Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – Episode: "The Mothman Cometh"

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Conan O’Brien
Guest: Sam (Entrepreneur and Trans Man)
Produced by: Team Coco & Earwolf

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Mothman Cometh," Conan O’Brien welcomes Sam, a Chicago-based entrepreneur and trans man, to discuss his unique journey and innovative business in the adult toy industry. The conversation delves into Sam’s personal experiences, the inception and growth of his business, and the intersection of his interests in comedy and the furry fandom.

Personal Journey and Transition

Sam begins by sharing his personal story, highlighting his transition from female to male at the age of 33. As he approaches his 39th birthday, Sam reflects on the positive aspects of transitioning later in life, including the youthful appearance it affords.

Sam [03:09]: "Which means that I started life as a girl, and when I was 33, I transitioned to being a guy."

Conan O’Brien [03:17]: "You look fantastic, by the way. I was gonna say you look like you're 22 years old."

Sam acknowledges the challenges and perks of transitioning, emphasizing how it has influenced his entrepreneurial ventures and personal identity.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Innovating in the Adult Toy Industry

Sam discusses his business, which specializes in creating adult toys designed to accommodate a variety of body types, including those of transgender individuals. He identifies a gap in the market for products that cater specifically to trans anatomy, leading him to innovate and develop unique solutions.

Sam [04:34]: "And we can fake...This is our Mothman...These are all made of platinum, pure medical grade silicone."

Sam elaborates on the meticulous process involved in designing and producing his products, which include the use of medical-grade silicone and innovative textures to enhance user experience.

Product Development and Innovation

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Sam's creative process and product innovations. He highlights the development of the "grindable," a hybrid between a sleeve and a grind pad, tailored to diverse anatomical needs.

Sam [05:37]: "And that's why there's like a whole monster lover community...we came up with what's called a grindable, which is like halfway between a sleeve and like a grind pad."

Sam emphasizes the importance of research and patenting to protect his unique product designs, ensuring exclusivity in the market.

Marketing Strategies and Furry Fandom Integration

Sam integrates his passion for cryptozoology and the furry fandom into his marketing strategy, creating cryptid-themed adult toys inspired by legendary creatures like the Mothman, Minotaur, and Jersey Devil.

Sam [06:44]: "So our toys are Cryptid themed...like monsters and stuff like that?"

This thematic approach not only differentiates his products but also taps into niche markets, fostering a dedicated customer base within the furry community. Sam shares his experiences hosting improv panels at furry conventions, blending his comedy background with his entrepreneurial endeavors.

Sam [09:47]: "At furry conventions, yeah...we just kind of let the audience come up and participate."

His active participation in these communities enhances brand visibility and engagement, showcasing the versatility of his products.

Challenges and Technical Aspects

Sam candidly discusses the challenges involved in product development, including the lengthy design process and the technical intricacies of manufacturing adult toys.

Sam [04:54]: "One of our toys took like four years to finally design, so it would be combat compatible."

He also touches on logistical hurdles such as shipping and inventory management, revealing the practical side of running a specialized business.

Sam [20:05]: "We've had, like, packages get lost...So now we put air tags in all of our boxes."

Sam’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in his detailed approach to production and distribution.

Humor and Light-Hearted Banter

Throughout the episode, Conan and Sam engage in humorous exchanges that add levity to the conversation. From playful remarks about product designs to jokes about navigating the complexities of business and personal life, their chemistry brings a light-hearted tone to the discussion.

Conan O’Brien [18:06]: "I can make them last. You just gotta shellack them first and bake them in the sun."

Sam [16:54]: "Yes, a clam."

These moments of humor not only entertain but also humanize the entrepreneurial journey, making the episode relatable and enjoyable.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Conan commends Sam for his innovative spirit and the impressive scope of his business. Sam expresses gratitude for being a fan and highlights how the podcast serves as a source of motivation during busy periods.

Conan O’Brien [24:37]: "Sam, it was very cool talking to you. You're very funny and best of luck with your business. And we're very lucky to have you as a fan."

The conversation concludes on a positive note, celebrating the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and personal authenticity.

Key Takeaways

• Innovation in Niche Markets: Sam identified a specific need within the adult toy industry, particularly for products catering to transgender individuals, and developed unique solutions to address this gap.

• Integration of Personal Interests: By incorporating themes from cryptozoology and the furry fandom, Sam effectively bridges his personal passions with his business, creating a distinctive brand identity.

• Challenges of Entrepreneurship: The episode sheds light on the complexities of product development, patenting, and logistical management in a specialized market.

• Humor and Authenticity: Conan and Sam's engaging and humorous dialogue underscores the importance of authenticity and relatability in building meaningful connections, both personally and professionally.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sam [03:09]: "Which means that I started life as a girl, and when I was 33, I transitioned to being a guy."

• Conan O’Brien [04:16]: "And tell us, so how old are you now? How long ago did you transition?"

• Sam [05:37]: "And that's why there's like a whole monster lover community...we came up with what's called a grindable."

• Sam [06:44]: "So our toys are Cryptid themed...like monsters and stuff like that?"

• Conan O’Brien [18:06]: "I can make them last. You just gotta shellack them first and bake them in the sun."

• Conan O’Brien [24:37]: "Sam, it was very cool talking to you. You're very funny and best of luck with your business. And we're very lucky to have you as a fan."

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend offers a fascinating glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit of Sam, his dedication to creating inclusive and innovative products, and the seamless blending of personal passions with professional endeavors. Through engaging conversation and shared humor, listeners gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of building a unique business in a niche market.