Flightless Bird: Renaissance Faire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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