Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
608 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago - ★★★★★ - 64.9K ratingsHi, 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.
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Episodes
Goldie Hawn
March 04, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourGoldie Hawn (Overboard, The First Wives Club, Death Becomes Her) is an actor, producer, and director. Goldie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what she misses about being anonymous in public, how important approval from your parents is, and the successes of Roy Russell. Goldie and Dax talk about how she navigated her depression, how to respond to people who think you’re a stereotype, and how to deal with narcissists. Goldie explains why she wanted to start an educational foundation that fo...
Jared Cohen Returns
February 29, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursJared Cohen (Life After Power, Accidental Presidents) is an author and businessman. Jared returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss what other oddities he collects from former US Presidents, the burden of legacy, and the history of third parties in the presidential elections. Jared and Dax talk about why authority in institutions matters, how much being a politician has changed, and the impact of geopolitics on business. Jared explains the relationship between ambition and happiness, how soci...
Synced: The Pool
February 28, 2024 08:30 - 46 minutesIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz discuss their nonnegotiables in a relationship, Monica tells an ex she doesn't want to be friends, and they debate the orange peel theory. They answer listener questions on how to turn down a drink from a stranger at a bar, asking for a prenup, and supporting a friend's financial endeavors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Costco
February 27, 2024 08:30 - 52 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand Costco, the giant membership warehouse club loved by millions of Americans, a store that now pulls in $64 billion in revenue each year. Farrier meets up with a friend of the show Andy, who takes David inside Costco for his first shopping trip. David is so impressed he signs up as a card-carrying Costco member, before returning with a former staff member to get the goss. Finally, Farrier talks to a staff member who’s been at Co...
Bradley Cooper Returns
February 26, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursBradley Cooper (Maestro, A Star is Born, Silver Linings Playbook) is an award-winning actor, producer, and filmmaker. Bradley returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why it’s important to be a good dancer, his new love of reality television, and how much he’s worked on improving his self-esteem. Bradley and Dax talk about their morning rituals, how they’ve learned to evaluate their own stories, and how fulfilling it has been to become a parent. Bradley explains the importance of having empa...
Armchair Anonymous: Greatest Fear
February 23, 2024 08:30 - 48 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time their greatest fear came true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rob Reiner
February 22, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursRob Reiner (God & Country, Spinal Tap, All in the Family) is an actor and filmmaker. Rob joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1960 World Series, why he prefers directing over acting and writing, and what it was like working with Martin Scorsese. Rob and Dax talk about their time in improv groups, the rise of All in the Family, and how fascinated they both are with Russia. Rob explains how much he looked up to and wanted to be like his father, why C...
Synced: DePENS
February 21, 2024 08:30 - 53 minutesIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz debate the price of authenticity and revisit the pen conversation from last week, but this time include an expert. They answer listener questions on handling patriarchy in the workplace, getting over a comparison to an unflattering animal, and feeling shame for wanting one's partner to be more masculine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Roswell
February 20, 2024 08:30 - 55 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to the town of Roswell, New Mexico - home of the 1947 UFO crash that ignited the imagination of the entire planet. After visiting the Roswell UFO Museum, Farrier sets out to see what makes Roswell, well, Roswell. He meets up with artist Michael Beitz who runs the Meow Cat Sanctuary, before getting some Mexican food with local cowboy “Spider Dailey”, who fills Farrier in on the local military academy… and how to be an anarchist. He also goes...
Camila Mendes
February 19, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursCamila Mendes (Riverdale, Upgraded, Música) is an actor and producer. Camila joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how young artists are often more vulnerable to the public, how much she has started to lean into her culture, and learning Alexander technique. Camila and Dax talk about what types of people they are attracted to, what it’s like to know a second language with a significant other, and how to balance family dynamics. Camila explains how she booked a TV show while still in acting sch...
Armchair Anonymous: Valentine's Day Disaster
February 16, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a Valentine’s Day disaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Charles Duhigg (on being a supercommunicator)
February 15, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursCharles Duhigg (Supercommunicators, The Power of Habit) is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and best-selling author. Charles joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the difference in culture at the LA Times and New York Times, the benefits of bettering your communication, and how well humans can detect inauthenticity. Charles and Dax talk about how our brains latch on to vulnerability, the three types of conversations, and the importance of matching them. Charles explains that successful conv...
Synced: The Recital
February 14, 2024 08:30 - 58 minutesIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz perform their 'hot girl hobby' challenges, they discuss misplaced anger on the internet, and question if taking a pen is considered stealing. They answer listener questions on whether one should buy gifts for others when it's not reciprocated and how to help a friend who unknowingly struggles with how to apply makeup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Donuts
February 13, 2024 08:30 - 45 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand why Americans guzzle down over 10 billion donuts every year. He sets off with his friends Andrew and Lauren to sample some Californian donuts, before meeting up with Emily Taing. Tang is behind Pink Box Stories (@pinkboxstories) on Instagram and educates David about the origins of the donut’s famous pink boxes, and the importance of America’s mom-and-pop donuts stores. David then sets his sights on the big East Coast chain - D...
Jason Bateman Returns Again
February 12, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursJason Bateman (SmartLess, Ozark, Arrested Development) is an actor, director, producer, and podcaster. Jason joins the Armchair Expert to revisit the wiping debate, reveal he’s a Capricorn, and explore why he distances himself from his intellect. Jason and Dax discuss how much they enjoy being with someone who’s the opposite of them, their shared fear of becoming empty nesters, and the two have a sneeze-off. Jason talks about how seriously he takes the responsibility of leadership, how SmartL...
Armchair Anonymous: Accidentally Naked
February 09, 2024 08:30 - 55 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they accidentally ended up naked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Molly McNearney
February 08, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourMolly McNearney (Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Oscars) is a writer and executive producer. Molly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much respect she has for comedy writers, how growing up Catholic influenced her perspective on dating, and how she originally wanted to be a local news reporter. Molly and Dax talk about her journey to becoming head writer on Jimmy Kimmel Live, how fast-paced it is to produce a late-night bit, and what the goal of a monologue is. Molly explains why the Mean Tweets...
Synced: Martini Mission
February 07, 2024 08:30 - 48 minutesIn this week's episode of Synced, Monica and Liz talk about the conversational dynamics that exist within different sexual orientations, they revisit the brunch pin, and discuss the ways people in relationships talk to singles. They answer listener questions about whether or not it's okay to leave a partner who is ill, how to handle traveling solo while in a relationship, and how to successfully cut off an ex-sister-in-law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Callery Pear Trees
February 06, 2024 08:30 - 49 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier tries to understand why his entire street smells like semen. He finds himself in the world of the Callery Pear Tree - also known as the Linden Tree or the Bradford - AKA “the cum tree”. David talks with Theresa Culley, a professor at the University of Cincinnati - who knows a lot about this particular foul-smelling tree. The plant biologist teaches David why the trees smell like that, before diving into an analysis of how American these trees really...
Heidi Klum
February 05, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourHeidi Klum (America’s Got Talent, Project Runway) is a model, television host, and producer. Heidi joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the freedom of nudity, how she got into modeling in a small town in Germany, and how she learned to make her face not sweat. Heidi and Dax talk about dealing with negative feedback early in their career, what some of her creative outlets are, and what the energy of doing a live show feels like. Heidi explains how different she is from Howard Stern, her love o...
Armchair Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous
February 02, 2024 08:30 - 50 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing they've seen at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Noah Hawley (Fargo Week)
February 01, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourNoah Hawley (Fargo, Lucy in the Sky, Legion) is a screenwriter, director, and producer. Noah concludes Fargo Week and joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he balances the tone of comedy and violence, how having a fraternal twin has influenced his writing, and where his version of masculinity comes from. Noah and Dax talk about the importance of mentorship, why it’s important to share in decision-making, and why people don’t like to ask for advice. Noah talks about his awkward breakfast wi...
Synced: My Favorite F
January 31, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourIn this week's episode of Synced, Monica and Liz share some of their favorite beauty products, they discuss colorism in the beauty industry, and debate whether or not it's appropriate to let a stranger try on your coat. They answer listener questions on struggling with body image in clothing, and Monica attempts to settle an issue with an old friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jon Hamm (Fargo Week)
January 30, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourJon Hamm (Fargo, Mad Men, Top Gun: Maverick) is an actor. Fargo week continues with Jon joining the Armchair Expert to discuss meeting multiple times for the first time, giving himself until 30 years old to figure out if he could make it in Hollywood, and his earliest memories of auditioning. Jon talks about how his life changed when his mother passed away, why he played every sport except hockey, and where he discovered his love for reading stories. Dax and Jon discuss how he got into the mi...
Juno Temple (Fargo Week)
January 29, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourJuno Temple (Fargo, Ted Lasso, Killer Joe) is an actor. Juno joins the Armchair Expert to kick off Fargo week and discuss how she doesn’t know how to drive a car, how inspirational her father’s work ethic was, and what it was like growing up in a country with thousands of years of history. Juno and Dax talk about how they dealt with rejection for roles, how nervous they are on sets, and what it’s like to do an iconic accent for a character. Juno explains what it’s like to be on a show that a...
Armchair Anonymous: Underdogs
January 26, 2024 08:30 - 58 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their greatest underdog story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
January 25, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourDr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Finding Your Roots, Gospel, Stony the Road) is a filmmaker, professor, and cultural critic. Henry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what techniques he uses when interviewing people, how far back he can trace his family heritage, and the sugar plantation slave trade. Henry and Dax talk about what the Salt Thesis is, what their observations were visiting Africa, and how culture mostly drives a person’s development. Henry explains why class is just as important as r...
Synced: Clacks
January 24, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourIn today's episode of Synced, Monica & Liz are joined by a special guest! They reminisce on fantastic food experiences, Monica gives closet clean-out tips, and they debate the validity of 'being out of someone's league'. They answer listener questions on how to handle differing opinions on a sexual assault story and whether or not it's okay to hide sex toys from a partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dave Burd
January 22, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourDave Burd (Dave, Penith, Professional Rapper) is a rapper and actor. Dave joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he has no sense of direction without GPS, why he thought it was important to share his medical condition with the world, and the comedians he idolized growing up. Dave and Dax talk about how much pressure there is to go to college to achieve success, how he was exposed to content creation, and how much they value the opinions of their peers. Dave explains how he balances making m...
Dave Burd (Lil Dicky)
January 22, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourDave Burd (Dave, Penith, Professional Rapper) is a rapper and actor. Dave joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he has no sense of direction without GPS, why he thought it was important to share his medical condition with the world, and the comedians he idolized growing up. Dave and Dax talk about how much pressure there is to go to college to achieve success, how he was exposed to content creation, and how much they value the opinions of their peers. Dave explains how he balances making m...
Armchair Anonymous: Resolutions
January 19, 2024 08:30 - 44 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a resolution gone bad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Vanessa Marin (sex therapist)
January 18, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursVanessa Marin (Pillow Talks, Sex Talks: The Five Conversations That Will Transform Your Love Life) is a sex therapist and podcaster. Vanessa joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her experience getting the “the talk” from her parents, why there is often so much shame around sexuality, and how much stress kills libido. Vanessa and Dax discuss how vulnerability and neediness differ, how sex is often more focused on male pleasure, and responsive vs spontaneous desire. Vanessa talks about the psyc...
Synced: Hot Girl Hobbies
January 17, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourIn this week's episode of Synced, Monica and Liz share their natal charts, they debate the validity of pet psychics, and Liz receives advice from another Uber driver. They answer listener questions on breaking up one's family for 'true' love, how to recover after faking orgasms in a relationship, and how to cope with not feeling wanted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wyatt & Kurt Russell
January 15, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourWyatt and Kurt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) are actors. Kurt and Wyatt join the Armchair Expert to discuss their memories of spending summers at their lake house, why Wyatt chose acting over playing hockey, and what it’s like to be a violin-maker. Kurt, Wyatt, and Dax talk about what it was like to play the same character as father and son, how Kurt chose his most iconic roles, and how fun it is to work with stunt people on set. Kurt and Wyatt explain their approach when people have ...
Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Concerts
January 12, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy concert experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matthew Desmond (on poverty)
January 11, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourMatthew Desmond (Poverty, by America) is a sociologist and author. Matthew joins Armchair Expert to discuss why he became interested in studying poverty in America, how people are being priced out of their own neighborhoods, and what solutions he feels would help unhoused people the most. Matthew and Dax talk about why a wealthy country can have such a large wage gap, what metrics the government uses to define who an impoverished person is, and how some financial institutions are predatory to...
Synced: You Can't Shortcut It
January 10, 2024 08:30 - 51 minutesIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz discuss grief, sleepovers, and superstitions. They answer listener questions on setting boundaries with a parent when it comes to one's health, communicating thoughts about thongs and pubic hair to a partner, and advice for someone who just turned 30. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Paul Giamatti
January 08, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursPaul Giamatti (The Holdovers, Billions, Sideways) is an actor. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he felt about living up to his father’s accomplishments, how bad he is at math, and why he got into theater. Paul and Dax talk about what their favorite cigarettes used to be, what boarding school culture is like, and what it means to be a lead actor. Paul explains what it’s like to play unlikeable characters, what he’s learned about historical figures from his roles, and why he is obs...
Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Gym
January 05, 2024 08:30 - 55 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy gym story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Billie Joe Armstrong
January 04, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursBillie Joe Armstrong (Saviors, American Idiot, Dookie) is a musician and lead vocalist of the rock band Green Day. Billie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it’s like to have a brother 20 years older than him, the evolution of punk music, and his songwriting process. Billie and Dax talk about what it’s like to move into a big city from a small town, what it’s like to be in love at a young age, and where the name Green Day came from. Billie explains what his experiences with addiction h...
Synced: Back to Basics
January 03, 2024 08:30 - 1 hourIn the first episode of 2024, Monica and Liz contemplate deep conversations with strangers, share their New Year's resolutions, and discuss if they bring sex toys home for the holidays. They answer listener questions on how to deal with a friend who focuses on the cost of luxury items and getting secondhand embarrassment from a partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taraji P. Henson
January 01, 2024 08:30 - 2 hoursTaraji P. Henson (The Color Purple, Empire, Hustle & Flow) is an actor, producer, and director. Taraji joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like playing a character with a lot of trauma, why she feels it’s important to travel, and how she felt about her mom dating. Taraji and Dax talk about how rejection can help someone find success, what having a child in college is like, and why lifting up others is important. Taraji explains why she doesn’t like the term black movie, how her f...
Yearbook - Chapter 7: What The Living Can Offer
December 29, 2023 08:20 - 29 minutesThe basketball season comes to an unexpected ending, and Chad confronts his dad about a powerful moment in their relationship. Chad wants to close the book on these memories, but Dax and Monica push him to dig deeper on exactly what happened all those years ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Holiday Spectacular 2023
December 22, 2023 08:30 - 53 minutesJoin us for our annual holiday spectacular as we open presents, we talk about why this Christmas is bittersweet, we discuss why parents aren’t sexy, and we take time to reflect on 2023 and what’s to come in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Yearbook - Chapter 6: The Hardest Book to Read
December 22, 2023 08:20 - 34 minutesChad’s mom said Chad never wanted things sugar-coated as a kid. He wanted the truth. Chad faces a truth he isn’t ready for when he uncovers information about The Driver that had been hiding in plain sight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Best of Thursdays 2023
December 21, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourOn this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Thursday episodes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Synced: That's What We Do
December 20, 2023 08:30 - 58 minutesIn the last episode of the year, Monica and Liz make tea while debating wastefulness and discussing Liz's reintroduction to meat. They answer listener questions on regretting giving out a phone number, obsessing over someone else's divorce, and how to handle being ghosted post-abortion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Hot Dogs
December 19, 2023 08:30 - 43 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier dives headfirst into one of America’s favorite foods, the humble hot dog. He learns that Americans eat around 20 billion hot dogs a year, which means the average American eats about 70 hot dogs per year. Why? How did this simple food get so popular here? To understand, Farrier decides to talk to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council. Eric Mittenthal picks up and answers some of Farrier’s burning questions. David then takes foodie and Flightless Bir...
Best of Mondays 2023
December 18, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourOn this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Monday episodes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Armchair Anonymous: Holiday Vacation
December 15, 2023 08:30 - 53 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a wild holiday vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices