Dax Shepard just learned a valuable lesson in podcast etiquette: don’t assume every male celebrity wants to date every female celebrity they work with.
During a recent episode of his popular podcast Armchair Expert, Shepard sat down with SNL star Marcello Hernández for what should have been a standard interview.
Instead, things took an awkward turn when Shepard decided to play matchmaker with pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter.
The cringe-worthy moment has since gone viral, reminding everyone that sometimes the best relationship advice is simply minding your own business.
When Fan Obsession Goes Too Far
After an hourlong conversation covering Hernández’s comedy career and recent SNL work, Shepard steered the discussion toward Carpenter. He openly admitted his newfound fascination with the “Espresso” singer before diving into what he apparently thought was fair game.
Hernández initially kept things professional, explaining that he and Carpenter had genuinely connected while working on SNL’s viral “Domingo” sketch together.
She’s down to clown … to think of something funny.
Most people would have picked up on the clear “friend zone” energy radiating from that statement. Shepard, however, was not most people.
The Cringe-Worthy Question Nobody Asked For
Rather than taking the hint, Shepard doubled down with a question that wasn’t really a question at all. It was more of a declaration wrapped in misguided dating advice.
If I’m you, and I’m 28, I’m going to try to date her with all my might. Are you not trying your hardest to marry her?
The assumption? That any single guy would obviously be pursuing Carpenter romantically, professional relationship be damned.
Hernández’s response was nothing short of perfect—he laughed into his cup before delivering the reality check Shepard desperately needed.
Plot Twist: He’s Actually Taken
With impressive composure, Hernández firmly shut down Shepard’s assumption by revealing he’s already in a committed relationship.
I’m in a relationship with a Dominican girl.
But he didn’t stop there. Hernández proceeded to enthusiastically list his girlfriend’s accomplishments, painting a picture of someone he’s clearly proud to be with.
She’s an architect. She attended Yale. According to Hernández, she’s “unreal.”
The message was crystal clear: he’s not only taken, he’s happily taken by someone accomplished and amazing in her own right.
Shepard’s Backpedal
To his credit, Shepard recognized his misstep immediately. His response was brief and appropriately chastened.
Okay, so, never mind.
Those four words carried the weight of someone realizing they’d just stepped in it—hard.
The exchange highlighted a common problem in celebrity culture: the assumption that attractive famous people must naturally want to couple up with other attractive famous people, regardless of actual compatibility, existing relationships, or basic professional boundaries.
Why This Moment Matters
Beyond the immediate awkwardness, Shepard’s line of questioning reveals some troubling assumptions about relationships and professional collaborations between men and women.
First, it perpetuates the outdated notion that men and women can’t simply be friends or professional colleagues without romantic tension.
Second, it reduces Carpenter to merely a romantic prospect rather than a creative collaborator and fellow professional.
Third, it completely disregards the possibility that Hernández might already be in a fulfilling relationship—which he was.
Hernández’s graceful handling of the situation showed maturity and respect for both Carpenter and his actual girlfriend. He could have been offended or defensive, but instead chose to redirect with humor and honesty.
The Takeaway For Everyone
Shepard’s awkward moment serves as a reminder for all of us, famous or not. Making assumptions about other people’s romantic lives—especially in professional settings—is almost never a good idea.
Just because two people have chemistry while collaborating on creative projects doesn’t mean that chemistry is romantic. Sometimes talented people simply work well together without any desire to take things further.
Perhaps most importantly, this exchange shows why representation and visibility of healthy existing relationships matters. Hernández didn’t hide his relationship or downplay his girlfriend’s accomplishments—he celebrated them proudly.
As for Shepard? He’ll probably think twice before playing celebrity matchmaker again. Or at least we can hope he will.
The internet has certainly made sure he won’t forget this particular podcast moment anytime soon, with clips of the awkward exchange circulating widely across social media platforms.
Sometimes the best dating advice is recognizing when someone doesn’t need—or want—your dating advice at all.