Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode features singer-songwriter Ash discussing her career, her struggles with anxiety and trauma, and her upcoming album, The Girl of Your Dreams. Dax Shepard and Monica Padman talk with her about meeting at Phineas's wedding, navigating social status and boundaries, and the impact of childhood trauma on adult nervous systems. Ash also performs her new song, Stop the Wedding, live in the studio.
Hosts introduce the show, guest Ash, and sponsor ads while setting the episode’s tone.
Discussion of Ash’s musical career, albums, and a live performance preview.
Hosts recount meeting Ash at a wedding, the social dynamics, and their impressions.
Exploration of personal boundaries, privacy concerns, and social media interactions in a social setting.
Conversation about menstrual cycles, fertility, and personal experiences with hormonal changes.
Discussion of trauma, anxiety, therapy, and coping mechanisms for mental health challenges.
Hosts reflect on their upbringing in San Jose, sibling relationships, and the loss of a brother.
Final sponsor ads and wrap‑up of the episode’s key points.
Explanation of Instagram teen accounts, safety features, and digital protection for minors.
The guest explains how songwriting and music became a personal refuge during turbulent family events.
Discussion of the guest’s heightened cortisol response and how it fuels a savior complex in high‑stress situations.
Exploration of how stage adrenaline mirrors battlefield stress and the need to manage post‑show crashes.
The host and guest humorously dissect how hormonal cycles affect performance and collaboration with a touring partner.
Exploration of prayer, meditation, and other rituals used by the guest to ground themselves before performances.
A light‑hearted digression into the idea of past‑life connections and how it shapes relationships with family.
The guest recounts the audition process, the challenges of relocating, and the impact on personal growth.
Comparison of Nashville’s journeyman music scene with the unpredictable nature of Los Angeles and New York.
Meeting at Phineas's Weddingstory
Dax and the guest recall meeting at Phineas's wedding, discussing the unique social dynamics and the presence of high-profile guests.
Past Lives Theoryinsight
The conversation turns to past lives, with the guest sharing her belief that certain deep connections stem from previous existences.
Approaching Margot Robbiestory
The guest shares a humorous anecdote about approaching Margot Robbie at a Halloween party while dressed as Marie Antoinette.
Trauma and Nervous Systemsinsight
The discussion dives into how early childhood trauma affects the nervous system and creates a constant anticipation of disaster.
The Reality of Famedebate
The hosts and guest debate the motivations behind wanting to be rich and famous versus the actual pressures of public scrutiny.
Performing Live in Studiostory
The guest delivers a powerful live performance of her new song, Stop the Wedding, on the piano.
“Give me the layers, give me the boots, give me a reason to wear something other than a T-shirt.”
“$60. $60 for cashmere that you'd expect from a luxury brand without the luxury price tag.”
“The power of a wedding, which was really on display there, I almost could see the utility of weddings historically, which is you trust everyone there.”
“I feel like you seem, and your wife seems this way as well, very certain of who you are.”
“I get to process what's going on in my life through words that no one has to hear.”
“It's probably why I love being on stage.”
“I think, I said the words are, didn't I say the words?”
“I think that's the whole reason why we wanna find love in life, cuz you want someone to be a witness”
“Very cool. It's cool to see like a sea of heads and then a sea of tombstones.”
“I think it's making me feel like I need to do that.”
Ashe (The Girl of Your Dreams, Moral of the Story, The Dream) is a singer and songwriter. Ashe joins the Armchair Expert to discuss growing up with a bipolar father, becoming the responsible younger sibling, and finding refuge in songwriting. Ashe and Dax talk about her breakout hit coinciding with devastating loss, the panic attacks that nearly made her quit music, and the adrenaline crash after a show. Ashe explains why success can feel like a warning, how childhood fears follow us into adulthood, and learning to feel safe in the life she’s built. 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/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
26,070 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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