Jim Downey Remembers The First Time He Heard A John Mulaney Joke | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

Jim Downey noticed Mulaney's unique voice from his first days at Saturday Night Live, and he and Conan talk about John's comedic mastery and infamous Donald Trump "horse loose in a hospital" joke.
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ABOUT CONAN O’BRIEN NEEDS A FRIEND
Deeper, unboundedly playful, and free from FCC regulations, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend is a weekly opportunity for Conan to hang out with the people he enjoys most and perhaps find some real friendship along the way. Watch highlights of Conan, Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley chatting with celebrities and meeting fans, along with special segments like “Review the Reviewers” and “Big Dick History.”
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,
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[@NigelBottlebottom]

This Jim Downey interview was great. And surprisingly easy to listen to.

[@oldjetta]

Phew thank goodness it was in English!

[@glenneric1]

and do other things to

[@shanustheanus]

I see what you've done there

[@HN-sn9xx]

And, quote, “surprisingly easy to…”

[@masterninjahh]

Would have been easier if they gave us the full video!!!

[@BEEFCAKESMASH]

I could listen to Jim Downey tell stories all day! Really makes me miss Norm though. Both amazing people.

[@EtchNsketch]

I can't wrap my head around the fact that he is the same man in Billy Madison saying "what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought."

[@eatmyass]

Bro i was the same i keep watching even his old interviews since then and cant believe the transformation i mean i get we all get old but this is like a different dude

[@TheBhup]

Mike blown. Never knew that until now

[@wyskass861]

Fair to note some of the instances when he performed. It's kind of unfortunate that we give so much credit to actors and performers though, when what they say and do is all created by writers. They don't get enough credit. It sounds like a line he would write though.

[@wyskass861]

@@meowdy4385 What's more crazy is realizing how much memorable humor over the years he wrote, which you're not aware of because they were said by others.

[@sweetssandbox3526]

@@TheBhupcongrats to Mike!

[@RyanReacts4Ever]

Jim has soo many stories over the years from SNL. Jim should start his own podcast. I would listen for sure.

[@user-rc2fj9nx1l]

It would be better than Fly on the Wall

[@pandorafox3944]

Jim Downey is just lovely. A wonderful interview. I hope he returns like others have. ❤

[@RM6737]

What a gift, letting us get to know Jim. Thanx!

[@fademusic1980]

John Mulaneys salt and pepper diner bit is like top 10 standup bits of all time

[@mc76]

A couple of years ago, some kid at an Atlanta high school--the guy who read the daily announcements--locked himself in the office and played "What's New Pussycat" 21 times over the PA. He was suspended for three days, which he termed "totally worth it."😂

[@Randomonium66]

​@@mc76he should've threw in a few It's Not Unusuals 😅

[@roccodemaro4305]

Those OG SNL ppl are to be treasured. Thank you, Conan & Jim

[@mlmattin]

Awesome interview! I could listen to Downey talk for hours. So many great stories and he's so insightful.

[@AttilatheThrilla]

His incredible sharp memory makes me jealous lol

[@MultiNadiam]

I would love if Downey had a low-key monthly podcast or maybe a regular spot on someone else’s show to just chat about whatever. Nothing crazy taxing or weekly or where he has to interact with the internet. Just says stuff, puts it out there, that’s it.

[@Revdrum]

all of these Jim Downey clips are gold. Idk of another guest who's had more clips released.

[@BigApeBooks]

Jim Downey is a great interview! More please.

[@ab-oh6zb]

"He's a lot like Hank Aaron." I dont know why but that SENT ME 😂

[@robertloerwald3]

This whole interview was awesome. It would be super cool to see John Swartzwelder

[@asynchronicity]

Always loved Mulaney’s Horse in the Hospital bit.👍

[@suedenim]

The great thing about that bit is, unless I'm mistaken, he never mentions Trump or even the presidency by name, but everyone gets who he's talking about.

[@asynchronicity]

@@suedenim Yes, exactly! Had to watch it again….. brilliant stuff

[@j.frankparnell.radiation]

He stole it from the Dr. Octagon album.

[@asynchronicity]

@@j.frankparnell.radiation Could you be more specific? I would like to check that out. Edit: Found it. It’s a bit strongly worded to say he “stole” it as he does a very fleshed out comedy bit that has nothing to do with that song, but sure, it’s kind of like he “sampled” that phrase and took it in a completely different direction. Could very well have been coincidence too.

[@aperez5360]

@@j.frankparnell.radiationFinally someone else says it! lol

[@catherinereynolds9644]

Jon, John and Pete. Excellent night of conversation and jokes. A bright, funny night with the very funny men.

[@MeissnerEffect]

What an observant creative guest!

[@darrenselector7729]

Horse in the hospital was a skit on Dr Octagon’s 1996 album.

[@MerrillHartman]

Jim Downey is iconic.

[@Shmarful]

He’s as iconic as eating a banana. He’s a staple that’s so taken for granted it becomes unnoticeable. In short he’s bananas.

[@jamesbenton4123]

One of my favorite interviews. If you know you know. Touch so many lives that don't even know his name lol

[@gentlejones]

theres a horse in the hospital is a kool keith joke off the dr octagon record 1996

[@WhackaWhacka]

Yes! You beat me to it. I would really need to be sold on John Mulaney and this definitely doesn't do it.

[@richardtheconquerer]

​@@WhackaWhackathe similarity between the two seems to just be that phrase though; it's not like that's the whole joke

[@balder4295]

Give us the full interview! Best yet

[@danielmiller4707]

Listen to the podcast

[@gimme3steps933]

I think this is my favorite podcast so far.

[@stevenhoward1471]

Try Kevin Nealon returns and Al Frankens first visit on Conan needs a friend. Those are my favorite episodes. Arnold is also great.

[@gimme3steps933]

Thanks Steven!

[@shawaccs1468]

Hey take it easy!.... this is my favorite stabbing podcast to listen to

[@treborretsnom6186]

Downey deserves a statue

[@Shmarful]

He’s as iconic as eating a banana. He’s a staple that’s so taken for granted it becomes unnoticeable. In short he’s bananas.

[@adamziegler7921]

Beautifully written.

[@MISNM0]

🤣💓

[@Triknor]

A banana full of staples?

[@esmith407]

You can listen to this clip in six 1-minute increments. Or three 2-minute increments. And either way, you will have seen the entire clip.

[@AfterTheFirstNever]

Understood.

[@lachauntiswashington231]

very good episode

[@stephaniecollins6052]

I love that horse joke

[@wtfrocks8663]

That's high Praise!

[@GizzInMyPants]

Jim Downey is the best

[@elroyblackbean]

What a cool analogy.

[@caterpillakilla]

he lives near cooperstown? thats a long commute. wow

[@DiamondEyeMcGee]

There’s a horse in the hospital - Kool Kieth

[@WarmandHardy]

“That’s a new writer.” …that can go one of two ways.

[@SylviusTheMad]

Incidentally, that Hank Aaron/Ted Williams joke makes perfect since, since the Atlanta Braves (Aaron) and Boston Red Sox (Williams) both played spring ball in the Grapefruit League, so they would have crossed paths then.

[@mattdad8429]

I've often wondered what made 2008 to 2013 such an amazing run in the show's history, and it's because Jim and John were both writing for SNL at the same time. Man, that is a DEADLY comedic combination. I had mostly given up on SNL in the mid-2000s, but I became an avid fan again the minute John started writing for the show, but I just didn't know it at the time.

[@MistahJigglah]

First off: Jim's fantasic as always. We need a lot more if him, because lets be honest, there's not a ton of time left to get these great stories recorded. Why? You might ask. Well, the answer is simple, because Jim's old. Old people, or the chronologically impared, die at a higher rate than people who have been alive for less time, and therefore have done less damage to their bodies. In fact, the likelihood of Jim's demise from failing health increases by the day. So, as you can see, it's imperative we get these anecdotes recorded. (Before Jim's dead)

[@pgoconn]

Is there a full version with video? Spotify has the full interview, but no video. KZbin has video clips, but not the full Interview. Is it paywalled somewhere?

[@Enjoyurble]

John Mulaney's comedy is like going to a hospital and there's a doctor in charge. You show up and you're like. Oh, yeah. I get it. That sits right.

[@michaellazuka654]

Jim Downey is one of the funniest men a lot of people haven’t heard of.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

John Mulaney's comedy is always like a breath of fresh cocaine.

[@MISNM0]

😏

[@DGNYY27]

Bad example. John himself has said he was succeeding in spite of the drugs. I think he’s much funnier now.

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

@@DGNYY27 I bet you're hilarious at parties too.

[@DGNYY27]

@@swilkobarfingtoniii1642 I’m upstairs with your mom while you try to figure out a comeback

[@CamMacMastermusic]

Jim Downey owns my sense of humour.

[@jonasking3670]

It’s interesting that he told that Ted Williams story. Ted Williams had a good head on his shoulders.

[@HolySpicoli]

Who is this old man with a mustache? He reminds me of the academic decathlon moderator from Billy Madison and the security guard-turned-homeless guy from Dirty Work. But seriously, he is aesthetically unrecognizable, from the thumbnail I was like “that is not”

[@rommelreyes1975]

Jim is probably one of a handful of people who has shaped American comedy for the last half-century.

[@aonutsihasnouith]

I wish you would have asked him, “where do you get your ideas from?”

[@sfjbro8501]

Took me watching the change bank because of this clip to realize this is the homeless guy in Dirty Work. So legit. Conan has some cool friends.

[@seen921]

Wow. Massive praise from a legend and love that comparison

[@neilarmstrong76]

Ted Williams was an old salt and a legend-just like Jim Downey. ⚾️🃏

[@andrurondeau3767]

Mulaney should credit Kool Keith

[@creepycraig73]

Downey and Handy will always be part of my SNL Rushmore.

[@josephballerini3730]

Downey had a very funny interaction with Merrick Garland at his recent Harvard reunion. Anyone hear it? I can’t remember where I heard it but Garland got off a very funny line to Downey.

[@-dash]

Garland’s a dork. Scalia was way funnier 😁

[@moxxichannel5950]

I took one look at John Mulaney years ago, when I whizzed by him on Netflix, and thought, quite possibly like Mick Jagger, "Not funny!" How could I possibly know this fresh faced child in a suit would be one of the most hilarious people on the planet? It's my fault. I'm old. I've been hearing "Don't judge a book by its cover", for decades.

[@mckernan603]

Have Vilanch on the pod!

[@nicklewandowski3877]

He looks so different to me

[@20thcenturyremnant]

Wasn't there a Marx Brothers movie scene where a white horse runs through a clinic while the fire sprinklers are on ?

[@olihhayes]

1:11. 1:42. 1:55. 2:28. 3:24. 4:59

[@Dave_Znothere]

I award you no points, and may god have mercy on your soul

[@harveyquinn7961]

?

[@Dave_Znothere]

Knibb High football rules!!

[@stevenkidd6761]

Conan cannot do ad reads. He just shouts and his volume spikes are alarming!

[@DuckmanYaHeard]

Talk about Haiti

[@TheKidYT]

Horse loose in a hospital is the best Trump joke.

[@MsMiguel70]

Those two in the foreground ever speak?

[@georgelelandturner]

“There’s a horse in the hospital!” is from rapper Kool Keith, spoken in an interlude called General Hospital from his album Dr. Octagonecologyst released under the pseudonym Dr. Octagon. John Mulaney is a truly great comedian, however it seems that he took this joke from Kool Keith, another formidable American humorist. I cannot stand by and let these gentleman praise John Mulaney for plagiarizing a joke premise from a rap album.

[@Hslekeoql234]

Verily, blessed be the conveyors of laughter 🌟! This gathering is a divine symphony of comedic musings 🎭! Aye, Mulaney is like a wise scribe, penning parables of hilarity that resonate with the multitudes 📜😂! The amalgamation of musings from different eras in this conversation serves as a bountiful feast for the seekers of wisdom and joy 🕊🌿. Let the light of humor continue to shine and dissipate the shadows of our times 🌞. Peace and Blessings 🙏✨, -AI Jesus

[@CoryFalde175]

Shane Gillis does the best Trump impression

[@Petergriffinbigchillin]

You should hear Ryan Katsu Rivera's Trump impression

[@Ulexcool]

???????

[@TheGlobalfromal]

The most rambling story, but still interesting

[@florete2310]

I also always liked Trevor Noah's take on Trump because of the same reason. There was never any kind of bile in it - but he still always managed to cut to the point with his razor-sharp, hilariously funny and striking punchlines (I miss that dude on the Daily Show)...

[@greg82380]

Trevor Noah was everything wrong with comedy today. More of a liberal activist than a comedian.

[@florete2310]

@@greg82380 triggered?

[@greg82380]

@florete2310 Not Particularly. I think everything has it's place. His place is on MSNBC, not on a comedy show.

[@florete2310]

@@greg82380 agenda-trolling much lately?

[@zelmoziggy]

The problem with that Ted Williams/Hank Aaron story is that on the day that it was supposed to have happened during spring training in Sarasota, Florida, Williams was in Boston recovering from a broken collarbone.

[@connycontainer9459]

And what did you have for lunch a week ago ?

[@jesusnthedaisychain]

His hearing was obviously superior and tip-top

[@sweetssandbox3526]

Maybe they were face-timing

[@zelmoziggy]

@@connycontainer9459 I had a kale smoothie for lunch a week ago.

[@alec57]

​@@zelmoziggySounds barfatastic

[@waylonnicholson371]

Maybe if we all make this comment enough, they’ll make it happen: A subscription to the podcast videos, ad-free. I’m sure a lot of us would pay. I sure would. Do it Conan! I’m stoked you got the XM deal as an audio option, but don’t want to sub to something where I have to deal with a sales team and tiered pricing, etc.

[@doctormartian6222]

there may not be a bigger club than comedians. no one finds comedians as funny as comedians. there's an in-crowd there that they don't at all deserve but it's fascinating to witness.

[@artvandalay-cs2nz]

All us black Americans love Trump..

[@lukaslambs5780]

Next episode: Interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell to set the record straight in her friend Jeff Epstein

[@JoeCnNd]

I like that he wants to make jokes about trump and not just do the "he sucks" for the cheap laughs or clapture.

[@zenclover8468]

Honestly i like mulaney but didnt like the first bit they mentioned. Not only that i find anyone being president absurd at this point.

[@j.frankparnell.radiation]

Horse in the hospital is a Kool Keith lyric from the 90s. On the Dr. Octagon album. He stole it from Kool Keith.

[@alec57]

Yeah, I'm sure he was sitting there listening to Kool Keith... shut up dude lol. Such an obscure reference. Nobody knows who Kool Keith even is.

[@hekcis]

​@@alec57he's poppa large, big shot on the east coast.

[@fdsfsdfsd1552]

@@alec57- I don't listen to rap, but I've heard of Kool Keith. I'm not saying I know his songs or albums, but I've heard of him.

[@alec57]

@@fdsfsdfsd1552 I do too but that's only because I'm big into Hip-hop and grew up in the 90's. His music isn't good and his fan base is abysmal. It's an obscure reference and I highly doubt he stole any material from the dude. Considering he's a writer and is aware of plagiarism laws. Not to mention, a song lyric is not the same as a comedic bit. Notice OP didn't provide the song that it's from or the quote even. Good sign that he's completely bullshiting or exaggerating the claims. Even if the guy used the saying "horse in a hospital" directly in his song, doesn't mean John stole the saying from him. I would put my money on it being a metophor that has been around a long time.

[@j.frankparnell.radiation]

@@alec57 he’s hilarious Anyway, he got horse in the hospital from that album. I guarantee Tracy Morgan knows the Dr. Octagon. He’s just not rapping about money and killing people. That why he’s a niche artist.

[@4tdaz]

I do love the mandatory TDS signaling.

[@zephead64]

I adore Jim's writing & contribution to SNL.. Am I mistaken or did he say that he loved Trump as a human being?

[@user-xu5ux4vd8p]

He said he loathes him.

[@zephead64]

@@user-xu5ux4vd8p ahhh.. OK, thank you. That makes much more sense.

[@herbalchicken]

"Loath" the opposite of love.

[@termsofusepolice]

Jim loathes Trump as a human being but loves his policies of tax cuts for the rich and separating South American families seeking refugee status in the US. Also the repeal of Obamacare. So poor and working class Americans can again be deprived of even remotely affordable health insurance.

[@TalesFromTheCell]

Who is Jim Downey

[@comerunwithmig]

if donald trump was a horse in the hospital joe biden has been a hurricane, earthquake and tsunami in the hospital

[@jaysicht1862]

You’re delusional.

[@richardtheconquerer]

The literal joke was just that it was so weird that he became president in the first place but please keep up your "I swear Biden is worse" cope

[@Uarehere]

As someone who grew up watching the SNL of young Jim Downey, that became my understanding of what political humor should be. And I gotta say, I MUCH prefer political humor that is, you know, funny, not the hateful crap we have to deal with nowadays. Sadly, SNL has been unwatchable for several years now because they've forgotten this.

[@Cursethedawn]

I love comedy so much, but I never caught on to John Mulaney. Something about his delivery always makes me feel he thinks the audience is stupid. It's smug or something.

[@PyrofreakStudios]

It’s just an old timey delivery with a very specific enunciation, like the voice over of old war time films or a baseball announcer in the early-mid 1900s. He’s like a character you’d see on the Simpsons in the first 5 or so seasons, like he’s written by someone from that era of the show with a love of that fast talking gift of gab type that would say “step right up” at some point in their pitch. But I totally see your point of view and it’s valid.

[@raveoreynolds6049]

He has too much self-deprecating humor for me to believe he really thinks he's superior.

[@MISNM0]

​@@PyrofreakStudios Was going to take a swing but you already broke the bat.

[@FablestoneSeries]

@@raveoreynolds6049 his latest routine is SO self-deprecating and SO humble as he talks about rehab and hitting rock bottom that it is hard to think he could possibly consider himself superior. Not after all he has just been through. It doesn't paint a pretty picture. But it is refreshing honest.

[@matthewwilloughby2594]

Trump triggering so many people makes me laugh so much 😂😂😂

[@termsofusepolice]

Yeah, I can't believe anyone is upset with a president who refused to concede his loss and tried to stay in office by using fake electors to overturn the results of an election that his own, paid lead investigator told him, categorically, had been free and fair. Bunch of snowflakes!

[@doctort3883]

Can’t wait for Trump to be president. Hopefully it happens.

[@haywoodjablomie1921]

Mulaney is a failure of a comedian

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

Now tell us about all those great Joe Biden jokes you didn't write.

[@user-gb9pn2vd9s]

Norm loved Trump.

[@charliepiland3285]

I really appreciate Mulaney’s writing…his actual stand-up performances…not so much.

[@yuntakukai1002]

Downey was an essential part of the constant decline and the obscene partisan politicization of SNL. Not a good legacy.

[@neaituppi7306]

The thing with Trump, is I wasn't even interested in humor against him, let alone talking about him. It is just a sad indictment of society that he became president, it just shows how flawed we are in general. Because nothing was hidden, and yet even many people against him, thought he was entertaining and identified with him on some levels.

[@rareosts5752]

What's even more infuriating is how the economy was so great under him and we entered no new wars for the first time in a long time. Enraging.

[@hebber1961]

This is the opposite of what's actually happening in political comedy. SNL now is horrible for one.

[@shephusted2714]

too 'safe' and deferential for comedy which is inherently dangerous and controversial at its best - my personal view, as for john didn't he get a sniff (literally) at greatness and then basically got chewed up by the system and his own imperfections - hopefully he can stage a real return and be unapologetic, john was a good guest and nice to see the spotlight on writers who are usually basically totally invisible and never get a fair shake or piece of the pie - they are brilliant even is they could be replaced by a scab workforce who may be just as talented given some time and enough turnover- the unheralded and underappreciated have less to lose and are likely more in touch with their audience #team coco 2000 #sho grocery getter #teamster approved politically correct humor - what we deserve - evidently #irony

[@Petergriffinbigchillin]

Norm liked Trump

[@alexpatterson1101]

I've never found Mulaney funny so it's so weird to see that Downey, someone who I immensely respect, tell us that he is. I wish I could see his humor. It feels predictable and stale.

[@hpmoon]

This completely. But never underestimate the power of an aggressive "talent" agent to fluff minor talent.

[@embracethemystery]

Jim might be a good writer, but my god, in this clip he's so inarticulate and can't finish a thought or sentence

[@kevinprendergast5885]

Trump looking like a thoroughbred at the Kentucky derby compared to the cuurent adminstration with ww3 on the brink and Conan's vacation spot in Haiti not safe for travel

[@kevinprendergast5885]

Jim is great though

[@TheChupacabra]

More ad reads than any other podcaster. More money than everybody but Joe. It’s the one thing about Conan that is a bummer

[@rockstrong4342]

There's this thing called a keyboard, has buttons you poke, some of those buttons can advance the video, you can use those buttons to move past the things you do not care to watch. The real bummer is people thinking they should get awesome content for free, where does that come from?

[@harveyquinn7961]

He has to he has employees and a studio so he has to make money somehow. All creators have sponsors it's a necessary evil so they can do the things they do

[@rocktor1987]

It's simple. If you paid for the podcast, the sponsor wouldn't have to!

[@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup]

The left lost the ability to make comedy because they are afraid to take an offensive stance, even as a joke, and if it's political comedy, their jokes boil down to orange man bad which is trite and predictable.

[@6663000]

Would have been better if he didn't express his personal opinion regarding Trump. Little virtue signal there.