Janelle James (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Hi, my name is Janelle James and I feel. excited about being Conan O'Brien's. friend. I heard he has a lot of money. [laughter]. >> You know, I did and I invested it badly. >> Oh, >> yeah. It was. >> Can I redo? No. Okay. [laughter]. >> Welcome to Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. I'm coming in with a lot of energy. Um, I've been away for a little bit. Yeah, >> I was in Boston, my old hometown of.

Brooklyn, Mass. >> Oh, how was that? It was uh it was. great. Got to see, you know, a bunch of. my peeps. Um my old gang that I used to. run with. >> What were you guys called? >> What's that? >> What was your gang called? >> Oh, it was a pretty tough gang. We wore. Lacass shirts. [laughter]. >> Um we um we studied hard for our pre our. PSATs. [laughter]. >> Yeah, we were the PSAT gang. >> Oh, yeah. That's That's tight. That's. cool. Uh, >> so scary. >> Yeah, it was really scary. We used to.

run around. >> sometimes. We'd just uh maladjust. someone's cap on their head without. their permission. >> No way. >> Did you give it a little twist? What's. that? >> Did you have a nickname in the in the. gang? >> Mine? >> Yeah. >> Uh, I guess I don't want to talk about. it. It's a little It's a little, >> you know, it's past life. You don't want. to go back to that. >> They used to call me Colonel Bal. >> Colonel Bound. >> Yeah. He was a revolutionary war uh. general. Uh, and he was a well, he was a. German. >> Is this what the gang was like? Cuz.

>> everyone [laughter] had to be named. after a different Revolutionary War. general. He was a German uh who was sent. uh to fight on behalf of the British and. he was ambushed, I think, up in New. Hampshire. >> So, you guys would rumble and just you. would come to victory by boring people. >> Yeah, pretty much. [laughter] Pretty. much. But I was Colonel Bal and you just. had different people who were uh. different members of the British. fighting forces. >> It's cool. >> Um, >> that's so cool. >> It's the coolest gang. Sexy too. A. little sexy. So hot. >> If anyone got laid, they were kicked out. of the bed every day. [laughter].

That's the number one rule. >> We lost. And. >> yet no one did. >> No, we lost one good guy that way. >> Oh, really? [laughter]. >> Yeah. And he just came looking at a. woman on screen. But that counted. Any. orgasm of any kind meant you were out of. the gang. [laughter]. >> Even on your own? >> Yeah. But you know what? Colonel Palm. here. >> Still in the gang. >> Still in the gang to this day. Wow. >> Yeah. Still in the gang. Wow. >> There have been a couple times where. I've seen an ad for Coco and an. attractive woman is serving it. >> and I'm like, restrain oneself. >> It's just you and all these 15year-olds,

the new [laughter] new. >> the new hires. >> Yeah. Anyway, no, it was it was, you. know, good to get back there. And I have. to say, wandering around. >> Newberry Street in Boston, >> I ran into so many people who listened. to the podcast who all said, "Hey, >> tell Matt, tell Son I said hi." Oh, that's nice. >> They said it in those accents, but still. the message came across. >> and I [snorts] heard a great phrase. which is Newberry Street. You remember. Newberry Street? It's where all the. shops are in downtown Boston.

>> And um I heard a great phrase and I. attribute this to the singer from the. Mighty Money Boston, Dicky Barrett, announcer for Kimmel for many, many. years. Um, he saw someone took a uh. footage of me walking down Newberry. Street while I was there and put it up. and um people in Boston were seeing it. and saying, "Hey, I saw you on Newberry. Street and Dicky Barrett told my brother. Luke, he was like, "Damn, I just saw. this footage of Conan." And kind of in. the in the vein of why can't they leave. him alone, you know? And he said, you.

know, guy can't even uh shoot the noob. in peace. And that was and I was like, "Shoot the noob. Walk down Newberry. Street is shoot the noob." That's cool. And I thought that is the coolest. phrase. And just a shout out to Boston. Next time, maybe this is something they. all say. I didn't know that. >> But my I I doth my cap to to Dicky. Barrett who said, "Shoot the noob. Conan. can't even shoot the noob without PEOPLE. GIVING HIM A HARD TIME.". >> DO YOU say it now? >> I say it all the time. >> Do you ever shoot the larch?

>> Uh you're on Larchmont. You can't. You. can't. No. No. That's not the same. Yeah. Yeah. You can uh yeah it's not the. same but shoot the noob. >> I so Liza joined me on the trip. >> and I started saying. >> maybe every 20 minutes the way I do. want to shoot the noob. >> Hey Liza we're shooting the noob. Let's. go shoot the noob and maybe I'll find an. orthotic insert. Um. >> oh you're awful. >> I'm awful. And she got to a point where. she's like just no more shoot the noob.

for a while. But I love shoot the noob. [laughter] So, if you're in Boston or. you're going to visit Boston, uh I want. to do a public service announcement for. the city that says, "Hey, when you're IN. BOSTON, SHOOT THE NOOB.". >> HEY, you just did it. I think they're. going to just clip that out and like use. it for tourism. >> Not without my permission. >> And the cost $15 million. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> I'll do it. >> Yeah. >> Shoot the b Oh, it's my Boston. Hey, Boston. Shoot the noob. >> Hey, that's your That's your Boston.

SHOOT THE NOOB. SHOOT THE WICKED NOOB. >> Wicked pissa. >> Yeah. I don't know. I don't know how to. do Boston. >> No, you did it. That's the whole It's. the attitude. >> Shoot the wicked noob. [laughter]. >> What are you doing? What are you doing? >> Shoot the wicked noob. Hey, come from. bus boy. >> A isn't it? And no one goes, "Hey, >> it's a pretty good Gilbert Godfrey. impression.". >> Yeah. >> Go. Go shoot the Say shoot the noob and. then say a. go. Let's [laughter] go to FENWAY PARK.

AND SHOOT THE NOOB. >> I want to get that. I maybe it's a thing. they all say, but I love it. We got to. think of something for for Larchmont, but nothing. >> noob. Nothing's going to. >> Let's lurch it up. >> Go larch. >> March the larch. >> March the larch. March the larch. >> No, he just went for that. And then you. said it was dorky. >> You don't march. I think anything with. march I think sounds a little dorky. >> Yeah. And a little fascist. >> THAT'S TRUE. >> WE MUST MARCH [screaming] ON THE LODGE. >> YEAH. [laughter] I DON'T LIKE IT. OKAY.

What about lope? Lope the larch. >> What do you mean lope the larch? >> Lope. Lope. You know, like the word. lope. Lope. >> You know what I love? You know, my. favorite blade quality is when you. choose to seize the mic. [laughter]. >> That's my favorite quality of yours. You. lurch forward and you seize the mic as. if you just cracked E= MC². [laughter]. Lurch the larch. >> Oh, >> stretch your arch on the larch, you. know. [laughter] Yeah, that wait that. you go for that. >> That's your arch on the large.

>> Arch. That's not. >> arch it on the large. >> That's like a public service. announcement, >> guys. All I know is that when I was in. Boston, you know what I did? Ask me what. I did. >> What'd you do? >> You can't do it that way. You can't say. shot the noob. >> No, it doesn't work. >> Hey, what are you going to do tonight? >> SHOOT THE NOOB. [screaming]. >> HE'S GOING TO SHOOT THE NOOB. [cheering]. >> HEY, we pass. >> and then get a remy dog. Um, >> I don't know what that is. >> What is that? Okay. >> What's a remy dog? Uh, it's a hot dog. >> Oh, named after Well, Jeremy Remy. Jerry. Remy, actually. Jeremy Rener.

>> No. Uh, Jerry Remy. It's Jerry Remy. >> Who's that? >> Don't say who's Jerry Remy. That's going. to piss me off. >> Okay. >> Say it again cuz I need to ask it. >> Who's Jerry Remy? >> Second baseman, Boston Red Sox, iconic, also a great announcer, an inventor of. the Remy dog. >> You made hot dogs. >> What's special about the Remy dog? >> Yeah. >> It's named after Jerry Remy. There's no. [laughter] but there's nothing. >> What did he do with it? >> It's infused with the essence of Jerry. Remy. That's all you need to know. >> Like his ashes. >> or his. >> Okay, don't. This is getting dark and I.

don't like that. Is he dead when we talk. about he has passed on to his great. reward, but somewhere he's in heaven. eating a and sharing a Remy dog with. Christ. >> Wait a minute. There's nothing like he. didn't add an agreement. >> He probably did. This is getting into. stuff that I'm sure is proprietary to. the Remy family and I don't want to get. into that. Okay, >> listen. We are shedding listeners. because we're getting way too local, way. too parochial. We can't do that. We've. got to open it up. >> You did the shoot the noob thing because. you did this. >> I know. I know. And I thought we got.

away with it and then we went down this. wormhole of Jerry Remy, Remy Dog, Fenway. Pac. This is all important stuff to me, but we are shedding people right now. >> You guys want [laughter] to talk about. sports more. college? Richard Nixon, baby. >> That's where he met Pat Nixon at the. theater. >> That's right. >> Yeah. Yeah. The Rocky Cola Cafe in. Uptown. >> It's gone now. Uptown. Whittier where. the girls are prettier. >> That's right. >> Yeah. And. >> Yeah. >> Never shittier than in Whittier. [laughter].

>> What exactly is Never Sh. >> Show your tittier on Whittier. [laughter]. >> Come on. >> Like all of these were circulating in. Whittier many, many years ago. I'm sure. they are. Yeah. >> Um, >> show your tittier. [laughter]. >> I'd pity her. Were she from Whittier, >> you could say. Show that you are tittier. in wittier. >> Okay. >> How are you tittier? Like you're tittier. but you're tittier. >> I'm running through this through. >> you have like four. >> I'm running this like four titties. >> I'm running this through the latest. advanced chat GBT and it says this is.

the worst segment ever on a podcast. >> Okay. Well, you said tittier and. wittier. I'm just trying to figure out I. contributed any good to this. Okay. >> But I did shoot the noop. [laughter]. >> Let's get into it. All right. My guest. today is a hilarious actress, writer, and comedian who stars as principal, Ava. Coleman. Such a funny character in the. hit ABC series Abbott Elementary. Uh, she is so good. I'm thrilled she's here. today. Janelle James, welcome.

[music]. >> First of all, I'm going to describe the. vibe here right now. You can maybe see. it if you're watching this on video. >> I feel like I'm. >> You brought a What is this that's. happening right now? You've you lit some. incense. >> You never know who entered the room. before you. You know what I mean? And I. wanted a a a clean slate with my new. friend Conan O'Brien. So, I brought some. incense. >> This is nice. What is the uh scent we're. getting here? >> This is uh Palos Santo. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um. >> what are we getting from this scent? I'm. not a connoisseur of scents. Cleansing.

>> Uh good energy. >> Mhm. >> Um a little jump off talking point. [laughter]. >> Yeah. [laughter]. It's be great if that was the scent. >> Jump off point. >> Jump off talking point [laughter] for a. for podcasts. >> Icebreaker. Yeah. >> Ice. >> This is hints of icebreaker. [laughter]. >> Some tones of funny bit we could do. >> Um it does feel like a small fire broke.

out in the podcast [laughter] studio, which is. >> if anytime you want me to put it out, I. am. >> No, >> I know. I'm liking this right now. >> It's going right towards you, so you. probably need some cleansing. I was. going to say what does it mean? [laughter]. >> It's sensing a black hole of me. >> Yeah, it's weird. There is no like. seriously going straight to. >> right to my move it and it's going right. to you. >> No matter where you move it, it's going. to come to me cuz it senses a vacuum. here. >> It senses pain. >> Are you anxious today? >> Am I just anxious in general? Yes.

>> Facts. Same. That's why I walk around. with incense like a weirdo. >> Um well, let me paint the picture. [laughter]. It's going to say it's still going right. to it. >> Let it spray. >> No, [laughter]. >> every time you move it, the smoke makes. a beline. >> It did a U-turn. >> Must heal creature. [laughter]. Must heal creature. >> That is weird. >> She said it's for cleansing, right? >> Yeah, it is. >> What's it cleansing [laughter] over. here? >> It's not working yet. It's got a lot to. do. You need to bring in a giant bundle.

of these and light them all at the same. time. >> I'll do the whole studio for you. So. Janelle, I'm at this event. >> and I practically run smack into you. >> and so de What's that? >> Facts. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You did almost run right into me. >> Purpose. [laughter]. >> Uh, you know, I see attractive women. sometimes. I just try and do the old, >> hey, what the heck? Sorry I bumped into. you. [laughter] I love you. >> Then you can't get me too. You know, [laughter] it was just I bumped into.

you. It was an accident and here I am. That works. [laughter]. >> Yeah, >> that works. >> No, I uh I ran into you. I was so happy. uh to see you because you're very funny. And you're very funny in an original. way. >> And I was so happy to cross paths with. you. And you were there, David. I was. >> And I said, >> I must have Janelle on the podcast. You. called me over immediately. >> I called you over immediately and said, can you just make this happen? And you. said, well, I've uh I don't think I can. You started bumpering. Um, it's so nice.

to have you. >> He was real standoffish. You were nice. >> Yeah, >> he was like, I don't know. Yeah, >> I remember. I try to be as possible. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, you know what's nice is, um, Matt. Gorley is out today. That's not the nice. part, [laughter]. >> but boy, >> what a nice break. Poor [laughter]. >> Gory when he edits. >> You know, I I we all love Matt Gorley, but you are sitting in in hisstead, David. And um, you're a big fan. You're. a big fan, as is Sona. as am I. So,

we've got I mean, you got a packed house. right here. Eduardo over there. >> Big fan. >> Very happy. >> I appreciate I'll feel. Not so much. because you're not in Star Wars. [laughter]. >> Oh, yes. Yes. Let's manifest. >> As I said, your portrayal of Ava on. Abbott Elementary is it brings me a lot. of happiness because I think it's very. tricky thing to pull off the. self-involved not villain. I'm not going. to say villain, but a character. >> for a sitcom. I'm a villain.

>> for a sitcom. You're a villain. Um, and. so you're walking this line, but you do. it beautifully and in a way where I. think this is great. This character is. inept, um, vain, glorious, has all these. flaws, but you're very funny doing it, consistently funny, and you keep hitting. different notes, and I'm just very. happy. >> Well, thank you so much. Really happy. for you. Wow. >> Yeah. [laughter] And yeah, I don't let's. my opinion might not mean anything, but. seriously, >> I was talking about I don't know if you.

saw the um the WG Awards last year and I. had a joke in there where I said uh how. can I what's funny about Late Night and. I said I I don't know. Is Conan here? He's funny. [laughter] And I got a. little flack for that. I am a huge fan. of yours. >> I'm a huge fan of yours and your opinion. mean that that really made me think. You. know, I'm also um I know that your. [laughter] your your story is a great. story. It really is a great It is. >> because you came to your success after a.

lot of hard work and struggle and I love. those stories. I really do. I think. >> um I just won a contest [laughter]. >> but I think. >> how did you win? >> What did you do before you won? >> Yeah. >> Well, I was a male stripper. Okay, >> I was in Thunder Down Under and Lauren. Michaels saw me. >> Okay, [laughter]. >> I'm grinding it. >> Don't. >> I knew he was into that. >> Don't disparrage the name of Thunder. from Down Under. >> Lauren Michaels. [laughter]. >> Look at that, too. But more importantly,

Thunder from Down Under. >> No, but um let's talk about the. backstory a little bit cuz you're born. in St. Thomas. >> uh in the Virgin Islands. >> I am. >> And I was. >> You were You're still being born. We're. all still being born. If you think about it, >> do [laughter] you. >> at what age do you start to think I'm. funny? >> Oh, shoot. Always. >> No, not till adulthood. Um, really? Yeah. I don't think I was a um Yeah, everybody get that class clown question.

or whatever. I don't. >> I was not a class clown. >> Yeah. I don't I don't I know I was like. always uh a jerk, you know, like a like. a smart ass, >> right? But you were funny. >> I don't remember. I don't know if I'm. just old. I don't remember like. >> that's all this incense. >> facts [laughter]. >> could be. >> Okay. >> Um yeah, I don't remember I don't. remember till adulthood people being. like you're hilarious. I don't Yeah. I. don't I was like a a nerdy bookworm.

growing up, but I've always just been. >> I'm sensing a kindred spirit here. >> Yeah. I've just always been in adult. business. I know that. like uh listening. to what's going on, curious about. everything, and then having something to. report. That was my thing. And just. being like sarcastic with it. And I. think I became funny so just people. would listen to me state all my facts. that I knew. [laughter]. >> Like. >> that works. It's a survival instinct. >> Yeah. >> How old were you when you moved to. >> 16. >> and you moved to Maryland? >> Yeah. And then I was there for a year.

and then I moved to New York um. >> because I loved Madonna and [laughter]. >> and she had that that uh movie. >> She had that song Come to New York. >> Come to New York. [laughter]. >> What was that? Who's that girl? Do you I. remember watching that when I was like. five or something like just being. obsessed with her and being obsessed. with New York and was like I'm going to. move there and just like be like Madonna. just like boopping down the street. having a [laughter] New York life. And. so moved to New York, uh, did every. hustle in the book that.

>> Tell people some of the hustles cuz, >> man, [gasps]. I worked in a salon in a fashion. industry. I worked uh in a law firm. I. worked hosting in many restaurants, a. waitress in many restaurants. I worked. in many hair salons as receptionist and. like shampoo girl and all those things. I worked at uh oh frick what's the uh. Howard Stern strip club. Um [laughter].

you know what I'm talking about after. him? >> No. What is that? Scores. I worked at. Scores as a humidor, [laughter]. >> which is a cigar. >> Oh, so that means you you walk around. with a tray of cigars. >> Too too too prudish to to to get naked, but uh I wish I I did when I still had. that body. But um yeah, humidor. >> Yeah. [laughter] Um, >> I was a humidor guy and when I was in. Thunder Down Under. [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> They wouldn't let me take my shirt off. I did once and they [laughter] three.

people went to the hospital. >> You blinded in the [laughter] window. >> They were like, I see a lot of white and. then blue veins. >> Am I dead? [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Um, what else did I do? Uh, I started. many like home hustles. I I taught. sewing lessons in my house. I threw like. p parties in my house for like entry. because I had no furniture. So I was. like, what can I do all this empty space. [laughter]. >> in this apartment? I threw I threw.

parties. Um. >> I started a a personal chef. This is. when uh. >> so enterprising. I mean. >> cuz I grew up my dad had a restaurant so. I know how to cook. I don't like to. anymore but I [laughter] I so I knew how. to cook and I've just I'm just like what. skills do I have that can I turn into. money? That's what New York was for me. And so I started this This is when all. the uh. >> the startup startups would go in like we. work and all of that open. So I. started doing like personal chef for all. these like you know eight per person. offices. I would go in and cook lunch.

for them and. >> I will cook your food then wash your. hair. [laughter]. >> Whatever you need then offer you a. cigar. Yeah. >> That was called the joy of not cooking. I just remember that. [laughter] Yeah. >> So yeah many things. And in in between. there, got married, had a baby, uh, and. then I moved to followed a man to, uh, the Midwest, which is where I started. comedy. >> Okay. Yeah. >> So, the whole time that you're doing. what you call hustles, just jobs. You're. doing all these different jobs. You're.

trying. >> sometimes at the same time. >> And you are, you know, you're earning. your way. Is it in the back of your head. while that's all happening, I've got to. get into a performing life? >> No. Not at all. >> Not at all. Really? >> Not at all. Wow. So my ex-husband would. he would say so when I I had that empty. apartment uh he would come over and we. would you know embibe and we would get. high and um I don't know how else to say. that and I'd be running my mouth as I do. and he would say you're hilarious. He's. he's the first person I remember being.

like oh you should do something with. that and I'm like what a clown like what. do I do [laughter] being hilarious? It. never crossed my mind. Yeah, >> it really it really didn't performing or. I never did like stage play. Nothing. nothing performance-wise. Life is a. performance. I will say. >> my dad had a uh like a restaurant on the. beach. That's where I grew up. We. started as a food truck and then it. turned into a restaurant. And so our. performance, me and my siblings, of. which I'm the oldest of nine, uh we were. the kids that come up to you on vacation.

and sell you That's my first. performing. Like, hey, >> you got to have you have to be able to. [laughter] talk. Yeah. Yeah, >> you know, like, oh, quench your thirst. with this bucket of bicari or whatever, you know, [laughter] so I we were always. performing like, oh, just poor island. kids, you know, you know, that kind of. thing. So, I've always been like. outgoing in that way, you know. That's. why I started hustling if now I think. about it. >> So, you're in the Midwest and you decide. I you'll go to an open mic night. What. did you do? >> Yep. Somebody handed me a flyer in the.

grocery store and I came home. I put it. on the table and my ex-husband said, "What's that?" And I was like, "Some guy. handed it to me. He was like, "You. should go like cuz uh you know I I went. there for him. He was going to to school. and so I didn't I hadn't really been. leaving the house or anything." So he. was like, "You should go outside." And I. went and I watched it was my first time. seeing a comedy open mic. I had no idea. like how comedians start or practice or. anything like that or that that happens. And I was laughing. So they wanted me to.

come back. They were like, "Come back. next week." And by the way, you can do. some time. You can do four minutes if. you want next week. And I was like, "What does that mean?" They told me, "You write your material. You can do. four minutes." And so that's what I did. I came back the next week. I did four. minutes. I got my first laugh. I was. like, "This is it." [laughter] I loved. it. And I just started doing it every. week. Started hanging out with those. dudes like five white boys. We started. traveling around. Yeah. In a in not in a. van. What were we in? A Volvo station. wagon. Um [laughter]. going to like the different clubs.

around. >> Did you work out a set or did you have a. lot of improvise improvisation in your. set? >> No. No impro. I was really like so my at. that time my dad was dying and I think a. lot of comedians start from some. traumatic you know and so I was. just kind of working that out. my first. 10 minutes or whatever that I built up. was about my dad dying. >> and um but then also like a lot of. starting comedians I started getting. like book gigs like yeah I got 30.

minutes you know that kind of thing and. so I had to improvise in that way but I. don't I don't think I I was good but I. was doing it so yeah. >> and then um yeah my home club is the. jukebox comedy club in Poria I started. hanging out there that's the home of. Richard Prior if you don't know. >> and uh that's where I met like all the. traveling comedians and the first person. to take me on the road was Todd Barry. who saw me there and then Todd Barry. >> Yeah. And then uh you know where I where. I was was a college town so all the big.

comics would come through and so Todd. then told Rob Delaney. >> I was going to open for Rob Delaney. Todd told him like make sure you watch. your opener. And I remember like doing. my set and Rob Delaney is like at the. back of the room with his arms crossed. and then he was like hey do you want to. tour tour with me? So, I went with him. and he was like huge on Twitter then. And so, I got to like two years in do. these like sold out 3,000, you know, seat backtoback shows with him. And then. Hannibal, I just started going with. different people. And so, by the time I.

got back to New York, uh [laughter]. Todd had said, "Hey, if you're ever in. New York, look me up." And I I showed up. and I was like, "Remember you said?" And. he was like, "No, I [laughter]. no man. No man.". >> Oh. Oh, no. >> Hey, man. Hey, man. No man. [laughter]. >> But since you're stalking me, come to my. birthday party and that's where I met. Eugene Merman and then I started hanging. out with them and. all those people. So, yeah. >> It's so funny how.

>> I think it's a common story. I can. certainly relate to it. You spend your. early years in what feels like the. wilderness. >> and you're wandering around. and you. don't think anyone's like you and then. um you get into a certain little I don't. know tide pool or something and you meet. one person. >> and then that seems to be the reality. for a little bit and then you meet one. other person another person and suddenly. >> you're wired into this community. >> and it's a beautiful thing. >> like whoa comedians are you know I don't.

know about cool but yeah like. >> yeah [laughter]. >> let me see Todd Barry Eugene Merman. as cool as. >> [laughter]. >> But like laughing and hanging out, [clears throat] the extended the. extended adolescence, you know, I. luckily came in when everybody was on. the wagon, so I missed all the. alcoholism and and drug [laughter]. >> And there's still time. >> Yeah, I'm sure. >> Everyone you've mentioned is really. funny. Hannibal, all these people you're. mentioning are. >> and unique,

>> unique, funny people. And so. >> you start, it's also a school. >> Yeah. because you can watch other people. and you can understand different rhythms. and it's I always think it's the same. thing as music. I mean, you're just. around. >> I mean, I always say after I met Todd, I. I did Todd Barry for like a year. Very. stoic. Didn't move around. Yeah. >> And uh he taught me a lot about the. road, how to get paid, make sure you're. getting paid. Like, >> yeah, >> those two things are the most important. And. >> I've worked with Todd and he is very. good at getting paid. >> Getting paid. >> Him. [laughter] Him. Todd, you haven't.

done it yet. Him. >> Yeah. like don't get over by. these clubs. And yeah, I learned stuff. from everyone. And so yeah, I feel like. I have a. >> it was the best entry into this, you. know, business for me, somebody who's. already an adult, you know, and um and. super focused cuz around that time I. missed started missing like a lot of. >> uh with my kids like as. entertainers do. And so I was very. focused cuz I was like this has to be. worth it, you know? >> Yeah. Crazy to me you didn't try out you.

you weren't thinking about Abbott. Elementary. You weren't thinking about a. the character of Ava. >> This was something that came to you and. you didn't even jump at it right away. >> No, I so we I got that audition during. the pandemic. I always thought so I. hadn't really thought about acting. My. whole goal at that time was I I want to. be Chris Rock. I had just come off my. last tour was with touring with Chris. >> and I was like this is amazing you know. and so I was like this is my goal and so. I would get auditions from my agents and.

I would just kind of around with. them like especially if I thought it was. stupid or whatever. I wasn't ever like. >> pressed to get into the get on on. screen. I was like if it if it happens. it will and then I always thought one of. my friends would get a show and bring me. over like Adam Sandler does or whatever. So when I got that script, I really. liked it, which is rare, [laughter]. you know, to read a pilot like, "Oh. this is amazing." And so I. remember I wrote Quinta on Twitter and I. was just like, "Your your pilot is so. good. I know how hard that is to to do.

I've been trying to write one myself and. failing." And she was like, "Thanks." I. said, "I think I'm going to audition for. Ava." She said, "I didn't know you act.". And I was like, "I don't know if I do, but I [laughter]. I don't know. I'll try.". >> I love how honest you are. You're not. talking. You're not selling yourself or. talking [laughter] your way into it. You're saying, "Oh, I have no idea.". >> I was really just trying to compliment. I was really impressed. I was like, I'm. laughing out loud. I could totally see. this. And I remember telling my agent. like, even if I don't get this, this is. going to go. It's going to go with or. without me. And it was in the middle of.

the pandemic, so I wasn't I thought we. were going to die. I wasn't really. trying to do much of anything. >> truly. >> Yeah. Uh, so I had the audition like in. my hands for like six weeks and the dead. deadline passed. I kept asking for uh. extensions and I just I didn't have the. motivation. I was depressed. [laughter]. >> I was depressed. >> And then finally my agent uh was like, "Are you sure? Like I really think you. know did I was like fine." I had to like. pull out all the I couldn't find my ring.

lights. I had my son like holding a a. floor lamp towards [laughter] me, you. know, for lighting and. >> and then I just yeah, I sent in the self. tape and then I got a call back. So. yeah, that's how it happened. And then I. did four subsequent like Zoom auditions. after that. >> It's funny because the highest. compliment you can pay someone is I. don't I cannot imagine that character. being someone else. >> Thank you. >> Like that's. >> you know there's not an alternate. universe where someone else plays that.

part. It's only in in any alternate. universe, you're still playing that. part. >> Thank you. I mean, that's how I feel. That's how I feel like it's uh meant to. be because again, I waited so long, everyone had already auditioned. It kind. of worked out for me and that they were. still looking for the person. It was. like, "Oh, this late comer." Uh, and. then I found out uh Quinta once I did my. initial, she just kept sending me up. They were like, "Well, can we get a. name? Who else do you have?" She was. like, "It's this person. It's this." So. she kept So it kind of worked out that I. waited and um yeah I do totally feel.

like it's meant to be which is how I. like everything in my life to work. >> Well, I don't want to. >> the fact that you spent. >> anything. [laughter]. >> Yeah. But but that's the thing too is. that I feel like you probably after all. these experiences you've had not just as. a standup but all these experiences you. had. >> just trying to make your way in the. world. None of that's wasted. That all. goes into. >> your ability to look at this character. and say, "Here's what I would do with. this.". >> Cuz uh.

>> and also empa um what's the word? Is it. empathize? I don't know if it's but. yeah, she's a hustler at the end of the. day. Like that's really what I took out. of. >> out of uh her ethos. Like she has same. thing like me multiple businesses going. even though she's a [laughter]. principal. >> Yeah. Why does she why does she own a. party bus? >> [laughter]. >> She has a thriving Tik Tok shop, you. know. She has a a rotating closet in. hers. [laughter]. >> You know, she's doing everything.

>> Also, when she unveils the sign that she. spent thousands of dollars for a. [laughter]. >> for a public school that's very much in. need of funding. You spent it on a sign. that you're on, [laughter]. >> but you know, >> uh, inspiring. Yeah. >> Is really what I was trying to do. >> That's the word I wrote down right here. >> That's what she was trying to do. Thank. you. Thank you. >> What is $1,000 when you need millions. [laughter]. is how I. >> But you know the [laughter] I think. empathize is the right word because.

you're saying. these characters don't work if you also. don't like them. >> And the fact is if you just looked at. this at at the character of Ava on. paper, I don't know that you would see. anything that you would like. But your. portrayal of her, I see a lot of. qualities. She is fearless. She. completely believes her own. >> Um, my favorite characters in comedy are. uh deluded, egotistical. It's to me it's.

>> that's the entertainment industry, baby. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> You got to be delusional. >> I mean, to me it goes back to Peter. Stellar's Cluso. or Don Knots um as Barney Fe. people. that don't have the skills uh or they. don't really have any of the backing. that they need. They completely believe. in themselves 100%. >> I think that's the difference between me. and her like she has like almost. unearned confidence, you know, and I. think my just the coming up in standup.

It's and how I. >> I mean them shows I did in the M Midwest. were horrible, you know? I'm doing like. BFWs with like. >> all like a full house of white men just. staring at me with their arms crossed. like so nothing once I got to Hollywood. and acting is scary [laughter] anymore. you know and I also had the backing of. like the grace like I've had Chris Rock. tell me like yo you the real deal like. so these are um these are the things. that are taking giving me the confidence. to do you know this character which is. you know my first role [laughter] so.

>> yeah it's kind of unbelievable but I but. it makes sense to me because um Early. on, I always insisted I what I had was. my my mind and I thought, okay, I can. develop these other things, but I want. to be in control. >> I don't want to go around and say, I'm a. blank slate. Someone please cast me. >> Yeah. >> I knew that I had to. >> form this what this personality this. Conan thing. I had I kind of knew what. it was and I just kept doubling down on.

it. And I think your story uh is, you. know, very inspirational to me because I. see you. finding yourself and you you get. >> you make me cry. Way to go. [laughter]. >> Again, I'm going to give the credit. [laughter]. to the tie stick you brought. >> Not only you're going to cry, I'm going. to cry and vomit. [laughter]. >> Smoke. Just smoke eyes.

>> Yeah. Um, >> again, do you need me to put it? >> No, I love it. [laughter] It is deep. >> I can't tell when you when you being. >> No, but. >> it's usually not serious. [laughter]. >> Yeah. I've never said a serious thing in. my life. >> So, that's what I'm see that's what me. and him being I love it could mean. [laughter] anything. >> No, no, no. But, >> excuse me, just one minute. [laughter]. Um, no, but you you took control and I. think that has informed everything.

you've done is you deciding, no, I'm not. going to chase anything. I'm going to. develop. >> I mean, my what I would think was my. worst nightmare would be to be quote. unquote trapped in a character, you. know, like you're saying, you. [clears throat] developed your own. thing. So, and I'm and as many stand-ups. are is like I'm a thing onto myself, like I am me, you know, that thing. So. then to come to this play this character. who's become her own thing really like. me my head up for the first. couple seasons and now I'm like I have. to come back to I I like this person. I. think she's interesting.

>> How did it screw you up a little bit? >> People saying that I'm that person. >> I see. >> that type of thing which I've now. intellectualized as oh that's how well. I'm doing that people think that I am. >> You mean right? [laughter]. >> So people meeting you and thinking. you're a diluted egotistical narcissist. Yeah. Yeah. >> I get that, too. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> You're like that Conan guy. No, that's. my character. [laughter]. >> But also having to like realize.

[laughter] having to realize that they. admire it. >> Like, yeah, we're saying it as like a. negative and they're like, I love that. you're this diluted narcissistic. Also, you know, >> I always think comedy writers, I know in. my career when I was on the Simpsons, I. only wanted to write for Mr. Burns. I. only wanted to write. >> the villain. >> The villain. It was so much fun that. they had to tell me, "You can't pitch. another Mr. Burns story. [laughter]. All your ideas are about Mr. Burns. because he's, you know, he can be.

infinitely evil. He can have vast. amounts of money. He can have robots in. the basement. It's this whole world.". And it's the same thing with Ava where. she can. >> anything. She's almost a cartoon. >> Yeah. You can come up with [laughter]. >> it. >> all kinds of stuff for her. The hello. sign that she aims towards herself. >> I love it. [laughter] And I did that to. make myself laugh. Quinton was like, "Leave it." You know? So, >> right. Someone tried to change it. Someone tried to say like a. >> I did it like, "Ha, isn't that funny?

Like, it's facing me." And then I was. like, "All right, let me put it back.". She was like, "No, put it back. That's. hilarious." [laughter] You know? So, it's like, yeah, no greeting for the. outsiders. It's for me. >> It's you saying hello to yourself and. explaining who you are. >> Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] It's such a. little touch. I love it. And I love that. it it stuck and and people Yeah. >> But that becomes catnip for writers. because it's I think one of the reasons. your character just sort of took on it a. life of its own is there's no end to it. People can have a lot of fun saying, "Oh, wait. I just thought of something. that Ava could be doing." I mean, people.

watching the show, >> I'm that. So, that goes back to me being. like, "Oh, no. I'm stuck in this. character. I'm really not cuz she can do. anything. I think more than any of the. other characters who are very like they. they are their you know uh ethos and. their character. Ava can switch up at. any time and it won't be a bit it won't. be a surprise. [laughter]. >> Were you happy? >> You're waiting for the for the switch. up, you know. >> Were you happy when uh your former. boyfriend was revealed to be a. >> Oh, Iguodala. [laughter].

>> Is that what you're talking about? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Was I happy? Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, it's just so. >> he's hot. Sure. Um [laughter]. Quint actually ran that by me. Um what. do you think about this guy? And and I. liked that he was married. >> Uh cuz I was like, "Oh, less uh. >> instance for sexual harassment." And um. [laughter]. like, "Oh, a family man who's also a a. tall, attractive ball player. Who. wouldn't want that in their lore? That's. her lore that she only [laughter]. keep adding to.". >> Yeah. I mean, she founded the roots.

>> I don't know if you've heard [laughter]. uh. and like no one believed that you knew. Quest Love and then you. >> I don't know how many times I got to. bring it to these like use. [laughter]. that's what I like about her. She's like. she says things and then it turns out to. be true. >> turns out to be true. That reminds me so. much of I grew up in Boston and uh Red. Sox of course are everything and the. star of pitcher was this guy Louis Tant. and we had this I got to be careful here.

so I don't get anyone in trouble. I had. a teacher who will go unnamed who was. just a character and was always spinning. stories about hanging out with Fidel. Castro in Cuba and escaping Cuba and. being shot at and swimming across the. ocean to get to America. You just. thought none of nothing he's saying is. true. And he used to talk about how his. good friend was Louis Tion who was the. biggest star in Boston. >> We thought you know, whatever, man. And one day we're all having class. We're on the first floor. Ting, ting,

ting, ting, ting. And a hand is wrapping. on the window and it's wearing a giant. uh penant ring. >> No. >> And we look over and it's Louis Tant. banging on this uh teacher's window and. he goes like, "Hey guys, I got to go. outside and talk to Eliante and goes. outside. >> and suddenly I realized he he is friends. with Castro. He [laughter]. >> everything else is. >> everything is true, but it's the same. thing where. >> Yeah. now he's a teacher and it's just. like yeah I'm like this character.

another reason I was mad about the. character being characterized with this. character is like I'm like this is the. least interesting thing about me you. know is playing this part so I had to. like get over that. >> uh and realize that that means I'm doing. a good job yeah that uh comedian ego. you like the part now you're very. well known it's a hit show your. character really pops do you like being. recognized and how do you handle. >> [gasps].

[laughter]. >> because you're not someone who was 3. years old saying, "I've got to be. recognized." That wasn't you. So, how do. you do it? >> I like again, I had a very rough first. couple seasons just wrapping my head. around all of this, you know? Uh, and. because you said, it wasn't anything I. ever like actively pursued. And then, uh, comedians are like, uh, especially. standups, we're like. >> contrary loners, you know what I mean? [laughter] you know, so to and then to. have people. >> think that I'm this character, which I.

know comes with a performance like. that's how we're different in that she. wants to be famous and so people. approach me as like this must be great. for you that I'm recognizing you because. that's what you want cuz you're that. character. So that was hard for me. >> Yeah. >> And so now uh I've gotten better because. I just stay in the house. [laughter]. >> That's a healthy approach. I saw a therapist. >> Everything's [laughter] better. >> And the therapist said, "Don't leave the. house. >> Everything's better." No.

>> No. [laughter] It's been It's been wild. I do have Yeah. therapist. I have two. now. >> They just talk to each other now. >> Yeah. Like, "Oh, what's going on with. this broad?" Um [laughter]. Yeah. Uh and then I And then I I don't. want to feel because then people take. that as ungrateful because people think. that that's what they want. Or you want. or you wanted fame. I'm like, I just. wanted money and to have fun uh. [laughter] not to have to perform every. time I leave the house, which it does. feel like a performance. Like even when.

people I I'm glad that I'm a villain. that people like to see. That's one. thing, you know. Um so everybody's. approaching me with like happiness and. joy, but that's still like so much. energy output for me when I'm just. trying to go get some dog food or. something. [laughter]. >> I hope you have a dog. >> That's all I got to say. All the actress. is good. >> Have you tried it? [laughter]. >> All the actresses on a dog food diet. now. >> If that gets out [laughter] and.

everyone's eating dog food, it works. >> Oh, who? >> Yeah. [laughter] Um, >> are you on dog food? >> Are you on dog food? All your nutrients. [laughter]. >> I found alpo in your garbage can. >> Do you It's funny because I [laughter]. >> What do you deal with? You've been doing. that forever. I mean. >> I know I know it's. >> we ran into each other because I was. running up on you like you know so I. >> How do you feel about it? I was like. that's O'Brien. >> I'm [laughter] very happy that you came.

running up on me. That didn't happen a. lot before I got famous. [laughter]. Women weren't running up on me and so I. say yes [laughter] to fame. Uh well I. have two good witnesses here that will. tell you cuz they're with me all the. time. Sona and David and they see me out. in the real world and I learned a long. time ago there's two types. >> There's um someone like a Steve Martin. who I think is just absolutely brilliant.

comedian legend icon. I mean he's up. there in the Mount Mount Rushmore of. funny people. >> and he's very reserved and quiet and. kind of shy out in in public and I think. a lot of his career has been people not. understanding. >> that crazy guy with the arrow through. his head. I saw him. I'll go up to him. and I'll give him that energy. >> Something wacky. >> Yeah. And [laughter] um he you know. >> Exactly. And it's like they're they're. coming across a very shy art history. professor.

>> and they're confused. >> What a jerk. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> And then and then there are uh people. like oh myself. >> who are who are me all the time. >> to the point where it's probably an. illness. I mean I'm just. >> off of it. I just like to try and uh I I. do the same stuff with the waiter. >> or the person who's selling me the. insole for my shoe. [laughter]. I'll do the same thing for them that I.

would do with you here. >> It's no difference. >> I mean, it depends. I I For me, I if I'm. with someone that I think that I'm feel. safe with, I'll um I love it. I love. talking to people. I'm a comedian. I. want to know what's your deal? What do. you do? How do you And I always feel I. always say that's what this has this. experience has taken from me is talking. to strangers really because what I'm. looking for now is people who don't. recognize me and then I'll have a. conversation with them and I'm like I. leave so like energized cuz I do like. people and then right before I step away. they'll be like by the way I love you on.

the and I'm like oh no did I tell that. person where I live [laughter] you know. cuz that's how I talk to I'm like yeah I. just moved to where do you eat I love. this restaurant [laughter] and we'll. have a great thing and I'll be like wow. made a new friend and they're like I. think I already know you. That's what I. don't like. >> And I've also noticed. >> that I will also be more open now. I'm. going to tell people how to. approach me. But [laughter]. >> if they come up and they're like, I love. the show. I'm like, thank you so much. I'll do the the whole thing, but I'm I'm.

wary of it. But if they say, I've been. following you since standup. I know your. Netflix special. Then I feel like, oh, you know me. >> They know you. >> And then I'm like, what's up, homie? You. know what I mean? So, it's just it just. depends. I came to your fake restaurant. [laughter]. >> Exactly. Exactly. So, it's I'm working. on it. [laughter]. I smoked some of your cigars. >> Hey, I saw your titties in the ' 90s. What? What's up, old friend? [laughter].

Me and Stern. >> That's where I know you. [laughter]. That's where I know you. >> The year is 2008. It's me and my friend. Stern. [laughter]. And here you come, cigars and titties. And I'm like, "Yeah, you know the real. Janelle. [laughter]. What's up, friends?". >> How has your family reacted to all this? >> Oh my god. Well, my mom just came around. cuz she's. >> Did she love it? >> She's My mom is very shy. I am also, and. I didn't realize this, I am also kind of. surprisingly shy. Yeah. And so my mom is.

very shy. And so she for the first. couple seasons wasn't even telling. anyone. And then uh she she said, "I put. a picture of you on my desk and people. keep stopping by like what is and she's. like that's my daughter." And they're. like, "What? She's been, you know, your. daughter this whole time or whatever.". So now she's kind of leaning in. >> And also I'm trying to get her used to. the fact that I have money and that she. can uh accept things from me. That's. been a big deal. And that she can have. nice things. That's something I had to.

work through. Like, oh, I can have I can. I have money. So it's been so many. things all at once. Uh, my kids don't. watch the show. They're cool. >> I think that's good. [laughter]. >> I think it's good. >> Yeah. >> You know, my oldest son says it's weird. to see me like that. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> He's like, "What is that voice you're. doing?" And who is that? >> But he's like, "Wow, you're like I took. him just recently to like a talk I did. at a at a college and just him seeing. how people react to me, which people cry.

with me and I'm always like, I'm not MJ. Like it's it's cool. I'm just a lady. But people crying like shaking. My son. was like, "What the fuck?" Like, >> "Yeah, >> you're famous." And I was like, "Yeah, yeah, this is wild." [laughter]. And that was just a couple weeks ago. And that's like the first real. conversation we've had about cuz I tried. to tell them, but it's not till you're. my mom, too. We I took her to New York. We went to Broadway. People were chasing. us. My mom, she's so tiny with her. little legs running and [laughter] she. was so anxious and she's just like,

"What the fuck?" like they don't it's. it's been crazy for all of us. But yeah, again I uh I just say in the house. >> Yeah, [laughter]. >> she's a hologram right now. She's. >> I'm beaming in. >> I should We uh we assembled the studio. in your house. >> I'm like, "Oh, why do celebrities?". [laughter]. >> Yeah. >> Why do celebrities live in the. mountains? I know now. >> Yeah. >> You know, it's so nice to see someone's. work from afar. just see their work and. admire them and then meet them.

>> Conan O'Brien just said that. >> No, no, but what I'm saying is admire. them and then meet them and they're just. who you would want them to be, which is. which is you are yourself. >> I am. >> You are yourself and there's no changing. that. And so many people would have been. warped, bent, twisted, uh stretched by this. >> I wish I could lean in though. I wish I. could be like, "Yes." I don't know. That's what AA would do. >> Yeah. >> I'd be out as her. But, you know, >> I'm leaving so much money on the table. I can perform [laughter] as Welcome to.

the AA Extravagance. I could probably. have a Vegas show. All kind of. [laughter]. >> There's still time. Later on, >> don't say no to it. >> There's always time for that. >> Yeah. >> Um, and in fact, it's not time for that. right now. It's time for you, you know, to see this character through. >> Now, some people people are speculating. because your character got fired. >> Facts for for a couple hours. >> Yeah. [laughter]. At most. We would all panicked when that. happened. I didn't think you would be. >> I was like, "Oh, I get go back on the.

road. I wonder what Chris is doing.". LIKE, I WAS, [laughter]. >> "OH MY GOD.". >> I was like, I mean, that's the benefit. of having multiple skills. Like, and I. mean, I've. >> I've quit jobs for for any reason. before. I'm again, I'm always on the. hustle. I'm like, "Okay, well, if you. think that's the best thing for the. show, for me to be off of it, I I agree. with you, Quinta. You're a. genius. Thank you so much for the. opportunity." She's like, "No, you'll be. back the sec the next episode." I was. like, "Oh. [laughter]. I'll even get some days off.

[laughter]. >> Can't your character be in a coma? Can't. Ava be in a coma and you still get paid. just as. >> how many days can [laughter] I go to. Mexico? Like, what's going on? No, I was. back the next episode. But that was very. thrilling for me because people still. come up to me now. So, that happened. last season months ago and people still. come up to me now like, "Let me know. when you're back on the show so I can. start watching again." And I'm like, "Dude, I was on the next episode.". >> Yeah. >> People were like, "I don't watch it. anymore. They fired you. Why would they. do that? So, that was like gratifying. for me like, "Oh, wow. I'm a thing.". >> Yeah. Yes, you are a thing.

>> Thank you. >> Um, [laughter]. >> absolute delight. >> to get to meet you, get to know you. >> I think I told you when I met you, I. wanted to do time on your show and that. I was too precious about my little five. minute set and then all of a sudden you. weren't there. >> This is I mean, >> who knows what I was going to say back. there. [laughter]. >> Exactly. >> My dad is dead. >> Killing. Look at me crushing. See, still. got it. [laughter]. still in it. >> I'm sorry. It's just such a funny line. My [laughter] dad is dead. It just kills.

every time. >> That was probably my set back then. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um, no, it's just, you know, one of the. one of the things that makes me really. happy. This has been a real gift to me. is this podcast format. which was invented by people long before. me and I just came along and it fits me. like a glove because. >> what I really want to do. >> love your travel series as well. >> Oh, thank you so much. the best at. talking to people. Anyway, I love you. Thanks. >> But what I But what I love to do is in. the old days, it would have been you.

Yeah. It would have been you doing your. set and me coming over and thanking you. and us standing together. >> from the desk and shaking my hand. >> and Yeah. And then Good night. We'll be. right back. Janelle James, everybody. credits. This to me is more meaningful. this because we really get to talk about. some stuff. >> I mean, how many listeners you got on. this? So, >> we got a lot. Okay, great. >> I don't do numbers, but uh. >> I'll be the judge of meaning [laughter]. refused to be here today. >> It's okay. I was doing a bit I was doing.

a bit like how meaningful is it? [laughter]. >> We shall see. >> Good point of. >> Well, the Will my followers No. [laughter]. >> Um, a lot. We have a lot of people. listening and they're all the greatest. people ever. >> You are your fan base. I always say. that. Janelle, you are just a delight. and I do hope you come back sometime. anytime. >> and I hope we are friends for real. because that would be uh. >> seriously that'd be that'd be a nice. thing for me. You would up my.

>> I feel like a Everybody says that. >> Uh. >> and then I'm in your backyard and you're. like here. >> No, [laughter] you don't. >> I really don't have a lot of friends and. I'd be so happy to I'll come to your. house and I'll hang out. >> I just got a pool. >> What's that? >> I just got a pool. >> What's the shape of the pool? Is it. kidney shaped? >> Nope. It is Oh, is it. >> kidney shaped? >> It's bulbous. It's more squash shaped. [laughter]. >> Okay. >> Is it kidney? >> The mind wanders. [laughter]. >> I'm here for your bulbous pool. Janelle,

>> welcome [laughter] is what I will say. >> Oh my god, the way you just invited. yourself. >> I'm going to ring your bell. I'm here. for bulbous pool. >> Who is that? I don't know. I can't see, but I think it's Conan O'Bri's. [laughter]. incense. Please cleanse yourself before you enter. and let's have a great time. [laughter]. >> Uh, thank you so much for being here. >> I appreciate it. Thank you. I mean, I've. had the This was so great. >> Oh, great. >> And easy. Love it. >> We all win. >> Thank you guys. >> You know what? I'm going to go home and. my wife's going to say, "Who are you. cheating on?". >> A Catholic [laughter] nun.

>> You smell like Par Simmons. [laughter]. [music]. Let's do a review. The reviewers, >> I like it. I like to keep my finger on. the pulse of what the podcasting uh. listeners believe, feel. >> This is where we go to Apple Podcasts. and we take a five-star review. Not hard.

to find. >> Hey, >> it's nice. So, you're weeding out all. the nostar reviews. >> Yeah. >> Say, >> I don't think you can give no stars. You. have to do one. >> I'll find a way. [laughter]. to your own podcast. >> I'm going to load up our. >> our comment section with no star. reviews. All right. [laughter]. >> And we read it and uh we review it or if. there's a question, we'll answer it. >> Yep. >> This is from Anaise0912. The title is best podcast ever. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> I listen to this all day at school. I.

have absolutely no idea what's going on. in any of my classes, but I'm sure I'll. figure it out. [laughter]. The bad thing about listening to this at. school, though, is that I can't laugh. out loud. And believe me, I really want. to. Seriously, if you look over at me. while I'm listening, you would see tears. streaming down my face, me quivering and. shaking with laughter, and my face is. red as a tomato. I'll often at times. have to go to the bathroom, and I'll sit. there and just laugh. I'm sure everyone. thinks I'm a big creep, but I could care. less because Conan is so funny. Also,

Sona and Matt, pure gold. I'm only 16. years old, so I love getting to know. guests that I have never heard of. I. think that y'all should make a Team Coco. iPhone app. You could have full episodes. of all Conan shows, not just the clips. like YouTube, remotes, podcast, and. anything Team Coco related. My screen. time would be off the charts if you all. do that. Anyways, love the podcast and. love Conan. This is First of all, I love. Anelise0912. Um, and thank you so much that what a. great uh comment.

>> And I I mean, Adam, you can get involved. in this. Why aren't we an app? Why. aren't we an app? >> I think her ma her the main ask I heard. out of that is that she wants the full. episodes. And my guess is that this. review was written before we started. releasing full episodes. So, we're doing. what she wants. >> Yeah. And and not you don't have to go. to an app. You go to YouTube where. everyone has access to. >> This was a year ago. >> Yeah. So, >> so I think it's uh long. >> So, now she's 17 and despises us. >> Oh, no. [laughter]. >> And that's how far back I had to go to.

find a fivestar review. >> The part of my brain that uh determines. what's of quality developed in the last. year. No, it's really nice. I'm going to. I usually push aside compliments, but we. just have to take this. It's so nice. >> Are you worried though that she's in. high school and she's listening to this. during class? >> You know, no. Because I remember in high. school learning nothing too. >> that was of use to me and I I I'm just. Come on. You know when when was the last. time.

>> you used any of your math skills? Sona. barely. >> you still walk around with an abacus. You know. >> graduated high school. >> Exactly. I know. I know. >> I used to write disco rules on all the. on the tables I sat. [laughter]. I don't know why. >> But disco didn't rule when you were in. high school. >> I think it was just me being like silly. and ironic and I would just be like. disco rules. Because I didn't think it. ruled. But I also maybe I did go through. a bit of a disco phase. It's a fun. genre. >> I like disco. >> But I think that what I'm excited about. is she's young. >> Yeah, I know. >> Young people I I really want them to.

like me. >> Really? >> Do you guys ever feel that way or is it. just me? >> He does. I want young people to assist. me, [laughter]. >> help me up if I've fallen, >> uh guide me to the part of the iPhone. that I can use, you know? I mean, uh, that's I'm mostly looking to young. people for I I actually I will say this. This is honest. >> I love the enthusiasm of young people. I. really do like that. And when the when.

young people are happy, I'm happy. It's. a weird I don't know if that's weird to. say, but I am. >> I think that cuz I tried to think I was. hip for a while and then now I've. completely lost touch with 16-year-olds. where I don't know what they're. interested in. And I think that when. they like something that I'm involved. in, it makes me feel good. >> I like this. I like this very much. And. I have to say, when I'm just cruising. around, not cruising. >> What were you? >> There was a time in the late '7s, early. ' 80s when I was cruising. It was after. the disco movie cruising [laughter] came.

out. >> and I didn't understand what it was. about. >> Don't even know what that meant. >> I just thought it meant having a nice. walk. >> Did he cruise? >> Uh, yes, he certainly did. He certainly. did. the undercover cop that went in. underground in the gay scene to solve a. murder. >> Oh, cruising like that. >> Yeah. I didn't know what it was. So, I. wore the same outfit that Aluccino wore. in cruising, which was all leather and a. leather cap. And I would go and I would. yell, "I'm cruising around." And I'd. walk around. >> I didn't know what it meant, but. [laughter] boy were certain people were. very friendly to me. >> Yeah.

>> Um, but anyway, that's neither here nor. there. What's important is uh just. walking around. A lot of young people. say they enjoy this silliness, so that's. nice. I wonder what a youngest listener. is that finds it on their own. Not that. their parents listen. >> That would be uh in uterero. I think. sometimes yeah there are there are. obstatricians that say you should be. there's a way you can just put the. podcast up to your belly and a child as. it's forming a fetus can be listening to. this. >> Can you imagine that if a child is. formed with only this as its influence?

>> Yeah. It comes out and it's just it. wants to immediately buy all the. products we mentioned in the ads. >> Oh man. No, >> that's dark. >> What qualities does it take from us? I. think it's loud. >> It's needy. >> Not I don't think that's my one quality. >> Well, we're talking dominant qualities. >> I know. What is your dominant quality. >> that I must dominate? >> What are you going to dominate. >> this conversation? >> And then.

>> you can say it. >> I don't want to say nerdy. >> I knew you were going to. >> But you knew that. Then why did you make. me say you knew? Why didn't you just say. >> I'm not going to take your idea and do. it for you. When a baby's born wearing a. straw boater [laughter]. uh. >> and wearing a t-shirt that says wittier. rocks. >> I'm more worried about the mother's. birth [laughter] process with a straw. boater on that baby's head. >> It gets slightly knocked to skew, [laughter] but after that it's fine. Is it a boy or a girl? I don't know. But.

it's wearing a straw boater [laughter]. and it wants to get to the Rose Bowl. swap meat immediately. >> That just that does come up a lot. I've. literally never once been to the Rose. Bowl flea market. I've never been there. >> I But you sit in the uh you sit just. outside the Rose Bowl and wish you could. go. >> But they won't let me in. >> Yeah. [laughter]. >> You're blacklisted cuz they're too. scared. >> I've been to the Pasadena City College. one though. It's pretty good. >> That one's really good, too. >> He was escorted out. He's not allowed. back to the Rose Bowl anymore. >> Why?

>> He uh shoplifted a loot. [laughter]. >> You're You know what? That's not true. because I'm going there this weekend to. see Oasis. >> Me too. >> You are Saturday. >> Yes. >> Me too. >> What are you doing? >> Are you coming? >> Uh, no. >> I [laughter] do like Oasis though. I. love those Gallagher. Those Gallagher. fellas. >> It's a different Gallagher than the one. you're thinking of with the. >> Peter. [laughter] Peter Gallagher. >> Peter Gallagher. >> I honestly thought that Peter Gallagher. was one of the Gallagher brothers. [laughter] cuz he's got the eyebrows.

Yeah, he does. You know, and uh uh. [laughter] they won't tour with him cuz. they really hate him. Yeah, they just. thought his work on the OC was inferior. [laughter] Shout out to Peter Gallagher. Love you, man. >> All right, let's wrap this up. >> Yeah, knock it off, you eightballs. Come. on. Hey, a shout out to Anelise0912. Um very much appreciate your. encouragement and just try and study. some. Just some. Okay. >> All right. I look forward to you being.

my surgeon. Take care. [laughter].