Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Hosted by Dax Shepard
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode features documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur Eric Goode discussing his eclectic life, from founding the legendary New York nightclub Area to pioneering boutique hotels like the Bowery and Maritime. The host and the guest explore Goode's transition into conservation, his work saving endangered species like tortoises and primates, and the extraordinary stories behind his hit documentaries Tiger King, Chimp Crazy, and his latest HBO series, Monsters of God. The conversation delves into the dark underbellies of wildlife trafficking, drug cultures, and the complex personalities of the eccentric individuals caught in them.
The hosts welcome listeners, introduce Eric Goode, and set the stage for the interview.
The conversation covers Eric’s work on Tiger King, Monsters of God, and other documentaries, including motivations and challenges.
Eric details his experiences founding Area, his connections with artists, and the nightlife culture of 1980s New York.
Eric reflects on his own struggles with addiction, family life, and the impact of his choices on his career.
Eric discusses his conservation achievements, financial contributions, and plans for future projects to protect endangered species.
Eric Goode discusses the rare ploughshare tortoise breeding at the Turtle Conservancy and the impact of his film "Monsters of God" on conservation efforts.
The conversation turns to Leonardo DiCaprio’s funding and the broader role of celebrities in supporting endangered species initiatives.
Goode reflects on the moral complexities of portraying animal exploitation while maintaining audience engagement and avoiding preachiness.
The narrative shifts to Goode’s transition from reptile-focused projects to the high-profile "Tiger King" series and its legislative outcomes.
The episode wraps with lighthearted sponsor spots and a brief glimpse into the production team’s dynamics and future projects.
Goode delves into the criminal world of wildlife smuggling, highlighting figures like Anson Wong and the challenges of accessing such stories during COVID.
The hosts discuss how addiction parallels the obsessive pursuit of exotic animals, using examples from Goode’s documentaries and personal anecdotes.
The hosts discuss their children's rapid acquisition of sign language and its benefits for communication.
They share favorite breakfast places, from Bubbies to Piggy Benedict, highlighting culinary delights and personal preferences.
A brief commercial segment promotes ServiceNow’s AI specialists and their workflow automation capabilities.
Goode recalls his unconventional childhood in Northern California, where his mother taught him to respect all creatures and new age figures frequented their ranch.
Goode recounts co-founding Area, a famous 1980s New York nightclub that fused nightlife with art and featured collaborations with Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.
Goode shares the chaotic reality of keeping exotic pets in his New York apartment, including a 15-foot python that escaped under the floorboards.
The Extinction Crisisinsight
Goode discusses the man-made sixth extinction crisis, highlighting that primates and tortoises are among the most threatened vertebrates on the planet.
Goode discusses how Tiger King unexpectedly reached a massive audience during the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately helped pass the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
Chasing Wildlife Kingpinsstory
Goode describes the challenges of tracking down notorious international reptile smuggler Anson Wong in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Skeletons in Zoo Closetsinsight
Goode explains that his new series Monsters of God explores the complicated history of zoos, including historical human exhibits and modern animal welfare challenges.
“I can't imagine I got back to you, but I bet that's all I talked about for the entire time it was on, on this show.”
“I have a hotel for tortoises as well. In Ojai as well. And I'm much better at tortoise hospitality than human hospitality.”
“The current extinction we're in right now is because of us. Climate change, us, you know, the impact on the planet.”
“Clubs are rarely hugely profitable. I'd never forget when Andy Warhol said to me on Andy Warhol TV, he goes, you know, gee, Eric and Andy way, what are you gonna do with your money?”
“there'll be things that you would not expect.”
“I gotta give a shout out to Leonardo DiCaprio right now.”
“People always say, Sean Penn, stop, you know, doing anything but acting.”
“And I was on a call yesterday with someone from an animal rights group that wants me to speak, do a keynote at a big animal rights conference that's going to take place actually in Mexico City.”
“We also donated money to tiger conservation in India.”
“I was such a piece of shit. Like I want to glory at her age. I wanted to be Evel Knievel or, you know, like I wanted to be”
Eric Goode (Monsters of God, Chimp Crazy, Tiger King) is a filmmaker, hotelier, and conservationist. Eric joins Armchair Expert to discuss growing up in an animal-filled home, surviving Northern California’s New Age movement, and befriending Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring in 1980s New York. Eric and Dax talk about creating legendary nightclubs and hotels, directing Nine Inch Nails videos, and stumbling into Tiger King while investigating reptile smugglers. Eric explains why obsession can give life purpose, why conservation requires talking to people you oppose, and why there is rarely one clear bad guy. Thank you to our presenting partner Lilly. Lilly’s Foundayo™(orforglipron). Advertisement Disclaimer: Please see Indications and Safety Summary with Warnings for Foundayo™(orforglipron) at https://www.foundayo.lilly.com/risk Start your 2 month free trial today: https://youtube.com/premium . Terms Apply. Cancel Anytime. Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds: https://www.allstate.com/ Take printer ink off your to-do list with HP Smart Tank | http://www.hp.com/SmartTank See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
23,918 words · 7 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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