

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2018 • 2h 14min
Jason Bateman
Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Silver Spoons, Juno, Ozark) is an American actor, director, producer and longtime friend of the Armchair Expert. Jason sits down with Dax to discuss tales of sobriety, parenthood and the formula for a deadpan delivery. Jason reveals his many idiosyncrasies and Dax credits Jason for proposing to Kristen. The two of them chat about their mutual ex-scumbaggery, they reminisce on Dax's nude scene in This is Where I Leave You and Dax defends his unique style of wiping his butt.
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Aug 20, 2018 • 2h 50min
Colin Hanks & Allison Tolman
Colin Hanks, an actor with notable roles in Fargo and the son of Tom Hanks, teams up with Allison Tolman, renowned for her performance in Fargo. They discuss balancing family life with their acting careers and share amusing tales from set challenges, particularly involving animal co-stars. Allison opens up about her experiences with fame and mental health, while Colin reveals casting surprises related to Fargo. Their heartfelt reflections on childhood and family dynamics reveal personal stories that resonate with both humor and depth.

Aug 13, 2018 • 2h 22min
Seth Rogen
Seth Rogen, the versatile Canadian actor and comedian, shares his fascinating journey, from karate boosting his childhood confidence to starting stand-up at just 13. He dives into his creative process behind hits like Pineapple Express and the impact of the Sony hack on his career. Rogen discusses the joys of collaborating with his wife on projects and his decision to not have kids. With anecdotes about morning shows and psychedelic experiences, he balances humor with insights on his finances and philanthropy work for Alzheimer's advocacy.

Aug 6, 2018 • 2h 3min
Vincent D'Onofrio
Vincent D'Onofrio (Full Metal Jacket, Daredevil, Law & Order: Criminal Intent) is an American actor, producer and one of Dax's acting heroes. Vincent sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss his struggle during childhood, the series of events that led to Full Metal Jacket and his aversion to sports metaphors. Dax refuses to accept he wasn't cast in Vincent's movie and Vincent is disturbed by the dog print in the attic. They talk about their mutual reluctance to owe others in any capacity, Dax implores Vincent to move into his house and Monica loves magicians.
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Aug 2, 2018 • 1h 58min
EXPERTS ON EXPERT: Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau an American political commentator, creator and co-host of Pod Save America and the former Director of Speechwriting for President Barack Obama. In this chapter of Experts on Expert, Jon discusses his heartbreak on the 2004 Kerry campaign, his devotion to the democratic ideal of persuasion and he details his farcical experience sharing a name with the other Jon Favreau. Dax chooses to see America as two spouses in a rocky marriage and Jon shares the story of his first meeting with Barack Obama. The two debate whether it's productive to be inundated with current events, they pinpoint what distinguishes an average speech from a great one and Dax wonders if Jon is the Ma Anand Sheela to Obama's Bhagwan.
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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.


