Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode: "Fanhausen Revisited"
Date: April 2, 2026

Episode Overview

This special anniversary episode revisits Conan's very first "fan" interview from five years ago with Donovan, aka Danhausen—a minor league wrestler who crafted his character with inspiration from Conan himself. Recently, Danhausen made his WWE debut, so the Team Coco crew look back on their original, hilariously outlandish chat. The episode celebrates creativity, fandom, and the joyful absurdity of pro wrestling as Conan tries to truly insert himself into Danhausen’s eccentric world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Concept of “Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan”

• [03:40-04:58]
  • Conan reflects on the show’s origins—initially to make friendships with celebrities, but then branching out to connect with regular people.
    • “What occurred to me is all these people have one thing in common. They’re celebrities. And I thought it might be nice to try making friends with average folk... Civilians...” – Conan [04:12-04:23]
    • Jokes about only wanting to talk to regular folks as long as they become famous:
      “...hope desperately that they become celebrities.” – Conan [04:36-04:41]
  • Self-aware banter around Conan’s “B-list” status:
    • “I am a solid B list celebrity and I’m proud of it.” – Conan [05:49]

2. Meet Danhausen (Donovan): Wrestling’s ‘Very Nice, Very Evil’ Fan

• [06:32-08:17]
  • Donovan introduces himself, coming from Michigan, moving to Montreal for his wife.
  • Explains his wrestling character:
    • “I go by the moniker ‘Very Nice, Very Evil.’ Because nobody likes somebody who's too evil, so I introduce the nice part of it, so they buy into it and I can trick them.” – Danhausen [07:51-08:01]
  • Character described as “demonic Conan O'Brien,” heavily influenced by Conan’s persona.
    • “If Conan O’Brien was possessed by a demon, that's what it gets described as. Cause I’m heavily influenced by you...” – Danhausen [08:09-08:19]

3. Building a Character—Absurd Wrestling Antics

• [11:39-14:34]
  • Elaborate and theatrical in-ring moves explained, e.g.:
    • “I pour teeth in my opponent’s mouths to disorient them.” – Danhausen [12:04]
    • “I have the Go to sleep, which I call the Good nighthousin. I add ‘Housen’ to everything, to make it all about me.” – Danhausen [12:45-12:57]
  • Relishes the fusion of 80s horror, Simpsons references, and Conan’s mannerisms:
    • “I take a lot of, like, Simpsons references and references from you and just 80s horror movies, and I pull it all together because these are the things that I like.” – Danhausen [12:14-12:30]
  • Conan’s delight at the absurdity:
    • “I’m delighted by you. I’m delighted by this foolishness and that you’ve, like me, dedicated your life to absolute idiocy. This is fantastic.” – Conan [13:18-13:23]
  • The transformation to a character was key:
    • “No one cared when I was just a good wrestler. They cared once I switched and put on makeup and started acting goofy...” – Danhausen [13:36-14:00]

4. Danhausen’s Rise and Merchandise

• [14:00-14:34]
  • Character growth led to a shirt at Hot Topic and a TV contract:
    • “Now I have a shirt and Hot Topic and I’ve gotten signed to, like, a TV company, and they’re just like, go do your weird stuff.” – Danhausen [14:09-14:29]

5. Shared Fantasies: Conan x Danhausen Crossover

• [14:34-17:40]
  • Conan suggests elaborate wrestling cameos involving fog machines, wires, and heroic rescues.
    • “So Danhausen, you’re fighting your foe... when all of a sudden the music changes. Fog machines go on, and I appear. I come down on wires, and it’s me, and I’m there to save Danhausen.” – Conan [16:17-16:46]
  • Playful negotiation for his role/contract:
    • “I want in on the Danhausen world. I really do. Donovan.” – Conan [17:12]
    • “If there’s a way that I can be involved with Good nighthousing with Danhausen, I want in housing. And right now, housing. Not tomorrow housing, but today housing. I’m not fucking around, housen.” – Conan [17:19-17:38]

6. Danhausen’s Philosophy, Hard Work, and Canadian Move

• [17:54-18:34]
  • Donovan thanks the team, saying the journey has involved “a lot of work.”
  • Conan gives his blessing and expresses genuine affection for Canadian comedy.
    • “I think they really love nuanced, like weird, kooky comedy... So I love that you’re going to Montreal.” – Conan [17:57-18:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On character origins:
  • “If Conan O’Brien was possessed by a demon, that's what it gets described as.” – Danhausen [08:09]
• On signature moves:
  • “I pour human teeth into the mouth?” – Conan [12:07]
  • “I have the Go to sleep, which I call the Good nighthousin.” – Danhausen [12:45]
• On creativity:
  • “No one cared when I was just a good wrestler. They cared once I switched and put on makeup and started acting goofy...” – Danhausen [13:36-14:00]
  • “I’m delighted by you... you’ve, like me, dedicated your life to absolute idiocy...” – Conan [13:18-13:23]
• On future team-ups:
  • “I want in on the Danhausen world. I really do. Donovan.” – Conan [17:12]
  • “Let’s make this happen, Housen. Let’s sign a contract, Housen. I want to get paid, Housen.” – Conan [17:19-17:40]
• On Canadian comedy:
  • “They really love nuanced, like weird, kooky comedy and they’ve always been so nice to me.” – Conan [18:17]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [01:27-03:27] – Conan celebrates Danhausen’s WWE debut and reflects on their first fan episode.
• [04:58-06:31] – The team jokes about celebrity status and “making friends” with non-celebrities.
• [06:37-08:19] – Introduction to Danhausen and the origins of his character.
• [11:39-14:34] – Deep dive into Danhausen’s wrestling style, signature moves, and comedic influence.
• [14:34-17:40] – Conan fantasizes about entering Danhausen’s wrestling universe.
• [17:54-18:34] – Conan and Danhausen express mutual admiration and look to collaborate in the future.

Tone & Style

Lighthearted, playful, and self-deprecating. Conan’s signature wit blends seamlessly with Danhausen’s over-the-top wrestling banter, creating a surreal yet touching celebration of fandom and creativity.

Summary

This episode revisits the beloved meeting between Conan and wrestling oddball Danhausen, tracing the journey from minor league grind to WWE stardom. The discussion is a joyful ode to creative persistence, comedic absurdity, and the odd found connections between celebrities and their most inspired fans. With plenty of signature Conan banter (“I want in on the Danhausen world. I really do.” [17:12]), and an origin story involving human teeth, “Fanhausen Revisited” is a must-listen for anyone who loves when comedy and fandom collide.