Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

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David Sedaris #5

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Apr 16, 2025

Guest

David Sedaris

David Sedaris, a renowned comedian and author known for his sharp wit, returns with entertaining insights on life and art. He shares why his Picasso would be his prized possession in a fire and discusses the complexities of love, humor, and societal taboos. Sedaris hilariously reflects on his experience with a priest outfit and his mission to celebrate his mother through writing. With anecdotes about bodily functions, societal expectations, and the nuance of offensiveness, this conversation is a delightful blend of humor and introspection.

02:03:13

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ANECDOTE

Prized Postcards

Dax Shepard prizes David Sedaris's postcards.
He displays them prominently in his home.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Art in a Fire

David Sedaris would save a small Picasso painting in a fire.
Dax Shepard would save a small Picasso and a Franz Kline.

insights

INSIGHT

Art's Value

Dax Shepard questions the value of original art versus prints, unless for investment.
He and David Sedaris discuss the disconnect between appreciating art and the artist's morality.

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Postcards and Personal Mementos

03:14 • 27min

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Whimsical Dialogues on Love and Travel

30:20 • 5min

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Meeting the Pope: Humor and Identity

35:12 • 24min

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Bodily Functions and Social Media Laughs

59:16 • 11min

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Dining Dilemmas and Delicious Memories

01:10:06 • 10min

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Humorous Reflections on Body Image and Undergarments

01:20:02 • 3min

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Humor and Humanity in Nudity and Gender Identity

01:22:53 • 5min

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Exploring Connection and the Joy of Live Storytelling

01:27:42 • 4min

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Exploring Cultural Impact through Buddhism in Popular Television

01:31:31 • 2min

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Navigating Identity and Belief

01:33:46 • 17min

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Identity, Fulfillment, and the Pursuit of Purpose

01:50:17 • 6min

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Exploring Family Dynamics Through Dark Humor

01:55:59 • 4min

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Lighthearted Ramblings on Air Travel and Beyond

01:59:59 • 11min

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Friendly Banter and Podcast Promotion

David Sedaris's "Calypso" is a collection of essays that showcases his distinctive voice and his ability to find humor in the everyday. The essays are characterized by their witty observations, self-deprecating humor, and unflinching honesty. Sedaris writes about a wide range of topics, from his childhood experiences to his travels abroad, always with a keen eye for detail and a sharp sense of irony. His work is known for its ability to make readers laugh while also prompting them to think about deeper issues. "Calypso" is considered a significant work in contemporary American literature, further solidifying Sedaris's status as a master of the essay form. The collection's exploration of themes such as family, identity, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with readers.

A Carnival of Snackery

Diaries 2003-2020

David Sedaris

A Carnival of Snackery is the second volume of David Sedaris's diaries, covering the years 2003 to 2020. The book provides a candid and humorous look at his life, including observations on global events, personal experiences, and cultural quirks. It offers a unique blend of humor and insight into the changing world around him.

Happy-Go-Lucky

David Sedaris

In 'Happy-Go-Lucky,' David Sedaris reflects on the pandemic, his father's death, and various personal and public upheavals with his signature wit and sharp observations. The book includes stories about his walks during lockdown, his relationships with his family, and his experiences on the road, highlighting both the absurdity and the poignancy of these times. Sedaris tackles serious topics like loss, aging, and social unrest while maintaining his characteristic humor and irreverence.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

David Sedaris

Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of essays that humorously explores David Sedaris's experiences growing up in a large Greek family, his early career start in performance art, and his life in France. The book details his upbringing in North Carolina, including his struggles with a lisp and his family's eccentricities. It also delves into his adventures as an American in a rural French village, where he navigates cultural differences and language barriers with his signature wit and sarcasm. The essays touch on themes of family, identity, acceptance, and the power of humor in addressing personal flaws and life's challenges[2][4][5].

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim

David Sedaris

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a collection of essays by David Sedaris that delves into his upbringing in Raleigh, North Carolina, his relationships with family members, and his life in New York City and France. The book is praised for its introspective and emotionally resonant storytelling, offering a humorous yet poignant look at ordinary life.

The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business

Werner Holzwarth

Wolf Erlbruch

This children's book follows the story of a mole who wakes up to find feces on his head and sets out to identify the culprit. Along the way, he encounters various animals, each demonstrating their unique defecation styles. With the help of some flies, the mole finally discovers the perpetrator and exacts a humorous revenge. The book is celebrated for its candid humor and has become an international success.

David Sedaris (Happy-Go-Lucky, A Carnival of Snackery, Calypso) is a comedian, humorist, and author. David returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why his Picasso painting is what he would grab in a fire, what in 50 years we will see as unforgivable, and how you can have a towering hatred for someone who has no idea. David and Dax talk about the paradox of stinky, kissable money, how he schemed an off-the-rack priest outfit, and the nuance in offensiveness. David explains that there’s nothing better than a pants-shitting story, a defense of a children’s book with no lesson, and how his whole mission as a writer is to make everyone love his mother as much as he did.

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