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
85 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 2h 6min
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OBGYN and culinary medicine specialist, shares her insights on menopause and women's health. She candidly discusses her own misinterpretations of menopause, linking it to personal loss. Mary delivers compelling arguments against myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy, advocating for its benefits. She also sheds light on how women can still conceive during perimenopause and the urgent need for better education in women's health, creating a supportive community for those navigating this life transition.
33 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 49min
Andrew Schulz
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schulz, a comedian and podcaster known for his bold humor, shares behind-the-scenes insights from his life and career. He hilariously recounts his ballroom dancing skills and debates the heritage of Alexander the Great. The pair discuss the challenges of fatherhood, his confrontational style rooted in a desire for acceptance, and the complexities of political humor. Schulz also opens up about the difficulties of discussing sensitive topics like fertility while maintaining authenticity in comedy.
7 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 36min
Armchair Anonymous: I Quit
Listeners share wild "I Quit" stories, revealing moments of liberation and chaos. The conversation touches on nostalgic flavors of sugar-free drinks, while hilarious summer job tales showcase unexpected challenges. Mental health discussions highlight the importance of support systems, intertwined with humorous anecdotes. The emotional complexity of career transitions and personal relationships emerges, as well as the joy found in shared experiences. Ultimately, the speakers encourage listeners to reclaim their narratives and celebrate triumphs.
252 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 2h 11min
Jonathan Haidt Returns (on the Anxious Generation)
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and best-selling author, joins the conversation to explore the challenges faced by today's youth, emphasizing the impact of technology on mental health. He discusses the dangers of overprotectiveness and how excessive screen time leads to attention fragmentation. The discussion also touches on the importance of granting children social experiences and the need for balance in navigating their digital lives, as well as the worrying rise of anxiety and depression among young people, particularly girls.
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 55min
Lauren Graham Returns
Lauren Graham, a Golden Globe-nominated actor known for her iconic roles in *Gilmore Girls* and *Parenthood*, shares hilarious anecdotes and personal reflections. She recounts a humorous incident when she mistook Dax for Brad Pitt and discusses her unconventional approach to fashion. The conversation touches on the emotional impact of losing her mother, the challenges of career transitions in Hollywood, and the joy of creative expression. Lauren also reveals the ups and downs of navigating fame and relationships while maintaining authenticity in her art.
Mar 7, 2025 • 46min
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy story.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.
22 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 2h 6min
Suzanne O'Sullivan (on over diagnosis)
Suzanne O'Sullivan, a neurologist and award-winning writer, discusses the significant issue of overdiagnosis in medicine. She highlights the complexities surrounding epilepsy, psychosomatic disorders, and the rise of self-diagnosis culture. Suzanne also explores the impact of societal beliefs on health, revealing how collective phenomena can manifest physically. The conversation touches on how the myth of sonic weapons and health anxieties, exacerbated by social media, complicate our understanding of true medical conditions, advocating for a more compassionate approach to health.
28 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 2h 9min
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling, an Emmy-nominated writer and actress known for hits like The Mindy Project, joins the discussion to share intriguing anecdotes about her background and career. She hilariously reflects on the cultural identity complexities of being Indian in LA and the humorous expectations tied to women in comedy. Mindy reveals how a mishap on stage shifted her perspective on perseverance and discusses the impactful advice from Reese Witherspoon about motherhood. With insights on personal growth and navigating friendships, this chat is both entertaining and enlightening!
6 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 44min
Armchair Anonymous: DIY Disaster
Dive into the hilarious world of DIY disasters! From catastrophic Halloween costume fails to a chaotic home renovation that led to an explosion, the tales are both amusing and relatable. Listen as personal hygiene and awkward food show encounters add to the fun. Experience the nostalgic chaos of college days mixed with family dynamics and lessons learned from cutting corners. Join the laughter as the speakers navigate through their wild adventures, blending heartfelt stories with entertaining mishaps.
74 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 43min
Blaise Aguirre (on overcoming self-hatred)
Blaise Aguirre, a Harvard psychiatrist specializing in dialectical behavior therapy, shares profound insights on overcoming self-hatred and understanding Borderline Personality Disorder. He likens a mind affected by BPD to a fast car without a skilled driver, emphasizing the chaos that emotional dysregulation causes. Aguirre highlights the liberating realization that we are all stardust and reminds us that true healing requires facing uncomfortable emotions. His passion for helping patients is palpable as he discusses the transformative power of empathy and self-compassion.
