Charlie Puth - Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Recap

Podcast: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Published: 2026-02-16

Duration: 1 hr 57 min

Summary

In this episode, Charlie Puth shares insights into his musical process and personal experiences, revealing the interplay between his past and his career in music. Dax and Charlie also explore themes of self-consciousness and the challenges artists face in public performances.

What Happened

Dax Shepard and Monica Padman welcome Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Charlie Puth to the podcast. They dive into Charlie's musical journey, discussing his albums and the release of his new project, 'Whatever's,' set to drop on March 27. Dax describes the experience of talking with Charlie as 'fun' and emphasizes the uniqueness of his musical brain, calling it 'shocking' and 'beautiful.' The conversation quickly shifts to a personal story where Charlie shares a memorable incident involving a runaway dog in Montecito, showcasing his caring nature despite a past traumatic experience with dogs as a child.

The discussion takes a deeper turn as Charlie opens up about his childhood, revealing that he was attacked by a black lab when he was just two years old, which left him with significant scars. However, he humorously notes that he has developed a love for dogs, even adopting a black lab in 2019. Dax and Charlie bond over their respective experiences with dogs and the lingering impact of their childhood traumas, highlighting how personal experiences shape one's identity and relationships with animals.

As they continue, Charlie expresses his self-consciousness about his voice, which contrasts with his profession as a singer. He explains that the vibrations of one’s voice sound different when recorded versus when heard in one’s head. Dax encourages Charlie to embrace his vulnerability, noting that caring about performance is a sign of dedication. Their conversation beautifully illustrates the balance between confidence and self-doubt that many artists face.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What are Charlie Puth's notable albums?

Charlie Puth's discography includes notable albums such as 'Nine Track Mind' and 'Voice Notes'. He is currently gearing up to release a new album titled 'Whatever's' on March 27th, which adds to his impressive catalog.

How did Charlie Puth's childhood trauma affect him?

Charlie shares that he was attacked by a dog as a child, which left him with a significant scar and a fear of dogs. Despite this experience, he humorously reveals that he adopted a black lab, highlighting the complexities of overcoming past trauma.

What insecurities does Charlie Puth have about his voice?

Charlie expresses a deep self-consciousness about his singing voice, noting that it sounds different when recorded compared to how he hears it. He acknowledges that this is a common experience for performers, which adds to the pressure he feels during performances.

What funny anecdotes did Charlie share about his life?

Charlie recounts a humorous incident of rescuing a dog in Santa Barbara, which led to an unexpected encounter with the dog's business manager. This story reflects the lighthearted side of his personality, even amidst serious topics.

How does Charlie Puth cope with performance anxiety?

Charlie admits to feeling nervous when performing, especially in unfamiliar settings like a jazz concert. He notes that it took him a moment to settle into his performance, showing that even successful artists experience anxiety before they perform.