Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Tommy Lee (Tommyland Rides Again, The Dirt, Shout at the Devil) is the co-founder of Mötley Crüe, a legendary drummer, and rock icon. Tommy joins Armchair Expert to discuss growing up between Greece and California, finding refuge as an introvert behind a drum kit, and how ballet unexpectedly shaped his future as a performer. Tommy and Dax talk about dropping out of high school after landing a record deal, building Mötley Crüe from the Sunset Strip to worldwide fame, and the band's decision to get sober together before recording Dr. Feelgood. Tommy explains why fame can be profoundly isolating, how bonsai trees became his greatest form of meditation, and why the life people envy isn't always the life they're imagining.
Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds: allstate.com
Watch Armchair Expert episodes: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzPEuwClyOzDdlrAmU-IwKncG87qrF7Vw
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About the Show:
Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training. I will attempt to discover human “truths” without any laboratory work, clinical trials or data collection. I will be, in the great tradition of 16th-century scientists, an Armchair Expert.
Watch Armchair Expert every MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and FRIDAY here on Youtube!
Listen to episodes ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/shows/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard
Chapters:
0:00 - Medicinal Oakey Taste of Heroine
6:43 - Tommy The Ballerina
12:14 - Bonsai
15:58 - 13 Was a Big Year
20:14 - Suite 19
23:43 - Starting Mötley Crüe
27:46 - Till The Wheels Fall Off
39:08 - Dax’s Tommy Moment
42:54 - Picking Up Where We Left Off
45:55 - Ending on a High Note
56:32 - After Mötley Crüe
1:07:08 - Dream Outcomes
#armchairexpert #daxshepard #tommylee #mötleycrüe #motleycrue
Tommy Lee (Tommyland Rides Again, The Dirt, Shout at the Devil) is the co-founder of Mötley Crüe, a legendary drummer, and rock icon. Tommy joins Armchair Expert to discuss growing up between Greece and California, finding refuge as an introvert behind a drum kit, and how ballet unexpectedly shaped his future as a performer. Tommy and Dax talk about dropping out of high school after landing a record deal, building Mötley Crüe from the Sunset Strip to worldwide fame, and the band's decision to get sober together before recording Dr. Feelgood. Tommy explains why fame can be profoundly isolating, how bonsai trees became his greatest form of meditation, and why the life people envy isn't always the life they're imagining.
Check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds: allstate.com
Watch Armchair Expert episodes: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzPEuwClyOzDdlrAmU-IwKncG87qrF7Vw
Follow Armchair Expert on social:
instagram.com/armchairexppod
facebook.com/ArmchairExpPod
twitter.com/armchairexppod
Connect with Wondery
wondery.com/shows/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard
facebook.com/WonderyMedia
twitter.com/WonderyMedia
instagram.com/WonderyMedia
tiktok.com/@wonderymedia
About the Show:
Hi, I’m Dax Shepard, and I love talking to people. I am endlessly fascinated by the messiness of being human, and I find people who are vulnerable and honest about their struggles and shortcomings to be incredibly sexy. I invite you to join me as I explore other people’s stories. We will celebrate, above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment. What qualifies me for such an endeavor? More than a decade of sobriety, a degree in Anthropology and four years of improv training. I will attempt to discover human “truths” without any laboratory work, clinical trials or data collection. I will be, in the great tradition of 16th-century scientists, an Armchair Expert.
Watch Armchair Expert every MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and FRIDAY here on Youtube!
Listen to episodes ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/shows/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard
Chapters:
0:00 - Medicinal Oakey Taste of Heroine
6:43 - Tommy The Ballerina
12:14 - Bonsai
15:58 - 13 Was a Big Year
20:14 - Suite 19
23:43 - Starting Mötley Crüe
27:46 - Till The Wheels Fall Off
39:08 - Dax’s Tommy Moment
42:54 - Picking Up Where We Left Off
45:55 - Ending on a High Note
56:32 - After Mötley Crüe
1:07:08 - Dream Outcomes
#armchairexpert #daxshepard #tommylee #mötleycrüe #motleycrue
