Ezra Klein Returns (on political polarization)

Lukas Gage

Jul 6, 20262h 9mSummary

In this episode, actor Lukas Gage joins the hosts for a deeply vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation about his unconventional upbringing, his career trajectory, and the intense experiences that shaped him. The discussion begins on a lighthearted note, with the group addressing the self-conscious social dynamics often felt by guests and hosts before an interview. Gage opens up about his formative years in San Diego, where he grew up as the youngest of four brothers. He reflects on his childhood behavior—which included being a self-described "biter"—and the complex, often traumatic events that defined his youth. This includes a graphic account of being targeted in a violent hate crime as a teenager, as well as the surreal memory of being kidnapped in the middle of the night to attend a wilderness reform camp. Gage shares his complicated feelings toward his parents, acknowledging their struggles while candidly discussing the abandonment he felt from his father and his deep, unwavering bond with his mother. The conversation also ventures into his professional life, specifically the chaotic experience of filming the action movie Road House. Gage details the intensity of working alongside high-profile personalities and the surreal, high-stakes nature of participating in a live Q&A with Conor McGregor, providing a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the volatility of the entertainment industry. Throughout the episode, Gage remains remarkably open, balancing his difficult past with a humorous and resilient outlook on life.

Armchair Anonymous: Family Secret

Jul 3, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of Armchair Anonymous, the hosts delve into a collection of intimate and bizarre family secrets shared by listeners. The conversation kicks off with a listener named Ashley, who recounts a decades-long mystery that began in a middle school biology class. After a Punnett square assignment revealed a discrepancy in her blood type, she uncovered the truth about her conception via a sperm donor. Her story unfolds into a complex, onion-like narrative involving her father’s closeted sexuality, a lifelong family facade, and the eventual discovery of her biological origins through genetic testing. The hosts engage with the emotional weight of these revelations, discussing the societal pressures that forced families to maintain such elaborate deceptions in the past. The episode also features a humorous, high-stakes story from a listener named Shane, who details a frantic situation during a traditional wedding in London. After contracting pubic lice, Shane had to navigate the complete lack of privacy in a crowded house by orchestrating a clever ruse involving supposed head lice to secure the necessary medical treatment from a pharmacist under the watchful eyes of his family. The hosts reflect on the humor found in these moments of human desperation and the unintended consequences of modern genealogy.

Edward Norton Returns Again

Jul 1, 20262h 2mSummary

In this episode of Armchair Expert, Dax Shepard sits down with Academy Award-nominated actor and filmmaker Edward Norton. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of Norton’s life and career, moving from his early days in New York City to his current endeavors. Norton reflects on the influence of his grandfather, James Rouse, a visionary city planner and social advocate who played a pivotal role in shaping modern urban landscapes. Through this lens, the hosts discuss the complexities of urban development, the challenges of creative ambition, and the importance of civic engagement. The discussion shifts toward the craft of acting, where Norton shares his perspective on the difference between iconic performers and shape-shifters. He details his immersive approach to roles, including his physical and vocal preparation, and his tendency to treat every project as a fresh challenge regardless of past successes. The hosts also touch on the shared experiences of early professional struggles and the discipline required to maintain creative integrity. It is a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation that highlights Norton’s curiosity, his dedication to his craft, and his deeply analytical approach to both art and life.

Olivia Wilde

Jun 29, 20262h 24mSummary

In this episode of Armchair Expert, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman sit down with director and actor Olivia Wilde. The conversation offers a candid look at Wilde’s transition from a successful acting career to a celebrated filmmaker, with the hosts praising her directorial work on films like Booksmart and Don't Worry, Darling. Wilde shares her deep appreciation for the creative process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, specificity, and taking risks when bringing a story to life. The discussion delves into Wilde’s unique upbringing as the daughter of investigative journalists. She reflects on how her parents’ intense, globally-focused careers created a "salon-like" environment in their home, teaching her to value intellectual curiosity and community. Wilde also discusses her experiences living in Ireland and the cultural impact of her heritage on her perspective as an artist. Throughout the interview, the hosts and guest explore the complexities of parenting, the influence of social media on childhood memories, and the challenges of creating ambitious cinema on a limited scale. Wilde’s thoughtful, humble approach to her craft shines through, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into her evolution as an auteur.

Armchair Anonymous: Foreign Object in Butt III

Jun 26, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Armchair Anonymous, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman invite guests from the medical field to share their most memorable experiences regarding patients who have accidentally required emergency care due to foreign objects stuck in their bodies. The episode continues the show’s popular series exploring these bizarre and often high-stakes medical encounters. The conversation features stories from a retired paramedic and an ER nurse, both of whom recount unbelievable cases involving patients who arrived at the hospital in states of significant physical distress and deep embarrassment. The guests detail the logistical challenges of dealing with these sensitive situations, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental care while highlighting the surprising frequency of such occurrences. The discussion delves into the psychological patterns often seen in these patients, including the tendency to deny the cause of the injury despite clinical evidence. Through these candid accounts, the hosts and their guests explore the intersection of human curiosity, shame, and the professional responsibility of healthcare workers to maintain composure and provide treatment, regardless of the unique and often startling circumstances presented in the emergency room.

Susie Wolff (Managing Director of F1 Academy)

Jun 24, 20262h 9mSummary

In this episode of Armchair Expert, host Dax Shepard sits down with Susie Wolff, the former professional racing driver and current Managing Director of the F1 Academy. The conversation offers a candid look at Wolff’s upbringing in Scotland, where her parents’ passion for motorcycles and motorsports shaped her trajectory. Wolff reflects on the challenges of her early career, specifically navigating a male-dominated field, and the pivotal role her father played in encouraging her to be resilient and fearless on the track. Beyond her personal history, Wolff discusses her transition into leadership and her mission to increase female representation in motorsport through the F1 Academy. She provides insightful perspectives on the biology of aggression in racing, the necessity of building better talent pipelines for young girls, and why she believes there is no inherent barrier to women competing at the highest levels of the sport. Wolff also touches on her childhood, her relationship with her brother, and the importance of exposure in getting more girls interested in karting. The episode is an engaging exploration of ambition, breaking gender norms, and the lifelong influence of family culture.

Steve Aoki

Jun 22, 20261h 46mSummary

In this episode of Armchair Expert, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman sit down with the internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Steve Aoki. Moving past his reputation as a massive musical act, the conversation delves into Aoki’s fascinating upbringing and the unique drive that fueled his career. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Aoki’s father, Rocky Aoki, the legendary founder of the Benihana restaurant chain. Aoki reflects on his father’s complex persona—describing him as a larger-than-life showman and risk-taker—while exploring how that legacy of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit influenced his own path. They discuss the realities of growing up as an outsider in Newport, California, and how Aoki eventually found his identity through the punk rock and skateboarding scenes. Aoki highlights how the DIY ethos of the punk community empowered him to pursue music, zine-making, and event production, teaching him that he could create his own opportunities from scratch. The conversation offers a candid look at his transformation from an insecure child into a global performer, emphasizing the importance of finding one's community and the enduring impact of a non-traditional childhood.

Armchair Anonymous: Crazy Neighbors II

Jun 19, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of Armchair Anonymous, Dax Shepard and his co-host welcome guests to share their most shocking stories regarding difficult neighbors. The episode highlights the unpredictable nature of neighborhood dynamics, ranging from petty disputes to serious criminal harassment. The first guest, calling from Ontario, recounts a harrowing multi-year experience that began during the pandemic. Her neighbor exhibited erratic behavior, including digging into the guest’s yard, making false police reports, and even threatening the family, which led to a lasting state of anxiety. The situation escalated to the point of criminal charges when the neighbor targeted the guest’s husband’s employment with malicious emails, eventually resulting in a guilty plea and a restraining order. The second guest shares a jarring story from a suburban Seattle community, where a seemingly friendly mom’s night out at a country-western bar turned volatile. Following a strange comment about her husband’s happiness, the neighbor confronted another mother in a restroom, revealing a deep-seated, irrational jealousy. The discussion explores the thin line between ordinary neighborly friction and truly unhinged, disturbing behavior, leaving the hosts and listeners to reflect on the importance of boundaries and the unfortunate reality of living near someone who refuses to be reasonable.

Leslie John (on the power of oversharing)

Jun 17, 20261h 42mSummary

In this episode, host Dax Shepard welcomes behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor Leslie John to discuss the intricate dynamics of secrecy, privacy, and the surprising benefits of sharing personal information. John, author of the book Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing, dives into her transition from studying why people keep secrets to exploring the positive impact that vulnerability can have on relationships and professional growth. The conversation examines the science behind why individuals hold onto secrets and the psychological toll of monitoring information that one feels compelled to hide. John shares findings from her academic research, noting that people are often more willing to reveal sensitive information in environments where they feel comfortable, judgment-free, or even slightly humored. The hosts engage in a nuanced discussion about the line between healthy vulnerability and true oversharing. They differentiate between owning one’s own struggles—which can foster genuine connection and mentorship—and sharing information that involves others without their consent, which can be problematic. Ultimately, John suggests that if one never feels they have reached the point of "too much information," they may not be sharing enough to foster deep, authentic connections.

Hunter Biden

Jun 15, 20261h 59mSummary

In this episode of Armchair Expert, Dax Shepard sits down with Hunter Biden for a deeply personal and candid conversation focused on his journey through addiction and recovery. Moving away from political commentary, the hosts explore the profound challenges of navigating severe substance use while living in the public eye. Hunter provides a raw account of his struggle with alcohol and crack cocaine, highlighting how addiction often stems from unaddressed trauma and the fundamental human search for relief. A major focus of the discussion is the stigma surrounding addiction, particularly how societal labels influence shame and recovery. Hunter reflects on his upbringing in Delaware, the tragic car accident that claimed his mother and sister, and how he lived under the intense scrutiny of the media. The conversation emphasizes the commonality of the addiction experience, as both men acknowledge the pervasive nature of substance abuse across all backgrounds. By sharing his path to long-term sobriety, Hunter provides a message of resilience, illustrating the transition from a state of survival to one of healing, while emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability in the recovery process.