Conan O’Brien’s podcast gets therapeutic with guest Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell stopped by the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast to help Conan figure out how to make friends and carve out some “me-time.”

Conan O’Brien has logged 25 years as a late night host. Add that to his time writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons and that ends up being a long time in comedy and show business. That long career has actually made it harder for O’Brien to make friends. Kristen Bell decided to roll up her sleeves and find out why.

The premiere episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend featured Will Ferrell. That episode was ideal for comedy geeks interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at how Ferrell’s brain works. The second episode got a little bit more into Conan’s brain thanks to the very insightful Kristen Bell.

Bell is no stranger to podcasts. Her husband Dax Shepard hosts the excellent podcast Armchair Expert. Bell has been a guest twice, offering a very personal look into her personality, life philosophy, and marriage. Conan himself was interviewed by Shepard for an episode.

Bell’s time on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend covered a few different topics like parenting and Bell’s hilarious television series The Good Place. But the bulk of the conversation focused on how Conan needs to open up a bit more and practicing some more self-care.

As is the entire premise of the podcast, the discussion between Bell and O’Brien is a bit tongue-in-cheek. However, if your a Conan fanatic it was entertaining even to pick through what was a bit and what was sincere. His typically singular focus on getting a laugh and using a joke ahead of any “real” answer can make it difficult to see the “real” Conan.

Perhaps it is a credit to the kind and disarming nature of Kristen Bell, but O’Brien did open up a bit. He reflected on his interactions with people, his dedication to treating people with kindness, and why he wants to ride his motorcycle despite his wife’s opposition.

The highlight on the podcast may have been in the final segment. O’Brien played a game of “True or False” with his assistant Sona Movsesian. The interaction between the two is always entertaining and the decision to have Sona as a co-host of the podcast was brilliant. Though nothing may top Conan helping Sona buy a new car.

Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend has a new episode every Monday. The next episode comes out Dec. 3 with guest Bill Burr. The stand-up comedian is one of, if not the best guest on Conan. It should be another fantastic edition of the podcast so be sure to check back in with Last Night On for a review!