Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Connie Britton (Mamas, Friday Night Lights, Nashville) is an actress. Connie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being an aerobics instructor in New York, how much her parents appreciated the arts, and being resentful of Dax because he was too funny on a panel. Connie explains what led her to the decision to adopt, how hard it is to be a single mom, and how she felt like an orphan after losing both her parents. Connie and Dax talk about the values they learned from working with Jason Katims, how dreamy it was to work on White Lotus, and her new show that explores the depths of what it means to be a mama across the whole animal kingdom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brett Scott (Cloudmoney, The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance) is an author, journalist, and financial broker. Brett joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how important economic anthropology is, how secondary monetary systems actually work, and why society is being pushed to become a cashless system. Brett and Dax talk about why early cypherpunk movements started, what cryptocurrency really represents, and how currency might work in the meta-verse. Brett explains how cash economies can have a political impact, how payment systems can be a form of digital tracking, and how technology often alters society to necessitate its own existence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, Jerry and Marge Go Large) is an actor. Bryan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his work ethic as an actor, where he learned improv from, and how playing Walter White changed television. Bryan and Dax talk about their love for motorcycles, their experiences involving alcoholism, and how much they both love history. Bryan explains how he once made Jerry Seinfeld laugh, that he never writes award acceptance speeches, and how he learned to appreciate the good fortune in his life. 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 answer the question: have you ever been scammed? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Steve Brusatte (The Rise and Reign of the Mammals) is a paleontologist and author. Steve joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the process of finding dinosaur bones, how mammals survived during the time of the dinosaurs, and how likely it is to bring back the woolly mammoth. Steve and Dax talk about what some of the largest mammals would have looked like, how Thomas Jefferson was obsessed with natural history, and how evolution has shaped what today's mammals are. Steve explains how the dinosaurs most likely died off, that dinosaurs most definitely had feathers, and that blue whales have belly buttons. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laura Linney (Ozark, The Big C, The Truman Show) is an actress. Laura joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the rewards and sacrifices of doing theater productions, what her experience at Juilliard was like, and how she has a romantic fantasy about train travel. Laura and Dax talk about their experiences surrounding addiction, how they handled assimilating into mainstream culture, and how good comedy often reveals universal truths about people. Laura explains why she was drawn to her character on Ozark, how a career in television was not her original ambition, and what she loved about working in Georgia. 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 answer the question: have you ever accidentally found yourself in a swingers situation? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reggie Fils-Aimé (Disrupting the Game) is a businessman and former President and COO of Nintendo. Reggie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he marketed a Japanese video game company to American teenagers, how growing up in the Bronx shaped the rest of his life, and where he learned the concept of brand management from. Reggie and Dax talk about how massive the video game industry is compared to other forms of media, how the average video gamer has changed over the years, and how social media has changed our ideas about branding. Reggie explains what disruptive innovation means, why the relationship between product development and marketing matters, and what lessons he has learned by not always succeeding in his ventures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Ricciardo is a Formula 1 driver. Daniel returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why he jokes so much about his looks, where he got his manners from, and how he handles the pressures of being a famous race car driver. Daniel and Dax talk about how much they enjoy riding dirt bikes together, how much they both love Austin, and what Daniel thinks he might do once he is done racing. Daniel explains why he decided to start his own clothing line, how he enjoys traveling for his job, and what his favorite French word is. 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 ever happened to them on an airplane. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ed Yong (An Immerse World, I Contain Multitudes) is a science journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner. Ed joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he became a science writer, how his coverage of the pandemic was different than other reporting, and how biomimicry has advanced our technology. Ed and Dax talk about how some animals can sense magnetic fields, how evolution is about diversity not superiority, and how senses can often work together instead of being compartmentalized. Ed explains how we need imagination to understand how animals experience the world, what "party tricks" some animals can do, and how there is a whole other dimension of color in the natural world that humans can't see. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Deadpool 2, Joker) is an actor. Zazie joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her name and how everyone pronounces it incorrectly, growing up in a pro-nudity culture in East Germany, and her communist grandparents. Zazie explains what it was like going from Germany to Washington Heights, how connected she feels to anyone of mixed heritage, and why she feels intentions are so important. Zazie opens up about her fear of losing people, the physical response she has to anxiety, and how she feels the need to take care of her character in Atlanta. 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 being in love with someone they aren't supposed to be in love with. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Susan Cain (Quiet, Bittersweet) is an author and lecturer. Susan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the power of introverts, the different ways people collaborate, and how melancholy can lead to creativity. Susan and Dax talk about what the differences between introversion and shyness are, how humans react to other humans in distress, and what happens at a longevity convention. Susan explains what her new personality test tells you, how the modern world incentivizes extroversion, and how introverts are often incorrectly passed over for leadership positions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Armchair Expert Live from Los Angeles at the Wiltern. May 2nd, 2022. Ike Barinholtz (The Afterparty, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) is an actor, comedian, and producer. Ike joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much he knows about the JFK conspiracy, what his experience shooting a movie with Nick Cage was like, and the results of his recent colonoscopy. Ike and Dax talk about what they love to order from Dairy Queen, what words really bother them, and how they both have an Abercrombie connection. Ike explains what baseball commissioners actually do and what phone technology was like before the internet.Special Musical Guest: Local Natives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ray Dalio (Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order) is a global macro-investor and author. Ray joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how the world's economy is driven by debt, how investors can study history to try to predict financial outcomes, and how new world orders can shape the rules for the rest of humanity. Ray and Dax talk about what equal opportunity actually looks like, how education is affecting the future of the economy, and how compromise is the key to creating a system that works for everyone. Ray explains the different types of wars, how ideologies now rule in the public space, and how meditation has helped him with painful experiences in his life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jerrod Carmichael (On the Count of Three, Rothaniel) is a comedian, actor, and filmmaker. Jerrod joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his new stand-up special, what growing up in a hyper-masculine community was like, and what his style of comedy is. Jerrod and Dax talk about how growing up poor gave them a unique perspective, what certain southern sayings mean, and how they both are terrified of being a victim. Jerrod explains how shoes were a status symbol in his neighborhood, why he prefers Michael Jackson over Prince, and what he would do if he bought a T-Rex skull. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The Lego Movie, The Last Man on Earth, The Afterparty) are writers, producers, and directors. Lord and Miller join the Armchair Expert to discuss how they started working together after attending the same college, what their experience was producing feature films versus television shows, and how they learned to take real-time feedback from each other. Phil, Chris, and Dax talk about who their comedy influences are, how difficult it is to produce an animated film, and what it takes to keep actors confident in the direction of the project. Lord and Miller explain how they started studying really positive people, how they think they shoot the worst sex scenes, and that they prefer to see people in harmony instead of conflict. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colson Baker (aka Machine Gun Kelly) is a rapper, musician, and actor. Colson joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being vulnerable in a hyper-masculine society, how he moved around a lot growing up, and how he deals with some of the negative public feedback. Colson and Dax talk about how they built up their self-confidence over their careers, how they often would gossip about people they idolize, and what it's like to direct a film you are starring in. Colson explains how he got hit by a double-decker bus in the UK, how he got Dennis Rodman to be in his film, and how he once picked up his aunt from her job in his tour bus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cathy O'Neil (The Shame Machine: Who Profits in the New Age of Humiliation) is a mathematician, data scientist, and author. Cathy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how shaming is used as a tool of oppression, how companies profit from shaming people publicly, and how social media conditions us to shame. Cathy and Dax discuss Race to 270, what punching-up shaming is, and how most people are in denial of their own shame. Cathy explains what the four stages of shame are, when shame can be used appropriately, and the ways in which we can challenge our own shaming. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Molly Shannon (Superstar, The White Lotus, I Love That For You) is an actress and comedian. Molly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she really loves being a mother to teenagers, how she dealt with the passing of her mother and sister when she was a child, and how being Catholic affected her perspective on sexuality. Molly and Dax talk about how weird stuff always seems to happen at hotels, how similar their experiences with loved ones getting sober are, and how they try to set boundaries with the public as celebrities. Molly explains how she developed her famous character Mary Katherine Gallagher, what she gets embarrassed about, and why she decided to move on from Saturday Night Live. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joseph Henrich (The WEIRDest People in the World) is an author and professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard. Joseph joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how cultural relativity affects people's views on morality, how humans are obsessed with time, and what the marshmallow test says about people's need to stockpile resources. Joseph and Dax talk about where the idea of the hourly worker came from, how most social experiments are done on American undergraduates, and how inconsistent human thinking can be. Joseph discusses the current pushback on human rights, how the internet can be used to preserve knowledge for future generations, and how the brain can update itself like firmware through life experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emmy Rossum (Shameless, Phantom of the Opera, Angelyne) is an actress, producer, and singer. Emmy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like being a classically trained singer at an early age, how her upbringing drew her to her character on Shameless, and how her close relationship with her mother changed her perspective on having kids. Emmy and Dax talk about what their dating experiences have been like, how she doesn't view success as your net worth, and how they both define safety in their lives. Emmy explains why she wanted to play a character like Angelyne, how she doesn't feel as accomplished as some of her other friends, and what it was like to audition for Andrew Lloyd Webber. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A.J. Jacobs (The Puzzler, The Year of Living Biblically) is a journalist and author. A.J. joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he loves puzzles so much, why he decided to follow every rule in the Bible literally to study religion, and what happened after he read the entire collection of Encyclopedia Britannica. A.J. and Dax talk about what their favorite riddles are, what it's like to be a clue in the New York Times crossword, and how it's human nature to want to gossip about each other. A.J. explains that he wants to get healthy by walking to space on his treadmill, what crazy things he sees outside his New York apartment, and how he ended up representing the U.S. in the world jigsaw puzzle championship. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Brolin (Outer Range, No Country for Old Men, Goonies)is an actor. Josh joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what he thinks it means to be masculine, why he decided to get sober, and how he learned to have humility. Josh and Dax talk about what it was like to be in the LA punk scene, why murder documentaries are so intriguing, and how they have made many friends having deep political conversations. Josh explains how he got his iconic role in No Country for Old Men, what having status means to him, and what it was like for him when his mother passed away at a young age. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Floyd Abrams is a Supreme Court lawyer with a focus on First Amendment Rights. Floyd joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what the First Amendment actually says, how public members of the legal system should be, and how much people can give medical advice legally. Floyd and Dax discuss how the idea of what privacy means has changed, who can technically be sued for libel, and how the media should be protected regardless of opinion. Floyd explains what you can't say if you settle a case, how social media has altered the idea of free speech, and how he used to tell his children about court cases as bedtime stories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Craig Robinson (The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine, Knocked Up) is an actor, musician, and comedian. Craig joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he really wanted to be a musician instead of a comedian, how he left a full-time teaching job to pursue an acting career, and learning to trust his improv skills. Craig and Dax talk about why doing stand-up comedy is so appealing, how they have both turned down good money for bad roles, and why Craig has no personal section on Wikipedia. Craig explains wanting to have kids eventually, who his all-time favorite musicians are, and how he once made a cameo in one of Monica's favorite sitcoms. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monica and Dax talk to Armcherries! In todays episode, they cover the topic: abnormal massage stories. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Freaks and Geeks, Minx) is a director, writer, and producer. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his tendency for making female-led movies, why he loves gin so much, and why he wears suits every day. Paul and Dax talk about how they attended the same dinner party once, how writing for film and television differ, and why making movies that challenge genres is so important. Paul explains how he got admitted to USC film school, how he was once a Ronald McDonald, and why he really does not like being in nature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders, Batman Begins, Red Eye) is an actor and producer. Cillian joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how Irish culture can be both rebellious and obedient, how he wanted to play music before becoming an actor, and what being a father to two boys is like. Cillian and Dax talk about how his character on Peaky Blinders has evolved, how his relationship with Christopher Nolan has progressed over the years, and why he doesn't like to talk about acting when he's not at work. Cillian explains why he moved his family back home to Dublin, who his favorite musicians were growing up, and how excited he is about his new role in the upcoming film Oppenheimer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anna Lembke (Dopamine Nation) is a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University. Anna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why the opioid crisis has been so dangerous, how language is shifting when talking about people with addictions, and how being addicted to romance novels affected her personal life. Anna and Dax talk about how addiction drives people into isolation, how social media and drugs stimulate the same parts of the brain, and how nature, nurture, or neighborhood can affect peoples' likelihood of forming an addiction. Anna explains how people rationalize their addictions in their own minds, what specific chemicals affect our moods, and how we need to explore reframing our concept of pain. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mandy Moore (In Real Life, This Is Us, A Walk to Remember) is a singer, songwriter, and actress. Mandy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she was discovered singing the national anthem at a basketball game, what the circumstances surrounding her parents' divorce were, and what going on tour with famous boy bands as a kid was like. Mandy and Dax talk about what they remember about the time she was on Punk'd, what they love about working on a TV show consistently, and how she met her husband on Instagram. Mandy explains how she is feeling about going out on tour again, what growing up in suburban Orlando was like, and that no one has ever said she looks like someone else. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Cox (Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey) is a physicist and former musician. Brian joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how we know the Big Bang actually happened, what actually happens when information is sent into a black hole, and how time moves differently in spacetime. Brian and Dax talk about where the end of time exists, how science is taught to kids in different parts of the world, and how social science differs from the science of physics. Brian explains how we have learned so much about the universe since the release of the movie Interstellar, how astronauts are actually falling when they are orbiting the Earth, and having dinner with Succession actor Brian Cox. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show, Nana Loves You More) is a comedian, actor, author, and television host. Jimmy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he ended up hosting The Tonight Show, where his style of comedy comes from, and how he shifted his identity to being a parent. Jimmy and Dax talk about the culture of drinking, how they feel about their movie careers, and how Jimmy gives off Bradley Cooper vibes. Jimmy explains what it was like being raised Catholic, how he didn't have a serious girlfriend through high school, and how he comes up with new songs for his talk show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Pink (The Power of Regret) is a New York Times best-selling author. Daniel joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how people having no regrets in their life is the wrong mentality to have, how people can underachieve if they are over-pressured to perform, and his findings on free will. Daniel and Dax talk about how to confront moral regrets, how self-compassion is more constructive than self-criticism, and how to approach the regrets of action versus inaction. Daniel explains what happens when people are incentivized to work, how growing up in the Midwest shaped his personality, and what usually happens when you reach out to reconnect with people in your life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Hawk is a professional skateboarder and entrepreneur. Sam Jones is a photographer and director. Tony and Sam join the Armchair Expert to discuss collaborating to make a documentary about Tony's life, how they have always seen skateboarding as an art form, and their thoughts on the inherent dangers of being a skater. Tony talks about how his style was always different than his peers, his relationship with his dad throughout his career, and how he didn't get into skating for the fame. Sam explains how he met Tony skating at the same park, how skate videos changed the perception of the sport, and how it's weird to hear the sound of your own voice. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Monica Aldama (Cheer, Full Out) is a cheerleading coach and author. Monica joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how her life changed because of the Netflix documentary, what she feels makes a great leader, and how she is often motivated by people doubting that she can succeed.Monica and Dax talk about supporting victims of abuse, how they both won't read the comment sections, and why head protection isn't required for cheerleading like in other sports. Monica explains how difficult being on Dancing with the Stars was, the double standard for female coaches, and how much she hates to fail at anything. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seth Meyers (SNL, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Documentary Now) is a comedian, writer, and television host. Seth returns to discuss what his process was writing a children's book, how the pandemic sparked his creativity, and why he has embraced doing stand-up comedy again. Seth and Dax talk about code-switching when they are talking to their kids, where people in their hometowns went to fight, and how they will never give up coffee. Seth explains what foods are horrible to serve in a drive-thru, how hard it is to write a screenplay, and why he has no desire to write an autobiography. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roy Choi (Broken Bread, The Chef Show, Kogi) is a chef, author, and television personality. Roy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he went from having a gambling addiction to being an award-winning chef, what Asian immigrants had to do to navigate the American system, and how important food is to Korean culture. Roy and Dax talk about what happened to restaurants during the pandemic, how most people in America are a product of fast food advertising, and what reforms he would like to see in the food industry. Roy explains what his experience was like teaching English in Korea, that he has never been a collector of material things, and that he believes there isn't enough Asian representation in American media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show, Nobody, Better Call Saul) is an actor, writer, and producer. Bob joins the Armchair Expert to discuss beginning his career flying back and forth from Chicago to New York, being open and curious about people without judgment, and where his distaste for authority came from. Bob and Dax talk about their time on set shooting a movie together, not being able to connect with their fathers growing up, and creating successes out of their failures. Bob talks about getting held at gunpoint after a late-night improv show, why the title of his new book has the word "comedy" in it 3 times, and why having diversity in the writing room is so important. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jacqueline Novogratz (Manifesto for a Moral Revolution) is an entrepreneur, author and founder of Acumen, a nonprofit global venture capital fund whose goal is to use entrepreneurial approaches to address global poverty. Jacqueline joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like growing up in a large family who moved around a lot, how she defines success beyond wealth, and why she left her job to start her own philanthropic nonprofit venture. Jacqueline and Dax talk about the difference between being a cynic and being a skeptic, how she feels we can solve the unhoused crisis, and how young people want to have a purpose in the jobs they choose. Jacqueline explains how investing in people empowers them to change their communities and what it truly means to perform a selfless act. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development, Search Party, Being the Ricardos) is an actor. Alia joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like to grow up in Palm Springs and how she doesn't like to attach her identity to being an actor. Alia and Dax talk about their love for collecting Jordan sneakers, how streaming platforms have changed television, and where she got the confidence in her comedic timing. Alia explains that her dad owned a strip club but also was the soccer coach, how she never talks to an actor before a kissing scene with them, and how much she loves painting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Choke, People Places Things) is an author and journalist. Chuck joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he uses suspense and tension in his novels, how he loves to hear other people's stories, and what absurd existentialism means to him. Chuck and Dax discuss how writers are always looking for the tragedy in stories, how communities can feel pride in their culture, and why so many people suffer from misophonia. Chuck explains what the snowflake analogy in Fight Club really means, that he didn't learn to read until he was 14, and how he once lied to get a job as a diesel mechanic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, Elf, 500 Days of Summer) is an actor and musician. Zooey joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how doing auditions always made her nervous, how she had to adjust from filming movies to shooting tv shows, and where her sense of fashion came from. Zooey and Dax talk about the double date they once went on together, how success sometimes comes from being obsessed with something, and their favorite cookies. Zooey explains how much fun she is having recording her new podcast, how she used to have dance parties on set, and the results of her food sensitivity test. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Metta World Peace (NBA Champion, All-Star, and Defensive Player of the Year) is a former basketball player. Metta joins the Armchair Expert to discuss staying up until 3 am shooting hoops in his neighborhood, what his experience was like being a part of the Malice at the Palace, and how he has approached dealing with mental health issues over the course of his life. Metta and Dax discover their mutual love for Spades, how one of their favorite pastimes is stargazing, and how they will never stop eating fast food. Metta explains who was the hardest player for him to guard in the NBA, how he would choose to defend himself against a mountain lion, and what the motivation was for him to change his name. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nicholas Hoult (The Great, About a Boy, Mad Max: Fury Road) is an actor. Nicholas joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he got into motorcycle racing, that he often has social anxiety in hindsight, and how he dealt with being a child actor. Nicholas and Dax talk about where they think "dad bods" come from, how embarrassing the choreography for Mad Max was to shoot, and how being raised by women shaped his character. Nicholas explains that he sometimes will lie about having seen a movie, his approach to shooting an awkward sex scene, and what advice Michael Shannon gave him on playing a real person on screen. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brené Brown (Atlas of the Heart) is a research professor and author. Brené joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how important language is to express our emotions, how people often incorrectly use the terms envy and jealousy, and the difference between the halo effect and the bandwagon effect. Brené and Dax talk about what the physical symptoms of shame are, how some people are more hardwired for struggle, and if it's possible to have compassion for people who inflict trauma on others. Brené explains how she often races other people when swimming laps, how Schadenfreude can be a predictor of a fragile ego, and why she doesn't want to be seen as a motivational speaker. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristen Bell (The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window) is an actor and producer. Kristen returns to discuss her new satirical thriller on Netflix, her recent colonoscopy, and how great she is at doing impressions. Kristen and Dax talk about investigating a weird smell in their bedroom, why you shouldn't wash your feet in the shower, and how you can make your favorite scent into a lotion. Kristen explains why she thinks Monica's ears got infected from new earrings, that she dislikes the toilet paper they have in their motorhome, and the custom gift Dax got from a popcorn company. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Schur (The Good Place, The Office, Parks and Recreation) is a television producer and writer. Michael returns to discuss his new book on ethics and what he thinks it means to be a better person. Michael and Dax talk about the difference between guilt and shame, how the world rewards unique people but leaves others behind, and how it's a luxury for people to care about moral issues. Michael explains how he created a Katrina fundraiser from a fender bender accident, how he would go about setting up a new society, and his perspective on abstract versus realistic philosophical arguments. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.