Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard – Episode: David Sedaris #5
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Dax Shepard with Monica Padman
Guest: David Sedaris
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, hosts Dax Shepard and Monica Padman sit down with acclaimed humorist and essayist David Sedaris. Known for his sharp wit and candid storytelling, Sedaris shares a plethora of amusing and thought-provoking anecdotes from his extensive travels, personal experiences, and reflections on art, identity, and societal norms.
Travel Tales and Cultural Observations
David Sedaris kicks off the conversation by delving into his experiences on the road, particularly during his 40-city tour across the United States. From Burlington, Vermont, to Dallas and Nashville, Sedaris recounts humorous encounters and cultural peculiarities encountered along the way.
Notable Quotes:
- Sedaris [01:12]: “Corduroy and denim. He is on a 40-city tour across the United States starting March 30th till May 19th… I really do recommend you go see him live. There's really nothing like it.”
- Sedaris [07:10]: “Picasso was an asshole. And when you stand before him, his paintings, he's a genius. You don't know.”
Interpersonal Conflicts in Confined Spaces
A significant portion of the episode revolves around Sedaris’s experiences aboard airplanes, where his interactions with other passengers sometimes escalate into comical confrontations. From disputes over baggage placement to navigating strict flight attendant protocols, Sedaris illustrates the often absurd dynamics of air travel.
Notable Quotes:
- Sedaris [04:24]: “Hugh doesn't want postcards. He doesn't want me to text him. He wants letters with stamps on them.”
- Sedaris [16:46]: “I just had a knapsack and I had something else under my seat and I had my knapsack in the other headband. So he puts his bag in there, pounding on it. It won't go in all the way because my knapsack. Yeah."
Art, Morality, and the Creator's Legacy
The discussion shifts to Sedaris’s views on art and the moral complexities of separating an artist from their work. Reflecting on artists like Picasso and comparing them to figures like Einstein, Sedaris explores how society grapples with appreciating artistic genius while acknowledging personal flaws or unethical behaviors.
Notable Quotes:
- Dax Shepard [08:27]: “...if you enjoy the image, I don't understand the difference between a nice print in the original work of art unless you're collecting it for an investment money.”
- Sedaris [09:07]: “You can't deny his skill. You can't deny his power as a writer.”
Meeting the Pope: A Unique Encounter
Sedaris recounts a memorable experience of being invited to meet the Pope. He describes the surreal nature of the encounter, the mixed emotions he felt, and the candid conversation that followed. This anecdote highlights Sedaris's ability to find humor and humanity in unexpected situations.
Notable Quotes:
- Sedaris [36:05]: “...you're invited to meet the pope. And I was in England, so it was an easy flight. So anyway, I thought, I'm not a Catholic, and I honestly don't care about the Pope, but I thought, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'd be dumb not to do it.”
- Dax Shepard [36:16]: “...the Pope wanted to meet with humorists and comedians from around the world...”
Identity, Buddhism, and Personal Growth
Towards the latter part of the episode, the conversation delves into deeper philosophical territory. Sedaris and the hosts discuss concepts of identity, the influence of Buddhism on personal well-being, and the challenges of reconciling one's constructed identity with intrinsic values and beliefs.
Notable Quotes:
- Monica Padman [112:07]: “...it's all done. It's so ironic because Mike White says, you know, identity. What Buddhists believe identity is suffering.”
- Dax Shepard [113:40]: “I'm just saying, I think if you did all that and you pursued all that, you would get to a point where, like, I could have done all this and not changed anything.”
Humorous Anecdotes on Body Image and Daily Life
Sedaris shares a series of light-hearted and sometimes risqué stories about body image, personal habits, and the quirks of daily life. From mishaps with clothing in public to amusing observations about societal expectations, these anecdotes showcase Sedaris's unique comedic perspective.
Notable Quotes:
- Sedaris [29:42]: “I don't do it in front of the mirror. I still can't look at my teeth. I had to go to the dentist the other day.”
- Dax Shepard [60:32]: “I was at the airport a few weeks ago and my friend said, oh, look at that man. He looks so good in his seersucker suit. And he was like in his 70s. And I fell in behind him later and he had completely shit in his pants.”
Conclusion
The episode concludes with heartfelt praise from Dax Shepard and Monica Padman for David Sedaris, emphasizing the joy and authenticity he brings to his live readings and written work. Sedaris reflects on the importance of portraying loved ones with their flaws to present a more genuine and relatable narrative.
Notable Quotes:
- Dax Shepard [115:03]: “But you're going to 40 cities, and I think people would be shocked how close you'll probably be to where they live. It's not like you're just in major cities...”
- Sedaris [73:00]: “If you can include somebody's weaknesses in something that you write. I wrote something recently. When we were kids, we'd have dinner together and my father...”
David Sedaris's episode on Armchair Expert offers listeners a rich tapestry of humor, introspection, and candid storytelling. From navigating the absurdities of travel to contemplating deeper philosophical questions, Sedaris exemplifies the messy, human experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Sedaris [07:10]: “Picasso was an asshole. And when you stand before him, his paintings, he's a genius. You don't know.”
- Sedaris [36:05]: “...you're invited to meet the pope. And I was in England, so it was an easy flight...”
- Sedaris [112:07]: “...it's all done. It's so ironic because Mike White says, you know, identity. What Buddhists believe identity is suffering.”
- Sedaris [29:42]: “I don't do it in front of the mirror. I still can't look at my teeth...”
- Dax Shepard [07:10]: “...if you enjoy the image, I don't understand the difference between a nice print in the original work of art unless you're collecting it for an investment...”
This episode is a must-listen for fans of David Sedaris and those seeking a blend of humor and insightful conversation on the complexities of human nature.