
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 21, 2024 • 2h 1min
Lisa Damour (on the emotion of teenagers)
Lisa Damour (The Emotional Lives of Teenagers) is a clinical psychologist and author. Lisa joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how well fear immersion actually works, the three categories of temperament, and how the treatment of trauma has changed. Lisa and Dax talk about abnormal psychology, what caused the adolescent mental health crisis, and why the pandemic was so detrimental for teenagers. Lisa explains how social media has influenced self-diagnosis of disorders, why showing emotion is so difficult for boys, and how distraction has a place in our lives.
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Mar 18, 2024 • 1h 53min
Conor McGregor & Jake Gyllenhaal
Conor McGregor is a mixed martial arts fighter, businessman, and actor. Jake Gyllenhaal is an actor. Conor and Jake join the Armchair Expert to discuss what their experience was collaborating to remake Roadhouse, how promoting a movie is different than promoting a fight, and what the motivation was for Conor to learn mixed martial arts as a young man. Conor, Jake, and Dax talk about what it's like growing up in hypermasculine environments, how they approach failure, and what it's like raising children as a fighter. Conor and Jake explain what training for a fight does for your physical health, what it takes to create believable fight scenes, and how much they love being creators.
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Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
Armchair Anonymous: Cult
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they escaped a cult.
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Mar 14, 2024 • 1h 48min
Bill Gates Returns
Bill Gates, the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, shares insights from his recent work in India focused on global health and vaccine accessibility. He discusses the importance of admitting when you're not an expert and how impactful conversations can drive positive change. Gates dives into the intersection of AI and public health, exploring its potential and limitations. With a passion for the history of science, he emphasizes evidence-based approaches to solving complex human issues while reflecting on the cultural richness of India.

Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 60min
Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones, The New Look, Pistol) is an actor. Maisie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she connects with other young actors who achieve success early, how her relationship with doing press has evolved, and how she originally wanted to be a dancer. Maisie and Dax talk about what it's like to be on a massive television show, having to learn to use a sword with her opposite hand, and growing up on a tv set. Maisie explains how the golden era of fashion happened during World War II, how early fashion designers contributed to movements like feminism, and what actors above 50 she'd want to date.
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Mar 8, 2024 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Cheated
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they cheated.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 7, 2024 • 2h 13min
Angela Duckworth Returns
Angela Duckworth (Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance) is a psychologist and author. Angela returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why she doesn't like to swear, how language has evolved, and the maturity principle. Angela and Dax talk about the multiple selves problem, how most people never change their stance on topics, and how we can trigger our best modes that are most useful for a given situation. Angela explains psychological distance, why uncertainty can cause anxiety, and the protective wall of human community.
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Mar 4, 2024 • 1h 56min
Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn (Overboard, The First Wives Club, Death Becomes Her) is an actor, producer, and director. Goldie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what she misses about being anonymous in public, how important approval from your parents is, and the successes of Roy Russell. Goldie and Dax talk about how she navigated her depression, how to respond to people who think you're a stereotype, and how to deal with narcissists. Goldie explains why she wanted to start an educational foundation that focuses on child brain development, why she has an aversion to marriage, and the time she got a telegram from Fred Astaire.
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Feb 29, 2024 • 2h 12min
Jared Cohen Returns
Jared Cohen, an insightful author and businessman renowned for his perspectives on U.S. presidents and geopolitics, shares intriguing tales about collecting presidential artifacts, including a lock of Lincoln's hair. He discusses the burdens of legacy, the ever-evolving role of politicians, and the influence of social media on radicalization. Moreover, Jared reflects on the connection between ambition and happiness, the importance of empathy in conflict resolution, and the broader implications of global shifts that impact the business landscape.

Feb 26, 2024 • 2h 3min
Bradley Cooper Returns
Bradley Cooper (Maestro, A Star is Born, Silver Linings Playbook) is an award-winning actor, producer, and filmmaker. Bradley returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why it's important to be a good dancer, his new love of reality television, and how much he's worked on improving his self-esteem. Bradley and Dax talk about their morning rituals, how they've learned to evaluate their own stories, and how fulfilling it has been to become a parent. Bradley explains the importance of having empathy as an actor, the talent of Leonard Bernstein, and what makes him cry.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.