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
19 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 52min
Herman Pontzer (on evolutionary anthropology)
Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist and author, dives into fascinating topics this time. He discusses the idea that the brain is the body's most energy-demanding organ and explores the surprising link between anxiety and calorie burn. Pontzer challenges common dietary beliefs, specifically debunking the paleo diet and sharing insights from his research on the Hadza people’s energy expenditure. He also reflects on intriguing aspects of human evolution and highlights the impact of environmental factors on our biology, health, and adaptability.
Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 44min
Eiza Gonzalez
Eiza Gonzalez, a talented Mexican actress and singer known for her roles in 'Baby Driver' and 'Ambulance,' engages in a lively chat about everything from human DNA in hotdogs to her journey into acting after a personal tragedy. She shares insights on navigating cultural identity as a Mexican performer in Hollywood, her love for languages, and the value of mentorship in her career. Eiza also reflects on the emotional toll of fame, the challenges of typecasting, and how difficult experiences can lead to transformative opportunities.
Mar 28, 2025 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Animal Attack II
Join in for a wild ride through thrilling tales of animal encounters! From humorous bear break-ins to dramatic moose meet-ups, the stories are both heart-pounding and hilarious. Dax and Monica share insights on support systems and the importance of seeking help, while also reflecting on childhood pets and chaotic experiences. With anecdotes mixing laughter and chaos, this conversation dives deep into the emotional impact of wild encounters, leaving listeners both entertained and informed.
13 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 41min
Seth Rogen Returns Again
Seth Rogen, an Emmy-nominated writer, actor, and director, joins alongside comedian Monica Padman. The duo shares hilarious tales, including Rogen's experience getting too high with Snoop Dogg. They discuss the emotional toll of public scrutiny on celebrities and the balance between creating art and commerce in filmmaking. Rogen reflects on the risks of directing and the allure of danger in storytelling. Their conversation also touches on comedic evolution, collaborative filmmaking, and personal anecdotes that blend humor with thoughtful insights.
21 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 44min
Ike Barinholtz Returns Again
Ike Barinholtz, a comedian known for his roles in The Mindy Project and Blockers, brings his humor back to the conversation. He hilariously discusses the Declaration of Independence as a 'goon fest' and his father's awkward encounter with Kate Hudson. The duo reflects on aging in Hollywood, from lead man aspirations to recreational joys like lung chugging laughing gas. They share amusing anecdotes about filming with Martin Scorsese and navigating celebrity life, all wrapped in lighthearted banter and comic insights.
17 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 39min
Armchair Anonymous: Children's Party
Dax and Monica dive into the wild world of children's birthday parties, sharing hilarious stories of chaos and mishaps. From a salsa spill to unexpected guests, their anecdotes blend laughter with deeper reflections on parenting and empathy. They also reminisce about a spooky Halloween sleepover that turned into a prank-filled adventure. With playful banter about products and the challenges of remote work, the discussion weaves together nostalgia, humor, and the joys of shared childhood experiences.
85 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 2h 6min
Mary Claire Haver (on menopause)
Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OBGYN and culinary medicine specialist, shares her insights on menopause and women's health. She candidly discusses her own misinterpretations of menopause, linking it to personal loss. Mary delivers compelling arguments against myths surrounding hormone replacement therapy, advocating for its benefits. She also sheds light on how women can still conceive during perimenopause and the urgent need for better education in women's health, creating a supportive community for those navigating this life transition.
33 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 49min
Andrew Schulz
In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schulz, a comedian and podcaster known for his bold humor, shares behind-the-scenes insights from his life and career. He hilariously recounts his ballroom dancing skills and debates the heritage of Alexander the Great. The pair discuss the challenges of fatherhood, his confrontational style rooted in a desire for acceptance, and the complexities of political humor. Schulz also opens up about the difficulties of discussing sensitive topics like fertility while maintaining authenticity in comedy.
7 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 36min
Armchair Anonymous: I Quit
Listeners share wild "I Quit" stories, revealing moments of liberation and chaos. The conversation touches on nostalgic flavors of sugar-free drinks, while hilarious summer job tales showcase unexpected challenges. Mental health discussions highlight the importance of support systems, intertwined with humorous anecdotes. The emotional complexity of career transitions and personal relationships emerges, as well as the joy found in shared experiences. Ultimately, the speakers encourage listeners to reclaim their narratives and celebrate triumphs.
256 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 2h 11min
Jonathan Haidt Returns (on the Anxious Generation)
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and best-selling author, joins the conversation to explore the challenges faced by today's youth, emphasizing the impact of technology on mental health. He discusses the dangers of overprotectiveness and how excessive screen time leads to attention fragmentation. The discussion also touches on the importance of granting children social experiences and the need for balance in navigating their digital lives, as well as the worrying rise of anxiety and depression among young people, particularly girls.
