Is Dax Shepard Bert's New Best Friend? | 2 Bears, 1 Cave

In an intimate discussion, Dax Shepard and Bert Kreischer share their personal experiences of navigating the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry from acting to podcasting.

Dax Shepard's rise to fame and success in acting, directing, and podcasting

Shepard’s journey to fame began on the small screen, evolved through film, and most recently found success in the new media of podcasting.

Dax's early acting career, including roles in shows like Punk'd that gained him recognition

Dax Shepard reflects on the rapid ascent to fame he experienced after starting on the MTV show "Punk'd," which was a pivotal moment in his acting career. Dax remembers the time when his girlfriend returned from Guatemala and they were riding bikes on the Strand in Santa Monica; people were yelling his name, cementing his newfound public recognition.

Moreover, Dax shared how he cast Vida Guerrero, who he considered the "original big ass influencer," in a movie, signaling his agency in his ascension. Bert Kreischer chimed in, recalling how "Punk'd" felt accessible to everyone since he knew people who had appeared on it, including Daniel Tosh.

Dax's decision to start a podcast in 2017 and the unexpected success it achieved

Acknowledging his late arrival to the world of podcasting while referring to himself humorously as a poser, Dax Shepard mentioned he did not venture into podcasting for the money but for his love of engaging in conversations. His podcast, originally named "The Millionth Podcast," was born out of sheer joy rather than financial ambition.

Despite his trepidation, Shepard found unexpected financial success with his podcast, crediting his wife Kristen Bell's popularity for contributing to their initial public appeal, which was evident in their candid first podcast episode. This unveil of raw interaction between the couple stood in stark contrast to the cheerful image they projected in commercials, a complexity Dax felt was essential to present.

He noted the viral nature of the episode with Kristen and acknowledged that his marriage brought additional attention which likely bolstered the podcast's success. Shepard compares his current passion for podcasting to Joe Rogan's perspective on acting—deriving the same joy and fulfillment from his current venture as he did from acting.

Dax's experiences navigating the competitive entertainment industry and the jealousy he felt towards other successful actors like Vince Vaughn

Discussing his journey's bumps, Dax Shepard confessed to past feelings of jealousy, particularly toward actor Vince Vaughn after seeing "Wedding Crashers." Shepard felt that Vaughn's success in roles he desired led to years of gossip and envy, which he later recognized as his internal struggles with competition.

Shepard also describes writing a script based on his last week of drinking, which gained interest from Vince Vaughn, revealing complexities as both shepherd's newfound rival and potential collaborator.

Bert Kreischer's experiences as an early podcaster and his initial perceptions of Dax's success

Discussing his own path, Bert Kreisch ...

Dax Shepard and Bert Kreischer open up about their individual experiences with substance use, the pursuit of sobriety, and the personal growth that follows. Both offer candid insights into the struggles and realizations that come with addiction and recovery.

Dax's history of substance abuse and his journey to sobriety

Shepard's journey through addiction to sobriety reveals the depth of his former lifestyle and the pivotal moments that led to his decision to get sober.

Dax's struggles with addiction, including his use of various drugs and the "lowest point" he reached

Dax Shepard, once deeply entrenched in substance abuse, candidly recalls his history with various drugs. His struggles saw him using crack, [restricted term], and consuming pills to an extreme degree. He recounts a particularly troubling incident on the set of "Punk'd" where he went through 30 [restricted term] in a day. Another harrowing moment involved waking up confused after a multi-day bender with pills, signaling to him the danger of his situation.

Reflecting on his life at the time, Dax mentions his last week of drinking, which occurred amidst apparent success but also a pronounced distance from happiness and self-worth. He describes a trip to Kauai littered with reckless behavior, partying excessively, and maintaining a facade of normalcy during daytime activities like snorkeling and zip-lining, regardless of his physical state.

Shepard also discusses the use of drugs like mushrooms in a controlled setting and the varying approaches to sobriety, reflecting on his past decisions and how they informed his understanding of recovery.

Dax's decision to get sober and the positive impact it had on his life and relationships

The conversation does not explicitly detail Dax's decision to get sober or the direct impacts it had on his life and relationships. However, Shepard touches on his evolution by reflecting on landmarks of his partying days during a trip with his wife, Kristen, marking a clear contrast to his current life, which suggests that significant positive changes have occurred thanks to his decision to get sober.

Bert's own experiences with moderation and his perspective on the challenges of sobriety

Bert Kreischer, in turn, engages in a nuanced conversation about moderation, the social dynamics involved in drinking, and the gray areas of addiction and sobriety.

Bert's acknowledgment of the potential negative impacts of his drinking habi ...

Dax Shepard and Bert Kreischer share their experiences of working with and interacting with other celebrities, offering insights into the camaraderie and complexities of fame in Hollywood.

Dax's experiences working with and befriending other famous actors, such as Will Arnett and Burt Reynolds

Dax's fond memories of his interactions with Burt Reynolds and the lasting impact they had on him

Dax Shepard fondly reflects on his time working with Burt Reynolds on the set of "Without a Paddle." He admires Reynolds and cherishes the opportunity to work with him. Dax especially highlights experiencing jealousy when someone else got the chance to work with Reynolds, noting Reynolds’s generosity and warmth during their interactions. He recounts how Reynolds would sign posters for him and how he presented Dax's girlfriend, Bree, with a photograph. Dax also shares moments spent with Reynolds during lunches, eager to hear his many stories, showing the profound impact Reynolds had on him. Bert Kreischer chimes in, calling Reynolds a legend and mentioning his own brief interaction with Dolly Parton around the desire to meet such an icon.

Bert's encounters with celebrities like Vince Vaughn and the lessons he's learned about managing his own perceptions of fame

Kreischer conveys realizations and lessons learned from his own brushes with well-known figures in entertainment.

Bert's realization that even famous actors he admired didn't always recognize him, leading to a shift in his perspective

Bert Kreischer recounts an eye-opening experience with Vince Vaughn at a vodka launch in Vegas. Kreischer excitedly introduced himself to Vaughn, only to be humbled when Vaughn ...

Exploring the personal lives of Dax Shepard and Bert Kreischer reveals their shared love for motorcycles, the importance of family and friendships, and how these elements shape their lives.

Dax and Bert's shared love of motorcycles and the thrill of riding

Dax's experiences riding motorcycles in various locations, including a memorable trip in Hawaii

Dax Shepard shares his affinity for motorcycles through stories of his rides, including traversing from Montana to Sturgis and through the National Forest in Alabama on an Indian Chief motorcycle. He recalls riding a Harley 883 Iron Horse to the top of a volcano in Hawaii, describing it as an incredibly scenic journey. However, a past incident where he dropped his bike on his leg during a two-day blackout is a reminder of the risks that come with this passion.

Bert's fascination with motorcycles and his desire to purchase one, despite his wife's reservations

Bert Kreischer, though not a motorcycle owner, is equally passionate about the experience of riding. He vividly recounts an exhilarating ride through changing light, among wild horses, and feeling connected to the world while listening to music. Bert hopes to own a chopper but is considerate of his wife's concerns, as she dislikes motorcycles. He and Dax exchange pictures of motorcycles, fueling their shared hobby.

The role of family and relationships in Dax and Bert's lives

Dax's strong bond with his wife, Kristen Bell, and the ways they support each other

Dax Shepard’s admiration for his wife, Kristen Bell, is evident in several anecdotes. From credit for her influence on the success of his podcast to their collaboration on decisions like renting out their tour bus, the couple's partnership is strong. Shepard notes their shared preference for staying at home, concentrating on activities with their daughters rather ...