Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend: Episode Summary – "Bit@#es Be Hitchin'"

In the June 26, 2025 episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, host Conan O’Brien engages in a deep and multifaceted conversation with Trisha, an investigative crime reporter specializing in cold cases from the 1970s. This episode masterfully balances humor with the gravity of ongoing investigations, offering listeners a compelling blend of light-hearted banter and serious discourse on true crime.

Introduction to Trisha and Her Work

[01:50] Conan O'Brien:
"Hi Trisha."

Conan warmly welcomes Trisha to the show, immediately setting a personal tone. Trisha introduces herself as a resident of Montevideo, Minnesota, having relocated seven years prior due to her husband’s medical profession.

[03:28] Conan O'Brien:
"So have you had success with this? ... Have you had success finding the bodies of lost women in the 70s?"

Trisha explains her role as an investigative crime reporter focusing on cold cases from the 1970s—a decade Conan humorously refers to as the "decade of mayhem."

Exploring Cold Cases of the 1970s

[04:15] Conan O'Brien:
"I often think serial killers... were just kind of dopey."

Trisha delves into the challenges faced by investigators in the pre-DNA era, where many missing persons were dismissed as runaways. The lack of advanced forensic technology during the 70s makes solving these cases particularly arduous.

[06:31] Conan O'Brien:
"These are young women that went missing and you decide, here's my joke. Opportunity."

The conversation takes a somber turn as Conan accidentally makes an ill-timed joke about the sensitive nature of missing persons, leading to a moment of reflection on the importance and emotional weight of Trisha’s work.

The Belinda Case: A Spotlight on 1970s Investigations

[06:51] Trisha:
"Yeah, we have, actually. ... I've reopened her case, and so we could be getting answers."

Trisha details her involvement in the case of Belinda, who went missing in 1974. Trisha has identified a main suspect and has engaged directly with him at a secure facility in northern Minnesota.

[07:22] Trisha:
"...he abducted them at gunpoint and knife point and had a kill bag."

She provides harrowing details about the suspect's history, highlighting the brutality of his crimes and the resilience of his victims.

Interviewing the Suspect: Challenges and Strategies

[10:48] Trisha:
"...writing a story, writing a series about Belinda, it was only natural to want to go and ask him some questions."

Trisha explains her motivations for interviewing the suspect, emphasizing her commitment to uncovering the truth for the victims' families.

[12:45] Matt Gourley:
"Are you thinking of having murderers on this podcast?"

Conan contemplates the feasibility of integrating interviews with criminals into his podcast, blending humor with investigative journalism.

[13:14] Trisha:
"...ideally, you want to do it in a team, because then you have, like, a good cop, bad cop, and then an observer and a very silly cop."

They discuss effective strategies for conducting interviews with dangerous individuals, underlining the importance of building rapport to elicit truthful responses.

The 1970s: An Era of Mystery and Misconceptions

[25:14] Trisha:
"What's that?"

Conan references the infamous John List case, where List successfully evaded capture for 25 years after murdering his family. This case exemplifies the difficulties faced by investigators during the 70s due to limited technological resources.

[26:39] Sona Movsesian:
"Probably a good time for Murdering. Cause there's no DNA stuff, right?"

Sona humorously remarks on the absence of DNA technology, reinforcing the notion that the 70s were a "golden age of murder" for perpetrators.

Balancing Humor with Seriousness

Throughout the episode, Conan and his team interweave humor with discussions on serious topics. This dynamic showcases their unique ability to navigate complex emotions and maintain engagement without diminishing the gravity of the subject matter.

[28:16] Conan O'Brien:
"In my own way, I've left a long trail behind me. I don't know, we dipped in and out of. ... which shows that, well, the three of us need to be jailed."

This self-deprecating humor highlights the trio’s awareness of the delicate balance between comedy and the seriousness of Trisha’s investigative endeavors.

Personal Insights and Reflections

[31:24] Trisha:
"... it helps when I'm doing the murder stuff."

Trisha expresses gratitude towards Conan and his team, acknowledging that their support and humor provide her with necessary relief amidst the challenging nature of her work.

[31:32] Conan O'Brien:
"... I like to laugh along with you and then go murder so the same way."

Conan reflects on his own impact, humorously equating his comedic actions to the metaphorical "murder" of peace of mind, further emphasizing the complex interplay between their roles.

Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Conan offers heartfelt well-wishes to Trisha, recognizing the importance and impact of her work. The conversation leaves listeners with a profound appreciation for the often-overlooked efforts of investigative reporters who tirelessly seek justice for unresolved cases.

[31:32] Conan O'Brien:
"...you seem like a very cool person and very. Just really fascinating to talk to you. And thanks for listening to our nonsense. ..."

The episode seamlessly merges humor with deep, meaningful discussions, fulfilling its purpose of fostering real friendships and providing an authentic glimpse into subjects that matter.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [04:15] Conan O'Brien:
  "I often think serial killers... were just kind of dopey."

• [06:51] Trisha:
  "I've reopened her case, and so we could be getting answers."

• [12:45] Matt Gourley:
  "Are you thinking of having murderers on this podcast?"

• [25:14] Trisha:
  "What's that?"

• [28:16] Conan O'Brien:
  "In my own way, I've left a long trail behind me."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend stands out as a poignant exploration of true crime through the lens of humor and personal connection. By inviting Trisha to share her experiences and insights, Conan not only entertains but also shines a light on the relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the often-overlooked realm of cold case investigations.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, "Bit@#es Be Hitchin'" offers a unique blend of levity and depth, making it both an engaging and enlightening listen.