. you were having a. major crisis and you just had these. moments where I thought my my flat. screen TV is going to explode, [laughter]. you know, which I was very impressive. And then the idea that.

>> um and I vis revisit this a lot on the. podcast where you have a moment like. that and you think, well then when. you've shown everyone that you can do. that and you've hit those notes so many. times in your career, well, the. rejection part's over and it's not. It's. never over. >> No. No. You almost didn't make it, you. know, here because it's a very high bar. to get onto this podcast. [clears throat]. [laughter]. >> And I had to look I was up all night. looking at tape and I finally cleared. you. >> Yeah. Well, okay. Um uh and that feels.

uh divine because I am blessed. Um. [laughter] but uh yeah, no, it's true. It's just an it's an integral part of it. and and uh and you'll always get. reviewed and if it's a good review, you're screwed. And if it's a bad. review, you're there's just no winning. when. >> Also, you have to make that decision. If you're going to not validate the bad. reviews, you have to make a then you're. not allowed to. >> I am pretty good about not reading it. But but it just seeps through like by.

osmosis. I mean, you you can't really. safeguard yourself. There's no. >> I used to have my mother would uh I. won't re read anything I just don't and. then you hear if there's some really. good stuff people will tell you and I'll. say oh really well that's that's nice. yeah and then um my mom who meant well. but she would say [clears throat] things. like I'd say oh this latest thing I did. people seem to really like it and she'll. say yeah I don't know what's wrong. [laughter] with that writer at the.

Boston Herald Tribune Dispatch and. [laughter] I'll say is that kind of. paper. Well, it's a c it's a supermarket. circular. And I'd say, "Oh, but I don't. think you have beady eyes and [laughter]. lifeless lips." And it would all be. under the guise of defending me. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> I don't think you're with completely. devoid of talent and a cancer on. humanity. And I [laughter]. >> Oh, well, okay. And then years later, it' be like 5 years later. Well, mom, they just gave me the Nobel Peace Prize. Well, I'm still angry at that writer.

[laughter]. Do you know what his name was? Brian. Mhaney. What? [laughter]. >> I know where he lives. And uh but it was. her way of exercising it. But yes, you. hear about the good, you hear about the. bad. You can't hide from it. >> But um I am. >> very very. >> I don't know very happy for you. this. new project I have to be full disclosure. which I love and I have a little bit of. a weird history with. >> a lot of it.

>> which is uh uh the beast in me um which. uh is wouldn't exist if it weren't for. you. >> well I don't know about that it's such a. good script and David Kissinger who was. a longtime uh associate of mine um and. just a brilliant guy he said I found. this script this script came my way and. you have to read it and I read it and. it's that classic thing. It was just a. page turner. >> And so we did our best to shop it around. and um and this was a bunch of years.

ago. >> It was a slow burn. It was very very. hard to birth but we did it. And then uh. so I am um you know I was some part of. the story quite a while ago and I'm very. upfront about uh this is a terrific. project and Howard Gordon is uh took the. helm and so many people have come in and. done an amazing job and I take no credit. for any of that. You know, I'm happy I.

was involved early on, but I'm just. thrilled. And. >> I don't think you're fairly representing. yourself, but Okay. >> All I wanted was a walk. [laughter]. >> Um, yeah. No, [clears throat]. >> it never worked out. Yeah. I always. shoot the camera. I look [laughter]. right into the lens and wink and I give. the thumbs up and I'm like, "Conan. here." And you guys are like, "Cut. [laughter]. You're just the butler. Shut up." Uh, but how did they. >> how did this come to you? Because I. remember it was it was quite a while. ago. Yeah,

>> but uh you are very hard to it's hard to. get claction. was the first thing that came to my mind. when my son asked me that question. Um. yeah, it we were deep deep in uh COVID. times. Uh, so we were all in our, you. know, respective. bubbles and Jodie Foster reached out to. me because she was going to direct it at. at uh one point.

>> Um, and she and I have known each other. for a long time now. Um and uh um yeah. and I read it and similar to you just it. you know it was immediately clear that. this was a. >> this was a a great conceit and um and. [clears throat] a really vivid. character. I loved the kind of. Hitchcockian feeling of it and but you. know it's in in a contemporary time but.

it's all it's felt very classic. Um, >> I really wanted to know what happened. next and uh, so did everybody when. involved in making it. It took us a long. time to figure that out and it went. through a few different iterations. Um, and it was it. >> was tricky defining the the the. let's call him the antagonist. Um, that. other lead character that Matthew ended.

up playing. Um, it cycled through a lot. of different names. One of them was. Cyrus, which is what my eldest son's. name, and I said, "Time out. No.". [laughter] Um, that's. >> I can't be having a tortured. relationship with Cyrus. >> That's going to be tricky for me. Um, so. and anyway, ended up being Nile. Anyway, um, I think it really works. Thank. >> God, you never know. >> You don't ever know. >> Not even when you're making it. Maybe. especially when you're making it. >> Well, that piece that was missing was.

who is this guy? He's playing opposite. you. And then one day, David Kissinger. called me and he said, um, we're. thinking about, >> that's a good Kissinger. >> David Kissinger. He's like, we're. thinking about, you know, and it was. kind of like, what's your take on. Matthew Ree? And I said, uh, only. >> one of the most charming, amazing people. I've ever met. >> and, uh, >> a major man crush of mine. Uh, and so, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Um not that I you know my my uh my.

>> He's very crushy, isn't he? In all the. Yeah, it's annoying. Yeah. Um no, he's. he's kind of stupid impressive and uh. charismatic. It's Yeah, >> it's funny too how. >> it seems to be a prerequisite. that uh actors who are very charismatic. and kind and affable. >> can uh play sinister so well. And I.

think there's something I've noticed. that in sketches or any time that I've. done some version of acting, I really. enjoy. uh being an And it's not. because I'm not. It's that it's so. contrary to the face that I've put out. there. >> Yeah. I've never played like an overt. [clears throat]. baddie. Um and you know, and to be fair, Nile isn't there. It's not supposed to. be overt. Matthew does not play it that.

way. And that's really. why this appealed to me because I. thought their dynamic was. so surprising and unusual and fun. because they're kind of in love with. each other and [clears throat]. >> and they're you know Yeah. And they're. antagonists. So, >> uh that happens a lot in love, >> I guess. So, yeah. >> Yeah. >> [music].

>> you brought up this thing you never know. and that's another thing that. uh it's a theme that really fascinates. me is you can you can get all these. great um amazing. there's no way we can lose people. together and I remembered early on in. this project one of the first meetings. that we took I took was Jodie Foster. came in. >> and we had this meeting with her and. she's this iconic, incredible actor and.

director and um meeting's over and I. said, "That's one of the smartest people. I've ever had." I mean, >> I just was so impressed with her and um. >> and but you get all these people. together. >> and there's something about. chemistry. There's something about. something magical happens. >> And I found it so many times in my. career is if I point to the things that. have gone well, I couldn't have told you. beforehand. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> There's a there's some kind of uh little.

spark that happens that nobody can. control. >> Uh you do the best you can, but it's. like the weather. You just don't know. >> Mhm. Yeah. No, it's like, you know, pixie dust. Uh. >> yeah, I mean you try the you do what you. can and that gives you a better chance. of you know finding that elusive, you. know, mystical magical thing that we all.

>> are aiming for. But yeah. >> Yeah. Well, I'm I'm just thrilled for. all of you guys and um very happy. Yeah. >> And uh. >> well, >> go us. >> Yeah. Yeah. I just wish I had a piece of. the merch. [laughter]. >> Beast in me action figures. [laughter]. >> A. >> I'm always looking for the merch. I I. have to ask you a question about I was. absolutely a fanatic for Homeland. Oh.

>> And um loved it. >> and found out only later on that you got. to regularly meet with. >> Yeah. people who did special ops, people who. did basically spycraft. >> Yes. >> And I thought, "Oh my god, I would do. any project where I get to talk to those. people.". >> It was It was amazing. It was maybe a. couple seasons in. >> one of the uh writers of the show, Henry. Burmel, who actually passed away too. early. He was crazy gifted. Um but his.

dad was in the CIA and um so his uh I. guess his uncle also you know anyway. this man who was very closely connected. to him was in the CIA and at a very. senior position just retired and so this. became his project where he would. assemble was what we ended up calling. spy camp every year and there was a you. know a a club for spooks uh and in DC.

and uh and we would meet there for about. 5 days uh just as the writers were. starting to you know think about what. the season might be and we interviewed. um a pretty wide range of people within. that universe um people from within the. CIA and also ambassadors and senators. and you know journalists and we we. Skyped with Snowden when.

That wasn't such a kind of common thing. [laughter]. >> Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Started doing that. before he had his own SiriusXM channel. >> Yeah. Exactly. Um so yeah, and we would. get these forecasts and it was dizzying. I we were so drained by the end of every. day because it would start at 9 and it. just didn't stop. There was this. revolving door of, you know, fascinating. people who were telling telling you. horrifying [laughter] things. >> Yeah. It's almost like you don't want to. know what's how the kitchen works. I.

mean, there are times where. I've little moments where I've been. brought face to face with the fact that. >> everyone's doing their job the best that. they can, but we're human beings and. it's a insane world out there. And. >> if you are aware, I I think it's one of. the problems today is that we're all. hyper aware all the time because of 24/7. news. M. >> we're all we're all hyper aware of every. single possibility for danger all the. time. And I think that's not meant to be.

>> just to live your day and get up and. make the waffles for the kids and then. say, "Yeah, exactly." Uh, whatever. And. I think I'll go get some I need to get. some shoes. Oh, I I also need a. Bluetooth speaker. You need to exist on. that level. >> But [clears throat] for you to be made. aware by these specialists of every. single insane thing that's happening all. the time. >> Yeah. And they, you know, they would. contradict each other. They, you know, that was, it was, it was fascinating. I. don't know. I there was something kind. of consoling about it too because I.

could see that they were all very. invested at the very least. Everybody. cared a lot. Um, they didn't all agree. with each other. But, you know, that was. a that was a long time ago. I have no. idea what that environment is like now. Um, I really can only imagine, but I. have to say. >> they may have wiped your mind. >> They may have. Um, they may have. Yeah. [laughter]. Um, but no, I mean, actually, just doing. that show was was was an amazing way to.

metabolize what was happening. politically, you know, to be able to. kind of reflect on it on and make. something of it, to comment on it like. that was um, helped me. It helped me feel a little. more active, you know. Um, and and now. I'm just uh, you know, I'm I'm in the. much more passive position of just, you. know, absorbing it and gawking and.

worrying. Um, and you know, so I miss. that. >> Yeah. I've had a few moments. I'm sure. you have too. I think you went to a. White House correspondence dinner. >> when Obama was president and you have. these moments of meeting these people. and then you see the. the people around them. I was at some. event years ago and I believe uh. President Obama was there and then I. went back to use the bathroom at one. point. I think I was MCing something. I.

went back and I see some military guys. and there's like the nuclear football. and you're thinking, uh, they just seem like people. >> and they probably are. >> Yeah. >> And it's it's more than I want to know. >> I [laughter] want to think, you know. what I mean, that there's like a golden. palace somewhere and no. Uh, and look, I'm sure I don't even know what I saw. But, uh, it's just a feeling of. >> when you get around power like that, when you get behind the scenes, >> it's why I'm not a conspiracy theorist.

Whenever I've had a chance to peak. behind the curtain just a little bit, what I see is people like me doing the. best they can. >> Right. Right. >> And um that's why I I don't know. I. don't think that it's uh I don't think. they're just masterminds. If there are. masterminds, they're probably working at. a tech company. [laughter]. >> They're not working. >> Yeah. No, there is something kind of. unsettling about that for sure. You sort. of are like, "Oh, you look down and. there's no net." But um but uh yeah, I.

don't know. That was that was a that was. a wild ride. Uh and. >> how many seasons was it all told? I'm. trying to remember eight seasons and we. filmed. >> and draining too I would think. Yeah. >> Yeah. But it was I never worked on. anything for that long. Um and there was. something really wonderful about being. part of a company. Yeah. And uh you know. uh h having earning that history and you. you you then develop a kind of fluency.

um that is so helpful like it was we. were so efficient you know we um and it. was so intimate um and uh yeah and I. just love that feeling of like. efficacy you [laughter] know. >> and we would parachute We know we filmed. all over the place. The first three. seasons were primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina, which was standing in. for DC, but there were like a month in. Tel Aviv or you know, but then it became.

this international show and we shot a. season in Cape Town, which was again. standing in for a very different place, but you know, Afghanistan. >> I thought you were going to say. Cleveland. >> Sure. Um, >> we didn't we couldn't shoot in. Cleveland, so we went to Cape Town, South Africa for Cleveland. >> Yeah. And then we shot a season in. Morocco. We shot a season in Berlin. uh. you know when the couple months in. Budapest my my we my son Cyrus went to. school in all these places like he still. can't eat couscous cuz he ate it every. day at his school.

>> What a great experience for a kid though. because you're uh through osmosis he's. getting a taste of all these cultures at. a really good early age. >> Yeah. And he you know he doesn't really. share that with his siblings. Cyrus I. mean Rowan was I was also pregnant with. Rowan shooting the show but he was. little. He was, you know, he was like a. baby um by the end of it. So, um, wasn't. like I mean Cyrus was raised on that. set, too. And Leslie Link, uh, Gladder,

our producing, our primary director, she. would literally like cradle him and, you. know, and then eventually while she was. directing and then eventually he would. call action and cut and he um, yeah, I. remember when he was a toddler, he was. like three, he'd get really mad at me. He would say, "Back to one, mommy.". [laughter]. >> Back to They shouldn't even know that. >> I know. I was like, "What?". >> Back to one. >> Back to So the And on the set, you.

you're back to your first positions at. the end of the take. But anyway, so. >> well, you know, it's funny cuz my. daughter, I remember when she was maybe. three, she was really small. And she. said something like we were I was in the. kitchen and she said, "Yeah, I asked for. orange juice." And then cut to. [laughter] you uh not getting orange. juice. And I was like cut to because I. [laughter] spoke that way all the time. after just years of being in comedy. And. uh yeah, I thought oh my god, a. three-year-old is saying cut to.

>> [laughter]. >> um so yeah, I think that's how I told. her bedtime stories and then cut to evil. monster. >> Uh I used to try to frighten her to go. to sleep, but yeah, I just uh they just. pick up the lingo. They're around. >> Yeah. and he would be on a playground. and he would kind of teeter up to. another kid and say, "My name is Cyrus. I speak English." Because it wasn't a. given that, you know, the other person. necessarily would. And I thought, "Oh, that's cool." Like, he he understands. that the world is big and it holds many.

different kinds of people within it. Um, >> and probably also he's very fluent in, you know, his percentages. [laughter]. What do I get from this? Uh, >> do I Yeah. Yes, there's a lot of that uh. generally what do I get from this? >> What do I get? >> Yeah. >> Uh that my kids very interested, my son. very interested in what do I get out of. this? >> There's a lot of talk [clears throat]. fairness. >> You get nothing and you'll like it. It's. so funny because you got started so. young and um had success. I mean to me.

seemingly had success right away. I'm. sure that's not how it would feel to. you, but you had the success right away. and then you did something that I always. think is a great decision is um you. decided, well, I got to go to school. >> Yeah. >> You know, I mean, >> I mean, I didn't stay there. I didn't. graduate, but I sure did go. >> If you didn't graduate, you have to. leave right now. >> We only take college graduates here.

>> You did two years. >> I did two years. I was very present. while I was there. I really did apply. myself for those during those two years. Romeo and Juliet I think in 96. Is that. right? >> Yeah, I was 16 when I did that. >> And then uh you you did that and then. you went to school or was it after? >> Yeah. Yes, I went to gosh I don't I. don't even remember but I took I. deferred a year. I did a movie I made a. movie called Broke Down Palace and I. just also just like had a minute. >> Um and went and that first year was just.

>> amazing. I was so happy. Um, I mean, I. was totally overwhelmed and out of my. depths, but um, it it I was just so. thirsty and boy was I did I find water. Um, [laughter]. >> um, >> thirsty for. >> just I I think, you know, I didn't. really go to high school. I was tutored. on set and. >> um, so I really had a deficit. Like I I. mean, it was.

>> So, you want a community of people your. age. >> I was lonely. I didn't realize how. lonely I was. So, um, but yeah, but it. turns out like all those it was. unorthodox, but I those extracurriculars. of like working on those sets kind of. amounted to something. So, I was, you. know, that was a choppy initial month. >> Um, but once I sort of got my bearings. and figured out basically how to write. an essay, >> I realized, oh, it's I I can kind of do. this. And it was just.

>> it was just a blast. I mean again it was. exhausting and I yeah um but wonderful. and it was so nice to just think like. for the sake of it you know um and be. making friends who I wasn't I don't know. working with formally you know. >> Yeah. And that's a connection that you. can have the rest of your life. >> Yeah. And I you know all those cliches. turned out to be true. is still some of. my dearest friends. Um, and actually.

there's a woman named Sarah T whiter. who uh was in my same year. I didn't. really know her during that time, but. she's become a really really close. friend. So, um, >> and she kind of insisted that I go to. the. >> I don't know which anniversary it or u. they don't call them that, do they? reunion reunion. >> and I felt like not at all entitled. because I didn't have my, you know, my. stamp and my certificate of but it was.

great. It was so great to go and and. actually Hugh and I took the kids. We. kind of went on a station to New Haven. at the end of our Christmas break this. year. We were feeling a little restless. and we really wanted Peppy's Pizza so we. went and [clears throat] stayed at like. the nicest hotel in New Haven, which is, you know, just fine. Um but and we. didn't even go to like see campus but. you know of course we we were there so. we kind of stumbled on you know into it. and oh I was very moved by it. It was so.

beautiful and I thought what the hell. did I what was I complaining about there. [laughter] with my three kids? >> Like [gasps] I got to sit in these. unbelievably gorgeous spaces and read. You know, I I people that are lucky. enough to go to college, and not. [clears throat] everyone is lucky enough. to go to college, obviously, but if. you're fortunate enough to go, I say. that's just keep in mind this is a small. period of your life where you get to be.

you're not with your parents, you're. with these, >> you know, other people your age and your. job is to think thoughts and read books. and it's really magical. And then of. course all I can think about when I was. there was you know in college was I got. to get out of here and get going on my. career. >> and okay what's the hurry but that's how. it is. I I mean I that's that is why I. left because it had you know in. aggregate it had been about three years. since I had done any acting and when I. went to college I mean.

>> I really was giving I I was wondering in. a genuine way if that was what I wanted. to commit the rest of my adult life to. >> Yeah. >> And it turned out sure yes in fact. Um. and I think I it held me in goodstead. I. mean, I think I was I It was actually. interesting. the the couple years just. following my time at at college were. were a little were a little hard because. I had to kind of.

>> my academic self had become very. developed and I um I forgot that a lot. of acting is just a intuitive like. visceral experience and exercise and. >> I had to just. >> you know be a raw nerve um and not do so. much thinking Um, but when I'm, you. know, choosing a a role or, you know, when I'm trying to make sense of the. story in its in it, uh, formally, boy,

did those did that time and that. institution uh, does Yeah. Uh, it really. comes in handy at those points and. there's plenty of that. But um so but. yeah, I had to kind of compartmentalize. uh and. but yeah, I I thought I could do a movie. a summer and like I forgot how much work. goes into getting work and I was not. able to read a script when I was really. immersed in college. And. >> it's not realistic, I don't think, to. say, "What did you do with your summer?".

Uh I I helped out at a camp. [laughter]. Um and I I was in charge of the canoes. What did you do? I shot a movie in. Budapest. >> Yeah. >> Um it's hard. It's hard to. >> Yeah. I mean I I if it had worked out I. mean I was actually going to do. something with Jod and a film with Jod. and it fell apart. I mean it just things. it's uh there's nothing predictable. about our job and you can't say I'm. starting on July 1st and ending August. 17th. It uh yeah didn't work that way.

for me. >> Well, I want to make sure I hit this. because the beast in me is uh out now. >> It sure is. And uh it is uh this project. that I first saw a bunch number of years. ago and it just was gobsmacked me. It's. really terrific. And then the fact that. now it's you and Matthew Reese and. Howard Gordon and it's just this. incredible team and uh I'm I'm happy for. people to see this. I really. >> Me too. I'm I'm so glad we finally get.

to share it. >> Yeah. >> I hope they enjoy it. I really do. >> I believe they will. >> I believe they will. And I think I know. I don't think anyone knows more about. show business than I do. I'm [laughter]. going to take just going to take a. second here and say. >> I think your daughter does. >> Yeah. Cut to. [laughter]. she knew the language better than I do. Um yeah, I uh I'm so happy for you. Uh. you're obviously a uh you're such a.

talented performer, but you're a really. good person and I love talking to you. and very happy for you. [clears throat]. Thank you. >> And so all good things. >> Thanks. >> And I'm coming to your house for. waffles. Great. Are they good waffles? >> No. [laughter]. >> You think you could up your waffle game. a little bit? >> I know I could. Okay. Um let's get on. that. [laughter] Well, thanks for being. here so much. >> [music].

>> Let's do another review the reviewer. This is where we go to Apple podcast, we. pull out a fivestar review, we review. the review itself. >> Nice. There's a twist. Yeah. They think. they're reviewing us. We're reviewing. them. Exactly. They get a taste of their. own medicine. >> Good one. >> And this one actually calls back to a. discussion we had a while back on the. podcast, but I think it's worth. revisiting. This is from Brian Ad86. A d e86. It's called a losing battle. Fighting.

the good fight to keep Conan O'Brien is. the first Conan that pops up on my. Google search. Unfortunately, my teenage. daughters are fighting diligently. against me and in favor of Conan Gray. >> He's a He's a singer. I'm told he's. quite good. But is he? >> Yeah, he is. >> I'm going to put Conan into Google here. Conan the Barbarian followed by Conan. O'Brien followed by Conan Gray. >> Yeah, >> I don't see why Conan the Barbarian is. still popping. I mean, that movie. hasn't been relevant in 40 years.

>> Well, there was a remake with Jason. Mimoa a few years ago. >> Yeah, there was. >> So that maybe that gave it a little. steam. >> There's two Conan movies plus a red. Sonia plus the remake. >> My god, you have so much. >> And I think there's a new Red Sonia. There's a Red Sonia new there's a new. Red Sonia movie coming. >> There's a Conan. Guess what? There's a. Conan and Sona here, but we are still. battling Conan and Red Sonia. >> Let's see what comes up first, Sona or. Sonia. >> I have to say, by the way, I just asked. Chat GPT who is the most famous Conan.

and Conan O'Brien came up first. >> I love Chat GPT. And guess what? >> This is proof that AI is not going to. work. >> Yeah, it's broken. [laughter]. Chat GPT is broken. >> We just proved that it will not take. over the world. [laughter] Conan is the. superior Conan. Wait, what? Wait, did. you put in Sona? What comes in? It has. to be. >> You guys spell each other. You spell. your names. >> differently. She's I A. No, she's J A. >> What? >> I think red. >> What do you mean I think? You know, >> it's anti-American. >> Let's see. Am I wrong?

>> Well, she is. Isn't she red? Does that. mean she's a commie? >> No, she's like a barbarian. >> No, she's she's a red head. And guess. what? I'm a red head and I'm a proud. patriot. >> I kind bully you for not being nerdy. enough. >> I [laughter] know. >> Here's the breakdown. Oh man. Oh man. I'm going against No, I can't do that. >> You're in there. I'm never going to be. >> Why can't you wait? Wait a minute. You. >> That's big. >> Why is an Indian singer? I can't I can't. go up against that. >> Sona, will you put this in perspective.

when you ask. >> AI who are the famous sonas? You're. number three. That's. >> You came from nothing. I You were a lump. of clay that and I breathe life into. you. [laughter]. >> You know what I mean? You're like a. puppet that came to life 10 minutes ago. when is wondering why you don't have. more followers. That's ridiculous. >> Yeah. And I just want I want to be I. want to be able to get to like share. where I just am one name. >> Oh, there it is. Okay. Here are the the. bullet points for you. The longtime. assistant of late night TV host Conan.

O'Brien. Not sure who that is. And a. popular co-host of his podcast Conan. O'Brien needs a friend. She is the. author of the humorous book The World's. Worst Assistant. >> Hey. >> Wow. Look at you. >> That's me in two sentences. It really. is. That's it. Well, you're more than. proud. No, you're proud of that. That's. cool. >> No, I'm saying you're more than that. Negative things, but you're more than. that. [laughter]. >> I didn't mean good things. You're But. you're so much more. That's like 2%. >> Most of the iceberg is beneath the. water. >> I'm just going to spend. >> and all negative. >> all day [laughter].

googling Conan Gray. So, he just beats. you as the most Googled guy. >> You know, I really am not familiar with. the work of Conan Gray, but I understand. uh he's very talented. I think he if he. was coming for you, he would have taken. you by now. >> I think you might be safe. >> How can I supplant I don't want to hear. about Conan the Barbarian anymore. >> You know, I've been hearing about Conan. the Barbarian since I was like 10 years. old. I don't want to hear about him. anymore. We have to make this a project. to diminish Conan the Barbarian and. enhance Conan O'Brien. How do we do it?

>> Maybe we give you a fantasy comic of. your own, you know? >> Oh, that's way. Or I could start working. out. Like I'm sure I'm at that age where. muscle just springs out of me. [laughter]. >> Doesn't as you get older, isn't it. easier to put on muscle? I forget which. way. I think it's easier. >> You should play Conan and the Barbarian. >> Yes. >> Then it's just like a orus. >> and you're red. and I'll be red Sonia. Oh, wait. Sona. will. you know what? We should start doing a.

thing where I'm like. >> I don't know. We Yes. We want to skim. off their fame without feeding them. How. do we do that? I don't want to feed. their fame in any way with our fame. >> I think you what I'm saying is you eat. the fame. You become Conan the bar. You. beat like you can totally beat out. Jason. >> I can't even finish saying that. sentence. I'm so sorry. >> I've met and talked to Jason Mamoa many. times. Wonderful guy. But I have said to. him, I could take you in a in a second. >> You can't though. >> I could. >> Why do you think you could take him up? You could take him to lunch in a second.

>> Okay. [laughter]. That's not okay. I see what you're. doing. I see what you're doing. You're. saying take you in two different ways. No, [laughter]. >> take. >> I know how I would do it. I know how I. would do it. It's important that he's. asleep when I attack. That's the first. thing. >> Okay, then you have a shot. You do. >> And sedated. >> Yeah. And sedated. >> Sick. >> And that the the part the font nail the. font I'm hoping that he hasn't a he. doesn't have a closed font nail that it. never closed. His skull never closed. when he was an infant. >> Uhhuh. >> I need a weak spot. >> Yeah. >> But I think if all those things are. true,

>> I think here's what you have to do. You. have to enlist your legion of listeners. to start just googling your name and not. Conan Conan O'Brien. Make sure they. don't click on that and have if this is. do why not. Conan the Barbarian. >> Not Conan the Barbarian right now ask. them to just Google your name multiple. times a day for the next 10 years or so. >> And you know what people's Can I say. something? Sometimes there's this. misconception that the important things. right now are. >> you know trying to get some resolution.

uh you know between Ukraine and Russia. or global warming anything like that and. I think no. >> none of that's important right now. >> Let's start with. >> googling Conan O'Brien several times a. day. >> We really could do this. >> What is What is your fan base called? Do. we have a name? Do they have a name? >> Team Coco. >> Is it Is that what it is? >> Yeah. >> Your fan base is just the name of your. company? >> [laughter]. >> I mean, >> it would be like if Taylor Swift's. company started Swifties. >> No, it started with fans being Team Coco.

and then we just said, "Let's just name. the company that." Yeah. >> Well, it it started where. >> there's a movement team Jacob and team. uh back in Twilight and then Tom Hanks. said, "I'm team Conan.". >> Oh, >> team Coco. I'm team Coco. I'm team Coco. That's right. But it was Team Edward, team Jacob. And then Tom Hanks was like, "I'm team Coco.". >> Yeah. during a little frackus I was. having at the time. Uh, and he said, "I'm team Coco." And that took off. So, thank you to Tom Hanks for uh the whole.

second half of my career. >> Um, seriously, he did us a solid. Uh, always a good friend. >> Team Coco, rise up. >> Yeah. And so then, um, you know, it was. a great powerful uh grassroots movement. that I then monetized. >> Let's see if we can do this [laughter]. for the next week. if people. >> Hey, this is really heartfelt and pure. LET'S ATTACH A MONEY WHEEL TO IT. [laughter]. >> Or a Boris. >> Or a Boris. Yeah.

>> So, let's try an experiment for the next. week. If every listener would please. Google Conan O'Brien as often as you. think you can, and then we'll check in. to see if it's beating Conan, the the. Barbarian. >> Yeah, that's the project. Beat Conan. >> Yeah. Yeah. And remember, just put. global warming. [laughter]. uh world. >> everything else on. >> turn off your AI mode on your Google. search though so you don't burn all of. the energy of the world but. >> what. >> well. >> what. >> Google has an AI search mode that it.

does on its own and when you use that it. burns up all this water just cuz all the. servers that. >> it does I don't get I don't understand. computers you [laughter]. >> we had something really good going here. and then you got us into this conserve. water. >> yeah I want to hear more about your. commentary on the summer turned pretty. oh we were doing that before sorry just. kidding. Conrad team Conrad. That's That's okay. >> I learned to say that because someone. else said, "I have no idea.". >> Where did you hear that? Michael Sarah. getting impatient cuz it is the real. It's It's good. >> I I am team Conrad.

>> I'm team Who's the other guy? >> Jeremiah. >> Oh yeah. >> His brother. >> Oh my god. Can you believe it? >> Oh, can you believe it? >> So, team Edward, team Jacob, team. I'm. >> going to do my taxes over here on my. phone. All right. Doing my taxes here. >> Uh, >> all right. We're done. Yeah, we're done. >> Oh, we were done a while ago. >> I've I've left. This is just a hologram. I'm in my car. >> People are going to be really excited to. hear about that. >> About what? >> Team Conrad. They are. They're really. excited. You don't get it.

>> Just I thought we were out and you. pulled us back. >> Hey, Team Coco, Google Team Conrad in. the summer. >> Don't get them googling anything else. >> You're taking resources away from Clean. this up in editing, please. For God's. sake. This one's out of control. Uh, yeah, you had it right. Okay. And peace. out, Shadrach.