

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

38 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 2h 3min
Jesse Eisenberg
Join Jesse Eisenberg, an Oscar-nominated actor known for iconic roles in 'The Social Network' and 'Zombieland', as he shares hilarious anecdotes about his youth and the quirks of Hollywood. He reveals the strange dynamics of movie promotion, reflects on personal insecurities, and talks about the profound impact of community theater on his anxious childhood. The conversation dives into the emotional complexities of fame, creative struggles, and even the humorous side of wardrobe mishaps on set, delivering laughs and intriguing insights throughout.

17 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Neighbors
Dive into outrageous tales of eccentric neighbors, from erratic seniors to bizarre gifts left behind. Experience the humorous yet eerie dynamics of living close to others, with wild stories about raccoons and unexpected encounters. Listen as community quirks unfold, revealing both the charm and absurdity of neighborly relationships. With each laugh, discover the underlying complexities and hilarities of sharing a space with the unpredictable.

29 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 54min
Fei Fei Li (on a human-centered approach to AI)
Fei Fei Li (The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI) is a computer scientist, co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and is considered by many to be the godmother of AI. Fei Fei joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her initial reluctance to tell her personal story as a part of her book on AI, starting a laundromat with her parents to support themselves, and the high school teacher that changed the course of her life. Fei Fei and Dax talk about how math is the closest thing there is to magic, why being fearlessly stupid is sometimes the best asset you can have, and the reason her north star is asking the audacious question. Fei Fei explains her perspective on the tech-lash, why there is so much humanness in everything we do in technology, and how essential it is to put dignity into how we both create and govern AI.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.

9 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 2h 30min
Lisa Kudrow
Lisa Kudrow, award-winning actress famed for her role as Phoebe in Friends, shares her journey from pre-med studies to comedy stardom. She reveals the importance of not being a people pleaser at the Groundlings and how Jon Lovitz inspired her comedic path. Kudrow discusses why Conan O’Brien is the ultimate dinner guest and offers a humorous take on coping with rejection—suggesting that a pan au chocolat can help. She also explores the true essence of home, the fallacy of fame's healing power, and her enduring love for Friends.

10 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Little League/Coaching
In a lively discussion about youth sports, hosts share hilarious Little League coaching mishaps and the chaos of cheering on young athletes. They explore the intense emotions and unpredictable behaviors encountered during games. Personal stories highlight challenges faced by a girl on a boys' team, showcasing themes of resilience and gender dynamics. The podcast also mixes in funny reflections on boating disasters and the humorous side of parenting decisions related to sports, creating a nostalgic and entertaining atmosphere.

99 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 2h 3min
Toto Wolff (team principal of Mercedes F1 team)
Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team, shares insights from his journey in Formula 1, including the challenges of mental health and the pressures of high-stakes racing. He recounts a breathtaking crash at 189 mph while trying to set a new lap record. The conversation dives into the balance between business and passion, his childhood experiences as an immigrant, and the evolving nature of success in sports. Toto also discusses the culture at Mercedes and the complexities of achievement and vulnerability in a competitive environment.

73 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 53min
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman, the iconic Academy Award-winning actor known for his powerful voice and roles in classics like 'Shawshank Redemption,' shares stories from his unique journey in film. He discusses how he almost took a different career path, the significance of sailing as a metaphor for hope, and the essential life lesson of resilience. Freeman also reflects on his experiences with Clint Eastwood and the importance of collaboration in storytelling. Prepare for laughter and insight as this legend discusses the reality of fame and personal challenges.

14 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 7min
Armchair Anonymous: Thanksgiving II
Dive into a whirlwind of Thanksgiving antics as personal stories unfold! From kitchen disasters like exploded casseroles to hilarious family dynamics, laughter reigns supreme. The hosts share unique traditions, gift-giving mishaps, and even a biking mishap that takes a serious turn. Experience the mix of joy and chaos that only holiday gatherings can bring, alongside heartfelt reflections on family connections and personal growth. It's a delightful blend of humor, nostalgia, and unforgettable moments!

10 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 2h 6min
Matt Murphy (homicide prosecutor)
Matt Murphy (The Book of Murder) is a former Homicide prosecutor and current legal analyst for ABC News. Matt joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the importance of telling the victims stories over the killers, the craft of picking a jury, and his nerves the first time he was at a crime scene. Matt and Dax discuss the parallels between their childhoods, the experience of working with detectives, and the horrific crimes of Rodney Alcala. Matt discusses how his job skews his worldview, the mental toll of not having enough evidence when you know someone is guilty, and if murder is reflective of the times. 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.

18 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 2h 18min
Anna Kendrick Returns
Anna Kendrick, Academy Award-nominated actress and director known for her roles in "Pitch Perfect" and "Up in the Air," shares her journey from growing up in Maine to becoming a Broadway star. She reflects on the challenges of being a people pleaser while learning to stand up for herself. Enjoy humorous insights into her fashion struggles and her thoughts on entering new relationships. Anna also discusses directing her first film, revealing her passion for proving herself and the complexities of vulnerability in storytelling.


