It Only Takes A Smile

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Conan O’Brien after a concert he performed in with his new band The Vigodas at The Lodge Room in Highland Park.  What was interesting is I feel I already knew him after watching him for over thirty years on his talk shows, travel show, and podcast.  After so much familiarity, I feel he already was a friend, we just hadn’t met.  

            In between musical acts, I asked my brother what he would say to Conan if he got the opportunity to meet him. He said he would blame Conan on his poor sleep, because he would stay up to watch his late night show ever since the debut (when my brother was in 4^th grade).  I said I would bring up the late Norm McDonald standing me up on a date when I was an extra on his show, because I knew Conan was his beloved friend. I even prepped a photo ready to show him.  

            My brother and I decided to leave during another act, because the LA heat wave was difficult to bear at the concert hall.  Several minutes prior we saw Conan leave from his private room and exit through the front.  We decided to go out the entrance, although my brother warned me the proper exit was preferred, and Conan was probably already long gone.  We stepped into the alley of the front entrance and found Conan there with his crew.  Immediately I was lectured by a staff member that “this is not an exit.” I pretended to not hear the comment, and when I saw Conan I had to say “I love you.” I was wearing a Dolly Parton shirt in honor of her, who had died the day prior.  He said “I love your shirt,” and we both briefly shared our love for her.  

I had prepared to meet Conan earlier that night.  Call it the law of attraction or just an inner knowing.  My brother and I just had discussed this potential interaction.  I showed him and image on my phone of Norm McDonald and I from 20 years ago, stating “your friend stood me up on a date.” He realized who it was, he said “he’s still standing you up.”  After his witty comment, Conan then offered kind genuine words that you would to a friend who had been hurt by someone years ago.  It was a brief interaction but validating.  My brother shared what he wanted to say to him, we talked of his upcoming new season of his travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go which includes the Phillipines this year.  I ended the conversation with giving him one of these itonlytakesasmile kindness cards.  I watched Conan actually reading the Joseph Campbell quote on the back.  The new cards had just come in the mail that day, and I was appreciative I was able to share this with him.  I am not sure if he kept it, but it was an honor to offer something small and tangible to him.  

One of the last things I said to Conan in addition to it being a great performance that evening was “I’m glad you are doing what you love.” Conan has been such an inspiration.  He’s pivoted his career multiple times, and after retirement he opts to start the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and a travel show, where he visits his fans internationally.  In his 60’s he’s starting a band for the sole fact that it brings him joy.  Watching him and the Vigodas perform helped spread joy to the audience.  We need more of that in our world today.  There is a contagious nature of happiness and curiosity to try new things and share your passions with the world, regardless of your age.  His playful interactions with the audience in between songs welcomed us all into another facet of him, which was entertaining and engaging. 

Thank you Conan for what you do and taking the time to have a genuine conversation with us.  It would have been easy to say nothing, not be bothered after a performance, as you had people to protect you from bothersome fans like me. Yet those several moments engaging with you will linger and live on as I share the story with others.  After years of watching you, it warmed my heart to feel for a moment we connected as friends.