Elle Fanning Returns

Summary

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend - Episode: Elle Fanning Returns
Release Date: December 9, 2024

Host: Conan O’Brien
Guests: Elle Fanning
Regular Co-hosts: Sona Movsesian & Matt Gourley
Producer: Jeff Ross

---

1. Welcome and Light Banter

After navigating through humorous and ad-like segments, the podcast dives into a playful discussion about cultural phenomena, particularly focusing on Hallmark movies.

Conan O’Brien [03:03]:
"I think nothing would unify this country more than everybody watching Hallmark movies."

2. The Hallmark Movie Formula

Conan and his co-hosts, Sona and Matt, engage in a spirited conversation dissecting the predictable yet charming formula of Hallmark movies. They humorously analyze the absence of traditional conflict in these films and explore how they maintain their popularity despite this unconventional approach.

Matt Gourley [05:11]:
"Well, there's usually some big city ex boyfriend that they've got to kind of like get out from under, but barely."

Conan O’Brien [05:54]:
"Hallmark... There's hardly ever a conflict. Yet they exist. They're extremely popular and it somehow works."

3. Imagining Conan in a Hallmark Movie

Venturing into creative territory, the trio brainstorms a potential Hallmark movie plot starring Conan. Their imaginative and comedic brainstorming session highlights Conan’s self-deprecating humor and his playful approach to character development.

Conan O’Brien [05:51]:
"I am a guy who has built an inn. I have an inn. And I'm very rugged and I sort of look like the brawny paper towel guy."

Sona Movsesian [06:23]:
"Wait, you're playing a rugged guy. You're playing the rugged archetype."

4. Transition to Guest Segment

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts towards introducing a special guest, setting the stage for an engaging and insightful interview.

Conan O’Brien [14:22]:
"My guest today, she's one of my all-time favorites. She's a talented actress. And saying talented actress does not even come close. No, I love her."

5. Elle Fanning’s Insights and Experiences

Introduction to Elle Fanning [14:43]:
Conan warmly welcomes Elle Fanning, expressing his admiration and excitement for her appearance. The conversation delves into Elle’s latest projects, particularly her role in the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown."

Conan O’Brien [15:13]:
"I'm ecstatic you're here because am I not right? Last time you were here, you left and all of us were just bathed in golden light."

Elle Fanning [16:12]:
"I won't tell her [her grandmother]. She's always skeptical of things being fake though."

Discussion Highlights:

• Elle’s Role in the Dylan Biopic:
  Elle discusses her portrayal of Sylvie Russo, a character based on Bob Dylan’s girlfriend, Suz Rotolo. She emphasizes the authenticity and the balance between staying true to real-life events and allowing creative liberties for the film's narrative.

  Elle Fanning [35:05]:
  "I play in the film. Her name is Sylvie Russo, but she's based on Suz Rotolo, who was Bob Dylan's girlfriend."

• Elle’s Early Fascination with Bob Dylan:
  Elle shares personal anecdotes about her admiration for Bob Dylan, attributing part of her career success to her early passion and how it seemingly "manifested" her landing the role.

  Elle Fanning [42:24]:
  "I think I manifested, like getting this part. It's kind of wild."

• Behind-the-Scenes Stories:
  The conversation includes humorous and heartfelt stories from Elle’s experiences on set, her interactions with co-stars like Timothee Chalamet, and the challenges of balancing acting with education.

  Conan O’Brien [48:08]:
  "Boo. I know. Who was. Meet Timothee Chalamet. I was like, what a waste of time."

6. Humorous Staff Review Segment

Adding to the episode's lightheartedness, Conan initiates a mock "staff review" of his longtime producer, Jeff Ross. This segment is filled with playful jabs and inside jokes, showcasing the camaraderie and enduring professional relationship between Conan and Jeff.

Conan O’Brien [65:48]:
"We've been together side by side on this crazy adventure through shell business. But I think it's time for a brief catch up lately on your performance here at the show, Jeff."

Jeff Ross [66:00]:
"It's not going to go well."

Conan O’Brien [73:24]:
"A plus all the way."

7. Closing Remarks and Final Jokes

The episode concludes with Conan wrapping up the humorous staff review, sharing amusing stories, and thanking Elle Fanning for her candid and entertaining presence.

Conan O’Brien [60:46]:
"You are an absolute delight."

Elle Fanning [60:51]:
"I will."

---

Notable Quotes:

• Conan on Hallmark Movies [03:03]:
  "I think nothing would unify this country more than everybody watching Hallmark movies."

• Ella on Manifesting Roles [42:24]:
  "I think I manifested, like getting this part. It's kind of wild."

• Conan’s Self-Deprecating Humor [05:54]:
  "Hallmark... There's hardly ever a conflict. Yet they exist. They're extremely popular and it somehow works."

---

Key Takeaways:

• Analyzing Hallmark’s Charm:
  Conan and co-hosts explore the unique appeal of Hallmark movies, highlighting their formulaic yet heartwarming nature.

• Elle Fanning’s Artistic Journey:
  Elle provides an insightful look into her role in the Bob Dylan biopic, her passion for acting, and her personal connections to the character she portrays.

• Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie:
  The playful interaction between Conan and his producer Jeff Ross underscores the supportive and humorous work environment behind the podcast.

• Humor and Heart:
  The episode balances witty humor with genuine conversations, embodying the podcast’s mission to foster real friendships and meaningful dialogues.

---

Conclusion:
This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend offers listeners a blend of humor, insightful discussions on film and acting, and heartwarming interactions with guest Elle Fanning. Through candid conversations and playful banter, Conan deepens his connection with listeners and his guest, embodying the essence of seeking genuine friendships.

Transcript

[Conan O'Brien]

Hey, check this out. 50 years ago, Sona, listen to this. Supercuts invented the entire concept of a value salon.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

It meant you could walk right in. No appointment needed. Hello. In the old days. Hello, Hello. Conan here. Can I get an appointment? No. This meant a special technique that ensured a great haircut. And it meant a price point. Just right for the common man. Or woman. Yeah, okay. Now, I'm, of course, no common man. All right? But as I understand it, Super Cuts has now invented something else. Super Cuts Rewards. Supercuts Rewards. It's the first ever national salon rewards program. You earn points for every dollar you spend. Those points can be redeemed for discounts at Supercuts. Or even. It says drumroll. But no, no, no. What is that? It's ridiculous. Just sounds like a bunch of little children running across a drum. Anyway, you get a free haircut. It can mean that, you know, usually when someone says free haircut, I say, no, thank you.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Do you know what I mean? But I think this is going to be a good haircut.

[Sona Movsesian]

If it's super cut. If my hair.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. Super Cuts Rewards. That's a legit free haircut.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

Start racking up Super Cuts reward points at any of their 2000 locations nationwide. 2000. Or join [e-mail] you get 50 points just for joining. So go ahead and get your butts back to Super Cuts. Man. Holidays coming up gets pretty intense, doesn't it?

[Sona Movsesian]

It does.

[Conan O'Brien]

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[Elle Fanning]

Hi, my name is Elle Fanning and I feel ecstatic about being coded. O'Brien's friend.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes, I'll take it.

[Matt Gourley]

Fall is here Hear the L Back to school Ring the bell Brand new shoes Walk and lose Climb the fence Books and pens I can tell that.

[Conan O'Brien]

We are going to be friends. I can tell that we are going to be friends. Hey there and welcome to Conan O'Brien. Needs a friend. Joined as always by Sonoma session.

[Sona Movsesian]

Hello.

[Conan O'Brien]

And just put a little pep into it next time. And Matt Gourlay. How are you?

[Matt Gourley]

Hi. How are you?

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm good.

[Matt Gourley]

Hey, I want to bring up something that was a direct quote from you just now.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Matt Gourley]

You just said in this room, when I see a Hallmark movie, I watch it.

[Conan O'Brien]

I did. We weren't on Mike. I didn't know that that would come back to haunt me.

[Matt Gourley]

Well, yes. So you're. Are you prepared to admit that and you're good?

[Conan O'Brien]

I am. I will not only admit it, I will encourage others to do it as well. And I'll say, many people say that our nation is divided, that, you know, we've lost our way. I think nothing would unify this country more than everybody watching Hallmark movies. I just enjoy the pattern. You know, you could say that there are certain tenants of drama that were set up by the Greeks and it's never really changed since then. I love that Hallmark has a certain formula. They follow it every single time with chilling regularity.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

And they've also come up with something that I think is revolutionary. When we think of story, we think of conflict. Conflict is the center of story. Right. It's the. What is the conflict? What is the problem? Any scene, someone comes into a room, there's a. There's a problem here. How does the person get the thing that the other person's trying to keep them from getting? That's how all good drama story works. Hallmark. I watch these things. There's hardly ever a conflict. They're conflict free. Yet they exist. They're extremely popular and it somehow works. But attractive single person meets other attractive single person. Yeah. Oh, they. One lives in Los Angeles and the other lives up in the mountains of Utah, but in a fairly affluent community. And they can get to each other within a 40 minute flight or something. Hour and 40 minute flight. And there isn't really. They meet each other. She always immediately has to dislike him, but for not a good reason.

[Sona Movsesian]

It's never a good reason.

[Conan O'Brien]

There's never a good reason. And then it's a reason that can quickly be removed. So it's really not a conflict. It's a conflict away. Like I'd like to come over there, but there's a small tissue in the way. You know what I mean?

[Matt Gourley]

Well, there's usually some big city ex boyfriend that they've got to kind of like get out from under, but barely.

[Conan O'Brien]

I don't know. I've seen ones where it really is just. I've gone back and looked for the conflict and haven't found it.

[Sona Movsesian]

Do you think you could write a Hallmark movie?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes, I do.

[Sona Movsesian]

Do you think you should?

[Conan O'Brien]

I think I should. That's the better question. Yeah, I think it would be a good use of my time.

[Sona Movsesian]

I really want you to write a Hallmark movie.

[Matt Gourley]

Do you think you could star in a Hallmark?

[Conan O'Brien]

Didn't somebody. I thought. Did somebody make a Hallmark in somebody?

[Matt Gourley]

Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, Will Ferrell. Christian Wiig did one. And it's brilliant because. So it's been done. If they hadn't done it, I would do it and. But it wouldn't be that funny.

[Matt Gourley]

What would your situ if you' of a Hallmark movie, what's your situation? Who are you meeting? Where are you going? Who are you leaving?

[Conan O'Brien]

And where are you leaving? Well, geez. Okay. Wow. This is a lot. Yeah. Okay, well, let's see. I am a guy. A very good looking. This is the part I play. Oh, come on. There's prosthetics. Get off my ass. And light. With prosthetics and lighting and cgi, they could do all kinds of shit to my face. Okay, so anyway, I'm a guy who has built an inn. I have an inn. And it's up. And I'm very rugged and I sort of look like the brawny paper towel guy.

[Sona Movsesian]

Wait, you're playing a rugged guy. You're playing the rugged archetype.

[Conan O'Brien]

I said cgi.

[Sona Movsesian]

No, I'm not. Look, I think you're an academic. You're teaching at a university and you're like a frazzled professor. I think that's more your scene.

[Conan O'Brien]

All right, you know, what can I say?

[Sona Movsesian]

But you're handsome.

[Conan O'Brien]

I agree.

[Sona Movsesian]

And you don't need cgi. Stop being mean to yourself.

[Conan O'Brien]

I appreciate the notes because that helped me. Sometimes I see myself differently than other people do. And I do see myself as a woodsman. As someone woodsman.

[Matt Gourley]

Not even an outdoorsman. You have the specific trait of a wood.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, I swear to God. Did you know that I sued Bronny?

[Matt Gourley]

You did.

[Conan O'Brien]

I sued the brawny paper towel people because I said you totally ripped me off because it was around the time I was doing the tour. Sona. Remember when I had the red beard and I sued them and I said you totally ripped me off and judge threw it out and he did a piece picture. He had a side by side picture of me in in boxers. And the drawing of the brawny guy. And apparently they just threw it out immediately. And I tried to take it to the Supreme Court.

[Aaron Blair]

Yeah, I, I, I, I have to interject here.

[Conan O'Brien]

This is, by the way, I just want to introduce. This is Aaron Blair. We call him Blay.

[Aaron Blair]

That's right.

[Conan O'Brien]

And we and several major celebrities have told you to shut the fuck up. That's right. When you introduce.

[Aaron Blair]

That's right.

[Conan O'Brien]

Harrison Ford and Tom Hanks have both. Yeah. So anyway.

[Aaron Blair]

Shut the fuck up, actually.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay. And so let's hear it.

[Aaron Blair]

Well, I just wanted to say I am a huge fan of Hallmark movies and Lifetime movies. And every Monday I watch a movie with, like, on Twitch with some people. And I think you would be really interested in a series by Vivica A. Fox that's on Lifetime called the Wrong Ex. So, like, the wrong man.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Aaron Blair]

The wrong tutor. The wrong stepmother.

[Matt Gourley]

Is every episode different?

[Aaron Blair]

Every episode is different, but they're all kind of the same. And I think you would be perfect for. And I want to start a campaign for you to be in one of these movies.

[Conan O'Brien]

I would do it. I would do that.

[Aaron Blair]

There's always a moment and you want conflict. Oh, there's conflict.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay.

[Elle Fanning]

Okay.

[Aaron Blair]

There's always someone in a hoodie peeking around a tree.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, I could be a guy in a hoodie. Exactly. You are a guy in a hoodie. Right now. I'm wearing a hoodie now at the end. And many times, many times I've peaked around a tree at people.

[Aaron Blair]

And at the end, she says the title of the movie. So she's like, told you he was the wrong man. Yeah, told you it was the wrong tutor. And I think you would be perfect for this. And I want to start a campaign.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay. I'm okay with that. And I want to play this part. And money doesn't matter. You know, I'll make sure that. I mean, as long as they, you know. You know what?

[Aaron Blair]

I'm not sure that these movies have a huge budget.

[Sona Movsesian]

I'm just gonna put it out there.

[Aaron Blair]

But they're fantastic. And there's like, I think there's, I.

[Sona Movsesian]

Think I've been free.

[Aaron Blair]

I think I've seen 19 of them. I'm not even kidding.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, Blay, first of all, first of all, you know that when someone says money doesn't matter, it means it all depends on. But second of all, I'm willing to do it, but I think we should explore because I do take constructive criticism and I do think I'd probably be a frazzled academic yes, but one of those things where when I take my glasses off, the woman realizes he's, you know, he cleans up.

[Matt Gourley]

Okay, but should it be that you are in a current relationship with a kind of mean, snobby academic, and you go to a rural area and suddenly you meet this, let's say, like, woodsman, a nature guide, A woman who's like, does whitewater rafting and breaks you out of your shell and you don't know what to do, and you frolic and she finds the real you.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, first of all, I'm petrified.

[Matt Gourley]

Yeah. And then you leave her and go back to the.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no, no. I have. I work at a small New England college. Yeah.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

What do you teach?

[Matt Gourley]

History.

[Conan O'Brien]

What's that?

[Matt Gourley]

History?

[Conan O'Brien]

I just. Only my one subject is Grover Cleveland. Oh, I'm a professor of Grover. Yeah, I'm a professor of Grover Clevelandology.

[Sona Movsesian]

And it has to be liberal arts. It has to be. No, it doesn't have to, because you're sensitive.

[Conan O'Brien]

Give me something.

[Sona Movsesian]

This is your architecture. Okay, so you're a sensitive man.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know what? She's right.

[Sona Movsesian]

I've seen you guys think this is a game for me. This is real life, okay?

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm a sensitive guy. I teach, like, Emily D. I teach poetry. Yes. Okay, so. And I. And I have a very safe but frigid relationship with this other woman who works there.

[Matt Gourley]

She's controlling.

[Conan O'Brien]

Manipulating. She's controlling. And she's always saying things like, maybe this weekend we'll go and look at that antique shop. And it's always very.

[Matt Gourley]

Sounds pretty good. How long? How soon she can be single?

[Sona Movsesian]

No, she wants to go teach at a big city, like Ivy League University. And you're like, this is my home. This is where I love teaching.

[Conan O'Brien]

Come on, just go, Sona. Go. Preach, preach.

[Sona Movsesian]

Then you're like, okay, I need to go find myself. So you go on this white water rafting trip, which is so outside of your comfort zone.

[Conan O'Brien]

And then I get to do my trademark Conan physical comedy where I'm like, wow, wow. And my glasses are getting knocked off and my book goes in the water. Yes.

[Matt Gourley]

Symbolically.

[Conan O'Brien]

And she keeps saying, dude, just chill. Just go with the flow. The whole trick of whitewater rafting is just. Is letting loose.

[Matt Gourley]

And then you guys kind of get marooned on a little forest island, and you have to, like, kind of spend the night and make a fire together and stuff like that.

[Conan O'Brien]

And of course I'm inept. Right?

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm sorry.

[Sona Movsesian]

No, it's okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

You are.

[Sona Movsesian]

But that's okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's okay. But then there's one point where she's kind of fed up with me. And I look up at the stars, and from memory, I recite this beautiful, like, Walt Whitman poem.

[Matt Gourley]

Whoa.

[Conan O'Brien]

And she sees me in a different way. And then we go into a tent, and this is the part that's gonna depart a little from Hallmark. We fuck like animals. We go at it, and at first, the camera's outside the tent and you just see silhouettes, but then the camera pushes into the tent. Oh, no. And it's two naked animals. And I'm just a machine. A machine. And then you cut. You have all the cutaways to animals going, caw, caw. And owls spinning around and deer running away and salmon swimming the wrong direction.

[Matt Gourley]

Like a mama owl puts its wings over the baby owl's ears.

[Conan O'Brien]

And then you come to the. The sun is coming up. And you go back to the tent, still going.

[Sona Movsesian]

You're still doing it.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's like eight hours later. And then I pause to rehydrate, and then. But anyway.

[Sona Movsesian]

Well, what's the conflict?

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, the conflict is, then you have two months. No, no. I lose myself. But that terrifies me. Okay, So I go rushing back to the New England college where Enid Crud. Professor Enid Crud.

[Matt Gourley]

That's Good.

[Conan O'Brien]

With three Ds. C, R, U, D, D, D awaits. And she's like, ooh, you said you'd be three days and you were four. Well, on our calendar, it says we're gonna move up to second base. We've been going out for years and we have never done it.

[Sona Movsesian]

You haven't even done second base with Enid Crud.

[Conan O'Brien]

And yet I went away one night with this white water rafting woman, and God damn it, I just went to. Jesus Christ, what's the name of the movie? Hold on a second. Whitewater. Hold it. Rafting. Fuck. We gotta think of this.

[Sona Movsesian]

Rapid love.

[Conan O'Brien]

Rapid love. Jesus, Sona. Why are you wasting your time with us?

[Matt Gourley]

I know, I know. That's.

[Conan O'Brien]

Why are you wasting your time with us?

[Sona Movsesian]

I know, I know. That's right. Ask myself every single day, why do I do this?

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, a lot of times you're saying it out loud during the podcast. Why am I here? Why am I wasting my time? Rapid love.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

We have to get this made, and I'm going to get on this because I love Vivica A fox. I'd work with her any day.

[Aaron Blair]

I think you would be fantastic in one of these wrong movies. Okay, but I'm Going to start the.

[Conan O'Brien]

Campaign, but this is great. We got a lot of business sorted out. All right, let's get to it. My guest today, she's one of my all time favorites. She's a talented actress. And saying talented actress does not even come close. No, I love her. I think she's a phenomenon. She starred in the Hulu series the Great, which is one of my favorite shows. Now you can see her in the new movie A Complete Unknown. This is the Bob Dylan biopic with Timothee Chalamet and everyone's waiting to see. It's going to be in theaters Christmas Day. Elle Fanning, welcome. I'm ecstatic you're here because am I not right? Last time you were here, you left and all of us were just bathed in golden light. Because you've got a great energy. Thank you. You've got the nicest, kindest and super funny game. And then I came home and my wife was like, well, you're in a good mood. And I said I was with Elle Fanning having a conversation and I'm as happy as I've ever, ever been. And then she started to cry.

[Elle Fanning]

And then you haven't seen me for how long? That was a long time.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I haven't seen my wife since that night pretty much ended it, thanks to you.

[Elle Fanning]

I'm so sorry. So sorry.

[Conan O'Brien]

I've never been that happy again. No. I'm so happy that you're here.

[Elle Fanning]

We get it today.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah.

[Elle Fanning]

But I feel the same.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, thank you so much for being here. And we were just. I mean, I mean. And the second you came in, before we could even start recording, you started talking about this Colin show that you were obsessed with for a while when you were in school and how they caught cheaters on it. And we just found out that it was a lie. It was a lie.

[Elle Fanning]

I'm devastated. I can't believe that that's a lie.

[Sona Movsesian]

I know.

[Matt Gourley]

It's sad that these cheaters are fake and that they're not real cheaters.

[Elle Fanning]

I know.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, what was the show? Just say what it was.

[Elle Fanning]

It was Ryan's Roses.

[Conan O'Brien]

Ryan's Roses? Yeah.

[Elle Fanning]

Which I think they still do.

[Conan O'Brien]

And you used to listen to it when you were going to school.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes, in the mornings. Going to school in the mornings. And my gr. She actually tuned in. This is what was on the top of my mind because she said that she listened to it the other day and she hadn't listened to it in forever. And we would listen to it together. And now I'm like, I have to go break the news to her.

[Conan O'Brien]

You don't have to tell your grandmother. No, don't tell her.

[Elle Fanning]

I won't tell her. She's always skeptical of things being fake though.

[Matt Gourley]

Actually, this isn't like Santa Claus. This is good news that this is fake.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, explain quickly what it is.

[Matt Gourley]

Well, you know it better than I do because I.

[Elle Fanning]

Well, yeah, Ryan's roses.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's basically, it's Ryan Seacrest.

[Elle Fanning]

Ryan SeaCrest on Kiss FM. And it's a call in show where if a partner suspects, you know, that they're being cheated on, someone from Ryan's team will call that person and say, we have. We're a free florist company and we're giving out free flowers today. And would you like to give flowers to anyone? Meanwhile, they're being secretly recorded. Their partner's on the other line listening in. They don't know that. And then sometimes they'll send flowers to the person that they're cheating with.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, God.

[Elle Fanning]

And then they catch em and then like their partner comes on. It's like you.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, that sounds horrific. But then Sona, you come out with a bombshell that was.

[Sona Movsesian]

They were all actors that they.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's fake.

[Sona Movsesian]

It's fake. The whole thing is fake.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I would, when I was just hearing it for the first time, I thought it would kind of have to be fake because you're destroying. Well, you're destroying lives.

[Sona Movsesian]

No, we all believed it though. You should hear it. They were really good. They were, yeah, they're really believable.

[Elle Fanning]

And then they would even cut out. Like they'd be like, oh, we lost him.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yes.

[Elle Fanning]

You know, like, oh, they hung up. They realized they were recording.

[Conan O'Brien]

But that makes it more realistic.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes, that's right. And it's like, oh, we can't, we're trying to call him. We can't get him back.

[Matt Gourley]

I just texted a deep source within Ryan's Roses and I asked this person if it was fake. And hopefully by the time this interview is over, we'll have at least their denial, if not admission.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, okay, this is good.

[Sona Movsesian]

If he responds and he's like, who is this?

[Matt Gourley]

Yeah, I'll say this is Ryan. Yeah, it's what we've been doing. Maybe he doesn't know. He could be Nixon. Innocent. You know.

[Conan O'Brien]

I said this too when I.

[Elle Fanning]

You could do it on this, but do it for real.

[Sona Movsesian]

Oh yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh yeah. That could be a new segment.

[Elle Fanning]

Conan Chocolates. Coco.

[Conan O'Brien]

Chocolates. Coco. Chocolate, Coco. Coco. Hey, Conan here from Team Coco. And I send free chocolates to People, who should I send them to? Is that your wife? It isn't. Is that how it goes?

[Sona Movsesian]

No, it's not. He has another person. She calls the guy or girl, and she'll be like, hey, hey. You've been selected to send a free bouquet of roses to anybody you want. Who do you want to send them to?

[Conan O'Brien]

So it's like, you've been punked, but you've been caught cheating. Here's the thing. I'm terrified of pranks. When people say, oh, let's play a prank, and we're going to play a prank on someone. People have assumed because I'm in comedy that I would love a prank. I hate a prank because I always think someone's going to get hurt, their feelings are going to get hurt, or they're going to be physically hurt. Like, oh, it's really funny. They're gonna open the box and this thing's gonna spring out, and I immediately go to. It's gonna detach a cornea. Someone's gonna get hurt. Yeah, well.

[Elle Fanning]

Cause you hear those things and then it's like, oh, it was all just for, you know, a laugh. And then it's like, they're dead.

[Conan O'Brien]

They're dead. Wait a minute.

[Elle Fanning]

No, I wasn't allowed to.

[Conan O'Brien]

I don't think you should be pulling pranks, Elle. Elle's pranks are always like, yeah, and then it's a bomb. No, no, Elle. El. Yeah, but it's funny because who would expect a bomb?

[Elle Fanning]

No, no. We weren't really allowed. Like, my sister and I like pranking. We weren't a pranking household.

[Conan O'Brien]

No. It's too dangerous.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah. That's what my mom was like. No, no.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know, let's talk about your childhood, because you grew up in Conyers, Georgia.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

And it blew my mind because I realized today that that is the birthplace of Mr. Jack McBrayer, who plays Kenneth the page. Yeah. Kenneth the painter on 30 Rock is from Conyers, Georgia.

[Elle Fanning]

Oh, yes. But I know him. He.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, yeah. You know him real well. I know.

[Elle Fanning]

I know. Wait, I think it is.

[Conan O'Brien]

Wow. This is a terrible day for Jack McBrayer.

[Elle Fanning]

I don't know what I do.

[Conan O'Brien]

Jack Mehoo from 31, who played Kenneth A. He.

[Elle Fanning]

I really do. I think he knows my aunt really well, and I think they went to.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, that's so funny. He is a guy who would bother your aunt.

[Elle Fanning]

Wait, let me make sure that I'm thinking of me. Yeah, no, totally. And I've actually hung out with him a lot of times.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yay. I just want to.

[Elle Fanning]

Because he does know my aunt.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, yeah. You don't know him. You don't know him from all of his film work. He's in Wreck It Ralph, which is.

[Elle Fanning]

Not someone that I think, like, you know. No, hey, trust me, I know him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Real well and I never think of him. I'd spend a whole day with him and have fun.

[Elle Fanning]

Exactly. From there. So it's a small, small town. I do know him.

[Conan O'Brien]

I constantly give him shit all the time about everything. And whenever we're like, I had lunch with him not that long ago right near his apartment. And I just love to. If we get on an elevator, I'll go, now, don't be scared about this technology. I know you don't have elevators in Conyers, Georgia.

[Elle Fanning]

And he has such a thick accent.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes. Oh, my God, he sounds like a donkey. Oh, my God, he does. He's like.

[Elle Fanning]

Anyway, Jack is just getting offended left and right.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no. We have this relationship where I've been doing nothing but abuse this man for like 20 some odd years. I've never had a real conversation with him in my life, but anyway.

[Elle Fanning]

But he's the only other person you know that's from there.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. Conyers, Georgia. And. Yeah. What you got there?

[Matt Gourley]

I have an update. And from this person I will not name.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay. That's okay.

[Matt Gourley]

I asked, is Ryan's roses fake? It is, right? And the person said, depends on who is asking and what they would want to use this information for.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, we have our answer then. We have our answer. We have our answer.

[Elle Fanning]

Okay, cut that bit out. No, no, Right.

[Conan O'Brien]

Why? Why cut it out. We'll see.

[Elle Fanning]

They want.

[Matt Gourley]

They're continuing to text in the world. I don't want to jeopardize their standing. Okay, well, friend.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, okay. Sure. Yeah. You're the one that introduced this. I know you introduced this and now it's part of the podcast, and you're a terrible person.

[Matt Gourley]

I did not introduce this.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, you said, I'll contact the guy. Oh. Anyway, any mention of Conyers, Georgia has to come out, too. And also any mention of Elle Fanning also.

[Matt Gourley]

I never said it was a guy.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, good cover. Sony. You like to travel? You like to go away and have a good time?

[Sona Movsesian]

I do. I like taking the boys and Tack and I go somewhere.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah.

[Sona Movsesian]

For the holidays this year we're thinking about, you know, just taking a trip to, you know, Lake Arrowhead for. For a week or something. You know, just somewhere nearby.

[Conan O'Brien]

Lake Arrowhead. That'd be beautiful. It would and then it occurred to me recently, what happens? Because you've got a lovely home. You guys have a beautiful home. You've done a very nice restoration on it. What happens to your home when you guys are away?

[Sona Movsesian]

It just sits there. It just sits there.

[Conan O'Brien]

It shouldn't. It shouldn't. Think about it. If you host, okay. If you host with Airbnb while you're away, it's basically like you're getting paid to travel.

[Sona Movsesian]

Exactly.

[Conan O'Brien]

I mean, it's genius.

[Sona Movsesian]

I know.

[Conan O'Brien]

So don't leave money on the table the next time you're out of town. When you're away, your home could be an Airbnb. Yeah, it's a cool idea. Think about it.

[Sona Movsesian]

I will.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I've got good ideas. Your home, AKA your future Airbnb might be worth more than you think. I think yours would be worth a lot because you guys did a beautiful job on it.

[Sona Movsesian]

Thank you. I hope so.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. Find out how much your home's [e-mail] host 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]

I love that. I mean, that's insane. I'm always there with my credit card, you know, I can't figure it out. I lose the credit card, the phone is stolen, someone punches me, you start crying. I cry a lot. When you land, T Mobile's got you covered with 15% off all Hilton brands and an upgrade to Hilton Honors Silver. Plus you're covered with 5 gigabytes. 5 gigabytes. That's more than 4 of high speed data in over 215 countries and destinations. With the Go 5G or next plans, these are just a few of the perks that feel like big wins when you travel with T Mobile. And it's nice to stay connected to your family. I travel a lot. I do these travel shows and if I'm filming another country, I know I can get to my family right away. They usually don't want to speak to me.

[Sona Movsesian]

But they screen your calls a lot, don't they?

[Conan O'Brien]

I suspect them of screening, yes. Find out how you can experience Travel [e-mail] Travel today. Qualifying plan required. WiFi where available on select US airlines. Registration and Hilton Honors membership required for Hilton Honors Silver. Terms and conditions apply. As a B2B marketer, you know how noisy the ad space can be. So noisy. So much. So much out there.

[Sona Movsesian]

So much.

[Conan O'Brien]

If your message isn't targeted to the right audience, it just disappears in the noise. It's like throwing a cork into the ocean in a storm. You just see it bob away. Well, guess what? With LinkedIn ads, you can precisely reach the professionals who are more likely to find your ad relevant. Get your message to the right person. With LinkedIn's targeting capabilities, you can reach them by job title, industry company and more. You'll have direct access to and build relationships with decision makers. A billion members, geez. 130 million senior level executives and 10 million C level executives stand out with LinkedIn ads. And start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. B2B means business to business. Start converting your B2B audience into High quality leads today. They'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to LinkedIn.com TeamCoco to claim your credit. That's LinkedIn.com TeamCoco. Terms and conditions apply. LinkedIn, the place to be. To be. Where were we? Let's see. Conyers, Georgia.

[Matt Gourley]

We're back after having an off.

[Conan O'Brien]

Sure. Yeah. We had a quick off mic discussion because someone here got us into legal jeopardy. Matt Gourley.

[Matt Gourley]

That was my superlative in high school. Most legally dubious.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

I did something very recently where there was a child actor on set and I was playing a Santa Claus and there was a quick break and this woman came on the set, grabbed the child and took the child into another room and started teaching her algebra really quickly, like in between the shots, literally, you know, like a cosine. And then, you know. But remember, negative numbers and then we gotta get back on set.

[Elle Fanning]

You're like, negative numbers, negative numbers.

[Conan O'Brien]

But that's what it was like, right?

[Elle Fanning]

It really was. Yeah, totally. Cause I mean, I went to a regular school from fourth grade on and graduated senior year, whatever. But when I would work, I would like go. And I'd had a studio teacher that would teach me things. And it would be like you'd be doing these really intense scenes. Be like crying and then going down to a basement where they've set up a little picnic table and two chairs and you're there and having to do your schoolwork and Then also because the school that I went to was pretty hard. Like, I had to keep up with the schoolwork. Or like, I couldn't do films, which, I mean, I think it was very important. But then I would be like, staying up till like 3am, like getting stuff done and like writing papers. And like, I think now I'm like, how did I do that?

[Conan O'Brien]

No, but you think about it, like.

[Elle Fanning]

I had the energy to do that when I was little. And now when I'm doing a project, I'm like so exhausted at the end of the day. But it used to be that I would go home and have all this like, work to do and book reports. I'm like, how did I find the time?

[Conan O'Brien]

But it's just so funny for me to think of an actor at your level who's doing this intense work. Even as a kid, you're doing this intense work and then quickly take a break and you gotta go make a papier mache dinosaur.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, but it's kinda nice. Yeah, there's something about it that is nice because you switch in and out of it and it. I don't know, I'm not the type of actor anyways that really stays in it in between. Like, I need to go do something else or, you know.

[Conan O'Brien]

Right, right.

[Elle Fanning]

But go to crafty and like, laugh and relax and like, I don't really stay totally in it. But I think because when I was a kid, I was so used to switching in and out of it that that's what I'm programmed to do.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's funny. It's making me think now, wouldn't it be amazing if it was required of everyone? Not just kids, but anyone during in between scenes had to learn stuff. So I'm just thinking of like.

[Elle Fanning]

And then you'd be quizzed on it later.

[Conan O'Brien]

But I'm thinking of like Al Pacino in Scarface, you know, and he's just doing this over the top, like, hello to my little friend. And then I cut and he's in the next room and they're like, now remember the Kansas, Nebraska act in 1950? He's like, oh, yeah, I got it. I think I got it. So, okay, so everything north of the. Everything north of the 50 degree latitude had to be okay. Those had to be okay. A free state, but anything below, okay. And back on set, say hello to my little. I think everyone has to do that.

[Elle Fanning]

I like that.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know, it's hard for me to believe that you've never. You've never done a scene or you've never acted in a scene with your sister. Like, you guys haven't done that yet.

[Elle Fanning]

It's crazy. We've done. I think the closest thing was an animated. We were in my neighbor Totoro when they did the American. The English dubbing, like, version of that. And I was. Was four and Dakota was eight, I guess. And we played sisters in that. But it was voiceover.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's not the same.

[Elle Fanning]

Not the same at all. No. No.

[Conan O'Brien]

Are you guys looking for something? Yes. Yes.

[Elle Fanning]

And we have a production company that we're producing projects together.

[Conan O'Brien]

Is it Llewellyn?

[Elle Fanning]

Is that your production company?

[Conan O'Brien]

Did Llewellyn do the Great. Did you guys. Were you a producer on the Great?

[Elle Fanning]

Yes, yes. Producer on the Great.

[Conan O'Brien]

That is good for you.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah. Really cool. And Llewellyn is our. She was our family dog. She's passed away, but, yeah, that. That's. We're honoring her. But she. Yeah, we have this. And we're, you know, always looking at projects. And we had a couple projects that were like, oh, it was almost gonna work out, that we were gonna do together. And there are still some ideas. Cause we have to make it happen. It's like, it's crazy that.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know what I'm gonna do.

[Elle Fanning]

We're always looking for it.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm gonna write the script.

[Elle Fanning]

Great.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, it's good. And I've never. Listen, first of all, never written a movie script, but.

[Elle Fanning]

And you'll be the third sister.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I'll be the. Yeah. I look like. I look like the Wendy's girl.

[Elle Fanning]

Hello, sisters.

[Matt Gourley]

Dude, Chekhov's three sisters.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know what I love? Yeah. It'll be you two. And people will be like, this is great. This is fantastic. Then ding dong, yoo hoo. Me in a big red wig. Yes, Totally, like, checking out, looking into the camera lens. Doing all the things you're not supposed to do.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Totally unbelievable. Wearing heels, six foot eight. Well, sisters. Well, I think that's very cool. You guys both have. Cause I know fashion, you know, fashion's very important to you.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

And you seem like a very artistic type. I know you cook. I know you like to express yourself in different ways. And you like fashion. You like to take risks.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

I do not take fashion risks.

[Elle Fanning]

You are wearing a cashmere hoodie under a blazer.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah.

[Elle Fanning]

Basically, that is a risk.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's called the Larry David. I think this is. Well, that's a racist.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, but it's like.

[Elle Fanning]

It's a good color combo.

[Conan O'Brien]

Thank you.

[Elle Fanning]

It's a dark green with the navy.

[Conan O'Brien]

I'm doing a benefit. I'm doing a charitable thing tonight. So I'm usually dressed down for the podcast, but because I'm doing this charity thing tonight, I need to be dressed up a little bit. So this is me, I would say, but I don't take fashion risks. I mean, I don't. What I'm saying is, I know that you'll really go for it sometimes.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

Which is cool. I don't think I have the guts to do that.

[Elle Fanning]

I mean, I think I always, like, growing up, I would kind of allowed to, like, put my outfits together and wear what I wanted to. I did a lot of, like, thrifting and vintage shopping and stuff like that, so. And then it's like, I don't know, acting. It also comes with this whole other area that's like this red carpet side, which is like, you know. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Which is weird. Cause it's like, not everyone likes to do that. Just because you're in movies, it doesn't necessarily mean that you want to get your picture taken all the time.

[Conan O'Brien]

Sure.

[Elle Fanning]

But I think. I don't know, for me, maybe I was like, I do like this. Oh, yeah. I do like the red carpet kind of artistic expression and getting to. It's like another character, you know?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. And keeping up with those things, it is so unfair. We'll be going someplace and we'll be seen and my wife will be in the closet for an hour and she'll keep coming out and trying different things. And I just go in and put on a suit.

[Elle Fanning]

I know.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I just put on a suit. And people and everything is just like, yep, check, you're fine. And my wife will come in, she'll come out, she's in a beekeeper's outfit. Then she goes back in, she comes out, she's wearing a lion costume every time. Fur pants with armored Flemish armored top. She's trying all this crazy stuff. But I feel like it's so much. The pressure is so much different.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, there is. And there are some days you're just like, oh, gosh, you have to think so much about that. But then, I don't know, other times it's very fun. But it's interesting with movie like this where certain press tours and stuff, you know that it's going to be, oh, what clothes you wear. And that's a part of promoting films now. I don't know literally what clothes you wear.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, let's talk about this.

[Elle Fanning]

And especially like Timothee Chalamet, fashionista himself.

[Conan O'Brien]

He is quite the fashionista. I just. I just was past the television the other day and a commercial. It was a men's cologne ad that.

[Elle Fanning]

He'S in for Chanel.

[Conan O'Brien]

For Chanel. And he's, like, falling through the air wearing. And I just thought, that should have been me. They are never coming to me.

[Sona Movsesian]

Oh, wow.

[Conan O'Brien]

Look, if we can't get Timmy Chalamet, we've got Conan O'Brien on the line.

[Elle Fanning]

Martin Scorsese directed that act.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, really?

[Elle Fanning]

Mm.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, let's get into it, because a complete unknown, highly anticipated biopic about Bob Dylan. And you are in this movie and you are playing. It's interesting, you're playing kind of a composite character.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes. I mean, she. I play in the film. Her name is Sylvie Russo, but she's based on Suz Rotolo, who was Bob Dylan's girlfriend.

[Conan O'Brien]

And she's on the COVID Exactly. I mean, I know the iconic. One of the most iconic covers ever is for the Free Wheel in Bob Dylan, where he's walking down the street in Greenwich Village, he's with a woman who's sort of holding his arm and snuggling up against him. And that was his girlfriend at the time.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes. And that's her.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. And so that's who you're playing.

[Elle Fanning]

That is. And it's really. Honestly, it's really true to their relationship. It's just her name is different. That's the only thing. And I think it was actually out of a request from Bob Dylan himself, because everyone else's name is what their.

[Conan O'Brien]

Name was, except for Timmy, who plays Dob Dylan.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah. Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

He's a folk singer, but everything's a little off.

[Elle Fanning]

Exactly.

[Conan O'Brien]

HE SINGS GLOWIN IN THE WIND Stand.

[Matt Gourley]

Lady, stand, lady, stand, lady, stand do.

[Conan O'Brien]

Not sit down, you must stand, Stand ready to stand. Well, first of all, I am so excited to see this film, and I would think, because also I'm fascinated with that period. We're talking 1961. 60. 61. Around that era in the Village. And I've always thought, clearly, there are times in American. Not just American history, in any. In all world history. There are times where there's a moment that happens in a city that's organic. It happens in a place. It happened in Seattle in the late 80s, early 90s with grunge. It happened in Liverpool in the late 50s and 60s. Something was going on in the village in the 50s. Stuff is percolating. And Bob Dylan makes his way there from Hibbings, Minnesota, and changes everything. And so, I mean. And you guys are incredible. Actors. I cannot wait to see this movie.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah. It was so amazing to see. And I. Yeah. Cause it takes place from like, 61 to 1965 of basically ending when he was at the Newport Folk Festival and goes electric for the first time. And it changes the course of music forever. Yes. And I think he was. Well, he was called Judas.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes.

[Elle Fanning]

At that festival.

[Conan O'Brien]

What happened?

[Elle Fanning]

I don't know if it was at that one. I know in our movie it is. Cause we play, you know, we try to stay true, of course, to what happened. But then at the same time, it is a film. And James Mangold, who directed the movie, he wanted to take liberties as well, because it is a movie. And also, Bob Dylan himself as a figure, he is so mysterious. And he himself likes to play with what's true or not. You know, we don't necessarily know all the truths.

[Conan O'Brien]

First of all, I have no time for people to. And watch a biopic and say, hold on a second. That happened in October. I know what they described in the film. It's November. Because they just had. You know, I think.

[Elle Fanning]

And there are those people.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes, there are those people. But the point of a film like this, an endeavor like this, in my opinion, is to capture the spirit and the energy of what was happening and transport you. It is not a visit to the IRS where you have all of your documents ready. So the stuff that happens in entertainment that is so out there and so explicit and so crazy, and you realize that Bob Dylan basically just plugged in his guitar and played electric at a folk festival. And someone in the crowd shouts, judas.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Because, I mean, it's so preposterous now and so laughable. But there are these famous stories of he's playing and Pete Seeger's backstage with an axe, trying to cut the electricity cable. So they say. Again. So they say. But you think about, oh, Pete rap hasn't shown up yet. You know, like funk rap. I mean, there's all this stuff that's gonna blow your mind. He's still playing folk with an electric guitar.

[Elle Fanning]

Exactly. And it just takes that kind of one person to be daring enough to change, you know, and step outside of the box.

[Conan O'Brien]

He risked. I mean, he risked. He disappointed his core fan base, which you're never supposed to do. I've done it many times. I think I'm very brave, but I.

[Sona Movsesian]

Think I'm very brave.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes. And if that can be the pull quote from this interview. What did Elle say about the movie? Well, Conan kept talking over her, and he kept shouting, I'm Very brave.

[Matt Gourley]

And don't sell yourself short. You've disappointed all of us as well.

[Conan O'Brien]

I was calling. Listen, you are my core fat face.

[Matt Gourley]

No.

[Conan O'Brien]

But I would think we are.

[Elle Fanning]

Going to host the Oscars.

[Conan O'Brien]

I know. Yeah, I know that insane. I know. But they'll. I said it's exciting, but I think they'll. After this interview, they'll revoke it. They'll say, kona. Did you shout I'm brave at Elle Fanning? But I would think Elle. I mean, I was born in 63, so this is ancient history to me because I wasn't connected to it in any way. But for you, this might as well be 1861. You know, it's such a long time ago, but the style of that time is so iconic.

[Elle Fanning]

Oh, completely.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I mean, not just the music, but getting to. I would just think from a art production standpoint, like, I really want to see the movie, and I'm looking forward to the performances and the story, but I'm also looking forward to the cars, the guitars, the clothing, the look of things.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, it's really shot with such authenticity. I mean, we shot in New York and also New Jersey because obviously a lot of those iconic New York streets now are very modernized. We actually took, like, in Hoboken, kind of created like Cafe Wah and West Village, you know, over there, Arianne Phillips did our costumes, and she's just absolutely incredible. I think Timmy had, like, 70 outfit changes. Cause it really goes from him, like, starting Robert Zimmerman to Bob Dylan. Like, you see him as someone from Minnesota who, like, literally just got off the bus and seeing New York for the first time. So there's such an evolution that he takes in the film. And I was a huge saying this. It's like, oh, gosh, I hear how I sound, but it honestly is true. But I was a huge Bob Dylan fan because Cameron Crowe, I did. We bought a zoo with him when I was 13. I think that's what I came on your show for the first time. But he introduced me to Bob Dylan and I became like a Bob Dylan nut. And I wasn't allowed to have posters on my room, but I had a cork board, and on the corkboard, I had Bob Dylan up there. And I would write every day and I have to find photos of this something. But in middle school, I would write Bob Dylan on my hand right here in cursive every day.

[Conan O'Brien]

Wow.

[Elle Fanning]

Like, weird.

[Conan O'Brien]

Also.

[Elle Fanning]

I don't know. I don't know why I also did that. I think I was like, I'm cool, you know, I like Bob Dylan. And in middle school I was like, you don't know who he is, you know? And I'm like, I do, but I did that and I really did. So I feel like I manifested, like getting this part. It's kind of wild.

[Conan O'Brien]

You manifested it?

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, people, man.

[Conan O'Brien]

You manifested it.

[Elle Fanning]

And the kids in school were like, what is that?

[Conan O'Brien]

Who is that?

[Elle Fanning]

I'm like, you don't know.

[Conan O'Brien]

Wow, you sounded like an awful kid.

[Elle Fanning]

I know, I know. I was just more like, oh, you.

[Conan O'Brien]

Know, I love that. You don't know, do you? Well, I wrote his name on my hand and you couldn't possibly know exactly what kind of kid were you? Well, bye bye now.

[Elle Fanning]

Yes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I.

[Elle Fanning]

But I was very excited about doing this. I was like, what? When they came to me, I was.

[Conan O'Brien]

Like, people have dream boards where they're supposed to. Right? You're supposed vision boards. Vision boards were supposed to. Your hand was your vision board.

[Elle Fanning]

That's right.

[Conan O'Brien]

I remember. You were just manifesting things.

[Elle Fanning]

Totally, totally. I mean, I know the movie they'd been trying to do for a while with the strike and Covid and Timothy's been training for it for five years now, so. So he sang everything live. He did the guitar live. And it was really kind of amazing, like hearing him for the first time, like, it was extraordinary. And we were in.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's so funny, when you said he been training really hard, I thought he went the Marvel route.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

And so he shows up as this completely jacked and he just misunderstood. Bob Dylan just all roided up.

[Elle Fanning]

Exactly.

[Conan O'Brien]

V shaped torso. Yeah, I'm all set to go. I put on 100. I put on 150 pounds of muscle.

[Matt Gourley]

Well, now we need to do your algebra. Come on.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, exactly. So what? So I didn't realize. I didn't realize he did all of his own.

[Elle Fanning]

He did, yeah. All of his own singing. I was in like an auditorium for the first time and hearing him sing. I think it was a Hard rain's gonna fall. He was singing that. And all the background artists like, in the auditorium were like, that's not him. Like, he's lip singing. I was like, yes, it is. I like tapped him. I was like, I know it is. I know it's.

[Conan O'Brien]

You're always a know it all in all your stories. Again, I happen to know it is and I've written it is on my hand.

[Elle Fanning]

You're the most annoying person like, well, it actually is.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, no. We should have you get. We should have you just pop into the podcast every now and Then. And go, ah. Ah, yes, it is. And I haven't. Was that Elle Fanning who just popped through that little window?

[Matt Gourley]

Well, you have Conan O'Brien written on your hand currently. I'll start.

[Elle Fanning]

I'll start. I don't know what that'll manifest, but, you know.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, yeah. Oh, you don't want to know. Being on the podcast a ninth time, that's so cool. I'm looking forward to. I'm really looking forward to seeing it. And, you know, one of the things that fascinates me about Bob Dylan and always has, is he was a shapeshifter and probably still is a shapeshifter. Totally made shit up left and right.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

So there's this famous introduction a couple of years before the incident where he plugged in. There's this famous incident where Bob Dylan's introduced by Pete Seeger at Folk festival. And Pete Seeger says, you know, he tried to run away from home nine different times, but was caught and returned. And then finally, he, like, jumped a train and came here and camped out with hobos. And here he is tonight. And everyone believed that it later turned out to be. His parents were like, well, good luck, and here's some money, and don't forget to write. Here's a cell phone. Here's a credit. You know, whatever. He had made it up. Yeah.

[Elle Fanning]

And he said he worked. Or that he, like, worked at a carnival.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes.

[Elle Fanning]

And, yeah, he said, whatever. The traveling circus, which. I don't know if that's true. I don't.

[Conan O'Brien]

But I guess I think it's part of an American tradition where William Faulkner completely made up his past. Ernest Hemingway made up stuff. Great artists invent themselves. I believe that. And they come up with all these stories. And I think Faulkner had everyone convinced that he had flown in the Royal Air Force in World War I. It's like, nope, completely untrue. You know, he was, like, tending a furnace, you know, somewhere in, like, Tennessee or something. But that it's part of the creative process in a weird way. Sometimes you hear it and you think, oh, yeah, that's a sociopath. But no, that was part of his process, was inventing himself.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, yeah, definitely. And I think even, like, through his. I mean, obviously his songs. And he's, like, one of the greatest writers, I think, that we have. I mean, and it is interesting, like, thinking about. He didn't want to kind of deal with the fuss of people judging him for his past, you know, like, he just was like, this is my work. I want you to judge at Face value.

[Conan O'Brien]

I thought it was hilarious when he won. He won the Nobel Prize. And I just love that he was annoyed. I don't wanna go. Where do I have to go to get in? You know, just, like, annoyed by it all. Which would not be anyone else's reaction to winning the Nobel Prize.

[Elle Fanning]

Exactly. He didn't want the fuss. Yeah, I know. I never. I haven't met him.

[Conan O'Brien]

Wait, I thought you did meet Bob Dylan.

[Elle Fanning]

No, I did not. I was told Timothy hasn't met him either. Jim has met him. James Mangold, but we have not met him. I was told that I was gonna have a rehearsal with Jim and Bob Dylan. I got this email, and I was like, oh, my God. I was like, this is amazing. Like, I have to pick out what I'm gonna wear. I have to, like, what am I gonna say to him? What am I gonna ask? I'm, like, so excited. And I walk in the next day, and it's Jim and Timmy.

[Matt Gourley]

Oh, no.

[Elle Fanning]

And I was like, oh, what?

[Conan O'Brien]

Boo. I know. Who was. Meet Timothee Chalamet. I was like, what a waste of time.

[Elle Fanning]

I thought it was Bob. We were laughing.

[Matt Gourley]

Was he in character the whole time or something?

[Elle Fanning]

No, I think it's just, like, sometimes they do that on tv.

[Conan O'Brien]

He's just being whimsical. Yeah.

[Elle Fanning]

Well, there's. You know. And, you know, an assistant had, like, written it down. Bob Dylan. It was like, both names, like Bob Dylan, all caps, bold in bold. So maybe I should have realized.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, I. I've met him briefly. I've told. I've told it before, but just because you're here and it lines up perfectly, I can do it backstage at a concert with my good friend and guitarist Jimmy Vivino in this sort of backstage area. And then I'm pushed, like, literally pushed into a room, and there's a bunch of people there. And then suddenly, because of the way people are moving in the room, suddenly I'm sort of spit out at the front of the room, and there is Bob Dylan staring at me. And I'm right in front of him, and he's got the little tiny pencil mustache that he had during that phase where he's wearing the string ties and the little pencil mustache. And he looks and he goes, hey, I know you from the tv.

[Elle Fanning]

Whoa.

[Conan O'Brien]

And then, just then, I get interrupted by somebody who literally drags me out of my one conversation I'm gonna have with Bob Dylan and Bob Dylan, like, skitters away.

[Elle Fanning]

Oh, no.

[Conan O'Brien]

And that person was Al Gore.

[Elle Fanning]

Whoa.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I've always been Pissed at Al Gore ever since because literally he went, hey, I know. He said, I know you from. And I'm about to go like, oh my God, Bob Dylan. And I'm just about to speak to him and he's looking at me when I hear Conan. Conan, it's me, Al Gore.

[Elle Fanning]

God, no.

[Conan O'Brien]

Global warming's a reality. It's an inconvenient truth. The earth is warming by three degrees every fit. And I see Bob Dylan shrug and kind of walk away. Did you know that?

[Elle Fanning]

And that was it. But he knows you.

[Conan O'Brien]

He knows me from the tv. He didn't know my name. And it wasn't the tv. It was the TV accent on the tv. I gotta get that shit Chalamet and tell him that's how you pronounce tv.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, yeah, you should have told him. I saw him at a concert right before we went at the Kings Road Theater in New York. And I saw him and I actually so sad. I had eaten a bad turkey sandwich and I was like in the middle like the concert. I'd never seen Bob Dylan live before. And I'm like. I knew I was doing the movie and Timothy was there and. Or there. And I just was like, oh, no, I'm going to throw up. And so it was. I had to leave like halfway through and actually I. So I ran out of the stadium and it's like a beautiful theater. Like really kind of grand and gold. It's like. It's really pretty run out right next to the concession stand, like in the lobby. And I can't make to the bathroom. Just puke. Turkey sandwich all in the carpet.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh my God.

[Elle Fanning]

And then I know I was like, oh gosh. And I had to leave and I went to the bathroom and then when I came back, they had like a sad little like cone over my throw up, you know, like, avoid this area. I was like, no, I have to get back to the concert.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, that's terrible.

[Elle Fanning]

I must see. I know. So darn.

[Conan O'Brien]

It was the turkey sandwich. It was not Bob that made me.

[Elle Fanning]

Sandwich the turkey sandwich.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, I don't even. I think you met Timmy Chalamet, but you don't even know it.

[Sona Movsesian]

I met him right before he blew up. I went and had ice cream with him. We went to ice cream after.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, yeah.

[Matt Gourley]

What was that like? Was he. What was he like?

[Sona Movsesian]

He was cool. I mean, he was like a young kid. I mean, you know, he. He was taught. He was. He at that point had already been in inter. Was Interstellar, the one with Matthew McConaughey? Yeah, he was in that movie already, but he had a small part in it. And, you know, I think everyone was like, you're gonna, you're gonna do great. Yeah, you'll be great. And I remember call me by your name came out.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, you sat him down, I think, and said, I, you know, look, you should try conviction because acting's not your thing, and you'll try comedy, and maybe you could be like half a Conan O'Brien one day. Remember when you said that?

[Elle Fanning]

I did.

[Sona Movsesian]

I did. I was like, I don't know. Comedy seems like it would be a better fit for you than drama.

[Elle Fanning]

And he's like, I'm gonna show these two people.

[Matt Gourley]

You made him.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, we made him. It's because of character, villain, origin story.

[Conan O'Brien]

Do you know what he has written on his hand? Conan is wrong.

[Matt Gourley]

Well, I wrote that on my hand as well.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I've seen it. Yours is a little. Yours is fucking wrong.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, I think we all do. I think all five of us.

[Matt Gourley]

I just had a tattooed.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know what's so nice? I was. I was reading different interviews with you in preparation for chatting with you today, and you said something really interesting to me, which, that you learned. You've learned different things from different people. You say that a big part of your education was working with Sophia Coppola. Like, so you've, you know, your education continued long after your, your formal education. And I really believe in that. I really believe we learned so much. But you said that you learned manners from working with Kirsten Dunst and Nicole Kidman. You were working with them and you learned manners. And I thought, nobody talks about manners. And now I'm gonna sound like an old man, but I promise you, I think it is a magic power. It's a magical thing to be well mannered.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

And you are exceptionally well mannered. You're just a. You're, You're a very kind person. And I don't think people understand the superpower that that is. Do you know what I mean? And no one talks about it a lot. Oh, yeah, they don't talk about. It's all about, well, you know, obviously you gotta have talent, but you also have to, like, you gotta be tactical and you gotta do this. And like, how about, I swear to God, just being nice, being well mannered, Being well mannered. And it's a. It's. And I understand it's. Maybe it's. I've always heard it's part of a Southern thing. Like, Jack is insanely well mannered. So anytime Jack McBrayer comes to my house. Two days later, I get a note, sir, it was an honor. You know, that's not what it. No, no.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

He doesn't say it was an honor, but he does. He does write. He says, it was lovely. It was an honor hanging out with your wife. Everyone likes Liza. People tolerate me. But no, it's just like, that's such a nice thing.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah, it's true. I mean, I think, like, you must have learned a lot just growing up, you know, from. I didn't go to, like, acting class or anything. So it's just like being on set and around different personalities and different people and picking up on, you know, what people do. And I mean, honestly, it's like my mom.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes.

[Elle Fanning]

Like, you know, she would be on set with me or my grandmother, and I would have, you know, write a note, get wrap gifts for everyone. Like, I've just always done that. Even like small things about, like putting at the end of the day, like, your costume, like, making sure that it's, like, hung up, that you hang it up in the trailer. Because then you hear. Cause you hear people say, like, they just throw. And they're like, thank you so much for just hanging it up. It's like, well, it takes like a second to do that, you know? Like, it's.

[Conan O'Brien]

And also sometimes it makes you realize how other people are behaving.

[Elle Fanning]

Right.

[Conan O'Brien]

I've had situations where, I don't know, I'm doing something and I'll. I don't know, it'll be like a Sirius XM recorder in New York or something, and I'm headed out and I'll pass the person at, like, the front thing and I'll say, I'm gonna get coffee. Do you want any? And they go, what? What? And I'm thinking, I'm not giving you a kidney. I'm saying, I'm getting a coffee. Would you like one too? And you realize, oh, it's such little things like that.

[Elle Fanning]

I know it just makes you feel better to. I don't know, to be. To be kind. I mean, it sounds so cliche and easy, but I don't. In this business, it's like, there's a lot of not nice people.

[Conan O'Brien]

Why'd you look at me? And by the way, I know that's a made up story about getting the coffee.

[Sona Movsesian]

I was like, did you really get coffee before that?

[Matt Gourley]

No, I think you took the coffee from that person.

[Conan O'Brien]

I took the security. I took her coffee. And I said, thanks for the java, now go get your own.

[Elle Fanning]

But you are known, you actually are known as the nicest and the best.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, that's very sweet.

[Elle Fanning]

You are, but everyone says it and everyone thinks it.

[Conan O'Brien]

Sona, you've seen the real me.

[Sona Movsesian]

I have seen the real you. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I have. I have. It's coming out in a tell all.

[Conan O'Brien]

You already wrote it. Real Conan book.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, I did. I know.

[Elle Fanning]

That's right.

[Sona Movsesian]

I did.

[Conan O'Brien]

She wrote a New York Times bestseller called World's Worst Assistant and she basically put it all out there. But it's basically the two of us.

[Elle Fanning]

Good to have a little edge.

[Conan O'Brien]

Mostly you read the book and it's a hilarious book, but you mostly just read the book and think both of these people are idiots who shouldn't be allowed to do anything.

[Sona Movsesian]

I think I started writing it thinking it would be a takedown of you, but it was really just an indictment on me and how bad I was as your assistant. But having being your assistant, I will say there's a difference, you can see between people who will dismiss you and people who actually talk to you. I got that a lot. Yeah. And it makes a really big difference.

[Conan O'Brien]

What do you mean?

[Elle Fanning]

People just remembering people's names. You know what I mean? On set you do meet a lot of people. It's like assistants.

[Sona Movsesian]

Like people can sometimes just be very rude to assistants because they're trying to get to you. And there's a lot of people who I had a really actually talk to you about.

[Conan O'Brien]

I had a really interesting thing happen to me. I've never forgotten it, which is I was working on the Simpsons. I was a writer, producer there. This is before I got the talk show. And I'm probably, I don't know, 26. I used to just wear like a T shirt and kind of that, you know, that red James Dean kind of iconic jacket with the flip up collar. I had one of those. So I'm wearing like, that's just how I'm dressed. And I'm wearing sneakers. And I remembered I was going to go meet my friend Suzanne Daniels, who was a big exec over on the Fox lot. I remember for some reason I had a package in my hand that was just my package. And I walked into this office and I said, yeah, I'm here for Suzanne Daniels. And this person behind the desk went, yeah, just put that down. Just leave it there. And I went, well, actually I'm here. And they went, just put it down. Okay. Like, because I'm the delivery guy.

[Elle Fanning]

Yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

I kept trying to stall and the person was just looking through me like I Didn't exist.

[Elle Fanning]

Oh, my gosh.

[Conan O'Brien]

And then of course, Suzanne saw me, went, Conan. Hey. And this person, she was like, have you met Conan? He's a writer producer at the Simpsons. And da, da, da. And he's gonna have a late night show in a year and a half. Even though nobody knows that yet.

[Sona Movsesian]

She just knew.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yes. Apparently he is a delivery boy. Yeah. But anyway, I just saw in a moment and then he's like, oh, I saw status completely shift arbitrarily. Because why does that make a difference? And yeah, completely. Yeah. That executive was Jeff Ross. I mean, that. Yeah, he was terrible to me. I'm sorry. When he was assistant. No, it doesn't make any sense.

[Sona Movsesian]

He made it. I know. You really messed up.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I got it wrong. But anyway.

[Sona Movsesian]

No.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know who the assistant was? Who? It was a very, very young Timothee Chalamet. Oh my God.

[Elle Fanning]

Hanging it around.

[Conan O'Brien]

I remember he was a fetus. He was like, there was a fetus. A really good looking fetus. Yeah. Wearing like some kind of exotic cologne, who said, like, just leave the package there. And I said, why do you have an umbilical cord? Just leave the feet. Just leave it there.

[Matt Gourley]

And cue the wrap light.

[Conan O'Brien]

There we go. I got it. Hey, Elle. Everyone's gonna see this movie. And I'm just. It's a complete unknown. It's you, Timothee Chalamet and Edward Norton. Edward Norton, Monica, Barbara. I can't wait to see it. But also, anytime you wanna come in and just sit down and talk about anything, you're one of my favorite people.

[Elle Fanning]

No, seriously, I wanna pop in now. I wanna, like. Because the authority. This is really nice with the kitchen and everything. Yeah, yeah.

[Conan O'Brien]

Just don't go in there. That's our kitchen.

[Elle Fanning]

Like, I've already had like pockets full of snacks.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay, well, I'll need you to empty your coat before you leave. Snacks don't grow on trees. No, Conan, they're nuts. They literally grow on trees. You are an absolute delight. And as you know, I'm a massive fan of the great. And watching you in that role walk this crazy tightrope of being near death experiences being assaulted, but then being hilariously funny in the next scene. I don't know how you do it. It's one of the best performances I've seen in a show ever, and it's one of my favorite shows. And then you just have this insane career and you're a delight. You're a delightful person. So come back anytime.

[Elle Fanning]

I will.

[Conan O'Brien]

And thanks for being here and sharing Your energy with us, because these guys are sucking the life out of me. Amazon prime is a collection of excellent services. Amazon prime includes prime video, Amazon music, and free same day delivery. All of its services help you make the most of your holidays and enable your traditions to live on. I mean, how do we get along without this new technology, this Amazon?

[Sona Movsesian]

I know if you want to listen to all the holiday music, you could just put it on there. You want to watch holiday movies.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, but. And if you want a gift, what I do to my wife now is I say, see that? Click. Get that from me. Get it. I don't know why I talked that way. With Amazon prime, you get next day free delivery. So everything you need arrives just in time. Amazon prime encourages your ability to celebrate the holidays. Prime services don't simply help you get closer to your passions. They help you discover new things to get into, which is true. It's a wonderful service. Whatever you're into or getting into, trust me, it's on Prime. Sign up for Amazon prime today. From streaming to shopping, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime to get more of whatever you're into. God, I'm looking forward to the holiday party this year. We have a staff holiday party that is. And I'm going to use. It's a new term that the kids use. You probably haven't heard it before. Off da hook. Oh, and.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yep.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, no. Yep. Just heard that on the street the other day.

[Sona Movsesian]

That's right.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I love our party. And one of the things I love about it is we always elevate it with Miller Lite. I like it when things taste like Miller Time. I do. It's the taste you can depend on. No games, no gimmicks. Miller Lite's brewed for taste. It hits different than any other light beers. And here's the clue, right? You're thinking, like, how do they do it? It's simple ingredients. Sometimes people are doing a and they're like, oh, we'll add oregano. Hey, I have an idea. There's a spice I found. I found a spice in Middle Earth. No, it's so simple. Simple ingredients. Malted barley for rich, balanced toffee note flavors and an iconic golden color. It's the original light beer since 1975, when Red Sox won the pennant. And it's still the best one. We all get together. We're around the fire pit, we're having a good time, and we're quaffing. We're drinking down those Miller Lights. Glug, glug. Glug, glug. Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. Making memories at year end gatherings with your staff, whether it's Chaz Billington, Phil Rockingham, Stu Mulaney, Bix Tazenhaser. Tastes like Miller time. Go to millerlight.comconan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller like pretty much anywhere they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Times. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces. Fewer calories and carbs than premium regular beer. This message is brought to you by Better Help. You know what my favorite part of the holiday is? You light a fire. You know, you get that Christmas music playing or whatever holiday you prefer.

[Sona Movsesian]

Right?

[Conan O'Brien]

Could be any holiday. Any.

[Sona Movsesian]

It could be Valentine's Day.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, that doesn't make sense. Oh, specifically at Christmas.

[Sona Movsesian]

Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

I just was trying to include all different religions that happened around that time of year.

[Sona Movsesian]

That's what you were talking about.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, you totally screwed up. That's just. If you're listening to Valentine's Day music, I think something's wrong with you. Well, anyway, there are lots of ways to get cozy during the holiday season, whether it's a mug of cocoa or wrap it up in a blanket. There's another way, too. Therapy. Therapy is a great way to bring yourself some comfort that never goes away, even when the season changes. You know, and people, I think, sometimes forget that taking care of their mental health is a very important part of being good to yourself.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, and the holidays are especially hard for some people.

[Conan O'Brien]

They are very tricky. If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. It's entirely online. It's designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. You just fill out a brief questionnaire to get matched with a licensed therapist, and then you switch therapists anytime you need to for any reason, for no additional charge. So think about this. You're taking care of a lot of people on the holidays. Take care of yourself. And if you want to get cozy, remember, self care is one of the best ways to get cozy. Find comfort this December with BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.comconan today to get 10% off your first month. That's BetterHelp help. Hp.comconan.

[Matt Gourley]

We thought we might initiate a series of staff reviews here at Team Coco facilities. We're going to start with your producer, longtime producer Jeff Ross.

[Conan O'Brien]

Jeff Ross, not to be confused with the Roastmaster general, Jeff Ross, the comedian Jeff Ross has been my producer. We really started in late night together. What is it, 31 years ago, Jeff?

[Jeff Ross]

93. April of 93.

[Conan O'Brien]

We met in April of 93. So someone do the math. I don't want to. I think it's been a calculator. No, no, it's been 57 years.

[Sona Movsesian]

I don't care enough.

[Conan O'Brien]

Anywho, you get the point. We've been together side by side on this crazy adventure through shell business. And what we're doing, Jeff, is thinking that maybe we just review people, talk to them about their work.

[Jeff Ross]

It's not going to go well.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no, it's going to go well. Of course it's going to go well. Jeff, you've been with me at the helm of this ship for a long time. We've been through. We've been through highs, we've been through lows. We've been through highs again and then some more lows, then lots of lows, then a quick high, then years and years. No, it's been great. It's been great. We've had a great ride. But I think it's time for a brief catch up lately on your performance here at the show, Jeff, I'm just going to come out and say it. In all the time I've known you, you've worn glasses. Okay, this is where you're going. You've worn glasses the whole time I've known you. True. Very recently, you had a surgical procedure which you needed to have. This was not elective. It was a surgical procedure that you needed to have on your eyes. And while they were doing that surgery, they were like, hey, we can correct your vision at the same time.

[Jeff Ross]

That's the way it works.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, that's the way it works. So they corrected your vision and I didn't. You didn't first of all, talk to any of us about this. You went ahead and had this surgery, which you had to have. Which you had to have. Hold on.

[Sona Movsesian]

Why would he talk?

[Conan O'Brien]

Because I talked to Jeff about all the surgeries I have.

[Jeff Ross]

That's true. We talked to each other about our various surgeries over the years when I.

[Conan O'Brien]

Was circumcised and then I went back and had it put back on.

[Sona Movsesian]

What?

[Conan O'Brien]

And then I was circumcised and then had it put back on again.

[Jeff Ross]

I tried to talk him out of it both times.

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, you had it. And you were just like, put it back?

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I wanted it back. And they couldn't keep it. They couldn't.

[Jeff Ross]

Well, I was holding.

[Conan O'Brien]

Here's the thing I don't. Jeff had it for a while in his wallet. The way high school kids came. A condom in their wallet. People were like, jeff, you've got a condom in your wallet. He's like, no, no, no, it's Conan Sports kids. But thank you for keeping it. You're supposed to moisturize it, but he didn't.

[Matt Gourley]

Oh.

[Conan O'Brien]

So anyway, it's back on there, just.

[Matt Gourley]

Like an old dry pig ear.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, well, we went back and forth two times because I kept changing my mind. Now it's back on and I'm not convinced it's mine, but that's a whole other story. Anyway, that's not why we're having this review, okay? The focus should not be on the crazy surgeries that I've had butchering my member.

[Jeff Ross]

Maybe they should be.

[Conan O'Brien]

But Jeff, yes, you had this thing and you come in and suddenly you're not wearing glasses because you don't need to anymore because you have now 2020 vision.

[Jeff Ross]

But I need readers.

[Conan O'Brien]

You need readers, but most of the time you're walking around the office. I just went on. We shot a travel show together in a foreign land. We travel the world together. And you're not wearing glasses. And he's Jeff, you will agree, a very good looking man. Yes, you're a good looking guy. You are. You're a good. I think you're right. Your whole. Listen, the whole time I've been with Jeff, people, women, always nudging me like that. Jeff Ross is a good looking guy. And I'm like, hey, what am I, chopped liver over here? But Jeff make it about you. What's that?

[Sona Movsesian]

Yeah, what? I said make it. You make it about you.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, I was born on make it about you mountain. So Jeff isn't wearing glasses now. And he comes in and you walk around. You don't have glasses on. And I can't get used to it. And I'm not the only one. A couple of us. Eduardo, feel free to weigh in. Weird. I can't get used to it. And here's the thing, I can't get used to it. And you'll get to talk in just a second. Wait a minute. I'm not even sure that's true. I might just keep talking.

[Matt Gourley]

This is a great staff for me.

[Conan O'Brien]

A lot of us are having trouble adjusting and the thing is, it's our problem because you've had a certain look for a long time and then suddenly it changed and you look great, but I'm not used to it. What are we gonna do, Jess?

[Jeff Ross]

Let Me say two things. First of all, I'm not used to it either because still I wake up in the morning and I reach over to the bedside table. Actually, it's on my left. And to reach for my glasses and they're not there. And sometimes at night when I brush my teeth and I wash my face, I reach for my glasses and they're not there. What I might do, I'm considering is what you did, which is get, like, progressive. Nothing up top and readers at the bottom.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah, yeah. Considering that I don't mind wearing glasses. And I just decided, yeah, I did the progressive thing. So my eyes without glasses are. But I don't like putting glasses on and off all the time.

[Jeff Ross]

Yeah, this is a pain.

[Conan O'Brien]

And so I just wear glasses so that when I can pick up a book and read and.

[Sona Movsesian]

I'm sorry, I have a question. This is a staff review.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah.

[Sona Movsesian]

Okay.

[Conan O'Brien]

All right. Okay. Let me get back to the review part of that.

[Matt Gourley]

Could I just do a segment of reviewing the staff reviews because I have a couple notes.

[Conan O'Brien]

Oh, but listen.

[Sona Movsesian]

But please, let's talk about your progressive lenses.

[Conan O'Brien]

Well, I didn't put it on.

[Elle Fanning]

That.

[Conan O'Brien]

That. That was Jeff who made the executive producer decision.

[Jeff Ross]

You asked me a question and I answered it to.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, here's what I'm saying. I want you to immediately. This is a staff review. I want you to immediately start wearing glasses. I want you to wear them all the time. No, those are at the end of your nose. Now you look like grandma most. Yeah, Okay. I want you. And if not, I'm going to go.

[Jeff Ross]

Do what you did.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no. Let's not get on.

[Jeff Ross]

I do that a lot.

[Conan O'Brien]

Anyway, let's not get onto progressives again because that's a. Sona's told us that's a bad topic. I had a thought.

[Matt Gourley]

Go back to your Force game.

[Conan O'Brien]

No, no, no. That's a separate episode. That's from my staff review, by the way.

[Matt Gourley]

Yeah, that's a different kind of staff review.

[Jeff Ross]

And by the way, I could get it again.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. So listen, Jeff, I had an idea, which is that you get a tattoo of glasses.

[Sona Movsesian]

Oh.

[Conan O'Brien]

On your eyes, you get glasses drawn on as if you fell asleep at a. At a fraternity. And instead of a penis on your cheek, it's just some really nice glasses. Tom Ford glasses.

[Jeff Ross]

Only if we can go back to New Zealand to that place with the guy with the crazy tattoos on his arm and he'd does it.

[Conan O'Brien]

Okay. You like that guy? You like the tattoos? What's that? I like to keep it Secret where we're going, but Jeff, I guess, likes to just blab it out there.

[Sona Movsesian]

Wait, you thought it was a secret because everybody knew you were there.

[Matt Gourley]

Yeah, that's true.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know something?

[Matt Gourley]

In a stadium full of people.

[Conan O'Brien]

You know what I heard?

[Jeff Ross]

All I heard the whole time was in the van was blay. How's socials doing? How's socials doing?

[Conan O'Brien]

Staff review. Staff review.

[Sona Movsesian]

Well, listen, I like the idea of no glass.

[Conan O'Brien]

It's a whole nother. I just have to get used to it. But I want. I like things. I'm at a stage in my life, I'm no spring chicken. Where I like things to be the same. And so the other thought that I had was, get Jeff two monocles and he puts one in each eye. And you walk around with two monocles? Yeah, you know, Colonel Clank had one, you get two. I remember I'm the only one in the room. And then when you're in a meeting with me and you're surprised by something like, Conan stole that much from the budget, your eyes widen and they both fall out. That would be funny.

[Jeff Ross]

One at a time, maybe.

[Conan O'Brien]

Yeah. One and then the other.

[Matt Gourley]

When something's quizzical or skeptical, one falls.

[Conan O'Brien]

Out, one falls out. Yeah, but you meant to keep the other anyway. These are just ideas you should think about.

[Jeff Ross]

I appreciate that. And it's weird for me, too.

[Conan O'Brien]

Would you like to maybe quickly review me? Since you and I. You're the only person that can. You're only the one that has the authority. How am I doing, Jeff?

[Jeff Ross]

You're doing great. We're still working.

[Conan O'Brien]

Wow. We're still going. We're still going. You don't have any notes.

[Elle Fanning]

I have a few notes.

[Matt Gourley]

We can feed you a few notes.

[Sona Movsesian]

You don't have notes.

[Jeff Ross]

I've been riding this gravy train for 31 years. Okay? If you think I'm going to start giving. Jeff is crazy.

[Conan O'Brien]

Jeff's sitting on top of the caboose of the gravy train. Well, Jeff, other than the glasses. And get that straightened away.

[Jeff Ross]

I will.

[Conan O'Brien]

A plus all the way.

[Jeff Ross]

I like it.

[Conan O'Brien]

Doing what you're doing.

[Jeff Ross]

Thank you.

[Conan O'Brien]

And I thought this was pretty painless.

[Jeff Ross]

Yeah, totally painless.

[Matt Gourley]

All right, foreskin on the table.

[Sona Movsesian]

Oh, come on.

[Matt Gourley]

Conan O'Brien needs a friend. With Conan O'Brien, Sonam of Session and Matt Gourlay produced by me, Matt Gourley executive produced by Adam Sacks, Jeff Ross and Nick Liao. Theme song by the White Stripes. Incidental music by Jimmy Vivino. Take it away, Jimmy. Our supervising producer is Aaron Blair and our Associate Talent Producer is Jennifer Samples, engineering and mixing by Eduardo Perez and Brendan Burns. Additional production support by Mars Melnick Talent booking by Paula Davis, Gina Bautista and Brit Kahn. You can rate and review this show on Apple Podcasts and you might find your review read on a future episode. Got a question for Conan? Call the Team Coco hotline at 669-587-2847 and leave a message. It too could be featured on a future episode. You can also get three free months of SiriusXM when you sign up at SiriusXM. And if you haven't already, please subscribe to Conan O'Brien needs a friend wherever fine podcasts are downloaded.

[Conan O'Brien]

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[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]

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[Conan O'Brien]

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