Summary
Monica Padman reflects on her unexpected journey from aspiring actress to co-host of the successful podcast "Armchair Expert," which she runs alongside Dax Shepard. Initially arriving in Los Angeles with dreams of acting, Padman found herself navigating various jobs, including babysitting for Shepard and his wife, Kristen Bell. This role eventually led her to become an integral part of their creative team, culminating in her participation in the podcast that has garnered significant acclaim over the years.
Throughout the conversation, Padman discusses the importance of remaining open to opportunities and the value of persistence in the face of setbacks. She shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, particularly in the early days of the podcast, where she often felt overshadowed by Shepard's celebrity status. However, as the show evolved, so did her confidence and sense of belonging, particularly highlighted during a memorable interview with former President Barack Obama, where she asserted her place alongside Shepard.
Padman emphasizes the significance of understanding one's worth and the necessity of advocating for oneself in professional settings. She encourages others, especially women, to recognize their unique contributions and to navigate workplace dynamics with awareness and confidence. As she looks to the future, Padman expresses a desire to remain present and to savor the success of their podcast, acknowledging the fleeting nature of such opportunities.
Show Notes
Who says you have to wait for someone to give you a seat at the table? Monica Padman certainly didn't. As co-creator and co-host of the wildly successful Armchair Expert, she's helped build a podcast empire by trusting her instincts, embracing the unexpected, and rewriting the rules of what a career can look like.
This week, Monica joins Laura and Kristina to talk about finding her voice and betting on herself. From career pivots to building something entirely your own, this is a conversation about ambition and reimagining in an ever-changing Hollywood landscape.
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