Interrupto!

Summary of Interrupto!

by Team Coco & Earwolf

20m•March 26, 2026
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Overview of Interrupto!

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan (titled "Interrupto!") features Conan, Sonam Avdessian, and Matt Gourley interviewing Mike, a conservation authority from London, Ontario who has worked as a polar bear monitor and trains birds of prey to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts. The conversation mixes field stories (polar bear encounters, bird training, and “car hawking”) with light-hearted banter about survival, comedy instincts, and an on-camera owl named Interrupto who amusingly interrupts the interview. The episode also includes several sponsor reads and promotional spots.

Key topics discussed

  • Mike’s role and background
    • Works for a local conservation authority; previously served as a polar bear monitor in the Arctic.
    • Spent extended deployments (30–60 days) in remote locations; downloaded long-form comedy and shows to pass the time.
  • Polar bear monitoring and safety
    • Polar bears are highly dangerous and will approach humans when detected; they’re active hunters in a resource-scarce environment.
    • Mike uses non-lethal deterrents (rubber slugs) and carries lethal options (12-gauge) as a last resort, though he has never had to use lethal force.
    • Emphasis on protecting both humans and bears whenever possible.
  • Birds of prey work
    • Trains hawks, falcons, eagles, etc., to deter nuisance birds from farms, landfills, and other sites.
    • “Car hawking” technique: hawk rides in the vehicle, launched to scatter pest birds; anecdote about a hawk flying into another car’s window and returning embarrassed.
    • Raised a bald eagle named “Babe”; notes on eagles’ opportunistic behavior and training challenges.
  • Banter and personality moments
    • Conan names the owl “Interrupto” after it perched beside Mike and created a cinematic reveal by hooting.
    • Playful speculation about how Conan (and comedians in general) would fare in a bear encounter—would they panic or try to do bits?
    • Mike expresses admiration for Conan and how comedy has made a positive impact during long deployments.

Notable anecdotes & quotes

  • Interrupto the owl: the bird perched on Mike’s router and interrupted the tech — Conan christened it “Interrupto.”
  • On polar bears: “If they smell you, see you, they’re coming to get you. They’re hungry.” — Mike
  • Non-lethal success: Mike described using rubber rounds once where the bear “squinted its eyes and walked away” — a Clint Eastwood-like reaction.
  • Car-hawking story: hawk launched from a pickup, accidentally flew into another car’s window, then returned — a humorous “walk of shame” for the hawk.
  • Mike on his work/life choice: preferring meaningful risk and passion-driven work over a desk job; he values doing the work he loves.

Practical takeaways

  • Wildlife deterrence: Non-lethal methods (visual/auditory deterrents, trained raptors, rubber rounds) can effectively reduce conflict if used properly and with safety measures.
  • Remote deployments: Fieldwork in the Arctic requires long stretches away from civilization — preparation includes mental coping strategies (e.g., entertainment downloads) and readiness for dangerous encounters.
  • Conservation mindset: Field practitioners often balance human safety with animal welfare; lethal force is considered only when absolutely necessary.

Sponsor mentions & promos in the episode

  • Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat (Prime Video)
  • Grainger (industrial supply)
  • ITIND procedure for BPH (medical/sponsored ad)
  • Apple Card (Apple/Goldman Sachs)
  • Aruba tourism promo
  • SiriusXM free offer
  • Morgan Stewart Show promo
  • Pepsi (Pepsi Zero Sugar / 2025 Pepsi Challenge)

Episode & production credits

  • Show: Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan
  • Hosts: Conan O’Brien, Sonam Avdessian (Sona), Matt Gourley
  • Guest: Mike (conservation authority / polar bear monitor / avian control specialist)
  • Producers & crew (selected): Matt Gourley (producer), Adam Sachs, Jeff Ross, Nick Leow (executive producers), Jimmy Vivino (incidental music), Aaron Blair (supervising producer)
  • Call to action from the show: rate, review, and subscribe to Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan; video available on YouTube.

If you want the short highlights: Michael’s polar-bear and birds-of-prey stories (including the owl Interrupto) are the episode’s centerpiece—mixing impressive field experience with comedic, human moments.