Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend - Snack Attack Strikes Back with Talent Coordinator Maddie Ogden

Episode Date: June 19, 2025

Talent coordinator Maddie Ogden returns for a follow-up delivery of alternative snacks, and Conan’s team helps him decide on the right food product to stand behind. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply 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.

Conan O'Brien needs a fan. Wanna talk to Conan? Visit teamcoco.com slash call Conan. Okay, let's get started. Okay, we're gonna do something a little different today. As you know, I run a powerful podcast company here, Thriving Concern, and we always are trying to improve things.

Recently, we talked to our town coordinator, Maddie Ogden, about our snacks that we were offering the celebrity guests that come on. I thought things were getting way too healthy, and this is a bit of a follow-up to that, because I've seen real positive change. One of the things she does is she treats the incoming talent,

whoever it might be, all the greats come here, Cesar Romero, Rudolf Giuliani, all of our great podcast guests over the years, you know, Al Jolson, Woody the Woodpecker, all the guests that come, she writes out a nice thing on a chalkboard with colored chalk, welcome Woody, welcome former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, now disgraced, she writes out a nice thing on a chalkboard with colored chalk, welcome Woody, welcome former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, now disgraced.

And she writes a nice thing. And then she provides a gift basket. And I was getting very critical of the gift basket because it used to be great. And then I noticed over time it got super healthy. Did you guys notice this too? And we talked about it, we had a segment about it. And we discussed it and it started to get filled with like,

oh, it's a weird kale chip. And, and, Blay, feel free to jump in at any point. Mushroom jerky, you point out. Mushroom jerky. That was the big offender. Mushroom jerky broke my brain. So we called Maddie in and Maddie talked about it. And I think it was a very popular segment.

People, I heard about it a lot from people out on the street. From the people on the street, because I walk the streets. OK. I'm often seen walking the streets at night and I'm just trying for the people to come talk to me. And people really liked that segment. Since then, our show here in Larchmont has been bombarded with snacks.

Every day I come in, there's new snacks. People are sending us snacks because they want to be part of our snack basket, which was never a promotional opportunity at all. This was not something that we were doing to... Maybe it should have been. Maybe it should have been. Maybe we weren't playing the game right. Yeah.

Well, it is now, because we have mentioned some snacks we get. That's true. I mean, no mushroom jerky. That's not allowed. No. And no, like, weird collagen chips. Oh. Yeah. There's... I liked some of the stuff in there. I think you were a little harsh

because I liked a lot of the stuff that was in there, but now when they're bringing like, you know, all the different popcorn and I saw Oreos, I was like, yeah, maybe this is better. Exactly. There's Almond Joys now too? Yes. Well, if Maddie's here, we should have her come in.

If she's here, let's have Maddie come in because we can talk to her and maybe she can update us on what's been sent in. This is what's called, and I happen to know this, so I don't know if you know what we're gonna call this, this is called a follow-up. Oh, okay, oh thank you, that's cool. And people like a follow-up.

Hi, Maddie. Maddie Ogden, come on in. Oh, she's carrying a box. Okay, and Maddie, this was unplanned. I didn't set this up beforehand, but would you agree that since this segment aired, we've been getting people sending us snacks. Is that true?

That's a microphone right there. Are we getting snacks or are we not getting snacks? We are getting snacks. We are getting snacks sent to us to meet Maddie, the talent coordinator and snack artist. Yeah. What is this? This is, this actually arrived today along with other snacks, showstopper cookies. Yeah, that was really good.

Baked by a Portland, a Portland native like myself and Michelle's granola, which Eduardo's wife is a huge fan of. I will be honest, I have yet to dig in because I am nervous to make snackfluencer videos because I don't consider myself to be an influencer. Snackfluencer. But, and then this is like air puff corn, which I haven't tried, Sona has tried. And my understanding is that it's like a healthier version

of a pirate's booty. Yeah, it's pretty good. Okay, so first of all, I wanna make sure this is all on the level with Adam Sachs, our guru. We're just mentioning products. I am not here. I don't wanna be later on charged with some kind of scam. This is just us discussing.

I think we're good. This is okay? Yeah, I think we're good. Maybe it's Tanisha. Tanisha's gonna come in here and she's gonna say, you can't mention that puff corn because we have a side deal with Pippi Pappy's popcorn from Cincinnati.

We can't stop people from sending us food. You're right, you're right. We cannot stop people from sending us like air puff corn, 50 calories per cup, better than popcorn. It says, but that must mean it's not popcorn. It's puff corn. What is it?

It's like a healthy Cheeto. Can we try it? Let's see. But it's better. We did not prepare this. And this is sealed pretty well. And Maddie has no knife or anything. And now she's tearing at it like a wild animal.

And Blakey gave her a pen. He threw her a pen. So she could write a letter to the quest at night. It's the only thing I had. Oh, there's different flavors. But I mean, I'm seeing- Pancake? Wow!

Cinnamon bun? Let me try pancake. Let me try pancake. Oh my gosh. Jalapeno cheddar. This is pancake flavored puff corn. I already had a bag. I tried this before. Did you? Was it good?

I did. White cheddar was, it was really good. Oh, white cheddar and pancake, I bet. Oh my God. Yeah. That is good. It's a little alarming when you first bite into it and then it's great. Yeah, it's good.

I really like these snack segments we do because all I do is snack here. I'm a big snacker. You don't snack as much as Matt and I do. I try not to snack as much on air talent. I try to keep a lean body weight. How many bowls of fruity pebbles did you have tonight? Oh!

Be honest. Don't you have me tell everyone to remove them from the kitchen because you don't trust yourself around the fruity pebbles? I have an addiction issue, and I respectfully ask that fruity pebbles, the magical cereal that turns milk into plutonium be taken away.

How many bowls today? I don't want to talk about it. And then yesterday. Two today, two today, four yesterday. Are we on air talent? If this is a pot, are we considered on air talent? I know you are, cause you're on air a lot, but doesn't that make us on air talent too?

What are you getting at? Do I need to diet? Oh no, oh god no. Stop, Sona, no. No, you're beautiful. What are you talking about? Oh, that's really nice. I'm stress eating a lot.

It's fine, it's okay. Maybe I'll take another bag. What are you talking about? Yeah, I am. And no one, listen, no one's ever. It's okay. Maybe I'll take another bag. What are you talking about? Yeah, I am. Listen, no one's ever... Thanks, Cal. No one's watching or not watching me or listening or not listening to me because of how I appear, clearly.

Also, can I say, Sona, growing up, watching you and your presence on the Conan show... Growing up, Mattie. I'm 14. We're violating a lot of child labor laws. But I just wanted to say, no, like genuinely, like as I was, you know, three watching you and, you know, starting to become a toddler, I'm young, I'm not that young, but you were, and I talked to my friends about this and it's true, like you were such a healthy influence on a young woman because the truth is, I'm sorry, I know this is a comedy podcast, I'm gonna be real for a second, but it sucks growing up as a woman, I think that that's, you know, hot take.

And you were such a healthy influence that you, first of all, were never afraid to be yourself, but that you were so, I think the term body positive is kind of like, but it's true in the sense that like, you know, you are growing up, like, you were so open about your love of snacks and sometimes alcohol. No, I don't need to chime in. No, no, no, but you, I'll say this, like Zorba the Greek, you lived life, you love life,

and it was really healthy. It's really nice, thanks guys. And you're beautiful. And you're just a good, you love life, and it was really healthy. It was really nice. Thanks, guys. And you're beautiful. Oh my God, Maddie. And you're just a good role model, and it's still bizarre for me to work with you every day. And I just wanted to say that. Wow, I didn't see this coming at all.

You wouldn't have done it if you did. If I had known this was gonna turn out to be some sort of kind thing for Sona, I would have ditched this thing a long time ago. Or women's empowerment. But I think that's very lovely that that was said. That's really nice. And it was very nice of you to say it.

And I wish I'd been included in that somehow. But I'm gonna let it go. Let the record show I've written him multiple cards. He can't. Yeah, I shred them. I'm gonna dig in. Okay, these snacks are good. I would recommend these for the gift basket,

but we're getting other stuff in too. Did we get Oreos? Or not? Well, I haven't put them in the basket. I gave those just to you, but I can get snack pack Oreos if that pleases thy Lord. No, I never compared myself to Jesus. That was one time

when I said I could convert water into wine. Since people are sending us snacks and clearly you have a power to influence what's being sent us, do you want to call out any sort of snack that you'd like to try or something? I feel like I shouldn't alter the course of history. Got it, okay. Like in Star Trek, this is gonna get you excited.

I know you're a big Star Trek fan. You can't interfere with the civilization on the planet. This is the snack prime directive. Exactly. I knew you'd a big Star Trek fan. You can't interfere with civilization on the planet. This is the snack prime directive. Exactly. I knew you'd know the actual quote. Well, listen, I like the way the direction is going with the snacks. That's why this is called a follow-up.

Didn't expect it to be this the sona turn. I didn't see it coming, but it was lovely. I had to sneak it in. Always keep a box cutter with you so you can open a box. Stud. Especially around Conan. Okay. Let's take a look. So cool.

Good Lord. Good job with the snacks. I think they are, I think the snack game is way improved and just getting rid of the mushroom jerky, which was a little bit of a pain in the ass. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a snack that's not too much of a pain in the ass. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a snack

that's not too much of a pain in the ass. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a snack that's not too much of a pain in the ass. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a snack that's not too much of a pain in the ass. I mean, I think it's a good idea to have a snack that's not too much of a pain in the ass. I think they are, I think the snack game is way improved and just getting rid of the mushroom jerky, which was a total, total fail. That was unforgivable. I am sorry. A lot of people have roasted me online

as a liberal fuck for doing that. I have to say, I can't disagree. That was a valid criticism. Well, listen, I don't often agree with the far right, but when it comes to mushroom jerky, I do. Me too. Yeah. Keep America strong.

All right, well, you do something with this, make it into something, and then we'll do something. I'm just lost in puff corn right now. That stuff is amazing. It's weird, isn't it? I will break the prime directive and say, send more popcorn. Wow.

And the pancake flavor is a hit. Yeah. And the jalapeno cheddar. You can have more of that one. I opened it, but I'm actually feeling the white cheddar. Let me try that one. Uh-oh, what's happening here? Let me try some of that cheddar.

You want some of this? Give me some cheddar. Maddie, is there a snack that you're thinking of, that you're pondering that would be moving us in a whole new direction that you haven't pulled the trigger on yet? Meaning would we ever go to giving somebody, this is getting about just off the top of my head,

but like a candied ham or- Oh, God. Or, I mean, like a meat product. Would we ever do that? Would we ever do a jerky of some kind, a real jerky? Would we ever do, I don't know. It's very carb heavy, I think. A little more protein maybe.

Yes, thank you, Blay. Thank you. That's what I think I was going for is that it's all very chippy and very crunchy and salty. Those are like snacks. Those are all delicious things. very chippy and very crunchy and salty. Those are like snacks. Those are all delicious things. Yes, but a snack can also be a slice of sirloin steak.

Oh! Oh! Like a roasted pig on a spit or something? Like going at all times? Well, chunks of ham, you wouldn't, I mean, obviously you're being silly when you say a whole roasted pig, but if we got a roasted pig and we hacked off chunks of it and you wouldn't, I mean, obviously you're being silly when you say a whole roasted pig, but if we got a roasted pig and we hacked off chunks of it

and we threw it in the basket, that would fill 15 baskets. That's nice. You know? And then whoever's been on the show, whether it's Idris Elba or former mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani, they leave with a chunk of roasted Hawaiian suckling pig.

That sounds like a snack basket for dogs. Should we just take it to a shelter? No, I mean, again, you're doing your quips and your jokeroo's. That's your generation. I'm so sorry, you're right. No, and you're entitled to those, but I think I was making a real point,

which is that protein would be a good idea. Yeah, protein. Yes, and lean it to a micro. We'll get you your own mic at some point if we can afford it. Just one thought is, you know, we have this big platform, it would be good to have our own products to push. You know what?

God damn, Adam, yes. This is- Don't you know Brian Mushroom Jerky? Or, yeah. Hey! Can I just say, that's why we pay him the big bucks. You know, I'm saying, no, he actually doesn't. His money's all from skimming.

He took, see. He doesn't even work here. He doesn't work here. He hasn't worked here in years. We don't know what he's doing here, but he drives a Bentley. Ooh, Bentley, that's a good idea for the snack basket. What do we do?

What do we do? We should have a snack that has the Conan O'Brien name and which represents what I represent, a sweetness, a lightness, something. I think it's more acidy. Okay, acidic. I don't know why I thought a tempura. And I don't know why.

I think it's cause it starts off really hard and then it softens when it's in the package longer. So maybe you're soft and temper a snack. Something, we've got to get a snack that has, I want to stand behind a food product and I want to have a big piece of it so that I never work again. And I think there's a lot of people out there listening

that would love it if I just stopped talking and just shut the fuck up. So if I had a food product that was a big seller, it's like Newman's Own, I'm gone. Oh, that goes to charity, right? Yeah, there's the obvious choice. That was the flaw with Newman's Own. The obvious choice is like Conan's potatoes.

Beet chips. Oh. Or like a little individually wrapped carrot cake, you know? You think a carrot cake? I don't know. What comes to my mind is not so much a snack, but just maybe more of like a kazoo. Like if I was to, I think boil you down to one product.

Well, I think it's possible to make a snack that also makes a sound. It should be a snack that makes a sound. And if there was a snack that you could blow into and it made a sound, but it had a little bit of protein, you can add protein to anything, protein powder. You can especially nowadays. So, I mean.

They used to make little candy whistles. Yeah. A candy whistle, what's that? Like pop rocks. Like pop rocks, you put them in your mouth. Or you just take, you know, like one of those beef sticks and hollow it out, so it's a flute, like a beef flute. A meat flute.

A meat flute. Conan's meat flute. Conan's meat flute. Should I not have said that? I think you did, and we're gonna have to go forward with it. I think it's Conan's meat flute. A meat flute. A meat Flute. Conan's meat flute. I love it. Conan's meat flute. Should I not have said that? I think you did and we're gonna have to go forward with it. I think it's Conan's meat flute. I'm sorry.

It's Conan's meat flute. Conan's own meat flute. All proceeds go to him. Yeah. And you're gonna be surprised how cheap it is. Yeah. So, and my big smiling face and my meat flute. Okay.

You're idiots, all of you. I thought I was the biggest idiot in the room. We learned it by watching you, dad. Yeah. Well, watch for it soon. I doubt it's gonna be at Whole Foods or Erawan or any credible. It's exclusive to our snack basket.

You don't think meat flutes can take off? We're gonna have to start our own supermarket chain because they're the only, this like 7-Eleven won't take this. No. Gas stations, independently owned gasven won't take this. No. Gas stations, independently owned gas stations won't take Conan's meat flute. But we're getting it out there.

Conan's meat flute, look for it. Not really cleared by the federal government. By the FDA? They could just not make it. No, maybe now, yes. Yeah. Oh yeah. Anyway, watch for it.

Conan's meat flute coming soon to an alley near you. I had four bags of popcorn. Conan O'Brien needs a fan. With Conan O'Brien, Sonam Avsesian, and Matt Gourley. Produced by me, Matt Gourley. Executive produced by Adam Sachs, Jeff Ross, and Nick Leal. Incidental music by Jimmy Vivino. Take it away, Jimmy.

Supervising producer, Blaird. Associate talent producer Jennifer Samples. Associate producers Sean Doherty and Lisa Berm. Engineering by Eduardo Perez. Get three free months of SiriusXM when you sign up at siriusxm.com slash Conan. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan wherever fine podcasts are down.