This episode of Rick Glassman's podcast, "Take Your Shoes Off," features a long-form, candid conversation with fellow podcaster and actor Dax Shepard. They explore a range of personal and professional topics, beginning with Rick's recent move, which was prompted by a stressful lawsuit against his landlord over disruptive construction. A central theme is their differing psychological approaches to conflict and self-perception, highlighted by Dax's past identity as a "protector" versus Rick's more calculated response to a real-world incident in Rome. The conversation delves into the creative process, touching on artistic insecurity, career philosophy, and the dynamics of podcasting. Dax provides insight into the pros and cons of having a co-host like Monica Padman and explains the strategic motivations behind his exclusive Spotify deal, emphasizing team security and stability over pure financial gain. The discussion is framed by humorous anecdotes, personal vulnerabilities, and reflections on navigating fame and the entertainment industry.
A Conversation on Podcasting, Psychology, and Creative Philosophy with Dax Shepard
0:03:35 – Why Rick Moved Apartments: Rick reveals he moved due to prolonged, disruptive construction noise from his landlord's son's unit above him. The situation became so untenable that it resulted in a lawsuit and a settlement, with the stress exacerbating his TMJ jaw pain.
0:11:50 – The Value of Competence: Dax discusses his deep admiration for "competence" in people, citing his wife Kristen Bell and their daughter as examples. He values the ability to solve problems independently and sees it as a key trait he's attracted to in others.
0:19:17 – Performance Anxiety and Watching Comedy: Dax admits he dislikes watching live stand-up comedy because, as a performer, he experiences intense "mirror neuron" anxiety, feeling the comedian's potential to fail and finding the experience emotionally draining rather than entertaining.
0:27:40 – The "Protector" Narrative vs. Calculated Response: A major theme is their differing approaches to conflict. Dax reflects on his past identity as a "protector," which he now recognizes sometimes led him to unnecessarily escalate situations. Rick contrasts this by recounting a time a man grabbed his girlfriend's butt in Rome; Rick chose not to pursue the man, deciding the "juice wasn't worth the squeeze," a decision Dax admits he would not have made.
0:43:05 – Creative Insecurity and Bo Burnham: Rick explains he avoids watching certain artists like Bo Burnham whose work is stylistically similar to his own, as it can stifle his creativity and make him feel defeated. This leads to a discussion praising Burnham's special "Inside" for its vulnerability and social commentary.
0:51:52 – Career Philosophy: "Don't Raise Your Hand": Rick recalls a key piece of advice from Dax: focus on doing your job well and being likable without constantly "raising your hand" to ask for more. Dax elaborates that true confidence comes from trusting that your talent will eventually be recognized without having to force it.
1:05:06 – The Pros and Cons of a Co-Host: Rick asks about the dynamics of co-hosting with Monica Padman. Dax explains that while it adds the stress of ensuring her fulfillment, she provides an essential counter-perspective (female, person of color), creates a safe space for sensitive topics, and makes success more rewarding to share.
2:08:13 – The Spotify Deal Explained: Dax discusses his move to Spotify. He reveals the decision was less about the immediate financial gain (as his podcast was already very successful) and more about securing long-term safety and stability for his entire team in a volatile and increasingly competitive industry.
2:34:17 – Live Show Challenges: They talk about the logistics of live podcasting, with Dax noting that the biggest stressor is securing guests in different cities and the unpredictability that comes with their availability and travel.
2:43:35 – A Gift for Dax: The podcast concludes with Rick giving Dax a gift: a framed and autographed nude photo of Dax's wife, Kristen Bell, with the inscription, "Dear Rick, you have the best buns in the business."