Relic hunting has captivated hobbyists and history enthusiasts for decades, but what happens when Conan O'Brien gets a chance to explore it through the eyes of a devoted fan? On a recent episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan, a podcast dedicated to lighthearted and often unpredictable conversations, Conan interviewed a fan from Williamsburg, Virginia, who shared his passion for relic hunting. The discussion ranged from historical discoveries to the hilarity of potential pranks, with Conan predictably adding his comedic touch.

The Thrill of Metal Detecting in a Historic Epicenter

Relic hunting is essentially metal detecting with a focus on discovering historical artifacts. It’s a pursuit that thrives in historically rich locations, and Williamsburg, Virginia, is prime hunting ground. As the fan explained, growing up amidst landmarks like Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown provided him with unparalleled access to Civil War and Revolutionary War history.

With a metal detector in hand, relic hunters like this guest often unearth an array of items buried deep in the soil. He detailed exciting finds such as Civil War bullets, buckles, cannonballs, artillery shells, and even coins. One of his most memorable discoveries? A colonial posy ring — a small, gold ring inscribed with Gothic script once exchanged between lovers in colonial times. Found in a field, the ring later revealed its poignant history after cleaning. Conan, ever the comedian, joked about the ghost of the ring’s former owner potentially haunting the hunter, which added levity to the touching tale.

An Explosive Find: The Live Grenade

Not every relic unearthed is a sentimental trinket. Sometimes, metal detecting uncovers items as dangerous as they are historic. During the conversation, the fan recounted the day he stumbled upon a live grenade from the Korean War era while relic hunting. Initially unsure of what he had dug up, he handled the object and moved it to a tree line before realizing the gravity of his find.

Calling in professionals was the safest move. A bomb disposal team quickly identified the grenade as live, with the pin removed but somehow failing to detonate decades earlier. The team secured the grenade with C4, surrounded it with sandbags, and detonated it in a controlled explosion. Interestingly, the operation was executed via Bluetooth, a detail Conan sarcastically critiqued, painting a hilarious yet absurd scenario in which the wrong playlist might accidentally trigger an explosion. The loud blast later rattled social media, with locals speculating about what had happened.

The Reality of Relic Hunting

Relic hunting isn’t all posy rings and live grenades, however. The majority of items dug up are mundane objects: beer cans, old shotgun shells, and other metallic debris. As the guest pointed out, the excitement lies in the occasional serendipitous discovery of historically significant items — a payoff that requires diligent research beforehand.

To increase the likelihood of finding something valuable, relic hunters spend hours poring over old maps, many of which are digitized by the Library of Congress. They map historically significant locations and obtain permission to hunt on private properties, as relic hunting is prohibited in national and state parks. Some landowners allow free rein, while others negotiate splits on any valuable finds.

Conan’s Prank Proposals

The conversation took a comedic turn when Conan proposed the idea of pranking relic hunters by planting fake “artifacts” in the ground. He imagined planting items like a knight’s helmet or creating bogus Civil War relics to watch the reactions of unsuspecting hunters.

While the suggestion was obviously made in jest, the fan revealed that such tricks have some historical precedent. A local craftsman in his area, known for creating Civil War artifact replicas, was notorious for burying imperfect creations for hunters to find. Conan, delighted by this revelation, enthusiastically offered to bankroll similar pranks. He envisioned crafting a fake Gettysburg Address or even Lincoln’s “lost beard” and seeding them for discovery, leaning into his whimsical and mischievous personality.

The Lighter Side of Explosive Expertise

The podcast didn’t stop at relic hunting. Conan mused about the job of a bomb technician, speculating on the unique perks of driving a military rig, wielding C4, and getting paid to blow things up. While Sona Movsesian, Conan’s assistant and co-host, expressed skepticism about the job’s appeal, Conan argued that setting up controlled detonations might never get old.

This mix of historical reverence and comedic irreverence is signature Conan. While the fan shared insightful anecdotes about his hobby, including the discipline and dedication required to hunt for relics, Conan infused the discussion with lighthearted banter, turning what could have been a dry history lesson into an engaging and hilarious episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Fan.

Historical Hobby Meets Modern Humor

Relic hunting is an enriching way to connect with history, particularly in a region with as much significance as Williamsburg, Virginia. The episode highlighted the allure of the hunt — the idea that, beneath layers of soil, stories from centuries past lie waiting to be unearthed.

But it also showcased how humor can draw us closer to those stories. From imagining ghost hauntings to debating the dangers of Bluetooth-detonating C4, Conan’s comedic curiosity gave listeners a fresh perspective on an otherwise niche hobby. If nothing else, it left fans with one cheerful takeaway: whether you’re digging for Revolutionary War bullets or planting fake artifacts, there’s joy to be found in uncovering the unexpected.