
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

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 45min
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington (Thicker Than Water) is an award-winning actor, producer, director, and writer. Kerry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her anthropology degree, not feeling like the protagonist of her own story, and finding out the truth about her family. Kerry and Dax talk about what it takes to keep secrets, their experiences with abuse in the household, and James McAvoy in The Last King of Scotland. Kerry explains how her relationship with food has changed over the years, what she learned from moving to India, and how she strove to carve her own path in life.
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Sep 29, 2023 • 35min
Armchair Anonymous: Failed Romantic Pursuit
Dive into the hilariously awkward world of failed romantic pursuits! Relive the excitement and heartache of teenage love and the comical mishaps of childhood crushes. Hear a zany story about a date interrupted by bird drama, showcasing the absurdities of dating. The discussion also touches on mental health in the context of wrestling dynamics. Plus, enjoy playful banter about summer treats and hydration. It's a nostalgic reflection on romance, vulnerability, and the lessons learned from our most embarrassing moments.

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 43min
Gabor Maté (on trauma & addiction)
Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician and author, dives deep into the interconnectedness of trauma and addiction. He discusses how early traumatic experiences can shape adult behavior and relationships, alongside the societal pressures affecting emotional wellbeing. Gabor emphasizes the necessity of confronting painful emotions for true healing and the importance of unconditional love in childhood. He also highlights the significance of compassion and vulnerability in parenting, offering insights into resilience amidst emotional challenges.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 51min
Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye, Getting Curious) is a hairstylist, television personality, and podcaster. Jonathan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the idea of older women having younger sexual partners, dealing with skin issues, and how news organizations choose political sides. Jonathan and Dax talk about transgender participation in sports, what it means to challenge progressive ideas, and how state laws around gender-affirming care can differ. Jonathan explains why judging in cheerleading is not objective, what the motivation was to start a science-based podcast, and how relationships can truly grow.
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Sep 22, 2023 • 50min
Armchair Anonymous: Waxing Debacle
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a waxing debacle.
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Sep 21, 2023 • 2h 11min
Prachi Gupta (on the model minority myth)
Prachi Gupta (They Called Us Exceptional) is a journalist and author. Prachi joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why she was grounded for reading fiction, how she views the institution of arranged marriages, and what the American Dream meant to her parents. Prachi and Dax talk about why she wanted to tell her brother's story, how she feels about happiness being correlated to success, and why being emasculated can affect how men treat one another. Prachi explains why dating apps have changed how people find partners, why there is a stigma around family estrangement, and what her experience was finding effective therapy.
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Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 54min
Jimmy Kimmel Returns
Jimmy Kimmel (Strike Force Five) is a talk show host and podcaster. Jimmy returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss how much the attic hasn't changed in five years, what it's like working with his competition on a podcast, and how much of a temper he doesn't have. Jimmy and Dax talk about the state of trout fly fishing, what they think being retired from show business means, and how much they appreciate a good standup. Jimmy explains that he doesn't accept comparisons to other talk show hosts, what he would ask Trump in an interview, and how long the text messages from his dad are.
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Sep 15, 2023 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: School Dance
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a school dance disaster.
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Sep 14, 2023 • 2h 19min
Mustafa Suleyman (on artificial intelligence)
Mustafa Suleyman (The Coming Wave) is an artificial intelligence researcher, co-founder of DeepMind, and author. Mustafa joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he became interested in the concept of universal human rights, what deep learning is, and how machines can actually become creative. Mustafa and Dax talk about how close artificial intelligence is getting to matching the human brain, how people might feel about computers creating all content, and how AI might revolutionize the energy industry. Mustafa explains why the fear of government regulation exists, why people need to be involved in decisions about technological advancements, and how certain biases are corrected in AI programs.
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Sep 11, 2023 • 2h 25min
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel, the powerhouse behind the iconic roles in Wicked and Frozen, shares her fascinating journey as a singer and actress. She candidly discusses a terrifying theater accident and her unconventional upbringing with a pajama salesman father. Idina reflects on the pride of parenting while navigating successful partnerships, her unexpected role as a voice for many, and her comedic struggles with malapropisms. The conversation is rich with anecdotes from her vibrant career, including aspirations for stage diving and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the spotlight.