Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Andrew Sanford | News | May 27, 2026
The idea of Conan O’Brien having his own podcast was enticing enough to me. I’ve been a fan since I hit double digits, and being able to have him chit-chatting in my ear as I’m struttin’ around felt like a bit of a dream come true. Were I able to talk back to him, it would certainly turn into some kind of Her situation, albeit one where Conan ends up leaving because, despite getting to talk to others as well, he cannot deal with my persistent questions about PimpBot 5000.
Instead, I got something (arguably) better, as his podcast not only featured Conan but also his trusty assistant, Sona Movsesian, who keeps the host in check and can somehow bring out an even sillier side of him. That, again, would have been enough to sate me! I’d imagine that I was merely a fly on the wall among two friends who would participate in some good-natured ribbing, whilst ignoring whichever guest was taking time away from what we all truly craved. And then there was Gourley!
Matt Gourley, who has been podcasting since the name literally meant you were supposed to download it on your iPod, is the producer of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. However, he was slowly but surely brought on the mic more often, and eventually, the trio’s dynamic became an integral part of the show. It makes sense that he would be given such a role, given his long history with the medium (listen to I Was There Too, folks), but it was satisfying nonetheless.
It’s also very apparent when he is not there. It’s not a bad thing! David Hopping, who took Sona’s place as Conan’s assistant, does a wonderful job and brings a joyous energy to the show. But even the collective hosts have missed him since he has taken time off for paternity leave. Especially Sona, who often finds a teammate in Gourley who helps her team up on Conan. But now, after several long months, Gourley has returned, and you can feel the energy immediately.
They, of course, give Gourley time to talk about his time at home with his new baby (and first child), and he manages to comment on how his body has changed after the pregnancy, which Sona and Conan pounce on. He later gives the engineer, Eduardo, a promissory note of $100 because he called Conan a b*t*h while Gourley was absent. It was a wonderful reunion. The king of podcasts has returned, all hail the king of podcasts!
