Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
642 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
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 (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...
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...
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
Yearbook - Chapter 5: Teenage Love & Danger
December 15, 2023 08:20 - 34 minutesNothing compares to the butterflies of teenage love in high school. But teenage romance can lead to grave outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Adam Frank (physicist and astronomer)
December 14, 2023 08:30 - 2 hoursAdam Frank (The Little Book of Aliens) is a physicist, astronomer, and writer. Adam joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he dealt with being an outsider in school, why he was drawn to science fiction, and how he discovered a secret language in mathematics. Adam and Dax talk about what the search for intelligent life outside Earth looks like, how common it is for other planets to have water, and what the concept of a liquid brain is. Adam explains why people are so obsessed with UAPs, why ...
Synced: It's Rustic
December 13, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz discuss the social politics of pooping around others, the difficulties of sharing a bed, and in true sleepover fashion they call all the boys they know. They answer listener questions on how to deal with a narcissistic friend, when it's appropriate to look through a partner's phone, and they break down types of therapists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Quilts
December 12, 2023 08:30 - 52 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier takes Monica’s advice from an earlier episode and investigates America’s obsession with quilts. He begins his journey by interviewing quilting podcaster Ashelyn Downs of “The Grateful Thread”. Farrier discovers that quilting is not just oldies sitting by the fire, but that there’s a new movement of younger, more diverse quilters taking over America. He sets off to meet Latifah Saafir, an engineer who now makes some of the most amazing quilts you’ll ...
Willem Dafoe
December 11, 2023 08:30 - 2 hoursWillem Dafoe (Poor Things, Platoon, The Lighthouse) is an actor. Willem joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he doesn’t have the desire to buy things, how being raised by his siblings affected his perspective, and how his parents encouraged him to be ambitious in life. Willem and Dax talk about how one’s identity can be defined by social conditioning, how he loves collaborating with others on a project, and how he feels about playing big characters. Willem explains how good directors make...
Armchair Anonymous: Meet Cute
December 08, 2023 08:30 - 50 minutesDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a meet cute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Yearbook - Chapter 4: Local Celebrity
December 08, 2023 08:20 - 33 minutesAs the Blake basketball team roars through its thrilling season, Chad and his teammates experience local stardom. With his newfound status, Chad gets access to all of the hottest house parties…and ends up in white student’s houses for the first time with their parents out of town. Behold, the high school rager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Maria Sharapova
December 07, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourMaria Sharapova is a 5x Grand Slam-winning former professional tennis player, investor, and entrepreneur. Maria joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how her priorities changed after retiring from tennis, her experience as a child moving to the US from Russia, and where her strong work ethic came from. Maria and Dax talk about how isolating success can be, what it takes to be critical of yourself, and how they both approach conflict in their relationships. Maria explains how much pressure ther...
Synced: Vorsh!
December 06, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourIn this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz debate high school hotness, they role play an important negotiation, and a special guest joins the squad to talk about eating while masturbating & fluid sexuality. They answer listener questions on how to set a boundary with a family member who drinks too much and if one needs to tell their new love interest that they slept with a hometown ex. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: American Accents
December 05, 2023 08:30 - 57 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier seeks to be better understood by his co-hosts by diving headfirst into the American accent. He meets with dialect coach Joel Goldes, who’s helped coach actors like Viola Davis through her various accent roles. As “The Dialect Coach” (www.thedialectcoach.com), Joel teaches David how to place his tongue to sound more American, and takes Farrier through what he’s been doing wrong. Monica, Rob, and David also take an accent quiz to see how good they are...
Jon Batiste
December 04, 2023 08:30 - 2 hoursJon Batiste (American Symphony) is a musician and composer. Jon joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why some people feel unworthy of others, why it’s important to feel rejection, and how music can connect all types of people together. Jon and Dax talk about why they want to evolve as artists, how priorities can change when a loved one is sick, and what it’s like to have a relationship in the public eye. Jon explains what obligations he feels when fans approach him on the street, how TV shows...
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card III
December 01, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourDax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their craziest stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Yearbook - Chapter 3: Insecurity
December 01, 2023 08:20 - 29 minutesLike every high schooler, Chad wanted to be cool and wanted to be liked. He twisted himself in knots trying to be popular, trying to be an athlete, and trying to be a lady’s man. But some kids never get the luxury of normal teenage angst… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Daniel Markovits (on meritocracy)
November 30, 2023 08:30 - 2 hoursDaniel Markovits (The Meritocracy Trap) is a law professor and author. Daniel joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like growing up in different countries, why freedom of speech can sometimes be controversial, and why great art can impact society as much as scientific breakthroughs. Daniel and Dax talk about what it means to study meritocracy, how the landscape of going to college has changed, and how having educated parents affects a child’s development. Daniel explains why there ...
Synced: Maxing Out
November 29, 2023 08:30 - 1 hourIn this episode of Synced, Liz and Monica discuss an important vacation hack, Monica shares her infamous fetish with Liz, and they debate the validity of a 'twin flame'. The two answer listener questions on giving unsolicited career advice and what to do when you break the trust of a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Flightless Bird: Cereal
November 28, 2023 08:30 - 50 minutesThis week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier investigates America’s extreme love of cereal. He sets out to answer why America needs over 5000 different types of cereal, and why some of the most popular cereals have been discontinued. He meets with YouTube cereal reviewer Thomas Hicks, AKA The Cereal Snob (https://www.youtube.com/c/CerealSnob), to get the lowdown on how much milk should be used in cereal, and what types of cereal are the best. David also discovers that cereal was invented by Jo...