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
6 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 48min
Armchair Anonymous: Babysitting II
In this episode, a courageous nurse shares a wild story involving a new babysitter, her kids, and a sudden mall shopping spree that racked up $340 without permission. She describes her confrontational texts with the sitter and decides to part ways after defensive replies. Another caller narrates a shocking childhood babysitting experience, revealing how a friendly tutor turned out to have serious mental health issues. They all reflect on safety and the unpredictability of people, delivering a blend of humor and cautionary tales.
25 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 33min
Cas Holman (on being playful)
Cas Holman, a pioneering play designer and author of 'Playful', shares her insights on the profound role of play in both children and adults. She discusses the twelve play types, highlighting how deep play helps us process fears and drives innovation. Cas also delves into the importance of creating open-ended play systems that foster identity exploration, and how being playful is a form of resistance against societal pressures. Tune in for her practical tips on reconnecting with playfulness and the power it holds in our lives.
Oct 28, 2025 • 49min
Mom's Car: Tim Lovestedt
In this conversation, comedic performer Tim Lovestedt shares his journey from the Groundlings to Hollywood. He hilariously recounts his day job in wine and the camaraderie of tall boy beers. Tim opens up about feeling survivor's guilt while friends achieve fame, all while keeping creative memories alive. The duo reflects on the challenges of maintaining friendships post-fame, the art of storytelling, and the small fabrications that come with shared memories. It's a delightful blend of laughs and heartfelt moments!
22 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 52min
Rose Byrne
Rose Byrne, an Emmy-nominated actor known for her roles in Bridesmaids and Damages, shares her journey of overcoming rejection from drama schools in Australia. She highlights her comedic rhythm with Seth Rogen and the challenges of improv on set. Byrne discusses the intense preparation for her new film, If I Had Legs I Would Kick You, diving deep into the mind of her character and tackling themes of caregiving and personal crisis. She reflects on the delicate balance between comedy and drama, showcasing her impressive range in the industry.
12 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 49min
Armchair Anonymous: Military
Guests Jake, a former U.S. Army infantryman, shares a breathtaking story about a fall into a ravine during a training mission in Slovenia, where he also confronted a bear. Trevor, an Army National Guard veteran, recounts a hilarious mishap at Basic Training involving a generator exhaust, resulting in a skinless butt. Lastly, Scott, a U.S. Navy submarine officer, describes a chaotic evacuation incident when a sanitary tank burst, sending a geyser of waste flooding the galley. Expect wild tales of bravery and unexpected mishaps!
11 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 50min
Stephen Dubner Returns Again
Stephen Dubner, award-winning journalist and author of Freakonomics, explores intriguing topics that blend social psychology and technology. He delves into the evolutionary role of disgust and its potential for social danger. The ethics of berating AI sparks debate, revealing the duality of human emotions. Reflecting on two decades of Freakonomics, Dubner discusses his commitment to transparency in journalism, while emphasizing empathy over contempt in divisive times. With insights on AI's future role in writing, he contemplates how automation might reshape human purpose.
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
Mom's Car: Briegh Morrison
Briegh Morrison, a longtime friend and former partner of the host, shares her compelling journey through motherhood, sobriety, and cancer. She candidly discusses the harrowing near-drowning of her son and the emotional fallout that followed. Briegh reveals how her breast cancer diagnosis transformed her life, leading her to sobriety and a deeper connection with friends and family. The conversation also touches on their amicable breakup, navigating relationships post-split, and the bittersweet evolution of their friendship.
98 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 2h 10min
Jennifer Aniston
In this chat, Jennifer Aniston, the beloved star of Friends and The Morning Show, reveals fascinating insights from her diverse career. She discusses the hidden meanings in children's books and her role as a dog mom contributing to literature. Jennifer shares a memorable gas-station encounter with a producer and reflects on the pressures of fame and tabloid culture. The conversation also dives into her growth in challenging roles, the importance of friendships, and her thoughts on navigating power dynamics in the industry.
8 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 43min
Armchair Anonymous: Wedding II
A newlywed Mormon husband shares a hilariously chaotic account of his wedding day, featuring an overzealous first-time sex experience that leads to unexpected messiness and a series of comedic mishaps. From premature ejaculation causing gross aftermath to an emergency contraception scenario, the couple navigates their big day with humor. Amidst wedding disasters, the couple finds charm in the chaos, creating a bond through their memorable mishaps. Dax and Monica react with warmth, highlighting the relatable anxieties of first-time intimacy.
48 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 48min
Andy Roddick (former professional tennis player)
Andy Roddick, a Grand Slam tennis champion and host of the podcast Served, shares candid insights into his journey. He reflects on the sibling rivalry that spurred his early career and the intense training environment in Florida. Andy reveals the joy of retiring at 30, the bittersweet emotions of winning the 2003 US Open, and his experience hosting SNL. He discusses the importance of handling success and failure, his relationship with tennis legend Andre Agassi, and thoughts on increasing the sport's viewership. A fascinating dive into the life of a tennis icon!
