Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Episode Summary – "Josh Gad Returns"

In the January 27, 2025 episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard welcomes back the multifaceted actor, comedian, and author Josh Gad. Joined by co-host Monica Padman, the conversation delves deep into Josh's personal journey, professional challenges, and profound insights on growth amidst adversity.

1. Welcoming Josh Gad Back

The episode kicks off with Dax and Monica expressing their enthusiasm for Josh Gad's return, highlighting his previous appearances during the Christmas season and praising his performances in productions like Book of Mormon and Gutenberg the Musical. Dax introduces Josh's memoir, In Gad We Trust, setting the stage for an intimate and candid discussion.

2. Navigating Personal Turmoil Amidst LA Fires

As the conversation unfolds, Dax and Monica address the ongoing Los Angeles fires, a backdrop that adds urgency and emotional weight to the episode. Josh Gad shares his heartfelt response to the disaster, emphasizing the community's resilience and the heroic efforts of firefighters.

Josh Gad ([06:19]): "My heart breaks for every single person who has lost their home right now. It is unthinkable what's happening. Entire zip codes are gone."

He further applauds the bravery and camaraderie displayed by the SoCal community, describing firefighters as "real-life superheroes."

Josh Gad ([07:56]): "I've never seen such fucking superheroes in real life as these guys who are risking it all without giving a flying fuck about fires two inches away from them."

3. A Glimpse into Josh Gad's Childhood and Relationship with His Father

Josh opens up about his strained relationship with his father, detailing his father's nomadic lifestyle, struggles in the emerald business, and eventual absence from his life. He recounts a poignant moment when his father attended one of his performances after two decades of separation.

Josh Gad ([42:22]): "And I could tell he understood none of the jokes in the show and just saw everyone laughing and started laughing with him."

This emotional reunion serves as a catalyst for Josh's reflections on forgiveness, love, and the complexities of familial bonds.

4. Overcoming Professional Challenges in Acting

Josh narrates his tumultuous journey in the acting world, from his auditions at Juilliard and Carnegie Mellon to his breakthrough role in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He candidly discusses the setbacks, including harsh criticisms and feelings of inadequacy, which he overcame through resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Josh Gad ([73:21]): "And I figured I had two options. I could either break the ice or projectile vomit on you and your colleagues."

His story underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.

5. Embracing Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms

The dialogue shifts to mental health, where Josh shares his struggles with anxiety, depression, and body image issues. He emphasizes the therapeutic role of comedy in his healing process, inspired by his grandparents' experiences during the Holocaust.

Josh Gad ([20:00]): "That's how I process grief, too. It's therapeutic, and it's not appropriate for everyone, but it is how I'm wired."

Dax and Monica explore the nuances of coping mechanisms, societal pressures, and the stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for open conversations and self-compassion.

6. Reflections on Identity and Personal Growth

Both hosts reflect on their personal growth, discussing how past traumas and challenges have shaped their identities. Josh highlights the impact of early experiences on his career choices and relationships, while Dax shares his journey toward authenticity beyond toxic masculinity.

Dax Shepard ([11:43]): "I think my soul and heart always wanted to be NPR, but I grew up in an area where toxic masculinity was the currency. I didn't have a dad, and I was doing all the things."

Their honest exchange fosters a deeper understanding of the human experience, aligning with the podcast's mission to explore vulnerability and growth.

7. Discussing Josh Gad's Literary Ventures

Josh talks about his recent foray into children's literature with his book Picture Face Lizzie. He describes it as a narrative addressing the pressures children face in the age of social media, promoting self-identity and healthy relationships with technology.

Josh Gad ([65:11]): "She becomes absolutely consumed. But over the course of the book, she starts to miss the little things she used to do... she starts to balance having this thing and doing these analog things."

The hosts commend Josh's ability to intertwine personal experiences with creative storytelling, offering valuable lessons for both children and parents.

8. Concluding Thoughts and Mutual Appreciation

As the episode nears its end, Dax and Monica express their admiration for Josh's honesty and resilience. They engage in light-hearted banter, reminiscing about their shared moments and appreciating the deepened friendship forged through such candid conversations.

Dax Shepard ([95:21]): "But Josh, really quick. This is why I'm saying it's a blessing that happened to you then, because I've brought this up many times on here."

Josh reciprocates the sentiment, acknowledging the therapeutic nature of the interview amidst ongoing personal and societal challenges.

Conclusion

This episode of Armchair Expert masterfully balances humor with profound introspection, offering listeners an authentic glimpse into Josh Gad's life. Through discussions on personal trauma, professional struggles, and mental health, the episode embodies the podcast's celebration of human vulnerability and growth.

Notable Quotes

• Josh Gad ([06:19]): "My heart breaks for every single person who has lost their home right now..."
• Josh Gad ([07:56]): "I've never seen such fucking superheroes in real life as these guys..."
• Josh Gad ([20:00]): "That's how I process grief, too..."
• Dax Shepard ([11:43]): "I think my soul and heart always wanted to be NPR..."
• Josh Gad ([73:21]): "I could either break the ice or projectile vomit on you..."
• Josh Gad ([65:11]): "She becomes absolutely consumed. But over the course of the book, she starts to miss the little things..."
• Dax Shepard ([95:21]): "But Josh, really quick. This is why I'm saying it's a blessing that happened to you then..."

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content of the conversation, omitting advertisements, intros, outros, and unrelated segments to provide a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the episode.