Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Armchair Anonymous - Wild Card VII

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Introduction to Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII

In this riveting episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, titled "Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII," host Dax Shepard, alongside co-host Monica Padman and guest Buck Rogers, delve into a series of intense and life-altering personal stories. This installment features three compelling narratives from guests Taylor, Brennan, and Elizabeth, each sharing their unique experiences of adversity and resilience.

1. Taylor's Battle with Necrotizing Fasciitis

Taylor begins by recounting a harrowing experience that began with a seemingly minor accident but escalated into a life-threatening situation.

• The Incident:
  [00:38 - 07:35]
  On March 7, 2012, while cleaning her stove, Taylor cut her thumb on a burner, leading to severe swelling and intense pain by Monday morning. After visiting the doctor, she received two shots: a TDAP and a flu vaccine. That night, Taylor felt unwell, and by the next morning, her arm was drastically swollen with red spots.

  Taylor (07:35): "I was in the hospital for 10 days because of my symptom and my fever."

• Diagnosis and Treatment:
  [08:25 - 13:24]
  Misdiagnosis initially suggested an allergic reaction, but subsequent MRI results revealed she had necrotizing fasciitis, a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection. Taylor underwent intense medical procedures, including the removal of infected tissue and the use of a wound vacuum device to aid healing.

  Dax Shepard (08:38): "Necrotizing fasciitis? That's terrifying."

• Recovery and Reflection:
  [14:05 - 15:13]
  Taylor spent over three months in recovery, grappling with physical pain and emotional trauma. Despite the severity of her condition, she maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing personal growth and strengthened relationships.

  Taylor (13:44): "It really makes you change your perspective on life."

• Insights and Conclusion:
  Taylor's story underscores the unpredictability of life and the importance of resilience. Her ability to find positivity amidst adversity serves as an inspiring testament to human strength.

  Monica Padman (14:16): "Jesus, this is horrifying."

2. Brennan's Chaotic Honeymoon Rafting Adventure

Brennan shares a tumultuous honeymoon experience that combined adventure with unexpected dangers.

• Rafting Disaster:
  [15:24 - 23:05]
  In June 2014, Brennan and his wife embarked on a whitewater rafting trip in Montana's Yellowstone River. Amidst high waters and challenging rapids, their raft flipped, leading to a frantic struggle in the turbulent waters. Brennan describes the chaos as his friend Billy panicked, pushing him underwater and endangering their safety.

  Brennan (21:04): "So all five of us were in the water at this point. The raft's upside down and luckily we had fallen in close enough to the raft where we could grab hold of it."

• Bear Encounter and Rescue:
  [24:21 - 29:22]
  After escaping the immediate danger of the rafting accident, Brennan and his wife faced another peril when they encountered brown bears during a subsequent hiking trip. This compounded the trauma of the rafting incident, making their honeymoon an unforgettable ordeal.

  Dax Shepard (28:26): "How are you going to tell your brother I lost his son out on this river?"

• Impact on Relationships:
  [29:38 - 30:06]
  Despite the chaos, Brennan reflects on how these experiences tested and ultimately strengthened his relationship with his wife. Their shared adversity highlighted the importance of support and understanding in facing life's unexpected challenges.

  Brennan (30:10): "We're happily married, so. Thanks for letting us tell our story, guys."

• Insights and Conclusion:
  Brennan's story emphasizes the unpredictability of adventures and the profound impact such experiences can have on personal relationships. It serves as a reminder of the thin line between exhilaration and danger.

  Dax Shepard (30:16): "Honeymoon in hell."

3. Elizabeth's Near-Death Experience in a Mining Accident

Elizabeth narrates a life-threatening incident that occurred when she was unexpectedly buried alive during a summer job at a sapphire mine.

• The Accident:
  [42:11 - 50:56]
  On August 29, 2001, Elizabeth was working at the Sapphire Mine in Phillipsburg, Montana. During her last day, a massive trench wall collapsed, burying her under two to three tons of dirt. Trapped and facing severe injuries, Elizabeth describes her near-death experience as a profound conversation with the universe, where she consciously chose to live.

  Elizabeth (43:50): "I have all the time in the world to decide whether I want to live or die."

• Rescue and Medical Treatment:
  [46:52 - 50:06]
  Rescuers arrived after approximately an hour, initiating an intense rescue operation despite the lack of immediate communication tools. Elizabeth was airlifted to a trauma center, where she underwent critical medical procedures, including emergency chest tubes and multiple blood transfusions. The severity of her injuries was astounding, with extensive fractures and internal damage.

  Elizabeth (50:06): "I was told I would never ski again. I walked at six weeks. I skied at Christmas."

• Recovery and Life After the Accident:
  [50:08 - 52:12]
  Miraculously, Elizabeth began walking again within six weeks and returned to skiing by Christmas of the same year. Her ordeal redirected her career path, leading her to social work and specializing in religious trauma therapy. Remarkably, she reports no lingering PTSD from the incident, viewing her experience as a story of survival rather than a traumatic event.

  Elizabeth (52:12): "I've never had any nightmares. There's been no PTSD about that. It's my story. I wouldn't change it."

• Insights and Conclusion:
  Elizabeth's near-death experience highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of trauma. Her journey from a life-threatening accident to a fulfilling career in therapy underscores the transformative power of adversity.

  Monica Padman (51:46): "What a story."

Final Thoughts and Reflections

Throughout Wild Card VII, Dax Shepard and Monica Padman guide listeners through narratives of extreme adversity, showcasing the strength and resilience inherent in the human condition. Each story—whether battling a lethal infection, surviving a chaotic adventure, or emerging from a near-fatal accident—illustrates the profound ways individuals navigate and grow from their most challenging moments.

Dax Shepard (53:00): "Life is a box of chocolates, as Forrest Gump said. I'm glad you're safe. I have a lot of gratitude for our safety."

The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of life and the incredible capacity for recovery and personal growth following significant trials.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Taylor on Her Diagnosis:
  [08:44]
  "It's flesh eating bacteria."

• Brennan on the Raft Flip:
  [17:37]
  "The boat did a wheelie. It went straight out."

• Elizabeth on Her Near-Death Experience:
  [44:18]
  "I am not my body. I am immediately just in the universe having a conversation."

• Monica on Elizabeth's Story:
  [51:46]
  "What a story."

• Dax on Resilience:
  [53:00]
  "Life is a box of chocolates... I'm glad you're safe."

Conclusion

"Armchair Anonymous: Wild Card VII" delivers an emotionally charged exploration of human resilience through the harrowing yet inspiring stories of Taylor, Brennan, and Elizabeth. Their experiences not only offer gripping narratives but also valuable insights into overcoming life's most daunting challenges.

For more episodes of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, follow the podcast on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.