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
6 snips
Oct 4, 2024 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Convenience Store
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!
94 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 2h 18min
Max Bennett (on the history of intelligence)
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.
13 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 2h 3min
Kathryn Hahn Returns
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.
Sep 27, 2024 • 37min
Armchair Anonymous: Church
Dive into wild church stories that blend hilarity and heart, showcasing the chaos of church experiences like confetti cannons gone wrong. Explore the joy of audiobooks paired with beloved literature, and reflect on fashion's ties to personal journeys. Discover a hilarious childhood tale involving a choir boy and a satanist, and engage in meaningful conversations about community and communication. The episode wraps up with a humorous take on unlikely transformations, leaving listeners both entertained and reflective.
Sep 25, 2024 • 2h 11min
Maren Morris
Maren Morris, a Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter, shares insights into her creative process and personal journey. She discusses the complexities of attraction to therapists and her aversion to confrontation. The conversation touches on the evolution of music in the streaming era and the emotional toll of early career rejection. Maren reveals what inspires her recent creativity, her love for people's quirks, and her experiences with dating apps. The blend of humor and vulnerability makes for an engaging and relatable discussion.
8 snips
Sep 23, 2024 • 2h 10min
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her standout roles in films like "12 Years a Slave" and "Black Panther," shares her unique journey. She discusses how her father's activism shaped her childhood and the feelings of homesickness she often experiences. The conversation dives into her struggles with developing an American accent, the complexities of navigating fame, and the importance of embracing failure. Nyong'o also reflects on the emotional weight of her Oscar win and her passion for storytelling through diverse narratives.
6 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 43min
Armchair Anonymous: First Day/Lunchroom
The conversation dives into hilarious and cringe-worthy tales from first days of school and lunchrooms. Listeners will be entertained by stories of spoiled milk mishaps and awkward social interactions. The speakers share their literary aspirations, blending humor with deep reflections on personal growth. High school hijinks are recounted, including a memorable incident involving a car and crutches. Throughout, anecdotes highlight the challenges of fitting in and the warmth of childhood camaraderie.
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 51min
Cat Bohannon (on the female body and evolution)
Cat Bohannon, a researcher and best-selling author, explores the intricate relationship between the female body and evolution. She discusses why strangers feel compelled to share personal stories about their bodies and the alarming lack of medical research focused on women. Delving into why women typically live longer, Cat highlights the significance of diverse female perspectives in societal success. She also shares insights on how night shifts uniquely impact women's health and the evolutionary advantages of female sensory perception.
31 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 49min
Kristen Bell & Adam Brody
Kristen Bell, beloved for her roles in *Veronica Mars* and *Frozen*, and Adam Brody, known from *The O.C.*, dive into playful banter about their favorite dogs and pronunciation blunders. They share their experiences navigating press tours and the importance of romantic comedies, reflecting on their careers and the dynamics of personal and professional life. The duo also laughs about bizarre dreams and amusing pet stories, illustrating their unique chemistry and insights into family life and relationships.
Sep 13, 2024 • 50min
Armchair Anonymous: Blessing in Disguise
Ryan, a caller with a remarkable story, discusses how his brain cancer diagnosis during the pandemic became a surprising blessing. He shares insights about finding purpose amidst chaos and embracing life changes. The conversation touches on resilience and personal growth, emphasizing how unexpected challenges can lead to newfound appreciation. Ryan’s journey offers a powerful reminder of hope and humor in the darkest times, showcasing the transformative effects of facing one’s fears head-on.
