Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard - podcast cover

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Armchair Umbrellawondery.com

Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training. I will attempt to discover human “truths” without any laboratory work, clinical trials or data collection. I will be, in the great tradition of 16th-century scientists, an Armchair Expert.

Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.

Episodes

Rerelease: Roy Choi

On today's episode, we revisit Roy Choi's episode from March 10th, 2022. Roy Choi (Broken Bread, The Chef Show, Kogi) is a chef, author, and television personality. Roy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he went from having a gambling addiction to being an award-winning chef, what Asian immigrants had to do to navigate the American system, and how important food is to Korean culture. Roy and Dax talk about what happened to restaurants during the pandemic, how most people in America ar...

Jan 03, 20251 hr 54 minEp. 836

Rerelease: Monica Lewinsky

On today's episode, we revisit Monica Lewinsky's episode from October 17th, 2019. Monica Lewinsky is an American anti-bullying ambassador to the Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Programme, on the advisory board of Project rockit, founding board member of The Childhood Resilience Foundation and contributing editor to Vanity Fair. She sits down with the armchair expert to discuss overcoming trauma, cyber bullying and her experience being publicly labeled as a negative archetype. Monica talks about...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 49 minEp. 835

Rerelease: Dax's Mom (Laura Labo)

On today's episode, we revisit Dax's mom's episode from July 2nd, 2018. Laura Labo (Dax's Mom) is an American entrepreneur, businesswoman and Dax's #1 love of his life. In this special episode, Laura sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss her life story, the mistakes that made her and the struggle of raising a family as a single mother. Dax describes the many reasons he loves her and Laura talks about the recent death of her husband. The two of them travel down memory lane in a delightful...

Dec 30, 20242 hr 36 minEp. 834

Best of Friday 2024

On this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Friday episodes in 2024. Nick goes topless and bounces off the wall, Steve gets sharked by a Great White, Rags discovers a dead body, Jane’s Instagram Live audience gets more than they bargained for, Tyler sleeps through a car crashing through the house, and Brittany confronts a shitty hotel thief. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Ex...

Dec 27, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 833

Best of Wednesday 2024

On this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Wednesday episodes in 2024. Molly McNearney remembers joining Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bill Gates wishes he were smarter, Finneas discusses the dynamics of a duo, Patric Gagne navigates romance as a sociopath, Vanessa Marin walks the walk of Sex Talks, Alegra Kastens explains the spectrum of OCD, Malcolm Gladwell delves into the science of the opioid crisis, Cat Bohannon talks about the medical discrepancies between men and women, Y...

Dec 25, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 832

Best of Monday 2024

On this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Monday episodes in 2024. Bradley Cooper reframes his story, Goldie Hawn champions the freedom to choose, Maya Rudolph laments comedy dong, Bobby Lee revisits relapse, Amy Poehler grows in group therapy, Ke Huy Quan delights in serendipity, Halle Berry sets the record straight, Jack Black remembers spirituality as a heavy metal maniac, Vince Vaughn envisions empathy, and Heidi Klum is the queen of Halloween. Follow Armchair Exp...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 27 minEp. 831

Holiday Spectacular 2024

Join Dax & Monica for our annual holiday spectacular with as we harmonize holiday hymns with Kristen Bell, Anna Kendrick, and Gabe Gibbs, divulge Anna's Christmas candy colored explosion, learn the etymology of Bah Humbug, sing why Wobby Wob’s the weason for the season, and heal the childhood gift wound.  Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wond...

Dec 20, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 830

Armchair Anonymous: Holiday Nightmare II

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a nightmare holiday experience. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...

Dec 20, 202432 minEp. 829

Allison Jones (Award-Winning Casting Director)

Allison Jones (Freaks and Geeks, The Office, Veep) is an Emmy Award-winning casting director. Allison joins the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up an Irish twin in Massachusetts, her first casting job on Family Ties, and how her love of TV prompted her move to California. Allison and Dax talk about the cast of the Golden Girls actually only being in their 50s, how the highlight of her career was meeting Quincy Jones while casting The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and why jumping a car over another...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 47 minEp. 828

Jesse Eisenberg

Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain, The Social Network, Now You See Me) is an Oscar-nominated actor, writer, and producer. Jesse joins the Armchair Expert to discuss not being cool enough to smoke, receiving a cease and desist letter as a kid from Woody Allen, and how community theater was his outlet for being an incredibly anxious child. Jesse and Dax discuss their saddest film wardrobe experiences, the Parmesan cheese version of Cyrano, and where movie roles rank on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Jess...

Dec 16, 20242 hr 3 minEp. 827

Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Neighbors

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy neighbor. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https:/...

Dec 13, 202452 minEp. 826

Fei Fei Li (on a human-centered approach to AI)

Fei Fei Li (The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI) is a computer scientist, co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and is considered by many to be the godmother of AI. Fei Fei joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her initial reluctance to tell her personal story as a part of her book on AI, starting a laundromat with her parents to support themselves, and the high school teacher that changed the course of her life. Fe...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 54 minEp. 825

Lisa Kudrow

Lisa Kudrow (No Good Deed, Friends, The Comeback) is an award-winning actor and producer. Lisa joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her background as a pre-med biology student at Vassar, not being a people pleaser in the Groundlings, and how Jon Lovitz became her bridge to comedy. Lisa and Dax talk about why Conan O’Brien is the best person to bring to a dinner party, listening to the internal voice that told her to be an actress, and how pan au chocolate and a walk in the sun can be a cure for ...

Dec 09, 20242 hr 30 minEp. 824

Armchair Anonymous: Little League/Coaching

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy little league/coaching incident. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy ...

Dec 06, 202448 minEp. 823

Toto Wolff (team principal of Mercedes F1 team)

Toto Wolff (Inside Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane) is principal of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. Toto joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the tragedy of being a string bean, his parents emigrating to Austria after the war, and crashing at 189 mph attempting a new lap record at the Nordschleife. Toto and Dax talk about the luxury of being a vulnerable man, being no-nonsense Capricorns, and Dax invites Toto to live in his guesthouse. Toto talks about whether mental health and being a cha...

Dec 04, 20242 hr 3 minEp. 822

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman (Lioness, Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven) is an Academy Award-winning actor, producer, and narrator. Morgan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss auditioning as dancer for the World’s Fair, narrowly avoiding becoming the next Captain Kangaroo, and a difficult decision to leave his grandmother’s home in Mississippi to pursue his acting dreams. Morgan and Dax talk about bucking authority, how sailing is a metaphor for hope, and not wanting to be pitied during a terminal illness. Mo...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 53 minEp. 821

Armchair Anonymous: Thanksgiving II

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing that happened at Thanksgiving. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

Nov 29, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 820

Matt Murphy (homicide prosecutor)

Matt Murphy (The Book of Murder) is a former Homicide prosecutor and current legal analyst for ABC News. Matt joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the importance of telling the victims stories over the killers, the craft of picking a jury, and his nerves the first time he was at a crime scene. Matt and Dax discuss the parallels between their childhoods, the experience of working with detectives, and the horrific crimes of Rodney Alcala. Matt discusses how his job skews his worldview, the mental ...

Nov 27, 20242 hr 6 minEp. 819

Anna Kendrick Returns

Anna Kendrick (Woman of the Hour, Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air) is an actor and director. Anna returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss being a non-fashion girlie, her feelings on her first appearance on the podcast, and why she ghosted Dax. Anna and Dax talk about her journey growing up in Maine to starring in Broadway shows, how she learned to stand up for herself while also being a people pleaser, and why she doesn’t want to show anyone a new skill until she’s mastered it. Anna talks about h...

Nov 25, 20242 hr 18 minEp. 818

Armchair Anonymous: Mother-in-Law

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy story about their mother-in-law. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy ...

Nov 22, 202447 minEp. 817

Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird

Sue Bird is a former WNBA basketball player and a five-time Olympic gold medalist. Megan Rapinoe is a former soccer player and an Olympic gold medalist. Sue and Megan join the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up in different socioeconomic cultures, whether or not parents should let their kids win against them, and the relationships between athletes on professional sports team. Sue, Megan, and Dax talk about how impactful their injuries were to their mental games, why sports are so addicting, a...

Nov 20, 20241 hr 35 minEp. 816

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo (Wicked, Harriet, The Color Purple) is an award-winning actor and singer. Cynthia joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the vibes of South London, how she feels about people calling her cute, and her desire to connect with the audience when she’s on stage. Cynthia and Dax talk about the differences in acting in dramas vs comedies, the burdens of doing political roles, and why she picked extensive makeup over CGI for Wicked. Cynthia explains if she prefers songs led by lyrics or musi...

Nov 18, 20241 hr 59 minEp. 815

Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Ex

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a story about a crazy ex. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...

Nov 15, 202453 minEp. 814

Keith Payne (on the psychology behind the political divide)

Keith Payne (Good Reasonable People, The Broken Ladder) is a professor and author. Keith joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the effects of economic segregation, the roots of our current divisions, and how some people feel about dating others with opposite political views. Keith and Dax talk about the psychological immune system, the better-than-average effect, and how tribalism plays a role in people’s politics. Keith explains the geopolitical effects of the Mason-Dixon Line, how educatio...

Nov 13, 20242 hrEp. 813

Jude Law

Jude Law (The Order, Skeleton Crew, Sherlock Holmes) is an actor. Jude joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he feels like he cries more than he used to, how he has become an unapologetic enthusiast, and having to tap into different parts of your personality for different roles. Jude and Dax talk about him finding his confidence when he joined theater, what it’s like to work with great directors, and how important Mike Nichols was to him. Jude explains the chemistry with RDJ on set of Sherloc...

Nov 11, 20242 hr 10 minEp. 812

Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VI

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy story. Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co...

Nov 08, 202457 minEp. 811

Sharon McMahon (law and government teacher)

Sharon McMahon (The Small and the Mighty) is a NYT bestselling author, podcast host, and known as America’s History Teacher. Sharon joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her favorite historical writers, how the government has been structurally set up, and what types of modern challenges the U.S. Supreme Court faces. Sharon and Dax talk about the different types of democracies, the importance of constructively challenging other’s ideas, and how dangerous it can be to have blind allegiance to a par...

Nov 06, 20242 hr 17 minEp. 810

Melissa McCarthy & Ben Falcone

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone (Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire) are actors, comedians, and writers. Melissa and Ben join the Armchair Expert to discuss why they showed up in medieval costumes, having sleepovers with Glenn Close, and tickle parties. Melissa, Ben, and Dax talk about their clandestine relationship early on, how they deal with comedy comparison, and getting fired from CPK. Melissa and Ben explain the benefits of working with your spouse, how much they love flipping houses,...

Nov 04, 20242 hr 4 minEp. 809

Yuval Noah Harari IV (on the history of information networks)

Yuval Noah Harari (Nexus, Sapiens, Homo Deus) is an author and historian. Yuval joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how people can be manipulated by misinformation, how powerful the role of an editor is, and how much our lives are shaped by bureaucracies. Yuval and Dax talk about how ideological gaps today compare to those in the past, what role algorithms play in the spread of mass media, and the difference between information and truth. Yuval explains his take on the artificial intelligence r...

Oct 30, 20242 hr 27 minEp. 808

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson (Hold Your Breath, American Horror Story, 12 Years A Slave) is an award-winning actor and producer. Sarah joins the Armchair Expert to discuss when she knew she wanted to become an actress, her time spent in Florida with her dad in the summer, and her desire to do things outside her own experience and existence. Sarah and Dax talk about how important it is to be able to laugh at yourself, how hard it can be to deal with rejection, and who her lookalikes are. Sarah explains how impa...

Oct 28, 20242 hr 5 minEp. 807
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