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
Jun 30, 2022 • 1h 34min
Brett Scott (author on cashless societies)
Brett Scott (Cloudmoney, The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance) is an author, journalist, and financial broker. Brett joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how important economic anthropology is, how secondary monetary systems actually work, and why society is being pushed to become a cashless system. Brett and Dax talk about why early cypherpunk movements started, what cryptocurrency really represents, and how currency might work in the meta-verse. Brett explains how cash economies can have a political impact, how payment systems can be a form of digital tracking, and how technology often alters society to necessitate its own existence.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 27, 2022 • 1h 37min
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Cranston, the award-winning actor behind iconic roles in Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad, dives into the origins of his impressive career. He shares insights about the importance of improv and the moral complexities of his character Walter White. Cranston recalls a hilarious moment with Jerry Seinfeld and reflects on his journey toward sobriety. He discusses the real-life inspiration behind his new film, Jerry and Marge Go Large, including a lottery loophole that led to a community-driven $27 million win.
Jun 24, 2022 • 42min
Armchair Anonymous: Scams
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries answer the question: have you ever been scammed?
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 23, 2022 • 2h 26min
Steve Brusatte (paleontologist and evolutionary biologist)
Steve Brusatte (The Rise and Reign of the Mammals) is a paleontologist and author. Steve joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the process of finding dinosaur bones, how mammals survived during the time of the dinosaurs, and how likely it is to bring back the woolly mammoth. Steve and Dax talk about what some of the largest mammals would have looked like, how Thomas Jefferson was obsessed with natural history, and how evolution has shaped what today's mammals are. Steve explains how the dinosaurs most likely died off, that dinosaurs most definitely had feathers, and that blue whales have belly buttons.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 20, 2022 • 1h 24min
Laura Linney
Laura Linney (Ozark, The Big C, The Truman Show) is an actress. Laura joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the rewards and sacrifices of doing theater productions, what her experience at Juilliard was like, and how she has a romantic fantasy about train travel. Laura and Dax talk about their experiences surrounding addiction, how they handled assimilating into mainstream culture, and how good comedy often reveals universal truths about people. Laura explains why she was drawn to her character on Ozark, how a career in television was not her original ambition, and what she loved about working in Georgia.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 19, 2022 • 12min
Father's Day
The discussion revolves around the complex emotions tied to Father's Day, exploring nostalgia and loss as the hosts recall family traditions. They share an intimate and heartfelt journey of supporting a father in his final months battling cancer, highlighting the deepening bonds formed in adversity. A touching hospital scene showcases moments of joy and connection between a son and his ailing father, while also welcoming new life amid struggles. The narrative poignantly reflects on mortality, balancing admiration and gratitude through shared experiences.
Jun 17, 2022 • 35min
Armchair Anonymous: Swingers
Dive into a playful exploration of swinging as the hosts share humorous and candid personal stories. Enjoy tales of unexpected romantic encounters, quirky dinner conversations, and the unique dynamics of open relationships. They touch on the challenges of breakups and the joy of movie snacks, while also reflecting on personal growth and mental health. With entertaining anecdotes ranging from cultural immersion in Italy to the realities of postpartum support, this conversation is filled with laughter and genuine connection.
Jun 16, 2022 • 1h 50min
Reggie Fils-Aimé (former Nintendo president)
Reggie Fils-Aimé (Disrupting the Game) is a businessman and former President and COO of Nintendo. Reggie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he marketed a Japanese video game company to American teenagers, how growing up in the Bronx shaped the rest of his life, and where he learned the concept of brand management from. Reggie and Dax talk about how massive the video game industry is compared to other forms of media, how the average video gamer has changed over the years, and how social media has changed our ideas about branding. Reggie explains what disruptive innovation means, why the relationship between product development and marketing matters, and what lessons he has learned by not always succeeding in his ventures.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 13, 2022 • 1h 52min
Daniel Ricciardo Returns
Daniel Ricciardo is a Formula 1 driver. Daniel returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why he jokes so much about his looks, where he got his manners from, and how he handles the pressures of being a famous race car driver. Daniel and Dax talk about how much they enjoy riding dirt bikes together, how much they both love Austin, and what Daniel thinks he might do once he is done racing. Daniel explains why he decided to start his own clothing line, how he enjoys traveling for his job, and what his favorite French word is.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 10, 2022 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Airplanes
Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing that ever happened to them on an airplane.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
