

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

10 snips
Mar 26, 2018 • 1h 46min
Anna Faris
In a lively conversation, Anna Faris, known for her comedic roles and hosting Unqualified, shares her insights on parenting and the challenges of public image. She and Dax delve into the intricacies of open relationships and the emotional trade-offs involved. They also tackle the gender pay gap and the pressures of being in a perfect relationship. With a mix of humor and honesty, Anna reflects on her divorce and the impact of pornography on young expectations, all while reminiscing about a quirky chocolate-eating adventure in Maui.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2018 • 2h 10min
Van Hunt
Van Hunt, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, dives into his colorful upbringing and the influence of strong mothers on his life. He discusses his unique musical process, blending R&B and comedy, and reflects on moments of solitude that fueled his artistry. Their conversation touches on the struggles of fame, financial wisdom over indulgence, and the intricacies of live performance, all while sharing laughs and heartfelt insights. Plus, catch Van's live rendition of his hit 'Being a Girl' that leaves Dax in awe!

7 snips
Mar 12, 2018 • 52min
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved comedian and daytime talk show host, shares her journey of reinvention and resilience. She reminisces about her nerve-wracking debut on Johnny Carson’s couch and her evolution in stand-up, embracing more poignant moments. Ellen candidly discusses the fallout from her public coming out and her role as an unexpected advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She also reflects on the challenges of returning to comedy and creating a talk show that stays true to her authentic self while navigating the complexities of fame.

Mar 5, 2018 • 1h 46min
Adam Scott
Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation, Big Little Lies, Step Brothers) is an actor, producer and genuinely one of the nicest people Dax has ever hated. Adam sits down with the armchair expert to discuss how he fell backwards into comedy after seeking a career in dramatic acting, his hero worship of Spike Lee and the two of them discuss why they had a mutual unappreciation for the other before they met. Dax tells the story of how he unpredictably ended up on Letterman and Adam speaks about his struggle with self-worth and recognizability. They examine their differing perspectives on being a younger sibling, Dax commends Adam for taking on projects he loves and they both agree, unequivocally, that Will Ferrell is the greatest.
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10 snips
Feb 26, 2018 • 2h 11min
Pete Wentz
Pete Wentz, the bassist of Fall Out Boy and a known rock star with a heart, shares his journey from a young musician to a role model. He discusses how his son helped him out of depression and shares a funny story about James Gandolfini promoting his bar. The conversation dives into the complexities of fame, the struggle for creative integrity in the music industry, and the emotional challenges of success. Wentz also reflects on his punk roots, fan interactions, and the evolution of celebrity culture in today's social media age.

10 snips
Feb 19, 2018 • 1h 59min
Jimmy Kimmel
Join Jimmy Kimmel, the acclaimed late-night host and comedian, as he chats with Dax Shepard about the quirky origins of *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* and his accidental clarinet skills. They dive into their vacation fears, sharing a hilariously chaotic tsunami scare. The duo also reflects on the art of gift-giving and exchanges playful banter about aging and public scrutiny. With laughs about feral cats and insights on managing the late-night landscape, this conversation is packed with wit and wisdom from two comedic friends.

10 snips
Feb 14, 2018 • 2h 14min
Joy Bryant
Joy Bryant, an actress and writer known for her roles in Parenthood and Antwone Fisher, shares her insightful journey from growing up in the Bronx to Hollywood stardom. She candidly discusses the impact of class disparities in her education experiences and the transition to a predominantly white boarding school. Joy reflects on dating within the celebrity realm and the challenges of seeking validation. The conversation also touches on navigating race in America, pay inequity in Hollywood, and the significance of therapy in reframing personal trauma.

14 snips
Feb 14, 2018 • 2h 5min
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher, renowned actor and entrepreneur, shares insights from his diverse career, reflecting on his time with Dax on Punk'd and the challenges of typecasting. He discusses the balance of art and commerce in today's entertainment, the pressure of societal expectations around masculinity and hair loss, and navigating parenting in a tech-centric world. Their candid conversation touches on the importance of social responsibility in content creation and the evolving dynamics of personal connections in the age of AI.

23 snips
Feb 14, 2018 • 2h 1min
Kristen Bell
In this engaging conversation, Kristen Bell, the talented actress from 'The Good Place' and 'Frozen', shares insights on her marriage with Dax Shepard, revealing secrets like why he thought she had breast implants early on. They dive into her life philosophy and the challenges of social media, emphasizing personal growth amidst self-doubt. Kristen also humorously warns against sitting next to her at the movies and reflects on how altruism enriches life. The duo mixes personal anecdotes with laughter, showcasing the depth of their connection.

4 snips
Feb 6, 2018 • 4min
Introducing: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
The hosts dive into the journey of uncovering human truths through candid conversations. With a focus on personal struggles and recovery, they share insights from their own experiences. The significance of personal histories and learning from failures is emphasized, fostering an environment of honesty about human imperfections. Expect deep, engaging discussions that aim to connect on a personal level and challenge traditional notions of success.


