
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

Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 42min
Peter Singer (on moral philosophy)
Peter Singer (Animal Liberation Now, The Life You Can Save) is a philosopher, professor, and author. Peter joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what the concept of moral relativism is, how philosophy relates to rationality, and what the difference is between being a consequentialist versus a utilitarian. Peter and Dax talk about why ethically raising animals for food is uncommon, whether animals actually feel suffering, and what harm is done to the environment by raising animals on a commercial level. Peter explains why he started doing studies on effective altruism, how people can know if their charitable donations are actually helping people, and why he is drawn to asking questions about controversial ideas.
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Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 51min
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson (Chemistry, The Kelly Clarkson Show) is a Grammy award-winning singer, author, and talk show host. Kelly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why she prefers having a small ranch in Montana over a big house in Tennessee, what she thinks about being a rule follower, and how having kids changed her perspective on her own childhood. Kelly and Dax talk about their relationship with coming from reality television, what it was like working with Snoop Dogg, and realize they are opposites. Kelly explains why constantly craving for more doesn't lead to a happy life, the importance of being authentic to yourself, and her journey to hosting a talk show.
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Jun 23, 2023 • 50min
Armchair Anonymous: Unexpected Orgasm
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about an unexpected orgasm.
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Jun 22, 2023 • 1h 30min
Chris Paul (12x NBA All-Star)
Chris Paul (Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court) is a 12x NBA All-Star, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and author. Chris joins the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up in the Bible Belt, how much he values the relationship between his parents and his kids, and the need for reciprocal relationships. Chris talks about what he learned from working at his grandfather's service station, his experience when his grandfather was tragically killed, and why he was not allowed to go to the murder trial. Chris explains the work he's doing with Club 61, how he decided to honor his grandfather on the court, and the importance of his male friendships.
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Jun 19, 2023 • 2h 40min
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr., the iconic actor known for his roles in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, opens up about his journey through addiction and personal growth. He shares candid stories about his experiences in prison and the importance of meaningful relationships. Downey reflects on his father's influence and discusses his passion for modernizing cars. The conversation also delves into the balance of fame, authenticity in Hollywood, and navigating life’s challenges with humor and resilience.

Jun 16, 2023 • 45min
Prophet Ezekiel Profit
Prophet Ezekiel Profit is the original founder of Meaningful Existence, a spiritual community, recently bought by actor Jonah Hill who has disrespectfully repurposed it into a "mental health" endeavor. We discuss Prophet's harrowing and ever-evolving origin story including his birth from a 1x1 square mom, how he found his calling via a Rueben sandwich at Jerry's Deli, and we touch on his critical role in inventing the Queen's brail.We talk about the scandal that ultimately led to the demise of his spiritual community (involving the late Bernie Madoff) and we deep dive into his core philosophy that money can buy happiness.
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Jun 15, 2023 • 2h 3min
Megan Phelps-Roper
Megan Phelps-Roper (The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling, Unfollow) is a journalist, author, and podcaster. Megan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like to leave the Westboro Baptist Church community, her views on organizations who use shame to control people, and what power people can have in asking questions. Megan and Dax talk about why having compassion for people who are different from you is important, being taught to question everything no matter the cost, and why freedom of speech is such a controversial topic. Megan explains how she was argued out of her belief system, why she agreed to be apart of a podcast about J.K. Rowling, and why having dissenting opinions is the key to a successful pluralistic society.
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Jun 12, 2023 • 1h 48min
Natalie Portman Returns
Natalie Portman (Angel City, Black Swan, Thor) is an Academy Award-winning actress, director, and co-founder of Angel City FC. Natalie returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss what she's currently consuming, the broadening access of content, and to hear about Monica's Paris masseuse story. Natalie and Dax talk about the starkness of the pay discrepancy in sports between men and women, the socialized gender differences in sports, and the importance of having female athletes to idolize. Natalie explainsthe focus on experience at the Angel City Stadium, how her soccer team is being used as a proof of concept for other teams, and her insistence to experience real things in life.
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Jun 9, 2023 • 40min
Armchair Anonymous: Nurses
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their craziest nurse stories.
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Jun 8, 2023 • 2h 12min
Lee Hood & Nathan Price (on the future of medicine)
Lee Hood (world-renowned biologist) and Nathan Price (professor) are the authors of The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine Is Personalized, Predictive, Data-Rich, and in Your Hands. Lee and Nathan join the Armchair Expert to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing the medical industry, how infectious disease has impacted our world, and the effectiveness of prescriptions. Lee, Nathan, and Dax talk about the ways treating chronic disease has become a business, what systems biology is, and the advances in preventing Alzheimer's. Lee and Nathan explain digital twins and how they'll change medicine, the future of wellness and prevention, and the differences between your biological and chronological age.
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