The hosts dive into the hilariously complicated world of mother-in-law relationships, sharing personal stories and listener experiences. They tackle the ups and downs of family dynamics, highlighting social media mishaps and surprising discoveries, like an unexpected topless photo. The episode humorously explores unique living arrangements and the tricky balance of boundaries during family events. Empathy shines through as they navigate tensions, reminding us that love and laughter often go hand in hand, even among family shenanigans.

Megan Rapinoe, a former soccer star and Olympic gold medalist known for her activism, joins her partner Sue Bird, a WNBA legend and five-time Olympic champion, for an engaging chat. They discuss the importance of resilience and mental health in sports, sharing personal tales of overcoming injuries. The duo reflects on the pride of representing America in the Olympics and the significance of emotional expression in athletics. They also touch on the evolving landscape of women’s sports and the need for diverse storytelling to inspire future generations.

Cynthia Erivo, an award-winning actor and singer known for her roles in 'Wicked' and 'Harriet', shares her captivating journey in the spotlight. She discusses the vibrant culture of South London and how she connects with audiences during performances. Cynthia opens up about the challenges of political roles and her preference for makeup over CGI in 'Wicked'. She also shares her unique experience of synesthesia and her admiration for Ariana Grande, illuminating the emotional depths of her artistry and the complexities of navigating fame.

Dax and Monica dive into the hilarity and chaos of crazy exes, sharing wild tales of relationships with graffiti artists and unforgettable emotional rollercoasters. They reflect on the lessons learned from controlling partners, confront a stalker, and discuss the therapeutic effects of journaling. The duo blends humor with insights on fitness and health, while a dramatic police encounter highlights the complexities of love and trust. Their lighthearted banter showcases the absurdities of young love and personal growth amidst emotional challenges.

Keith Payne, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of "Good, Reasonable People," dives into the psychological roots of America's political divides. He explores how socioeconomic status affects political beliefs, revealing unexpected voting patterns. The conversation includes the impact of education on political affiliation and the complexities of relationships amidst differing ideologies. Payne also highlights the influence of social factors on beliefs and the role of empathy in bridging divides, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Jude Law, the Academy Award-nominated actor known for his roles in classics like 'Sherlock Holmes,' opens up about his journey through acting. He discusses his emotional growth, noting he cries more now than ever. Jude shares insights into his chemistry with Robert Downey Jr. and reflects on the profound impact of legendary director Mike Nichols. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being in the public eye and the traumatic experience of having his phone hacked, all delivered with his characteristic charm.

Dax and Monica explore the humorous side of bodily functions and social norms, sharing wild and light-hearted anecdotes. They recount childhood mishaps with nature, from jellyfish to stinging nettles, and discuss the chaos of parenting during teenage romance. A harrowing tale of a tragic accident sparks deep reflections on guilt and healing. Their banter also highlights the joys of audiobooks, family dynamics during the pandemic, and exciting holiday gift ideas, keeping the conversation engaging and relatable.

Sharon McMahon, a New York Times bestselling author and dubbed 'America’s History Teacher,' delves into the complexities of American democracy. She shares insights on structural challenges the Supreme Court faces today and underscores the significance of diverse political parties for a healthy democracy. The conversation also touches on the impact of political rhetoric and the historical importance of active citizenship. With engaging anecdotes, Sharon emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue rather than blind party allegiance.

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone (Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire) are actors, comedians, and writers. Melissa and Ben join the Armchair Expert to discuss why they showed up in medieval costumes, having sleepovers with Glenn Close, and tickle parties. Melissa, Ben, and Dax talk about their clandestine relationship early on, how they deal with comedy comparison, and getting fired from CPK. Melissa and Ben explain the benefits of working with your spouse, how much they love flipping houses, and how they’ve maintained their appetites to keep creating.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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yuval Noah Harari, a renowned historian and author of 'Sapiens' and 'Homo Deus,' discusses the critical role of information networks in shaping our lives. He explores how misinformation manipulates public perception, the power of editorial influence, and contrasts historical ideological gaps with today's divides. Harari dives into the implications of algorithms on truth and the spread of mass media. He also shares insights on AI as an agent for change, emphasizing the necessity of robust regulation to navigate its rapid advancement.