Inside Conan: An Important Hollywood Podcast
Conan writers Mike Sweeney and Jessie Gaskell are giving listeners the inside story on some of Conan’s most iconic late-night moments, stretching from his 1993 debut on NBC’s Late Night to his recent CONAN on TBS finale. Starting from the very beginning, they’ll speak with some of Conan’s most iconic guests, writers, and the man himself.
We’ve got all kinds of great stories this season - like that time Conan got in hot water with the government of Finland, or how the Late Night team helped Jack McBrayer land 30 Rock. Other guests include Masturbating Bear creator Brian Reich, former intern Vanessa Bayer, even Liza Powell O’Brien shares what it was like to meet her future husband on a remote involving a chainsaw. Subscribe now!
Our Editor's Take
Inside Conan: An Important Hollywood Podcast portrays what it's like working on Conan O'Brien's shows. Hosts Jessie Gaskill and Mike Sweeney write for Conan. They joke that they didn't sign a non-disclosure agreement. The two share all the gossip, even if they get fired. Mike has written for Conan for over 25 years. Jessie has worked with him for a decade. The hosts interview show guests, colleagues, and the man with the red pompadour himself.
Inside Conan had an interesting premise in 2019. Yet the hosts couldn't have predicted how interesting things would get. In 2021, Conan went off the air. Two years later, writers went on strike. For 28 years, Conan hosted late-night talk shows. These days, he hosts another podcast and is filming a travel series. This podcast explores that unique environment.
When Jim Gaffigan appears on Inside Conan, the hosts ask him about being on the show. He compliments Conan on making unfunny guests seem funny. He's seen Conan make fun of himself to prevent guests from looking bad. The hosts recall a sketch where Jim holds a focus group for kids to critique Conan.
Conan says the first thing fans ask him is, "Are your legs real?" Their second question is about his associate producer. The podcast hosts interview that mysterious figure. Jessie and Mike also talk to writers like José Arroyo. He describes the challenge of sketch approval. José proposed one about an audience member wanting a selfie with Conan. He rewrote and pitched it three times. The hilarious outcome was worth it.
Although Conan seems excitable and playful, the hosts say he's smarter than he appears. He's a Harvard graduate who likes feeling in control. Listeners learn what Conan won't try despite Jessie proposing it ten times. The podcast hosts liken writing for him to building a playground. He needs structure but space to improvise.
Inside Conan: An Important Hollywood Podcast has a similar construction. There are intentional segments, but the best parts are when coworkers talk like nobody's listening. The hosts are as gracious as Conan. They make listeners feel like part of Team Coco.
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