Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Bob Woodward is an American investigative journalist that started working for the Washington Post in 1971 and currently holds the title of associate editor. Dax discusses how bipartisan Bob's reporting has been over the years, his rigorous search of the truth and how Bob has covered 20% of the presidents this country has had. Bob talks about the difference between a good faith f*ck up and a bad faith f*ck up, getting spontaneous calls from the president when he was writing his book, and the relationship that developed out of that process. The two discuss the handling of the virus and the inability to put together a cohesive plan. And most importantly, Dax asks who more accurately captured Bob in film, Robert Redford or Will Ferrell. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jon Bon Jovi, the legendary frontman of Bon Jovi, shares insights on his enduring music career and the false confidence he once felt. He recounts a memorable mob meeting with Howard Stern and his unforgettable high school moment with Bruce Springsteen. The conversation highlights his philanthropic work through the JBJ Soul Foundation, tackling issues like food insecurity and health struggles. Dax's childhood best friend, Aaron Weakly, adds humor during the fact-check segment, celebrating friendship and the resilience of shared experiences.

Aly Raisman is a two time American Olympic gymnast. Aly talks to the Armchair Expert about being a survivor of abuse, growing up in a sport where perfection is key and opening up about her mental health journey. The two discuss their experiences with trauma, the aftermath of sharing their stories publicly and staying strong despite potential triggers along the way. They talk about the lack of resources and support available to Olympians post-career and the importance of finding a strong sense of self outside of gymnastics. Aly and Monica also bond over the Magnificent Seven. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, Marie Antoinette, The Virgin Suicides) is an Academy Award & Golden Globe Award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and actress. Sofia chats with the Armchair Expert about spending her childhood on set, how comfortable she always felt there and how she fought becoming a director because it seemed expected. She explains how she never felt oppressed by her father's success in film, her time living in Paris and what it was like trying to track down Bill Murray. Sofia discusses how Kirsten Dunst became her muse and Dax asks Sofia for advice on how not to ruin his daughters' lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax shares a raw and personal update, recounting a harrowing experience with addiction that began after a motorcycle accident. He candidly discusses the confusion and panic surrounding his relapse and the fear of losing years of sobriety. The conversation unfolds as he reveals the struggles of hiding his use and the emotional toll it took on his loved ones. With support from those around him, Dax navigates the challenging path of detox and recovery, emphasizing the power of honesty and vulnerability in healing.

David Farrier, a New Zealand investigative journalist, captivates with his insights into conspiracy theories. He discusses the psychological allure of beliefs like QAnon and Flat Earth, exploring how personal struggles drive people towards these narratives. Farrier also shares details from his documentary 'Tickled,' revealing deeper societal themes. The conversation swings between humor and the darker aspects of dark tourism, examining our fascination with tragedy and strange realities, all while urging empathy in addressing unconventional beliefs.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles shares her journey from an awkward kid in community theater to a Broadway star. She discusses her emotional ups and downs during 2020 and the bipolar experience of touring. Sara reminisces about her UCLA days, musical growth, and the charm of her stage overshares. The conversation touches on her collaborative work in theater with 'Waitress' and the intimate connections she has with her fans. She also reveals her experience with COVID and even plays a moving demo of her song 'Superhero'.

Leah Plunkett is a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. She is the author of the book, Sharenthood: Why We Should Think Before We Talk about Our Kids Online. Leah chats with the Armchair Expert about the pitfalls of sharing kids' data on social media, the ways in which tech companiescommodify human data and how she implementsrestrictions in her own house. Dax wonders how to balance the positive and negativesides of tech and Leah talks about using improv in teachinglaw. The two talk about possiblesolutions moving forward and Leah teaches Dax and Monica a new word. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keith Urban is a four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer. Keith chats with the Armchair Expert about adjusting to Nashville from Australia, why he couldn't get signed to a record deal and his unique meld of sounds. Dax wonders why songs by Australian singers often sound American and Keith talks about wanting approval from his father. They talk about Keith's time on American Idol, having many years of professional struggle before success and how he found sobriety after marriage. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BONUS EPISODE with Susan Burton, the founder and executive director of A New Way of Life, a non-profit that provides sober housing and other support to formerly incarcerated women. Susan chats with the Armchair Expert about her heartbreaking story – battling addiction, losing her son, and her time spent within the prison system. Dax and Susan discuss the control that prisons seek and how often prisoners are survivors of trauma. Susan talks about her road to recovery and how it introduced her to the concept of service. She discusses her journey to becoming a resource for women coming out of prison and all of the amazing work A New Way of Life is currently doing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.