Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert Podcast Signs An Exclusive Deal With Spotify

Usually, I'm  not a fan of celebrity podcasts where the "star" interviews people in some room of their house -- garage, den, attic, etc. As podcasts have become more popular, celebrities -- some who can't find work in the Marvel universe as a superhero -- flock to podcasting to jumpstart their career slump.

Since celebrities are typically not the most self-reflective people, the podcasts have an "enough about you, how about me" quality to them. 

But Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert floats at a higher altitude of quality than the typical celebrity podcast. Shepard and his co-host Padman do manage to elevate the discourse on the podcast well above the social media oversharing that often masquerades as intriguing conversation.

 For those who may not know, Armchair Expert is a weekly podcast hosted by American actor, director, and writer Dax Shepard and Emmy-nominated Monica Padman. Each podcast features Shepard and Padman interviewing celebrities as well as journalists and academics about "the messiness of being human." The podcast premiered February 14, 2018, with Shepard's wife, actress Kristen Bell, as the first guest. 

 Armchair Expert was the most downloaded new podcast of 2018 on iTunes.

 Shepard's stated goal is to give people the "experience of an AA meeting without them having to become a drunk". He states that he is qualified to host a podcast from his "decade of sobriety, degree in Anthropology, and four years of improv training."

Spotify just announced a multiyear exclusive license agreement with the Armchair Expert podcast, co-hosted by actor, filmmaker and comedian Dax Shepard and Emmy-nominated producer and personality Monica Padman. 

In addition to bringing the popular podcast to the Spotify platform exclusively, the deal also covers a first look with Armchair Umbrella Network. All existing and new episodes of Armchair Expert, which is produced by Rob Holysz, Padman and Shepard, will remain free and available exclusively on Spotify starting July 1st.

“Moving to Spotify is a huge opportunity for us. I am especially grateful for the work Monica and Rob have done to get us to this point. We are all bathing in the excitement of knowing we will get to do what we love most for the next three years,” said Dax Shepard.

"We are very excited to embark on this journey with Spotify. Armchair Expert will remain the same show it has always been, but with added opportunities that only Spotify can offer us. We look forward to continuing to bring our human driven content and doorless bathroom to our audience through this exclusive platform,” said Monica Padman.

 “We’re thrilled to be entering into an exclusive licensing deal with Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, one of the most beloved and popular podcasts not only on Spotify, but across all platforms,” said Dawn Ostroff, Chief Content & Advertising Business Officer. “We made it no secret that we wanted to bring some of the world’s most respected podcasts and dynamic creators to Spotify exclusively, and we are very excited to add Armchair Expert, alongside it’s hugely loyal global following of dedicated fans, to our diverse catalog of phenomenal podcasts.”

Last May, Spotify signed an exclusive deal with Joe Rogan to bring his popular podcast to its platform. While Rogan and his whiskey swilling guests have continued to draw large ratings on the platform, the marriage hasn't been without conflict over Rogan's sharp-tongued but dim-witted comments.

Since Shepard and Padman attract a less politically charged crowd, their union with Spotify should be more harmonious.