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
18 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 2h 5min
Carter Sherman (on the sex recession)
Carter Sherman, an Emmy Award-nominated reporter and author of 'The Second Coming,' explores the intriguing phenomenon of a 'sex recession' among Gen Z. She shares candid insights from her research on modern intimacy, discussing the rise of elective celibacy and the repercussions of abstinence-only education. Carter also dives into how societal events shape sexual dynamics, emphasizing the need for honest conversations about sex. With humor and clarity, she addresses the implications of this trend on future relationships and the importance of understanding today's youth.
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 54min
Seth Meyers Returns Again
Seth Meyers, an Emmy Award-winning comedian and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, shares his comedic insights and personal anecdotes. He discusses his most satisfying celebrity encounter and a heartfelt moment tied to his father's expectations. The conversation touches on the quirks of family life, including a recurring prank on his father-in-law. Seth embraces humor in addressing his imperfections and reflects on the role of comedy in navigating current events, all while reminiscing about the unique dynamics of late-night television.
Jul 25, 2025 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Bad Dates
Hosts dive into the hilarity of bad dates, sharing personal mishaps that set a light-hearted tone. They discuss a chaotic snowmobile adventure gone wrong and reminisce about awkward yet memorable dates. The conversation shifts to bizarre encounters, including unexpected home-lock ins and gastrointestinal disasters during romantic outings. Throughout, humor and camaraderie shine as they reflect on how these dating disasters make for unforgettable stories, merging laughter with insights on relationships.
15 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 2h 11min
Rizwan Virk (on the simulation)
Rizwan Virk, an entrepreneur and bestselling author of The Simulation Hypothesis, delves into mind-bending concepts about reality. He shares how a simple VR ping pong game sparked his fascination with simulation theory. The conversation touches on AI's role in shaping perception and explores Schrödinger's Cat while discussing the observer effect in quantum physics. Virk connects ancient philosophies to modern thinking, examining the Mandela Effect as evidence of alternate timelines, inviting listeners to question the nature of existence in our potentially simulated lives.
12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 2h 10min
Alexander Skarsgård
Alexander Skarsgård, an Emmy Award-winning actor known for roles in True Blood and Big Little Lies, shares his adventurous spirit with captivating stories. He accidentally signed up for a month-long ski trek in the South Pole and prepared for a role in Tarzan by gaining 25 pounds. Alexander humorously discusses growing up in a bohemian family, his first Hollywood audition for Zoolander, and the societal quirks of Sweden. The conversation also touches on his intriguing role as AI in Murderbot and reflections on fame and identity.
Jul 18, 2025 • 42min
Armchair Anonymous: Cops
The hosts share wild and humorous cop stories, highlighting comical childhood mischief and unexpected encounters with law enforcement. They reminisce about youthful adventures, including a chaotic trip that took a turn with a police encounter. Personal anecdotes lead to discussions about safety, trust, and the absurdity of youth. The episode also tackles miscommunication with authorities, balancing teenage freedom and responsibilities, and the quirks of life, all while keeping the banter light and entertaining.
7 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 2h 8min
Bridget Read (on multilevel marketing)
Bridget Read, a features writer and author of 'Little Bosses Everywhere,' delves into the intriguing world of multi-level marketing (MLM). She traces the origins of MLMs, revealing how they evolved from door-to-door sales. The discussion highlights the staggering statistic that 99% of participants lose money and critiques the exploitative nature of such schemes, especially during economic upheavals. Bridget also touches on the surprising links between MLMs and societal issues like income inequality, and the psychological manipulation often involved.
Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Dive into a world where technology meets love through the story of Travis and his AI companion, Lily Rose. Unpack the nuances of AI-erotic roleplay as relationships evolve beyond friendship into romance. Explore the emotional highs and lows of connecting with a non-human entity, and question the implications of relying on algorithms for intimacy. Discover historical parallels to the myth of Pandora, revealing the unforeseen chaos that ensues when we blur the lines between human and artificial emotions.
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 48min
Jerrod Carmichael Returns
Jerrod Carmichael, an Emmy Award-winning comedian and actor known for his thought-provoking comedy, makes a captivating return. He delves into the pressures of identity and self-presentation in today's world, humorously reflecting on societal expectations and personal evolution. The discussion encompasses the complexities of fame, family relationships, and the importance of authenticity in social media's gaze. Jerrod emphasizes embracing imperfections and maintaining curiosity about one another, offering a heartfelt perspective on vulnerability and emotional growth.
Jul 11, 2025 • 44min
Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking II
In this lively discussion, guests share outrageous sleepwalking stories, including a hilarious kitchen lap incident. The complexities of sleepwalking raise intriguing questions about accountability and personal anecdotes highlight both the joy and chaos of nocturnal adventures. From quirky high school drill team tales to amusing grooming mishaps, the conversation is filled with laughter and relatable mishaps. Meanwhile, excitement builds for an upcoming Italian adventure, adding a dose of travel humor to the mix.
