Armchair Anonymous: Cautionary Tale

James Doty (Mind Magic, Into the Magic Shop) is neurosurgeon and author. James joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what happens to someone who is constantly activating their sympathetic nervous system, how compassion for others can often be limited by how much compassion you have for yourself, and losing $80 million in 6 weeks. James and Dax talk about their relationship with money, what they’ve learned about doing acts of service for others, and the science behind manifestation. James explains how people look for evidence to confirm their own biases, why being kind and compassionate increases our chances of survival, and the importance of self-awareness and humility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz are fresh off their date! They recap how the double man plan went and discuss the differences between worst dates for men & women. They answer listener questions on having trouble sleeping with a partner in the early stages of dating, and making an aesthetic change knowing one's partner doesn't like it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's Flightless Bird, David Farrier talks to the author of 50 Pies 50 States, Stacey Mei Yan Fong. Farrier sets out to discover why Americans love pie so much, declaring January 23rd National Pie Day back in 1986. Farrier and Fong discuss what makes the pie so American, before looking at Stacey’s top 3 American pies - which David, Monica and Rob then sample. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tiffany Haddish (I Curse You With Joy, Girls Trip, Night School) is an actor and comedian. Tiffany joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much she needs laughter on a daily basis, her journey to find her biological father, and how messy her bedroom is. Tiffany and Dax talk about whether or not they think humans are designed to eat meat, what her love language is, and her first orgasm. Tiffany explains how some of her personal relationships changed after achieving success, what it’s like to date as a successful woman, and which chapter was the hardest to write in her book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charan Ranganath (Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold on to What Matters) is a neuroscientist. Charan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the mechanics of memory, how AI learning is different than human learning, and the influence that present context has on memories. Charan and Dax talk about the relationship of imagination to memory, the problems with hypnosis, and repressed memories. Charan explains how sleep can conceptualize memories, the ways photos can influence memories, and how traumatic memories affect the brain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz are out of sync. Liz pitches candidates for the ‘double man plan’, Monica learns the Heimlich maneuver, and a special guest joins to discuss murder. They answer listener questions on sobriety induced friendship shifts and whether to confront a partner with a new laugh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier looks at the process of gaining American Citizenship, and what it means to become truly American. Why over the last decade did over seven million non-Americans choose to become American? And what does this process look like? David talks to a New Zealander who chose to Naturalise before looking at some Americans who’ve chosen to do the exact opposite. Why would someone choose to become American and why would someone choose to give it up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Pine (Poolman, Star Trek, Wonder Woman) is an actor, producer, and director. Chris joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the thrills of a catastrophe, falling in love with nicotine toothpicks, and what growing up in old Hollywood was like. Chris and Dax talk about how hard it is to expose your emotions, how much they love saunas, and the experience of feeling fraudulent. Chris admits to his preconceptions of Dax, the juxtaposition of how he sees himself vs how others see him, and his love for the city of Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Phil Heath (Breaking Olympia) is a 7x Mr. Olympia winner and professional bodybuilder. Phil joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what his diet is like, how he lost his innocence at an early age, and his journey into bodybuilding. Phil and Dax talk about their admiration for Arnold Schwarzenegger, how they learned to control their aggression, and the ways social media has changed the bodybuilding industry. Phil explains how he feels about his own insecurities, what it's like to be acknowledged by your heroes, and coping with his new identity as he transitions out of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices