Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Dominic Fike
Sep 22, 2025
Dominic Fike, a singer, songwriter, and actor known for his role in Euphoria, opens up about his complex upbringing in Florida and how growing up around addicts influenced his empathic nature. He shares how house arrest became a catalyst for his music, leading to a multi-million dollar record deal despite setbacks. Dominic discusses the emotional weight of his family dynamics and the transformative impact of somatic therapy on his recovery journey. He also reflects on working with Justin Bieber and the grace of change he encountered in treatment.
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Early Violence Shaped His Protector Instincts
- Dominic links witnessing domestic violence to developing a big heart toward victims and a hypersensitive protector role.
- That early exposure also seeded shame and overcompensation in adult relationships.
Social Media Feeds A Shame Machine
- Dominic explains social-media–driven narcissism creates shame because it offers constant external feedback loops.
- He deliberately reduces vanity and obsession with others' opinions to ease anxiety and shame.
Invite Your 'Shadow' To Reduce Self-Sabotage
- Dominic describes a protective inner voice or 'friend in my head' that prevents personal growth by reminding him of past identity and street cred.
- He and Dax reference 'shadow' work and somatic therapy to humanize that protective part and invite it into change.