This week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand Costco, the giant membership warehouse club loved by millions of Americans, a store that now pulls in $64 billion in revenue each year. Farrier meets up with a friend of the show Andy, who takes David inside Costco for his first shopping trip. David is so impressed he signs up as a card-carrying Costco member, before returning with a former staff member to get the goss. Finally, Farrier talks to a staff member who’s been at Costco for a quarter of a century, meeting his wife at Costo, buying his engagement ring at Costco, and naming their dog after the iconic Costco brand, Kirkland.

Bradley Cooper (Maestro, A Star is Born, Silver Linings Playbook) is an award-winning actor, producer, and filmmaker. Bradley returns to the Armchair Expert to discuss why it’s important to be a good dancer, his new love of reality television, and how much he’s worked on improving his self-esteem. Bradley and Dax talk about their morning rituals, how they’ve learned to evaluate their own stories, and how fulfilling it has been to become a parent. Bradley explains the importance of having empathy as an actor, the talent of Leonard Bernstein, and what makes him cry.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time their greatest fear came true.

Rob Reiner (God & Country, Spinal Tap, All in the Family) is an actor and filmmaker. Rob joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1960 World Series, why he prefers directing over acting and writing, and what it was like working with Martin Scorsese. Rob and Dax talk about their time in improv groups, the rise of All in the Family, and how fascinated they both are with Russia. Rob explains how much he looked up to and wanted to be like his father, why Christian Nationalism is a danger to the country and Christianity, and Dax tells him how much he sounds like best boy, Jimmy Kimmel.

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz debate the price of authenticity and revisit the pen conversation from last week, but this time include an expert. They answer listener questions on handling patriarchy in the workplace, getting over a comparison to an unflattering animal, and feeling shame for wanting one's partner to be more masculine.

This week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to the town of Roswell, New Mexico - home of the 1947 UFO crash that ignited the imagination of the entire planet. After visiting the Roswell UFO Museum, Farrier sets out to see what makes Roswell, well, Roswell. He meets up with artist Michael Beitz who runs the Meow Cat Sanctuary, before getting some Mexican food with local cowboy “Spider Dailey”, who fills Farrier in on the local military academy… and how to be an anarchist. He also goes to see Nancy Fleming who runs the Miniatures & Curious Collections Museum, and stops by Roswell’s UFO-themed McDonalds where he meets a man who’s had a close encounter of his own.

Camila Mendes (Riverdale, Upgraded, Música) is an actor and producer. Camila joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how young artists are often more vulnerable to the public, how much she has started to lean into her culture, and learning Alexander technique. Camila and Dax talk about what types of people they are attracted to, what it’s like to know a second language with a significant other, and how to balance family dynamics. Camila explains how she booked a TV show while still in acting school, how romantic comedies have changed, and how teasing someone can be a form of affection.

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

Charles Duhigg (Supercommunicators, The Power of Habit) is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and best-selling author. Charles joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the difference in culture at the LA Times and New York Times, the benefits of bettering your communication, and how well humans can detect inauthenticity. Charles and Dax talk about how our brains latch on to vulnerability, the three types of conversations, and the importance of matching them. Charles explains that successful conversations are ones where you understand one another at the end, how laughter shows your willingness to connect, and how to loop for understanding.

In this episode of Synced, Monica and Liz perform their 'hot girl hobby' challenges, they discuss misplaced anger on the internet, and question if taking a pen is considered stealing. They answer listener questions on whether one should buy gifts for others when it's not reciprocated and how to help a friend who unknowingly struggles with how to apply makeup.

This week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier sets out to understand why Americans guzzle down over 10 billion donuts every year. He sets off with his friends Andrew and Lauren to sample some Californian donuts, before meeting up with Emily Taing. Tang is behind Pink Box Stories (@pinkboxstories) on Instagram and educates David about the origins of the donut’s famous pink boxes, and the importance of America’s mom-and-pop donuts stores. David then sets his sights on the big East Coast chain - Dunkin’ - meeting with their president Scott Murphy, and one of their franchisees Sue Andrade.

Jason Bateman (SmartLess, Ozark, Arrested Development) is an actor, director, producer, and podcaster. Jason joins the Armchair Expert to revisit the wiping debate, reveal he’s a Capricorn, and explore why he distances himself from his intellect. Jason and Dax discuss how much they enjoy being with someone who’s the opposite of them, their shared fear of becoming empty nesters, and the two have a sneeze-off. Jason talks about how seriously he takes the responsibility of leadership, how SmartLess handles three big personalities hosting the show, and how his bare feet will never touch a hotel room.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about a time they accidentally ended up naked.

Molly McNearney (Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Oscars) is a writer and executive producer. Molly joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how much respect she has for comedy writers, how growing up Catholic influenced her perspective on dating, and how she originally wanted to be a local news reporter. Molly and Dax talk about her journey to becoming head writer on Jimmy Kimmel Live, how fast-paced it is to produce a late-night bit, and what the goal of a monologue is. Molly explains why the Mean Tweets segment became so popular, what it’s like to work closely with a romantic partner, and how the spread of misinformation has changed her perspective on producing content.

In this week's episode of Synced, Monica and Liz talk about the conversational dynamics that exist within different sexual orientations, they revisit the brunch pin, and discuss the ways people in relationships talk to singles. They answer listener questions about whether or not it's okay to leave a partner who is ill, how to handle traveling solo while in a relationship, and how to successfully cut off an ex-sister-in-law.

This week on Flightless Bird, David Farrier tries to understand why his entire street smells like semen. He finds himself in the world of the Callery Pear Tree - also known as the Linden Tree or the Bradford - AKA “the cum tree”. David talks with Theresa Culley, a professor at the University of Cincinnati - who knows a lot about this particular foul smelling tree. The plant biologist teaches David why the trees smell like that, before diving into an analysis of how American these trees really are. David is shocked to find out one of these trees survived 9/11, and is now found at the 9/11 memorial site. He also discovers the tree - once the darling of US landscapers and gardeners - is now considered an invasive species. With this in mind, David visits LA’s Natural History Museum to meet herpetologist Greg Pauly, who educates David about some of America’s other invasive species, including one particular loud and annoying frog.

Heidi Klum (America’s Got Talent, Project Runway) is a model, television host, and producer. Heidi joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the freedom of nudity, how she got into modeling in a small town in Germany, and how she learned to make her face not sweat. Heidi and Dax talk about dealing with negative feedback early in their career, what some of her creative outlets are, and what the energy of doing a live show feels like. Heidi explains how different she is from Howard Stern, her love of creating elaborate Halloween costumes, and what it was like making a song with Snoop Dogg.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us about the craziest thing they've seen at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Noah Hawley (Fargo, Lucy in the Sky, Legion) is a screenwriter, director, and producer. Noah concludes Fargo Week and joins the Armchair Expert to discuss how he balances the tone of comedy and violence, how having a fraternal twin has influenced his writing, and where his version of masculinity comes from. Noah and Dax talk about the importance of mentorship, why it’s important to share in decision-making, and why people don’t like to ask for advice. Noah talks about his awkward breakfast with the Coen Brothers, what the concept of “failing up” is, and how much he loves the creative process.

In this week's episode of Synced, Monica and Liz share some of their favorite beauty products, they discuss colorism in the beauty industry, and debate whether or not it's appropriate to let a stranger try on your coat. They answer listener questions on struggling with body image in clothing, and Monica attempts to settle an issue with an old friend.

Jon Hamm (Fargo, Mad Men, Top Gun: Maverick) is an actor. Fargo week continues with Jon joining the Armchair Expert to discuss meeting multiple times for the first time, giving himself until 30 years old to figure out if he could make it in Hollywood, and his earliest memories of auditioning. Jon talks about how his life changed when his mother passed away, why he played every sport except hockey, and where he discovered his love for reading stories. Dax and Jon discuss how he got into the mindset of Roy Tillman, what it’s like to be fired from a show, and what kinds of cars he is attracted to.

Juno Temple (Fargo, Ted Lasso, Killer Joe) is an actor. Juno joins the Armchair Expert to kick off Fargo week and discuss how she doesn’t know how to drive a car, how inspirational her father’s work ethic was, and what it was like growing up in a country with thousands of years of history. Juno and Dax talk about how they dealt with rejection for roles, how nervous they are on sets, and what it’s like to do an iconic accent for a character. Juno explains what it’s like to be on a show that addresses domestic abuse, how she uses creativity to help with anxiety, and why she likes to watch horror movies to go to sleep.

Dax and Monica talk to Armcherries! In today's episode, Armcherries tell us their greatest underdog story.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Finding Your Roots, Gospel, Stony the Road) is a filmmaker, professor, and cultural critic. Henry joins the Armchair Expert to discuss what techniques he uses when interviewing people, how far back he can trace his family heritage, and the sugar plantation slave trade. Henry and Dax talk about what the Salt Thesis is, what their observations were visiting Africa, and how culture mostly drives a person’s development. Henry explains why class is just as important as race, how America is a nation of exiles, and how groups of people are often manipulated to hate each other.

In today's episode of Synced, Monica & Liz are joined by a special guest! They reminisce on fantastic food experiences, Monica gives closet clean-out tips, and they debate the validity of 'being out of someone's league'. They answer listener questions on how to handle differing opinions on a sexual assault story and whether or not it's okay to hide sex toys from a partner.