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
11 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 2h 5min
Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist, shares her incredible journey from a normal life in Pakistan to becoming a global voice for girls' education. She discusses the impact of Taliban restrictions that sparked her activism, her struggle to fit in after the attack, and the emotional weight of her recognition. Malala reveals her relationship with her husband, the power of therapy for mental health, and the bravery in embracing vulnerability through her memoir, Finding My Way.
Nov 4, 2025 • 50min
Mom's Car: Ryan Hansen
Ryan Hansen, an actor and comedian known for his roles in *Veronica Mars* and *Party Down*, shares hilarious and heartfelt stories from his youth. He recalls feeling famous at church, influenced by his pastor father. Together with Dax and Aaron, Ryan dives into mischievous teenage antics, including a legendary redheaded troublemaker and embarrassing first sexual encounters. The trio humorously reflects on the ups and downs of high school life, from acting out as an escape to awkward sexual experiences involving everything from rocks to Jell-O.
38 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 2h 8min
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon, an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning actor, shares insights from her life and career. She reminisces about her childhood in Germany and how her adventurous parenting contrasts with her upbringing. The conversation dives into the evolution of romcoms and modern dating dynamics, alongside her bold audition for 'Election.' Reese reveals the journey of co-writing her novel 'Gone Before Goodbye' with Harlan Coben and reflects on the power of female collaboration in projects like 'Big Little Lies.'
6 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Babysitting II
In this episode, a courageous nurse shares a wild story involving a new babysitter, her kids, and a sudden mall shopping spree that racked up $340 without permission. She describes her confrontational texts with the sitter and decides to part ways after defensive replies. Another caller narrates a shocking childhood babysitting experience, revealing how a friendly tutor turned out to have serious mental health issues. They all reflect on safety and the unpredictability of people, delivering a blend of humor and cautionary tales.
24 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 33min
Cas Holman (on being playful)
Cas Holman, a pioneering play designer and author of 'Playful', shares her insights on the profound role of play in both children and adults. She discusses the twelve play types, highlighting how deep play helps us process fears and drives innovation. Cas also delves into the importance of creating open-ended play systems that foster identity exploration, and how being playful is a form of resistance against societal pressures. Tune in for her practical tips on reconnecting with playfulness and the power it holds in our lives.
Oct 28, 2025 • 49min
Mom's Car: Tim Lovestedt
In this conversation, comedic performer Tim Lovestedt shares his journey from the Groundlings to Hollywood. He hilariously recounts his day job in wine and the camaraderie of tall boy beers. Tim opens up about feeling survivor's guilt while friends achieve fame, all while keeping creative memories alive. The duo reflects on the challenges of maintaining friendships post-fame, the art of storytelling, and the small fabrications that come with shared memories. It's a delightful blend of laughs and heartfelt moments!
22 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 52min
Rose Byrne
Rose Byrne, an Emmy-nominated actor known for her roles in Bridesmaids and Damages, shares her journey of overcoming rejection from drama schools in Australia. She highlights her comedic rhythm with Seth Rogen and the challenges of improv on set. Byrne discusses the intense preparation for her new film, If I Had Legs I Would Kick You, diving deep into the mind of her character and tackling themes of caregiving and personal crisis. She reflects on the delicate balance between comedy and drama, showcasing her impressive range in the industry.
12 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 49min
Armchair Anonymous: Military
Guests Jake, a former U.S. Army infantryman, shares a breathtaking story about a fall into a ravine during a training mission in Slovenia, where he also confronted a bear. Trevor, an Army National Guard veteran, recounts a hilarious mishap at Basic Training involving a generator exhaust, resulting in a skinless butt. Lastly, Scott, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, describes a chaotic evacuation incident when a sanitary tank burst, sending a geyser of waste flooding the galley. Expect wild tales of bravery and unexpected mishaps!
10 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 50min
Stephen Dubner Returns Again
Stephen Dubner, award-winning journalist and author of Freakonomics, explores intriguing topics that blend social psychology and technology. He delves into the evolutionary role of disgust and its potential for social danger. The ethics of berating AI sparks debate, revealing the duality of human emotions. Reflecting on two decades of Freakonomics, Dubner discusses his commitment to transparency in journalism, while emphasizing empathy over contempt in divisive times. With insights on AI's future role in writing, he contemplates how automation might reshape human purpose.
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
Mom's Car: Briegh Morrison
Briegh Morrison, a longtime friend and former partner of the host, shares her compelling journey through motherhood, sobriety, and cancer. She candidly discusses the harrowing near-drowning of her son and the emotional fallout that followed. Briegh reveals how her breast cancer diagnosis transformed her life, leading her to sobriety and a deeper connection with friends and family. The conversation also touches on their amicable breakup, navigating relationships post-split, and the bittersweet evolution of their friendship.
