Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo are an unlikely pair for a viral moment, but here we are. It’s early 2026, and people are still digging up clips from that Armchair Expert episode. You know the one. It wasn't just another press circuit stop for Wicked. It was a collision of two very different energies: the boundary-pushing, "no-filter" Dax and the poised, powerhouse Cynthia Erivo.
Honestly, the interview was kind of a masterclass in how to handle a host who treats a polite conversation like a forensic investigation.
If you missed the initial wave, the internet basically lost its mind over one specific part of their two-hour chat. But focusing only on the "bathroom talk" does a huge disservice to the rest of the conversation. There was a lot of actual substance there about acting, South London, and what it’s like to be Elphaba.
The Question That Went Viral (and Why It Was Kinda Weird)
Dax Shepard has built a massive podcast empire on being "uncomfortably honest." He’s the guy who will ask an A-list star about their bowel movements or their deepest insecurities within ten minutes of meeting them. So, when Cynthia Erivo sat down in the attic, he went right for it. He asked about her nails.
Specifically, he asked how she wipes her butt with those iconic, long "talon" nails she’s been rocking.
Cynthia’s reaction was perfect. She didn't even let him finish the sentence before saying, "I knew you would ask that question." She wasn't shocked. She was annoyed. But in a very "I’m dealing with a toddler" kind of way.
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"My answer is that nobody uses just their fingers to wipe their backside," she told him. "You use tissue, correct? And you wipe!"
It sounds simple. Because it is. She explained that she uses the pads of her fingers, not the tips of the nails. Dax, ever the seeker of "truth," even asked if she feels a "little tickle" of the nails. Cynthia shut that down immediately. She’s a functioning adult. She’s not walking around with hygiene issues just because she has a killer manicure.
More Than Just Manicures: The Real Cynthia Erivo
Beyond the "annoying" questions, the interview actually dived deep into Cynthia's life. If you only know her from the Wicked posters, you’re missing out. They talked about her upbringing in South London and her time at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
She talked about the "gray areas" of humanity.
Cynthia is someone who picks roles based on how much "humanness" she can find in them. Whether it’s Harriet Tubman or a green-skinned witch, she’s looking for the soul. She also talked about her synesthesia—the way she experiences music as color and vice versa. It’s those kinds of details that make the Armchair Expert format work when it isn’t getting bogged down in the literal weeds of the bathroom.
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Why the Backlash Happened
The internet didn't just laugh at the nail question; a lot of people were genuinely frustrated. There’s a historical context here that’s hard to ignore. Black women, in particular, are often subjected to questions about their grooming, their hair, and their bodies that white actresses just aren't asked.
- The Infantilization Factor: Some fans felt Dax was treating an Oscar nominee like a curiosity rather than a peer.
- The Gender Gap: Would he ask a male actor with a long beard if he gets soup in it every five minutes? Maybe. But for Cynthia, this is a question she gets constantly.
- The Culture of Nails: Long nails aren't just a fashion choice for many; they’re a deeply rooted part of Black culture and expression. Turning them into a joke about hygiene felt reductive to a lot of listeners.
Dax later asked if she was offended. She said she was "annoyed." It was a moment of radical honesty that felt very on-brand for both of them.
The "Wicked" Connection
This interview happened right as the first Wicked movie was dropping in late 2024. Cynthia and Ariana Grande were everywhere. They were crying in every interview because they loved each other so much. It was intense.
Dax’s interview provided a bit of a break from the "we’re best friends" narrative. It showed a grittier, more pragmatic side of Cynthia. She discussed why she chose extensive prosthetic makeup over CGI for her character, Elphaba. She wanted the audience to feel the weight of the character. She didn't want to be a digital ghost; she wanted to be a person on screen.
Key Lessons for Navigating "Unfiltered" Interviews
If you’re a fan of Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo, this episode is a must-listen for the tension alone. But for the rest of us, there are some pretty solid takeaways on how to navigate difficult conversations:
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- Anticipate the obvious: Cynthia knew the nail question was coming. By expecting it, she didn't let it rattle her.
- Set boundaries with humor: She corrected him without being mean, but she didn't "laugh it off" either. She called it annoying because it was annoying.
- Redirect to the work: Once the bathroom talk was over, she steered the conversation back to the craft of acting and her love for the stage.
Final Thoughts on the Dax and Cynthia Saga
Dax Shepard and Cynthia Erivo might not be hanging out every weekend, but their exchange remains one of the most talked-about moments in recent podcast history. It highlights the fine line between "vulnerable" and "intrusive."
Cynthia proved she can handle the heat, and Dax proved that he’s still willing to be the guy who asks the "inappropriate" question, for better or worse.
If you want to understand the nuance of this interview, stop watching the 30-second TikTok clips. Listen to the full two hours. You’ll hear a lot of respect, a bit of friction, and a very talented woman who is tired of talking about her fingernails.
Next Steps for You
- Listen to Episode 815 of Armchair Expert: Hear the full context of the "wiping" debate and the deeper discussion on RADA.
- Watch Cynthia in Wicked: See the performance that led to this press tour in the first place.
- Follow Cynthia’s Nail Artist: Look up Rose Hackle or @clawzbydior_ on social media to see the actual artistry behind those "talon" nails.