Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Armchair Umbrella
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
Mentioned books
4 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 29min
Matt Friend (impressionist)
Matt Friend, a talented stand-up comedian and impressionist known for his viral performances, shares captivating insights into his career. He discusses roasting Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, revealing the delicate balance of humor in political spaces. Matt also dives into the neurodivergent aspects of mimicry and whether his impressions define him as a performer. With entertaining stories of red carpet encounters and a transformative experience overcoming food allergies, he opens up about finding authenticity in his comedic voice.
Sep 30, 2025 • 51min
Mom's Car: Timothy Simons
Timothy Simons, known for his role on Veep, shares insights into his journey as an actor and his experiences with ADHD. He vividly recounts the testing he underwent as a teenager and discusses how ADHD affects his parenting, often seeing his own traits in his kids. The conversation highlights his unique path into comedy through commercial casting, the supportive environment of Veep, and the role of improvisation in his career. Timothy also reflects on the importance of self-awareness in managing emotional reactions tied to ADHD.
Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 12min
Kristen Bell & Justine Lupe
Kristen Bell, the beloved actor from "Nobody Wants This," shares hilarious on-set pranks and candid reflections on motherhood. Joined by her co-star Justine Lupe, who reveals her Juilliard audition saga and a wild prank of her own, the duo dives into the balance of personal growth in acting and how their characters’ romance evolves. They discuss the supportive nature of their filming environment, the challenges of performance, and the joy of crafting believable scenes, all while teasing sizzling chemistry for the show's second season.
Sep 26, 2025 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Valet Driver
In this entertaining conversation, nurse practitioner Monica shares a wild family vacation tale involving a mix-up with a valet in Canada. She recounts how her family accidentally drove off in the wrong car, leading to an unexpected rendezvous on a highway to swap back. Alongside, anecdotes of prankster valets and a close call with a runaway Prius demonstrate the chaotic and humorous side of valet work. Monica's blend of personal healthcare insights and memorable travel mishaps keeps the conversation lively and engaging.
38 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 57min
Steven Pinker Returns (on common knowledge)
Steven Pinker, a cognitive psychologist and bestselling author, dives into the fascinating world of common knowledge and its implications. He uncovers how long-term data can foster a sense of optimism, contrasting starkly with negative headlines. Pinker explains the role of conventions in social coordination, highlights the surprising benefits of public philanthropy, and delves into the unpredictable strategies of human behavior, all while easing concerns over the future of AI. An insightful conversation that explores the intersection of psychology, communication, and societal norms!
Sep 23, 2025 • 55min
Mom's Car: Monica Padman
This week features Monica Padman, a producer and actor known for her lively presence on various projects. With humor and candidness, the trio dives into the quirks of food delivery and the pride of thrift finds. They explore vulnerability in love through a comically fake listener letter, and Monica shares her unconventional 'kink' for sick men and delicious cuisine. The conversation shifts to intimate grooming trends and evolves into discussing the impacts of a partner's life changes, particularly in bodybuilding, and the fears that accompany such transformations.
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 57min
Dominic Fike
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.
Sep 19, 2025 • 47min
Armchair Anonymous: Arrested
In this episode, callers share wild arrest stories from their younger days. Jackie recalls a high school incident involving underage drinking and a taxi drama that led to police involvement. David shares how a funny cap gun prank went south, drawing an intense police response. Laura, a photographer and former USC student, talks about her college arrest for marijuana possession and the bizarre fallout, including potential theft during her detention. These tales offer a hilarious yet poignant glimpse into the chaos of youth.
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 45min
Bobbi Brown (make-up artist and entrepreneur)
Bobbi Brown, renowned make-up artist and founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, shares her journey in the beauty industry. She reveals her motto, 'the less I do, the more I’m me,' as her secret to a fulfilling life. Bobbi discusses her philosophy of enhancing rather than correcting beauty, her unexpected venture into lipstick formulation, and the significance of relationships in makeup. She also reflects on maintaining authenticity in a changing beauty landscape, and her insights on navigating a long marriage blend humor with heartfelt wisdom.
Sep 16, 2025 • 51min
Mom's Car: Erick Richardson
Join ex-lawyer Erick Richardson, a tortoise enthusiast, as he shares his wildly unconventional path to becoming a law firm partner. He recounts making a quirky deal with God on a catamaran and how he stumbled upon a fascination with 11 rare giant tortoises. The trio also dives into the bizarre world of client payments, including a market for a cut-off toe. With humor flowing, they navigate the absurdities of life, touching on moral dilemmas and the joy of unexpected transformations.
