Transcript

Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

From Team Coco · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 1 h 3 min · 12,917 words · 278 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend", an episode of Team Coco published January 12, 2026 (1 h 3 min, about 12,917 words). It mentions 36 people, works and ideas, including Lucy Damon, The Rip, Goodwill Hunting, The Bourne Identity, Unforgiven.

What this episode is about

Matt Damon shares a humorous and candid conversation with Conan O'Brien, reflecting on the challenges of fatigue and the absurdities of their work environment. The exchange highlights Damon's affable nature, his friendship with O'Brien, and the strange moments that can occur while navigating their busy lives.

Key takeaways

  • Even the sharpest minds can drift into a trance—it's the creative chaos we all secretly crave.
  • Conan's cozy flannel is a reminder that comfort often trumps style, especially when the temperature hits 71°.
  • Sometimes, low expectations pave the way for unexpected creativity—never underestimate the value of a 'scrambled' mind.
  • Listeners may not pay, but those borrowed moments of laughter are priceless—our time is the true currency.
  • A good podcast is like a flannel: warm, slightly wrinkled, and best enjoyed in your comfiest state.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 10:00: Lucy Damon, Sona Mobsian, The Rip, Goodwill Hunting
  2. – 20:00: Francis Ford Coppola, Liam Neeson, Goodwill Hunting, B-side
  3. – 30:00: Unforgiven, Apple Watch, The Pit, The Bourne Identity
  4. – 40:00: The Beatles, Peter Jackson, Lucy Damon, The Rip
  5. – 50:00: Spencer for Hire, The Beatles, Zoom
  6. – 1:00:00: The Rip, Joe Carnahan, Miami, Steven Yeun

Notable quotes from "Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend"

  • Know from such films as Goodwill Hunting, The Martian, and The Born Identity. Now you can see him in the new Netflix movie, The Rip. What can I say?
    about Lucy Damon · at
  • Know, create us. we could go to this really cool bar I know called the B-side and the B-side lounge. And I said, Yeah, yeah, screw the elderly. And so we get we go over there…
    about B-side · at
  • When, I, did, The, Rain, Maker, with, Copala like 30 years ago, he did this amazing thing every morning. when a new actor would come, he would go down to the base camp where.
    about Francis Ford Coppola · at
  • Very famous in our world. and he's wonderful and I've known him for a very long time. And Tim would come. I was living in Miami at the time. And he would come and I had a…
    about Miami · at
  • I had a chat with Clint Eastwood once briefly and I told him how much Unforgiven meant to me and great I said it's one of the most European it's an American movie that was a huge hit box office hit and it's a very European.
    about Unforgiven · at
  • Wrong, you, know., And, do, you, know, who, told, me that was Frana Patente, who was my co-star in Bourne, had starred in this great German movie called Run Lola Run, and, she, runs, in, that, movie, through, the.
    about The Bourne Identity · at
  • 20s. And then, Peter, Jackson, put, this, Chiron, up and it said, This is the last time the Beatles played live together.
    about The Beatles · at
  • I really enjoyed the rip. I want to make sure I get it out there that Steven Young's in this. You have a great cast.
    about Steven Yeun · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Lucy Damon — Person · Main guest · 3 mentions · first at
    Central interview subject; discusses friendship with Ben Affleck, early career in Boston/NYC, directors (Coppola/Eastwood), and his Netflix film The Rip.
  • Francis Ford Coppola — Person · Referenced director · 2 mentions · first at
    Damon recounts Coppola's on-set theater games during The Rainmaker as a lesson in vulnerability and ensemble culture.
  • The Beatles — Person · Referenced band (inspiration) · 3 mentions · first at
    Damon references a Beatles documentary moment to express sadness about creative partnerships ending, motivating renewed collaboration with Affleck.
  • Sona Mobsian — Person · Co-host · 2 mentions · first at
    Introduced as joining Conan; participates in opening banter and reactions.
    And, I, love, you,, Sona., And, I, love, you, Borley. And together we're going to make this year. This is a great moment.
  • Steven Yeun — Person · Referenced cast member · 1 mention · first at
    Highlighted as a key actor in The Rip and described as Damon's friend and a phenomenal actor.
  • Joe Carnahan — Person · Referenced writer/director · 1 mention · first at
    Identified as the writer and director of The Rip, grounding the film's authenticity and cop-lingo approach.
    Yeah,, it's, all, real, cop, lingo., It's, all based on you know Joe Carneahan wrote it and directed it and it's it's based on the experience of loosely based on the experience of this.
  • Liam Neeson — Person · Referenced actor · 2 mentions · first at
    Used in comedic riffing and as the star of The Good Mother where Damon/Affleck were extras in Harvard Square.
    We, were,, by, the, way,, Ben, and, I, were extras in a movie called The Good Mother that Liam Niss was the star of in the 80s and we were still in high school and I think it still exists in the movie. They were shooting.
  • Peter Jackson — Person · Referenced director (documentary) · 2 mentions · first at
    Damon cites Jackson's Beatles documentary and its emotional 'last time played live' chyron as motivation to work with Affleck more.
    20s. And then, Peter, Jackson, put, this, Chiron, up and it said, This is the last time the Beatles played live together.
  • River Phoenix — Person · Referenced influence · 1 mention · first at
    Damon says he and Affleck admired Phoenix; 'River P' was the code to their shared bank account.
    But, the, you, know, talk, about, like intentionality. The account the code to the account was River P because River Phoenix was an actor that we really admired. He was our age…
  • Kyle Chandler — Person · Referenced cast member · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as part of The Rip cast; Conan recognizes his voice and references his 'coach' persona.
    It's, a, great, cast., Tiana, Taylor,, Steven Young. it's Kyle Chandler's in it. there's just a wonderful group of actors.
  • Emily Blunt — Person · Referenced actor · 2 mentions · first at
    Referenced in a story about on-camera running technique advice Damon gave her, tying back to Bourne-era learning.
    Yeah,, exactly., Eyeballs, you, put, on, contact lenses. No, I was and also I remembered I was talking to I think we were interviewing Emily Blunt once and she was talking to…
  • Flenry O'Connor — Person · Referenced author (mispronounced) · 1 mention · first at
    Conan recalls bonding with Damon over discussing 'Flannery O'Connor' at the B-side lounge; indicates Damon's literary interests.
    Before but not really like talked. And within minutes you and I were talking about Flenry O' Conor. That's what I remember.
  • Tom Hanks — Person · Comedic reference · 1 mention · first at
    Used as a joke in a riff about celebrities not reading; not central to the episode's substantive content.
    Yeah., Yeah., Tom, Hanks, cannot, read.

Companies & orgs

  • HBO Max — Company · Advertised platform · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned in an ad for 'The Pit' Season 2 streaming on HBO Max and its companion podcast.
    Yes., Watched, it, with, my, wife., Riveting starring Emmy winner Noah Wy. Season 2 of the Max original series The Pit is now streaming on HBO Max. Check out the official…

Products & tech

  • Apple Watch — Product · Advertised product · 2 mentions · first at
    Appears in an ad read promoting Apple Watch for 2026 goals and fitness tracking features.
    Official companion podcast on HBO Max and all major podcast platforms. This episode is supported by Apple Watch 2026. Coming fast.

Places & events

  • B-side — Place · Key anecdote setting · 1 mention · first at
    The bar where Conan met Damon on Christmas night and they discussed Flannery O'Connor; anchors their personal connection story.
  • Miami — Place · Setting referenced · 2 mentions · first at
    Damon lived there while training for Invictus accent work; also the operational setting for The Rip's police unit and procedures.
  • Harvard Square — Place · Referenced filming location · 1 mention · first at
    Where The Good Mother was shot and where Damon/Affleck worked as extras in high school.
    The in the 80s and we were still in high school and I think it still exists in the movie. They were shooting in Harvard Square and we went and we were extras and we walk by Liam Niss.
  • Massachusetts Avenue — Place · Referenced local landmark · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as 'Massav' where an arcade (101) was located; part of Damon/Affleck early-life details.
    For that or we could use the money for video, games, at, 101, which, was, the arcade on Massav or you know when we got older if we could find anyone to buy us beer.
  • Bermuda Triangle — Place · Comedic metaphor · 1 mention · first at
    Used as a joke to describe the episode's chaotic false-start energy after time off.
    This, is, just, a, weird, I, could, count, on some sort of weird Bermuda triangle.

Media & podcasts

  • The Rip — Media · Core topic (current project) · 4 mentions · first at
    Primary promotional/analysis focus: Damon describes cast, Miami police-unit premise, 'rip' money, and Joe Carnahan's writing/directing.
    Know from such films as Goodwill Hunting, The Martian, and The Born Identity. Now you can see him in the new Netflix movie, The Rip. What can I say?
  • Goodwill Hunting — Media · Career milestone reference · 3 mentions · first at
    Serves as the foundational success story for Damon/Affleck and a time marker for Conan's first meaningful meeting with Damon.
    Yeah., My, guest, today, is, an, actor, you know from such films as Goodwill Hunting, The Martian, and The Born Identity. Now you can see him in the new Netflix movie, The Rip. What can I say?
  • The Bourne Identity — Media · Referenced film (career + tech discussion) · 1 mention · first at
    Used to discuss modern biometric travel/identity verification and Damon's running-on-camera advice lineage from Bourne co-star.
  • Unforgiven — Media · Referenced film (directing/writing lesson) · 3 mentions · first at
    Conan praises it to Eastwood; Damon shares Eastwood's story about returning to the original script—revealed to be Unforgiven.
  • Spencer for Hire — Media · Referenced formative TV show · 2 mentions · first at
    Used to illustrate how unusual Boston-based production felt; Conan adds a personal anecdote about his high school being used.
    But, I, didn't, see, anybody., I, just, didn't see anyone. And then Robert Urick made Spencer for Hire, which took place in Boston.
  • The Good Mother — Media · Referenced early work · 1 mention · first at
    Damon notes he and Affleck were extras in this 1980s film starring Liam Neeson, shot in Harvard Square.
    We, were,, by, the, way,, Ben, and, I, were extras in a movie called The Good Mother that Liam Niss was the star of in the 80s and we were still in high school and I think it still exists in the movie. They were shooting.
  • The Rain Maker — Media · Referenced film (set anecdote) · 1 mention · first at
    Damon uses his experience on The Rainmaker to illustrate Coppola's ensemble-building approach.
    When, I, did, The, Rain, Maker, with, Copala like 30 years ago, he did this amazing thing every morning. when a new actor would come, he would go down to the base camp where.
  • Dogma — Media · Referenced collaboration · 1 mention · first at
    Cited as an early post-Good Will Hunting project Damon and Affleck did together before intentionally separating careers.
    Exactly., And, we, had, done, you, know, Kevin Smith's movie Dogma together right after that. So we were kind of like all right we should chill. And then suddenly a couple decades went by and it.
  • The Last Duel — Media · Referenced collaboration · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned as another later-life Damon/Affleck writing collaboration, supporting the theme of reuniting creatively.
    Think it, helps, to, have, that, kind, of, you, know we also did by the way the Last Duel another movie that we wrote with you know so we're trying we you know we're but, yeah, no, I, think, that, that.
  • Zoom — Media · Referenced formative TV show · 1 mention · first at
    Damon describes it as a rare example of TV being made in Boston; the 'Zoom kids' felt like celebrities to him.
    And, so, those, Zoom, Kids, were, the Beatles to me. I just couldn't believe.
  • The Pit — Media · Advertised show · 2 mentions · first at
    Presented in an ad read as an Emmy-winning drama returning for Season 2 on HBO Max.
    Yes., Watched, it, with, my, wife., Riveting starring Emmy winner Noah Wy. Season 2 of the Max original series The Pit is now streaming on HBO Max. Check out the official companion podcast on HBO Max and all major podcast platforms. This.
  • The Simpsons — Media · Referenced career credential · 2 mentions · first at
    Appears in the Cochran Avenue sign text listing Conan's career path (SNL to The Simpsons).
    From Saturday Night Live to The Simpsons to his own groundbreaking shows, he has brought laughter to millions. I'd like to fact check on that.
  • The Martian — Media · Referenced film credit · 1 mention · first at
    Listed among Damon's notable films in Conan's introduction to establish stature.
    Yeah., My, guest, today, is, an, actor, you know from such films as Goodwill Hunting, The Martian, and The Born Identity. Now you can see him in the new Netflix movie, The Rip. What can I say?
  • The Godfather — Media · Referenced film (Coppola canon) · 1 mention · first at
    Mentioned to emphasize Coppola's iconic status while describing his humility-building theater games on set.
    I'm, picturing, the, cast, of, The, Godfather now.
  • Dr. Maro — Character · Comedic reference · 1 mention · first at
    Referenced in a joke comparing Conan's bad makeup to Marlon Brando in 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' (name misrendered).
    You, look, Marlon, Brando, in, the island of Dr. Maro.
  • Apocalypse Now — Media · Referenced film (Coppola canon) · 1 mention · first at
    Cited as part of Coppola's legendary filmography to contrast with silly acting games he led.
    Was this, iconic. Of course we The Godfathers, the Apocalypse Now, the conversation on and on all of these brilliant movies. And the whole point was to kind of level set everybody at this is a place where you can be.

Full transcript with timestamps

Hi, my name is Matt Damon and I feel good about being Conan O'Brien's friend. I, was, encouraging, you, beforehand., Really go after me. And you chose to be a kind man.

You're, the, most, anodine, answer. Hey, there., Welcome, to, Conor, O'Brien Needs a Friend. Uh I just freaked out my co-workers.

You, okay? I, am, now., Yeah., I, uh, was, looking, up, at the light that's above us.

Is, that, a, bug?, Is, that, a, dead, bug? I, didn't, even, notice, that. Okay.

I, was, just, looking, up, at, the, light, and, I went into a little bit of a trance and all of you were staring at me

and, I, think I, think, I, left, my, body. Well,, you, weren't, just, in, a, trance., You were making the sound of like a dripping faucet.

Yeah., I, was, going Yeah. Um I don't know what I was doing there. M uh, I've, been, working, a, lot, lately, and, I had a something I had to do last night and so uh I'm not well rested and I I feel a little high even though I've taken no substances.

So, um, so, just, seconds, ago, I, was, staring up at the light above us when you said okay Conan do the intro and I was going this doing this with my mouth.

Yeah, it's, good. And, I, wasn't, doing, a, bit, I, wasn't, trying to be funny. I was just looking up at the light and making that noise. And then I looked down and you were all staring at me um as if I were some sort of sideshow freak.

Are, you, Are, you, okay? Are, you, okay?, I'm, not., I'm, not., I, think I'm Are, you, really, tired?, Are, you, tired?

Yeah., Yeah,, a, little, bit., But, you, never tell the audience you're tired. You've always want people thinking

You, just, prefaced, it, that, you, were tired. Yeah., You, said, you, were, tired, cuz, you said you did something yesterday and you slept late. So like you did that. There is no audience. I just did what Peter Sers does as Cluso and it's one of my favorite things but I wasn't doing it on purpose.

He, walks, into, an, interrogation, room, and he says, you know, cuz there's been a kidnapping and he says, "I'm here, you know, to just to investigate the murder." And someone goes, "Murder." And he says, "Who said murder?" And they said "You said murder." And he said, "I don't say murder." Uh, and I've always loved that. It's such a funny thing. And I just did it for real. Uh, I don't know what's going on with me. I'm a little scrambled today, but that could be fun. Maybe that's going to loosen uh my brain a little bit. Um and various creative juices will flow. Who can say? Oh

okay. I'm, worried, about, you., Are, you, really? Yeah., Well,, also, you're, wearing, this very cozy flannel. It almost looks like you're in PJs and that you've kind of just woken up and you know, or you're ready for bed and that we should tuck you in or something.

I, don't, wear, flannel, a, true. I, should, wear, flannel, a, little, more often. Uh, we're in the winter months now, which in LA means it's not 72, it's 71°. So sometimes flannel is necessary.

I, do., I, mean,, come, on., That's, something I want to talk about. I want to see my breath at night.

I, want, it, to, be, cold., You, never, go, with me on this, but I like to wear layers. And I was just on the East Coast recently doing some work there, and I was wearing these sweaters, and I was I was dressed like an adult. I was wearing a pea coat and uh I was walking around in it and I had sweaters and I would sometimes wear an overcoat and I'd look like a gentleman. And then I come back to LA and it's time to put on my hoof fartarted t-shirt.

Look,, do, I, think, this, is, a, great, opening segment? No, I don't. I think we've lost our weight. It started with It started with me staring at a light going

"We, started, at, a, deficit." Yeah., And, and, um, Yeah,, exactly., which, we inherited from the Biden administration. But to be fair, um you can't blame me even though it's a year into my podcast administration. This is what I inherited when I started this venture 5 years ago. Um, are you okay? What are you doing?

You're, doing, now., You're, touching, the sides of the mic and saying, "Okay, I see."

Okay., You, think, that, because, I, set, such a low bar that now you're free to just completely go

Can, we, just, do, Yeah., Yeah., Oh,, he's using the old shaving as a as a shaver.

Yeah. Yeah. That's, cool. No,, no,, no., I, think, we're, showing, such disrespect for the people who

Am, I, distorted, through, this, glass? Yes,, you, are., Yeah., It, looks, like, a Dolli sketch. Yeah.

Look, at, us., We're, bringing, We're bringing our agame today. Well,, I, respect, our, audience., They, pay, a lot to listen to this podcast. Do they pay a lot?

No,, they, don't, pay, anything. Okay., Well,, then, what, are, we, worried about?

You, get, what, you, pay, for., Listeners, you, got, exactly, what, you, pay, for., No, we're using They have precious life on Once again, I ran into someone on the street uh today here in Larchmont who said that they were just listening to the podcast. We are um borrowing chunks of people's life that they will never get back. Also, I think this might be the last episode of the year, so it's it's okay if our tanks are a little empty.

No,, it's, not., We, have, to, Now, you've, put a whole new level of pressure on it.

Go, out, with, a, bang. Don't, blame, me., You, started, this, episode making dripping noises.

I, wasn't, clearly, wasn't, ready., And, you as the maestro behind this whole operation should have said, "He's not ready. Let's wait."

Or, maybe, we, could, have, had, a, huddle., Or maybe you could have asked me, "Are you okay off mic?"

You, said,, "Are, you, okay, on, mic?", Who does that? What kind of doctor are you?

I, thought, it, made, good, comments., For some people, this is the last episode of the year. For others, it's the first EPISODE OF THE YEAR.

WE, CAN'T, START, this, way. Oh, god., No., Can, we, do, a, better? Yeah,, we, can, do, better.

Better, start, again., Do you, want, to, say something? Also funny. Well,, can, I, just, say, I, don't, think, of the uh the New Year's as the new year. I think of fall as the beginning of the year. And I think No, that's because you're still a child who gets a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and puts on your short pants and goes off to school. And I mean college is good though. Oh let's start again cuz I think we can do better.

I, Yeah. Are, we, starting, again, for, real?, Like we're we're ditching this? I, don't, even, know, what's, real, and, what's not anymore.

This, is, just, a, weird, I, could, count, on some sort of weird Bermuda triangle.

It, could, be, cuz, we, were, off, for, so, long. We're having trouble finding our footing.

That, could, be, it. But, that, wasn't, the, case, yesterday., We were We were hitting.

Were, we, hitting?, We, were, like No,, it, was, yesterday. I, at least, I, felt, okay.

We, were, hitting, yesterday, was, actually very good. Was, it?, Yeah., When, do, you, have standards? What are you doing?

I, don't, have, standards., That's, the problem is even I think this is bad and my standards are really low.

I, think, uh, right, now, and, this, maybe, this is Yes, you do think. Oh my god.

This, is, a, good, thing, for, people, to, hear that their heroes struggle as well.

Twice, twice, have, we, ever, ditched a, a, take, on, something., We, almost, always keep things. Yeah.

Yeah. No,, you, don't, want, to, mention, that., I don't I don't know. Whatever.

What?, What's, this, now?, What, are, you saying? No. I'm taking it. What, are, you, doing?, Why, did, you, I, was getting I was pulling this whole thing to This is awful. I woke up from my from my primordial slumber and started to pull it back together again. And then you mutter and reference something and look at you and you make noises with your mouth but no words. Blaming us for this.

Yeah., Yeah., You're, the, one, who, started it. It trickles down. I'm, back, and, I'm, better, than, ever.

Okay., Hey,, welcome, to, Conan, O'Brien Needs a Friend. Uh the podcast that uh delivers every single time with never a false start, never a missed opportunity. Sona Mobsian has joined me.

Yes., Hi,, I'm, here. Yeah,, you, are, here., And, uh, and, and, Matt Gorley, how are you?

I'm, I'm, well,, thank, you. You, look, fantastic. So, do, you., Thank, you. I'm, doing, the, best, I, can., I'm, wearing, a flannel shirt today.

It's, cozy., It's, very, nice., Bought, it just down the street. I'd say the name of the store, but uh maybe that's cheating. I don't know. Give them a free plug. Farad, they make a really good sweater. They have very good stuff and I'm a regular customer. But that's not the point. I'm here to talk about what I think

is, the, topic, on, everyone's, lips, right now, which is the holidays. Because, this, is, going, to, air, when,, Adam,

late, December,, early, January, January, 5th, for, most, people. That's, still, the, holidays., Or, is, it? This is so confusing. It's not the holidays.

It's, okay. Can, we, go, back, to, the, inept, one? No no no. You, said, rap. Yeah.

Oh, my, god., I, thought, I, had, saved, it, and then I said, "Let's talk about the holidays." Forgetting that this comes out January 5th when everyone's in a deep depression.

And, just, the, mere, mention, of, holidays makes you want to eat a gun. My, My, birthday, is, January, 7th,, by, the way. So trust me, happy birthday. read year at your birthday. I'm excusing myself to try and end it all.

Oh, my, god., Hey,, it's, almost, the, year, and anniversary of my house burning down.

OH, MY, GOD., That's, right. Oh, my, god. Let's, make, it, worse. And, your, parents, untimely, passing, and, my parents passing your anniversary. Oh my god. Did you know what? We got through all of that and then the greatest tragedy of all hit us. A very bad OPENING SEGMENT. THAT'S WORSE.

THAT, was, the, worst, than, all, of, those things. Oh, man. And, yet, we're, still, here.

Oh, my, god. And, I, love, you,, Sona., And, I, love, you, Borley. And together we're going to make this year. This is This is a great moment.

Let's, do, it. Yeah., Okay., 2026., It, can't, get, any worse. Yeah., My, guest, today, is, an, actor, you know from such films as Goodwill Hunting, The Martian, and The Born Identity. Now you can see him in the new Netflix movie, The Rip. What can I say? He's a superstar.

He's, an, international, megastar., He, also is a lovely gentleman. Matt, Damon,, welcome.

Thank, you, so, much, for, being, here., And, we have a lot to talk about uh today. And I just I wanted to start with I have this very I know I think I've brought this up to you before but not on microphone. We didn't monetize it. Um

Jesus those, are, the, only, conversations, that are worthwhile. I, want, to, sell, some, ads.

Are, you, going, to, talk, about, the, new Buick? What is this? Matt, and, I, are, very, excited, about, the new Buick. Um

Hyundai. No., Uh, my, brother, took, me, to, a, bar, uh years ago and this was short. This isn't too long. It might have been a year or two after

Goodwill, Hunting. Goodwill, Hunting, or,, you, know,, maybe early born. It was It was It was

No,, it, was, before, that., It, was, late., It was in the '90s still. Okay., It, was, in, the, '90s., And, my, I'm, in town.

Uh, we're, both Wasn't, it, like, Christmas, night, or something? It, was, Christmas, night., And, my, brother said, "Hey, we could hang out with our This is my brother Luke. We could hang out with our parents or we could blow this place and go All they did was, you know, create us. we could go to this really cool cool bar I know called the B-side and um the B-side lounge. And I said, "Yeah, yeah, you know, screw the elderly." And so uh we get we go over there and I walk into this very cool establishment and um just like a really cool place to hang bar and you're sitting there and uh

because, Ben, and, I, had, had, the, exact, same conversation. Get, the, out, of, here.

Yeah., Yeah., Yeah. Yeah., Yeah., Exactly., You, guys, were escaping. And so I just see you sitting at the sitting there and I go over and um you couldn't have been nicer. We're chatting. I think we had briefly met before but not really like talked. And within minutes you and I were talking about Flenry O' Conor. That's what I remember. And I remember thinking I don't know that there are many movie stars that would start talking to me about Flenry Oconor., Do, you, know what, I, mean?, I thought it was very I was like this guy is

There, are, a, lot, of, people, who, read, books though. No,, there, aren't., There, aren't., I, test, a lot of movie stars. Most of them can't read. I

can't, read, at, all. Yeah., Yeah., Tom, Hanks, cannot, read. He, can, type,, but, he, can't, read.

He, can, type,, but, it's, just, it's, like, a monkey at a typewriter. Yeah. And I also um mean so many huge stars can't, you know. Liam Niss can't tell time. And I'll ask him, "Hey, Liam, what time is it?" and he shows me his watch and says, "What do you think?" Uh unbelievable.

But, I'm, scared, to, answer, because, of, the way you You, have, a, certain, set, of, skills,, but not telling time.

You, don't, have, all, the, skills. You, know,, you're, relaxing. We, were,, by, the, way,, Ben, and, I, were extras in a movie called The Good Mother that Liam Niss was uh was the star of in the in the 80s and um we were still in high school and and I think it still exists in the movie. They were shooting in Harvard Square and we went and we were extras and we walk by Liam Niss.

Wow. A, very, of, like, an, adolescent, or, teenage, you know, Ben and Matt walked by a very young Liam.

Yeah., Yeah., Yeah. That, was, that, was, as, close, as, I, ever, got to him. But yeah, I'm a big fan.

It's, uh, he, is, a, lovely, man,, too., There's there's um what you just said reminds me that you guys, you know, were good friends long before you became famous and you were working together and kind of on a mission to make it in this business and you had a I I've read before that you had a bank account together,

a, Bays, account., You, remember, Bays? Of, course, I, do. We, had, a, Bay, Bank, a, shared, Bays, account that we would put money in that we had made professionally. So if we got any part like that extra work for instance you get you know 50 bucks or 100 bucks depending if it was a union job you get 100 and that money would go into the our shared account and that account we could only use for auditions in New York where you know we take the bus or or back there they had you know the Panama shuttle or whatever or the train

get, down, to, New, York, you, know, walk, in you know which you know took however long five hours to get down there you know you you walk into the place somewhere in Midtown and you know in three minutes they're like okay thanks which is we we used to call it getting okay thanks because you you go there and beat your chest and pull your hair out and so and they go okay thanks

and, and, you're, done, and, then, you, go, all the way back to Boston. Um but but we had this account we could use the money for that or we could use the money for

uh, video, games, at, 101, which, was, the arcade on Massav or you know when we got older uh if we could find anyone to buy us beer. So those were the three uses for the account. But the account

very, responsible, young, men but, the, uh, you, know, talk, about, like intentionality. The account the the code to the account was River P because River Phoenix was an actor that we really admired. He was our age and he was getting the kind of parts that we wanted to play and so that was our secret code to get into our shared bank account. I don't know about you, but I think about a lot and I have wistfully about early experiences before anybody knows who I am. And um you know I'm I'm headed to something to audition and someone says, "Well, you should have makeup cuz it might be a camera test." So I went to a drugstore and purchased makeup at a counter. And the woman said, "What is it you're trying to do?" And I said, "They said I need makeup." And then sitting in my this is out here in LA, sitting in my 1977 beat up Isuzu Opal and putting it on myself with a rear view mirror and then

going in and being terrible. But, she, told, you, lipstick, and, blush. Yeah., They, were, like,, "That, Kabuki, guy was awful.

Did, you, see, Divine? You, look, like, Marlon, Brando, in, the island of Dr. Maro. What is up with that kid? Yeah, it was a taco commercial. Why? Why was he doing Why was he

um, But, I, think, about, those, things, all the time and I kind of It's funny. I have an affection for that whippers snapper, and, and, I, don't, know if, you, I mean you and and Ben must have so many memories of being an extra

and, they're, telling, you, um, chew, more slowly or whatever. You're you have no lines,

get, the, away, from, the, craft service, get away, you know, that's not that's not extras, you know, it's like it's it's it's it's you know, it can be demeaning work. Um, but we were interested in it and we loved being on sets and it was like we were thrilled to be there and um and and yeah, I mean it was a lot of I mean you know the the starting out in the business is I think it's I think you know my nephew's an actor they it's different now in the sense that they they're they're allowed to put themselves on tape now like we never really sometimes you go in and get put on tape but we didn't have control over you know it was a different auditioning was like you had to go show up at the appointed time you walked into the room and you had one shot at it and and that was it. And and now you know that younger actors are allowed to kind of v or all actors allowed to video themselves and work on it until they can

get it get it to and say this is the best representation of me for this part which is a very different thing and and uh you know there's a lot of humiliation in the starting out as you know like those those things

I, find, I'm, continually, humiliated, now. Well, there's a lot of humili in general. It's a very Hey, it's a very vulnerable thing to do.

You, know, I, discovered, earlier, I, was, being humiliated and then I kind of liked it and then I turned it into a career.

When, I, did, The, Rain, Maker, with, Copala like 30 years ago, he did this amazing thing every morning. Um, you know, when a new actor would come, he would he would go down to the base camp where where everybody gets ready in the morning and in the parking lot like right in the you know where all the kind of trailers are, he would gather all of the actors and he would play theater games, right? like sound for instance. And sound ball is this game you play in kind of acting school where where I throw a ball to you and I have to make a noise like bloop or whatever. And when you and it's an invisible ball obviously it's not a real ball. It's it's it's that and you have to it's an air ball and you catch it and you have to make my sound bloop. And then you have to make a new sound bleep and you throw it to someone else and it is the dumbest thing in the world. But Francis would do this with all the I'm talking like Mickey

Roor. I'm talking about hardcore like very serious people. I'm, picturing, the, cast, of, The, Godfather now.

No,, it, was, it, was James, Conor. I, know., I, know., But, it, was, John, Void., It was like these wonderful actors, right? And and and the idea was and Francis would do it and he would start and he was this, you know, iconic. Of course you know, we The Godfathers, the Apocalypse Now, I mean, you know, the conversation on and on and on all of these brilliant movies. And the whole point was to kind of level set everybody at this is a place where you can be completely foolish and vulnerable. Yeah. And I'm gonna do it too, right? And and because that's a part of it. It's like you really got to put yourself out there if you're doing it right. And so there are the requisite amount of humiliations that come that accompany that even as you get successful like like you know if you're doing a tough scene

you, might, have, to, break, a, lot, of, eggs, to get, the, omelette., You, know what, I, mean? And and you have to do that in front of

everybody., I'm, thinking, about, the, list of people who you've directors that you've worked with and it's an insane. It's Copala Scorsesei. Um, help me out here.

There's, a, lot., There's Eastwood,, Eastwood,, Spielberg,, Clint, uh, Chris Nolan.

And,, you, know,, the, one, I'm, most interested in kind of is I mean, they're all iconic directors and and amazing

but, I, don't, have, a, sense, of, what Eastwood would be like as a director. I've always heard it was like one take or he's he's quick.

Yeah. The, f, the, very, first, day., So, I, the, first time I worked with him twice and the first time was uh was um Invictus. So I was playing a South African rugby player.

Y and, that's, a, really, tough, accent, to, do. So I spent six months. There's this great dialect coach named Tim Monik. Very famous in our world. Um and he's wonderful and I've known him for a very long time. And Tim would come. I was living in Miami at the time. And he would come and I had a little office over the garage. And he would come and from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday we would work on this accent. Because South Africans speak English, it's like their tongue does the exact opposite thing that ours did. Like if I say "I'll be right back." If you say it and you think about what your tongue's doing, they say, "Ob."

Oh, yeah., Okay. And, you, go,, "What, the, just, happened in my mouth?" Right. So it's very hard.

This, is, why, you're, an, actor, and, I, am not. But we took like, you know, it was a long it was a lot of work and and and and uh and and fun and and great and and I showed up and and I'm I'm ready. It's like my chance to work with, you know one of my heroes. And

the, very, first, take,, um,, you, know,, I, I did it and meanwhile, I've done this so many thousands of times. I have, you know, a number of different ways that I'm thinking of maybe doing the scene. So he goes, "Cut, print, move on." And I go I go, "Hang on, hang on, hang on, uh, boss, you know, I, uh, you want to, you know, want to do another one?" I mean,

I, wasn't, even that was like that was the first one. Like, you want to do it? And he goes "Why? You want to waste everybody's time?"

Oh, my, god. And, I, went,, "No,, I, guess, we're, moving on." And, And, it, was, one, take.

He, was, holding, a, gun. But, no,, no,, but, but, but, there, was, a kindness in it, too. It wasn't He wasn't He wasn't He was He's a lovely guy. And and what was really interesting is the second movie I did with him, there was this the kind of it it builds to a head with this uh a scene with me and this nine-year-old kid. And the nine-year-old kid was a non-acctor. And and we had done one take for everybody all through Invictus. Morgan Freeman, you know, all everybody gets one take. We must have done 40 takes with this little boy because because he we were trying to get this it was this kind of huge moment in the film and and we were trying to get this stuff out of him

and, and, Clint, was, right, next, to, me, in you know like we were right next to the camera together just just working with this boy and so it was like his and his whole mentality was you your crew will will will go to the ends of the earth for you if as long as you're not taxing them on every shot. Right. right? When when we need to get in there, we get in there.

Um, but,, you, know,, for, the, most, part,, we can, you know, professional actors are going to show up with something good and we we keep the keep the momentum.

For, doctors, and, nurses, on, the, pit,, the work never stops. The Emmy Award winner for outstanding drama series is back for a new real-time shift. 15 highstakes hours told across 15 must see episodes. New cases and new challenges await Dr. Robbie and his team of caregivers. This is a spectacular show.

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Mhm. And, we, all, make, these,, you, know, promises to ourselves. I have been running and I'd like to up my game there.

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I had a chat with Clint Eastwood once briefly and I told him how much Unforgiven meant to me and um great I said it's one of the most European it's an American movie that was a huge hit box office hit and it's a very European film and he just sort of asked me what do you mean and I said um because it's everyone's trying to do the right thing and making it worse which is very much life And that is not an a a kind of classic American movie formula.

And, that, movie, is, magical, to, me., And, uh and, he, hit, me., No,, he's I, want, to, hear, a, good, unforgiven, story that that you can cut out if it's too boring for people. But I I thought it was really interesting. There was a scene in Invictus. I think I had to give a speech or something to the to the uh guys in the locker room or something like that. And and we were shooting it the following Tuesday or whatever. And and I said to him, "Hey boss, you know that scene on Tuesday, do you mind if I tinker with the dialogue? I've been working on it, but I I think I I can figure out a kind of a better way to say it." And and he goes, "Yeah, sure. Go ahead." And so I came back and on Tuesday we shot the scene and we did one take and and he printed it and moved on.

Yeah. But he came up to me and said, "I uh I thought you were going to going to change it and fix and I said, "Yeah it's funny a funny story." I go, "I I I wrote it and I rewrote it all weekend. and I wrote it probably 27 drafts and then I got it perfect and I looked back and it was exactly the same as it originally was. And he and he laughed and he goes, "Yeah." He goes, "You know that happened to me once." And I go "Really?" He goes, "I had a script and I loved it and I, you know, I I I had it." And I go, "I I worked for 5 years on this thing." And he goes, "I I it wasn't getting better and I couldn't figure it out." He goes, "And then I went back and to the original script that I had. I pulled it out of the drawer and I read it and I called the writer that day and said, "I'm making your script." exactly as you wrote it. And I said "No way.

What movie?" And he said "Unforgiven." Oh,, wow. Yeah., Well,, it, is., It's, all, there, on, the page. I mean, I've looked at the script. It's all there on the page. And

but, it's, but, it's, sometimes, we, get, in that headsp space where we go, "Ah, I bet I could, you know, would be you know what I mean?" And then but it was a great lesson in kind of returning to what attracted it you to it in the first place, right? like the elemental aspect the thing that really pulled you in like you know is the reason you're doing it. Um and so too much tinkering you can you can kind of get away from that. Yes, you can. Yeah, it's uh this is really stupid but

you're, saying, very, well, spoken, intelligent things and then I come in with but for years on the late night talk show people would have a good idea and then they'd bring it down to the floor and it would be different from what they told me and they would say yeah I started thinking about it and I would always say when you overthink you start to stink and um

actually, that's, great, that's, you, know kind of a Dr. It is a doctor that it's not.

No,, but, it's, but, couldn't, I, have, I, would do it in that in like I I have a really smart thing to say, but I I intentionally I think said it in the stupidest way possible. But then it became a thing that the writers would chant sometimes.

They, would, chant, it. No,, I, made, that, up. Imagine, Clint, Eastwood, saying, that.

That's, actually, great. It'd, be, nice, to, see., Um,, I, think, about uh one of your movies a lot. It's more than one movie. It's a series, but Born Identity because I do a lot of international travel for work and I'm constantly going through airports now where you don't even have to show.

Are, you, thinking, what, I'm, thinking? Listen, comparing, yourself, to, Jason.

I, get, it, a, lot., People, in, airports internationally say, "You're very Jason Boresque." And then they see me run and they go, "Forget what I just said." And then they put on their glasses and look at my face and go really forget. No what I've noticed is that I'll go through airports now and you don't even have to show your passport. It's all your eye scan and I think Jason Bourne is now.

Because, a, big, thing, with, you, with, your character was um a major fight throwdown shootout in the streets of Paris and then instantly you're in Cairo and everyone's looking for you. Yeah

he's, a, ghost, and, you've, reappeared, in Cairo and I'm thinking now it's just

you, know,, your, iris. Yeah., When, it, was, kind, of, a, couple, years ago that that started where I I I came back from somewhere and and I had the um you know the whatever uh clear global the global uh global entry

global, entry, you, know,, and, that, was, already, pretty easy. You go to the kiosk and you put your passport in and it reads it and takes a picture and goes, "Yeah, that's you." Now it's like you don't even need to pull your passport out. It's um it is. And so yeah, he would be totally screwed. Like the whole point was he had, you know, six passports and they all had different identities and he could speak all those languages and he could just become one of those guys.

Now, his, safety, deposit, box, has, six, eyes. Yeah,, exactly., Eyeballs, you, put, on, contact lenses. No, I was uh and also I remembered I was talking to I think we were interviewing Emily Blunt once and she was talking to us about a movie you guys made together where she had to run in one scene

and, you, said, it, was, her, first, scene where she had to run and that you called you you very kindly said um yeah Emily um just me take a look uh look at yourself running and here's how you want to cuz you think you're running well but there's a way when you think you're running well on camera but then you look back at at it. It can be tragically wrong,

you, know., And, do, you, know, who, told, me that was Frana Patente, who was my co-star in Bourne, had starred in this great uh German movie called Run Lola Run,

and, she, runs, in, that, movie, through, the whole movie. She's Lola and, she's, so, badass, for, the, whole, movie. She's in these Doc Martens and she's it's just an awesome movie. Um, and we were on set of Borne and I had to do a running scene and she said, "Thomas, the guy who directed uh, Run the Run, she they they had been a couple for a while." And she said, "Thomas told me before I started doing it to go out and and he videotaped me running." And we looked at it because she said, "You don't."

She,, you, know,, the, only, running, that, we see, you know, is, you know, we see Usain Bolt. We see, you know, the people who can really run and we go, that's I must look like that, right?

When, you, start, to, run,, you're, your, ar like you just look ridiculous. Yes.

And, I, thought, I, ran, great. And, then, I, looked, and, I, was, like,, "Oh, my god,

it's, Jerry, Lewis." It really is like every like the balance everything. And so you start to practice like you know high knees and but you know keep the arms and it really uh and so I I did say that to Emily I'm sure because it because it really

No,, she, said, you, saved, her., It, was great. And did she uh she but it was one of those things that um you know I just all of us in our mind if I'm running hard which I don't do much anymore but if for some reason I had to run quickly in my mind I'm I'm I'm Matt Damon or I'm Tom Cruz but I know I really am, you know, one of the big uh balloons that they have in front of a a used car lot that's flopping around. And I shriek too as I run, which isn't helping. But

figured, it, out, early., I, remember, there's that great scene in Born on the Fourth of July where he runs through the rain back, you know, before he goes off to war and like

Right. He, must, have, figured, it, out, in, like, the 80s. He He was ahead of everybody. Yeah. Yeah. He probably has a Yeah. scientific formula, aerodynamic flowchart. He runs perfectly. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, I wanted to talk to you because about this, uh, current movie, um, The Rip, uh, which is fascinating to me. First of all, well, I knew nothing about the movie when I watched it. I watched it last night and one of the things that I didn't realize is that, oh, you're in this with I knew nothing, which is not the way you usually experience a movie these days, but someone arranged, oh Conan can watch the movie. If you log into this, you can watch it. So, I knew absolutely nothing. I knew you were in it and that's it. And it's a movie that you uh have made with Ben. You and Ben are in it together. And that was a surprise to me. And I thought this is interesting. This is such a loaded situation for you guys now because in a

very nice way, in a complimentary way it's um you know, it's it's this dynamic duo getting back together. But I don't know if you feel the weight of that at all when you guys work together. We did the movie Air together a few years ago that Ben directed and he's also he's both in it together. Um

you, know,, and, we, we, started, this, little studio together um, a few years ago and and one of the one of the reasons that we started it like I was watching that Beatles documentary, the the Peter Jackson one, Back Step Back. And um

in, at, the, end, of, that, documentary, there's this incredible scene when they when they play on the roof, right together. It's just it's pure joy. You see them, you know, the cops show up and McCartney turns around. He's like, "What the fuck?" You know, and it's like the most joyful thing. They're all in their 20s. And

then, Peter, Jackson, put, this, Chiron, up and it said, "This is the last time the Beatles played live together."

Yeah., Yeah. And, I, was, watching, it., My, my, youngest was, I think, 11 at the time. And and she just goes, "Dad, why are you crying?" M

and, tears, were, just, pouring, down, my, face because it was like what a it made me so sad that these guys who were just, you know, this was it that that they they didn't they couldn't get past whatever it was that wouldn't allow them to kind of keep

doing, it, together., and, and, and, I, called Ben and I was like, "Man, cuz I think you know, this was our dream and our lives from the time we were teenagers and and and it was something we did together and and we wanted to do movies together and we we we wrote Goodwill Hunting together and and and starred in it together and, you know, all of that." Um and and and I think after that I think we we were like oh well we should try to you know make names for ourselves individually.

So, I, think, we, were, a, little, allergic, to working together for a while. I mean we were still very connected and and uh you know saw each other all the time but

but, after, a, success, of, that, magnitude you don't want to get locked in. Great we'll do the movie. is Ben in or okay Ben but where's Matt? You don't want to get locked into that.

Exactly., And, we, had, done, you, know, Kevin Smith's movie Dogma together right after that. So we were kind of like all right we should chill. And uh and then suddenly a couple decades went by and it was like now we're in our 50s. We're starting this company and it's kind of like I don't I don't care. It doesn't have to be a thing. It doesn't have to be a stop the presses. They're together. It's like we just like working together.

Yeah., And, also, what's, evident, in, the movie is you guys have a connection when when you have scenes together there's a connection that you can't manufacture. It's very clear that you two, really, love, I, don't know, you, you're on the same wavelength. You're on the same you're clicked in and um you're two characters in this uh in this movie. Um there's a lot of tension between you. There are times where you just want to kill each other and then as you go on many things are revealed and you understand what their true dynamic is.

But I don't know it was just it was something you can't you couldn't have figured that out with an acting coach if you didn't know each other. I don't think

it, helps, to, have, that, kind, of, you, know we also did by the way the Last Duel another movie that we wrote with you know so we we're trying we you know we're

um, but, yeah, no, I, think, that, that connection definitely uh uh obviously kind of loads every scene in a different way. I think there's the thing that happens. I was I know in my 20s, 30s 40s, I was very intense all the time thinking about every move. And as I've gotten older, I am much more interested in being with people that I really like that I love, making things with them and enjoying myself because I

And, it, comes, a, little, bit, from, a, place of, oh, who cares, you know? I mean

um,, I, I, just, want, to, do, this., I, don't want to overthink it. I just want to be with

I, think, you, see, that, you, start, to, see the, you know, you're you're in the second half, right? And you

I, plan, to, live, to, 150. I, hope, I, hope, we, both, do. So,, we're, still, in

I, really, don't, want, to, live, to, 150. Well,, if, you, could, stay, healthy,, I, don't know. Might be might be great.

I'll, be, in, constant, pain., But, um, but yeah, you that that's literally, you know, we the whole point of this company is to, you know, work with great people that we really want to be with and you know, and every movie that we make through our studio is, you know, even if Ben and I aren't in it or he's directing and I'm not in it or he, you know, you know, we're we're we're connected around the work when and trying to facilitate whoever's coming in and and and kind of

Do, you, guys, give, each, other, on, set or in a professional environment? Uh, do you give each other a a teasing like brotherly kind of relationship?

Sure., Sometimes like, you, want, another, take, cuz, you, might want another take, you know, that kind of thing. Well, that's what I would do.

I, know, you, would. I, would., That's, what, I, would, do., You would Yeah,, I, think, you're, going, to, want another take.

But, we, But, look,, the, good, thing, is,, you know, I think it really helped with our writing. Um, you know, 30 years ago Jesus, 35 years ago, when when we started, um, you know, Ben said this great thing, which was, "Judge me for how good my good ideas are, not how bad my bad ideas are."

And, and, it, was, it's, a, very, profound thing for a 20-year-old to say. um because he wanted the you know he he recognized that we needed the freedom to kind of barf out all those ideas you know and so often as you know when you're writing it's not you you write down the bad idea because it's iterating right that it's like you know it that can build into a good idea right and so

um, so, he, was, basically, giving, both, of, us the permission to just keep keep the window as wide open as we could

and, um um, and, Uh, yeah,, I, mean, that, uh, I, forget why I started that story, but I haven't had enough coffee. This coffee is terrific, by the way.

If, you, want, more,, we, can, get, you, some. Um they say whenever someone, writes, their, big, great, American novel uh and it's a big smash and everyone thinks it's genius. They have nine other ones in their drawer that they wrote before that. And I'm a big believer in you just have to do time. To me, the process doesn't change. Like you could look at your career or Ben's and say like, "Oh, you've clicked off, you guys have clicked off every single box that you would want to check, but still when you show up, there's work to be done and you have to be a little scared." And there are scenes where you think, "I didn't get this. I got to try it again." Um, and time in the edit room and all of that stuff. It's if they're paying you, it's work.

Yeah., Uh,, and, it's, and, and, and, we, want to we want to love everything we work on from now on. You know, it's kind of going back to your point and and yeah it's work. It's a hugely labor intensive thing to do no matter what. You know, I mean, it's it's um if you sign up for it that that's that means that you're you're willing to

you, know,, you, can't, phone, it, in., You, get nor would I want to, you know, take a job for money that I was phoning like I never did that. I never I always thought whatever I was working on had a chance to be great.

Yeah., I, was, wrong, most, of, the, time., But but but, it, but, I, was, working, with, the intention of it being something really wonderful for

people, don't, the, nice, thing, I, have, found this, very, smart, Simpsons, writer, George Meyer told me this a long time ago early in my career when things were not going well he said people will remember you for your good work

right and, he's, absolutely, right, I, think, about that all the time he said you're just laying tile individually and it's going to make a bigger mosaic which is what you did with your life and um uh he was right that the the work you made later on that didn't quite click with people they what they do is they seek out all these things you've made that are great and then they almost rule the other ones out. So in your mind you're saying, "Oh man, so many times I've been wrong." And that's not what anyone else would say.

That's just what you would say. Yeah., Exactly., I, was, just, it, just, made me think of someone like show Otani where they go like whatever his career batting average ends up being if it's 350 or whatever 320 people aren't going to say well you know he he he missed 680.

Yeah., Exactly., They're, going, to, go, you know what, I, mean?, Like I, did, go, to, the, game, and, shout, that, at him for the day

cuz, even, when, the, Red, Sox, are, out, of, it, I still go to games and wear a Red Sox hat.

Good, for, you., By, the, way,, I, do, the, same thing., I, I I, do, do, the, same, thing.

I, did, have, an, experience, once where Lauren Michael sorry I had an exper I do that when I think my story is really good. No. Uh Lauren Michaels years ago, this is a very named droppy story, but he uh it was that iconic. It's 2004

and, the, Red, Sox, were, playing, the, Yankees and the Red Sox are way down and Lauren invited me to a Yankee game and he said "We're going to pick up a friend on the way." and he didn't tell me who. And I'm sitting in the front of an SUV cuz he wanted me to make friend room for the friend. And we pull up and leaning against a street lamp is Jack Nicholson. And I'm I'm to this day if I ran into Jack Nolson, I can't be cool about it. But I just was like just chill. And he Jack Nson gets in the back and he just like Jack, you know, Conan. I'm up in front in that awkward like and I lean through the there's a little slit of headrest and I'm like, "Hi Jack." You know, hey Conan. And then we go off to the game and what I remember is sitting with him and Lauren at this game and Lauren had told me beforehand, don't wear a Red Sox cap cuz Lauren had these amazing seats

right? And, he, pretty, much, put, all, this, pressure on me. So I went and I got a hat that had like the Swiss flat just like a black cap. I had to get a neutral cap cuz I thought it's Lauren's seats

right? Jack's, a, big, Yankee, fan., If, I'm, wearing a Red Sox cap next to them, this is rude. It was just very hard thing to do. So I just wore a neutral cap.

What, happened, to, you,, man?, I, know,, I know, I know, I know. It's Jack Nicholson and I I buckled. Um, so, but I remembered him. Pedro Martinez was pitching and uh it's a game that the Red Sox lost just before they had this amazing comeback and ended up winning the World Series and breaking the curse and uh Jack Nicholson was taunting Pedro Martinez and he was shouting at him cuz it was getting a little later in the game and he went "Arms getting heavy, Pedro. arms getting heavy and I'm like, "Fuck that's good."

God, that, is, so, good. What, a, dick. It's, Jack, Nicholson. Arms, get, Yeah,, it's, baseball.

Yeah. Yeah., And, then, uh, I, got, a, nice, moment with him on the when we got home and got out of the car. He

He, got, out, and, I, got, out, too,, to, just say I was really nice hanging with you Jack, tonight. And he went he's I guess his son was a big fan of the show. I think Jack knew nothing about what I was doing, but he went uh he was like, "Uh uh, son's crazy about you, Conan." He said, I said "Nice to meet you, J. Nice to meet you, too, Conan." Son's crazy about you. It's Conan this, Conan that. Driving me crazy.

That's, great. I, was, so, happy., I, like, got, back, in, the car and, I, sat, back, with, Lauren., I, didn't, get in the front seat this time. I'm like I'm back here where Jack Nicholson's at. He'll forget you tomorrow. You know, I love to time travel. I love to go back to the guy in the crappy used car that I bought for literally a couple hundred bucks at the airport from a rental and put on counter makeup and then think about the things I get to do now or the things I've been able to do or had the good fortune to to do. And I just love time traveling back and forth to visit that guy and go, "Isn't this crazy?" I mean, if you if you showed up to the you who's a teenager and really into acting and said, "This is what's going to happen."

Yeah. What, a, delight. Well,, and, also, to, um, to, have, kind, of feel like you won the lottery, but your your your best friend won it, too. You know what, I, mean?, So,, for, like

we've, talked, about, that,, Ben., Ben, and, I. Um, you know, and also just the fact that it's it didn't seem weird to us in the 1980s that we were 14 and 16 years old and or 15 and 16 and going to New York by ourselves. Um

right, you, know,, to, audition, for, things, like Yeah. until, we, had, kids,, I, think,, that, were that age and we were like, can you believe, that, we, would, just, go? Would you just let this kid go to San Francisco for the day by themselves? Right. just

right, you, know,, but, it, seemed, totally normal to us. Um, you know, we didn't have families that were in the business. You know, Boston, there's nobody in the entertainment business up there.

I'm, telling, you,, my, I, think, your, parents were not in the business. Um, my parent my dad was a, you know, microbiologist

right? And, my, mom's, a,, you, know,, estate, lawyer. Um, and I never saw anything. There was a local show called Zoom.

Yeah,, of, course., And, Zoom, had, kid, actors in it and it was made in Boston. And at the end they'd say, you know, made at the studio in Boston. And I I just couldn't believe someone was making something for television that was in Boston.

And, so, those, Zoom, Kids, were, like, the Beatles to me. I just couldn't believe.

But, I, didn't, see, anybody., I, just, didn't see anyone. And then uh Robert Urick made Spencer for Hire, which took place in Boston.

That, was, a, big, deal. That, was, a, huge, deal., Yeah., Yeah,, we used to watch it every week just, you know, it was, you know, and then sometimes you'd go and you see trucks and you were like, "Oh my god, I think they're shooting here for hire."

Well,, I, remember, they, shot, an, episode and they used my high school. This is long after I've left high school. I'm a writer at Saturday Night Live at this point and I'm in my early 20s and I'm at Senate Live in this episode and we were just hanging around the offices flipping channels at night and there was Spencer for hire and he's they shot it at my high school and I became that dick who sat there. I was like wow that's my high school and then Robert Urick's running through the hallways and he went you can't get from the science wing to the gym using the allevel stairs.

What are they thinking? What, an, idiot. Uh, but, and, I, believe, your, mom, was, was she into child psychology? Is that right?

She, was, a, professor, of, early, childhood education. Yeah. My, wife's, mother, uh, who, passed, recently, lovely woman, Pam, she had done a lot of work, I think learning about kids and development and uh also as a as a therapist. And so when I would talk to her, sometimes I'd be reminded, "Oh no I'm just telling her the problems with my day." And then I realized that she's has this incredible intelligence and knowledge that she would apply to it. And she's I realized, "Oh, she's psychoanalyzed."

Did, you, have, that, from, your, mom? Uh,, no., I, think, in, the, sense, that, she understood the stages of development of child development and and gave my brother and me a a um kind of everything we needed to to for our brains to develop the way they were supposed to develop.

Oh,, that's, good. In, the, sense, that,, you, know,, I, mean, back then her her big bugaboo was like screens, was was, television.

Yeah., Yeah. How, much, TV, do, you, watch?, What, are, you watching? And now it's just the, you know, completely just jumped the shark with with screens and and and you know the ubiquity of them and what that means for kids and brain development and stuff like that. And we're basically, you know, this is, you know, a specieswide experiment at this point.

Exactly., Yeah., Because, there, are, these natural things that have to happen for you know, and it's like open-ended play and things like that for kids that really just help them

figure, out, all, the, strategies, to, kind, of figure out the world and and, boredom., Right., You, need, boredom.

Boredom, is, was, great., I, mean,, remember how bored you'd be as a kid and then you'd figure something out, you know you'd you'd figure out a way to entertain yourself or you go make something up or you'd, you know, um

No,, I, would, always, say, to, my, wife, early on, we got to leave plenty of room for them to be bored. And she said, "Don't you worry.

Just, tell, more, of, your, when, I, was, a, kid stories. Tell your Nicholson story again." Um

kids,, he's, a, big, deal., Uh, but, no,, I, mean that you're exactly right. That's exactly right. You have to you have to leave room for all of that and then um I I do worry about it. I think it's a scary thing.

Yeah,, me, too., Because, I, didn't when, I, walked, through, airports, and, I just thought of this when I was in Hong Kong just recently, everyone was on their screen and sometimes people would just

click, I, mean, and, they're, not, even, kids anymore. It's everybody. And you see it for with with myself like I how quickly I my I I'll allow my attention to kind of get colonized by these devices. this device where I'll just sit there and disappear down a rabbit hole and watch a bunch of and and then an hour goes by and you go, "Well, wait a minute." Like that like Chris Nolan very famously doesn't have a smartphone and and and I think he said kind of publicly it just

he, he, he, he, wants, to, preserve, that, time that you know the exact time we're talking about where he can think about things more deeply.

Let, your, mind, wander., let, your, mind wander rather than just instantly give it the, you know, the dopamine hit of a of of,, you, know,

Candy, Crush, or, something., You, know, what I mean? Like, you know that's, what, you're, doing, for

No,, no,, no., I, play, Bat, Gaming, on, my phone, though. I'm like, I've got a quick game of Batgaming and it's like what am I doing? You know

they, should, do, You, should, do, one, more Born movie where you're just where you're just on your phone. And Jason's on his phone the whole time alone and

and, they, sit, back, to, the, CIA, and everyone's just on their phone in, the, back.

You're, not, looking, for, him., Really? They're not looking for you. You're not running from them. Nothing's getting done.

Exactly. Exactly. And, and, the, tech, the, tech, overlords, are making trillions of dollars. Yeah. That's the movie. Yeah. Um you know, I uh I really enjoyed the rip. I want to make sure I I get it out there that Steven Young's in this. You have a great cast.

It's, a, great, cast., Tiana, Taylor,, Steven Young. I mean, it's Kyle Chandler's in it. Uh there's just a wonderful group of actors.

There, was, one, moment, where, when, I, was watching it and I think I heard him before I saw him, but I heard Kyle Chandler's voice and he said something a little like, you know, now what are we doing here? And I just heard the coach you know, and I'm like, it's coach, you know. Uh but again, he plays someone completely different

cuz, you're, all, really, good, actors., Uh Steven Young I've done he's a friend and we've done a lot of stuff together and uh he's a phenomenal actor.

I, just, adore, him. So, do, I., And, he, he, actually, just, he, went from doing that to the Ben directed another movie that's going to come out next year that Steven's in. Uh he's in that as well. He's just we we love him.

Also,, I, want, to, point, out, the, the, story here is a really interesting one because and I'm not going to give anything away but the RIP refers to money that I guess has been seized. uh in in illegal activity and you guys there's so much great lingo in this movie.

Yeah,, it's, all, real, cop, lingo., It's, all based on uh you know Joe Carneahan wrote it and directed it and and uh and it's it's based on the experience of of loosely based on the experience of this kind of unit down in in Miami that

you, know, they, go, to, uh, you, know, they have uh units that go looking for for drugs and then they have units that go looking for money for for drug money basically and and and dogs literally that sniff for drugs and dogs that sniff for cash.

That's, that, I, didn't, know, when, I, saw that either. you you get to this one house and the dog is sniffing and you know that there's cash inside. And I thought, I've never heard of that. A dog that knows there's cash.

Yeah. In, there., You, know,, they'll, soon, have one that can detect Bitcoin, you know

that, server. But, it, was, it, SPOKE, A, LITTLE, BIT., It just knows server. Um,, wait., The, dog, speaks, and, it's looking for Bitcoin. We're we're skipping past the fact that the dog speaks.

I, think, it's, more, impressive, that, it, can smell. Okay. You, know,, various, uh, various, chips., Um

Matt's, writing, now,, don't, do, this podcast again. No,, no,, no., I'm, just, on, the, thought experiment.

Both, Matts, are, writing. I, always, like, it, that, the, least impressive thing an animal does is speak. And it's more like, how did he know which door to go in? Go.

Wow., He, seems, to, know, which, door, to, go in., He, did, speak., Um,, one, of the, things the film does is you have to try and figure out who's playing what angle. And uh, you know, who's who's right, who isn't right, who's a good person, who's a bad person, and I was calling it. I was being that wise ass. It's like, all right, this and I got it wrong.

Yeah., You, don't, know, who's, who, really. And it's these guys, they hit this house, they think there's going to be you know, $75,000 or $150,000 in the house, and suddenly they find $20 million in the wall. and they know that that means it's cartel money, which means that they're probably going to come try to get it. They know, you know so it suddenly becomes this kind of they're stuck in this house cuz they have to count the money on site. Uh which is which is a rule cuz to kind of

I, didn't, know, that, either before, they, can, bring, it, in. At, least, in, Miami,, that's, the

you, have, to, count, it, all, on, the, site because it's too easy for someone if it's a an amount of money like that someone could take $600,000 and put it in their pocket and then that's just what the count was. So you have to count it down. you have to count it together and and make sure that everybody agrees what the account is and then you go and you and you deposit, you know, you drop it off and they count it and it's got to match the number that you report and all of that. So, so that's but meanwhile you have these these cops who who are you know their captain has just been killed um you know before at the start of the movie and so you you're kind of going something's going on with these guys. Is there corruption within this unit?

Are, these, people, corrupt? Yeah., Are, they, are, these, supposed, heroes of the movie corrupt?

Are, the, heroes, Yeah., Can, we, trust, the heroes of the movie? Um, and you don't know., And, that's, kind, of the, fun, of, the movie.

And, I, do, love, the, jargon., And afterwards, I was walking around the house say, "Someone jacked my rip." And Liz was like "Shut up. I enjoyed it, too, but shut up." Um, well, uh, I really enjoyed it and uh, I think I've I've interviewed you a number of times over the years, but I love it when you stop by and check in because I'm I'm a huge fan of you and your career and your work and you're a very uh

you're, a, very, nice,, thoughtful,, funny guy. So, I love to hang with you man., I, I, I'll, come, back, next, time., You know,

I'm, not, sure, we, have, the, space., Yeah, exactly. Look, I'm sorry. Hey. Okay. Thanks.

Well,, yeah. Do you realize I, haven't, heard, that, in, a, while? Matt,, this, was, an, audition, to, get, on, the podcast.

Did, you, know, that? Yeah,, I'm, out, of, practice. Yeah,, we'll, let, you, know., We'll, let, you know.

Thank, you, so, much., You, do, have, my contact information. That's, how, big, this, podcast, has, become is Matt has to come in and audition. Um but uh yeah, thank you so much for doing this. Yeah, appreciate it.

Yeah., Yeah., Appreciate, it,, guys., Thank you. I was sitting around the other day and my buddy Matt Myra texted me a picture that you might be interested in. If we could throw it up on the Sure.

Oh, my, god,, what, is, that?, This, is, a, sign that's posted outside one of your former residences, the Cochran Avenue apartment. Did you know about this?

I, didn't. Where, is, this? It's, in, LA,, right? Oh,, yes., I, remember, this, apartment.

Of, course, I, do., This, was, a, formative part of my life. Um when I was uh first getting started in LA, uh, Greg Daniels and I, our first place, he was my writing partner. He's gone on to many great things. Um, he and I, uh, share an apartment in Brentwood first. Then we realized we need to move out of the west side and be with the young people because both of us were just desperate to meet anyone our age and have social lives. So we both moved into Hollywood and I found an apartment uh a friend of mine uh Cynthia Stevenson, actress, a very talented uh uh incredible woman. She said, "Hey Conan, I'm leaving my apartment. Do you want to take it over?" and it was on Cochran Avenue. So I moved into it was a firstf flooror apartment. This would have been 1986 I think. I think I lived there 868788.

I didn't go out and shop for any furniture. The only thing says, that, in, the, sign

Oh,, it, does. And, for, the, listener,, they, can, see, this on team podcast on Instagram as well as our YouTube channel. And here's what the sign says.

Conan, O'Brien,, former, Cochran, Avenue resident. There's a picture of you as kind of like a bronze bust.

Yeah., Conan, Christopher, O'Brien, is, an Emmywinning writer, comedian, and host who redefined late night television. From Saturday Night Live to The Simpsons to his own groundbreaking shows, he has brought laughter to millions. I'd like to fact check on that.

Hundreds., Hundreds. In, 2025,, he, added, another, milestone, hosting the Academy Awards. In the 1980s, Conan lived right here on Cochran Avenue, finishing his apartment with street finds and surviving on ramen noodles and tuna mixed with Miracle Whip.

Yes., Yes., God,, it, was, a, time, of struggle, ingenuity, and questionable mayonnaise-based decisions. From these humble beginnings, this street witnessed the rise of a comedy icon. May this moment, parenthesis, a poster affixed with zip ties, inspire Cochran Avenue residents to chase their dreams, enhance their originality, and one day upgrade to a home with more than one bathroom. So, this is temporary. I didn't realize this. It's foam core poster wall. We have to. I mean, my god. Um, we've got to Wow, look at this.

This, is, dedicated, February, 27th,, 2025, by the Cochran Committee of Conan Connoisseurs. Actually, just one guy who lives on Cochran Avenue occasionally listens to Conan's podcast. Had some free time and no real authority to put up a monument, but did it anyway.

Who, is, this, guy, or, a, gal? Okay. You, mean, what? It, says, it, says, actually, just, one, guy.

Oh,, sorry., I, was, trying, to, accuse, you, of being sexist when actually you're just guilty of paying attention.

It, could, be, a, No., Oh., Um,, well,, first, of all, I want to thank this guy uh because that's really funny and um old me. I always think of ghost me, the the60 lb Conan who lived at Cochran Avenue uh and furnished his apartment with all stuff I found on Cochran Avenue.

Oh, god., I, mean,, it's, just, flea, ridden. Uh,, I, mean,, it's, just, like, tables. People used to just put furniture out.

I've, done, that. Yeah., I, lamps,, everything., And, one, of, my friends gave me a cutout

of, the, w, the, Miss, America, winner, that, he had a life-siz cutout of her, you know in a gown holding, you know, with her sash. And

yeah,, your, friend, gave, it, to, you., You bought it and it was your girlfriend.

Yes., And, yes., No., Shout, out, to, Randy Clampert who gave it to me and I had it in my apartment along with furniture I found and I thought everything was just fine and lived off of that diet of ramen noodles.

Tuna, mixed, with, Miracle, Whip., Wait,, did you come up with this? It's an abomination.

I, I, know., I, think, it, was, something, that happened back at Kernard. I think the crime started in in Brooklyn Massachusetts, and then I brought it with me.

That's, listed, with, shellfish, in, the Bible as an abomination. Yes., Yes., And, so, am, I,, by, the, way., Um, and so yeah, I lived on Cochran and now someone, this is the part of this culture that I find endlessly fun is someone made that and then put these all these self-deprecating disclaimers at the bottom. Uh, and it's really fun. I just love that. And I love that someone is memorializing my life on Cochran Avenue back in the day. Yeah, I would say 86 to 88. And then I left that apartment to go to um I believe Saturday Night Live.

Did, Miss, America, come, with, you? She, did., And, I, was, married, to, her, for, a while.

I, was, married, to, a, cardboard, cutout for, 5, years, and, then, she, left, me.

Yeah., She, said, emotional, cruelty. You, left, her, out, in, the, rain. Yeah., Yeah., I, was, crying., Um, she, was with Basos for a while anyway.

Yeah., He, built, a, yacht, for, her, made, of cardboard. Um,, they, sailed, the, seven, seas, until, the boat fell apart.

Recycled, into, some, Amazon, packaging. Yeah,, she's, now, a, packing, tube., Anyway,

that's, really, cute, that, a, fan, did, that for you. That's, really, cool, and, cute.

Shout, out, to, that, fan., That, was, a, very fun, cool uh happening to create.

What, a, I, love, that., And, you, know what? Occasionally I I I passed that apartment. Not too long ago. I I pass that apartment because when I'm driving from my house to our studio, um I get off the 10 and it depends on what exit I take and I start cutting north to our Hollywood Larchmont um you know recording studio and uh sometimes I'll find myself on Cochran and I always pause and just look at that apartment and go, "Oh yeah, that kid's that kid did okay.

Did, all, right.", And, then, a, policeman always says, "Move it along. Nothing to see here." He's a 1920s.

He's, got, that, little He's, got, the, night, stick. Yeah., The, night baton., All, right., Move, it, along., MOVE, IT ALONG THERE. NO MORE VISITING ghost of 1986. Move it. He always knows exactly what I'm doing.

That's, just, a, trick, of, the, mind., Move, it along. No more ghost you. Those days are past. There's only now. There's no future and there's no past. I'm like "Wow, he's done a lot of work." Oh, no. It's a Buddhist mantra. He's the ghost. All right. Well, anyway, uh, thank you random fan who occasionally listens whoever you are. That was a cool thing to do.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend"?

Conan O'Brien (Host), Matt Damon (Guest), Sona Movsesian (Guest), Matt Gorley (Guest).

What is "Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend" about?

Matt Damon shares a humorous and candid conversation with Conan O'Brien, reflecting on the challenges of fatigue and the absurdities of their work environment. The exchange highlights Damon's affable nature, his friendship with O'Brien, and the strange moments that can occur while navigating their busy lives.

What is mentioned in this Team Coco episode?

36 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Lucy Damon, The Rip, Goodwill Hunting, The Bourne Identity, Unforgiven, Francis Ford Coppola. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Matt Damon (FULL EPISODE) | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend"?

The episode runs 1 h 3 min; the transcript is about 12,917 words in 278 timestamped sections.

More from Team Coco

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated January 24, 2026.