The Intimate Animal
Justin R. Garcia PhD
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
Book Recommendations
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate,...
Episodes
846
Books
630
Recently mentioned
Latest Recommendations
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female by Alfred C Kinsey (1998-05-01)
Alfred C. Kinsey
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female
Alfred C. Kinsey
Mentioned 5 months ago
Justin Garcia (on the science of sex)
The Spider and the Fly
Claudia Rowe
Mentioned 5 months ago
Claudia Rowe (on the foster care system)
Empire of Orgasm
Ellen Huet
Mentioned 5 months ago
Ellen Huet (on wellness cults)
The 4-Hour Body
Timothy Ferriss
Mentioned 5 months ago
Ellen Huet (on wellness cults)
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Mentioned 5 months ago
Marcello Hernández
Maeve and Charlie Meet the Neighbors
Joseph Lopez
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
The Neverending Story
Michael Ende
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
Guinness World Records 2026
Guinness World Records
Mentioned 6 months ago
Elizabeth Smart
The Wright Brothers
David McCullough
Mentioned 6 months ago
David McWilliams (on the history of money)
The History of Money
David McWilliams
Mentioned 6 months ago
David McWilliams (on the history of money)
Most Recommended
The Devil in the White City
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
The book was highlighted as a compelling, page‑turning narrative that immersed listeners in the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a chilling serial‑killer story. Hosts and guests repeatedly praised its vivid portraits and called it a fan favorite, expressing excitement about rereading it. One episode mistakenly described it as covering the lead‑up to the Civil War, but the overall tone was enthusiastic endorsement.
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Episode: Lupita Nyong'o
The book Devil in the White City was referenced as a great work about the leadup to the Civil War written by Erik Larson.
"
He wrote Devil in the White City and he wrote this great book that's about the lead up to the Civil War and he does portraits of all these different people that were slave owners and in politics.
Episode: Erik Larson (historical author)
It was praised as a pageturner that immerses readers in the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial killer story. The host and guest both expressed excitement about rereading it.
"
The Devil in the White City, tasty.
I couldn't have read the boring book about the world's fair and then looked at the footnotes and then read five more books.
Episode: Erik Larson (historical author)
Larson's bestselling narrative about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair was highlighted as a fan favorite and a major influence on listeners. It was praised for its pageturning quality.
"
He wrote The Splendid in the Vial, Dead Wake in the Garden of Beasts, Thunderstruck, and of course, The Devil in the White City.
I read The Devil in the White City and was, well, a lot of things completely blown away with it. Couldn't stop reading it. It's such a page turner.
Moby Dick (Chartwell Classics)
The hosts highlighted the book as a standout classic, with one guest noting that none of the movies he had seen ever compared to it and recalling reading it years earlier. Another speaker expressed love for the story, acknowledging it was based on a book. The overall tone suggested strong endorsement of the title.
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Episode: Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman said that none of the movies he had seen compared to Moby Dick and that he had read the novel some time ago.
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All the things I'd seen him in, nothing ever came up to Moby Dick.
I read Moby Dick some time ago.
Episode: Kathryn Hahn Returns
The speaker said they loveDick, noting that it was based on a book.
"
I love Dick, based on a book.
Episode: Kevin Costner
The guest referred to the lead character in Moby Dick when discussing a historical reference.
"
Because he's referring to the lead character in Moby Dick.
Dopamine Nation
Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
The book was cited by Carter Sherman as the source of the data underpinning their discussion on the sex recession, and Doctor Mike later praised it as an enjoyable and informative read about dopamine's role. Both hosts highlighted its insightful analysis of dopamine and modern indulgence. The consensus was that it offered valuable perspective for listeners.
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Episode: Carter Sherman (on the sex recession)
The same segment also mentioned Anna Lembke's Dopamine Nation as a source of the data they were discussing.
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This does actually make sense because I think we have this idea that ... This is an unfortunate bit of data I read in I think the Molecule of More or Dopamine Nation by Anna Lemke.
Episode: Doctor Mike
They referenced the book as a good read about dopamine and its effects, expressing that it was enjoyable and informative.
"
Did you read Dopamine Nation by Anolemki? Oh, God. It was good. I think you would really like it.
I read Dopamine Nation and thought it was really good. It gave a lot of insight into dopamine's role.
Episode: Chris Pine
One participant asked the other if they had read the book, indicating it's a known title about psychology and addiction.
"
Did you read Dopamine Nation by chance? It sounds like you really have knowledge of that.
The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)
The title was briefly listed in a holiday gift guide, recalled during a nostalgic comment about a previous episode where a guest quickly dressed as a hobbit, and noted while discussing New Zealand airport artwork filled with related references. No detailed analysis or recommendation was offered, and the hosts simply mentioned it in passing.
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Episode: Toto Wolff (team principal of Mercedes F1 team)
It was referenced among the titles of books in the holiday gift guide segment.
"
Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings.
Lord of the Rings.
Episode: Flightless Bird: Renaissance Faire
The host recalled that during a previous Lord of the Rings episode, Calvin quickly dressed up as a hobbit.
"
I'm just thinking when we did the Lord of the Rings episode, you were very quick to dress up as a hobbit.
Episode: Flightless Bird: Airports
They mentioned the NewZealand airport art as being full of Lord of the Rings references.
"
New Zealand, which is just full of Lord of the Ring stuff.
The Time Traveler's Wife
During an episode filmed on their India trip, the hosts talked about reading the title, describing it as a steamy yet deeply sad novel that left a strong emotional impact. They expressed personal affection for the book but did not present a formal recommendation.
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Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Unexpected Orgasm II
They mentioned reading the novel on their India trip, calling it a steamy yet very sad book that got them excited.
"
I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife, which turns out was a very steamy novel. Isn't it like really sad? You can like hardly be contained, Betsy. I love this. You're about to explode on the family vacation. I feel like that book is extremely sad.
Is it? And sexy? I don't remember the sexy part. Maybe her kink is like being really depressed. I feel like I need to revisit this book because I also remember being very sad now as an adult.
Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Unexpected Orgasm II
The book was mentioned as a steamy but sad novel the speaker was reading while on a trip in India, noting it made them feel extremely emotional and aroused.
"
I'm reading The Time Traveler's Wife, which turns out was a very steamy novel... I love this. You're about to explode on the family vacation. I feel like that book is extremely sad.
Episode: Toto Wolff (team principal of Mercedes F1 team)
It was mentioned as a book featured in the host's gift guide for the holiday season.
"
The Time Traveler's Wife.
The Time Traveler's Wife.
The Time Traveler's Wife.
The Time Traveler's Wife.
The Time Traveler's Wife.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
50th Anniversary Edition
The title was brought up twice as guests reminisced about seeing the movie adaptation during their childhood and feeling a personal connection to its story. No substantive discussion of the book itself was offered, so it was mentioned only in passing.
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Episode: Best of Monday 2024
The guest recalled it as his favorite movie from childhood, saying he identified with the story and thought it reflected his own life.
"
My favorite movie, as I saw as a kid, because I thought that was me, was One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Episode: Vince Vaughn
They referenced One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest as a film they watched as kids, noting its impact on them.
"
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Cuckoo's Nest.
Episode: Eric Dane
They mentioned the character Nurse Ratched from the novel OneFlewOvertheCuckoo'sNest.
"
Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
Jurassic Park
A Novel
The book was referenced as one of Michael Crichton's well‑known works during a discussion of his legacy, with James Patterson noting its place among Crichton's notable titles. In a later episode, the host used the title as an example of a film that sparked public excitement about dinosaurs. The mentions highlighted its cultural impact rather than providing a detailed endorsement.
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Episode: James Patterson
It was mentioned as one of Crichton's famous works during the discussion of his legacy.
"
Michael did Jurassic Park and Westworld and ER and all that stuff paid died 1314 years ago
Episode: James Patterson
Crichton's famous novel was referenced while discussing his body of work.
"
He did Jurassic Park
Episode: Flightless Bird: Storm Chasers
The host mentioned Jurassic Park as an example of a film that inspired excitement, noting that people watch it and become thrilled about dinosaurs.
"
It's like people watch Jurassic Park and get excited about dinosaurs.
The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC)
The book was highlighted as a ubiquitous read among architecture students, with Dax noting its appeal to young men in college. Brad Pitt mentioned that he had not read it until he learned that Dax liked the title, prompting him to pick it up and experience its impact. Both hosts conveyed enthusiasm, treating it as a must‑read for its compelling ideas.
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Episode: Timothy Olyphant
It was noted that everyone at the architecture school was reading The Fountainhead all day, implying its popularity among the students.
"
Everyone's reading The Fountainhead all day. Read that in college. How could you not? It's so appealing when you're a young man.
Episode: Brad Pitt
They said they had not read it before but recalled an interview that claimed he liked the book and later read it, noting its impact on him.
"
I hadn't read Fountainhead already? I read some interview with you. I swore it said you like Fountainhead. I think I did then.
Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Cautionary Tale
The hosts recalled reading the novel in eighth grade and being obsessed with its protagonist, but later recognized its narcissistic and toxic philosophy.
"
I read it when I was in the eighth grade when I was a little kid. I was obsessed with it.
Then it kind of came out later that it's just this kind of narcissism and there's all this toxic philosophy in it.
All the Worst Humans
How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons, and Politicians
He talked about his own memoir, All the Worst Humans, which details his experiences making news for dictators, tycoons, and politicians.
"
His book is called All the Worst Humans
— Episode: Phil Elwood (on the dark side of PR)
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Episode: Phil Elwood (on the dark side of PR)
He talked about his own memoir, All the Worst Humans, which details his experiences making news for dictators, tycoons, and politicians.
"
His book is called All the Worst Humans
All the Worst Humans How I made news for dictators, ty coons and politicians
Episode: Phil Elwood (on the dark side of PR)
Elwood described his memoir as an expose of his work making news for dictators, tycoons and politicians, showing the dark side of PR.
"
His book is called All the Worst Humans - How I Made News for Dictators, Ty Coons and Politicians.
All the Worst Humans - How I made news for dictators, tycoons and politicians - was among the most interesting topics we've ever got to cover.
The book is a little bit like a pen and teller routine, showing how the magic of PR works.
Episode: Phil Elwood (on the dark side of PR)
Phil Elwood's memoir was praised as fascinating and described as an expose of his twodecade career manipulating news for dictators, tycoons and politicians.
"
His book is called All the Worst Humans, How I Made News for Dictators, Tycoons and Politicians. I loved this one. It was so fascinating.
your book, All the Worst Humans, what you explain in this is your experience as a public relations expert over two decades, helping shape the national narrative, narrative within the government, and the main tool of which is the press.
the second chapter in the book, I titled, Everyone Deserves Representation.
when I was reading your book, I definitely see a lot of crazy parallels between Hollywood and DC, the ultimate company towns, the ultimate networking places.
All the Worst Humans, how I made news for dictators, tycoons and politicians. Phil, this was among the most interesting topics we've ever got to cover.
The Color Purple (Penguin Vitae)
The title was highlighted for its cultural impact, with a guest noting how its story shaped her career and underscored its significance as a landmark work. Another host pointed out that the massive novel served as the source material for both film and musical adaptations, while a third contributor simply referenced the author’s role in creating it. Overall, the discussion treated the book as an important piece of literature without offering a strong endorsement.
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Episode: Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo mentioned the production of The Color Purple and discussed her involvement with the story, noting its impact on her career and its significance as a cultural work.
"
You have seen her in Harriet, Windows, Bad Times at El Royale, The Color Purple on Broadway.
I think that it's been in The Color Purple.
Episode: Taraji P. Henson
They noted that the story originated from a massive book and that the novel was the source for the film and musical adaptations.
"
The book is massive.
Episode: We are supported by... Gloria Steinem
Monica Padman mentioned that Alice Walker wrote The Color Purple while discussing colors and literature.
"
Alice Walker wrote the color purple.
The Wedding People
A Novel
Rose Byrne briefly mentioned reading the title and recalled a line about people who wake up at 3 a.m., noting the book’s content in passing. No strong endorsement or critique was offered, making it a casual mention.
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Episode: Rose Byrne
She mentioned reading a book called The Wedding People and noted a line about people who wake up at 3a.m., later recalling the title again while discussing its content.
"
I'm reading a book called The Wedding People and there was a line in there that said something about people who wake up at 3a.m.
What's the other one? It's called The Wedding People.
Episode: Rose Byrne
Rose mentioned she was reading a book titled The Wedding People and later identified it by name when asked what the book was.
"
I'm reading a book called The Wedding People.
What book is it? It's called The Wedding People.
Episode: Lauren Graham Returns
Lauren Graham said the book was one of the selections from Jenna Bush Hager's book club that she had read. She mentioned it while listing the titles discussed in the club.
"
The Wedding People
Blitzed
Drugs in the Third Reich
In the episode, guest Anthony Hopkins praised the book as a great read that thoroughly documented Hitler’s drug use, noting the author’s access to the dictator’s physician. He highlighted its detailed account of the drug culture in the Third Reich and recommended it based on his own reading four years earlier.
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Episode: Anthony Hopkins
The book was praised as a great read that detailed Hitler's drug use, which the guest had read four years earlier.
"
One is, well, first of all, have you read the book Blitzed by Chance? No. Okay. It's great. I read it four years ago and it details Hitler's drug use, which is incredibly well documented because his doctor was with him at all times.
Episode: Anthony Hopkins
The book was described as a great read that details Hitler's drug use, with the host noting he had read it four years ago and found it compelling.
"
One is, well, first of all, have you read the book Blitzed by Chance? No. Okay. It's great. I read it four years ago and it details Hitler's drug use, which is incredibly well documented because his doctor was with him at all times.
Episode: Jonathan Van Ness
They briefly mentioned a book titled Drugs in the Third Reich while noting its content about historical drug use.
"
Drugs in the third Reich. They invented crystal math.
The Broken Ladder
How Inequality Affects the Way We Think, Live, and Die
The host highlighted the title as an insightful work on income inequality that reshaped his thinking, calling it one of his favorite books. He recommended it during discussions with Daniel Markovits and Dan Ariely, noting its examination of how inequality influences perception and psychological well‑being. The repeated praise across episodes underscored its value as a compelling read on the topic.
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Episode: Daniel Markovits (on meritocracy)
The book was described as an incredible work on income inequality that changed the host's perspective, and later called one of his favorite books.
"
Have you read The Broken Ladder by chance? No. ... It's an incredible book about income inequality that I probably would have rejected before I read it.
It's one of my favorite books I've ever read.
Episode: Dan Ariely (on behavioral economics)
The book The Broken Ladder was mentioned as a great read about income inequality and the perception of poverty.
"
Do you read The Broken Ladder? It's a great book about income inequality.
Episode: Dan Ariely (on behavioral economics)
The Broken Ladder was mentioned as a recommended book about income inequality and its psychological effects.
"
Do you read The Broken Ladder? It's a great book about income inequality.
Everything We Never Knew
A Novel
Julianne Hough announced on two separate episodes that she had a new book scheduled for release the following day. The discussion was limited to the announcement, with no further commentary on its content or merit. The host simply informed listeners of the upcoming publication.
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Episode: Julianne Hough
Julianne announced that she has a new book titled Everything We Never Knew that will be released the next day.
"
She has a new book out tomorrow called Everything We Never Knew.
Episode: Julianne Hough
Julianne announced a forthcoming book titled Everything We Never Knew, describing it as a new release that would be out the next day.
"
She has a new book out tomorrow called Everything We Never Knew.
She has a new book out tomorrow called Everything We Never Knew.
Episode: Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough announced her upcoming supernatural fiction novel, describing it as a selfdiscovery story about spiritual awakening, loss, grief and betrayal, written in 2020 and finally read in 2022.
"
She has a new book out tomorrow called Everything We Never Knew.
It is a fiction novel but it's supernatural, it's heightened, it's selfdiscovery, it's factional. It is my experiences of my spiritual awakening and the unraveling of my socalled perfect life.
It is about loss and grief and abandonment and betrayal and violation and all sorts of things that I've experienced.
Ellen Goodlett is on the cover. I couldn't look at the book for two years after we wrote it. I wrote it in 2020.
Everything We Never Knew. August 13th.
Fear of Flying
A Novel
The title was cited as a seminal feminist work that introduced the concept of the “zipless fuck.” In one episode the hosts noted they had not read it themselves, while in another Ke Huy Quan enthusiastically recommended it as a must‑read after his summer selections. The discussion highlighted its cultural significance and positioned it as an essential read for listeners interested in feminist literature.
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Episode: Mom's Car: Jackie Tohn
The book was mentioned as a seminal feminist work that Erica Young might have read when she was younger, but the speakers indicated they had not read it themselves.
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Erica Young, did you ever read Fear of Flying? No. Maybe when I was younger years and years and years ago. Seminal feminist work. Yes, of course. The zipless fuck was her term.
Episode: Ke Huy Quan
The conversation mentioned the classic novel "Fear of Flying" by Erica Jong.
"
But Erica Young Fear of Flying. Have you ever read that? No
Episode: Ke Huy Quan
The novel was highlighted as a seminal feminist work that introduced the concept of the "zipless fuck," and was recommended as a mustread after finishing the summer's sexy selections.
"
I also started following the New York Times book review Instagram... there was a book that I'm really excited to read also after this... I definitely recommend it. I'm enjoying it.
Erica Jong's Fear of Flying, you ever read that? It's supposed to be one of the most seminal feminist works and it introduces the concept of the zipless fuck.
Malala's Magic Pencil
The title was briefly mentioned when the host listed the guest’s publications, noting it alongside her memoir and other books. No specific praise or critique was offered, so it was presented as part of her body of work.
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Episode: Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
Malala's children's book Malala's Magic Pencil was listed among her published works during the conversation.
"
Her books are I Am Malala, We Are Displaced, Malala's Magic Pencil, and now her memoir, Finding My Way...
Episode: Malala Yousafzai (education activist)
The title was mentioned as part of her bibliography during the introduction.
"
Her books are I Am Malala, We Are Displaced, Malala's Magic Pencil, and now her memoir, Finding My Way...
Episode: We are supported by... Malala Yousafzai
The conversation highlighted that the children loved "the magic pencil," a book they read frequently.
"
My girls love it.
The Wild Robot (Volume 1)
The hosts repeatedly praised the title as a beloved, emotionally moving series that resonated with their families, noting its timeless feel and the heartfelt story of a robot who learns to love. They highlighted how the book became a family favorite, with listeners often reading or listening to the audiobook together. The overall tone was enthusiastic and affectionate toward the book.
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Episode: Armchair Anonymous: Substitute Teacher
The hosts recalled that the class was reading *The Wild Robot* on the rug and everyone stayed silent to get through the book.
"
we were reading The Wild Robot and we loved that book so everyone was super good during that time everyone was silent made sure we were silent because we wanted to get through the book
Episode: Maren Morris
They said they loved the Wild Robot book series, calling it wonderful and emotionally moving.
"
We love The Wild Robot in this house.
We watched it and the girls watched it with me and we were all crying and it was wonderful.
I love Roz so much.
Episode: Lupita Nyong'o
The series was described as a cute set of books about a robot named Roz who learns to love and even becomes a mother to a goose. It was mentioned several times, including that the hosts had read the books and listened to the audiobook.
"
not now, but September 27th, The Wild Robot, which is an animated movie based on the cutest series of books that we read in our house about Roz, a robot who develops a heart.
I read the first book. I did the audio book and I was like wait a minute, when was this book written? Because it feels like a book that has always existed. It's like instant classic. It just feels timeless.
the wild robot. Yes. So I have to watch things pretty regularly for guests and generally it's hard because I can't be with my family. So when I got the link for your thing, I was like oh my god this is the wild robot. We've read all these books. Oh my god they're my daughter's favorite books.
Hillbilly Elegy
The host mentioned J.D. Vance's memoir about growing up in a hillbilly environment, noting it as an example of a published book.
"
you can push back a tiny bit you what you can relate to is JD Vance who wrote about having a hillbilly life
— Episode: Sebastian Maniscalco
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Episode: Sebastian Maniscalco
The host mentioned J.D. Vance's memoir about growing up in a hillbilly environment, noting it as an example of a published book.
"
you can push back a tiny bit you what you can relate to is JD Vance who wrote about having a hillbilly life
Episode: Barbara Kingsolver (author of Demon Copperhead)
The host expressed a strong dislike for Hillbilly Elegy.
"
I fucking hated the Hillbilly Elegy.
Man's Search For Meaning
The classic tribute to hope from the Holocaust (With New Material)
The hosts referenced the book while discussing resilience and how to find meaning through hardship, highlighting its insights on hope. They presented it as a valuable source for understanding how to navigate difficult experiences.
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Episode: Cas Holman (on being playful)
The book was referenced as a source for a discussion on resilience and finding meaning through hardship.
"
Man's Search For Meaning, Victor's book.
Episode: Alicia Silverstone
Dax introduced the book as a highly popular title, noting he had read it and intended to reread it because of its powerful perspective on finding meaning after Auschwitz.
"
Man's Search For Meaning is one of the most popular books. Heralded books. Always on everyone's top five recommendation. I was positive I read it. Uh-huh. And I'm like, I've forgotten most of it. I'm going to reread it. I don't think I've read it.
The Demon of Unrest
A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
It was described as a saga of hubris, heartbreak and heroism set at the dawn of the Civil War. The guest said he could not stop thinking about it.
"
The new book is called The Demon of Unrest, a saga of hubris heartbreak and heroism at the dawn of the Civil War.
— Episode: Erik Larson (historical author)
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Episode: Erik Larson (historical author)
It was described as a saga of hubris, heartbreak and heroism set at the dawn of the Civil War. The guest said he could not stop thinking about it.
"
The new book is called The Demon of Unrest, a saga of hubris heartbreak and heroism at the dawn of the Civil War.
I got a lot of this reading The Demon of Unrest.
Episode: Erik Larson (historical author)
The newest release was described as a saga of hubris, heartbreak and heroism at the dawn of the Civil War. Dax expressed excitement and urged listeners to read it.
"
The new book is called The Demon of Unrest, a saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the Civil War.
I got so sucked in so quickly. Good. Do you feel pressure when you're doing these books because people have expectations of one of your books? ... I do feel pressure, but I also try to put that pressure aside as much as possible.
Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.