Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Kurtwood Smith (That 90's Show, That 70's Show, Patriot) is an actor. Kurtwood joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he discovered acting in college, his move from the midwest to Los Angeles, and his original reluctance to do comedy. Kurtwood and Dax talk about the dialogue and tone of Patriot, how they became close friends while shooting El Camino Christmas, and their experiences with using opioids for acute pain. Kurtwood explains how he likes to prepare for his scenes, what going to Stanford in the 60s was like, and how much he loves directing students. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they were caught. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics, No Stupid Questions) is an author, journalist, and podcaster. Stephen returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why people often focus on the negative aspects of experiences, the maker vs manager conflict, and the struggles of religious fundamentalism. Stephen and Dax talk about the frustration of humans' inability to change, what the different types of large cats are, and why people want adoration from others of higher status. Stephen explains why creative people can be more prone to drug use, what a productivity trap is, and what his experience with cognitive behavioral therapy is. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream, X) is an actor. Jenna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her relationship with her self-esteem, why she doesn't like watching her own performances, and growing to be very protective of Wednesday. Jenna & Dax discuss the expectations of constant gratitude, the feelings of isolation that come with it, and the juxtaposition of what people see for her vs what she sees for herself. Jenna talks about the iconic dance scene in Wednesday, attending her Disney prom, and her love of murder podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Remnick (editor of The New Yorker) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, journalist, and editor. David joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what working in Soviet-era Moscow was like, how his parents' health affected his upbringing, and his experience interviewing novelist Salman Rushdie. David and Dax talk about why violent sports are so appealing, what the public image of The New Yorker is, and their shared love and admiration of Malcolm Gladwell. David explains what his thoughts are on the current situation in Ukraine, how your political views can change over time, and the New York vs Los Angeles rivalry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shania Twain is a singer-songwriter. Shania joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what breaking into the country music scene from Canada was like, how she always enjoyed indulging in her creative outlets, and the root of her stage fright. Shania and Dax talk about how their family dynamics shaped their careers, how she allows herself to trust too much, and her relationship with her stepdad. Shania explains how she developed her armor, the pressures of sustaining success, and how processing needs its own moment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy sleepwalking experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kelly Slater (Make or Break) is a professional surfer. Kelly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he was drawn to surfing over other sports, what it was like being featured in a documentary series about his career, and how he balances his personal life from his public one. Kelly and Dax talk about their experiences with stepdads, what the mental health journey is like for action sports athletes, and getting a role on Baywatch. Kelly explains what the feeling of winning gives him, what he does if a shark approaches him in the water, and the spiritual sense he gets from competition. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, I Love You Man, Clueless) is an actor. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the importance of male friendship, why he's gotten more introverted as he's gotten old, and how he doesn't seem to age. Paul and Dax talk about what it's been like for him to join culturally impactful things after they've started, relating to the funny part of dramatic things, and how much his foundation gave him confidence. Paul explains the joy he gets from watching funny people do what they do, how he always looked up to comedians that could use their bodies in funny ways, and how he came to co-own a candy shop. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a pet sitting incident gone wrong. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Andrew Newberg (The Varieties of Spiritual Experience) is a neuroscientist and author. Andrew joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the different levels of enlightenment, what happens to the brain when people connect with others, and how neuroscience does not prove or disprove any religious experiences. Andrew and Dax talk about what happens when people use psychedelic drugs, what the brain is doing when you are dreaming, and the benefits of meditation. Andrew explains the possible causes of dyslexia, how philosophy plays a role in studying the mind, and how different perspectives help society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face, Russian Doll, Orange Is the New Black) is an actor, writer, director, and producer. Natasha joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how impressed she is with Dax's driving, how men have been trying to sire her children lately, and her thoughts on talking about sobriety publicly. Natasha explains why she is less and less interested in her own story, her desire to try on different perspectives, and her deep curiosity about the future. Dax & Natasha discuss their ability to own their false advertising, trying to find an ultimate state of relaxation while acting, and why Natasha needs to live to be 150 years old. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a Valentine's day disaster. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tess Wilkinson-Ryan (Fool Proof) is a law professor, moral psychologist, and author. Tess joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the concept of the sucker narrative, how she approaches teaching contract law to her students, and what societal norms are universally accepted for parenthood. Tess and Dax talk about how much responsibility is on an exploiter versus the victim of a scam, why government is held to a different standard than big business, and the thin line between scammer and sucker. Tess explains why people feel shame when they are duped, the difference in consumer protections for men and women, and the cultural bait and switch of motherhood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ramy Youssef (Ramy, Mo, Mr. Robot) is an actor, comedian, writer, and director. Ramy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what his favorite comedies are, the current state of religion, and why he feels American Exceptionalism needs to end. Ramy and Dax talk about being born into a certain culture or faith, their experiences with drugs and alcohol, and how to handle the attention of being recognizable. Ramy explains what he means by people "living in the unseen," his obsession with candy, and how everyone's definition of happiness is unique. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy rideshare experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chris Palmer (Brain Energy) is a psychiatrist, professor, and author. Chris joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he believes mitochondria can be the key to treating mental disorders, how his mother's condition motivated him to become a psychiatrist, and what psychosis is. Chris and Dax talk about how diet plays a role in treating metabolic disorders, their experiences with father figures from their childhood, and the different reasons people experience anxiety or depression. Chris explains how he accidentally cut off two of his fingers, how he went from being homeless in high school to a professor at Harvard, and why he had to learn to accept himself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pamela Anderson (Love, Pamela, Baywatch, Barb Wire) is an actress and model. Pamela joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she got into acting, why she loves writing more than talking, and how she learned to love being by herself. Pamela and Dax talk about love addiction, the culture of misogyny, and how to have fun being sober. Pamela explains why she is passionate about animal welfare issues, how she ended up doing a Broadway musical, and why she loves waking up early in the morning. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their worst honeymoon experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scott Galloway (Adrift: America in 100 Charts, The Prof G Pod) is a professor, author, and podcaster. Scott joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he defines masculinity, the current state of the college admission process, and how humor is the fastest way to communicate intelligence. Scott and Dax talk about their addiction to affirmations from strangers, why young men need guardrails, and how liberating it can be to see the end coming. Scott explains that happiness is a function of the number of deep and meaningful relationships you have, how everything we do is a transfer of wealth from young to old, and why society needs to start investing more in young people. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Octavia Spencer (Truth Be Told, The Help, Hidden Figures) is an award-winning actress and producer. Octavia joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being forced to grow up quickly, insecurities around auditioning for roles, and the difference between being nice and being kind. Octavia and Dax talk about being in a comedy troupe together, the time Dax met Samuel L. Jackson, and their fascination with serial killers. Octavia explains why it's important to know your value as an actor, how winning an Oscar changed her life, and why she would describe herself as a hypochondriac. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their craziest period hijinx. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

José Andrés (Longer Tables, World Central Kitchen) is an award-winning chef. José joins the Armchair Expert to discuss where his passion for cooking came from, why he started filming cooking segments with his family, and his thoughts on fast food. José and Dax talk about their favorite burgers, what all great chefs have in common, and his experience doing humanitarian work in Ukraine. José explains that food should be a universal human right, what the most dangerous thing he did on television was, and how food can be the solution to problems other than hunger. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Scheer (Unspooled, How Did This Get Made, The League) is an actor, comedian, and podcaster. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the magic behind a great movie, how he keeps balance in his relationships, and why he has a problem with board games. Paul and Dax talk about what it's like to have male role models that aren't their fathers, why they still have a frugal mentality when it comes to money, and what the audition process for Saturday Night Live was like. Paul explains why people love to watch other people, how he learned to manage his anger, and why he loves being a competitor on reality shows. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their worst experience with a roommate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Sue Johnson (Hold Me Tight) is a clinical psychologist and author. Dr. Sue Johnson joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the differences between practical and theoretical psychology, why acknowledging that people's emotions are real is important, and how humans have an organic need to be social. Dax and Sue talk about how men are taught to not be vulnerable, why people want to feel like they matter to other people, and why humans should be curious about other humans' experiences. Sue explains where she learned to observe the world around her, how physical health is connected to emotional health, and why couples often fight with each other. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Kendrick (Alice, Darling, Pitch Perfect, Trolls) is an actor. Anna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her experience being in a toxic relationship, how she feels about the term "gaslighting," and her strategies in dealing with a traumatic event. Anna and Dax talk about apologizing after having fights with friends, why people sometimes need to vent about their problems, and the dynamic of women being the breadwinners in relationships. Anna explains why she has travel anxiety, how it's important to accept your own successes, and how some people can truly believe their own lies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phil Stutz (Stutz, The Tools) is a psychologist, therapist, and author. Phil joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what his experience was being the subject of a documentary, what it was like being a psychiatrist at Rikers Island prison, and how he can tell if someone is a narcissist. Phil and Dax talk about how abstract psychology can be, why people pursue perfection, and why it can be hard to ask for help from others. Phil explains why having structure in life is so important, how the world is held together by human needs, and what the concept of holistic return is. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gabrielle Union (The Inspection, Strange World, Bad Boys 2) is an actor and producer. Gabrielle joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she always plans for the worst-case scenario, how she believes in the paranormal, and the reasons why she desires control in her life. Gabrielle and Dax talk about stepparents, growing up in the middle class, and being attracted to athletes. Gabrielle explains how she got into acting, how she's learned to trust other people, and what a soul sacrifice is. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join us for our annual holiday spectacular as we celebrate the season, reflect on the year, and visit the Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this special episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from 2022. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sir Richard Branson is a businessman, entrepreneur, and adventurer. Richard joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he became interested in starting businesses, why he is involved with global social issues, and how he enjoys being considered an underdog. Richard and Dax talk about their experiences with dyslexia, how they learn more from people's failures, and their respect for artists. Richard explains why he is a thrill seeker, why someone's reputation is so important, and how he was never obsessed with making money. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Edward Norton (Glass Onion, Motherless Brooklyn, Fight Club) is an actor and filmmaker. Edward joins the Armchair Expert again to discuss the concept of intellectual humility, the differences between cynicism vs skepticism, and how he feels about not being the first choice for roles. Edward and Dax talk about what type of strength it takes to surf, why people look to improve their appearance, and what their favorite shows are right now. Edward explains why he loves well-written monologues, how much work goes into producing your own projects, and what makes a great murder mystery. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a nightmare holiday experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gloria Mark (Attention Span) is a professor, author, and researcher. Gloria joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what attention is, how email can be a main source of stress, and what the study of Informatics is. Gloria and Dax talk about the concept of flow, what social capital on the internet is, and what the fallacy in multi-tasking is. Gloria explains how being an artist prepared her for studying psychology, how well-being should be prioritized over productivity in the workplace, and how self-interruption is a major culprit of distraction. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Victoria Beckham is a fashion designer, singer, and television personality. Victoria joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why she wanted to start a line of makeup and skincare products, how she always wanted to be a dancer and singer from a young age, and why being a fashion designer is so important to her. Victoria and Dax talk about the differences between high-quality clothing and fast fashion, what being the breadwinner in a relationship means, and what impact the Spice Girls had on an entire generation of women. In the fact check, Dax and Monica are joined by a very special surprise guest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their craziest snow day memory. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Neil deGrasse Tyson (Starry Messenger, StarTalk) is an astrophysicist, author, and podcast host. Neil joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he first got interested in astronomy, why he loved competing in high school wrestling, and how he became a public figure within the field of science. Neil and Dax talk about what happens to the human body when it is cremated, why Neil decided to leave UT Austin, and what movies accurately portray physics. Neil explains why the sky is blue, how geopolitics drive space exploration, and why he started practicing sound bites for the news. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jordan Peele (Get Out, Nope, Wendell & Wild) is an actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Jordan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he loves the horror and comedy genres, why doing films that have meaning is so important to him, and how he approaches character development in his stories. Jordan and Dax talk about the similarities between Punk'd and Mad TV, what growing up with single mothers was like, and how vital interpersonal skills are in the filmmaking process. Jordan explains what he is afraid of, how ego affects the creative process, and why actor performances are essential to make a great film. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing they've witnessed on Black Friday. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Rober is an engineer and inventor. Mark joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he became one of the biggest YouTubers in the world, how he got a job with NASA, and how he has learned to reframe failures into successes. Mark and Dax talk about the experience of being recognized in public, what they love most about primates, and why science was a more appealing subject matter in school. Mark explains his glitter bomb video, what he thinks about ASMR, and why he resisted doing a television show for so long. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, 23 Hours to Kill) is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Jerry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much he dislikes vacations, why you shouldn't worship your children, and his ability to read people quickly. Dax and Jerry talk about how the algorithm isn't good for the art form of comedy, where their attraction to cars comes from, and the nice ways to scratch your face. Jerry explains how everyone is in the perfect car for them even if they borrowed it, how art is the disguising of art, and why everything in life needs to be edited. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing that happened at Thanksgiving dinner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yuval Noah Harari (Sapiens, Unstoppable Us) is a historian, philosopher and best-selling author. Yuval joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how people create fantasies in their minds about the real world, why he wanted to write a children's book, and how humans are capable of building large collaborative communities. Yuval and Dax talk about how the invention of fire advanced human civilizations, how humans evolved to the top of the food chain, and why people lose their faith in the systems that run their lives. Yuval explains why he doesn't like to hear his own voice, what the concept of social scores based on technology tracking is, and how the stories of religion can change over time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Stamos (Full House, Big Shot, ER) is an actor and musician. John joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his DM to Dax about loving the podcast, his fear of putting himself out there and giving 100%, and the time someone tried to set him up with Kristen. John and Dax talk about their shared love of Howard Stern, what the term "epcotting" means, and his experience on daytime soap operas. John explains how he wanted to get famous so he could have bodyguards beat up his high school bully, the hyper-nostalgia of Full House, and John brings Monica a surprise. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the worst place they've been stuck. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Layne Norton, Ph. D. (BioLayne) is a scientist, professional bodybuilder, and physique coach. Layne joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he approaches teaching people about exercise, his thoughts on the artificial sweetener debate, and his views on the use of steroids in bodybuilding competitions. Layne and Dax talk about how diet culture can shape people's identities, how eating disorders can be treated as addictions, and how important the power of habit-forming can be to one's health. Layne explains why tracking what you eat is beneficial, why having accountability with empathy is crucial in weight loss, and how detrimental stress can be to the human body. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Constance Wu (Making a Scene, Crazy Rich Asians, Fresh Off the Boat) is an actress. Constance joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why she decided to write a book, the importance of having empathy and curiosity toward someone else's experience, and how she discovered her love for acting. Constance and Dax talk about her experiences working in television versus film, what they think being pessimistic means, and how Asian women are often treated on a production set. Constance explains her relationship with going to therapy, what being pregnant during the pandemic was like, and why she started running marathons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their worst dating experience from a dating app. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Bunch (After the Ivory Tower Falls) is an author and journalist. Will joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he wanted to research the college story in America, why people are so politically divided over the subject of higher education, and why it's so expensive to go to American universities. Will and Dax talk about why it could be argued that college degrees are more about status than knowledge, how the debt relief program could shape the future of many people, and how it's possible for vocational schools to make a comeback. Will explains why some states stopped wanting to fund their public universities, how college is mostly about learning to think critically, and the concept of a credential society. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.