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
Aug 22, 2025 • 46min
Armchair Anonymous: First Day of School
Dive into the nostalgia of school days with hilarious mishaps and memorable firsts! Hear about a chaotic first day, where a new teacher collides with a bike-riding student, leading to unexpected lessons in resilience. Relive the comedic chaos of bathroom incidents and wardrobe disasters, alongside humorous tales of vomiting during choir practice. Listen as speakers share their experiences with bullying, camaraderie, and personal growth, all while reflecting on the challenges of fitting in and navigating life's unexpected twists.
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 53min
Nancy Segal (on twins)
Nancy Segal, an evolutionary psychologist and expert on twins, joins the conversation to unravel the mysteries of twin dynamics. She explains surprising insights from her work on twins raised apart, including how identical twins often mirror each other more than fraternal twins. The discussion spans topics like the unique genetic connections of twins, the emotional complexity of their relationships, and how their experiences challenge our understanding of identity and behavior. Prepare for a captivating dive into the science behind twinship!
13 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 50min
Luke Combs
In this lively chat, award-winning country musician Luke Combs reflects on a surprising truck gift from Garth Brooks and shares his unique views on the music industry. He opens up about feeling unfulfilled despite immense success and credits his high school music teachers for their ongoing support. Luke discusses his battle with anxiety and OCD, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and giving back. From navigating fame to the quirks of country life, this conversation is filled with humor, insight, and authentic storytelling.
Aug 15, 2025 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Summer Camp
Dive into wild summer camp stories filled with hilarious mischief, from chaotic water balloon pranks to unexpected crushes. Experience the thrills of bargain hunting and unique adventures alongside amusing tales of mishaps among counselors. Listen as friends bond over caregiving moments and reminisce about the innocence of youth amid chaotic situations, like police chases and lice outbreaks. With humor and camaraderie at its core, these lighthearted memories capture the essence of unforgettable summer endeavors.
12 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 2h 10min
Chris Feistl & Dave Mitchell (former DEA agents)
Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell, former DEA agents renowned for dismantling the Cali Cartel, share thrilling tales from their undercover days in Colombia. They discuss the stark differences between the Medellín and Cali cartels, emphasizing how Cali's strategic sophistication allowed them to thrive post-Escobar. The duo also details their high-stakes operations and the constant dangers faced, revealing shocking stories about corruption and betrayal in the drug trade. They provide a candid look into the mind of narcoterrorism while reflecting on their personal adventures in law enforcement.
38 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 60min
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal, a 4x NBA champion and philanthropist, dives into thought-provoking discussions about personal growth and resilience. He shares how a nuclear physicist taught him to accept criticism and the significance of embracing silliness to tame his inner bully. Shaq reflects on his journey through fame, pain management, and addiction, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and humility in sports. Their candid chats also touch on fashion, celebrity encounters, and light-hearted anecdotes that showcase his charismatic personality.
Aug 8, 2025 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Substitute Teacher
In this engaging conversation, Anne Hathaway, a young student and devoted Armchair Expert listener, shares a memorable tale about a chaotic day with a substitute teacher that turned hilariously disastrous. Marla Maples, a former student teacher, opens up about a frightening stalking incident that shook her to her core. The dialogue bounces between the joys and challenges of teaching, with humorous anecdotes woven in. Together, they reflect on the impact of teachers on students and the lessons learned from both hilarious and harrowing experiences.
22 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 25min
Caroline Fraser (on serial killers)
Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, delves into the dark world of violence in her book 'Murderland'. She discusses the intriguing decline of Christian Science churches and its repercussions on healthcare ideologies. The duo explores the Pacific Northwest's serial killer association, linking it to environmental factors and societal violence. Fraser also tackles 'Missing White Woman Syndrome' and the ethical dilemmas surrounding violence surveillance. Her insights combine humor and gravity to paint a complex picture of crime's roots in human health.
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 47min
Ramy Youssef Returns
Ramy Youssef, an award-winning comedian and creator known for 'Ramy', makes a dynamic return. He shares his thoughts on the complexity of good and evil, suggesting everyone has a blend of both inherently. The conversation dives into his cinematic experiences and the challenges of capturing cultural identity, particularly as a child of immigrant parents in a post-9/11 world. Ramy humorously reflects on his creative process and the surprising lessons learned from his projects, blending humor with deep societal insights.
36 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.
