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
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.
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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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