Ben Stiller, the renowned actor and filmmaker behind hits like Tropic Thunder and the series Severance, returns for a candid chat with Conan. They delve into the hilarious process of convincing Tom Cruise to join Tropic Thunder and the journey of documenting his parents' comedic legacy. Stiller shares thoughts on the anticipated second season of Severance and reflects on the creative challenges faced during the pandemic. Amidst laughter, they connect over the absurdities of fandom and an amusing burglary involving Conan's merch. It's a delightful ride through comedy and creativity!
Ben Stiller shares insights into the unique process of working with Tom Cruise for the film Tropic Thunder, highlighting collaboration in filmmaking.
The podcast humorously addresses the complexities and expectations of gift-giving in relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication between partners.
Conan and Ben discuss the evolution of parenting and balance between professional life and family commitments, showcasing personal experiences and challenges.
Deep dives
Streamlining Healthcare Experience
Amazon One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy aim to alleviate the painful process of seeking medical care by offering solutions such as 24/7 virtual visits and delivery of prescriptions directly to patients' doors. This service seeks to eliminate long wait times, crowded pharmacies, and the often frustrating experience associated with in-person doctor's appointments. The convenience of accessing medical services from home through these platforms represents a significant shift in healthcare accessibility. As a result, patients can focus more on recovery rather than the logistical challenges involved in obtaining necessary care.
Dispelling Credit Card Myths
The podcast addresses a common misconception regarding the acceptance of Discover credit cards, emphasizing that Discover is accepted at 99% of places that accept credit cards in the U.S. This statistic challenges the narrative that Discover is not widely accepted and encourages listeners to reconsider their choice of credit card. By shedding light on this myth, the conversation serves to inform consumers about their options and the reality of credit card acceptance. This could influence consumer behavior and preferences when choosing which credit card to use.
Gift-Giving Expectations
The discussion explores the complexities of gift-giving within relationships, particularly focusing on the preferences and expectations of spouses when choosing gifts for one another. It highlights the practicality many couples adopt, often exchanging links or direct requests for specific gifts to ensure satisfaction, which sometimes strips away the element of surprise. The dialogue delves into humorous anecdotes about missteps in gift selection, demonstrating that communication and understanding preferences can be critical to meaningful gift-giving. This reflection on gift interactions unveils the tension between the desire for thoughtful surprises and the safety of fulfilling requests.
Parenting Reflections
The podcast touches on the intricacies of parenting, especially regarding the evolving dynamics as children grow older. With children becoming more vocal about their feelings, the importance of addressing past behaviors and achievements becomes apparent. Discussions reveal how parents grapple with finding a balance between work commitments and being present for their family. As the host shares personal experiences with their children, it illustrates the challenges and rewards of maintaining familial relationships while navigating professional demands.
Creative Collaboration in Filmmaking
The conversation emphasizes the value of collaboration in the creative process, especially in filmmaking, where diverse talents come together to craft compelling narratives. The host reflects on working closely with actors, writers, and production teams, recognizing that great ideas often emerge from collective efforts. The discussion serves as a reminder that successful projects often result from harmonious teamwork and respect for each individual's contributions. Highlighting specific projects, it celebrates the artistry that arises from shared visions and collaborative endeavors, reinforcing the idea that teamwork fuels creativity.
Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller feels…hmmm…about being Conan O’Brien’s friend.
Ben sits down with Conan once more to discuss the process of enlisting Tom Cruise for Tropic Thunder, producing a documentary about his parents Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and bringing the question of what he’d like to see on TV to the second season of Severance. Later, Conan responds to a voicemail regarding a burglar who was wearing his merch.
For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com.
Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847.
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode