Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend: "The Bear and the Bath"

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host/Author: Team Coco & Earwolf

Introduction to Coco T. Bear

In this episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, Conan welcomes Coco T. Bear, a self-proclaimed "sonic shaman," to discuss the intriguing world of sound baths and the healing power of sound. The conversation delves into Coco's unique approach to sound therapy, his background, and the intersections between sound healing and personal well-being.

Understanding Sound Baths and Sonic Shamanism

Coco T. Bear introduces himself as a sonic shaman, explaining that his role involves teaching others about the significance of sound in fostering connections and releasing daily stress. He emphasizes the importance of using instruments that avoid "wrong notes," making his practices accessible and universally calming.

[02:28] Coco T. Bear: "I do refer to myself as a sonic shaman. Sonic a shaman being someone who teaches you what they know. And what I know is sound and how sound can not only help us connect to each other but also release what we go through in our day-to-day life."

Conan expresses curiosity about the tools Coco uses, noting the absence of traditional instruments like the piano or guitar, which can often produce discordant sounds. Instead, Coco prefers instruments that intrinsically produce harmonious sounds, ensuring a seamless auditory experience for participants.

The Mechanics of a Sound Bath

The dialogue shifts to the structure and execution of a sound bath session. Coco describes how participants experience the vibrations of sound through instruments such as osteophonic tuning forks, which gently press against the skeletal structure to facilitate a deeper connection with the body's own vibrations.

[05:03] Coco T. Bear: "But none of my instruments have any wrong notes. I found these instruments that I loved hearing, feeling, and then I was like, I want to play those instruments."

Conan humorously questions the placement of tuning forks near sensitive areas, highlighting his own skepticism and lack of formal knowledge in the practice.

[05:21] Matt Gourley: "Why the mastoid process? What does that do?"
[05:23] Conan O'Brien: "I'm glad you asked."

Coco clarifies that while sound baths are inherently relaxing, a portion of participants often arrive under the influence of other substances, which can alter their experience. He shares anecdotes from events like the "Highest Hour," where sound baths were combined with dispensary offerings, illustrating the diverse motivations and experiences of attendees.

Interactive Sound Bath Demonstration

An attempt is made to conduct a live sound bath during the podcast, showcasing the interactive nature of the session. While Conan and his guests engage playfully, Coco maintains his composure, guiding them through the breathing exercises and sound manipulations. The experiment underscores the difference between professional sound baths and casual, humorous attempts by individuals unfamiliar with the practice.

[10:38] Conan O'Brien: "Okay. That makes me feel a genie's here."
[10:45] Sona Movsesian: "This with you, too."

Despite the lighthearted interruptions and comedic interjections from Conan and Matt, Coco effectively manages to create a calming environment, demonstrating his expertise and adaptability.

Coco’s Journey and Skepticism Turned Belief

Coco shares his personal journey from skepticism to belief in sound healing. Initially dismissive, he encountered a transformative teacher, Lauren Rose, who deepened his understanding of sound's impact on the body and mind. This evolution highlights the profound influence of dedicated mentorship in the realm of alternative therapies.

[19:27] Coco T. Bear: "When I found this, I was still using the phrase hippie dippy bullshit on a regular basis. I was quite a skeptic."

His commitment is evident as he recounts attending multiple sound baths a week and integrating improvisational skills from his background in theater to enhance his sessions.

[19:40] Coco T. Bear: "I was doing 10 of these a week at minimum. And so I had my own little southwest jokes, you know, things that always killed in the room."

Humorous Interludes and Audience Engagement

Throughout the episode, Conan and his co-hosts infuse humor into the conversation, making the podcast both informative and entertaining. From playful banter about sound baths disrupting the tranquility to jestful remarks about personal experiences, the dynamic keeps listeners engaged while subtly educating them about sound therapy.

[21:00] Conan O'Brien: "I've never been with a woman when she orgasm. It's a first for me. I always thought it was like a yeti, just something you heard about but didn't exist. Incredible."

This blend of humor and insightful discussion underscores the podcast's aim to bridge the gap between celebrity interviews and genuine friendship through authentic conversations.

Concluding Thoughts and Future Collaborations

As the episode nears its end, Conan expresses a sincere appreciation for Coco's work, contemplating future collaborations that might blend their unique talents. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted exchange about potential sound bath sessions, leaving room for future explorations of sound healing within the podcast's framework.

[27:25] Conan O’Brien: "I want to have a sound bath. I want you to be my sonic shaman. And I think we're going to make this work out sometime in the future."

Coco reciprocates the sentiment, highlighting the mutual respect and the potential for ongoing friendship and collaboration.

Final Takeaways

"The Bear and the Bath" episode offers listeners a deep dive into the niche yet fascinating world of sound healing through the lens of Coco T. Bear's expertise. Conan's blend of curiosity, humor, and genuine interest paves the way for meaningful discussions about alternative wellness practices, emphasizing the podcast's mission to forge real friendships through authentic and diverse conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• Coco T. Bear at [02:28]: "I do refer to myself as a sonic shaman. Sonic a shaman being someone who teaches you what they know."

• Conan O’Brien at [19:25]: "And it also sounds like it would work."

• Coco T. Bear at [23:58]: "This is actually the first podcast I ever actually started listening to regularly."

• Conan O’Brien at [27:25]: "I want you to be my sonic shaman. And I think we're going to make this work out sometime in the future."

This episode seamlessly blends humor with insightful exploration into sound therapy, providing both entertainment and education. Whether you're new to the concept of sound baths or a seasoned enthusiast, "The Bear and the Bath" offers valuable perspectives on the healing power of sound and the journey of embracing unconventional wellness practices.