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This latest installment of the “Moms Car” podcast sees Dax Shepard and actor Timothy Simons share a deeply personal-yet-hilarious conversation about ADHD. Shot during what is described as a very “ramshackle” type of drive, Shepard gave his own account of what was a very surprising diagnosis for him as a child. The episode went on to become a major hit with followers, who found themselves relating in some vague way to the neurodiversity discourse.
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Welcoming his guest to the YouTube show, Dax Shepard set the mood by paying an on-the-nose tribute to the towering figure of Timothy Simons on Instagram: “He’s here! Also 6’12” of him. So much of him that Aaron had to ride in back.” He carries some jovial weight in his words, explaining that Simons is “impossibly funny” and steals every scene he’s in on ‘Nobody Wants This.’” During the chat, Simons was not just “hysterical and thoughtful,” but even more so, “shockingly informative about ADHD.” The host was very animated about the whole project: “This whole cruise was a blast from beginning to end. We’d love a round 2, 3, and 4.”
The accompanying videos gave a much more detailed account beyond what Shepard chooses to reveal onstage concerning certain sections of his personal story. He recalls how it was unusually early days for an ADHD diagnosis. He had to go all the way to a children’s hospital in Boston. “Never like an amazing student,” he recalled about academics, “It just kind of fell off the cliff in the 10th grade.” So much so that adults around him began to worry, saying, “Sure, he’s either gotten a substance issue or closet at homosexuality.” “That was classic dry,” said Shepard, recounting his dry-humor-laden interpretation of the doctor’s first impression of him-they told him he was a “closet at homosexuality.” It was at this point he replied that he was “not ready to face that yet. So what else you got in the hopper?” The delivery of this punchline was just as well received; he continues, “The other was meds. Distract me until I’m older.”
The comment section kind of became a sequel to the podcast, talking about the issues with many users sharing their own stories and anecdotes on the subject. One user helped bring light to the ADHD conversation: “Also loved the deep dive on ADHD… The justice seeking he was talking about is known in the neurodiversity world as ‘justice loops.’ Looping all day, as he mentioned. Definitely can stop that suffering with some self-awareness and CBT style thought tools.” They further contribute to the discussion by suggesting additional resources for Shepard: YouTube videos of “How to ADHD” and the newest research framing ADHD as an evolutionary advantage. This comment stood up as a worthy and valuable contribution to the community.
Funny remarks started flowing in immediately, not missing the chance to describe the visuals showing co-host Aaron in the back seat because of Simons’ huge height. One fan quipped, “Not Aaron in the back 😂,” and another asserted, “WTF NOBODY PUTS BABY (BFAW) IN THE CORNER (BACKSEAT)…… but still an amazing episode.” The humor generated by the mock outrage of the seating arrangement was a relief in itself.
The commentators continued with remarks on Simons’ ability to shift between roles. “This dude is solid. Really funny on Nobody Wants This but made me despise his character on Handmaiden’s Tale. The mark of a good actor 🤗,” one wrote. The latter commenter added that seeing the video had allowed him to “like him again” after watching Simons play the villain in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale.’
Another comment expressed heartfelt pain: “Dax!!! I have a miniature you! My son! He’s amazing and 21… You’ve given him a very bad ass human to look up to, and we appreciate you so much! ❤️ Fun for him to see you can be badass, AND sober!” This commentary speaks highly of Shepard’s influence extending beyond mere entertainment within his listeners.
Another interesting contrast was brought into the medication conversation: “Loved this episode! So fun, as ADHDers often are! Tiny note: studies show that appropriately medicated ADHD youth are at much decreased risk for substance abuse later in life 🤓.” This serves as a nice empirical counterpoint to the common stigma.
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Comedic, celebrity interview-style, and real neurodiversity talk socialized this episode. Given his own establishment of the diagnostic journey with raw humor, Dax Shepard created a world in which the crowd could feel comfortable engaging, learning, and sharing their own journeys. With such an overwhelming response to the last cruise, the hopes for the next cruise are so high that many more rounds have to come. Kristen Bell, Shepard’s wife, is another frequent topic on the show.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
