Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Published: 26 July 2024

Andrea Dunlop (Nobody Should Believe Me, The Mother Next Door) is an author and podcaster. Andrea joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her journey to becoming a writer, how her sister tried to sue her for defamation after her first book, and her personal relationship to Munchausen by proxy (MSP). Andrea and Dax talk about willful deception and reality distortion, the gendered aspects of MSP, and why confronting and taking action against it is so hard. Andrea discusses the disorientation of betrayal trauma, the medical kidnapping conspiracy theory, and if there are any predictable causes of MSP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

Happy 1 year of Synced! In this episode Monica and Liz reflect on the past year, they discuss the book of the summer, and exchange paper anniversary gifts. They answer listener questions on condom etiquette, how to hide an early pregnancy from friends, and they discuss when it's appropriate for a man to "step in" physically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson (Where Everybody Knows Your Name) are award-winning actors. Woody and Ted join the Armchair Expert to discuss working together on Cheers, their brotherly relationship, and how much shame pains them. Woody talks about his motorcycle accident, how his ambitions have evolved, and why he doesn’t have a cell phone. Ted discusses his codependency, the growing awareness of his self deprecation, and what brought them together to start a podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy beach story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2024

Alegra Kastens (Books, Looks, and Lobotomies) is a licensed therapist, OCD specialist, and writer. Alegra joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the difference between OCD and OCPD, what having onset OCD is like, and how some compulsive behaviors can be contagious. Alegra and Dax talk about what some of the misinformation is around OCD, what the difference between habitual and obsessive behaviors are, and how OCD is related to other compulsive disorders. Alegra discusses OCD showing up in dreams, the ineffectiveness of thought suppression, and the importance of accepting that you have OCD thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

In this episode of Synced Monica shares a big life update, they talk about the 'four quadrants of dating,' and Liz recounts when she was hit by a car in her early twenties. They answer listener questions on pet names, initialed jewelry, and not being invited to a friend's wedding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Indiana Jones, The Goonies) is an Academy Award-winning actor. Ke joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his experience was like escaping Vietnam after the war, what it was like landing his role in an Indiana Jones at such a young age, and his decision to quit acting in his 20s. Ke and Dax talk about how he struggled to find his identity, how he got into fight choreography, and the impact of asian representation on his decision to come back to acting. Ke explains what it was like to make his comeback with a critically acclaimed independent film, doing animation voiceover work, and having the fear of losing his acting career again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they pooped themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Phil Elwood (All the Worst Humans) is a public relations operative and author. Phil joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what speed debating is, what astroturf organizations are, and how he’s trying to increase media literacy. Phil and Dax talk about his involvement with helping Qatar win the World Cup bid, how he instigated a trade war between Antigua and the US, and his trip to Vegas with a dictator’s son. Phil explains how psychological operatives attain information from their targets, being questioned by the FBI, and the effectiveness of sports washing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

In this episode of Synced Monica is feeling summery, Liz shines light on an a growing health hazard, and they chat about men who ‘raw dog’ flights. They answer listening questions on kissing after oral sex, manscaping, and the merits of joining a bowling league to appease a partner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Meghan Trainor (Timeless) is a singer and songwriter. Meghan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like growing up on Nantucket Island, how she felt about the age gap between her parents, and having to move because of her allergies. Meghan and Dax talk about how she got into producing songs at a young age, why she loves the true crime genre, and song writing competitions. Meghan explains how she deals with negative comments on social media, how she has become more open about her medical conditions, and having dual toilets in her bathroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a near death experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2024

The Avett Brothers are a Grammy-nominated American folk rock band. They return to the Armchair Expert to discuss how they decide to make big purchases, whether people actually have new thoughts, and the influences for their new self-titled album. Seth and Scott talk about what it’s like to be an opening act at this stage of their careers, how the human voice might be the best instrument, and why people are drawn to the themes of the country genre. They explain how it feels for their music to be accepted by a broader audience, what kinds of stories their dad tells their children, and the experience of being involved with a musical theater production based on their music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2024

In this episode of Synced Monica and Liz discuss manifestation, the Synced hierarchy of needs, and fashion dupes. They answer listener questions on the the ethics of masturbating in a relationship, what to do after discovering erectile disfunction medication, and the definition of "exclusive." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2024

This week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier investigates why American chocolate tastes so different to New Zealand chocolate and more specifically, why Hershey’s chocolate allegedly smells a little bit like vomit. Farrier talks to a former Hershey’s worker to try and get to the truth, learning about various theories, and stumbling on an old rivalry between Hershey’s and Mars. David finds himself talking to flavour expert Barb Stuckey, author of TASTE: Surprising Stories & Science About Why Food Tastes Good. Does he find the answer? Perhaps you need to let your tastebuds decide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Kirby (Sugar, Barry, The Good Place) is an actor. Kirby joins the Armchair Expert to discuss where she got her sense of style, her mom’s love of American celebrity gossip, and how representation is starting to change in television and film. Kirby and Dax talk about how acting careers differ in England and America, what getting negative feedback in drama school does to you, and her relationship with her own appearance. Kirby explains why healthy arguing in relationships is important, how her accent makes people think she’s smarter, and how she got involved in activism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their best parent-teacher conference story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

Cody Delistraty (The Grief Cure) is a writer and journalist. Cody joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how art can differ between cultures, his experience with his mother’s cancer treatment, and what the social function of grieving is. Cody and Dax talk about how grief has become more public with social media, the changes that need to happen to bereavement policies, and how grief can be studied in the same way addiction is studied. Cody explains how he tried using AI to deal with his grief, the ethics behind being able to delete people’s traumatic memories, and his experience with laughter therapy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

In this episode of Synced, Liz and Monica practice for Miss USA, Liz shares her fears surrounding perimenopause, and they discuss how new porn trends reflect current culture. They answer listener questions on toilet phobias, the ethics of an anonymous vibrator control link, and the value of a 'warm-up date'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier goes to his first Monster Truck Jam to try and understand why Americans love big vehicles so much. There he meets Krysten Anderson, who drives Grave Digger - and tells David what it’s like to be a female driver in a male-dominated sport. David then joins Dax Shepard who explains why Americans like big wheels and big power, before the two of them watch the Monster Jam World Finals go down. Slowly Farrier begins to understand these oversized vehicles, realizing that to become truly American he must love a 12 thousand pound truck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Eric Dane (Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Euphoria, Grey’s Anatomy) is an actor. Eric joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he feels it can be difficult for him to relate to other men, how losing loved ones at a young age affected his social life, and why he believes all trauma should be treated equally. Eric and Dax talk about almost getting in a fight at their AA meeting, their journeys with sobriety, and yelling cut in the middle of a scene. Eric explains how he feels about being an older actor with a younger cast, what it was like playing a villain, and the time he met Paul Newman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us an embarrassing sex story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

Michael Norton (The Ritual Effect, Happy Money) is a social psychologist and professor. Michael joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what it was like having his parents own a greeting card store, where his interest in psychology came from, and why he loves to design social experiments. Michael and Dax talk about humble bragging, why people don’t like braggers, and why studying people’s rituals can be an insight into their state of mind. Michael explains why people develop irrational habits to avoid admitting failure, why people need a diversity of emotions, and how couples create custom behaviors to show their affection for each other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

In this episode of Synced Liz gives some of her election predictions, Monica shares her frustrations with the Olympics marketing team, and they debate threesome preferences. They answer listener questions on whether it's appropriate for an adult man to refer to his mother as ‘mommy’, and whether a spouse is required to contribute financially to an asset that isn't technically shared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets off to understand America's frozen food obsession. Each year Over 80% of American households will eat frozen dinners this year - making the frozen food market worth over $65 billion dollars. Monica Padman takes Farrier frozen food shopping, introducing him to her favorite frozen foods. They then put on a fancy dinner for their friends featuring nothing but frozen foods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

Ilana Glazer (Babes, Broad City, The Afterparty) is an actor and comedian. Ilana joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what growing up in the suburbs of Long Island was like, being part of an anti-drug Christian group when she was younger, and why she was good at being a telemarketer. Ilana and Dax talk about going through puberty at a young age, why they were attracted to being comedians, and what the rules are when working with bears on set. Ilana explains her aim to take pleasure in the process, how people’s personalities are a combinations of experiences and genetics, and how scary it was to end a successful show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their best dad story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Erik Larson (The Demon of Unrest, The Devil in the White City) is an author and journalist. Erik joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how the pandemic affected his work, why he identifies himself as a high-functioning introvert, and how he pitches non-fiction books. Erik and Dax talk about how technology has changed his research, why he’s drawn to Russian literature, and wanting to find a witchy element in a home. Erik explains how January 6th fueled his desire to write a book about the Civil War, the correlation between gun ownership and slavery, and why the origins of historical conflicts are important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

In this episode of Synced Liz talks about how she ran into an upcoming date while on a date with another person, they discuss the hugging theory, and Monica shares what depression feels like for her. They answer listener questions on jealousy among friends, how to handle a partner who under-tips, and whether it's okay to bring a husband to a girls trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, Monica, David and Rob discuss their favourite (mostly American) TV shows. Because occasionally on Flightless Bird, we break from the usual format and do something a little bit different. You saw that with Flights of Fancy about a month ago, where we got your expert insights into very American things - and also with American Gods, where we focus on an American legend. And today, we’re doing another new thing that we’ll do from time to time: a Top 10 List. David, Rob and Monica each bring their 3 favourite shows to the table - as well as a runner up (.33). Combined - a magical top 10 list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

Amy Poehler (Inside Out 2, Women Talkin’ ‘Bout Murder, Parks and Recreation) is an actor, comedian, and director. Amy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much therapy means to her, giving advice to your kids, and being reluctant to ask for mentorship. Amy and Dax talk about battling with a loss of relevance, the feeling of knowing someone is upset with you and not confronting it, and pulling hot guys. Amy explains the things she’s most proud of, why she doesn’t like traditional birthday parties, and how she doesn’t hate being embarrassed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy house sitting story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

James Patterson (Eruption, Alex Cross, Along Came a Spider) is a best-selling author. James joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he likes fiction more than non-fiction, what it’s like to have a kid later in life, and how difficult it is for him to describe his writing process. James and Dax talk about how much research goes into finishing a Michael Crichton book, his relationship with his father, and how many hole-in-ones he shot in his life. James explains why he left advertising to be an author, which film adaptions of his books he likes most, and why he loves collaborating with his peers to write novels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz are bi-coastal! They chat about heart emojis, death, and hot cartoon characters. They answer listener questions on what direction to face in the shower and if it's worth the risk to tell a teacher that their pole-dancing video playlist is public. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, Farrier sets out to understand why Americans call “Snakes and Ladders” something completely different: “Chutes and Ladders”. Farrier meets with Hasbro’s Brian Baker, senior vice president for board games. Farrier learns the surprising origins of Chutes and Ladders - as well as other popular American board games like Candyland and Monopoly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

Kevin Costner (Horizon, Yellowstone, Dances with Wolves) is an award-winning actor, producer, and director. Kevin joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his standing ovation at Cannes, having the feeling like he was never going to make it, and how important it was to him that he knew where his career was headed. Kevin and Dax discuss the seminal movies he’s starred in, how he handled the pressure after the success of his directorial debut, and his promise to Whitney Houston in the Bodyguard. Kevin talks about his fascination with the West, his role in selling Yellowstone, and taking on the biggest battle of his life at 69 years old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time their parents kept a secret from them as a kid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy) is a clinical psychologist and therapist. Orna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why therapists often keep details of their private lives from their patients, why she felt like she had to code switch when talking to different groups of people, and how psychoanalysis differs from other forms of therapy. Orna and Dax discuss what systems thinking is, what being in a relationship with someone with dissociation is like, and the relational dynamics of the younger generation. Orna explains why she still has optimistic view of the world, how a person’s perception of someone can change when you know their story, and how her work affects her own personal relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz debate who plans a first date, they share their summer gift guide/favorite things lists, and Monica recounts a shower event. They answer listener questions on whether to tell a partner about infidelity, how to handle negative emotions after sexting, and the Synced Squad receives an incredible update on a previous question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier goes to eat at iconic American restaurant chain the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Back in 1994, Forest Gump was box office gold - the highest grossing film in America that year. Forrest Gump also did something not many films have ever done - something truly magical - it leapt out into real life. Because on any day of the week in America, you can stroll directly into a restaurant that wouldn't exist without Forrest Gump: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. To learn about all things Gump, Farrier talks with David Chen from decodingeverything.com who breaks down the significance of the film. He then takes producer Rob to dine in style at Bubba Gumps, before talking to the Vice President & COO of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Jenny Scharbrough. That's right, Jenny! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

Sebastian Maniscalco. (It Ain’t Right, Bookie) is a comedian and actor. Sebastian joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his first pair of Jordans, why his dad is the focal point of his comedy, and his time waiting tables at the Four Seasons. Sebastian and Dax reopen the Santa Claus debate, talk about children yelling at their parents, and the relevance of comedy in this moment. Sebastian discusses Italian stereotypes, what playing arenas is like, and how he feels about the current state of comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy mall story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

Ramani Durvasula (It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People) is a clinical psychologist and author. Ramani joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why it’s so difficult to study narcissism, why she thinks it’s good for therapists to be in therapy too, and the dark tetrad of personality. Ramani and Dax talk about why people often stay in narcissistic relationships, why people develop a sense of entitlement, and what treatments are available to correct it. Ramani explains how past actions can often predict future behavior, how social groups are affected by narcissistic people, and the signs of narcissism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

In this episode of Synced Monica and Liz deep dive into the ethics of napping in the overhead compartment, they talk about their mothers day emotions and they learn about a robot restaurant. The two answer listener questions on crying during confrontation and whether you're obligated to split equal time at a significant others' house. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier throws himself back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth during the 1500s. Why? Because Americans love Renaissance Fairs. The whole idea of the Renaissance Fair started back in 1963 - when teacher Phyllis Patterson held an event for her students in her backyard. A few months later her and her husband Ron put on a bigger one - hosting about 8000 people. It kept growing - and in 1966 the official “Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California” was launched. Farrier decides to head along to that very fair see what all the fuss is about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

Camila Cabello (C,XOXO, Familia, Romance) is a singer and songwriter. Camila joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the techniques she’s developed to deal with public attention, how complicated being a child of immigrants can be, and how much she loves the podcast. Camila and Dax talk what it’s like to discover something you love, having an addictive personality, and why giving yourself permission to mess up is okay. Camila explains what being in a female pop group was like, having her first real relationship at 20 years old, and how much she worries about longevity and the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2024

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us more crazy stalking stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

Sanjay Gupta (Chasing Life, The Last Alzheimer’s Patient) is a neurosurgeon, medical reporter, and author. Sanjay joins the Armchair Expert again to discuss what some of the benefits to deregulating cannabis can be for people’s quality of life, the relationship between physical health and brain health, and what actions people can take to decrease their chances of developing dementia. Sanjay and Dax talk about the dyslexic things they both struggle with, what some of biggest predictors of Alzheimer’s are, and having a sick care system vs a health care system. Sanjay talks about the long term effects of obesity, the judgements and income inequality gap of weight loss drugs, and decoupling the correlation between weight and health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

In this episode of Synced Monica and Liz dig into the man versus bear debate, they check in about last week's date, and share important sidewalk rules. They answer listener questions on the pressures to get plastic surgery while aging and if/when one should pee in a pool. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024