Key Takeaways

  • The podcast episode discusses the second episode of Conan O’Brien’s travel show, “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” which focuses on New Zealand.
  • The New Zealand episode features Conan’s experiences with the Maori culture, including participating in a Haka world record attempt with Taika Waititi.
  • A significant portion of the episode highlights Conan’s interactions with a local comedian, Abby Howells, and his surprise at meeting another person named Conan O’Brien.
  • The team discusses the challenges of travel in New Zealand, particularly the extensive van travel and unique hotel experiences, as well as a memorable karaoke incident.
  • The episode also touches on the personal journey of one of the show’s producers, who was pregnant during earlier filming trips and later brought her baby on subsequent ones.

Segments

Maori Culture and the Haka (~00:07:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Conan participated in a Haka world record attempt in New Zealand, which was a significant cultural experience.
  • Summary: The team discusses Conan’s experience with the Maori culture in New Zealand, including a welcoming ceremony and his involvement in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Haka. Taika Waititi also joined in this segment.
Abby Howells and Local Talent (~00:18:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Conan was highly impressed by the comedic talent of Abby Howells, a local he met in New Zealand, considering her a breakout star.
  • Summary: Conan and his team praise Abby Howells, a New Zealand comedian they met during filming. They highlight her exceptional improv skills and comedic timing, suggesting she has the potential to become an international star.
Travel Challenges and Unique Experiences (~00:25:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The New Zealand trip involved significant travel, including long van rides and a bizarre hotel room experience.
  • Summary: The discussion covers the practicalities of filming in New Zealand, such as the extensive van travel required to traverse the islands and a particularly strange hotel room with a non-functional elevator and extra stairs. They also mention the karaoke incident involving Led Zeppelin’s ‘Whole Lotta Love’.
The “Conan” Name and Laid-Back Culture (~00:23:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Conan met another person named Conan O’Brien in New Zealand, and he notes the generally laid-back and unflappable nature of the people he met.
  • Summary: The team shares the amusing anecdote of meeting a local named Conan O’Brien. They also reflect on the national characteristic of New Zealanders being very relaxed and unfazed, even when meeting Conan.
Acting Aspirations and “Shortland Street” (~00:33:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Conan acted in a segment on the New Zealand soap opera “Shortland Street,” which he humorously believes could overshadow Noah Wyle’s performance in “The Pit.”
  • Summary: Conan reveals his acting turn on the New Zealand show “Shortland Street,” comparing it to Noah Wyle’s “The Pit” and jokingly suggesting his performance was so compelling it might have influenced the latter’s production. The team also acknowledges the show’s producers and support staff.