One of the first things that drew me to the Armchair Expert Podcast with Dax Shepard is the title. It immediately resonated because for many of us out there, we all have some expertise in something. And we all may have just enough expertise on a specific topic that we could comment on it without sounding uninformed.
Dax Shepard is a self-proclaimed “armchair expert,” and he is the perfect example of this type of person. Like many of us, when we are curious about a subject, we will do some research and then share our findings with others. This is what Dax Shepard does on his podcast with great skill. He shares his findings in a way that is both funny and insightful.
Dax Shepard is an actor, director, and writer who is best known for his roles in the television series Parenthood and the film Get Him to the Greek. He is also a former MTV host and has appeared on Chelsea Lately, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Conan.
His big break was with Punk’d, an MTV reality show in which celebrities would have pranks played on them in a hidden camera format. This was well before Shepard was a household name, and his ability to improvise and think on his feet in unexpected ways ended up being just the kind of skills a podcast host might be required to have a decade or so later.
Shepard began Armchair Expert in 2018 as a way to “share his curiosity, knowledge, and humor with the world” and to celebrate. the messiness of being a human. He has since released over 450 episodes and has had some of the biggest names in Hollywood on as guests, including Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, Zach Braff, Lake Bell, Christina Applegate, Mario Lopez, Seth Rogen, and even Shepard’s wife Kristen Bell.
Dax’s Co-Host Monica
Dax Shepard is not alone in his armchair expert pursuits. He is joined by co-host and producer Monica Padman.
Padman is an Emmy Award-winning television producer who has worked on shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Steve Wilkos Show, and The Tony Danza Show.
Shepard and Padman have great chemistry, and it’s clear that they are friends as well as co-workers. This is evident in the way they interact with each other and their guests. They are able to keep the conversation light and fun while still managing to ask some probing questions that get at the heart of what their guests are all about.
The Armchair Expert Format
Each episode of The Armchair Expert begins with Shepard and Padman sharing a recent “win” and a recent “fail.” These are usually lighthearted stories that help to set the tone for the rest of the show.
Shepard and Padman then move on to their main interview, which is usually around 45 minutes long. They have a wide range of guests, including actors, directors, musicians, comedians, and even athletes.
The interviews are casual and conversational, and Shepard and Padman do a great job of making their guests feel comfortable. They are also not afraid to ask some tough questions.
The show ends with a segment called “Expertly Answered,” in which Shepard and Padman answer questions submitted by listeners. This is usually a lighthearted segment, but it can also be quite informative.
What are Some of the Topics Covered on the Armchair Expert Podcast?
The great thing about the Armchair Expert Podcast is that there is something for everyone. Dax Shepard has a wide range of interests, and he covers topics that will appeal to many different people.
Some of the topics that have been covered on the podcast include:
-Parenting
-Relationships
-Sex
-Drugs
-Alcohol
-Mental health
-Physical health
-Creativity
-Careers
-Hollywood
And much more! Shepard is outspoken about his knowledge or experience with all of these subjects, and if he truly doesn’t have the expertise, he makes it clear early on in the episode.
Notable Armchair Expert Episodes
Some of the most popular and noteworthy episodes of the Armchair Expert Podcast include:
-Episode 73: “The One Where Dax Shepard Almost Overdoses”
-Episode 134: “The One Where We Talk About Weed”
-Episode 193: “The One Where We Talk About Depression”
-Episode 213: “The One Where We Talk About Anxiety”
-Episode 243: “The One Where We Talk About Marriage”
Final Thoughts on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert Podcast
We all have a little expert in us, and it’s good to hear someone like Dax Shepard interview guests and make all of us a little more expert. Each episode varies in length, and some of the longer ones can push three hours. That said, it is still an enjoyable podcast, and for anyone that hasn’t checked it out, there are literally hundreds of episodes you can scroll through to find something that is up your alley. Whether you enjoy comedy, the business of entertainment, sports, politics, or any number of social issues, there is definitely something for everyone.
If you are looking for a podcast that is both enjoyable and informative, then you should definitely check out the Armchair Expert Podcast with Dax Shepard. Shepard is a great host who is able to cover a wide range of topics in an interesting and engaging way. Whether you are looking to laugh or learn, this podcast is definitely worth a listen!
