Rerelease: Adam Scott Returns
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Adam Scott joins Dax and Monica for his second visit to Armchair Expert, seven years after his first appearance as the seventh guest. (02:00) Scott discusses how filming the first season of Severance during the pandemic helped him process grief after losing his mother just two days before the original table read. The isolation required for COVID protocols mirrored his emotional journey, allowing him to work through his grief directly through his character's storyline. (45:03) They also explore shared nostalgic obsessions with 1980s cinema, the unique era when young actors like the Brat Pack dominated Hollywood, and why certain childhood entertainment holds such lasting power. Scott reflects on his journey from struggling actor to starring in what many consider the greatest show on television, while sharing humorous stories about working with legends Christopher Walken and John Turturro.
- Main themes: Processing grief through art, nostalgic cinema's lasting impact, professional vulnerability, and finding meaning in creative work during isolation
Speakers
Adam Scott
Adam Scott is an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor and comedian best known for his roles in Severance, Parks and Recreation, Stepbrothers, Big Little Lies, Party Down, and The Good Place. He has been acting for over two decades and is passionate about film and television, describing himself as someone who has been "singularly obsessed" with movies and TV his entire life. Scott directs and has appeared in numerous acclaimed projects, establishing himself as both a versatile performer and behind-the-camera talent.
Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard is the host of Armchair Expert, a successful podcast that has grown significantly since Adam's first appearance as the seventh guest seven years ago. He's an actor, director, and writer who maintains a daily journaling practice and is known for his openness about personal struggles and growth.
Monica Padman
Monica Padman is the co-host of Armchair Expert and has been an integral part of the show since its early days. She provides research, fact-checking, and serves as a conversational partner who helps guide discussions and adds context throughout episodes.
Key Takeaways
Grief Processing Through Creative Work
Scott's mother died just two days before the Severance table read, and the subsequent pandemic isolation in his New York apartment created an environment where he had to confront his grief directly. (45:03) Rather than avoiding the pain, he channeled it into his character's journey, essentially using the show about grief and loss to process his own emotions. Scott realized that part of his motivation for acting had been to impress his mother, and when she was gone, he had to redefine his relationship with his craft. This demonstrates how creative work can serve as a vehicle for emotional processing, especially when the artistic material aligns with personal experience.
The Power of Nostalgic Entertainment in Personal Development
Scott and Dax bond over their shared obsession with 1980s cinema, particularly films like E.T., The Goonies, and Temple of Doom. (29:09) Scott explains that this era was particularly meaningful because these movies were "geared for us" and featured scrappy protagonists who were essentially on their own, dealing with issues like divorce and family dysfunction. The appeal lies in how these films represented pure consumption before life got complicated by ambition and real-world responsibilities. This suggests that nostalgic entertainment serves as an emotional anchor, connecting us to a time of possibility and wonder before cynicism sets in.
Professional Vulnerability and Starting Over
Scott shares a mortifying story about oversleeping on his first day working with Christopher Walken and John Turturro, showing up 2.5 hours late and having to apologize to these legendary actors. (70:17) Despite being the lead actor, he found himself in a position where he had to earn back respect from the beginning. This illustrates how professional setbacks can become opportunities for growth, and that vulnerability and accountability matter more than maintaining a perfect image. Scott's willingness to share this embarrassing moment shows how acknowledging our failures can actually strengthen relationships and credibility.
The Necessity of Evolving Motivations
When Scott's mother passed away, he realized that much of his drive to succeed had been motivated by wanting to impress her. (49:49) This forced him to examine what drives him now and to find new sources of meaning in his work. He had to come to terms with the fact that the love and structure she provided didn't disappear but became part of who he is. This demonstrates the importance of regularly examining our motivations and being willing to evolve our relationship with success and achievement as our circumstances change.
Building Trust Through Shared Creative Vision
Scott emphasizes his complete trust in director Ben Stiller's taste and eye, noting that having this level of trust is rare but essential for great creative work. (64:03) He describes how both he and Stiller share an unwillingness to stop until they get something right, creating a collaborative environment focused on quality over speed. This highlights how the best creative partnerships are built on mutual respect, shared standards, and a commitment to excellence that transcends ego or individual credit.
Statistics & Facts
- Adam Scott was the seventh guest ever on Armchair Expert, seven years ago, making this his second appearance on the show. (00:34)
- Scott's mother died just two days before the Severance table read in March 2020, and the memorial service was delayed until December 2021 due to the pandemic. (44:13)
- During the pandemic filming of Severance, Scott was isolated in a New York apartment for eight months, with the only real human contact occurring when cameras were rolling. (44:57)
