

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

Jun 10, 2024 • 2h 18min
Amy Poehler Returns
Amy Poehler, the talented actress and comedian known for her iconic roles in Parks and Recreation and SNL, shares her insights on the value of therapy and navigating parenting challenges. She opens up about the pressure of maintaining relevance and the discomfort of unresolved tensions with others. Amy also reflects on her proudest moments, her distaste for traditional birthday celebrations, and the unexpected joys of embarrassment. With her trademark humor, she tackles the complexities of self-worth and the evolving landscape of modern relationships.

Jun 7, 2024 • 53min
Armchair Anonymous: House Sitting
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy house sitting story.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 19min
James Patterson
James Patterson (Eruption, Alex Cross, Along Came a Spider) is a best-selling author. James joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he likes fiction more than non-fiction, what it's like to have a kid later in life, and how difficult it is for him to describe his writing process. James and Dax talk about how much research goes into finishing a Michael Crichton book, his relationship with his father, and how many hole-in-ones he shot in his life. James explains why he left advertising to be an author, which film adaptions of his books he likes most, and why he loves collaborating with his peers to write novels.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h 48min
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner (Horizon, Yellowstone, Dances with Wolves) is an award-winning actor, producer, and director. Kevin joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his standing ovation at Cannes, having the feeling like he was never going to make it, and how important it was to him that he knew where his career was headed. Kevin and Dax discuss the seminal movies he's starred in, how he handled the pressure after the success of his directorial debut, and his promise to Whitney Houston in the Bodyguard. Kevin talks about his fascination with the West, his role in selling Yellowstone, and taking on the biggest battle of his life at 69 years old.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 31, 2024 • 59min
Armchair Anonymous: Parent's Secret
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time their parents kept a secret from them as a kid.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 30, 2024 • 2h 12min
Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy)
Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy) is a clinical psychologist and therapist. Orna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why therapists often keep details of their private lives from their patients, why she felt like she had to code switch when talking to different groups of people, and how psychoanalysis differs from other forms of therapy. Orna and Dax discuss what systems thinking is, what being in a relationship with someone with dissociation is like, and the relational dynamics of the younger generation. Orna explains why she still has optimistic view of the world, how a person's perception of someone can change when you know their story, and how her work affects her own personal relationships.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2024 • 2h 17min
Sebastian Maniscalco
Sebastian Maniscalco. (It Ain't Right, Bookie) is a comedian and actor. Sebastian joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his first pair of Jordans, why his dad is the focal point of his comedy, and his time waiting tables at the Four Seasons. Sebastian and Dax reopen the Santa Claus debate, talk about children yelling at their parents, and the relevance of comedy in this moment. Sebastian discusses Italian stereotypes, what playing arenas is like, and how he feels about the current state of comedy.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 24, 2024 • 1h
Armchair Anonymous: Mall Stories
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy mall story.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 snips
May 23, 2024 • 1h 54min
Ramani Durvasula (on narcissism)
Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and author known for her expertise on narcissism, dives into the intricate world of narcissistic behavior. She discusses why recognizing narcissism can be tricky and the psychological effects it has on relationships, especially with narcissistic parents. The conversation explores signs of narcissism, emotional trauma, and even the impact of treatment. Ramani also shares insights on the dark tetrad of personality traits, the cycle of trauma bonding, and the importance of therapy for both clients and therapists.

May 20, 2024 • 2h 5min
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello (C,XOXO, Familia, Romance) is a singer and songwriter. Camila joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the techniques she's developed to deal with public attention, how complicated being a child of immigrants can be, and how much she loves the podcast. Camila and Dax talk what it's like to discover something you love, having an addictive personality, and why giving yourself permission to mess up is okay. Camila explains what being in a female pop group was like, having her first real relationship at 20 years old, and how much she worries about longevity and the future.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


