
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

Mar 2, 2023 • 2h 3min
David Remnick (editor of The New Yorker)
David Remnick (editor of The New Yorker) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, journalist, and editor. David joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what working in Soviet-era Moscow was like, how his parents' health affected his upbringing, and his experience interviewing novelist Salman Rushdie. David and Dax talk about why violent sports are so appealing, what the public image of The New Yorker is, and their shared love and admiration of Malcolm Gladwell. David explains what his thoughts are on the current situation in Ukraine, how your political views can change over time, and the New York vs Los Angeles rivalry.
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Feb 27, 2023 • 2h 22min
Shania Twain
Shania Twain is a singer-songwriter. Shania joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what breaking into the country music scene from Canada was like, how she always enjoyed indulging in her creative outlets, and the root of her stage fright. Shania and Dax talk about how their family dynamics shaped their careers, how she allows herself to trust too much, and her relationship with her stepdad. Shania explains how she developed her armor, the pressures of sustaining success, and how processing needs its own moment.
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Feb 24, 2023 • 43min
Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy sleepwalking experience.
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Feb 23, 2023 • 1h 59min
Kelly Slater (11x World Surfing Champion)
Kelly Slater (Make or Break) is a professional surfer. Kelly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he was drawn to surfing over other sports, what it was like being featured in a documentary series about his career, and how he balances his personal life from his public one. Kelly and Dax talk about their experiences with stepdads, what the mental health journey is like for action sports athletes, and getting a role on Baywatch. Kelly explains what the feeling of winning gives him, what he does if a shark approaches him in the water, and the spiritual sense he gets from competition.
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Feb 20, 2023 • 2h 31min
Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, I Love You Man, Clueless) is an actor. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the importance of male friendship, why he's gotten more introverted as he's gotten old, and how he doesn't seem to age. Paul and Dax talk about what it's been like for him to join culturally impactful things after they've started, relating to the funny part of dramatic things, and how much his foundation gave him confidence. Paul explains the joy he gets from watching funny people do what they do, how he always looked up to comedians that could use their bodies in funny ways, and how he came to co-own a candy shop.
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Feb 17, 2023 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Pet Sitting
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a pet sitting incident gone wrong.
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15 snips
Feb 16, 2023 • 1h 41min
Andrew Newberg (neuroscientist on the brain and religion)
Dr. Andrew Newberg, a neuroscientist and author specializing in the neurological study of spirituality, dives deep into the brain's role in religious experiences. He discusses the neurological effects of connection, meditation, and psychedelics on the mind. Newberg shares insights on dyslexia, the philosophical implications of altered states, and how diverse perspectives shape spirituality. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and respecting differing beliefs while exploring the psychological and neurological components of enlightenment.

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 37min
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face, Russian Doll, Orange Is the New Black) is an actor, writer, director, and producer. Natasha joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how impressed she is with Dax's driving, how men have been trying to sire her children lately, and her thoughts on talking about sobriety publicly. Natasha explains why she is less and less interested in her own story, her desire to try on different perspectives, and her deep curiosity about the future. Dax & Natasha discuss their ability to own their false advertising, trying to find an ultimate state of relaxation while acting, and why Natasha needs to live to be 150 years old.
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Feb 10, 2023 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Valentines Disaster
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a Valentine's day disaster.
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Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 46min
Tess Wilkinson-Ryan (on the sucker narrative)
Tess Wilkinson-Ryan (Fool Proof) is a law professor, moral psychologist, and author. Tess joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the concept of the sucker narrative, how she approaches teaching contract law to her students, and what societal norms are universally accepted for parenthood. Tess and Dax talk about how much responsibility is on an exploiter versus the victim of a scam, why government is held to a different standard than big business, and the thin line between scammer and sucker. Tess explains why people feel shame when they are duped, the difference in consumer protections for men and women, and the cultural bait and switch of motherhood.
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