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.

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Our Editor's Take

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard shares the life lessons of fascinating figures. Dax Shepard's insightful questions and commentary result in meaningful conversations. The podcast offers a glimpse into life's complexity and the human condition. Dax, a longtime comedic actor, began the show in 2018. Listeners may know him from Parenthood and Without a Paddle. Dax loved being a podcast guest, and that experience inspired him to start his own show. The format allows for lengthy conversations instead of quippy interviews.

For sober Dax, the honest discussions offer the feel of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. The Armchair Expert podcast provides a platform for vulnerability, truth, and compassion. The conversations can get wild, but cohost Monica Padman is there to help. One thing that makes the podcast unique is its epilogue. At the end of each episode, she fact-checks statements that Dax and the guests made.

Armchair Expert reveals the human experiences of today's entertainers, leaders, and experts. Guests include Barack Obama as well as Dax's wife, actress Kristen Bell. When Kristen joins, she and Dax discuss marriage, sobriety, and raising children. Because neither one holds back, tensions can get high. Throughout, listeners can sense their love and commitment and appreciate their openness.

When singer Jason Derulo joins, the conversation ranges from the music industry to joy, betrayal, and Taylor Swift. He, Dax, and Monica consider methods for resisting endless scrolling. Comedian and actor Rob McElhenney comes on another episode to talk about parenthood. He's the father of two young boys and hopes to raise them well.

As a comedian, Dax can't let the conversation on the podcast stay serious for too long. Side topics include the DMV, Florida, Christmas, basements, and even electric kettles. Politics, psychology, and sobriety are also important talking points. In another episode, psychologist Phil Stutz talks about treating patients at Rikers Island. They discuss narcissism, human needs, and the value of structure.

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard provides laughter and hope while contemplating what it means to be human. Listeners can hear new episodes twice a week.

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Episodes