Author Erik Larson - Serious Jibber-Jabber with Conan O'Brien | CONAN on TBS

Conan sits down with one of his favorite authors, Erik Larson (The Devil in the White City, In The Garden of Beasts, Dead Wake) for an in-depth discussion of early 20th century history, the pleasure-pain of writing, and Conan's favorite subject: murder.
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Airing weeknights since 2010, CONAN on TBS is home to topical monologues, remote segments, celebrity interviews, musical performances and stand-up from the top comedians in the world. Watch highlights, outtakes and behind the scenes footage of Conan palling around with sidekick Andy Richter, tormenting Associate Producer Jordan Schlansky and playing the latest video games on Clueless Gamer.
ABOUT TEAM COCO
Team Coco is the KZbin home for all things Conan O’Brien and the Team Coco Podcast Network. Team Coco features over 25 years of comedy sketches, celebrity interviews and stand-up comedy sets from CONAN on TBS and Late Night with Conan O’Brien, as well as exclusive videos from podcasts like Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Literally! with Rob Lowe, Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer, The Three Questions with Andy Richter, May I Elaborate? with JB Smoove and Scam Goddess with Laci Mosley.
Author Erik Larson - Serious Jibber-Jabber with Conan O'Brien | CONAN on TBS
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[@jammadamma]

Conan, please keep doing these!

[@TheRamboBeast]

+jammadamma Yes, please, please, please...I don't care about celebrities' lives!

[@jammadamma]

I just like Conans more serious side as an interviewer. All these aren't fantastic of course, but some are great. Check the Jack White one - interesting if you like his music.

[@acetate909]

@@jammadamma The Simpsons writer episode was great as well.

[@ignatiusjackson235]

@@jammadamma Yes, the Jack White interview could very well be my favourite conversation in which I haven't participated.

[@laurahart00]

@@TheRamboBeast u

[@mcfungus9472]

Don't you just love Conan's subtle yet mildly funny jokes?

[@TheRamboBeast]

Conan, I think you're a terrific talk show host, but you're an even better conversationalist. This is far more interesting that talk about celebrities and their lives.

[@FlynnMcTaggart]

Excellent discussion of literature and one of the most interesting periods of human history. I'm really enjoying this. Damn fine interview, chat, or whatever you'd prefer to call it.

[@sirharrybriggs]

The technical term is Jibbar-Jabber.

[@Yayitsme]

I absolutely love this series of interviews. Many times with the show Conan, I avoid watching because I don't care for the guests that night, but in Serious Jibber-Jabber, Conan always makes me interested. I've never heard of Erik Larson prior to this interview because I'm not a non-fiction novel reader, but since watching this whole episode, I plan on buying all three of the books mentioned. I'm very excited to read Devil In A White City. The aspect I enjoy most about these interviews is that nothing is forced. It's a very casual and genuine conversation. There aren't any obvious set-ups like "hey, so I heard a funny thing happened at dinner last night." I like seeing Conan be himself.

[@Criscosta]

I just ended the reading of "The Splendid and the Vile" (today is February 18th, 2021) and I can already assure you: this book will be between my BEST readings of the year! I want to read everything Erik Larson already wrote. Great great book!! Greeting from Rio, BRAZIL.

[@rants1994]

I have read his books, currently reading Thunderstruck and Devil in the White City. He puts you back in time, it’s so cool.

[@Zsnakeistaken]

I hope Conan keeps doing these interviews. Just watched the Scott Berg interview and was blown away by the discussion of Woodrow Wilson.

[@victorkong82]

I've never been more aware of how good an interviewer Conan is until I finished watching this video and went to watch another interview of Larson's with some "arts reporter" stammering their way through the conversation.

[@EditorPJ]

Mr. O'Brien, in my view, your new format in Jibber-Jabber can contribute so much to enlightening so many - both young and old - to the value of learning history. I commend you - this is a refreshing and clearly natural progression in your successful career. I can't wait for your move from TBS to PBS! You would make for such a dynamic presenter by peppering US history with the serious jibber-jabber and your style of humor, or even better, the narrator of a Ken Burns doc on the Irish in America. I can so see you in that kind of production...

[@bdre5555]

Conan is secretly one of the most well-spoken and well-read interviewers possibly of all time. I hope you will do more of this type of interview now that he has retired from his TBS show.

[@kiChiSaga]

Conan is such a nerd, and I love him for it.

[@almarivera9274]

Why am I just discovering this jibber jabber now? Fascinating!! Thank you, Conan!

[@tlaalsrud204]

Great to see a talk show host who is not only hilarious but also intelligent. How refreshing! Watching this interview only made me like and respect Conan more.

[@acetate909]

Conan studied literature at Harvard. He's also hosted a talk show for 20+ years as we all know. He seems uniquely suited to make this kind of content. I love these long form interviews.

[@willparkinson]

Black suit and shirt on a black background makes it look like Conan's head is floating

[@naumanjaved5927]

Your display sucks.

[@katferguson]

'Dead Wake' is in my top three favorite books, maybe even #1. I listened to it on audiobook with one of the best narrators of all time, Scott Brick. As only Scott Brick can, he burst the story into life - with Larson's words the audiobook literally sang. During the sinking of the Lusitania I heard the saddest song I've ever heard. The audiobook was so great I had to buy the book. I had to have Dead Wake in my library. I had to touch it, smell it, smile at it & savor the day when I visit the Lusitania again. ❤

[@Criscosta]

I just ended the reading of "The Splendid and the Vile" (today is February 18th, 2021) and I can already assure you: this book will be between my BEST readings of the year! I want to read everything Erik Larson already wrote. Great great book!! Greeting from Rio, BRAZIL.

[@almarivera9274]

Yes! The audiobook was amazing!

[@chucknight]

This is the best series on the internet. Insightful discussion and definitely introduces new events/people/ideas to me.

[@emmae8953]

I just want to get a book suggestion list from Conan. I'm quickly running out of good non fiction books and he is always reading interesting new books. Team Coco, unlikely as it is that you will actually read this, I would very much appreciate this.

[@placebo5466]

I really wish Conan did more of these interviews with Historian authors.

[@atombomb3422]

55:16 great question and even better answer

[@GetReal521]

I love these interviews, Conan. I am also grateful that you are sharing a part of you which is out of the realm of what we know best. Thank you!

[@paintitswe]

This was so interesting please continue doing this Conan! :D

[@BommySan]

Please more of this Conan.

[@JakeStephensMrJakeStephens]

I love these and am happy that Conan doesn't over do these very intelligent and insiteful interview. I am so glad Conan is still going on with the series. Thank you, Coco!

[@apboyd1]

This is great; I love Erik Larson's work.

[@ydin9]

An amazingly entertaining interview. I really like how Conan is really into the topics and yet brings a little bit of levity and humor to the table to keep the discussion airy. More please.

[@maxhallqvist8562]

This is a great complement to a over the top comedy show and shows a fascinating side of you Conan. This is a lovely talk and I can not wait to read the book. Stay brilliant

[@long-shotlouie]

Please bring these interviews with authors and historians back🙏 would be amazing to see one with Robert Caro

[@Adnan-lt5rn]

Best hour spent this week.

[@andyzaher]

I just want to thank Conan for making this Jibber Jabber series. I really enjoy it and enjoy your interviewing. Thank You

[@Galactiac]

I've been a fan for a couple of decades and this series is by far my favorite thing you've done. Please keep making them, and make them more often. Thanks.

[@nvRanger]

I love this so much. Really awesome segment, I actually learned a good bit and enjoyed this a lot.

[@beardown1982]

Just an awesome overall interview between two of my favorite people. Great job Conan.

[@lhland6107]

Amazing writer...great books!

[@jammerc64]

Love him switching into hi brow mode - he's really respectful for his guest and doesn't interrupt him without a reason. Just a pinnacle of discussin savoir vivre. Not to mention, he has solid background on his part.

[@robotpanda77]

Excellent interview.

[@TracyJAlbarn]

This was really Fascinating !! And im soo Happy to see that this Series is back on youtube! Please do More !! ♥

[@TimothyCHenderson]

Sweet! A new non-fiction author to enjoy, and history based. Thanks Conan.

[@TheEleatic]

Fascinating. A great series of programs.

[@Criscosta]

I just ended the reading of "The Splendid and the Vile" (today is February 18th, 2021) and I can already assure you: this book will be between my BEST readings of the year! I want to read everything Erik Larson already wrote. Great great book!! Greeting from Rio, BRAZIL.

[@hexo-mobius]

This is a great interview!... I got so much from it that I no longer have to buy the book... Thanks for the cliff-notes Team Coco

[@janetmckay6628]

Conan this is fascinating! I agree with so many others. You bring such interesting conversations to the table. Great interview

[@jonasbaas]

Another stellar job boy!

[@jr2037]

This is great. I've always thought Conan needed to branch out from the Late Night format hes been doing, he's an interesting intelligent dude who's been stuck in a one dimensional format.

[@Kayla-kr8tb]

Thanks for making my week! 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@leifaune]

I keep waiting for Conan to say, "let's watch a clip..."

[@triluna0]

Grateful that I discovered this, I love Erik Larson’s writing. He so thoroughly researches his subjects, animating history with personal diaries and correspondence, the result is visceral. I’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to convince others to read him, as they’re resistive to non-fiction.😏

[@triluna0]

Their loss...

[@technoir1119]

NIce history lesson. Thanks!

[@payableondeath7]

Thank you for doing another one of these, I happened to see the last one just as it was published, and I immediately binge-watched all the rest of them, thinking it would be a common series, and then was left wanting more episodes _really badly_ haha Larson is a great interview, I'm glad you got to cover Devil in the White City as well as Dead Wake. A tad disappointed that there was no talk about the newest evidence towards whether or not the Lusitania was secretly carrying munitions to the Allies, but it was still a wonderful video to watch.

[@siemensohm]

***** lol, "newest evidence"? Those evidence are known since the 70s (Colin Simpson), so I really don't get why this guy publishes a book in 2014 that is that far off of what is already known. On the other hand, he said that he didn't know that the US entered the war 2 years after that sinking...tells a lot :D

[@rockyelvis]

I agree with others; please do one with Louis C.K! The interview would be so much different from the others Louis has done due to your connections, shared history and your positions in comedy and entertainment industry in general. It would be interesting, new and relevant. 4 million views in a month. Please!

[@rockyelvis]

+TeamCoco

[@horacealexander4146]

This comment hasn’t aged well

[@michaelgjhkh]

Bring this back!

[@SteveRuzicka612]

This is fascinating - please do more deeper, extended interviews senior coco

[@phaedrawidney5246]

Funny and intellectual. Conan is the full package. Loooovvveee him

[@CaptainSpalding72]

Fantastic interviewer..... Conan knows how to talk to people and, like me, he's a history nerd.

[@acetate909]

The Devil in the White City is one of the best books I've ever read.

[@normal909]

conan's head is floating xD

[@voodoorazik]

Conan I'm just a dumb nerd that enjoys your comedy but this surprisingly kept my attention. Keep it up you sexy ginger giant you.

[@F-Los]

more please

[@basiatran9060]

Hi @TeamCoco Any chance we could get Erik Larson on the CONAF podcast soon, especially because he just released a book about the American Civil War, please?

[@Shouldgetbacktowork]

I always enjoy these talks but I find it interesting that Conan admires Churchill but seems surprised at his "dark side". He only needs to look into Churchill's military involvement in maintaining the empire and then his resistance to the independence movements to see evidence of this. Not to take anything away from his role in the WWII, but Churchill really epitomises the complexity of historical figures.

[@charmainevillamin4658]

While I enjoy Conan's light humor and other sketches and interviews, it's really great to see this side of him. The topic is also incredibly interesting. Since I didn't know much about World War I, the really opened my eyes.

[@joeknipp6698]

Keep doing these interviews Conan ! Personally, I would like to see you invite Peter Guralnik (sp?) back to talk about old Rock-n-Roll stories with Elvis, etc.

[@yougear]

I don't mean this sarcastically. Conan this is better than your show. Your deep interviewer with brilliant insights. Serious yet entertaining.

[@cjw6533]

Erik Larson answers about his writing process and his addiction to double stuffed Oreos: 39:48 - 45:18

[@kathleenrasing5969]

Wow, I really enjoyed this one especially the part about Pres. Wilson hahaha pls make mooore! I love World War stories :) Conan rocks!

[@terriwest8888]

I have read all of his books and he's a great author!

[@Criscosta]

I just ended the reading of "The Splendid and the Vile" (today is February 18th, 2021) and I can already assure you: this book will be between my BEST readings of the year! I want to read everything Erik Larson already wrote. Great great book!! Greeting from Rio, BRAZIL.

[@brentshipman5909]

Me, Conan and the third nerd enjoyed this interview.

[@barlosyearly7996]

Long live Team Coco

[@larrywexner4163]

i know its just an interview, not an action movie or a pormo, but 360p??!

[@jazzvieadnan3779]

One of those rare moments when conan actually uses his deep knowledge.

[@demitasse22]

Also I love you Conan, no cap

[@bdre5555]

"By texting a photo" 🤣

[@aidenljubuncic6129]

Initially I was like "Booo no funny", than I watched the whole thing and loved it. Also buying that guys books.

[@ellioteslander3046]

Great show. Does anyone else hear that sound at 59:58?

[@Flench339]

This is cool.

[@bitemeteddy01]

I want more Jibber Jabber

[@princessleahofikea6373]

Love this interview. Anyone who’d read a footnote about JuicyFruit gum is a person I need to be reading.

[@Zactastical]

Should do an episode with Louis CK.

[@gapsule2326]

The set and mood is very Charlie Rose. If that TBS thing doesn't work out maybe you should try PBS.

[@robertbruce2128]

I prefer this to the batty Conan. Intelligent conversation with some humor.

[@JRBiles]

These are always outstanding. Maybe Conan can take over for Charlie Rose.

[@Fealnographs1]

pupupulease make these available for podcast

[@aht721]

Great video I love it, but why is it 360p? C'mon you're a TV show host I'm sure you're guys' computers can handle at least 1080p.

[@RolandMcGruner]

It'd be much nicer if this was in HD. 360p does the bare minimum, but it's not that great to look at (is that just me?), let alone smaller expressions and movements be able to seen from wider shots.

[@nattsurfaren]

If Erik's ancestor where from Sweden/Norway/Scandinavia then Larson is spelled wrong. Lars is a name and the son Lars had was given Larsson = the son of Lars. Swedish language is very much about putting words together so Larsson should look like that.

[@marleythewizard]

+nattsurfaren if he was, Larson would still be right and not necessarily "Americanized".

[@nattsurfaren]

Well it would be right if the father would be named Lar. But I doubt there is any scandinavians named Lar.

[@marleythewizard]

Sometimes one of the double letters are removed. ex. Hansen are as normal as Hanssen. Some of us are even related at some point.

[@nattsurfaren]

I didn't know 'hansen' was spelled like that in Denmark. Could it be that historically that was converted from Swedish Hansson? It is just that it doesn't make sense at that time when these names were invented that they would just accept a missing 's' which wouldn't become logical because it could be mistaken that the father is named 'Han' and not 'Hans'. I don't know about Danish names that much and maybe it could be as simple as that there are people named Han there.?

[@marleythewizard]

I wouldn't know, I'm norwegian. But I found a few Larson in Denmark so I wouldn't be surprised if the same goes for Hanssen/Hansen. Sen is probably a different version of son, but neither gives sense now since the norwegian word for son is sønn. Language and dialects can most defiantly be part of the change. Another factor could be confusion, a simple spelling mistake have changed a lot of family names. Not everyone knew how to read and write.

[@tatteredundies]

Good job Cone-Zone.

[@atombomb3422]

21:25 Riiiiiight😉😉

[@gamerz62]

this guy is like a mixture of robin williams and david fincher

[@marikotrue3488]

Riveting discussion. Thanks to Erik Larson and Conan O'Brien. And to Conan, remember that there is no statute of limitations on murder.

[@eduardowolf8890]

i think this is the first time conan has a writer on his show

[@Nipponing]

eduardo wolf This isn't part of his show and I'm pretty sure it isn't.

[@eduardowolf8890]

no i think it is why isn't this part of the show

[@Nipponing]

eduardo wolf What?

[@ireneadler4925]

I'm re-watching this as a motivation to finally finish Larson's Thunderstruck. As much as I enjoyed Dead Wake, I found it a little exhausting to read Thunderstruck. I'm kind of stuck in the middle of the book. A lot happens, and yet the story progresses frustratingly slowly. I don't know, maybe it's just me.

[@kelvinjlopez]

Jordan Schlansky at 1:03:02 !!!

[@nacent4196]

Stomach growl at 59:53? Lol

[@Heraclitean]

"I love murder." - Conan O'Brien

[@DrunkBastard]

To offset the comments calling this "boring" (you uncivilized brutes!): Conan, this is better than your late night show.

[@michaelschramm1064]

So few people can be engaging, intelligent and animated when discussing books with authors like O’Brien. How I wish he had conducted many, many more discussions of books with the likes of Simon Winchester, David McCullough, Nathaniel Philbrick, Brian Greene, Hampton Sides, Sean Carroll…so many others! If only the demand could have been there-but then audiences don’t want to know about a potential read, they want insights on insipid celebrity gossip. Other than Charlie Rose talking with Michael Chrichton, has any high profile interviewer discussed books with authors?

[@achilleshoplite]

It's a shame he never got to interview Christopher Hitchens! Imagine how awesome that would have been!

[@simonsun5192]

hope you guys do an episode of serious jiber Jaber featuring Neil Degrrasse Tyson!!!

[@niallquinn9128]

Churchill was the first to bomb civilians in the 1920s in Iraq, he allowed a massive famine in West Bengal in India during WWII and he carpet bombed Dresden. Also, he wanted to the army to be even more vicious in Ireland. Satyajit Ray made a great film about the Indian famine called 'Distant Thunder'.

[@szem4301]

360p? Was this edited in movie maker?

[@eviltoast7898]

SZEM how do people still not know what youtube proccesing is...

[@szem4301]

Evil Toast So they reduce quality to save space on there servers?

[@brianseguel5308]

+Jonas The Movie It's not necessary in FULL HD, but it's nice to have a bit more resolution. It's a thing about tastes

[@TheKijib]

conan get more ppl on dis show

[@dannybighair]

who knew erik larson looked so much like don henley!