Steve Aoki

Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Armchair Umbrella

Tv & Film, Music, Comedy

4.6 • 70K Ratings

🗓️ 22 June 2026

⏱️ 107 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Steve Aoki (Wonderland, Dim Mak, and Neon Future) is a Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, and record label founder. Steve joins Armchair Expert to discuss the larger-than-life legacy of his Benihana-founder father Rocky Aoki, growing up a skater kid in Newport Beach, and finding belonging in the straight-edge hardcore punk scene. Steve and Dax talk about launching Dim Mak out of living room shows, transitioning into electronic music through DJing and remixes, and why he still regrets turning down the chance to appear in Tropic Thunder. Steve explains why DIY culture makes creativity feel possible, how competing for his father’s approval shaped his ambition, and why the brain, longevity, and being present as a new dad matters most to him now.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome, welcome, welcome to Armchair Expert.
0:02.7	I'm Dach Shepherd and I'm joined by Monica Lily Padman.
0:05.5	Hello.
0:06.1	Today we have one of the biggest DJs to ever live.
0:09.8	Steve Aoki, he is a Grammy-nominated DJ and record producer.
0:14.5	His albums are Neon Future, Wonderland, Colony with a K, like Krispy Cremes.
0:20.0	That's right.
0:20.7	Quantum Beats.
0:22.1	Cool.
0:23.2	And he's celebrating as he should the 30th anniversary of his record label, Dim Mock.
0:29.9	Yes.
0:30.7	And guys, if you're like me and you think, well, I'm not terribly interested in DJing.
0:35.5	It doesn't matter.
0:36.3	Steve is such a fascinating guy.
0:38.6	What an incredible story he has.
0:41.4	Yes.
0:41.9	Work ethic.
0:42.5	The whole thing is just a fun ride.
0:44.5	Legendary father.
0:45.8	Yeah.
0:45.9	Oh, it's such a good episode.
0:47.3	I really loved him.
	...

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