By John Horn
LOS ANGELES (Vulture) — Inspired by his exotic trip to Cuba earlier this year, Conan O’Brien decided to hit the road once again, but this time with his beloved longtime assistant, Sona Movsesian, sharing the center stage. Traveling to Armenia with his Conan crew in tow, the excursion was naturally spurred by Movsesian’s Armenian heritage and, simply, O’Brien’s yearning to learn more about it. What ensued were adventures at Armenian flea markets, a popular soap opera, a rowdy Yerevan Day celebration, and, on a more somber note, a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Earlier this week, the late-night host and Movsesian talked with friend of Vulture John Horn, host of the KPCC radio show and podcast “The Frame,” about their trip of a lifetime, their unique boss-assistant dynamic, and meeting Syrian refugees.
John Horn: The last time we talked, you were about to air your episode on your trip to Cuba. Did that have some influence on your wanting to go to Armenia?