reSee.it - Related Video Feed

In this episode of Armchair Expert, Dax Shepard welcomes comedian Paul Scheer, reminiscing about their mutual connections and experiences in the comedy scene. They discuss Scheer's impressive career, including his roles in shows like Black Monday and The League, and his popular podcasts, How Did This Get Made? and Unspooled. The conversation touches on various topics, including their competitive natures, board games, and parenting styles. Scheer shares insights about his family dynamics, noting the differences between his two children and how they reflect traits from both parents. They explore the complexities of step-parenting, discussing the challenges and societal perceptions surrounding it, while also acknowledging the positive experiences some individuals have had with step-parents. Dax and Paul delve into their childhoods, sharing stories about their upbringings in Michigan and Long Island, respectively. They reflect on their experiences with authority figures, including step-parents, and how these relationships shaped their views on parenting and family. The discussion shifts to the impact of money on their lives, with both sharing their frugal approaches and the challenges of managing finances in the entertainment industry. They also touch on the importance of experiences over material possessions, emphasizing the value of family vacations and quality time together. As the conversation progresses, they discuss the evolution of movies and the changing landscape of cinema, particularly in relation to their podcasts. Scheer highlights the significance of classic films and the importance of engaging with challenging content, while Dax expresses his desire to reignite his love for movies. The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about their experiences at Disneyland, the communal joy it brings, and the unique atmosphere of the park. They reflect on the importance of community and connection in their lives, both personally and professionally, and the joy of sharing experiences with loved ones.

In this conversation, historian Rick Spence discusses various topics related to intelligence agencies, secret societies, and historical events. He identifies Russian intelligence services, particularly the Okhrana and its successors, as the most powerful in history due to their long-standing effectiveness in infiltrating and controlling opposition movements. He explains how the Okhrana successfully infiltrated revolutionary groups before the Russian Revolution of 1917, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Tsarist regime, which was more a result of political maneuvering than revolutionary action. Spence highlights the transition from the Okhrana to the Soviet security services, emphasizing that many of the same agents continued their work under Lenin. He discusses the effectiveness of Soviet intelligence in recruiting spies, exemplified by the Cambridge Five, and contrasts this with American intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI, which operate under different structures and legal constraints. The conversation delves into the nature of conspiracies, particularly the idea that Lenin may have been an agent of the Okhrana, suggesting that intelligence agencies often play complex roles in shaping political events. Spence notes that intelligence organizations tend to be compartmentalized, making it difficult to ascertain who truly holds power within them. Spence also explores the psychological aspects of espionage, discussing the motivations behind espionage activities, summarized by the acronym MICE: Money, Ideology, Coercion, and Ego. He explains how these factors can lead individuals to betray their countries or organizations. The discussion shifts to the Bohemian Grove and the Bilderberg Group, where Spence describes these gatherings as elite meetings that may influence political decisions. He emphasizes the ritualistic aspects of such societies and their potential to create a sense of belonging among powerful individuals. Spence reflects on the nature of human behavior, suggesting that most people are generally kind and cooperative, but can become violent or irrational under certain circumstances. He draws parallels between historical events, such as the rise of the Nazi Party and the influence of secret societies, and contemporary issues, including conspiracy theories and the role of intelligence agencies. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the nature of hope in humanity, emphasizing the potential for cooperation and kindness despite the darker aspects of human behavior. Spence expresses a belief in the enduring beauty of humanity, even in the face of technological advancements and the complexities of modern society.

In a live podcast episode in Denver, Dax Shepard and Monica Padman engage in a humorous and candid conversation. Dax shares that their scheduled guest couldn't make it due to canceled flights, allowing Monica to take the spotlight as the most requested guest. They discuss Monica's background, noting her Indian heritage and upbringing in Georgia, where her parents moved for her grandfather's job as a professor. Monica reflects on her childhood experiences, including her early awareness of racial differences and her attempts to fit in with her predominantly white peers. The conversation shifts to Monica's crush on a boy in sixth grade, revealing the awkwardness of young love and the misconceptions surrounding her family's background. Dax humorously recounts how boys often misjudged her due to stereotypes about Indian families owning Dairy Queens. They delve into Monica's journey through adolescence, her love for boys, and her experiences in school, including her popularity and involvement in various activities. Monica shares her fascination with nurturing boys during their vulnerable moments, which she humorously connects to her childhood fantasies. They also touch on the impact of the TV show "Friends" on Monica's life, with her admitting she would sacrifice her college experience to keep watching it. Dax praises Monica's contributions to their podcast and her role in writing for Kristen Bell, highlighting their strong friendship. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about celebrity encounters and the realities of life, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the complexities of attraction. Dax expresses his deep appreciation for Monica, underscoring her significance in his life and their shared experiences.

In a conversation with Lex Fridman, Pieter Abbeel, a UC Berkeley professor and robotics expert, discusses advancements in robotics and AI. He highlights the challenges of creating robots capable of complex tasks, like playing tennis, emphasizing that both hardware and software need significant improvements. Abbeel expresses admiration for Boston Dynamics' robots, particularly their agility, and reflects on the psychological aspects of human-robot interactions. He believes reinforcement learning (RL) can incorporate human-like qualities if objectives are properly defined. Abbeel notes the importance of self-play in RL, which allows robots to learn more efficiently by competing against themselves. He also discusses the potential of third-person learning, where robots learn by observing human actions. Regarding AI safety, he stresses the need for robust testing protocols similar to human driving tests. Finally, he contemplates the possibility of teaching robots kindness and emotional connections, suggesting that while challenging, it may not be impossible to foster affection between humans and robots.

Dax Shepard welcomes Beanie Feldstein, an accomplished actress known for her roles in *Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising*, *Lady Bird*, and *Booksmart*, as well as her Broadway performance in *Hello, Dolly!*. They discuss their age difference, with Beanie being younger, and the dynamics of their families, particularly Beanie's upbringing in Los Angeles with a creative mother and a pragmatic father. Beanie shares insights about her parents' careers, her mother's background in costume design, and her father's work as an accountant for musicians, including Guns N' Roses. Beanie reflects on her childhood experiences, including attending summer camps, both traditional and theater-focused, and how they shaped her. She discusses her early interest in acting, which began at a young age, and her journey through school, where she felt both academically challenged and socially fulfilled. She attended Harvard-Westlake School, where she struggled academically but formed lasting friendships. The conversation shifts to Beanie's college experience at Wesleyan University, where she majored in sociology instead of theater, seeking a broader understanding of the world. She expresses gratitude for this decision, as it helped her think critically about society. Beanie recounts her early acting roles, including a brief appearance on *My Wife and Kids*, and her subsequent auditions that led to her breakout roles in film. Dax and Beanie discuss her experience in *Hello, Dolly!*, where she performed alongside Bette Midler. Beanie describes the rigorous demands of Broadway and the joy of working with such a legendary performer. They touch on the challenges of maintaining vocal health and the pressures of live theater. The conversation also delves into Beanie's personal life, including her relationship with her girlfriend, Bonnie, whom she met while filming *How to Build a Girl*. Beanie shares her journey of self-discovery regarding her sexuality and how her relationship with Bonnie has been fulfilling. Throughout the discussion, Beanie expresses her admiration for her brother, Jonah Hill, and their close sibling bond. She reflects on the unique challenges and pressures of being in the entertainment industry, particularly as a woman, and the importance of supporting one another. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about their experiences and the joys of friendship, along with Beanie's charm and warmth shining through as she shares her stories.