I used to listen to this podcast all the time. And then out of nowhere they went exclusive with Spotify, and I couldn’t listen anymore because I don’t support Spotify. Now they’re back to making money with this wondery scheme and it’s all very transparent. I listened to a recent episode and honestly I’m glad for the break because it made me realize I’ve outgrown the schtick of “man who thinks he knows so much talking endlessly about his own trauma”. Two stars because they ask good questions occasionally and it’s not just celebrities interviewing each other.

Love you guys! My daughter actually turned me on to this podcast and it’s quickly become one of my all-time favs!

I love your show! Please try to get, Eminem!

Monica has made me have to skip this pod. Question Dax's judgement thinking she's smart.

This is for sure my favorite podcast. I love Dax and his knowledge and information. Monica adds to it however I don’t love that her politics comes up and she approaches it very closed minded. Dax approaches politics from an open mind even if people don’t align with his opinion, he is curious and not condescending and I think we need more conversations like what he provides. I do like Monica and the banter and conversations they have for the most part.

Day 1 Armcherry, here. 🍒Currently listening to the fact check of Ramy Youssef’s Return ep on Wondery, and “we must, we must, we must increase our bust,” is from Are You There, God, It’s Me, Margaret,” not Grease, though it’s no insult to either to conflate such fabulous teen fodder. ❤️Thanks for all the delicious Armchair umbrella content: you make our days better!

I need my fix every Monday, Wednesday and Friday!! Armchair anonymous is my fav if I’m honest. So many funny stories. Oh and the fact check for the banter. Love you two!!

Let’s not get into MJ yall! Or better yet- do an episode on it. Major assumption made about MJ in the fact check. Nothing was proven yall!

Skip this one and save your hearing.

When I hear Monica’s voice on Armchair Expert, I feel something simple and rare: comfort. It’s the feeling of a familiar friend who’s warm, intelligent, and unafraid to be real. Dax, in all his gloriously robust, intuitively sharp interviewing style, brings such dynamic energy—and Monica doesn’t just sit beside him passively. She grounds the conversation. She holds space with presence, curiosity, and playfulness. She brings her whole self, and it matters. I especially loved the episode with the author of Addicted to Revenge (Dr. Jack Kornfield). Both Monica and Dax were so open to seeing things differently—to questioning reactive, victim-centered thinking, and gently exploring the roots of violence. Monica gave that conversation time to breathe. Her steady presence wasn’t a counterweight to Dax’s brilliance—it was a beautiful complement to it. We need both. I love how Monica shares her own process with honesty and humor. I’ve noticed her evolution over the years, especially with her new Buddhist interest and practice, and it’s deeply inspiring. The age difference between her and Dax also offers something I hadn’t expected: a glimpse into different stages of growth—both inner and outer—and how wisdom unfolds over time. Most days, my kitchen is full of the usual good things—pots simmering, the rhythm of chopping, a breeze coming through the window, and sometimes, Armchair Expert playing in the background. Dax and Monica feel like part of the room—not in a starstruck way, just in the easy way certain voices become familiar over time. They talk while I stir, they laugh while I set the table, and by the time dinner is ready and family and friends fill the space, I often think to myself, I really enjoyed their company today. Monica, what I want to say is this: I’m so glad you’ve let us walk beside you as you grow and reflect. You bring something thoughtful and honest to the show that’s quietly powerful. Thank you for letting us know you—not as a persona, but as a real person.

Listening to the simulation episode and Dax your rich is showing.

Dax is interesting and smart. However, I find myself only listening if I really like the guest because I can't take Monica's voice, laugh or senseless comments. She truly dumbs down the conversation. Maybe the producers want that in order to connect with a broader audience? If that's the case, they don't have me as a loyal listener for one reason only. I fell asleep during the end of the Alexander show and I dreamed I was in the same room as Dax and Monica. I was trying to speak, but was rendered voiceless by Monica's incessant, mindless chatter. I was embarrassed for her during the Brad Pitt interview as she insulated him to his face. Maybe she has something on Dax? I dunno. If that's the case, just give her her own podcast and let Dax do his thing without her. This would elevate the show and satisfy most listeners.

1 more “yeaa” from Monica or an unwarranted “fake laugh”and I’m OUT. SHE IS THE WORST EVER. It never fails.. I get so excited for a guest (Olivia Munn, Brad Pitt) and without fail, Monica ruins it for me. Monica is awful at this job , yet Dax and Wondery just keep her in that chair, where she’s comfortably perched, w her entitlement, ego and uninformed, useless interjections, serve to continuously disrupt and ruin this entire podcast. What a shame because, Dax is So good. He effortlessly connects w every guest (varying degrees of course) but a connection is made w everyone, nontheless. Dax is so likable and organically moves throughout the episodes and nothing is forced or fake. Ironically, Monica is the antithesis of Dax. Her take is never authentic & She possesses zero traits that make a interviewer (or just a person) appealing. Despite Dax’s star quality, Monica has managed to “dumb down“ what’s otherwise a fantastic show. I’m at the point that I can’t take her anymore. My brain recoils when she disrupts the flow w her mindless nonsense and fake laugh simply to remind us that she’s in the room. She contributes nothing to the show. Throughout the entire Brad Pitt episode, playing on repeat in my head was … “I WISH MONICA WASN’T THERE” She legit ruined this for me. During the fact check she made it clear that she was determined to force her way into the conversation. And that she did- hence ruining this for me. Her interjections in no way benefit or propel the conversation forward, whatsoever. In fact when she wasn’t disrupting the flow (per usual) w her endless “Yea, wow, yes, uh huh & fake laugh” she managed to insult Brad multiple times- 1st she essentially called him an egomaniac. Next she used the word “Stupid” in response to him admitting he was vulnerable & trusting in AA. He corrected her by saying “it’s desperation”. Finally, As a professional actor BP embodied the role of a F1 driver & immersed himself in the culture, hence his enthusiasm for it!! MONICA’S “genius” take, suggested he’s just a shallow “bro” who “unlike most actors, isn’t artsy, and does he feel like an outsider as a result” WHAT!?! 🤯😳🤫She’s legit so unqualified for this gig. Dax must be back on the “sauce”(or just drinking the Monica kool aid) because he complimented Monica on her interviewing skills!!! I don’t get it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Monica, do us all a favor and Just sit quietly when the grown ups are talking 🤐Also hire a real editor… You’re awful at it. Please post if you agree.

Great show. Can James Gunn sue tRump for impersonating Superman??? Seriously. I have some great stories I hope to be on. XOX

Monica is very close minded. Would love to see an open minded co-host.

But OK… let’s not address it. Over this podcast.

The interviews are not terrible. Some of them are actually good. It is like reading people magazine but with a tiny more substance. But beyond the interview it is just boring. The two stars are for the complete alienation beyond the confines of Hollywood gossipy. Not one word on things that actually affect people - unless they are celebrities - or about the awful events happening in the world. Maybe fear of the industry retaliation but it shows cowardice and lack of empathy

With out youuuuuu. Love this podcast and the banter between Dax and Monica. Y’all are great and the guests you have on are so fascinating and span such a wide variety of topics. I would love to hear from another linguist!! 😬🙂 Thanks for all you do.

Been listening to Armchair since the beginning. I love the style of the interview. Hands down the best interviewer I’ve listened to.

Insightful, great officiating.., that tattoo on the arm/shoulder.., though!, why a cherry tree?.., looks like a rash¿., not hating, just saying.., podcast rocks tho

if you love an toxic dude telling you his thoughts on things, this is the pod for you.

I like the idea of being honest and upfront about your opinions. But between worshiping Brad Pitt and refusing to admit that Taylor Swift was mistreated in the dealings with her music…I’m done. I’ve always fast forwarded through the ignorant/annoying parts of this show but it’s simply too ignorant for me now…bye

Y’all, it’s not that deep. It’s a podcast. Don’t listen if you don’t like it? For everyone leaving hateful or unnecessarily critical reviews, please get a life or therapy. Or both. For Dax & Monnie (& Wobby Wob), you’re doing great. Thanks for continuing to put out content that’s enjoyable, vulnerable, funny, controversial, helpful and distracts us from all the madness happening around us. 🍒

I listened to an old podcast where Dax was being interviewed. He called himself a Megalomaniac and he could not be more right. His behavior makes sense now. Also he is addicted to Instagram and the butt kissing comments. Please everyone stop commenting on his Instagram to feed his ego and narcissism.

Her weird side comments are so cringe and distracting. She’s not particularly witty or intelligent so im not sure why we’re being forced to listen to her speak. And her voice is literally nails on a chalkboard, and this is mainly an audio program, but i just can’t elect to have that in my headphones. And im a girl so this isn’t miSOgYny. Get a cohost w actual charm, charisma and intellect and leave Monica on off mic duty.

I just stopped by to remind everyone that I still love Dax and despise Monica! And also I still don’t listen, because I know she’s there 🥴 I stopped listening years ago, but every once in a while I would pop in to check if just by any chance that excruciatingly annoying creature (we all know who) got the boot. Unfortunately, the many negative reviews lead me to believe she’s still there. How your sponsors are not dropping you is mind boggling to me. Anyway, I genuinely enjoy Dax, and did find a lot of the guests/topics interesting, but my sense of self preservation was stronger, so I couldn’t listen anymore.

I listen to the show from the very beginning and listened to every show. When they started allowing Monica to speak and say ridiculous nonsense, I had to quit listening several years ago. I saw Brad Pitt was on so I wanted to listen to it. And I am reminded that I will not be back because Monica is so annoying. Too bad.

Final update: down to a single star. I quit listening for a couple of years because of the terrible editing and the Monica of it all. Returned for the Brad Pitt episode and realize I simply cannot stand Monica, her constant unnecessary interruptions of “wow” and “yeah”. Let Dax do his thing, he’s a great interviewer and perhaps leave her on the cutting room floor. Oh, and she apparently dislikes dogs. What a miserable person she must be. Update again: what’s up with the editing? So choppy. I was following along with Bradley Whitford, yes I’m behind, and all his stories were cut off or mixed one into the other. Fast and snappy is okay, but the quality loss is off the charts. Long time listener and I like the podcast, but I used to like it a whole lot more. Dax is great, the interviews are interesting, and i like Monica, but the fact check, which was once my favorite part of the show, I now fast forward through most of. When Monica starts pushing forward her baby voice and Dax encourages the behavior I just cringe with crawly skin. It’s so unpleasantly intimate that I occasionally wonder if Bell has raised an eyebrow about their relationship. It’s icky sticky and a bit of a turn off. I enjoy the friendship, I don’t enjoy the mutual aural cuddles.

Tried to ignore Monica for the last few years. Today on the fact check (Suleika Jaouad) I had to turn it off. Dax shares the sweetest story about his girls and she was dismissive and barely responded, it was so disheartening. Then her behavior while arguing about Taylor Swift was unbearable. She is such a problem, has been a problem and not someone I can listen to anymore. I’m bummed, love this podcast since day 1, but I can’t support her anymore. Never left an online review on anything, this is my first. I get that she is one half of the podcast, and I don’t think she needs to leave but rather check in with her behavior.

Why did you have him on? He reportedly choked his child.

I LOVE THIS PODCAST. PLEASE DO RYAN. 🧞‍♀️

I have been listening to this show off and on since it first came out. I’ve come back to it recently to discover that there’s a paywall, which is fine, but I’m a little miffed that all the episodes are so rushed, in a time where people really like genuine sit down long form conversation, it blows my mind editing on these episodes is so atrocious. It’s almost like I’ve got a setting on to where there’s no space between the end of a sentence in the beginning of the next sentence and it drives me absolutely bonkers. It ruins listening to the show. And dapple unfortunately doesn’t have a feature where you can slow it down which I’m not even sure that would fix the problem. Just seems like for a podcast to have a pay wall that’s so in your face that they would actually just let the conversation be genuine and take its time. Otherwise it’s a perfect podcast. Top five for sure.

Dax has a very good interview style and his voice is fantastic. His co-host has a very whiny voice and that makes many episodes impossible to listen to.

Thank you Dax and Team for having this beautiful human and having him speak so much🥰♥️🙏🏻

Have been a fan of Dax forever. Like the show, but whoever is doing the editing should be fired. It makes the entire show sound unnatural and makes you wonder what was cut. It’s very distracting. Fix that and it’s a better show.

Very cool episode, guest was great. I also enjoyed the exercise done about having a court case in your mind and being the judge, jury, and ultimately handing down a sentencing. I actually used this exercise for my management team and we all thought it was really valuable.

Monica, thank you for bringing a strong voice to these interviews. I have four dogs. You do NOT have to love dogs. Although many people love their pets, there are many dogs and owners that have not undergone proper training and have zero boundaries. People need to relax, some of these reviews are ridiculous. As for the podcast as a whole, I don’t think I would, or could, listen without Monica. I enjoy Dax but the reason this podcast works is because of the debate, diverse opinions, and varied perspectives. I will continue listening as long as the episodes keep coming! Thank you, Monica. I truly appreciate what you do!!

Monica’s editing is horrendous, she cuts out all of the pauses that make a conversation feel naturally rhythmic. She also hates dogs which is unacceptable. She adds so little to the podcast and I won’t be listening if she’s involved.

If Dax spoke about women the way that Monica speaks about men, his career would have ended years ago. I’ve been listening since the beginning, but I took a long break because I didn’t like how Monica always found a way to insert her negative views on men. I started trying to get back into it lately, especially with the Armchair Anonymous episodes, but it’s actually insane the hoops that Monica continues to jump through to assume the worst in men she has literally never met. She is the queen of shoehorning man hate into the most unrelated topics. You don’t have to take my word for it, just sample a few Armchair Anonymous episodes at random and you will see what I mean. I’d never let my son listen to this. Bummer because I enjoy Dax.

Loved this podcast mostly for Dax, but now I realize why I never like Monica, she hates dogs.

If you hate dogs- stay away from them… it’s not that difficult.

This is the first time I’ve watched this podcast (because Brad Pitt was on it) then after he left I continued to listen and find out the cohost is a dog hater. I’ll never listen again

Before I get into my problem with this show I want to start off by giving it some love: Dax, you are so articulate, engaging, and funny. I think the world needs more Dax’s’ even though you’re laugh sometimes hurts my brain. Armchair Anonymous is OUTSTANDING and the interviews are also usually good. Now, here are my negatives. Sorry my SINGLE negative. Monica. I agree with what other ppl have said about her and more; entitled, rude, and demonstrates she really is unaware of everything that is going on in the world rn. She shows no signs of intelligence, and adds little value to conversations. There are so many ways to cut her out of the podcast, because clearly she has so little maturity that I don’t think she can hear the feedback. It frustrates me how much potential this show has without Monica, and how my experience with this show has been ruined by her. And trust me, my issue isn’t your liberal ideas (I’m fine with that) it’s just YOU as a person. I’m sorry, I don’t want to be publicly mean, but this is the truth. If you can’t deal with it, well then go sit in a corner and cry.

So disappointing that Dax would choose to glorify and give a pedestal to a known abuser.

Coming on here to make a small edit to my previous glowing review of this pod. I’ve been listening since the very beginning and still stand by Dax being #1 podcaster/interviewer. The one thing that’s been bugging me lately is that the interviews have been cut down for time significantly and the fact checks (which is really just like being a fly on the wall for M and D catching up)seem to get longer and longer. The best parts of the episodes are the interviews and I don’t feel we’re devoting the same time and attention to early years like we used to. I’m sure there’s a reason, but I figured I’d put it out there that I miss this part greatly. Sam Rockwell interview was just too short.

The guests are great but the poor editing makes it almost unlistenable. Monica’s fact checking just serves to confirm she is not very smart. It makes me uncomfortable with second hand embarrassment for her.

They lost me when a handful of times they stated that child trafficking isn’t happening enough for it to be as talked about as it is on the right. Not a political issue…it’s a human issue that should be getting attention no matter the scale so it can be stopped…

Why sooooo harsh??? ... because she's female? Because you want to tear her down mentally, emotionally? Why? Monica, continue being a confident and continually evolving human being. Only give weight to "constructive" criticism. NEVER! embrace the harsh declarations of mean-spirited individuals!

For the love of everything holy, stop overediting this podcast and taking out any and every pause. It’s bad. I’m not sure why it’s being done, but it’s pretty obvious once you hear it.

She is lovely, relatable, the administrator behind it all. Just been watching for five years. Great content… amazing chemistry, Dax is so vulnerable and authentic… they are the best duo in the podcast world.