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
18 snips
Oct 28, 2024 • 2h 5min
Sarah Paulson
Award-winning actress Sarah Paulson, known for roles in 'American Horror Story' and '12 Years A Slave,' shares her journey into acting and the powerful influence of her collaborator Ryan Murphy. She reflects on the complexities of portraying characters far removed from her own life and the struggles with anxiety that shape her experience. The conversation also touches on sibling dynamics, the impacts of family on identity, and the key to embracing humor amidst rejection and challenges in her career.
Oct 25, 2024 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Hotel
Hosts share outrageous hotel stories that will leave you laughing! From wild guest behaviors to plumbing disasters, there's chaos at every turn. An awkward morning encounter brings family dynamics into the spotlight, while unexpected hotel antics feature a trombone player among stolen goods. They also dive into the benefits of online therapy, making light of serious topics. With humor infused throughout, the conversation navigates the unpredictable and hilarious world of hotel life. Get ready for a fun ride filled with surprises!
32 snips
Oct 23, 2024 • 1h 60min
Kimberley Quinlan (on anxiety and self-compassion)
Kimberley Quinlan, a therapist and anxiety specialist, dives deep into the world of self-compassion and anxiety management. She shares her innovative self-compassion test and practical techniques for anxiety disorders. The conversation touches on the psychological impact of food choices, orthorexia, and the intertwining of OCD and eating disorders. Kimberley also unravels olfactory reference syndrome and gives valuable advice on overcoming the fear of flying, urging listeners to embrace kindness towards themselves in their journeys to better mental health.
6 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 60min
Keegan-Michael Key
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.
Oct 18, 2024 • 44min
Armchair Anonymous: Social Media Fail
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!
38 snips
Oct 16, 2024 • 2h 3min
Michael Morris (cultural psychologist on tribalism)
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.
26 snips
Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 55min
Jeff Bridges
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.
Oct 11, 2024 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Horrible Boss
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.
61 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 2h 15min
Malcolm Gladwell Returns Again
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.
Oct 7, 2024 • 2h 20min
Halle Berry
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.
