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
Jul 7, 2023 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Fraternity/Sorority
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their craziest fraternity/sorority stories.
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Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 60min
Valerie Fridland (on linguistics)
Valerie Fridland (Like, Literally, Dude) is a professor, sociolinguist, and author. Valerie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why people dislike the word "moist" so much, how accents are a part of social identity, and where modern English developed from. Valerie and Dax talk about what language prescriptivism is, the issues people have with the use of "like," and how discourse markers in language are used. Valerie explains what linguistic tricks people use to fit in with popular culture, what it means when words go through semantic bleaching, and what the original meaning of the word "dude" was.
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Jul 3, 2023 • 2h 4min
Minka Kelly
Minka Kelly (Tell Me Everything, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood) is an actress, model, and New York Times Bestselling author. Minka joins the Armchair Expert to discuss confronting her childhood, her complicated relationship with her mother, and not wanting to sensationalize trauma. Minka and Dax talk about the collateral beauty of growing up the way they did, what it's like to love someone that is the source of your pain, and becoming a master at disassociation. Minka explains her own relationship with addiction, how she found her confidence on the set of Parenthood, and the time she had to saw a man's foot off.
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Jun 30, 2023 • 42min
Armchair Anonymous: Bully
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they stood up to bully.
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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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