Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Keegan-Michael Key, an award-winning actor and comedian from "Key & Peele," shares his comedic journey and insights. He dives into the lore of the Milford Panther and recounts his Detroit upbringing. The duo explores the evolution of sketch comedy, detailing how societal themes shape humor. Emotional moments hosting SNL and the impact of social media on comedy are highlighted. In a humorous twist, Shaquille O'Neal makes a surprise appearance, adding to the fun discussion about creativity and audience connection.

Dive into the humorous chaos of social media fails, where personal anecdotes reveal the mishaps of teenage humor clashing with adult interpretations. From a misdirected Snapchat that rattled a whole class to unexpected surprises during a lacrosse game, the stories are as relatable as they are funny. The discussion also touches on accountability, sustainable fashion, and the quirks of modern communication, all laced with laughter and light-hearted banter. Plus, there's a chilling tease about a true crime twist on the dark web!

Michael Morris, a cultural psychologist and author of "Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together", explores the fascinating dynamics of tribalism in today's world. He dives into how language and culture shape our identities and influence our social behavior. The conversation touches on in-group favoritism and the importance of transcending toxic tribal divides to foster community and solidarity. Morris also discusses peer, hero, and ancestor instincts, highlighting their roles in nurturing our connections and collaborations.

Jeff Bridges, the Academy Award-winning actor known for roles in 'The Big Lebowski' and 'True Grit,' shares heartfelt stories about his family dynamics and the impact of his upbringing on his career. He discusses breaking his mom's heart as a teen and the lessons learned through therapy. The conversation explores his near-death experiences, embracing uncertainty, and the importance of relationships in maintaining a healthy identity. Jeff also humorously reflects on the evolution of his acting style and his journey through the film industry.

Dax and Monica dive into hilarious tales of nightmarish bosses, revealing the absurdities of workplace dynamics. They share gripping fast food stories laced with humor, touching on crime and camaraderie. Personal boundaries are discussed through anecdotes of uncomfortable encounters, leading to reflections on mental health in toxic environments. Lighthearted banter about dinner dates contrasts with serious tales of power imbalances. From wild adventures to sibling dynamics, the conversation is a blend of funny, poignant, and relatable moments.

Malcolm Gladwell, a five-time bestselling author known for his groundbreaking works like 'The Tipping Point', returns to share his insights on various intriguing topics. He argues that conversations about money are often overlooked and discusses the moral dilemmas posed by writing on sensitive issues like the opioid crisis. Gladwell also delves into the cultural dynamics of elite sports, the role of personality in group behaviors, and the transformative power of television, all with his signature storytelling flair.

Halle Berry, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her stunning roles in films like Monster’s Ball and X-Men, opens up about her romantic relationships and the confidence boost from winning a beauty pageant. She discusses the significance of her role as a drug addict and her passion for directing. Halle addresses the urgent need for menopause awareness and legislation for research. The conversation dives into the complexities of fame, addiction, and the impact of personal trauma, all while maintaining an authentic and relatable tone.

Listeners dive into wild convenience store tales, featuring chaotic experiences and playful camaraderie. Nostalgic memories evoke humor and emotion, as personal stories unravel along with quirky characters. A gripping robbery incident showcases resilience amid chaos, while humorous anecdotes about working late night shifts connect deeply with shared experiences. The conversation hilariously veers into unconventional topics like sperm donation, maintaining a light-hearted vibe throughout. It's a delightful blend of nostalgia, challenges, and laughs!

Max Bennett, a researcher and author renowned for his insights into intelligence evolution, discusses his unique path into neuroscience without traditional academia. He shares fascinating ideas about reinforcement learning and how curiosity may shape artificial intelligence. Bennett explains the paper clip conundrum, the significance of emotions in both humans and AI, and the evolutionary history of language. The conversation intertwines personal anecdotes with deep explorations into the cognitive similarities and differences between humans and other species.

Kathryn Hahn, an Emmy-nominated actress famous for her roles in WandaVision and Bad Moms, brings her wit and wisdom to the discussion. They dive into the quirky topic of death cleaning and the fine line between being a collector and a hoarder. Kathryn shares her thoughts on menopause and the importance of open conversations about it. The pair also reflect on losing loved ones, personal transformations through parenthood, and the societal pressures surrounding anxiety, all wrapped in their signature humor.