Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend: The Double-Billed QuixlQuaxl in Honor of Audu (Re-Release)

Release Date: April 15, 2025
Hosts: Team Coco & Earwolf

Introduction: Honoring Adu Prakash

In this heartfelt re-release episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan O’Brien and the Team Coco crew pay tribute to Adu Prakash, a beloved fan who recently passed away. Originally aired in February, this episode is revisited to honor Adu's memory and the meaningful connection he shared with Conan and the team.

Conan O’Brien opens the episode with an emotional address, expressing his sorrow over Adu's untimely passing and reflecting on their delightful conversation about birding—a passion they both shared, with Conan reminiscing about bonding with his late father through bird watching.

"It's very unsettling. My thoughts and all our thoughts are with Adu's family and his friends and people who really know him."
— Conan O’Brien [00:00]

Adu’s Professional Journey: Oceanography and Conservation

Adu Prakash, a research engineer for the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington, delves into his work with the Argo float program. He explains how these autonomous drifters gather critical data on oceanic conditions, contributing valuable insights into climate change and conservation efforts.

"Oceans are very good carbon sinks for all the carbon that we as humans produce."
— Adu Prakash [04:36]

The discussion highlights the significance of Adu’s role in understanding the complexities of our oceans, emphasizing the need for extensive sampling and technological advancements to monitor environmental changes effectively.

Passion for Birding: A Lifelong Hobby

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Adu's lifelong passion for bird watching. He shares anecdotes from his childhood, inspired by his parents’ love for wildlife, and how this hobby became a profound part of his life.

"I was really bummed out and my mom was like, here, take some binoculars. Go, go look for birds."
— Adu Prakash [09:30]

Adu recounts memorable birding trips, including an adventurous journey to Oregon in pursuit of the elusive Baikal Teal, showcasing his dedication and enthusiasm for ornithology.

Upcoming Wedding: A Cultural Celebration in India

Adu excitedly discusses his upcoming wedding in India, highlighting the blend of cultures as he marries his fiancée Allison from Texas. He elaborates on the intricate preparations, including coordinating attire, visas, flights, and choreographed dances for the multi-day celebration.

"It's three or four days. Yeah, for ours. And actually in my. When writing to y'all, I actually invited the three of you."
— Adu Prakash [12:36]

The hosts humorously engage with Adu’s wedding plans, playfully suggesting prioritizing the event over the Oscars and expressing genuine excitement about experiencing an authentic Indian wedding.

Cultural Insights and Personal Connections

Adu shares his deep appreciation for Indian culture, expressing enthusiasm about showcasing his heritage to his fiancée’s family and friends. He emphasizes the beauty of traditions, from elephant parades to vintage car processions, reflecting his desire to create memorable experiences for his loved ones.

"I'm just excited to kind of show parts of my culture that I took for granted growing up."
— Adu Prakash [17:03]

The conversation also touches on the environmental consciousness in modern ceremonies, such as moving away from using elephants to more sustainable modes of celebration.

Humorous Exchanges and Heartfelt Moments

Throughout the episode, the interaction between Adu and the hosts is filled with humor and warmth. Adu introduces a playful segment where he matches birds to each host’s personality, leading to humorous comparisons and affectionate banter.

"This is called the Andean Cock of the Rock. And I'll repeat that. Cock of the Rock."
— Adu Prakash [22:03]

These light-hearted moments underscore the genuine camaraderie and mutual respect between Adu and the Team Coco members, making the episode both entertaining and touching.

Closing Tributes and Final Thoughts

As the conversation winds down, the hosts extend their heartfelt congratulations to Adu and Allison, expressing hope that their paths will cross in person. Conan and the team reflect on Adu’s positive impact, both as a fan and as an individual committed to making a difference through his work and passions.

"You're a very cool guy, and I support. I just love that you're using your mind to try and help the planet."
— Eduardo Perez [21:34]

The episode concludes with a collective farewell, celebrating Adu’s legacy and the meaningful connections he fostered within the Team Coco community.

Notable Quotes:

• Conan O’Brien [00:00]:
  "It's very unsettling. My thoughts and all our thoughts are with Adu's family and his friends and people who really know him."

• Adu Prakash [04:36]:
  "Oceans are very good carbon sinks for all the carbon that we as humans produce."

• Adu Prakash [12:36]:
  "It's three or four days. Yeah, for ours. And actually in my. When writing to y'all, I actually invited the three of you."

• Adu Prakash [17:03]:
  "I'm just excited to kind of show parts of my culture that I took for granted growing up."

• Eduardo Perez [21:34]:
  "You're a very cool guy, and I support. I just love that you're using your mind to try and help the planet."

Conclusion: A Celebration of Friendship and Passion

This re-released episode serves as a poignant reminder of the profound connections that can form between fans and their favorite personalities. Adu Prakash’s legacy as a passionate conservationist and dedicated bird watcher leaves an enduring impression on Conan and the Team Coco family, celebrating the essence of friendship that the podcast strives to cultivate.

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