Meet Sona Movsesian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sona Movsesian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sona, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
Money is SO exhausting for me to think about – it’s my least favorite subject. I know its a necessary but I’ve tried to never allow it to become something that controls my motives behind working. I got to a place a while ago where I was able to sustain a lifestyle that I liked and since then I’ve acknowledged how fortunate I’ve been but tried not to let greed get the best of me. My husband and I tried to plan our life around uncertainty, knowing that either one of us can lose our jobs because of whatever circumstances so we don’t live a lavish life. I’m REALLY lucky because my brother is a financial advisor and forced me to plan for my future and be more responsible with money. If it wasn’t for him, I’d probably have all my money in a checking account somewhere.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started working when I was 16 years old. My first job was at Burger King during the summer before my senior year of high school and I really enjoyed my time there. It was there that I realized that the actual job is only a small part of it – it’s the people who can really make your work experience special. That has rung true for every job I’ve had since. I started my career in television when I joined the NBC Page program after college. My approach has always been to try whatever sounded interesting and not have a specific goal. That philosophy just seemed to be what works for me in everything – life and my career. I like to float through it all without having tunnel vision with one objective in mind. My goal was always to get a job doing something I enjoyed and working with people whose company inspired me to do better. When I got my job working for Conan, though, my career took a turn I never thought possible. I became someone they featured on the show and eventually I landed a gig co-hosting his podcast. I then took the time I spent as Conan’s assistant and wrote a book about it. I love to try as many things as I can but when people ask me what I do for a living I hesitate to answer because I feel like I’m pretty mediocre at everything and can’t comfortably call myself a “podcaster” or “author” but it’s what I do and it’s my living and I have so much fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If this was 4 years ago before I had kids I would tear up the town. Now everything I do would happen between the time frame of 8am and 8pm so I can be in bed by 9pm. Having said that, I love Los Angeles and it’s always been my mission to make sure whoever comes to visit leaves with a positive feeling about this incredible place. I also try to cater based on people’s interests – do you like the beach? Then, duh, let’s go to the beach. My cousin from Australia really wanted to see Compton because he’s a big fan of rap so I took him there and we took a detour to Watts to see the Watts Towers. When people come they always want to see the Hollywood sign so I like to drive around to specific streets in the hills to a location where I can get a really good view. I love the food at El Tapatio but the vibe at Don Cuco’s so we’ll grab some food from either of those places for some Mexican fare. Sugarfish is a must, but there’s also a takeout spot in Pasadena called CM Ghost Kitchen by Chef Maezaki that is delicious. I love the ambiance at Cafe Santorini in Oldtown Pasadena as well. When I lived in Los Feliz I spent so much time at Speranza or Messhall or I would grab takeout from Misto. In Santa Monica I loved going to Fig at the Fairmont or The Misfit. If you haven’t noticed by now so much of the trip would revolve around food. Venice is a must. So is Beverly Hills for the glamour factor. I would call cool people to see where the new, happening restaurants are because I used to love to revolve an entire meal around good music and cool people. I’m stressing myself out thinking about this because I love this city but I’m so out of touch and have no idea what’s what anymore. Anywhere you go in LA will have a cool spot.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It all begins with my family. My people are tight-knit and there’s a lot of us. When I first started working in television I remember telling myself I wasn’t going to settle for a job I was lukewarm about, even if it meant taking a financial hit. I could only have that mindset with parents who were willing to support me, both emotionally and financially, until I was able to find a job I loved.

There have been so many people, from teachers throughout all of my schooling to supervisors I’ve had at various jobs, who have been instrumental in giving me undue confidence to aim for aspirations I had no business having.

Also Conan. Working for Conan O’Brien has changed my life.

Instagram: @sonamov

Image Credits
Ruthie Wyatt/Team Coco (in studio with headphones) Tiffany Roohani/Team Coco (one of me and Conan on stage) Ruthie Wyatt/Team Coco (family photo with Conan) Gemma Paolo (podcasting) The Carter Center (with Jimmy Carter)