Stephen Dubner (Freakonomics, No Stupid Questions) is an author, journalist, and podcaster. Stephen returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why people often focus on the negative aspects of experiences, the maker vs manager conflict, and the struggles of religious fundamentalism. Stephen and Dax talk about the frustration of humans' inability to change, what the different types of large cats are, and why people want adoration from others of higher status. Stephen explains why creative people can be more prone to drug use, what a productivity trap is, and what his experience with cognitive behavioral therapy is.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to Waco, Texas - taking a drive to visit the Branch Davidians compound, the old home of David Koresh. David is surprised to find that the strange offshoot of the Seventh Day Adventist church still exists and sits down to interview their new leader. Why are they still on the same grounds where so many terrible things happened? What do they believe? What do they think of Koresh? What is inside their church? And why did things go so crazy here 30 years ago, America essentially going after one man with an army of guns, helicopters, tear gas, 12 tanks, and almost 900 members of the FBI, ATF, Texas National Guard, the Army, the Waco police department, and the Texas Rangers.

Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream, X) is an actor. Jenna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss her relationship with her self-esteem, why she doesn’t like watching her own performances, and growing to be very protective of Wednesday. Jenna & Dax discuss the expectations of constant gratitude, the feelings of isolation that come with it, and the juxtaposition of what people see for her vs what she sees for herself. Jenna talks about the iconic dance scene in Wednesday, attending her Disney prom, and her love of murder podcasts.

David Remnick (editor of The New Yorker) is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, journalist, and editor. David joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what working in Soviet-era Moscow was like, how his parents’ health affected his upbringing, and his experience interviewing novelist Salman Rushdie. David and Dax talk about why violent sports are so appealing, what the public image of The New Yorker is, and their shared love and admiration of Malcolm Gladwell. David explains what his thoughts are on the current situation in Ukraine, how your political views can change over time, and the New York vs Los Angeles rivalry.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand Waffle House, the much loved diner found scattered throughout the American south. What makes this chain so special, and what the heck is the Waffle House Index? David interviews Waffle House’s Njeri Boss about the magic of waffles and why it’s actually more about the hash browns. He also talks to photographer Micah Cash about his book Waffle House Vistas (https://bittersoutherner.com/) and why this generic shoebox restaurant is actually incredibly diverse and special. What does Hootie and the Blowfish and the Bloodhound Gang all have in common? Waffle House!

Shania Twain is a singer-songwriter. Shania joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what breaking into the country music scene from Canada was like, how she always enjoyed indulging in her creative outlets, and the root of her stage fright. Shania and Dax talk about how their family dynamics shaped their careers, how she allows herself to trust too much, and her relationship with her stepdad. Shania explains how she developed her armor, the pressures of sustaining success, and how processing needs its own moment.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy sleepwalking experience.

Kelly Slater (Make or Break) is a professional surfer. Kelly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why he was drawn to surfing over other sports, what it was like being featured in a documentary series about his career, and how he balances his personal life from his public one. Kelly and Dax talk about their experiences with stepdads, what the mental health journey is like for action sports athletes, and getting a role on Baywatch. Kelly explains what the feeling of winning gives him, what he does if a shark approaches him in the water, and the spiritual sense he gets from competition.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out for the DMV in an attempt to get his American driver’s license. By his side (and scared in the passenger seat) is Monica Padman, there to assist the New Zealander in his quest. Things take a turn when they discover Monica’s car is far too dirty. A diversion to a carwash, a quick quiche, and a lot of debate over the road rules take the pair to the DMV. Will David pass? What could go wrong? A whole lot, apparently.

Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, I Love You Man, Clueless) is an actor. Paul joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the importance of male friendship, why he’s gotten more introverted as he’s gotten old, and how he doesn't seem to age. Paul and Dax talk about what it’s been like for him to join culturally impactful things after they’ve started, relating to the funny part of dramatic things, and how much his foundation gave him confidence. Paul explains the joy he gets from watching funny people do what they do, how he always looked up to comedians that could use their bodies in funny ways, and how he came to co-own a candy shop.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a pet sitting incident gone wrong.

Dr. Andrew Newberg (The Varieties of Spiritual Experience) is a neuroscientist and author. Andrew joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the different levels of enlightenment, what happens to the brain when people connect with others, and how neuroscience does not prove or disprove any religious experiences. Andrew and Dax talk about what happens when people use psychedelic drugs, what the brain is doing when you are dreaming, and the benefits of meditation. Andrew explains the possible causes of dyslexia, how philosophy plays a role in studying the mind, and how different perspectives help society.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand America’s obsession with Valentine's Day. Why do Americans fork out $20 billion each year in an attempt to woo a mate or prove their love to an existing one? David discovers he doesn’t have a valentine, so interviews online dating coach Perri Schneider. What are the do’s and don’ts of American dating? Farrier then discovers that sales of vibrators go up on and around Valentine's Day, so talks to engineer Anna Lee of Lioness who invented a smart vibrator. What can we learn from this smart vibrator, and why has the clitoris been mistaken for the nose when it comes to the world of vibrator technology?

Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face, Russian Doll, Orange Is the New Black) is an actor, writer, director, and producer. Natasha joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how impressed she is with Dax’s driving, how men have been trying to sire her children lately, and her thoughts on talking about sobriety publicly. Natasha explains why she is less and less interested in her own story, her desire to try on different perspectives, and her deep curiosity about the future. Dax & Natasha discuss their ability to own their false advertising, trying to find an ultimate state of relaxation while acting, and why Natasha needs to live to be 150 years old.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a Valentine’s day disaster.

Tess Wilkinson-Ryan (Fool Proof) is a law professor, moral psychologist, and author. Tess joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the concept of the sucker narrative, how she approaches teaching contract law to her students, and what societal norms are universally accepted for parenthood. Tess and Dax talk about how much responsibility is on an exploiter versus the victim of a scam, why government is held to a different standard than big business, and the thin line between scammer and sucker. Tess explains why people feel shame when they are duped, the difference in consumer protections for men and women, and the cultural bait and switch of motherhood.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier looks at America’s obsession with sandwiches. Why is Subway the United State’s biggest fast food chain, leaving Starbucks and McDonalds in its wake? To get answers, David heads to Philly to investigate one of America’s greatest inventions: The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. There he discovers two sandwich stores locked in a decades-long rivalry. What’s the beef between Geno’s and Pat’s? And what of the man who supplies both stores with their tasty sodas? David also meets the man behind the popular Instagram account @SandwichesOfHistory, Barry, who recreates sandwiches of yore. Why were ancient sandwiches so disgusting? Why would someone combine peanut butter with tomatoes in a sandwich?

Ramy Youssef (Ramy, Mo, Mr. Robot) is an actor, comedian, writer, and director. Ramy joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what his favorite comedies are, the current state of religion, and why he feels American Exceptionalism needs to end. Ramy and Dax talk about being born into a certain culture or faith, their experiences with drugs and alcohol, and how to handle the attention of being recognizable. Ramy explains what he means by people “living in the unseen,” his obsession with candy, and how everyone’s definition of happiness is unique.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a crazy rideshare experience.

Chris Palmer (Brain Energy) is a psychiatrist, professor, and author. Chris joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he believes mitochondria can be the key to treating mental disorders, how his mother’s condition motivated him to become a psychiatrist, and what psychosis is. Chris and Dax talk about how diet plays a role in treating metabolic disorders, their experiences with father figures from their childhood, and the different reasons people experience anxiety or depression. Chris explains how he accidentally cut off two of his fingers, how he went from being homeless in high school to a professor at Harvard, and why he had to learn to accept himself.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier returns to Aotearoa, New Zealand, to investigate why so many of New Zealand's native birds are flightless. Literally. David sets out to find three such creatures: the little penguin, the kakapo, and - of course - the useless kiwi bird. What happened to their wings, and why does the world’s heaviest parrot choose to live on the forest floor instead of the majestic trees? David learns why New Zealand birds are so stinky and marvels at the weight of the extinct Moa. Also, why did the world’s biggest FLYING bird live in New Zealand? And why does one particular flightless bird lead to so many ghost scares each year?

Pamela Anderson (Love, Pamela, Baywatch, Barb Wire) is an actress and model. Pamela joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how she got into acting, why she loves writing more than talking, and how she learned to love being by herself. Pamela and Dax talk about love addiction, the culture of misogyny, and how to have fun being sober. Pamela explains why she is passionate about animal welfare issues, how she ended up doing a Broadway musical, and why she loves waking up early in the morning.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about their worst honeymoon experience.

Scott Galloway (Adrift: America in 100 Charts, The Prof G Pod) is a professor, author, and podcaster. Scott joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he defines masculinity, the current state of the college admission process, and how humor is the fastest way to communicate intelligence. Scott and Dax talk about their addiction to affirmations from strangers, why young men need guardrails, and how liberating it can be to see the end coming. Scott explains that happiness is a function of the number of deep and meaningful relationships you have, how everything we do is a transfer of wealth from young to old, and why society needs to start investing more in young people.

Octavia Spencer (Truth Be Told, The Help, Hidden Figures) is an award-winning actress and producer. Octavia joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being forced to grow up quickly, insecurities around auditioning for roles, and the difference between being nice and being kind. Octavia and Dax talk about being in a comedy troupe together, the time Dax met Samuel L. Jackson, and their fascination with serial killers. Octavia explains why it’s important to know your value as an actor, how winning an Oscar changed her life, and why she would describe herself as a hypochondriac.