#480: Dax Shepard on the Craft of Podcasting, Favorite Books, and Dancing With Your Demons

11 snips

Nov 18, 2020

Dax Shepard, an acclaimed actor, writer, and podcast host of "Armchair Expert," dives deep into his artistic journey and the craft of vulnerability in storytelling. He shares personal struggles with addiction and the importance of openness, revealing how these experiences shape his podcasting style. The conversation also touches on health tech innovations like the Oura Ring and the significance of collaboration in creative endeavors. Dax's insights into dyslexia and evolving interview techniques highlight the power of authenticity in connecting with audiences.

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ANECDOTE

Dax's Mom on Armchair Expert

Dax Shepard interviewed his mom on his podcast, Armchair Expert.
This highlighted her empathy and openness about her life struggles, including divorce, suicide attempts, and abuse.

ANECDOTE

Hawaii Trip Revelation

Dax Shepard realized his substance abuse was a problem during a trip to Hawaii.
Despite achieving career and financial success, he felt scared, depressed, and suicidal.

INSIGHT

Happiness Checklist

Dax Shepard found happiness wasn't external but came from addressing shame and self-esteem.
His checklist for happiness includes exercise, meetings, and helping others.

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Titan

The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

Ron Chernow

This biography by Ron Chernow provides an in-depth look at John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the founder of Standard Oil and one of the most influential figures in American history. Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller’s troubled origins, his single-minded pursuit of wealth, and his profound religiosity. The book also delves into Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts, including his generous donations to the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University. Chernow’s narrative synthesizes Rockefeller’s public and private lives, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who was both a ruthless businessman and a devoted philanthropist. The book captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the post-Civil War shift from small businesses to giant corporations and featuring cameos by notable figures such as Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P. Morgan.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World

Jack Weatherford

This book, written by Jack Weatherford, challenges the traditional Western view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless destroyer. Instead, it portrays Khan as a secular leader who promoted egalitarianism, religious tolerance, and free trade. The Mongol Empire, under Khan's leadership, subjugated vast lands and people, but also facilitated cultural communication, expanded trade routes, and contributed to the blossoming of civilization. Weatherford argues that the Mongols' rule was less burdensome than that of European nobility, with lighter taxes, tolerance of local customs and religions, and universal education for boys. The book also explores how the Mongols encouraged scientific advances, improved agriculture, and sponsored lucrative international trade, thereby influencing European civilization and the modern world[2][3][5].

Where Men Win Glory

Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer's 'Where Men Win Glory' chronicles Pat Tillman's remarkable life and tragic death in Afghanistan. Tillman, a former NFL player, joined the Army after 9/11, driven by complex notions of duty and honor. The book delves into the murky circumstances of his death by friendly fire and the subsequent cover-up by the U.S. Army. Krakauer also examines the broader context of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the Bush administration's handling of the war.

Why We Sleep

Matthew Walker

This book delves into the purpose and power of sleep, explaining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Walker discusses how sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions, recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. He also explores the consequences of sleep deprivation and provides actionable steps to improve sleep quality, including ways to prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity.

The Checklist Manifesto

How To Get Things Right

Atul Gawande

In 'The Checklist Manifesto', Atul Gawande explores the power of checklists in overcoming the complexities of modern professional work. He argues that despite advanced training and technology, professionals often fail due to the sheer volume and complexity of knowledge. Gawande illustrates how checklists, first introduced by the U.S. Air Force, have been successfully adopted in various fields, including medicine, to reduce errors and improve outcomes. He provides compelling examples, such as the reduction of fatalities in surgical procedures and the elimination of hospital infections, to demonstrate the effectiveness of checklists. The book emphasizes the importance of balancing autonomy and control, empowering frontline workers, and continuously improving checklists based on feedback and experience[1][3][5].