
Conan chats with Muntasser in Austria about his emigration from Iraq, working towards Austrian citizenship, and how Conan might be able to help him impress his girlfriend. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply
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Conan O'Brien
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Conan O'Brien
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Moontaser
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Conan O'Brien
Distributor.
Sona Movsesian
Conan O'Brien needs a fan. Wanna talk to Conan? Visit teamcoco.com callconan okay, let's get started.
Moontaser
Hi Moontaser.
Matt Gourlay
Welcome to Conan O'Brien needs a fan.
Conan O'Brien
I love it. Hey Moontasser. Hi guys.
Muntaser
How are you? Hi Conan.
Conan O'Brien
Okay, there's a lot to talk about here. First of all, I wanna make sure I'm saying your name correctly. How do you say name?
Muntaser
It's Montager Muntasser. Yeah, exactly.
Conan O'Brien
Very nice to talk to you and I love looks like lederhosen you're wearing.
Muntaser
Yeah, exactly. I thought I should dress fancy for Conan so this is my later hose.
Conan O'Brien
Oh very very nice. Yeah, it's Yes, I do like it when my when my guests wear lederhosen. I think that's well known.
Muntaser
Actually, actually there is there is a another reason for for me wearing my lederhose. I am applying or trying to get the Austrian citizenship so I have been wearing this for a month and running back and forth in front of the mayor's office hasn't helped yet but hopefully we'll have at some point.
Matt Gourlay
Incredible.
Conan O'Brien
Really? Well that sounds like as good a plan as any. Mont to get citizenship in Austria is to run back and forth of the mayor's office worrying Lederhosen Montaster, where are you from originally?
Muntaser
So I am from Iraq and I fled to Austria nine years ago 2015.
Conan O'Brien
How did you can you describe how you. You said you fled to Austria from Iraq. How did you do it?
Muntaser
I just took the longest hike ever and I landed in Austria someh.
Conan O'Brien
Did you really tell. You told the Iraqis, I'm going on a hike. Don't worry about me. I'll be back.
Matt Gourlay
Don't wait up.
Conan O'Brien
Don't worry about the fact that I'm wearing 19 canteens and lederhosen. And lederhosen. I'm not going to Austria.
Muntaser
Actually. I got in with my lederhosen. They didn't suspect me. You said this is just my.
Conan O'Brien
I'm into bondage. This is not. Later Hosin. I'm into bondage. Don't worry about it. So this is, I'm, I'm impressed. You, you essentially walked all the way from Iraq to Austria. That's an incredible story.
Muntaser
Yeah. So to Turkey, it wasn't a problem. I flew to Turkey. That, that went fast. And then from Turkey to, to Austria, I pretty much walked most or half of the way, let's say. And sometimes I, I got to use a train now and then or a bus, but yeah, and a lot of times I just was hiking.
Conan O'Brien
Wow. So you arrived in Austria and you've established yourself now. You've been living in Austria, in Linz for quite a while now.
Muntaser
Yeah, it's been nine years. So the first few years weren't that easy. But I started studying here. I've finished my bachelor and I'm teach now in a private Catholic school in my city. I also train beginners swimming. So I teach swimming as well. And yeah, I teach physical education and English in a middle school.
Conan O'Brien
I have to say, Muntaser, you're an impressive person. I think you deserve. No, no, you deserve a lot of credit because the. To be so young to leave your country, you know, pretty much on foot, make your way all the way to Austria and then establish yourself. That's a feat. That's a real accomplishment. Many people thank you. Don't accomplish a quarter of that in a lifetime. So my hat's off to you. That's very cool.
Muntaser
Thanks. Thanks, Conan. This means the world to me. Coming from you. This is like. Yeah, this is crazy.
Conan O'Brien
Well, I've never done anything like that, so I think you're the one to be respected here. Tell me a little bit about your life now. What's going on in your life. Life. Besides, I know what you do for work and I know that you're applying for citizenship in Austria, but what's your life like?
Muntaser
Well, it's not Much. Austria is a pretty much small country. It's not much going on. I've got a new apartment a few months ago. I've got an Austrian girlfriend.
Conan O'Brien
Oh, let's hear about your Austrian girlfriend.
Muntaser
What about her?
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, I'd just like to hear about her. Tell us about your girlfriend.
Muntaser
Yeah, well, she is Austrian, from the Alps. From the heart of the Alps. We live in upper Austria between the mountains. She is five years younger than me, so she doesn't really think that I am cool.
Sona Movsesian
Just from a five year age gap.
Matt Gourlay
And you walked across all of Europe.
Conan O'Brien
Keep in mind. Keep in mind. He's wearing. Wearing later hoses. He's wearing later hoses.
Sona Movsesian
We're getting snippets.
Conan O'Brien
So. So your girlfriend is younger. What's her name?
Muntaser
Isabella.
Conan O'Brien
So Isabella is Austrian, she's your girlfriend and she doesn't think you're cool?
Muntaser
No, no, not really. I'm still trying to convince her.
Conan O'Brien
Well, what do you think would help make you look cool to your girlfriend?
Muntaser
Well, Conan, that was my. My next request is for you to come to Austria and maybe we could wear Austrian lederhosen, go to a beer tent and impress and take my girlfriend with us. So the girls will see. My girlfriend will see the girls going crazy at us.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah.
Muntaser
And then she will be like, I should keep Muntaser.
Conan O'Brien
No muntaser. Oh no Muntaser. I know people think I'm crazy and deluded and that's partially true, but I'm not that deluded. I don't think you're a beautiful young girlfriend from Austria.
Matt Gourlay
Maybe though, standing next to you, this is a kind of like she'll look and go, oh, he is pretty cool.
Conan O'Brien
You know, maybe. Okay. It's always good to have friends with me here in the trenches firing their rifles into my side as I fight the good fight. Muntaser Montaser. Yeah, I'm. I just want to make sure we get your plan straight. Your plan is you would. Say it again. You would like me to come to Austria to help you look cool in front of your girlfriend. And what would we do?
Muntaser
Exactly. That is my plan. I mean, there we. We could have another plan as you are a powerful man. So you could come to Austria and convince the government to give me a citizenship if my lederhose plan doesn't go right.
Conan O'Brien
I have to tell you something right now, Muntaser. Your lederhosen plan is not going to work out. Running around in front of the mayor's office wearing lederhosen will not yield results. I don't know that I can do anything, but I do know this. Anything I do will be better than your later hosen plan. So the idea is maybe I help you get citizenship, but the main thing I'm interested in is young people in love. That's what I care about. And so does your girlfriend even know who I am?
Muntaser
Yeah, she knows who you are. I introduce her to your videos, your sketches, and she likes them, of course. I showed her your sketch of you and Andy Richter in Munich.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah.
Muntaser
Where you were learning how to dance. The shoe platelet.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah. Shoe platelet. Yes. That's a very fun. I love that video.
Muntaser
Yeah, she loves it as well.
Conan O'Brien
Okay, so she's aware. And she's then seen me in lederhosen, which is good. I believe I'm wearing lederhosen in that. And so is Andy.
Muntaser
Exactly.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I remembered it being very tight and sensual. I kept asking them to make it tighter, and then there was a certain limit where they just. They stopped. Sona. It's very constricting.
Muntaser
Okay.
Conan O'Brien
That's all you need to know.
Sona Movsesian
I don't need to know that.
Conan O'Brien
Well, I think you. I'm going to do a little drawing for you. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Sona Movsesian
That pen ran out of me. You're good.
Conan O'Brien
No, there's actually more. I can always.
Muntaser
We go tighter in Austria. We go tighter than the Germans.
Conan O'Brien
Yes, yes. That's why I prefer Austria. Tighter. So, Muntaser, I would be your wingman is what you're saying. You're familiar with the American term wingman? I would be your wingman. And by being your wingman, maybe Isabella would be more interested in you. Think you were cooler. Is that the idea?
Muntaser
Yes. So, I don't know. She goes to music festivals that last, like, for several days. She's going to a music festival in next week. I think they last several days, and it's just loud and too many people. And I would rather watch my beards grow for four days than be in a music festival. It's just the last place that I want to be. Not so much in common.
Conan O'Brien
No, I'm with you, Muntaser. My daughter loves a music festival, and they go on for days. I like some music, but when it goes on and on and on and everybody's twirling around. Yeah, it's not for me. I would rather be at home sleeping.
Muntaser
In tents and getting sweaty and. No, that's.
Conan O'Brien
That's not for you. No, No.
Muntaser
I go to the museum. I don't know. I go to. I Like to climb trees and pick walnuts, for example. That is another thing I do.
Conan O'Brien
Gee, I don't see what the problem is with Isabella. She's got a boyfriend who likes to wear Tyrolean.
Matt Gourlay
You're from a fairy tale.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, you are a fairy tale man. You love to wear Lader hose and climb trees and pick walnuts. And she wants to waste her time at a Taylor Swift concert. No one likes that. Sona, when you take a big trip with the family, and I know that you love to travel and your kids are getting old enough now where they like to travel, too.
Sona Movsesian
Yeah, that's true.
Conan O'Brien
Who looks after the house?
Sona Movsesian
That's the thing. Nobody. And so I've actually been toying with the idea of maybe, you know, putting my house up on Airbnb, making some extra cash, having someone there.
Conan O'Brien
It's like you're hosting people.
Sona Movsesian
Exactly.
Conan O'Brien
It's like you're getting paid to travel. You can use the money that you get from putting your house up on Airbnb to help finance your trip.
Sona Movsesian
Exactly. And you know what? There's people there that are looking after my relics.
Conan O'Brien
You have a lot of people don't know this, but Sona has a lot of ancient Greek relics. Etruscan relics.
Sona Movsesian
Yes, exactly.
Conan O'Brien
You have a lot of sculpture from the Assyrian empire. Sona has billions and billions of dollars worth of ancient, ancient artifacts that have never even been looked at by archeologists.
Sona Movsesian
They should all be in a museum.
Conan O'Brien
They really should be. Yeah. But it's nice when you're. When you're away. Your home could be an Airbnb. And that's something to keep in mind. So your home, AKA your future Airbnb might be worth more than you think. Find out how much@airbnb.com host everyone's got the big villain in their life. You know who mine is?
Sona Movsesian
Who?
Conan O'Brien
The person in my house that opens a vanilla yogurt a little bit, takes like one or two spoonfuls, and then closes that foil back up again.
Sona Movsesian
This is so passive aggressive. Cause it's just you and your wife in your room. Yeah.
Conan O'Brien
Gotcha, baby. I need just a little for my smoothie. Take the whole thing and leave it alone. It's not that big. She's the villain in my life. How do you sleep at night, honey? Well, you already know the answer. Mattress Firm. Mattress Firm will find you the right bed with their wide selection of quality mattresses at every price. Rest easy with Mattress Firm's 120 night sleep trial. Love it or your money back. You can sleep on this for 120 nights and then say maybe not and ship it back. I don't think so. You're gonna love it. See a lower price somewhere else. Mattress Firm will match it with their low price guarantee. Wow. Get matched at Mattress Firm's Black Friday sale and sleep at night. Restrictions apply. See mattressfirm.com or store for details and text Conan to 766-693 for 100 bucks off your next purchase at Mattress Firm exclusion supply. There's nothing quite like the feeling of an upgrade when you're traveling. Well, as a T Mobile customer, you can take the perks with you. Check this out. Whether you're going on a weekend getaway to the mountains or let's say you're on a dream vacation or in my case, a work trip to Thailand. It's just fantastic. Let me explain. It starts the moment you take off with free in flight wifi so you can stream your favorite show on the go. I mean, that's incredible.
Sona Movsesian
That is actually pretty sweet.
Conan O'Brien
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Sona Movsesian
Like what?
Conan O'Brien
Don't do that. What are you talking about? From defending your favorite team after a bad loss to obsessively checking your fantasy lineups. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Football fandom is bigger than just Sundays. And you know who knows that? Miller Lite. Miller Lite Knows the passion that comes with rooting for your team. That's why Miller Lite keeps it simple. Undebatable. Quality. You can try and debate it. That debate won't last long. You'll lose. Cause it's Miller Lite. You'll lose. Great taste. Only 96 calories. It's the beer that strips away everything you don't need and holds on to what matters most. Who says, hey, get me a beer with everything I don't need in it? Nobody. It's the original light beer since 1975. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Red Sox won the pennant that year. Yeah. Make your game time taste like Miller time. Tastes great. Less filling. Let it be both. Why fight? You know there's enough fighting in America.
Sona Movsesian
You can have both. There's space for both.
Conan O'Brien
Thanks, Sona. To get Miller Lite delivered right to your door, visit millerlight.com conan or you can find it pretty much anywhere that sells beer. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories for 12 ounces. Fewer cals and carbs than premium regular beer. I'm worried about you, Montaser, because I identify with you. I'm a strange man myself. It's very rare that we end up with the cool girl. It's just. It's this tricky one, you know?
Muntaser
Yeah, yeah. But if you. If you come to Austria, maybe, and you do that, you will think, well, Conan is. Is climbing a tree and picking walnuts. So that is probably cool. I will get you a nice health insurance in Austria, a nice cheap one. And we will go to the Alps.
Conan O'Brien
You have Montaster. You have the. I have to say, you have the worst ideas for how to get citizenship and how to impress your girlfriend. You know, you're not calling Brad Pitt. You're not calling any of these super cool people. I'll get Conan O'Brien to pick walnuts with me. My girlfriend will see that. And then it's sex ahoy.
Muntaser
Well, maybe I'm just using her as an accident excuse for you to come and pick walnuts with me.
Conan O'Brien
Yes.
Matt Gourlay
Well, she doesn't exist, does she?
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, I don't think this girlfriend's real. You'll keep saying she's just there around that corner.
Sona Movsesian
Look at his mug.
Matt Gourlay
Yeah, show us that mug.
Conan O'Brien
Hey. Hey. You got a Team Coco mug.
Muntaser
This is my Conan Team Coco mug. Conan, you are applauding, but I'm not sure if I got it from the official website. So you probably didn't get any money for this. One.
Conan O'Brien
It's okay.
Muntaser
My friend got it for me as a birthday present for one and a half dollars. So it's probably.
Conan O'Brien
Well, Montasra. I bet if you put it in the wash once, it'll say World's Best Golfer on it.
Muntaser
It was written Conan with a K. Yeah.
Conan O'Brien
Muntaser. I like you. I like the. You're a good guy. You're a good guy. And quick question. This is important for me to know. Do you and Isabella live together?
Muntaser
No. No, Actually, I'm trying to convince her to come to my city and live with me because I've just got a new apartment.
Conan O'Brien
Are you in your apartment right now, or are you.
Muntaser
No, this is my friend's room. I just. I'm staying here because he has a nice headgear and a nice lash.
Conan O'Brien
It looks like a room that a Lego figure would live in.
Matt Gourlay
I thought you were waiting for an elevator.
Muntaser
Yeah, yeah, it's a dormitory. It's a student's place.
Conan O'Brien
Okay, so you have an apartment now, and you would like her to come live in the apartment. Does she like your apartment?
Muntaser
Well, she. I haven't decorated the apartment yet, but she lives in a very nice house with the lakes and the mountains, and here in the city, we don't have lakes or mountains.
Conan O'Brien
Oh, she has her own house, or does she live with her parents?
Muntaser
No, she lives with her parents still.
Conan O'Brien
Oh, that's tough. It's tough to get her away from that nice big mansion and come live with you in Walnut Tree.
Muntaser
No. So, yeah, that's the thing. I have a new apartment, but I haven't decorated it yet. So. Yeah.
Conan O'Brien
Are you good at decor? Do you think maybe if you. Oh, you're not.
Muntaser
I'm horrible.
Conan O'Brien
Okay, well, listen, maybe if. If you made the apartment look cool enough, right? That might. I mean, sona. You jump in here if. If a guy was trying to entice you to move in with him, would. If. If he made the space look cool enough, would that entice you?
Sona Movsesian
I think it would be more. Can I put my own stuff in there and make it cool myself? But, yeah, it does make a difference if you put the effort in, I think. Instead of, you know, like an apple crate for your TV stand and stuff, which I've seen.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah.
Sona Movsesian
Dated guys like that. Didn't love it. Yeah, I didn't love it.
Conan O'Brien
You dated guys that would just use, like, stuff from a construction site to make a bookcase, right?
Sona Movsesian
Yes, I did.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, I did.
Sona Movsesian
I was younger. It's okay.
Conan O'Brien
It's okay. Everyone's Done it. We've all been there and done that.
Sona Movsesian
Yeah, we have. Everyone's done it.
Matt Gourlay
You got for instance, a nice big bowl for your walnuts on the table, like a fine bowl.
Muntaser
I have got one actually on.
Conan O'Brien
Sure you do.
Muntaser
She got it for me.
Conan O'Brien
Oh, she got it for you.
Matt Gourlay
That's nice.
Conan O'Brien
She said these are for your walnuts and that's when you knew you were in love.
Muntaser
I think what's important is it for something when.
Conan O'Brien
Tosser. I think what's important is that you don't decorate your apartment the way you would. Do you know what I mean? You be. I think that's very important.
Matt Gourlay
I don't know.
Sona Movsesian
I don't know either.
Matt Gourlay
I think he could be himself.
Conan O'Brien
You said Sona.
Sona Movsesian
That's true.
Conan O'Brien
It's important to ask her what she likes and maybe make the apartment yield to some of her aesthetic wishes. Is that a possibility?
Muntaser
Well, how about you help me decorate my apartment according to your taste? Okay.
Conan O'Brien
Okay. Does she. Does she like Civil War memorabilia? Oh, no.
Muntaser
Yes, I think she does. I haven't asked her, but I will answer for her. She does.
Matt Gourlay
Conan has a Civil War memorabilia tree that he climbs up and picks memorabilia.
Sona Movsesian
All three of you can go furniture shopping together and then she can put in her two cents. But I'm nervous about you.
Conan O'Brien
You shouldn't be.
Sona Movsesian
Or even Muntaser just doing it all on.
Conan O'Brien
I don't know why you would look at Muntaser and look at me and be worried that we don't know what a woman finds sexy.
Sona Movsesian
Okay. Sorry.
Conan O'Brien
I think you're out of your mind.
Sona Movsesian
Yep. Sorry. Sorry.
Conan O'Brien
Montaser. I. I'm very. I'm very impressed by you. I think your personal story is incredible. And what you've done to single handedly forge your life through a lot of hard work and taking some risks is amazing. You're a very impressive guy. So I would do anything I could to help you with Isabella. And I would try not to hurt things. I would try to just only make things better.
Muntaser
Thank you, Conan. Thank you. I will make a whole list of things you can do for me to fix my life and everything. And I will send it to Team Conan.
Conan O'Brien
My career has taken some weird turns. I now just have massive to do lists and I rush around the globe running small errands.
Matt Gourlay
You're like the Mary Poppins.
Muntaser
Well, you haven't been to Austria, so I have still.
Conan O'Brien
I've never been to Austria. I would love to go to Austria and I would love to meet you and personally shake your hand because I think I'm lucky to have a fan like you, Montaser. You're a cool guy.
Muntaser
Thank you. Thank you. Well, I have been listening to your watching your stuff like for years, since my beginning in Austria and I watched thousands and thousands of videos and I laughed at least 12 times.
Conan O'Brien
That's the ratio. That is the ratio, Muntaser.
Muntaser
At least. I said at least. It's probably more.
Conan O'Brien
It's always been 3000-12 has been the ratio.
Muntaser
And yeah, there were some difficult times where your videos helped me a lot. And yeah, I used to just be alone and giggle with watching your Conan Without Borders. Oh, nice Jordan Schlansky stuff.
Conan O'Brien
Well, you know what, the important thing is now we know each other. So I know you now, Muntasser, and I hope I get to know you better. But I'm very lucky to have a fan like you.
Muntaser
Thank you, Conan. Thank you very much.
Conan O'Brien
All right.
Muntaser
I think it's the world to me.
Conan O'Brien
And I think it's time you go in waxed and oiled your clothing and your walnuts. Yeah. All right, well, take care, Muntaser. Bye.
Muntaser
Thank you. Thank you, Conan. Bye bye. Thank you guys.
Matt Gourlay
Conan O'Brien needs a fan with Conan O'Brien Sonoma Session and Matt Gourlay produced by me, Matt Gourley executive produced by Adam Sacks, Jeff Ross and Nick Liao Incidental music by Jimmy Vivino Take it.
Conan O'Brien
Away, Jimmy.
Matt Gourlay
Supervising producer Aaron Blaird Associate talent producer Jennifer Samples Associate producers Sean Dougherty and Lisa Berm Engineering by Eduardo Perez get three free months of Sirius XM when you sign up@siriusxm.com Conan please rate, review and subscribe to Conan O'Brien needs a fan. Wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.
Moontaser
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Conan O'Brien
The new Sonic Queso Smasher is now available. You're going to want to try this. They made the Sonic Smasher you love because you do love your Sonic smasher, don't you? Sonic?
Sona Movsesian
I love Sonic smashes and I love queso.
Conan O'Brien
Yeah, well, guess what? They took the Sonic Smasher you love and they added the new creamy Queso in Hand Smash patties made to order.
Sona Movsesian
Just makes my brain explode.
Conan O'Brien
I just saw your brain explode. And queso came out. The Sonic queso smash is the perfect combination of Angus patties, creamy queso jalapenos and a Southwest aioli. Sounds like juicy goodness to me. All that's left to do is choose a double or a triple. Make mine two triples. That's a sex tuplet. The new Sonic Queso Smasher. Live free. Eat Sonic.
Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend | Episode: “Don’t Sit Under The Walnut Tree”
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan sits down with Muntaser, a remarkable individual whose journey from Iraq to Austria embodies resilience and determination. The conversation delves deep into Muntaser’s life, his aspirations, and the challenges he faces in building meaningful relationships abroad. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, notable quotes, and the insightful camaraderie shared between Conan, Muntaser, and the team.
The episode begins with Conan introducing Muntaser, who dons traditional Austrian lederhosen, sparking curiosity and laughter.
Conan O’Brien [02:00]: “I think that's well known.”
Muntaser explains his choice of attire as part of his quest to obtain Austrian citizenship, setting a lighthearted yet earnest tone for the conversation.
Muntaser recounts his nine-year journey fleeing Iraq and establishing a new life in Austria. His story is one of perseverance, highlighting the lengths he went to find safety and stability.
Muntaser [02:27]: “I am applying or trying to get the Austrian citizenship so I have been wearing this for a month and running back and forth in front of the mayor's office hasn’t helped yet but hopefully we’ll have some progress.”
Conan [03:44]: “You essentially walked all the way from Iraq to Austria. That’s an incredible story.”
Muntaser details the arduous journey, including walking significant portions of the way and utilizing public transportation when necessary. His determination is evident as he shares his experiences navigating through Turkey to reach Austria.
Settling in Linz, Austria, Muntaser has built a stable life over the past nine years. He emphasizes his roles as an educator and a swimming coach, contributing positively to his community.
Muntaser [04:16]: “I teach swimming as well. So I teach physical education and English in a middle school.”
Conan commends Muntaser’s accomplishments, recognizing the substantial efforts required to integrate and succeed in a new country.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Muntaser’s relationship with his Austrian girlfriend, Isabella. Conan and Muntaser humorously explore the dynamics of their relationship and the challenges Muntaser faces in winning her over.
Muntaser [05:53]: “She is Austrian, from the Alps. From the heart of the Alps. We live in Upper Austria between the mountains.”
Conan playfully suggests visiting Austria to help Muntaser appear cooler to Isabella, leading to a series of comedic exchanges about lederhosen and walnut-picking as unconventional methods to impress her.
Conan [07:20]: “I know people think I'm crazy and deluded and that's partially true, but I'm not that deluded.”
The dialogue highlights the cultural and personal efforts Muntaser is making to strengthen his relationship, underscored by Conan’s supportive yet jocular demeanor.
The conversation shifts to Muntaser’s recent move to a new apartment and his struggles with decorating it in a way that appeals to Isabella. Conan and Sona Movsesian offer playful suggestions, emphasizing the importance of personal touch and effort in shared spaces.
Muntaser [20:37]: “I haven't decorated the apartment yet, but she lives in a very nice house with lakes and mountains, and here in the city, we don't have lakes or mountains.”
Sona Movsesian [21:50]: “I think it would be more. Can I put my own stuff in there and make it cool myself?”
Conan humorously proposes decorating the apartment with Civil War memorabilia, blending his signature wit with genuine support for Muntaser’s aspirations.
As the episode progresses, Conan expresses deep admiration for Muntaser’s journey and character, fostering a sense of genuine friendship and support.
Conan [23:42]: “I think you're out of your mind.”
Conan [23:46]: “I'm very impressed by you. I think your personal story is incredible.”
Muntaser shares how Conan’s content has been a source of joy and comfort during challenging times, highlighting the impactful role of Conan’s work beyond entertainment.
Muntaser [25:11]: “There were some difficult times where your videos helped me a lot.”
Conan acknowledges the significance of this connection, reinforcing the podcast’s mission to forge real and lasting friendships.
In the closing moments, the bond between Conan and Muntaser is palpable. Conan expresses a desire to visit Austria and meet Muntaser in person, symbolizing the beginning of a genuine friendship.
Conan [24:40]: “I would love to go to Austria and I would love to meet you and personally shake your hand because I think I'm lucky to have a fan like you.”
Muntaser reciprocates the gratitude, emphasizing the meaningfulness of their interaction.
Muntaser [25:56]: “This means the world to me. Coming from you. This is like. Yeah, this is crazy.”
The episode wraps up with heartfelt goodbyes, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and connection.
Throughout the episode, several prominent themes emerge:
Resilience and Adaptation: Muntaser’s journey underscores the human spirit’s ability to adapt and thrive despite immense challenges.
Cultural Integration: Navigating life in a new country, Muntaser exemplifies the complexities and rewards of cultural integration.
The Quest for Friendship: Aligning with the podcast’s premise, Muntaser’s story highlights the universal desire for meaningful connections and friendships.
Support and Empathy: Conan’s genuine support illustrates the importance of empathy and understanding in building lasting relationships.
Muntaser on Citizenship Efforts [02:27]:
“I have been wearing this for a month and running back and forth in front of the mayor's office hasn’t helped yet but hopefully we’ll have some progress.”
Conan on Muntaser’s Journey [03:44]:
“You essentially walked all the way from Iraq to Austria. That’s an incredible story.”
Muntaser on His Role in Austria [04:16]:
“I teach physical education and English in a middle school.”
Conan’s Supportive Praise [04:45]:
“I have to say, Muntaser, you're an impressive person. I think you deserve a lot of credit.”
Muntaser on His Girlfriend Isabella [05:53]:
“She is Austrian, from the Alps. From the heart of the Alps.”
Conan's Playful Advice on Impressing Isabella [07:20]:
“I know people think I'm crazy and deluded and that's partially true, but I'm not that deluded.”
Conan’s Admiration [23:42]:
“I think you're out of your mind.”
Muntaser on Conan’s Impact [25:11]:
“There were some difficult times where your videos helped me a lot.”
“Don’t Sit Under The Walnut Tree” is a poignant episode that balances humor with heartfelt storytelling. Muntaser’s inspiring journey and his sincere interactions with Conan offer listeners a profound look into the struggles and triumphs of building a life in a new country. Conan’s genuine empathy and the camaraderie showcased in the episode embody the essence of the podcast—seeking meaningful friendships through authentic conversations.
For those who haven’t listened, this episode serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and fostering genuine human connections. It highlights the extraordinary lengths individuals go to for safety, love, and acceptance, all while maintaining a sense of humor and resilience.