Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Martin Short Returns Again

Oct 19, 2026 · 1h 1m

Summary

Conan O’Brien shares a story about his trip to Aspen, where he attended his wife’s play and encountered bears, before being interrupted by writer Matt O’Brien. He then welcomes guest Martin Short, who discusses the documentary *You Had to Be There* and the origins of the legendary 1972 Toronto production of *Godspell*. The pair reminisce about the Toronto comedy scene, the formation of SCTV, and their enduring friendship, while also touching on the unique humor of Canadian comedians.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Card Intro: Marketing hype vs. reality Conan's friend and fall theme song Liza's play in Aspen and bear encounters Bear safety advice and audience anecdotes Hunter S. Thompson and Woody Creek Tavern Matt O'Brien calls in by accident Introducing guest Martin Short Banter: Appearance and friendship dynamics Documentary 'You Had to Be There' and Godspell Sponsors: T-Mobile, Pluto TV, Miller Lite Conan's childhood and SNL origins Living with Gilda Radner and Eugene Levy Party culture and talent vs. luck Gilda Radner's relationship and death SCTV cast and Rum and Ting tradition Canadian comedy influence and Jiminy Glick SCTV format and improv fears Jerry Lewis impression and meeting him Sponsors: Quince and Coca-Cola Zero Nostalgia for 70s TV and characters Career path and early stand-up struggles Marty Short collaboration and Only Murders Outro and Scared to Death promo Sponsor: KFC GoBuckets
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