Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

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.

James Gunn, renowned director and co-chair of DC Studios, chats about his journey in filmmaking and the unique appeal of superheroes. He dives into the nostalgia of Super Friends, revealing how these characters shaped his perspective on creativity and masculinity. Gunn shares personal stories, including an intense argument over Prince with his dad and his connection to horror movie monsters. He discusses the balance of artistic fulfillment in his career and his fresh take on Superman, blending humor with heartfelt anecdotes about navigating addiction and ambition.

Nicholas Hoult, a Golden Globe-nominated actor known for his roles in The Great and as Lex Luthor in the upcoming Superman film, shares his journey navigating fame and self-identity. He humorously recounts his ACL injury while playing basketball and reflects on the emotional nuances of acting, especially when portraying villains. The conversation touches on the complexities of maintaining body image in Hollywood and the joy of meaningful gifts exchanged on set. Hoult also offers insights on auditioning for iconic roles and the unique challenges of living in the public eye.

The hosts celebrate Independence Day with humorous tales and historical insights about Benjamin Franklin. They share outrageous stories of chaotic 4th of July festivities, including a shocking injury during a barbecue. Michigan's cultural resilience and the importance of men's mental health are also discussed. Nostalgic camping adventures spark laughter, alongside reflections on accountability and innovative pet food solutions. The chaos of fireworks mishandling leads to explosive memories, and playful banter wraps up with exciting podcast recommendations.

Suleika Jaouad, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and bestselling author, shares her journey through illness and creativity. She discusses why memoir writing should be brutally honest and reflects on moments where vulnerability can lead to resilience. Jaouad reveals how a misdiagnosis sparked a deeper understanding of herself and her art. There’s humor as she recounts her band camp romance with Jon Batiste and her connection to music. Throughout, she emphasizes the healing power of journaling and the importance of self-acceptance.

Olivia Munn, an acclaimed actor and advocate, shares her journey from a Vietnamese immigrant family to Hollywood fame. She discusses the acceptance of chaos in motherhood, her unique way of cheating in math by inventing a language, and the bond between her husband and mother. Munn reflects on overcoming abuse, the fragility of appearance in her roles, and prioritizing life's essentials. She candidly opens up about navigating identity, postpartum challenges, and confronting personal fears while emphasizing the importance of resilience and emotional safety.

Dax and Monica dive into wild stories from their listeners, starting with humorous and shocking anecdotes. A mishap involving a power tool leads to unexpected hair loss, highlighting the importance of safety. The duo discusses a tense neighborhood incident that hilariously blends protective instincts with community dynamics. Listeners are treated to bizarre medical tales, including a patient who accidentally shot herself and strange circumstances surrounding emergency calls. They also touch on the emotional scars of adoption and the journey of sobriety, weaving humor with heartfelt reflections.

Curtis Duffy, a celebrated chef and restaurateur from Chicago, discusses his challenging childhood and the transformative power of cooking. He reflects on a traumatic event that shaped his life at 19 and how gastronomy became his refuge. Curtis shares intriguing stories about his journey to earning Michelin stars and the setbacks he faced, including losing his acclaimed restaurant. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation of chefs and his ongoing drive for personal and professional improvement.

This thought-provoking discussion explores the hidden struggles of young mothers in evangelical homes. It tells the poignant story of Abbi, who faces overwhelming pressures after an unplanned pregnancy. The maternity home where she seeks support reveals a troubling agenda that prioritizes adoption by 'deserving' Christian couples. As Abbi grapples with her loss, she finds the strength to resist a system that seeks to dictate her choices. This gripping narrative highlights the emotional turmoil and defiance in the fight for agency over motherhood.

Brad Pitt, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like Fight Club and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, joins for a captivating discussion. He shares his journey from nearly finishing college to Hollywood fame, the thrill of filming high-speed scenes, and the unique challenges of acting in a Tarantino movie. The conversation delves into the balancing act of fame, personal growth, and the creative process behind his latest film. Humor and nostalgia flow as they discuss everything from past cars to the quirks of dog ownership.