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.

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Episodes

David Fajgenbaum (on repurposing medicine)

David Fajgenbaum (Chasing My Cure, Every Cure) is an immunology researcher, professor, and author. David joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being recruited to play football at an assortment of Ivy League schools before ending up at Georgetown, the promise he made to his mother to pursue medicine before she passed away, and starting a foundation in his mom’s honor to help college students with grief. David and Dax talk about the sudden onset of symptoms that meant his liver and kidneys were shu...

Nov 26, 20251 hr 33 minEp. 976

Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams, The Secret Life of Us, The Square) is an actor, writer, and director. Joel joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he knows when his Australian Vogue Editor-in-Chief wife doesn’t like his outfit, why his approach to relationships is ‘it takes two to tango,’ and the reasons why he gets starstruck over are athletes. Joel and Dax talk about the big dreaminess of Australian filmmakers, the deficits of old school masculinity, and why his brother is ‘that guy’ as a stunt ...

Nov 24, 20251 hr 52 minEp. 975

Armchair Anonymous: Dental Disaster

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a dental disaster. 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 21, 202546 minEp. 974

Andrew Ross Sorkin (on stock market crashes)

Andrew Ross Sorkin (1929: The Inside Story of the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History) is a financial columnist, TV anchor, and author. Andrew joins the Armchair Expert to discuss a kid telling him when he was young that god drew him wrong, actually working with Aaron Sorkin (no relation) on his show The Newsroom, and landing an unofficial internship at The New York Times as a senior in high school. Andrew and Dax talk about why his motto as a finance journalist was ‘chasing interesting,’ unde...

Nov 19, 20251 hr 47 minEp. 973

Billy Crudup

Billy Crudup (The Morning Show, Jay Kelly, Almost Famous) is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor. Billy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his interpretation of his findings on Finding Your Roots, how he both appreciated and struggled with having a dreamer for a dad, and the story of his parents getting twice married and divorced. Billy and Dax talk about his sentimentality sometimes sneaking up on him, wanting to create for his son the stability and consistency that he didn’t have growing up...

Nov 17, 20252 hr 16 minEp. 972

Armchair Anonymous: Unexpected Orgasm II

Dax and Monica delve into more unexpected orgasm tales with listeners. One caller recounts an intense experience on a rickety tiger safari in India while desperately needing to pee. Another shares a wild story of a simultaneous orgasm and bowel movement during a frantic drive to a gas station. Finally, a caller reveals her struggle with Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD) and the surprising scar tissue-related cause and its treatment, offering a valuable public service announcement for others.

Nov 14, 202547 minEp. 971

Mel Robbins (on the Let Them Theory)

Mel Robbins shares her journey from financial ruin and addiction to personal triumph, detailing the origin of her "5-Second Rule" for overcoming hesitation and promoting action. She also introduces the "Let Them Theory," a powerful framework for managing relationships and external stressors by accepting what cannot be controlled and focusing on one's own actions and values, fostering greater peace and self-esteem.

Nov 12, 20252 hr 12 minEp. 970

Mom's Car: Larry Trilling

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car, we welcome acclaimed director of Parenthood and sweetest man Larry Trilling. Larry, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through attending Santa Monica High School with the entire cast of The Outsiders, catching the directing bug making Super 8 films in middle and high school, directing the first Comedy Central original movie Porn and Chicken, learning how to motivate blocking with storytelling, and the gang discuss their top-five favorite movies and shows...

Nov 11, 202555 minEp. 10012

Anthony Hopkins

Sir Anthony Hopkins shares insights into his life, discussing his new memoir "We Did Okay, Kid" and how his perception of being a "dummy" shaped him. He delves into growing up during WWII, his early acting breaks, and pivotal advice from Laurence Olivier. Hopkins also candidly recounts his path to sobriety and finding peace, emphasizing the importance of not taking life or acting too seriously, alongside his passions for music and painting.

Nov 10, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 969

Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card IX

This Armchair Anonymous episode features three unforgettable "Wild Card" stories. First, Nikki recounts a painful slackline accident and its embarrassing aftermath at the ER. Next, Riley details her chilling experience with a manipulative college acquaintance who faked a suicide attempt, leading to a police intervention. Finally, Christina shares a truly shocking tale of discovering a dead mouse in her reusable water bottle, highlighting unexpected hidden dangers.

Nov 07, 202549 minEp. 968

Malala Yousafzai (education activist)

Malala Yousafzai (Finding My Way, I Am Malala, He Named Me Malala) is an education activist, Nobel Prize laureate, and author. Malala joins the Armchair Expert to discuss having a relatively normal life until a militant organization took over her valley in Pakistan, becoming an activist simply to respond to her new oppressive reality, and how lucky she was to have a male ally in her father. Malala and Dax talk about feeling like a fish out of water in a new school after her attack, winning the N...

Nov 05, 20252 hr 5 minEp. 967

Mom's Car: Ryan Hansen

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car we welcome all-around buddy Ryan Hansen. Ryan, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through feeling famous from a young age at church, the legend of tough and redheaded Billy, doing bad boy things as a teen as an escape from a rough family life, adventures in attempting to be cool kids in high school, a sex dream about a rock, and Dax’s failed intimate encounter with a pint glass of jello. #sponsored by @Allstate. Go to https://bit.ly/momscar to check Allst...

Nov 04, 202550 minEp. 10011

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon (Gone Before Goodbye, The Morning Show, Big Little Lies) is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning actor and producer. Reese joins the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up on a military base in Germany, being surprisingly not cautious when her kids want to chase adrenaline, and originally thinking that acting was a hobby to pay the bills. Reese and Dax talk about her theory on dating and the decline in romcoms, refusing to read during her audition for Election while ...

Nov 03, 20252 hr 8 minEp. 966

Armchair Anonymous: Babysitting II

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a bad babysitting 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 Notic...

Oct 31, 202548 minEp. 965

Cas Holman (on being playful)

Cas Holman (Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity) is a toy creator, play designer, and author. Cas joins the Armchair Expert to discuss creating modular ecosystems of play in her toys, studying in the rainforest as a Banana Slug, and her gender-bending appearance on Maury Povich. Cas and Dax talk about learning how to both fabricate and tell a story in design school, instilling ideals with her adventure playground, and the twelve different play types ...

Oct 29, 20251 hr 33 minEp. 964

Mom's Car: Tim Lovestedt

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car we welcome comedic legend and fellow Groundlings alum Tim Lovestedt. Tim, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through the dish on Brad, working in wine, Tim getting a DUI at the police department where his dad worked, the namesake of The Worker tall boy, being tuned into the male Midwest supper courtship, Tim and Dax’s Sunday Company mythology, and achieving the most comfortable level of fame. #sponsored by @Allstate. Go to https://bit.ly/momscar to check ...

Oct 28, 202549 minEp. 10010

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I Would Kick You, Damages, Neighbors) is an Emmy Award-nominated actor. Rose joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being rejected from every drama school she applied to in Australia, not having the confidence to discern between early roles, and whether she identifies as a people pleaser. Rose and Dax talk about playing the straight man in Bridesmaids, getting into a loose comedic rhythm with longtime collaborator Seth Rogan, and her improv baptism by fire making Get Him ...

Oct 27, 20251 hr 52 minEp. 963

Armchair Anonymous: Military

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy military 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:/...

Oct 24, 202549 minEp. 962

Stephen Dubner Returns Again

Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics, When to Rob a Bank, Freakonomics Radio) is an award-winning journalist, author, and radio host. Stephen returns once again to the Armchair Expert to discuss the power and necessity of disgust, the ethics of yelling at AI, and reflecting on the 20th publishing anniversary of Freakonomics. Stephen and Dax talk about being prodded by society into binary thinking, the compulsions in being perpetually online that don’t jibe with human nature, and what he does when presen...

Oct 22, 20251 hr 50 minEp. 961

Mom's Car: Briegh Morrison

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car, we welcome Dax’s former longtime partner and forever pal Briegh Morrison. Briegh, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through the harrowing story of her son’s near-drowning, breast cancer being the catalyst for her getting sober, BFAW’s memory of Briegh’s substance-tinged boat cleaning, she and Dax’s couples therapy leading to their amicable breakup, and why one of her greatest gifts is going deep with people. #sponsored by @Allstate. Go to https://bit.ly...

Oct 21, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 10009

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show, Cook with Clydeo, Friends) is an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor. Jennifer joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the hidden messages in children’s literature, why doing podcasts can be like waking up from anesthesia, and the bait and switch of her actor dad deciding to train as a doctor in Greece. Jennifer and Dax talk about her apocryphal encounter with producer Warren Littlefield at a gas station, the cultural significance of why the show would neve...

Oct 20, 20252 hr 10 minEp. 960

Armchair Anonymous: Wedding II

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a wedding disaster. 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...

Oct 17, 202543 minEp. 959

Andy Roddick (former professional tennis player)

Andy Roddick (Served) is a Grand Slam-winning tennis champion. Andy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss when his tennis rankings weren’t as good as his older brother’s until the day it flipped, whether he thinks you’re born or made with the disposition of an elite athlete, and how undervalued a skill it is to get beat and go to work the next day. Andy and Dax talk about the dividends gained from taking 10 years off of tennis, the protectiveness his father showed over his career and finances, an...

Oct 15, 20251 hr 48 minEp. 958

Mom's Car: Nate Tuck

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car, we welcome West Coast Best Friend Nate Tuck. Dax, Nate, and East Coast Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through the deep evolutionary significance of a tribe chief embarrassing himself, Nate’s wasted and naked black ice car crash, BFAW’s handsome, mustachioed dad, woes of a sludgy summer job, a particularly loud Jean-Claude Van Damme delivery encounter, the long road to road rage recovery, Dax’s legendary rumble after a David Allan Coe show, and a physics-relat...

Oct 14, 202552 minEp. 10008

Sharon Horgan

Sharon Horgan (The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, Bad Sisters, Catastrophe) is an Emmy Award-nominated actor, writer, and producer. Sharon joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being one of three middle children, growing up with a tough publican father that went into the turkey trade, and an early approach by a famous director in a café to audition for one of his films. Sharon and Dax talk about having great recall for lines but basically no other information, the joy-filled buzz of her first time ...

Oct 13, 20251 hr 55 minEp. 957

Armchair Anonymous: Moving

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy moving 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 htt...

Oct 10, 202552 minEp. 956

Toby Stuart (on social status)

Toby Stuart (Anointed: The Extraordinary Effects of Social Status in a Winner-Take-Most World) is an organizational theorist, professor of business administration at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and author. Toby joins the Armchair Expert to discuss attending Harvard Business School before knowing what business school was, the role of sanctioning mechanisms in a social hierarchy, and how circles of status can affect the value of works of art by millions of dollars. Toby and Dax talk abo...

Oct 08, 20251 hr 36 minEp. 955

Mom's Car: Jackie Tohn

On this week’s episode of Mom’s Car, we welcome longtime pal and Nobody Wants This supporting star Jackie Tohn. Jackie, Dax, and Best Friend Aaron Weakley talk through comparisons between the smells of broccoli and feet, being a part of the most streamed comedy of all time, getting hit on at the podiatrist, the story of how Jackie ended up with Dax and Kristen’s dog, invoking Esther Perel to settle a write-in question about sexual intimacy, and the gang try to out-Andrew Dice Clay each other. #s...

Oct 07, 202555 minEp. 10007

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen (The Book of Sheen, Two and a Half Men, Platoon) is a Golden Globe Award-winning actor. Charlie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the lore of having not one but two of his cars stolen and pushed into a ravine, a two-decades-delayed apology to Dax, and why hiring a ghostwriter for his memoir was a dealbreaker. Charlie and Dax talk about how much of his story is impacted by being the little brother of Emilio Estevez, the math of time required in the attempt to work sustainably as ...

Oct 06, 20252 hr 9 minEp. 954

Matt Friend (impressionist)

Matt Friend (Grace Period, The Simpsons, Family Guy) is a stand-up comedian, impressionist, and actor. Matt joins the Armchair Expert to discuss exploring whether he’s enough beyond his voice in a new stand-up hour, his sister’s characterization of him as a glorified parrot, and roasting Trump to his face at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Matt and Dax discuss whether there might be a neurodivergence component to his impression skills, doing celebrities to themselves on the Golden Globes ...

Oct 01, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 953
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