

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

81 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 60min
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal, a 4x NBA champion and philanthropist, dives into thought-provoking discussions about personal growth and resilience. He shares how a nuclear physicist taught him to accept criticism and the significance of embracing silliness to tame his inner bully. Shaq reflects on his journey through fame, pain management, and addiction, while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and humility in sports. Their candid chats also touch on fashion, celebrity encounters, and light-hearted anecdotes that showcase his charismatic personality.

Aug 8, 2025 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Substitute Teacher
In this engaging conversation, Anne Hathaway, a young student and devoted Armchair Expert listener, shares a memorable tale about a chaotic day with a substitute teacher that turned hilariously disastrous. Marla Maples, a former student teacher, opens up about a frightening stalking incident that shook her to her core. The dialogue bounces between the joys and challenges of teaching, with humorous anecdotes woven in. Together, they reflect on the impact of teachers on students and the lessons learned from both hilarious and harrowing experiences.

22 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 25min
Caroline Fraser (on serial killers)
Caroline Fraser, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, delves into the dark world of violence in her book 'Murderland'. She discusses the intriguing decline of Christian Science churches and its repercussions on healthcare ideologies. The duo explores the Pacific Northwest's serial killer association, linking it to environmental factors and societal violence. Fraser also tackles 'Missing White Woman Syndrome' and the ethical dilemmas surrounding violence surveillance. Her insights combine humor and gravity to paint a complex picture of crime's roots in human health.

Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 47min
Ramy Youssef Returns
Ramy Youssef, an award-winning comedian and creator known for 'Ramy', makes a dynamic return. He shares his thoughts on the complexity of good and evil, suggesting everyone has a blend of both inherently. The conversation dives into his cinematic experiences and the challenges of capturing cultural identity, particularly as a child of immigrant parents in a post-9/11 world. Ramy humorously reflects on his creative process and the surprising lessons learned from his projects, blending humor with deep societal insights.

36 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 2h 5min
Carter Sherman (on the sex recession)
Carter Sherman, an Emmy Award-nominated reporter and author of 'The Second Coming,' explores the intriguing phenomenon of a 'sex recession' among Gen Z. She shares candid insights from her research on modern intimacy, discussing the rise of elective celibacy and the repercussions of abstinence-only education. Carter also dives into how societal events shape sexual dynamics, emphasizing the need for honest conversations about sex. With humor and clarity, she addresses the implications of this trend on future relationships and the importance of understanding today's youth.

16 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 54min
Seth Meyers Returns Again
Seth Meyers, an Emmy Award-winning comedian and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, shares his comedic insights and personal anecdotes. He discusses his most satisfying celebrity encounter and a heartfelt moment tied to his father's expectations. The conversation touches on the quirks of family life, including a recurring prank on his father-in-law. Seth embraces humor in addressing his imperfections and reflects on the role of comedy in navigating current events, all while reminiscing about the unique dynamics of late-night television.

Jul 25, 2025 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Bad Dates
Hosts dive into the hilarity of bad dates, sharing personal mishaps that set a light-hearted tone. They discuss a chaotic snowmobile adventure gone wrong and reminisce about awkward yet memorable dates. The conversation shifts to bizarre encounters, including unexpected home-lock ins and gastrointestinal disasters during romantic outings. Throughout, humor and camaraderie shine as they reflect on how these dating disasters make for unforgettable stories, merging laughter with insights on relationships.

30 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 2h 11min
Rizwan Virk (on the simulation)
Rizwan Virk, an entrepreneur and bestselling author of The Simulation Hypothesis, delves into mind-bending concepts about reality. He shares how a simple VR ping pong game sparked his fascination with simulation theory. The conversation touches on AI's role in shaping perception and explores Schrödinger's Cat while discussing the observer effect in quantum physics. Virk connects ancient philosophies to modern thinking, examining the Mandela Effect as evidence of alternate timelines, inviting listeners to question the nature of existence in our potentially simulated lives.

38 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 2h 10min
Alexander Skarsgård
Alexander Skarsgård, an Emmy Award-winning actor known for roles in True Blood and Big Little Lies, shares his adventurous spirit with captivating stories. He accidentally signed up for a month-long ski trek in the South Pole and prepared for a role in Tarzan by gaining 25 pounds. Alexander humorously discusses growing up in a bohemian family, his first Hollywood audition for Zoolander, and the societal quirks of Sweden. The conversation also touches on his intriguing role as AI in Murderbot and reflections on fame and identity.

Jul 18, 2025 • 42min
Armchair Anonymous: Cops
The hosts share wild and humorous cop stories, highlighting comical childhood mischief and unexpected encounters with law enforcement. They reminisce about youthful adventures, including a chaotic trip that took a turn with a police encounter. Personal anecdotes lead to discussions about safety, trust, and the absurdity of youth. The episode also tackles miscommunication with authorities, balancing teenage freedom and responsibilities, and the quirks of life, all while keeping the banter light and entertaining.