Conversations with Cam

Monica Padman on Building Her Career & Finding Her Voice

Conversations with Cam

Show Notes

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Padman, co-host and producer of Armchair Expert, for a conversation about her journey from aspiring actress to babysitter to speech writer to podcasting powerhouse. Monica shares how she navigated career pivots, the evolution of her role as co-host with Dax, and building confidence in real time. We dive into the behind-the-scenes of producing and editing episodes and new podcasts she’s created (like Beth’s Dead). Monica also talks about the impact of sharing her egg freezing journey publicly, the value of friendships, dealing with imposter syndrome, and recently being nominated for a Golden Globe. Finally, we dive into her favorite Armchair Expert moments, dream guests, our shared Friends obsession, and the process of moving into her new home!

Key Takeaway / Points: Sharing my love for Armchair Expert as a long-time listener and Armcherry

Monica’s career evolution from nannying for Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard to becoming a co-creator and co-host of one of the top podcasts

How Monica built her confidence, found her voice, and developed her unique co-hosting style

Behind-the-scenes of booking, producing, and editing Armchair Expert episodes

How her relationship with Hollywood and celebrities has changed as a fangirl

Navigating opinions and feeling protective of her guests

What it was like sharing her egg freezing journey publicly, her current stance on family planning, and maintaining female friendships in different life stages

Monica on the feeling of belonging, experiencing imposter syndrome, and her recent experience at the Golden Globes

Favorite Armchair moments, dream guests, and what guest surprised her the most

Rapid fire: Monica’s favorite hosting recipes, favorite TV show, current fashion pick, and most valuable lessons learned from Kristen & Dax

Listen to Armchair Expert HERE Listen to Beth’s Dead HERE

Follow Monica: Instagram: @mlpadman

Follow me: Instagram: @cameronoaksrogers Substack: Fill Your Cup Website: cameronoaksrogers.com TikTok: @cameronoaksrogers Youtube: Cameron Rogers

More from Conversations with Cam

Oct 21, 2026

In this episode, I sit down with psychologist, author, and friendship expert, Dr. Marisa G. Franco, to unpack why we've been taught to prioritize romance over friendship and what it actually takes to build deep, lasting connections at any age. We talk about how attachment styles show up in our friendships & why the "loneliness epidemic" started way before smartphones. We also dive into self-worth: why compliments can sometimes backfire on people with low self-esteem, how "implicit memories" shape our triggers without us even knowing it, and the tools we can use for healing old wounds.

Oct 19, 2026

Baby #3 is here! In this episode, I'm telling you my full labor and delivery story while it's still fresh. I walk you through what I did to induce labor, the membrane sweep that finally got things moving, and the water-breaking moment I've always wanted! Plus the “super soaker” moment that happened right before delivery and why I'm more at peace in the newborn bubble than I've ever been.

Oct 14, 2026

In this episode, I sit down with dating and relationship coach, podcast host, and author, Sabrina Zohar, to unpack why we keep repeating the same relationship patterns even when we know better. Sabrina breaks down her "Bullshit Blueprint" framework, the subconscious wiring we pick up from childhood, and how to heal and break your toxic dating patterns. We get into attachment styles and how they play out in dating and why "if he wanted to, he would" is one of the most damaging taglines on the internet.

Oct 7, 2026

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Amanda Jones Vaughan (@amandajonesvaughan) for a deeply personal conversation about grief, motherhood, and mental health. Amanda opens up about losing her mom while raising three kids under three, the anger and "mom rage" that followed, and how that grief resurfaced in an unexpected way after the birth of her fourth baby. We talk through her PMDD diagnosis, discovering she has ADHD in her mid-30s, the medication journey that's helped her find more stability, & how she manages the chaos of raising four boys.

Sep 30, 2026

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and content creator, Kelly Grace Mae, for an unfiltered, pure-vibes conversation as always. Kelly walks us through why she put her podcast on hiatus, her skincare routine, plus her stance on PRP, Botox, and why she'll never do facial filler. Then she gets vulnerable about her miscarriage and shares where she's at mentally now with her fertility journey.

See all episodes →