Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Laura Labo (Dax's Mom) is an American entrepreneur, businesswoman and Dax's #1 love of his life. In this special episode, Laura sits down with the Armchair Expert to discuss her life story, the mistakes that made her and the struggle of raising a family as a single mother. Dax describes the many reasons he loves her and Laura talks about the recent death of her husband. The two of them travel down memory lane in a delightful and endearing lovefest in which they talk about Laura's bouts with depression, the impetus for Dax's love addiction and the exact degree of ugliness to which Dax was as a baby. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mae Whitman, an actress and singer known for her roles in Parenthood and Good Girls, shares insights from her 28-year career. She discusses the challenges of balancing childhood and acting, her love for Taylor Swift, and performing full nudity on stage. Mae reminisces about her early days on set and how her hippie parents influenced her outlook. She reflects on the emotional connections formed in her projects and the importance of maintaining a normal life. The conversation is peppered with humor, heartfelt stories, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Kaitlin Olson, known for her roles in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Mick, shares her journey from a childhood accident that sparked insecurity to finding confidence in comedy. She reminisces about her unique upbringing in the Pacific Northwest and praises her father's influence. Dax and Kaitlin also dive into their mutual love for Rob McElhenney and a wild beach day that resulted in a seal bite. The discussion touches on balancing motherhood with her career, coping strategies for anxiety, and her creative evolution in Hollywood.

Talib Kweli, an influential hip hop artist and social activist, dives deep into America's pressing social issues, from race to gender dynamics. He passionately shares his journey in the music industry, reflecting on the influences of education and family. The conversation also covers how personal experiences shape identity and art, while navigating the complexities of activism and respectful dialogue. Kweli and the host share humorous stories and insights on the challenges faced in bridging different cultural backgrounds, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

In this conversation, Dr. Wendy Mogel, a clinical psychologist and bestselling author, shares her insights on parenting and child development. She discusses the ways social media distorts family dynamics and the need for parents to ease up, highlighting that kids often wish their parents would relax. Wendy addresses the dangers of overprotection, emphasizing the importance of risky play for building resilience. The chat also explores the role of grandparents in nurturing joy and spontaneity in children's lives, advocating for a balance of freedom and structure in parenting.

Erika Christensen, known for her roles in Traffic and Parenthood, shares her journey from child actor to successful star. She discusses how Scientology has influenced her communication and decision-making. With Dax, they reminisce about their time in the young actor scene and his favorite Parenthood moments. Erika opens up about her cycling obsession and the impact of a significant bike crash on her life. They also share hilarious stories about grilled cheese and friendship, making for a light-hearted yet insightful conversation.

Johnny Knoxville, the iconic creator of the Jackass franchise, talks about his wild life as a stunt performer. He shares his early hospital experiences and love for hillbilly culture. Injuries from outrageous stunts provide both laughs and insights into the risks he embraces. The importance of children's influence on their parents is explored, alongside picking the right heroes. Dax reveals a misunderstanding about their friendship and they humorously defend the joys of couch lounging.

Marc Maron, a renowned comedian and the voice behind WTF with Marc Maron, shares his journey through the chaotic world of comedy and podcasting. He delves into his early career struggles, the unique bond forged through sobriety, and how success reshaped his identity. The duo reflects on the intimate relationship between hosts and listeners, while Marc recounts the evolution of his show and the challenges of acting on GLOW. With candid insights about resilience and the importance of adaptability, Maron offers a humorous yet profound perspective on life in the spotlight.

Bob Mervak, an American pianist, vocalist, and songwriter, shares stories and music in this engaging conversation. He reminisces about his childhood friendship with Kristen Bell and the creative experiences that shaped his career, including scoring films like 'Hit and Run' and performing for George Clooney. Bob discusses the balance between musicality and technical skill, the complexities of jealousy in young relationships, and the heartfelt inspiration behind his songwriting. Dax chimes in with humor, making this a delightful blend of music and poignant reflection.

Joel McHale, a beloved comedian and actor known for his roles in The Soup and Community, dives into his fascinating life experiences. He opens up about his childhood dyslexia and being labeled a 'slow starter,' exploring how these shaped his career and creativity. The discussion shifts to the pitfalls of overcommitment and navigating Hollywood's unpredictable landscape. They also touch on the impacts of cancel culture and the complexities of accountability in the arts. Plus, don’t miss his insights on neurodiversity and its unexpected advantages!