
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

24 snips
Oct 26, 2023 • 2h 32min
Adam Grant Returns Again
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and best-selling author, shares his insights on balancing personal ambitions and family connections during book tours. He discusses overcoming perfectionism, emphasizing that striving for daily improvement trumps unattainable standards. Adam explores effective language teaching methods, the importance of constructive feedback, and the supportive concept of 'scaffolding' for growth. The conversation reveals how diverse cultural contexts shape social status, and they reflect on the humorous challenges of navigating modern life.

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 54min
The Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers are musicians, DJs, and producers. Alex and Drew join the Armchair Expert to discuss their anonymity as DJs, how they have maintained a successful partnership, and where they get creative inspiration from. Alex & Drew talk about why they became interested in venture capitalism, their love for performing live, and how they balance who they are on stage versus real life. They explain what their experience has been collaborating with other musicians, how they handle reading misinformation about themselves, and what social media has done for young creators.
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Oct 20, 2023 • 51min
Armchair Anonymous: Generous Hospitality
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the most generous act of hospitality they've received.
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Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 50min
Robert Sapolsky (on human behavior and free will)
Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a Stanford professor and author, dives into the fascinating world of human behavior and its ties to biology. He shares his journey of studying baboons, revealing how their social hierarchies impact stress and health, mirroring human dynamics. The conversation also covers the myth of grit, the effects of culture on parenting, and generational trauma's biological underpinnings. Sapolsky questions the notion of free will, emphasizing the complex interplay between nature, nurture, and societal influences on our moral frameworks.

Oct 16, 2023 • 2h 6min
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith is an actor, producer, and talk show host. Jada joins the Armchair Expert to discuss where she got her sense of punctuality from, how difficult it can be to share your life with the public, and her experience with abandonment. Jada and Dax talk about what she learned about loyalty from Tupac, what it was like being robbed at gunpoint, and how she feels about asking for help. Jada explains what it's like to have a shared identity with another person, her four-day ayahuasca journey, and how she learned to love herself and others at the same time.
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Oct 13, 2023 • 46min
Armchair Anonymous: Teacher/Principal
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their craziest story as a teacher or principal.
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Oct 12, 2023 • 2h 20min
Morgan Neville (documentary filmmaker)
Morgan Neville (The Saint of Second Chances, Roadrunner, Won't You Be My Neighbor) is a filmmaker, producer, and writer. Morgan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why people love documentaries, why he had so many books in his childhood home, and how Los Angeles's history differs from other American cities. Morgan and Dax talk about what it means to be a good singer, what Mr. Rogers did for the perception of masculinity, and why some people are addicted to work. Morgan explains how he selects his film topics, how the production of documentaries is different than scripted, and what he has learned about his own life while making his films.
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Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 59min
Fred Armisen
Fred Armisen (SNL, Portlandia, Documentary Now!) is a comedian, actor, and musician. Fred joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he doesn't speak up when he's uncomfortable, why he will eat something he didn't order, and why he doesn't like to return purchases. Fred and Dax talk about how fun it is to rediscover music that you love, what interviewing your friends is like, and Fred's unique family heritage. Fred explains how his musical career led him to comedy, what living in different cities has taught him, and what it was like to play in Devo.
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Oct 6, 2023 • 50min
Armchair Anonymous: Service Industry
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy service industry story.
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Oct 5, 2023 • 2h 29min
Vivek Murthy Returns (US Surgeon General)
Dr. Vivek Murthy (House Calls) is the Surgeon General of the United States and an author. Vivek joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he defines loneliness, strategies for strengthening connections, and what hustle culture has done to creativity. Vivek and Dax talk about what it takes for people to confide in each other, how taking time away from work can improve mental health, and the power of service. Vivek explains why incarcerating people for drug use is problematic, what it means to cultivate your own solitude, and how romantic matchmaking isn't what it used to be.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.