Podcast Summary: "Conan's Own" – Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode Details:

• Title: Conan's Own
• Release Date: April 24, 2025
• Host: Conan O’Brien
• Guests: Mike (Maple Syrup Artisan), Sona Movsesian, Matt Gourley

1. Introduction

In this episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, Conan welcomes listeners to an engaging and flavorful discussion centered around the art and science of maple syrup production. Joined by his longtime collaborator Sona Movsesian and comedian Matt Gourley, Conan introduces their special guest, Mike, an expert in tree sap extraction and syrup crafting from Lake Placid, New York.

2. Guest Introduction: Mike from Lake Placid, NY

Conan opens the conversation by inviting Mike to share his background and current endeavors.

Conan [01:46]: "Tell us, Mike, where are you talking to us from right now? Where are you in the world?"

Mike [01:53]: "I am in Lake Placid, New York, up in the Adirondack Mountains. I’ve been here for about 20 years, raising three wonderful kids and working out in the woods of the Adirondack Mountain zone."

Conan appreciates the serene setting, humorously referencing the iconic Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

3. Discussion on Maple Syrup and Tree Syrups

Mike [04:01]: "About 10 years ago, I founded a company called the Forest Farmers. We own 10,000 acres of forest land in the Adirondacks and Vermont, where we collect sap from various tree species and turn it into syrups, sugars, and other delicious food items."

Conan delves into the nuances of different tree syrups beyond the well-known maple syrup.

Conan [04:27]: "I didn't know there were other tree syrups. What other tree syrups are there?"

Mike [04:34]: "We do birch, beech, and walnut syrups, among others. Maple syrup remains our primary product."

The discussion highlights the distinct flavors each type of syrup imparts, emphasizing the complexity and diversity within the syrup-making industry.

4. Syrup Tasting Session

The highlight of the episode is the live tasting of various syrups, showcasing their unique tastes and applications.

Mike [05:11]: "Every different tree syrup tastes a little bit different. Birch syrup, for example, has a raisiny fig-like complexity compared to maple."

Conan [16:26]: "That is so good. The texture. Oh, my God. It's just like Mrs. Butterworth."

Matt [16:30]: "There's something so wonderful about drinking out of a shot glass, too."

Conan [17:57]: "Oh, I really like that. I can taste the walnut. So good."

As they taste maple walnut syrup, Conan humorously attributes the nutty flavor to Matt.

Conan [18:10]: "I love that you have the walnut. The walnutty. It's got that just little nutty something."

The group enjoys the pure maple syrup, contrasting it with commercially available alternatives.

Mike [16:17]: "Because it's not the fake stuff. The fake stuff is what people are used to, but when you get the real thing, you know that much."

5. Real vs. Fake Syrup

Conan expresses his disdain for mass-produced syrups, advocating for authentic products.

Conan [06:55]: "Like the vast majority of people in the US consume the fake stuff. The Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth's log cabin and all that stuff."

Mike [07:45]: "It's corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial maple flavoring."

This segment underscores the importance of quality and authenticity in food products, encouraging listeners to seek out genuine maple syrup.

6. Humorous Interactions and Reactions

Throughout the episode, Conan's playful banter with Sona and Matt adds a layer of humor and warmth.

Conan [19:41]: "You're like a monster."

Sona [20:22]: "It's tangy."

Conan [21:33]: "What happened to this country? ... But you're going to bring it back because you're talking about real syrups."

These lighthearted moments enhance the conversational flow, making the episode both informative and entertaining.

7. Conclusion

As the episode winds down, Conan praises Mike's dedication and the beauty of Lake Placid, tying back to the themes of authenticity and quality.

Conan [25:17]: "Mike, you're a good guy. You've got a nice business. I envy you living up there in Lake Placid. Those are cold winters. But what a beautiful country. What a beautiful place to be from."

The episode concludes with plans to enjoy more of Mike's syrups, leaving listeners with a mouth-watering appreciation for real maple syrup and its varieties.

Notable Quotes:

• Conan [01:46]: "This sounds kind of perfect."

• Mike [04:34]: "We do birch, beech, and walnut, and there's another five species that we could do."

• Conan [05:11]: "Once I've had this, you can't go back."

• Conan [06:55]: "Mrs. Butterworth is a liar is what you're saying."

• Conan [16:26]: "That is so good. The texture."

• Conan [19:41]: "You're like a monster."

• Conan [25:17]: "Mike, you're a good guy. ... What a beautiful place to be from."

Episode Takeaways:

• Authenticity Matters: The conversation highlights the significance of consuming authentic, high-quality products over mass-produced alternatives.

• Diversity in Syrups: Beyond maple, syrups like birch and walnut offer unique flavors and applications, enriching culinary experiences.

• Humor Enhances Learning: Conan's humorous interactions make the technical aspects of syrup production accessible and enjoyable.

• Local Craftsmanship: Mike's dedication to sustainable forestry and syrup crafting underscores the value of local craftsmanship and environmental stewardship.

This episode serves as both an educational journey into the world of tree syrups and a testament to the enduring importance of genuine, heartfelt craftsmanship in today's commercial landscape.