Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Episode: Adam Scott Returns Release Date: January 20, 2025

In the latest episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard welcomes his longtime friend and esteemed actor, Adam Scott. Joined by Monica Padman, Dax delves deep into Adam's experiences, career milestones, and personal reflections, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the actor's journey both on and off the screen.

Adam Scott's Return and Career Highlights

The episode kicks off with Dax expressing excitement over Adam's return to the podcast, marking his seventh appearance. They reminisce about Adam's past roles and his impact on various hit shows and movies.

• Dax Shepard [00:39]: "Big Time Parks and Recreation, Step Brothers, Big Little Lies, Party Down the Good Place. And alas, arguably the greatest show on television, which returns to Apple TV plus on the 17th. Severance."

Adam highlights Severance as his most spectacular project to date, praising its depth and the collaborative process with creators Dan and Ben.

The "Severance" Show and Its Themes

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Adam's role in Severance and the unique circumstances during its production.

• Adam Scott [43:15]: "I sort of just decided, I'm gonna figure this out. But the show is about grief."

Adam shares how his personal loss, the passing of his mother, intertwined with his character's journey in Severance, allowing him to process his grief through his work.

• Dax Shepard [45:02]: "So then the memorial gets kicked all the way to December or something."

The discussion highlights the show's exploration of isolation, grief, and the quest for understanding oneself amidst personal turmoil.

Personal Reflections and Grief

Adam opens up about his struggles with grief, detailing how the pandemic and his mother's death influenced his portrayal of his character in Severance.

• Adam Scott [44:01]: "I needed to find a way towards grieving and defining what this is and what happened. And I really did it through the show."

Dax relates by sharing his own experiences with loss, emphasizing the profound impact parental relationships have on one's identity.

• Dax Shepard [48:02]: "They're one of your most tethered relationships."

Annual Trip with Jimmy Kimmel

Transitioning to lighter topics, Dax and Adam discuss their cherished annual trip hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

• Dax Shepard [24:32]: "Dinner every night... probably 40 people."

This gathering is depicted as a highlight of their year, filled with fascinating conversations and the camaraderie of a diverse group of friends.

Overused Words in Pop Culture

Monica introduces a segment on the overuse of certain trendy words in today's vernacular, sparking a spirited debate among the trio.

• Adam Scott [07:00]: "Atelier, which I learned this from Monica. This is like a small, bespoke, handcrafted luxury item."

They critique terms like "artisanal" and "atelier," arguing that their excessive use can come across as pretentious or snobbish.

Filming "Severance" During the Pandemic

The conversation shifts to the challenges faced while filming Severance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Adam Scott [42:08]: "Then we flew home and then everything happened. So we didn't start shooting till October..."

Adam recounts the stringent safety protocols on set, including mask mandates and isolation measures, which inadvertently fed into the show's themes of separation and introspection.

Future Projects and Collaboration

As the episode nears its conclusion, Dax and Adam express their admiration for Adam's dedication to his craft and discuss potential future collaborations.

• Dax Shepard [71:23]: "They're both beautiful. The way they play it is just impossibly perfect."

They reflect on the synergy between Adam's past projects and his current work, underscoring the actor's versatility and commitment to storytelling.

Closing Thoughts

In their final moments together, the trio shares heartfelt acknowledgments and anticipates the release of Severance's new season.

• Dax Shepard [76:30]: "Watch Severance. It comes out on Apple TV on January 17th and the podcast comes out on January 7th."

Adam expresses gratitude for the platform Armchair Expert provides, allowing him to share personal narratives and connect with listeners on a deeper level.

Notable Quotes

• Adam Scott [07:00]: "Atelier, which I learned this from Monica. This is like a small, bespoke, handcrafted luxury item."

• Dax Shepard [44:01]: "I needed to find a way towards grieving and defining what this is and what happened. And I really did it through the show."

• Adam Scott [42:08]: "Then we flew home and then everything happened. So we didn't start shooting till October..."

• Dax Shepard [76:30]: "Watch Severance. It comes out on Apple TV on January 17th and the podcast comes out on January 7th."

Conclusion

The episode masterfully balances professional insights with personal vulnerabilities, offering a comprehensive look into Adam Scott's life and career. Through candid discussions and shared experiences, Dax, Monica, and Adam create an engaging narrative that resonates with both fans of the actor and listeners seeking authentic storytelling.