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
Oct 14, 2025 • 52min
Mom's Car: Nate Tuck
In a lively chat, Nate Tuck, Dax Shepard's West Coast Best Friend and producer, shares hilarious tales from his career and life. He recounts a wild van flip over black ice, complete with an embarrassing twist. The discussion dives into chaotic bachelor party hangovers, Dax's brawl after a David Allan Coe show, and a particularly awkward encounter with Jean-Claude Van Damme during a script delivery. The trio also reflects on the deeper meanings of parental embarrassment and the evolution of road rage. It’s a blend of laughs and nostalgia!
8 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 55min
Sharon Horgan
Sharon Horgan, an Emmy-nominated actor and writer known for her work on 'Bad Sisters' and 'Catastrophe,' shares her captivating journey. She opens up about her unique childhood above a pub, her father's tough love, and becoming a vegetarian thanks to her family's turkey farm. The discussion dives into her creative process, the thrill of adapting 'Bad Sisters,' and winning a Peabody. Horgan also reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career and her upcoming HBO project about middle-age dating.
7 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 52min
Armchair Anonymous: Moving
Carly shares her harrowing experience of moving into a friend's rental, only to be confronted by the ex-wife of the landlord, leading to a tense standoff. Michael recounts a traumatic moving-day incident where a mover nearly lost his fingers to a truck lift gate, detailing the frantic rush to the ER. Both guests unveil the unexpected challenges and wild stories that often come with relocating, leaving listeners entertained and shaking their heads at the chaos of moving.
43 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 36min
Toby Stuart (on social status)
Toby Stuart, an organizational theorist and UC Berkeley professor, dives into the fascinating world of social status. He shares insights from his book, discussing how status impacts art values and dating app dynamics. Toby explains the concept of 'anointing' and its ripple effects across social hierarchies. He explores why small advantages can lead to monumental disparities in status and warns about the implications of AI on our perception of status. Toby's blend of humor and research makes for an enlightening conversation you won't want to miss!
Oct 7, 2025 • 55min
Mom's Car: Jackie Tohn
In this lively chat, Jackie Tohn, a comedian and actress from GLOW, shares hilarious anecdotes about everything from her awkward podiatrist encounters to her journey landing a role in the hit show Nobody Wants This. The discussion dives into the bizarre smells of broccoli versus feet, tackles a moral debate about a family cooking their deceased dog, and reminisces about Jackie's time on Celebrity Jeopardy, where she showcased her bold gameplay. Expect laughter, cultural commentary, and some unconventional relationship advice!
115 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 2h 9min
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen, the Golden Globe-winning actor known for iconic roles in classics like Two and a Half Men, shares captivating stories from his life. He recounts the bizarre incidents involving stolen cars and reflects on his long-overdue apology to Dax. Charlie discusses his unique approach to writing his memoir without a ghostwriter, and the impact of addiction on his career. He also opens up about the pressures of fame and how sobriety has reshaped his definition of richness and success.
34 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 29min
Matt Friend (impressionist)
Matt Friend, a talented stand-up comedian and impressionist known for his viral performances, shares captivating insights into his career. He discusses roasting Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, revealing the delicate balance of humor in political spaces. Matt also dives into the neurodivergent aspects of mimicry and whether his impressions define him as a performer. With entertaining stories of red carpet encounters and a transformative experience overcoming food allergies, he opens up about finding authenticity in his comedic voice.
Sep 30, 2025 • 51min
Mom's Car: Timothy Simons
Timothy Simons, known for his role on Veep, shares insights into his journey as an actor and his experiences with ADHD. He vividly recounts the testing he underwent as a teenager and discusses how ADHD affects his parenting, often seeing his own traits in his kids. The conversation highlights his unique path into comedy through commercial casting, the supportive environment of Veep, and the role of improvisation in his career. Timothy also reflects on the importance of self-awareness in managing emotional reactions tied to ADHD.
20 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 2h 12min
Kristen Bell & Justine Lupe
Kristen Bell, the beloved actor from "Nobody Wants This," shares hilarious on-set pranks and candid reflections on motherhood. Joined by her co-star Justine Lupe, who reveals her Juilliard audition saga and a wild prank of her own, the duo dives into the balance of personal growth in acting and how their characters’ romance evolves. They discuss the supportive nature of their filming environment, the challenges of performance, and the joy of crafting believable scenes, all while teasing sizzling chemistry for the show's second season.
Sep 26, 2025 • 45min
Armchair Anonymous: Valet Driver
In this entertaining conversation, nurse practitioner Monica shares a wild family vacation tale involving a mix-up with a valet in Canada. She recounts how her family accidentally drove off in the wrong car, leading to an unexpected rendezvous on a highway to swap back. Alongside, anecdotes of prankster valets and a close call with a runaway Prius demonstrate the chaotic and humorous side of valet work. Monica's blend of personal healthcare insights and memorable travel mishaps keeps the conversation lively and engaging.
