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
Sep 24, 2018 • 2h 4min
The Good Place Week: Ted Danson
The Good Place week commences with American actor, producer and National Treasure, Ted Danson. Ted sits down with the Armchair Expert to reminisce on his early years in an unconventional upbringing, he explains the juxtaposition between playing a cool guy on TV despite feeling profoundly uncool in life and he discusses his ride through life on the back of a pickup truck. Dax refers to the first time he met Ted on the street in 1996 and he laments being unable to pronounce Ted's name. Ted reveals the secret behind being deemed MVP and the two of them share an undying love for Kristen Bell.
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Sep 17, 2018 • 2h 10min
Ike Barinholtz
Ike Barinholtz (Mad TV, The Mindy Project, Neighbors, Blockers) is an American comedian, screenwriter, actor and most likable human. Ike sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss his time on Mad TV, he recalls lying to his parents about dropping out of college and he details a demoralizing job as a telemarketer. Dax attributes his current sense of humor to a young encounter with men on work release and Ike is too tired to make love at night. Dax and Ike do impressions of nearly every human and they both agree that the most terrible experiences make the best stories.
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Sep 10, 2018 • 2h 42min
Kathryn Hahn
Kathryn Hahn, a talented actress and comedian known for her roles in "Bad Moms" and "Transparent," shares her journey of vulnerability and the complexities of monogamy. She reminisces about her childhood obsession with Amish life, explores emotional responsibilities in parenting, and connects with Dax over their mutual love for music. Their conversation dives into the intricacies of identity, family dynamics, and the authenticity required in storytelling, all while maintaining a light-hearted touch infused with personal anecdotes.
Sep 6, 2018 • 2h 4min
EXPERTS ON EXPERT: Keith Morrison
In this episode of Experts on Expert, the Armchair Expert speaks with broadcast journalist and Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison about the difference between Canadian journalism and American journalism, his reluctance to appear self-aggrandizing and his most haunting experience as a journalist. Dax praises Keith's spectacular ability to craft language and Keith tells the story of how he cut off his thumb. The two discuss the impossible role of a step-parent, the correct way to evade spousal homicide and the duality of career ambition.
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Sep 3, 2018 • 2h 14min
Matthew Lillard
Matthew Lillard (Serial Mom, Scream, Scooby Doo, The Descendants, Good Girls) is an American actor, voice actor, director, producer and human lighthouse. Matthew sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss his early experience as a mime named TTAM, having to reinvent his life after an inexplicable period of not working and he labels his ultimate pursuit to remain artistic. Dax decides Matthew was the right man to date the love of his life and Matthew tells the story of how he was cast as the man who stole George Clooney's wife. The two of them travel down memory lane in a sweet recount of their love affair despite Matthew's insistence that they would never remain friends after Without A Paddle.
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Aug 27, 2018 • 2h 14min
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Silver Spoons, Juno, Ozark) is an American actor, director, producer and longtime friend of the Armchair Expert. Jason sits down with Dax to discuss tales of sobriety, parenthood and the formula for a deadpan delivery. Jason reveals his many idiosyncrasies and Dax credits Jason for proposing to Kristen. The two of them chat about their mutual ex-scumbaggery, they reminisce on Dax's nude scene in This is Where I Leave You and Dax defends his unique style of wiping his butt.
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Aug 20, 2018 • 2h 50min
Colin Hanks & Allison Tolman
Colin Hanks, an actor with notable roles in Fargo and the son of Tom Hanks, teams up with Allison Tolman, renowned for her performance in Fargo. They discuss balancing family life with their acting careers and share amusing tales from set challenges, particularly involving animal co-stars. Allison opens up about her experiences with fame and mental health, while Colin reveals casting surprises related to Fargo. Their heartfelt reflections on childhood and family dynamics reveal personal stories that resonate with both humor and depth.
Aug 13, 2018 • 2h 22min
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen, the versatile Canadian actor and comedian, shares his fascinating journey, from karate boosting his childhood confidence to starting stand-up at just 13. He dives into his creative process behind hits like Pineapple Express and the impact of the Sony hack on his career. Rogen discusses the joys of collaborating with his wife on projects and his decision to not have kids. With anecdotes about morning shows and psychedelic experiences, he balances humor with insights on his finances and philanthropy work for Alzheimer's advocacy.
Aug 6, 2018 • 2h 3min
Vincent D'Onofrio
Vincent D'Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket, Daredevil, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) is an American actor, producer and one of Dax's acting heroes. Vincent sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss his struggle during childhood, the series of events that led to Full Metal Jacket and his aversion to sports metaphors. Dax refuses to accept he wasn't cast in Vincent's movie and Vincent is disturbed by the dog print in the attic. They talk about their mutual reluctance to owe others in any capacity, Dax implores Vincent to move into his house and Monica loves magicians.
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Aug 2, 2018 • 1h 58min
EXPERTS ON EXPERT: Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau an American political commentator, creator and co-host of Pod Save America and the former Director of Speechwriting for President Barack Obama. In this chapter of Experts on Expert, Jon discusses his heartbreak on the 2004 Kerry campaign, his devotion to the democratic ideal of persuasion and he details his farcical experience sharing a name with the other Jon Favreau. Dax chooses to see America as two spouses in a rocky marriage and Jon shares the story of his first meeting with Barack Obama. The two debate whether it's productive to be inundated with current events, they pinpoint what distinguishes an average speech from a great one and Dax wonders if Jon is the Ma Anand Sheela to Obama's Bhagwan.
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