Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode: Paul Scheer Returns

Date: November 17, 2025
Guests: Paul Scheer, Sona Movsesian, Matt Gourley, Eduardo Perez

Episode Overview

In this reunion episode, Conan welcomes back comedian, actor, and prolific podcaster Paul Scheer (How Did This Get Made?, Unspooled, Dark Web) for a loose, hilarious, and reflective look at their shared history, the strange joy of comedic failures, and how the landscape of comedy has evolved from late-night talk show bits to the strange and beautiful world of podcasts and internet culture.

Sprinkled with classic behind-the-scenes tales, reflections on bombing, and the changing tastes of audiences, the episode delivers an unfiltered snapshot of creative risk-taking in comedy—and what it’s like to chase laughs from robot improv at midnight to massive podcasts and cult YouTube kids shows.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High School Fame Check & The Humbling March of Time

[02:00–09:31]

The gang follows up on “audio genius” Eduardo's Career Day presentation at Alta Loma High School, humorously bemoaning their lack of fame among Gen Z. Out of 80 students, just seven recognized Conan’s name.
Conan riffed about no longer being a “Tate McRae” or “ASAP Rocky,” quipping:

“I'm the first one to tell you I'm no Tate McCrae… I'm also no ASAP Rocky. ASAP Rocky. You know, I like to spell it out.” (04:21)
Heartwarming moment: One student, Kane B., sheepishly asked for Conan’s autograph. The team plots to “elevate” this by sending Kane signed swag and even jokes about sending ducting.
A running theme emerges: the existential anxiety of being (or not being) “cool” to younger generations, and the gang’s willingness to do ridiculous things for teenage approval.

2. Appreciation for Teachers & Live Performance Anxieties

[08:53–09:31]

Eduardo gives a shoutout to his cousin Mr. Moreno and high school teachers in general, with Conan chiming in:

“I'm in awe of teachers… I think it's the greatest profession. And I do think we have our priorities way out of whack in this country. Insanely. Because they are essential. They're just amazing, incredible people, and they change lives.” (09:06)

3. Paul Scheer’s Origins & Early Conan Show Hijinks

[10:14–24:34]

Paul reminisces about his early days performing wild sketches for Conan’s show—often in full costume (apes, whales, Hare Krishna).
They recount the infamous “Beach Apes” sketch: Paul describes the struggles of 20 people in cheap gorilla suits running up sand dunes for a bit that lasted mere seconds.
The hierarchy of sketch costumes (robots → apes → cowboys) becomes comedic gold.

“Whenever you're in a situation where you have, like 20 apes, the quality is going to go downhill really quickly.” (13:33)
They recall “desk drive” bits, including a notorious segment in NYC’s meatpacking district that left Paul laying nearly naked in blood-soaked streets— a badge of honor in comedy absurdity.

Notable Quote

Conan, on late-night era excess:

“…We would order up not just livestock, but, you know, we'd hire actors and we'd have things built and crazy contraptions. And then sometimes we'd just cut them at rehearsal. And you'd see, like, a depressed Statue of Liberty made of sausages walking down the street... It cost the National Broadcasting Company $2,500. And I'm like, eh, it doesn't quite work. You're out, Sausage Liberty.” (19:16–19:36)

4. The Joy (and Pain) of Bombing

[24:34–33:43]

The hosts dive deep into the strange camaraderie and hilarity found in collective comedic failure.
Paul recounts a Blue Man Group sketch crash-and-burn, and an ESPYs running gag (him and Lennon Parham making out as the “kissing couple” from a viral riot photo) that bombed repeatedly. Each time, his shame increased—especially when Jay Leno deadpanned:

“Eh. Didn’t work.” (32:44)
Conan affirms that, “bombing can be divine,” especially when shared with friends. The laughter after the fact becomes a cherished memory.
Discussion of Will Ferrell’s notorious Harry Caray ESPYs bit is cited as a “snuff film” in terms of epic discomfort—but one that’s transcendentally funny in hindsight.

5. Comedy Tastes: From Niche to Mainstream Weirdness

[36:23–43:32]

Paul discusses the success of “How Did This Get Made?” and the joys of dissecting well-intentioned cinematic flops (“Jason Takes Manhattan” get an especially loving evisceration).
The group revels in the weirdness of time slot-driven comedy (late night, Adult Swim 3am infomercials) and how “if you’re watching at 12:30, you’re complicit in this crime.”
Insights on comedy’s evolution:

“There’s no one baseline of funny. No one ever says, that’s not dramatic... Dramas don’t get judged the same way comedies do.” — Paul Scheer (37:53)
Paul and Conan discuss generational shifts—today’s high school “teens” look 35 in 80s movies, and Wilford Brimley’s age myths are gleefully debunked.

6. Parody, Execution, and Creative Gatekeeping

[43:34–57:08]

Paul describes “Trunk or Treat” misadventures—accidentally terrifying preschoolers with elaborate, bloodied human zoo dioramas.
Comedy’s “big horse pill” concepts (e.g., Dr. Zaius hosting a talk show) are celebrated for their audacity; the audience only has to “swallow” the premise once.

“You come up with a premise and it's just a big horse pill and you get them to swallow it and then you're Good.” — Conan (52:38)
They reflect on how audiences have grown to love “attenuated, really cool concept-heavy comedy,” citing the likes of South Park and Bojack Horseman.
Gatekeeping in comedy: Paul points to Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Boogie Nights" script coverage as proof that gatekeepers can be spectacularly wrong.
Conan’s “terrifying to be an executive” confession:

“I don't know. It looks like a funny idea to me.” (55:28)

7. Reflections, Compliments & Conan’s Global Experiences

[57:08–59:28]

Paul praises Conan’s travel show as a form of “globetrotting sketch show,” marveling at Conan’s ability to improvise comedy across cultures and languages.
Conan muses on the enduring challenge and joy of making “primal” comedy that connects across divides.

“My happiest moments are when if I can make a little kid laugh or someone who doesn't know who I am and doesn’t speak English, laugh because we're doing something pretty primal, then I'm happy.” (58:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[04:26, Conan]: “I'm no Sabrina Carpenter, you know, and I'm no Dua Lipa. I'm also no ASAP Rocky…”
[13:33, Paul Scheer]: “Whenever you have 20 apes, the quality goes downhill really fast.”
[19:35, Conan]: “A depressed Statue of Liberty made of sausages walking down the street…$2,500. Eh, it doesn't quite work. You're out, Sausage Liberty.”
[32:44, Jay Leno via Paul]: “Meh. Didn’t work.”
[37:53, Paul]: “There’s no one baseline of funny. No one ever says, ‘that’s not dramatic’…”
[52:38, Conan]: “You come up with a premise and it's just a big horse pill and you get them to swallow it and then you’re good.”
[55:28, Conan]: “I would be terrified to be an executive…‘I don't know. It looks like a funny idea to me.’”
[58:36, Conan]: “My happiest moments are when I can make a little kid laugh or someone who doesn’t know who I am and doesn’t speak English, laugh…”

Key Timestamps

[02:00] – Career Day: Just 7 of 80 students know Conan
[06:32] – Kane B. asks for Conan’s autograph
[10:14] – Paul Scheer’s sketch comedy origins, Conan show bits
[13:33] – “Beach Apes” sketch and the perils of group costumes
[15:32] – “Desk drive” piece: Paul as Hare Krishna in the Meatpacking District
[18:18] – Kirk Douglas’ encouraging backstage moment
[19:35] – Late-night extravagance and “Sausage Liberty”
[21:15] – Failing with friends vs. solo: bombs as bonding
[24:34] – The agony and afterglow of bombing
[32:44] – Jay Leno’s “Didn’t work.”
[41:36] – “Jason Takes Manhattan” hilariously summarized
[43:34] – The aging paradox of 80s movies/celebs
[46:39] – Paul’s accidental child-traumatizing Trunk or Treat
[52:38] – “Big horse pill” comedy premises
[57:08] – Paul lauds Conan’s travel show
[58:36] – Conan on the universality of laughter

Tone and Style

Warm, highly self-deprecating, and gleefully absurd
Heavy on nostalgia for the wild west of old-school sketch comedy
Emphasis on the camaraderie of creative misfits and misfires
Playful, free-associative, and willing to follow every comedic tangent

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a heartfelt and raucous document of what happens when two veteran comedy obsessives (and their equally sharp team) get together to reminisce and riff. It’s about the beauty of bombing, the joy of making “your kind of nonsense” even if only seven out of eighty high schoolers care, and the rare satisfaction of making people—strangers, friends, or even yourself—laugh at something truly dumb.

New listeners will gain insight into late night comedy’s “golden era” chaos, the evolution to podcasts and niche projects, and why the only real comedy rule is to surround yourself with people who love your kind of weird, whether you’re an aging ape or a robot out past midnight.

Listen for the laughter, the wounds, and the ducting. If you’re in the audience at 12:30am, you’re part of the crime, too.

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode: Paul Scheer Returns

Date: November 17, 2025
Guests: Paul Scheer, Sona Movsesian, Matt Gourley, Eduardo Perez

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High School Fame Check & The Humbling March of Time

[02:00–09:31]

The gang follows up on “audio genius” Eduardo's Career Day presentation at Alta Loma High School, humorously bemoaning their lack of fame among Gen Z. Out of 80 students, just seven recognized Conan’s name.
Conan riffed about no longer being a “Tate McRae” or “ASAP Rocky,” quipping:

“I'm the first one to tell you I'm no Tate McCrae… I'm also no ASAP Rocky. ASAP Rocky. You know, I like to spell it out.” (04:21)
Heartwarming moment: One student, Kane B., sheepishly asked for Conan’s autograph. The team plots to “elevate” this by sending Kane signed swag and even jokes about sending ducting.
A running theme emerges: the existential anxiety of being (or not being) “cool” to younger generations, and the gang’s willingness to do ridiculous things for teenage approval.

2. Appreciation for Teachers & Live Performance Anxieties

[08:53–09:31]

Eduardo gives a shoutout to his cousin Mr. Moreno and high school teachers in general, with Conan chiming in:

“I'm in awe of teachers… I think it's the greatest profession. And I do think we have our priorities way out of whack in this country. Insanely. Because they are essential. They're just amazing, incredible people, and they change lives.” (09:06)

3. Paul Scheer’s Origins & Early Conan Show Hijinks

[10:14–24:34]

Paul reminisces about his early days performing wild sketches for Conan’s show—often in full costume (apes, whales, Hare Krishna).
They recount the infamous “Beach Apes” sketch: Paul describes the struggles of 20 people in cheap gorilla suits running up sand dunes for a bit that lasted mere seconds.
The hierarchy of sketch costumes (robots → apes → cowboys) becomes comedic gold.

“Whenever you're in a situation where you have, like 20 apes, the quality is going to go downhill really quickly.” (13:33)
They recall “desk drive” bits, including a notorious segment in NYC’s meatpacking district that left Paul laying nearly naked in blood-soaked streets— a badge of honor in comedy absurdity.

Notable Quote

Conan, on late-night era excess:

“…We would order up not just livestock, but, you know, we'd hire actors and we'd have things built and crazy contraptions. And then sometimes we'd just cut them at rehearsal. And you'd see, like, a depressed Statue of Liberty made of sausages walking down the street... It cost the National Broadcasting Company $2,500. And I'm like, eh, it doesn't quite work. You're out, Sausage Liberty.” (19:16–19:36)

4. The Joy (and Pain) of Bombing

[24:34–33:43]

The hosts dive deep into the strange camaraderie and hilarity found in collective comedic failure.
Paul recounts a Blue Man Group sketch crash-and-burn, and an ESPYs running gag (him and Lennon Parham making out as the “kissing couple” from a viral riot photo) that bombed repeatedly. Each time, his shame increased—especially when Jay Leno deadpanned:

“Eh. Didn’t work.” (32:44)
Conan affirms that, “bombing can be divine,” especially when shared with friends. The laughter after the fact becomes a cherished memory.
Discussion of Will Ferrell’s notorious Harry Caray ESPYs bit is cited as a “snuff film” in terms of epic discomfort—but one that’s transcendentally funny in hindsight.

5. Comedy Tastes: From Niche to Mainstream Weirdness

[36:23–43:32]

Paul discusses the success of “How Did This Get Made?” and the joys of dissecting well-intentioned cinematic flops (“Jason Takes Manhattan” get an especially loving evisceration).
The group revels in the weirdness of time slot-driven comedy (late night, Adult Swim 3am infomercials) and how “if you’re watching at 12:30, you’re complicit in this crime.”
Insights on comedy’s evolution:

“There’s no one baseline of funny. No one ever says, that’s not dramatic... Dramas don’t get judged the same way comedies do.” — Paul Scheer (37:53)
Paul and Conan discuss generational shifts—today’s high school “teens” look 35 in 80s movies, and Wilford Brimley’s age myths are gleefully debunked.

6. Parody, Execution, and Creative Gatekeeping

[43:34–57:08]

Paul describes “Trunk or Treat” misadventures—accidentally terrifying preschoolers with elaborate, bloodied human zoo dioramas.
Comedy’s “big horse pill” concepts (e.g., Dr. Zaius hosting a talk show) are celebrated for their audacity; the audience only has to “swallow” the premise once.

“You come up with a premise and it's just a big horse pill and you get them to swallow it and then you're Good.” — Conan (52:38)
They reflect on how audiences have grown to love “attenuated, really cool concept-heavy comedy,” citing the likes of South Park and Bojack Horseman.
Gatekeeping in comedy: Paul points to Paul Thomas Anderson’s "Boogie Nights" script coverage as proof that gatekeepers can be spectacularly wrong.
Conan’s “terrifying to be an executive” confession:

“I don't know. It looks like a funny idea to me.” (55:28)

7. Reflections, Compliments & Conan’s Global Experiences

[57:08–59:28]

Paul praises Conan’s travel show as a form of “globetrotting sketch show,” marveling at Conan’s ability to improvise comedy across cultures and languages.
Conan muses on the enduring challenge and joy of making “primal” comedy that connects across divides.

“My happiest moments are when if I can make a little kid laugh or someone who doesn't know who I am and doesn’t speak English, laugh because we're doing something pretty primal, then I'm happy.” (58:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[04:26, Conan]: “I'm no Sabrina Carpenter, you know, and I'm no Dua Lipa. I'm also no ASAP Rocky…”
[13:33, Paul Scheer]: “Whenever you have 20 apes, the quality goes downhill really fast.”
[19:35, Conan]: “A depressed Statue of Liberty made of sausages walking down the street…$2,500. Eh, it doesn't quite work. You're out, Sausage Liberty.”
[32:44, Jay Leno via Paul]: “Meh. Didn’t work.”
[37:53, Paul]: “There’s no one baseline of funny. No one ever says, ‘that’s not dramatic’…”
[52:38, Conan]: “You come up with a premise and it's just a big horse pill and you get them to swallow it and then you’re good.”
[55:28, Conan]: “I would be terrified to be an executive…‘I don't know. It looks like a funny idea to me.’”
[58:36, Conan]: “My happiest moments are when I can make a little kid laugh or someone who doesn’t know who I am and doesn’t speak English, laugh…”

Key Timestamps

[02:00] – Career Day: Just 7 of 80 students know Conan
[06:32] – Kane B. asks for Conan’s autograph
[10:14] – Paul Scheer’s sketch comedy origins, Conan show bits
[13:33] – “Beach Apes” sketch and the perils of group costumes
[15:32] – “Desk drive” piece: Paul as Hare Krishna in the Meatpacking District
[18:18] – Kirk Douglas’ encouraging backstage moment
[19:35] – Late-night extravagance and “Sausage Liberty”
[21:15] – Failing with friends vs. solo: bombs as bonding
[24:34] – The agony and afterglow of bombing
[32:44] – Jay Leno’s “Didn’t work.”
[41:36] – “Jason Takes Manhattan” hilariously summarized
[43:34] – The aging paradox of 80s movies/celebs
[46:39] – Paul’s accidental child-traumatizing Trunk or Treat
[52:38] – “Big horse pill” comedy premises
[57:08] – Paul lauds Conan’s travel show
[58:36] – Conan on the universality of laughter

Tone and Style

Warm, highly self-deprecating, and gleefully absurd
Heavy on nostalgia for the wild west of old-school sketch comedy
Emphasis on the camaraderie of creative misfits and misfires
Playful, free-associative, and willing to follow every comedic tangent

Summary for New Listeners

Listen for the laughter, the wounds, and the ducting. If you’re in the audience at 12:30am, you’re part of the crime, too.

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Paul Scheer Returns

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Summary

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode: Paul Scheer Returns

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High School Fame Check & The Humbling March of Time

2. Appreciation for Teachers & Live Performance Anxieties

3. Paul Scheer’s Origins & Early Conan Show Hijinks

Notable Quote

4. The Joy (and Pain) of Bombing

5. Comedy Tastes: From Niche to Mainstream Weirdness

6. Parody, Execution, and Creative Gatekeeping

7. Reflections, Compliments & Conan’s Global Experiences

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style

Summary for New Listeners

Summary

Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode: Paul Scheer Returns

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High School Fame Check & The Humbling March of Time

2. Appreciation for Teachers & Live Performance Anxieties

3. Paul Scheer’s Origins & Early Conan Show Hijinks

Notable Quote

4. The Joy (and Pain) of Bombing

5. Comedy Tastes: From Niche to Mainstream Weirdness

6. Parody, Execution, and Creative Gatekeeping

7. Reflections, Compliments & Conan’s Global Experiences

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone and Style

Summary for New Listeners