Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
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 Episodes
Christopher Whitcomb (on the Idaho murders)
Aug 05, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman interview Christopher Whitcomb, a former FBI Hostage Rescue Team member and author investigating the Idaho college murders case. Whitcomb shares his extraordinary FBI career, from being present at Ruby Ridge and Waco to working counterterrorism operations. The conversation then focuses on his latest book examining the 2022 murders of four University of Idaho students, where Whitcomb raises serious questions about the investigation, evidence, and Brian Koberger's guilty plea despite significant inconsistencies in the case.
- Christopher Whitcomb's Unusual Path to the FBI
- Becoming an FBI Sniper and the Hostage Rescue Team
Scott Eastwood
Aug 03, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman interview actor Scott Eastwood about his life growing up as Clint Eastwood's son, his acting career, experiences filming war movies like Fury, and his philosophy on fame and work. The conversation covers his childhood in Hawaii dealing with fights and prejudice, his relationship with his famous father, memorable on-set experiences including conflicts with Shia LaBeouf, and his approach to maintaining authenticity in Hollywood while living outside Los Angeles.
- Growing Up as Clint Eastwood's Son
- Survival and Fighting in Hawaii
Armchair Anonymous: Home Intruder
Jul 31, 2026Summary Preview
This Armchair Anonymous episode explores terrifying home invasion stories from four callers spanning different decades and locations. From a persistent sexual predator targeting young roommates in Maryland to a naked father chasing an intruder, a surprisingly calm Canadian encounter, and a mysterious 'bloody lady' who appeared at 2:30 AM in Illinois, these stories reveal both the trauma and unexpected outcomes of home invasions. The episodes showcase different responses to danger, the importance of home security, and how trauma affects people differently.
- Julia's Five-Month Stalker Ordeal in Maryland
- Kelly's Halloween Night Naked Dad Hero Story
Eva Benefield (on surviving the Black Swan Murder)
Jul 29, 2026Summary Preview
Eva Benefield shares her harrowing story of surviving the 'Black Swan Murder'—the killing of her father by her stepmother Ashley. After losing her mother to a sudden heart attack at 14, Eva's father remarried just 13 days after meeting a 24-year-old woman. What followed was years of manipulation, false accusations, and ultimately murder. Eva discusses navigating intense media scrutiny, building her business Ghost Cowboy Apparel, using dark humor as a coping mechanism, and writing her memoir while processing unimaginable trauma—all before turning 25.
- The Idyllic Childhood and Sudden Loss
- Dad's Shocking 13-Day Marriage
Alan Ritchson
Jul 27, 2026Summary Preview
Actor Alan Ritchson joins Dax and Monica for an incredibly vulnerable conversation about his journey from a difficult childhood to becoming the star of Reacher. Alan opens up about his struggles with ADHD, CPTSD, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and the toxic fuel of resentment that has both driven his success and caused damage in his relationships. He shares stories about his late blooming, the tumor that disfigured his face as a teen, his time modeling and being victimized in that industry, the pivotal moment when he lost the Thor role that made him take acting seriously, and the viral motorcycle incident with a drunk neighbor. Throughout, Alan and Dax bond deeply over their shared experiences with childhood trauma, hypervigilance, and the challenge of balancing righteous anger with healthy relationships.
- Rejection Sensitivity and Family Dynamics
- The High School Years: Tumor, Bullying, and Jim Carrey
Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card XIII
Jul 24, 2026Summary Preview
In this wild card episode of Armchair Anonymous, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman hear three extraordinary stories from callers: Sarah from Canada who set her hair on fire during intimate moments while pregnant, Shama from Paris who inhaled a sewing pin into her lung, and Alex from Colorado who narrowly escaped a deadly funicular train fire that killed 161 people—echoing his mother's own miraculous escape from a plane crash decades earlier.
- Sarah's Flaming Hair Incident During Pregnancy
- Shama's Pin in the Lung Emergency
Tommy Lee
Jul 22, 2026Summary Preview
Tommy Lee joins Armchair Expert to discuss his wild journey from a 17-year-old high school dropout forming Mötley Crüe to becoming one of rock's most iconic drummers. He opens up about his struggles with addiction, multiple attempts at sobriety, finding peace through bonsai cultivation, and navigating life in the public eye. The conversation covers his early gigolo days, the band's collective rehab experience, and his current perspective on fame, family, and staying grounded.
- Early Life and Getting Into Music
- Formation of Mötley Crüe and Early Success
Geena Davis
Jul 20, 2026Summary Preview
Geena Davis joins Dax and Monica for an engaging conversation about her remarkable career spanning from modeling to becoming an Oscar-winning actress. She discusses her unconventional journey, from being a living mannequin in New York to landing her first role in Tootsie, and reflects on her groundbreaking work in films like Thelma & Louise and A League of Their Own. Beyond her acting achievements, Geena shares her advocacy work through the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, her surprising Olympic archery aspirations, and her current role in the Netflix series The Burrow.
- From Small-Town Massachusetts to Hollywood Dreams
- Childhood Anxiety and Compulsive Behaviors
Armchair Anonymous: Stalking III
Jul 17, 2026Summary Preview
This episode of Armchair Anonymous features four compelling stalking stories from listeners across North America. The episodes ranges from peeping Toms to violent ex-boyfriends, showcasing the terrifying reality of being watched and followed. Each story demonstrates different levels of escalation and danger, with victims showing remarkable resilience and survival instincts. From strategic traps to following gut instincts, these stories highlight both the horror of stalking and the importance of trusting yourself when something feels wrong.
- Kelly's Window Watcher: The Slow Tap Terror
- Cherry's Instagram Trap: Catching a Friend's Husband
Grant Achatz (award-winning chef)
Jul 15, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman welcome legendary chef Grant Achatz to discuss his remarkable journey from small-town Michigan to revolutionizing fine dining with Alinea. The conversation explores his culinary training, battle with stage four tongue cancer, and pioneering approach to modernist cuisine that transformed him into one of America's most celebrated chefs.
- Small-Town Michigan Roots and Early Culinary Foundation
- Culinary Training: From CIA to Charlie Trotter's Kitchen Culture
Jackie Tohn Returns
Jul 13, 2026Summary Preview
Jackie Tohn returns to Armchair Expert to share her journey through discovering she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which carries an 85% chance of developing breast cancer. She discusses her decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy, the emotional and physical recovery process, and her mission to raise awareness about genetic testing. The conversation also touches on her career perseverance, anxiety management, and finding perspective through medical challenges.
- Discovery of BRCA1 Gene Mutation
- The Medical Journey and Surgical Decision
Armchair Anonymous: Animal Attack III
Jul 10, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman host Animal Attacks Part 3, featuring three harrowing wilderness encounters. Laura recounts leading teenage boys on a Canadian canoe trip where they were charged by a massive moose. Sarah describes fighting off three coyotes to save her dog Billy in the Massachusetts woods. Darren shares his panic-inducing confrontation with aggressive monkeys at a Thai beach, and Christy details her surprise turkey attack while biking in Wisconsin. Each story showcases the raw power of nature and the primal instincts that emerge when humans face dangerous wildlife.
- Laura's Moose Standoff in the Canadian Wilderness
- Sarah's Coyote Battle to Save Her Dog
Dave Eggers (writer and publisher)
Jul 08, 2026Summary Preview
Dave Eggers, bestselling author and founder of McSweeney's, joins the show to discuss his new novel Contraposito, his journey from journalism to fiction writing, and his nonprofit work with 826 Valencia. The conversation explores the art world, the writing process, the importance of community in creative work, and Eggers' dedication to publishing young authors and providing free tutoring services to underserved students.
- Origins and Early Influences: From Drawing to Writing
- High School Unity and the Vince Vaughn Years
Lukas Gage
Jul 06, 2026Summary Preview
Lucas Gage joins Armchair Expert to discuss his memoir 'I Wrote This For Attention,' his journey coming out, working on White Lotus and Euphoria, his borderline personality disorder diagnosis, and his whirlwind marriage on the Kardashians. The conversation explores vulnerability, identity, mental health, and the complexities of growing up gay in a military town while navigating Hollywood's expectations.
- An Awkward Party Encounter Sets the Stage
- The Connor McGregor Q&A From Hell
Armchair Anonymous: Family Secret
Jul 03, 2026Summary Preview
In this lively episode of Armchair Anonymous, Dax Shepard and Lily Padman explore jaw-dropping family secrets from listeners. From shocking DNA revelations to hidden identities spanning decades, these stories reveal the complicated truths families keep buried—sometimes for generations. The hosts hear tales of sperm donors, hidden sexual identities, and surprise siblings discovered through genetic testing, all showcasing how the past has a way of catching up with us.
- Ashley's Discovery: A Sperm Donor Secret and Hidden Identity
- Shane's European Vacation Disaster: The Crab Deception
Edward Norton Returns Again
Jul 01, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman interview Edward Norton in a wide-ranging conversation covering his environmental work with shipping emissions, his unconventional approach to his acting career, his famous grandfather Jim Rouse, and his incredible experience making 'The Invite' with director Olivia Wilde. They discuss Norton's selective career choices, his talent for mimicry, working methods, and what motivates him as an artist.
- Edward Norton's Shipping Emissions Project
- Jim Rouse: Edward Norton's Visionary Grandfather
Olivia Wilde
Jun 29, 2026Summary Preview
Olivia Wilde joins Armchair Expert to discuss her latest directorial work, The Invite, a chamber piece exploring marriage and relationships. The conversation spans her unconventional upbringing with journalist parents, her evolution from actress to director, navigating Hollywood controversies, and her deep collaboration with Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penelope Cruz on a film inspired by Esther Perel's relationship philosophy.
- Growing Up Between Worlds: An Unconventional Childhood
- The Rebellious Years: Boarding School and Early Acting
Armchair Anonymous: Foreign Object in Butt III
Jun 26, 2026Summary Preview
Hosts Dan Shepard and Lily Padman present 'Armchair Anonymous: Foreign Objects Part 3,' featuring stories from medical professionals about patients who inserted various objects into body cavities. The episode includes three main stories: Randy, a retired paramedic, shares a tale about a 14-year-old with a Super Soaker stuck in his rectum; John, an ER nurse, recounts an elderly man's three separate hospital visits for food items and a toothbrush holder; and Lucy describes an 80-year-old widower with a wooden banister. The episode concludes with Josie's harrowing story about a young woman with Munchausen syndrome who inserted razor blades into her vagina and later swallowed one.
- Introduction and First Story: The Super Soaker Incident
- Second Story: The Serial Rectal Inserter
Susie Wolff (Managing Director of F1 Academy)
Jun 24, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman welcome Susie Wolff, former professional racing driver and current managing director of F1 Academy, to discuss her groundbreaking career in motorsports. Wolff shares her journey from karting in Scotland to becoming one of the only women to drive an F1 car during a race weekend, her marriage to Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff, and her current mission to create pathways for young female drivers through F1 Academy.
- Growing Up in Scotland's Racing Culture
- Starting Young: From PW50 to Karting
Steve Aoki
Jun 22, 2026Summary Preview
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman sit down with legendary DJ and producer Steve Aoki to explore his remarkable journey from hardcore punk kid to one of the world's biggest electronic music artists. The conversation delves into Steve's upbringing as the son of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, his struggles finding acceptance in Newport Beach, how punk rock saved him, and the evolution from DIY record label owner to globe-trotting DJ performing 200+ shows per year. Steve shares stories about his father's wild entrepreneurial spirit, the straight edge movement, building Dim Mak Records, and what it's like raising a baby while maintaining a relentless touring schedule.
- Growing Up Aoki: Rocky's Wild Life and Legacy
- Fish Out of Water: Being Asian in 1970s Newport Beach