Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend – Summer S’mores with Conan and the Chill Chums (Season 5, Episode 3)
Release Date: August 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In Season 5, Episode 3 of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, titled "Summer S’mores with Conan and the Chill Chums," Conan O’Brien hosts his regular companions, Matt Gourley and Sona Movsesian, for a lighthearted and humorous discussion centered around the quintessential summer treat: s’mores. Set in the backyard of the Larchmont podcast studios, the episode blends personal anecdotes, playful banter, and amusing mishaps, all while celebrating friendship and the joys of summer.

The Great S’more Debate

Conan opens the conversation by reflecting on his initial skepticism about s’mores, humorously stating, “S’mores was inspiring, I think, the greatest division in America we’ve yet seen. I’m hard pressed to think of a more divisive moment in recent American politics” (02:12). This playful exaggeration sets the tone for a spirited debate among the hosts about the merits and flaws of the classic campfire treat.

Sona Movsesian shares her first encounter with s’mores, recalling, “I was like, what is this? It’s a s’more. It’s short for, 'you want some more?' And I was like, I do want some more” (04:03), highlighting her immediate affection for the dessert.

Personal Camping Anecdotes

The hosts delve into their camping experiences, with Conan reminiscing about his time at Cragged Mountain Farm in Freedom, New Hampshire. He humorously describes outdated camping gear, saying, “They were just these sheets of old, faded green canvas. And when it would rain, rain just poured through the tents” (22:10). His recounting underscores the often less glamorous side of camping, juxtaposing Sona’s more comfortable memories of air-conditioned cabins at an Armenian camp.

Matt Gourley adds his own tale of camping in Yosemite, mentioning a surprising encounter with a bear, which leads Sona to express her disdain for camping: “I think that people buy so much gear when they go camping so that it feels like they’re at home” (24:36).

Humorous Mishaps with S’mores Preparation

A pivotal moment in the episode occurs when Sona attempts to prepare s’mores and ends up handling a blowtorch irresponsibly, leading to a near mishap. Conan exclaims, “Don’t hold it” (10:57), as Sona struggles with the flaming marshmallow, injecting chaos and laughter into the session. The situation is quickly diffused with the humorous intervention of Dr. Arroyo, who quips, “By the way, I fully endorse playing with torches on a hot day. That’s right in my wheelhouse” (17:15).

Reflections on Hershey’s and S’mores

Throughout the episode, the hosts express their appreciation for Hershey’s products, particularly the new line of Hershey’s Caramels designed for s’mores. Conan remarks, “It’s got to be Hershey’s. What is that?” (05:54), emphasizing the brand's integral role in creating the perfect s’more. Sona echoes this sentiment, stating, “I love it” (14:32), showcasing her enthusiasm for the caramel addition.

Conan further embellishes the narrative by inventing a fictional backstory for Hershey’s, adding a layer of comedic flair. He humorously claims, “Elijah P. Hershey came to this country in a chocolate canoe in 1881” (15:30), blending history with absurdity to entertain listeners.

Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

As the episode draws to a close, Conan reflects on the importance of making memories through simple pleasures like s’mores and camping. He muses, “Hershey’s already gave me a gift. Years and years of memories, happy memories” (09:57), tying back to the episode’s central theme of friendship and shared experiences.

The hosts conclude with a humorous exchange about their camping attire and mishaps, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and the playful spirit that defines the Chill Chums dynamic.

Notable Quotes

• Conan O’Brien: “S’mores was inspiring, I think, the greatest division in America we’ve yet seen. I’m hard pressed to think of a more divisive moment in recent American politics.” (02:12)

• Sona Movsesian: “I was like, what is this? It’s a s’more. It’s short for, 'you want some more?' And I was like, I do want some more.” (04:03)

• Conan O’Brien: “They were just these sheets of old, faded green canvas. And when it would rain, rain just poured through the tents.” (22:10)

• Sona Movsesian: “I think that people buy so much gear when they go camping so that it feels like they’re at home.” (24:36)

• Conan O’Brien: “Don’t hold it.” (10:57)

• Dr. Arroyo: “By the way, I fully endorse playing with torches on a hot day. That’s right in my wheelhouse.” (17:15)

• Conan O’Brien: “Elijah P. Hershey came to this country in a chocolate canoe in 1881.” (15:30)

• Conan O’Brien: “Hershey’s already gave me a gift. Years and years of memories, happy memories.” (09:57)

Conclusion

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend offers listeners a delightful blend of humor, personal stories, and warm camaraderie. Through discussions about s’mores, camping adventures, and the nostalgic allure of Hershey’s chocolates, Conan and the Chill Chums create an engaging narrative that celebrates friendship and the simple joys of summer.