Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

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Comedy #40

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.

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Recent Reviews
  • Exhaustedx2
    Politics
    Just unfollowed Flightless Bird & Synced. Too political. Looking for a reprieve from political rhetoric. Thank you for that. I hope you continue to see the middle!
  • Don't Blink, youll miss it!
    Monica is ruining it
    Seeing Monica attempt to “act” as though there’s no camera on her explains exactly why she never made it in the industry. Worse yet, Monica has literally scolded sweet Rob THREE times for not monitoring her wardrobe on camera. Monica is the most entitled, insufferable & unqualified person to host a podcast. Please do us all a favor and take your undeserved millions and go to The Row and never come back gain. The show would be SO MUCH BETTER WITHOUT MONICA!!!!! * Dear Wondery, please tell Dax Monica has to go if he wants the 💰 💰💰💰💰
  • agirlwhocares21
    “Never again” conversation
    I am convinced that Dax would have “both sides”-ed his way through the Holocaust. I believe he thinks he would have been the one standing up and doing what is right during slavery, Vietnam, the Holocaust—but he wouldn’t have been. Oh, and describing the Middle East as barbaric even though no one as killed more Arabs than the US is so unbelievably racist. PREVIOUS REVIEW: Working overtime to avoid addressing Palestine, Gaza, and genocide on the pod. I get it—you don’t talk about everything on this show. But you do talk about the world, and on several occasions, it could and should have been a part of the convo. To be unaware of Michigan’s Uncommitted movement (and state movements thereafter) and the basis for it is just, I dunno, so out of the loop (?) for people who want to have an opinion about that very matter. (It has nothing to do with Biden being old. It’s because he is using our tax dollars to let a foreign entity commit massive war crimes.) The conversation with Joey King was the most disappointed I’ve ever been as a lover of the show. Deeply disconnected to have the ‘never again’ conversation and not mention Palestine and to laud Germany for being such a good guy when in reality many Germans (including my family) are incandescent with rage at their government for sending weapons to murder Palestinian children, drawing no red lines, and ultimately- not learning their lesson from the Holocaust. Is it really ‘never again’ if it’s not for everyone? Or does ‘never again’ only apply to white people and American allies? You can’t avoid it. You have a podcast where you talk about the world, and the people in it. To watch you worm around reality and avoid taking a stance on the ethnic cleansing of a people is the desperately sad. You could do so much. People listen to you. I hope you consider being brave for the people of Palestine.
  • AZ-Johnny
    Don’t read any of these but mine, Monica.
    I love you. **DAX** Parents are 100% signing up their 5 year olds for football, thinking this could be the ticket out. Youth sports has gotten completely out of control.
  • Mrssuecook
    Love Dax and this show
    Been listening since day 1 , love how Dax and Monica and Rob interact and how amazing they all are .
  • 83meowj
    The Diddy of it all
    Are we just going to pretend y’all weren’t besties with Ashton and Diddy? #allegedly
  • kwd123456
    Monica is the worst.. edited. Ads for McDonald’s??
    Edit— Monica’s even worse years later. I’ve unsubscribed. These people are so wealthy and yet half the show is ads They have ads for ducking Amazon and McDonald’s it’s insane. These Ads are evil folks this gives the fans nothing it is money for the folks on the mic. It’s costs nothing to record and upload with no video. don’t let them fool you.
  • Jill in TX
    Fun, interesting, thought provoking
    I’ve been listening since day one. I’ve been endlessly entertained and learned so much from this podcast over the years.
  • Ashley N B2000
    Love it
    So, I loved Dax character from the ranch..I thought he was hilarious and when I found out he made a podcast I started listening and all the people he’d invite to talk I loved hearing their stories. I especially like the ones where his wife comes on btw I loved watching the Good place..I wished both of those shows still ran :)….anyway love it!
  • Juanhooknows
    Why Work?
    One quality podcast after another is struggling for ad revenue. When I say quality I mean STEM, current events, history and more. You know what we need less of. No talent clowns who send their wife off to work while they make bank and siphon away add $ from podcasts that have content which possess actual useful info. Your a looser Dax. Time for a rebrand: CELEBRITY CIRCLE JERK
  • kgcbng
    Guests are good
    Dax and Monica are the least relatable pessimists possible. If you are going through anything heavy or real, DO NOT let their feelings on pointless, privileged “problems” get you down! They are worried and sad about very materialistic and perceptive issues that Dax misses and Monica is trying to get to. The guests are worth the listen, but don’t take anything else than cool stories away from this podcast. Life has more to offer than the things they put importance on
  • PNWGirl11
    💪🍒 since day one
    My favorite podcast. Have been listening since day one. I love that he has brought so many experts into my life that I never would have known had it not been for the podcast. Keep doing what you’re doing.
  • traciejane
    Wow
    I have listened from the beginning. I like when they are humble and authentic.
  • Joule1994
    Get over explaining your childhood please.
    I know I can just not listen, but I enjoy your guest list and interviews for the most part. But after just 1 year of listening, current to past episodes, I want to share with you that it would benefit the show and possibly yourselves to quit referring to your up-bringing consistently and curate your questions and perspectives as empathetic, curious humans instead of qualified victims of your past. It is in the record. Your personal childhoods and educational qualifications. Years later in the podcast, and moving forward, it doesn’t need to be a basis or interjected into all of your interviews. Just my perspective on what my experience is and preferences are for continuing to engage with your great podcast. Keep up the good work, please just grow. Thank you for considering my opinion, or at least just reading it. Julie, another adult , but from the 60/70’s with divorced parents who struggled. I get , but it’s time to move on and continue with your good work without the explanations. It dims your sparkle and intelligence shine.
  • HoodieTree
    I’m unfollowing all leftists
    And it feels so goood. MAGA.
  • YawnFest2008
    There are lots of people better than Monica
    Dax, people listen in spite of Monica’s personality, never bc of it.
  • Billybill1984
    Brody
    Love this podcast, but sometimes it feels like Dax is a little freshman-experimenting-with-libertarianism.
  • soccerpeople03
    Love this podcast but
    I’m a doctor and professor of neurophysiology, I didn’t know how else to reach out to tell you that what Mr. Bennett said about serotonin is very very incorrect….
  • footfetish1977
    Will always be a fan, but…
    Love all the Armchair shows, will always be a listener. I just really hope that someone on the team reads reviews and takes them seriously bc the audience is begging for Monica to listen to some constructive criticism. We understand the Dax + Monica banter is integral to the show and she’s not going anywhere. However, her elitism is really starting to show and it’s a very bad look. I’m a woman, middle class, liberal - and not even I can relate to her. The “mug problem” conversation was just…craziness. How was that at all entertaining or quirky or silly or fun? I don’t find these ramblings entertaining anymore, I find them to be something maybe her other rich friends would laugh at, but I just feel like I’m not inside the “joke”.
  • Ang3303
    Get rid of Monica
    PLEASE MORE AARON WEEKLY! Just listened to Juliana Hough and the fact check with Aaron is the best thing and made me laugh so hard. Need a podcast with Dax and Aaron only. Would be the best thing ever I agree with so many folks. Monica needs to get axed. But don’t listen to us ‘haters’…. Wake up and realize she’s of no value and ruins it. Dax does need to let the guest talk more without interruption.
  • LadyCaprese
    Woke jokes
    These people are as dumb as Taylor Swift. Pass.
  • 1212Ry
    Ugh
    Can y’all just try for once to relate to your listeners? We don’t all go to Oscar parties or have celebrities at our house for a barbecue…otherwise you’re pretty great but even Mon has been…. Whatever. Monica from the beginning vs Monica today are Two Completely Different people. Mon now has apparently succumbed to celeb life and is now too good to relate to “normal people” life. Y’all grew up like me. Remember that. And not only when you are relating to another celebrity who grew up like us. I’m so bored with the stories of you Sherriffing or when you paid somebody to not yell in the street. In three words: get over yourselves.
  • Bebadoozie
    Armchair
    Aren’t you anonymous is the best I’m proud to pronounce that I am an armchrythank you so much. I can relate to every single story.
  • LessCouchOn
    Dear Crosby,
    It just dawned on me that you’re the first guy I heard use perineum in a sentence. Embarrassingly, I had to look up what it was. 🕯 The real kicker is that you happen to be the mustiest-fuzziest-chafed-BAUNCH in all of Tinseltown. 🕯 -The Glitz Machinist- -Les Couchon-💄🐷🍒👠
  • Ndodoskendkskenenenne
    Wondery is my last straw lol
    I just can’t with the money grabs anymore. I’ve been subscribed since 2018, even created a Spotify account to try to listen there, was so happy when they finally returned here and I didn’t have to go hunt down their episode whenever I could remember. But now seeing the “new episode” pop up in my feed and seeing it’s paywalled, and having to remember to go back when it’s actually available for us normal people, I’ve had enough!!! I pay patreon for several small podcasts so that’s not the issue, I have an issue with multi millionaire podcasts trying to take more of my money. You’re not small artists that actually need a subscription fee it’s literally just greed at this point. Bye!!!
  • benthere75
    Long time listener
    I started listening to Armchair Expert during the COVID lockdown when working from home. Within just a few episodes, I was hooked and am now a proud armchairy! The content is superb and I feel like I am listening as if Monica and Dax are longtime friends. Your podcasts are insightful, intelligent, and relevant. Thank you for opening my ears and eyes to new experiences and keep up the great work.
  • Staten Island Pat
    Saw Dax on tv! Totally hooked on the podcast!
    As a newbie to this podcast, all I can say it is simply the best! Looking forward to exploring over 600 episodes!
  • CBDoris
    Love this podcast!
    Dax and Monica are helping me get through some hard times in my life right now. This format of podcast is refreshing, it’s more than interviewing celebrities. The thoughtfulness that goes into this podcast has helped me work through real life issues. I also love love Armcherries Anonymous episodes, laughing and gasping at the situations people have been through! Thank you!💕
  • kaylalp98765
    Review
    Disappointed that this show is now part of a Wondery subscription service. Do the multiple ads not pay enough?? Why are you squeezing your loyal audience in the worst year of inflation, AE?
  • j5588
    Can we only listen if we join Wondery?
    When I press play on Apple Podcasts it will not let me listen unless I buy Wondery?
  • ariatargaryan
    Monica!💖
    Thank you for being so honest Monica! It’s why you’re so good at what you do. Whether it’s your splurges on handbags or your insecurities, the truth is what makes you the best! This podcast would not be what it is without you! Please don’t ever stop!💖 Update: 🤯 I need to stay out of the review section. I’m mind blown at the sexism in these reviews. People suggesting Rob replace Monica?!?! I love Rob, but that’s the last thing we need is 2 males never challenging each other. The dynamic of Monica and Dax is what adds so much to the podcast, the contrast in personalities, beliefs, the way they grew up, sex, fame, their day 2 day, one being a single, successful, female and the other being a married, successful, father. It’s crazy that anyone could ever say she’s not good at her job after all of her experience and the success of the podcast. Put away your microscope you have aimed at Monica and enjoy the podcast because it’s good!
  • Mek513
    No longer a fan
    Was an armcherry from the beginning. Loved to listen Dax and Monica in the early days when they seemed to love what they did and brought thoughtful conversation and guests to us. I was cheering for their success. I think I noticed the shift about a year ago.. the interviews became repetitive and banal. Dax basically wikipedias the guest before they walk in and then finds a way to insert himself into every thing the guest says. Monica has very little to contribute and it’s become very obvious that it’s heavily edited to make sure Dax sounds good. Dax needs to figure out who he is… poor kid from Detroit … Kentucky when someone with country roots comes in… rich car guy. Would be so much better if he was just himself like the early days. Monica has become very judgmental, unless your Dax or a celebrity. As evident by the fact that they’ve turned off comments on everything. Your listeners made your show guys.. and my guess will break you too.
  • purnellgirl
    Still a great show
    I don’t write reviews but feel the need to reading some other reviews from other “day 1” listeners. The show has not changed for the worse but for the better. Dax’s interviewing skills keep evolving and an armchair interview is going to elicit more from a guest than on other podcasts. Other shows are rote (perfectly fine) and don’t go off on fun tangents with their guests or get the playfulness that Dax and Monica tease out of them. I will continue to listen on any platform they go to.
  • JRLM1683
    Circling the Drain
    This was my favorite podcast for years. I looked forward to every episode and thought Dax was a skilled and entertaining interviewer. Monica seemed unnecessary, but was fun as a foil to Dax. There was a shift in tone after the Spotify deal, but I still enjoyed it for a long while despite the increasing vapid nature of the fact checks, etc. I hate to pile on, but Monica has become insufferable in the past year, and the repetition of guests and watered down interviews no longer justify listening to her nonsense, self-absorbed tirades. I can’t imagine how much it will continue to devolve after this $80 million Wondery deal. I recently listened to the fact check after the Julianne Hough episode and found so much joy in it because of Aaron Weakly. It was such a fun banter with a real person, which made me instantly realize what has been missing for so long. I am happy for financial success where owed, but sadly, it seems to have tarnished a good thing here that I don’t see returning.
  • Annie J Johnsen 303
    No longer a listener
    Have been listening to this podcast since the beginning. The quality has decreased over the years as the hosts change. The fact checks have become an hour of cringe worthy debates and discussion about their lavish lifestyles. They bring up their childish points of contention over and over again in fact checks and in interviews. With the new Wondery deal and dumping David with no notice, will no longer be subscribing. This show is so out of touch now and lost the essence people loved in the beginning.
  • ednld
    Long time fan blocked for speaking up for trans rights
    I’ve been an armcherry for years. Regularly listened to every show under the umbrella. A bit ago I thoughtfully and respectfully commented that as a longtime fan I was disappointed in how Dax handled his interview with JVN. The comments were highly liked, so clearly a lot of listeners agreed. Recently, Dax responded favorably to criticism of how he spoke about OCD by having an OCD expert on the show. I commented on that episode’s post complimenting that choice, and said it would be great if he responded similarly to the critics of the JVN episode by having an expert on to discuss trans rights and issues. Just found out that I am now blocked from their page (while I was listening to today’s episode, ironically). It is extremely disheartening to know that not only does this say a lot about how his fans only mean something to him if he’s getting flattery, but ultimately it shows that protecting Dax’s pride is more important than giving value and a voice to trans people. Also, my comment was respectful, genuine, and deliberately not insulting in anyway, so this tells me they’re probably deleting a lot comments that don’t feed his (self described) need for flattery.
  • SkiYaLater
    Disappointed
    Sad day. Listener from day 1 here and the show quality has gotten progressively worse as it feels success and money has gone to the show runners heads. And now to hear they treated David they way they did…just a shame. This unfortunately only mirrors the complete lack of self reflection after the JVN episode and refusal to listen to any constructive criticism from the listeners that have led to the show’s success. I miss the authenticity of the old days and will not be following to the new platform. I am happy to follow David on his new platform and really hopeful for his success.
  • Ems255
    I used to love the show, but I can’t take Monica criticisms anymore
    I never understood the dynamic, but thought maybe Monica reigned in some of Dax’s more outlandish comments etc. As his best friend I’d expect more support. I just can’t stand her at all. She doesn’t seem to even like Dax, and is constantly belittling. You can feel the eye rolls happening and I am not looking forward to seeing it recorded. I get that friendships are complicated, I dont know that it’s what the audience wants. The repetitive nature of the rhetoric can be gratitng. I write this review in hopes that some changes will happen in the future, that bring long time followers back.
  • seetee19
    Dang it guys.
    Ugh. Really disappointed. This has gone from my favorite show to a bee in my bonnet. I’ve been meh for awhile, and now that I know what they did to David I’ll be listening a lot less. Disappointing. Feels like they’re sell outs now
  • Beanne4
    Too much
    I’m sorry, but too much Monica. So often I wanted to write a review to say stop! When she high jacked the interview with Coleman Domingo that was kind of the end for me. And then she forced him to validate her need to purchase her status symbols. Then she complains that she gets bad reviews that she’s unrelatable. Of course you are. Deal. Stop complaining about it. I fast forward through so many conversations because she gets on her high horse and won’t let go. My revie is three stars because despite Monica I enjoy the show but I’ll be taking a break for a while.
  • kevindavis_nrt
    Support for Monica and Dax
    I’ve been listening to the Armchair Expert podcasts since a friend sent me the excellent Maureen Dunne episode about her book, “The Neurodiversity Edge.” I’ve listened to every Maureen Dunne interview and Dax and Monica handled neurodivergence with curiosity and openness in getting the word out about a topic that is personal for me. Also, in the podcast interview with Alegra Kastens about OCD, Dax and Monica acknowledged they needed to speak to an expert after being under informed on the topic. I felt seen and educated in both episodes and want to offer my support for Monica and Dax for their advocacy and excellent podcast interviews. Highly recommended.
  • Sumvoo2
    Mormons thank you!
    Dax thank you for being so respectful of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I’m Mormon, LOVE your show and have learned so much from you and Monica. It’s always interesting to hear the information shared about the church from former members or people that are somehow adjacent to the church. Everyone has their own unique experiences and take-aways from the Mormon church but I think you’ll find that the majority of Mormons are just normal people that are doing their best to be good and kind people. I so appreciate the respect you show the church. You guys are so fun and seem to be genuinely kind and thoughtful. Thanks for all you do!
  • Ritejert01
    monica annoying
    monica hates everything except their sponsors
  • Lydia123446789
    Dax projects
    Dax projects all his stuff onto the guests. Because he has low moral value he assumes everyone else does too.
  • J-bird472
    Synced from a husband/male perspective
    I definitely enjoy listening to the synced podcast. As a husband and father of 4 kids I obviously have a male perspective on things. Even though I don’t always agree with what Monica and Liz are saying, I really appreciate their perspective on things. I think it helps me to connect more with my wife and kids, so thanks guys! Also on your latest synced you asked if parents have a hard time “playing” both myself and my wife have this same struggle sometimes. I really best myself up about it though because I want to have fun with them but yes we do get bored with it too.
  • courtney 511111
    Love the interviews
    I love listening to the podcast- whether interviews w celebrities or academics, it doesn’t matter. They build such a kind and supportive rapport w guests. I love the fact check- listening to banter between Monica and Dax. I’d like to be their friend. With that said, if I ever saw them on the streets of LA, I’d run the other way. :)
  • LisaH1973
    Synced and parents playing
    Ok weighing in as a parent of 3 kiddos (now 22 and twin 16 year olds) I HATED pretend playing when they were little but I went with things I truly enjoyed doing with them and left them to play on their own or with their friends. I loved taking them to the zoo, shopping (yes they all learned to shop with me!), picnics at the park with their friends and moms who I loved being around, boating and going to the beach. Honestly I think it fosters independence and creative play when kids are left on their own for periods of time to be bored and figure out what to do on their own!
  • Love who is smarter
    Road trip love!
    Me and my family were in the car to Canada when I started listening to stalking armchair anonymous. I am mediately fell in love thank you for making amazing podcasts that are full of laughing and fun!
  • Only Bobs Bitte
    I enjoy it
    It’s a good podcast. Monica is not a add on to the show who can be got rid of, they started it together. Stop complaining and either listen or don’t. This is Monica's and Dax’s show and none of yours. Just enjoy it.
  • fdjd eisksneeiufj
    Pretty Dull…
    This podcast has some fantastic guests, but unfortunately, Dax really underwhelms me both as a host and as an interviewer. He’s not very funny, he’s not very insightful, he barely even seems interested or informed about the guests he has on. Im actually very upset with the coworker who told me that I had to listen to this.
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