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.

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.

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!

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.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy house sitting story.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time their parents kept a secret from them as a kid.

Orna Guralnik (Couples Therapy) is a clinical psychologist and therapist. Orna joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why therapists often keep details of their private lives from their patients, why she felt like she had to code switch when talking to different groups of people, and how psychoanalysis differs from other forms of therapy. Orna and Dax discuss what systems thinking is, what being in a relationship with someone with dissociation is like, and the relational dynamics of the younger generation. Orna explains why she still has optimistic view of the world, how a person’s perception of someone can change when you know their story, and how her work affects her own personal relationships.

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz debate who plans a first date, they share their summer gift guide/favorite things lists, and Monica recounts a shower event. They answer listener questions on whether to tell a partner about infidelity, how to handle negative emotions after sexting, and the Synced Squad receives an incredible update on a previous question.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier goes to eat at iconic American restaurant chain the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Back in 1994, Forest Gump was box office gold - the highest grossing film in America that year. Forrest Gump also did something not many films have ever done - something truly magical - it leapt out into real life. Because on any day of the week in America, you can stroll directly into a restaurant that wouldn't exist without Forrest Gump: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. To learn about all things Gump, Farrier talks with David Chen from decodingeverything.com who breaks down the significance of the film. He then takes producer Rob to dine in style at Bubba Gumps, before talking to the Vice President & COO of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Jenny Scharbrough. That's right, Jenny!

Sebastian Maniscalco. (It Ain’t Right, Bookie) is a comedian and actor. Sebastian joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his first pair of Jordans, why his dad is the focal point of his comedy, and his time waiting tables at the Four Seasons. Sebastian and Dax reopen the Santa Claus debate, talk about children yelling at their parents, and the relevance of comedy in this moment. Sebastian discusses Italian stereotypes, what playing arenas is like, and how he feels about the current state of comedy.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us a crazy mall story.

Ramani Durvasula (It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People) is a clinical psychologist and author. Ramani joins the Armchair Expert to discuss why it’s so difficult to study narcissism, why she thinks it’s good for therapists to be in therapy too, and the dark tetrad of personality. Ramani and Dax talk about why people often stay in narcissistic relationships, why people develop a sense of entitlement, and what treatments are available to correct it. Ramani explains how past actions can often predict future behavior, how social groups are affected by narcissistic people, and the signs of narcissism.

In this episode of Synced Monica and Liz deep dive into the ethics of napping in the overhead compartment, they talk about their mothers day emotions and they learn about a robot restaurant. The two answer listener questions on crying during confrontation and whether you're obligated to split equal time at a significant others' house.

In this week’s Flightless Bird, David Farrier throws himself back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth during the 1500s. Why? Because Americans love Renaissance Fairs. The whole idea of the Renaissance Fair started back in 1963 - when teacher Phyllis Patterson held an event for her students in her backyard. A few months later her and her husband Ron put on a bigger one - hosting about 8000 people. It kept growing - and in 1966 the official “Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California” was launched. Farrier decides to head along to that very fair see what all the fuss is about.

Camila Cabello (C,XOXO, Familia, Romance) is a singer and songwriter. Camila joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the techniques she’s developed to deal with public attention, how complicated being a child of immigrants can be, and how much she loves the podcast. Camila and Dax talk what it’s like to discover something you love, having an addictive personality, and why giving yourself permission to mess up is okay. Camila explains what being in a female pop group was like, having her first real relationship at 20 years old, and how much she worries about longevity and the future.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us more crazy stalking stories.

Sanjay Gupta (Chasing Life, The Last Alzheimer’s Patient) is a neurosurgeon, medical reporter, and author. Sanjay joins the Armchair Expert again to discuss what some of the benefits to deregulating cannabis can be for people’s quality of life, the relationship between physical health and brain health, and what actions people can take to decrease their chances of developing dementia. Sanjay and Dax talk about the dyslexic things they both struggle with, what some of biggest predictors of Alzheimer’s are, and having a sick care system vs a health care system. Sanjay talks about the long term effects of obesity, the judgements and income inequality gap of weight loss drugs, and decoupling the correlation between weight and health.

In this episode of Synced Monica and Liz dig into the man versus bear debate, they check in about last week's date, and share important sidewalk rules. They answer listener questions on the pressures to get plastic surgery while aging and if/when one should pee in a pool.

We’re trying something a little different today - something we’re calling “Flights of Fancy.” Now awhile back, if you follow David Farrier on Instagram, you would have seen a prompt where he wanted you to pitch a deeply American topic YOU could speak on. Maybe it was a job you had, or some other personal insight you could give into something AMERICAN. Maybe you worked at Buckees, or in the depths of the White House. We heard from so many of you - like hundreds - with so many ideas. Rob made a fancy spreadsheet to collate all your responses, and we picked a bunch we liked. Then we zoomed with those people - getting them to explain their area of expertise. We met a true cross section of America - and some of the topics you’re about to learn about - some of them we’re gonna dive deeper later in the year. But for now, this is Flights of Fancy - where we talk Flightless Bird listeners about the what they want to see on Flightless Bird.

Bobby Lee (Sweet Dreams, TigerBelly, Bad Friends) is an actor and comedian. Bobby joins the Armchair Expert to discuss his complicated relationship with his parents, how he feels about dating a fan, and getting sober at a young age. Bobby and Dax talk about how they used to punish themselves for failing, what their experience with psychotherapy has been, and how far they would go with Brad Pitt. Bobby explains the pressures he felt getting cast on Mad TV, the guilt of relapsing, and the debate of audio vs video podcasts.

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