Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend – Episode: David Spade Returns

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host/Guests: Conan O’Brien, David Spade, Sona Movsesian, Matt Gourley
Platform: Team Coco & Earwolf

1. Welcoming David Spade

The episode kicks off with Conan warmly welcoming his longtime friend and hilarious comedian, David Spade. [03:14] Conan introduces David, highlighting their enduring friendship and mutual respect. David humorously remarks, “I feel somewhat sick about being just more like bad Tummy about being Conan's friend,” setting a lighthearted tone for the conversation.

2. Personal Updates: Wildfires and Resilience

The discussion swiftly moves to personal matters as Conan shares recent upheavals caused by wildfires affecting his and Sona Movsesian’s property. [03:14] Sona reveals, “I lost my home,” conveying the emotional and physical toll of the disaster. Despite the devastation, Conan emphasizes their fortunate escape, stating, “We were crazily lucky,” noting that the fire halted just at the edge of their yard, sparing most of their home from complete destruction.

3. The Symbolism of the Pomegranate Tree

A poignant moment arises when they discuss the survival of a pomegranate tree gifted by Sona’s parents during their engagement party. [05:00] Sona explains, “Pomegranates represent prosperity,” attributing the tree’s resilience to her mother’s Armenian protective practices. “It’s the Armenian voodoo that my mom put into the tree. It’s protecting it, protected your house. That’s why it’s fine,” she shares with a mix of pride and humor. Conan marvels at the tree’s vitality amidst the charred landscape, remarking, “Our pomegranate tree is in bloom. It is a very important part of Armenian culture.”

4. David Spade’s Early Career Struggles

David opens up about his challenging early days in show business, particularly his time auditioning for Saturday Night Live (SNL). [13:09] He candidly shares, “I auditioned for 30 pilots that year and got none. Not even one callback,” highlighting the perseverance required to break into the competitive entertainment industry. Conan empathizes, acknowledging the relentless nature of Hollywood, “You get to SNL and you think someone's gonna tell you, okay, here's how it works. No one tells you anything.”

5. Navigating the Entertainment Industry

The conversation delves deeper into the intricacies of managing a comedy career. David recounts his tumultuous relationship with his manager, Mark Gervitz, and the pressures of securing roles. [17:07] He narrates, “I went and scraped my way over to, you know, SNL or whatever,” illustrating the resilience needed to sustain a career in comedy. Conan adds insight into the dynamics of agency management, emphasizing the importance of persistence and adaptability.

6. Remembering Norm MacDonald

A heartfelt segment honors the late Norm MacDonald, a cherished colleague and friend of both Conan and David. [44:57] David shares, “I did some gigs with him,” reminiscing about Norm’s unique humor and their collaborative moments. They discuss the emotional impact of Norm’s passing and the process of handling his memorial. Conan reflects, “I wish I had known,” expressing a mix of regret and respect for Norm’s desire for privacy during his final days.

7. The Phenomenon of Comedy at Funerals

Conan and David explore the peculiar tradition of comedians performing at funerals, noting the balance between humor and tribute. [53:09] Conan muses, “It's a real phenomenon where a funny person dies, who are their friends? Other funny, professionally funny people. We get together when people pass on when they die.” David adds, “It turns into a strange phenomenon,” acknowledging the awkwardness and competitive nature often present in such settings.

8. David Spade’s Stand-Up Special: "Dandelion"

Shifting gears, the duo discusses David’s latest stand-up special, Dandelion. [57:11] Conan praises the special, saying, “You are a deeply funny person and also a sweet gentleman. I've always known you to be that.” David elaborates on his creative process, highlighting moments where spontaneity enhances his comedy. They laugh over anecdotes from the special, such as David’s impromptu riff on microphone cords and his impersonations, showcasing his sharp wit and observational humor.

9. Shared Anecdotes and Mutual Memories

Throughout the episode, Conan and David reminisce about shared experiences from their time in show business. [35:30] They recount stories involving fellow comedians like Chris Farley and Jon Lovitz, blending humor with nostalgia. David shares, “We did that skating sketch, remember?” while Conan adds, “He had the energy of a puppy,” referring to their high-spirited collaborations. These exchanges underscore the depth of their friendship and mutual admiration.

10. Concluding Reflections on Friendship

As the episode draws to a close, Conan expresses heartfelt gratitude towards David, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. [66:21] He states, “I think you did a good job. We. I. It was nice and fun, and you were great.” David reciprocates, affirming their strong bond and the value of their friendship in navigating the ups and downs of life and career.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Spade [03:14]: “I feel somewhat sick about being just more like bad Tummy about being Conan's friend.”
• Sona Movsesian [05:00]: “Pomegranates represent prosperity. It’s the Armenian voodoo that my mom put into the tree. It’s protecting it, protected your house. That’s why it’s fine.”
• David Spade [13:09]: “I auditioned for 30 pilots that year and got none. Not even one callback.”
• Conan O’Brien [17:07]: “You get to SNL and you think someone's gonna tell you, okay, here's how it works. No one tells you anything.”
• David Spade [44:57]: “I did some gigs with him.”
• Conan O’Brien [44:57]: “I wish I had known.”
• Conan O’Brien [53:09]: “It's a real phenomenon where a funny person dies, who are their friends? Other funny, professionally funny people.”
• Conan O’Brien [57:11]: “You are a deeply funny person and also a sweet gentleman. I've always known you to be that.”
• David Spade [35:30]: “We did that skating sketch, remember?”
• Conan O’Brien [66:21]: “I think you did a good job. It was nice and fun, and you were great.”

Conclusion

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend offers a rich tapestry of humor, heartfelt reflections, and deep-seated friendship between Conan and David Spade. From navigating the tumultuous waters of the entertainment industry to honoring beloved friends like Norm MacDonald, the conversation captures the essence of camaraderie and resilience. David’s insights into his stand-up career and personal anecdotes add depth, making this episode both entertaining and profoundly meaningful for listeners seeking genuine connections and shared experiences.