Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Mom's Car: Timothy Simons

September 30, 2025

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  • Timothy Simons was diagnosed with ADHD in the mid-90s after a full day of testing, and he notes that a heightened sensitivity to injustice is a common comorbidity. 
  • Simons' entry into acting was unconventional, stemming from directing improvisation in commercial casting sessions, which eventually led to his first television role on *Veep*. 
  • Both Simons and Dax Shepard observe how their own personality traits, including stubbornness and a strong sense of injustice, are reflected and sometimes heightened in their children. 

Segments

Timothy Simons’ Maine Upbringing
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(00:01:10)
  • Key Takeaway: Timothy Simons grew up in rural Maine near a destination Shakespeare theater that attracted New York equity actors.
  • Summary: Simons grew up in central Maine, near a Shakespeare theater that served as a summer destination for New York equity actors. He recalls seeing David Harbour perform there multiple summers when Simons was around 12 years old. Simons worked at the local video store and idolized Harbour, treating him like a major celebrity.
ADHD Comorbidity and Injustice
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(00:05:08)
  • Key Takeaway: A comorbidity of ADHD is a heightened sensitivity or sense of injustice, which Simons recently learned about.
  • Summary: Simons learned that a heightened sense of injustice is a common comorbidity with ADHD, explaining many past reactions. He describes how this awareness helps him temper extreme emotional responses to perceived slights, like someone cutting in line at the airport. Dax Shepard notes that experts, including Gabor Mate, have suggested he might also have ADHD.
Simons’ ADHD Diagnosis Process
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(00:06:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Simons was diagnosed with ADHD in high school (around 1993-1994) following a full day of comprehensive testing.
  • Summary: Simons was diagnosed in the 10th grade when his academic performance dropped significantly, leading doctors to investigate underlying issues. The testing involved a full day of written, verbal, and physical tasks, including hopping on one foot for 30 seconds per foot. The diagnosis led to being prescribed Ritalin, which had an incredibly positive impact on his functioning.
Self-Medication and Addiction Tendencies
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(00:18:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Simons recognizes that his past heavy cocaine use was likely self-medication for undiagnosed ADHD, contrasting with Dax Shepard’s moderate approach to substances.
  • Summary: Simons acknowledges that feeling ‘perfect’ on cocaine suggests self-medication for ADHD symptoms, noting that he never escalated to harder drugs like shooting dope. He previously smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for ten years, quitting at age 29/32 after realizing his poor cardio was debilitating. He eventually returned to ADHD medication years later for better management.
Parenting Reflections and Genetic Traits
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(00:11:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Having children forces parents to confront whether their self-narratives about their behavior are genetic or learned, as children often mirror undesirable traits.
  • Summary: Simons sees behaviors he dislikes in himself reflected in his children, prompting him to question if his traits are genetic or nurtured. He notes that his oldest daughter, who is inflexible with plans like him, sets him off, while his wife clashes with their other child who mirrors her. This dynamic forces him to re-evaluate his own ingrained behaviors.
Early Career Path via Commercials
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(00:31:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Timothy Simons moved to LA at age 30 and found his way into acting by working in commercial casting, which led to his role on Veep.
  • Summary: Simons moved to Los Angeles at 30, initially working in commercial casting sessions where he directed actors and improvised with children. A friend showed his work to casting director Allison Jones, leading to auditions for Veep, which was his first television show role. He credits the show’s long rehearsal process and supportive ensemble cast for building his confidence.
Fame Levels and Misidentification
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(00:44:52)
  • Key Takeaway: The success of Nobody Wants This has brought Simons a new level of public recognition, often involving people confidently misidentifying him as other actors.
  • Summary: The attention from Nobody Wants This is a new experience, with Simons being recognized frequently in public, unlike his prior recognition level from Veep. He recounts a humorous incident where a fan at an awards party mistook him for the actor from Baby Reindeer for a full conversation. Simons chooses to let these misidentifications slide to avoid embarrassing the fan.