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
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 41min
D'Arcy Carden Returns
D'Arcy Carden, an Emmy-nominated actor known for her roles in The Good Place and Loot, returns to share her experiences and insights. She discusses her bond with Sherry Cola while filming Nobody Wants This and her obsession with attending concerts. D'Arcy reveals her struggles with time blindness and how it affects her daily life. She dives into the emotional preparation for her acting roles, including a moving cry playlist, and recounts the most frightening moments of her career, particularly in intense scenes. Her passion for storytelling shines brightly.
Nov 28, 2025 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Thanksgiving III
Caitlin, a caller from Louisville, shares a wild Thanksgiving mishap when a hot ham pan led to burns and a slippery kitchen during her first hosting experience. Liz from Southern California describes the chaos of hosting relatives who fell ill with norovirus in an 800 sq ft apartment, resulting in a true holiday nightmare. Meanwhile, Devon from Ontario recounts a camping Thanksgiving with a propane-heater explosion and a string of past family injuries, adding a chaotic twist to their annual gathering.
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 33min
David Fajgenbaum (on repurposing medicine)
David Fajgenbaum, an immunology researcher and author of "Chasing My Cure," shares his incredible journey of battling Castleman disease, where a promise to his late mother pushed him toward medicine. He discusses his near-death experiences and the breakthrough moment of discovering off-label drugs that led him to remission. Fajgenbaum also highlights his mission with EveryCure, using AI to repurpose existing medicines for other inflammatory diseases. With stories of miraculous drug repurposing, he aims to inspire hope and action in medical research.
15 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 52min
Joel Edgerton
Joel Edgerton, a talented actor, writer, and director, shares insights on his life with an Australian Vogue editor, discussing how he decodes her fashion critiques. He reflects on the awkwardness of masculinity and the emotional grooming of children. Joel reveals anecdotes from working with cinematic giants like George Lucas and dives into his latest film, Train Dreams, exploring themes of loss and labor. With a blend of humor and vulnerability, he also shares his idolization of athletes and the art of directing with tenderness.
4 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 46min
Armchair Anonymous: Dental Disaster
In this episode, Amanda (MK), a zip-line worker, shares her wild story of a freak workplace accident that resulted in a fractured bone above her front teeth. She details the frantic hospital care she received, including temporary braces and root canals. Despite the trauma, Amanda maintains a light-hearted outlook as she recounts missing summer camp but returning to teaching with visible dental hardware. The candid exchange offers both humor and a glimpse into the unexpected challenges of dental disasters.
58 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 47min
Andrew Ross Sorkin (on stock market crashes)
Andrew Ross Sorkin, an award-winning financial journalist and author, dives into the 1929 stock market crash and its modern implications. He shares his early hustle that led to a New York Times internship and his motto of 'chasing interesting' in journalism. Sorkin discusses the impact of consumer credit and margin lending on market volatility, drawing parallels to today's crypto trends. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency in finance and how ethical reporting shapes public trust in media.
29 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 2h 16min
Billy Crudup
Billy Crudup, an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor renowned for roles in Almost Famous and The Morning Show, chats about his complex family dynamics, revealing how having a dreamer for a father shaped his life. He discusses his journey in acting, the pivotal moment that solidified his passion, and the stability he strives to provide for his own son. Billy also reflects on his experiences with widely known filmmakers, the impact of early roles, and his thoughts on navigating fame while maintaining creative integrity.
17 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 47min
Armchair Anonymous: Unexpected Orgasm II
In this engaging discussion, listeners share their jaw-dropping unexpected orgasm tales. Betsy recalls an unforgettable family safari trip in India, where a bumpy ride led to a surprise climax. Kylie shares her teenage experience of riding a thoroughbred bareback, leading to an intense and surprising moment in the indoor arena. Meanwhile, Cynthia opens up about her struggles with persistent genital arousal disorder, detailing her journey through medical challenges and the relief she found through shockwave therapy. These stories highlight the unpredictability of pleasure.
83 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 2h 12min
Mel Robbins (on the Let Them Theory)
Mel Robbins, a best-selling author known for The 5 Second Rule and The Let Them Theory, shares her inspiring journey from struggling in college to becoming a motivational speaker. She discusses the importance of learning to get out of bed when you don’t feel like it and how this simple skill can change lives. Mel introduces her Let Them Theory, encouraging acceptance and personal empowerment in relationships. She also explores the neuroscience behind her Five-Second Rule, which has helped countless people through crises.
Nov 11, 2025 • 55min
Mom's Car: Larry Trilling
Larry Trilling, a talented television and film director known for his work on Parenthood, shares insights from his creative journey. He recounts his early days making Super 8 films and attending Santa Monica High with notable classmates. Larry discusses the nuances of directing TV, from blocking to nurturing actor performances, and reveals his favorite films and the impact they had on his life. The conversation touches on the potential for a Parenthood revival, sparking nostalgia and enthusiasm for the series.
