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 30, 2018 • 2h 46min
David Harbour
David Harbour, best known as Jim Hopper in Stranger Things, brings his charisma and wit to the conversation. He discusses his skepticism towards intellectualism and the importance of empathy, while candidly sharing his experiences with bipolar disorder. David debunks the myth that suffering fuels creativity and reflects on his journey through addiction recovery. The duo humorously navigate topics from acting as self-discovery to societal views on mental health, all while keeping the laughter alive with light-hearted anecdotes.
Jul 23, 2018 • 2h 35min
Mila Kunis
Mila Kunis (Black Swan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, That 70's Show, Friends with Benefits) is an American actress, producer and self-proclaimed armcherry. She sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss her immigration to America at the age of seven, her commitment to exploring various roles and her personal evolution to knowing her worth. Mila talks about her decision to openly embrace her flaws and Dax is shocked by Mila's startlingly high level of adjustment. The two discuss Mila's relationship with her family, they share tools on how to avoid conflict and per Mila's request, Dax shares a very intimate story involving Jello and an STD clinic.
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Jul 16, 2018 • 2h 12min
Nick Kroll
Nick Kroll (Kroll Show, The League, Big Mouth) is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer and Dax's favorite person to run into on the street. Nick sits down with the armchair expert to discuss his inability to stay awake, his first game night at Kristen Bell's house and how his family's wealth informed his current relationship to money. Nick talks about his most informative working experience and Dax shares his run-in with Mike Tyson. The two bond over a shared proclivity to say the exact wrong thing, they debate which car Nick should be driving and they discuss puberty in all its glory.
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Jul 12, 2018 • 1h 53min
EXPERTS ON EXPERT: David Sedaris
In this episode of Experts on Expert, the Armchair Expert speaks to author and humorist, David Sedaris about behavioral tics, and value of writing without preciousness and his provocative encounters at book signings. David talks about the authors he is inspired by and Dax tells a story about why he can't drink Pellegrino. The two of them breakdown the dilemma of sharing family stories, the current culture of sensitivity and their mutual path to sobriety.
David Sedaris -- is the author of Barrel Fever, Naked, Holidays on Ice, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You are Engulfed in Flames, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls and Theft by Finding. He is a contributor to The New Yorker and BBC Radio 4.
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Jul 9, 2018 • 1h 55min
Portugal. The Man (John Gourley & Zachary Carothers)
John Gourley and Zachary Carothers from Portugal. The Man share their unique stories rooted in Alaska's dog mushing culture. They dive into the challenges of following up a Grammy win and maintaining their identity amidst mainstream success. John recalls discovering music in remote Alaska and forming bands, while Zach reflects on the band's humorous approach to fame. The duo discusses the unpredictable nature of crafting a hit song and the evolution of their sound, all while keeping it grounded and authentic.
Jul 2, 2018 • 2h 35min
Dax's Mom (Laura Labo)
Laura Labo (Dax's Mom) is an American entrepreneur, businesswoman and Dax's #1 love of his life. In this special episode, Laura sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss her life story, the mistakes that made her and the struggle of raising a family as a single mother. Dax describes the many reasons he loves her and Laura talks about the recent death of her husband. The two of them travel down memory lane in a delightful and endearing lovefest in which they talk about Laura's bouts with depression, the impetus for Dax's love addiction and the exact degree of ugliness to which Dax was as a baby.
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Jun 25, 2018 • 2h 12min
Mae Whitman
Mae Whitman, an actress and singer known for her roles in Parenthood and Good Girls, shares insights from her 28-year career. She discusses the challenges of balancing childhood and acting, her love for Taylor Swift, and performing full nudity on stage. Mae reminisces about her early days on set and how her hippie parents influenced her outlook. She reflects on the emotional connections formed in her projects and the importance of maintaining a normal life. The conversation is peppered with humor, heartfelt stories, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
Jun 18, 2018 • 1h 55min
Kaitlin Olson
Kaitlin Olson, known for her roles in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Mick, shares her journey from a childhood accident that sparked insecurity to finding confidence in comedy. She reminisces about her unique upbringing in the Pacific Northwest and praises her father's influence. Dax and Kaitlin also dive into their mutual love for Rob McElhenney and a wild beach day that resulted in a seal bite. The discussion touches on balancing motherhood with her career, coping strategies for anxiety, and her creative evolution in Hollywood.
Jun 11, 2018 • 2h 48min
Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli, an influential hip hop artist and social activist, dives deep into America's pressing social issues, from race to gender dynamics. He passionately shares his journey in the music industry, reflecting on the influences of education and family. The conversation also covers how personal experiences shape identity and art, while navigating the complexities of activism and respectful dialogue. Kweli and the host share humorous stories and insights on the challenges faced in bridging different cultural backgrounds, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.
Jun 7, 2018 • 1h 59min
EXPERTS ON EXPERT: Wendy Mogel
In this conversation, Dr. Wendy Mogel, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author, shares her insights on parenting and child development. She discusses the ways social media distorts family dynamics and the need for parents to ease up, highlighting that kids often wish their parents would relax. Wendy addresses the dangers of overprotection, emphasizing the importance of risky play for building resilience. The chat also explores the role of grandparents in nurturing joy and spontaneity in children's lives, advocating for a balance of freedom and structure in parenting.
