Truth behind Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell's unusual 'three-way marriage' explained as new details surface

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell have often been very open about their relationship, and now their bond with podcast host Monica Padman has sparked more questions.

Over time, the three have developed a close relationship, with Shepard and Bell even previously joking that they have a 'three-way marriage'.

The pair married back in 2013, while Padman moved to Los Angeles in 2011, two years before Bell and Shepard tied the knot.

At the time Padman was trying to make it as an actor, and as is often the case began to take on jobs to help pay the bills.

Padman was hired to babysit Shepard and Bell's children Delta and Lincoln, before they took her on as Bell's assistant and speechwriter.

Speaking about that time in 2024, Padman said: “I would come every morning. And it was really all hands on deck, whoever was there."

Padman began working for the pair (JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

She added: “It was a village mentality, which was nice because it didn't feel stressful. It wasn't like, ‘You have to do this and then this.’ It was very loose."

Over time, this began to become something far more than just a regular 9-5 type job, with Padman sometimes not even going home.

“I would be there all day," she said. "And at night, sometimes I would go home, but sometimes I wouldn't… I just became a part of that family.

"They let me be a part of that family. It was really special.”

Then, Shepard began to look at producing a new podcast, and invited Padman to co-host it before it launched in 2018 with Bell appearing as its first guest.

The podcast was called Armchair Expert, which has since secured a distribution deal with Wondery which has been reported as worth some $80 million.

Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell married in 2013 (JC Olivera/2026GG/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Padman's presence in their lives even led to one insider to jokingly tell the Daily Mail: “Monica is not only heavily involved in Dax's podcast, but also sometimes like the third wheel in his marriage to Kristen."

They added: “She’s made herself invaluable to them, and the kids love her.”

Bell previously opened up about the secret to the success of their marriage, including handling their feelings when their jobs require them to have an on-screen romance.

“Even if Dax hooks up with the most beautiful person in the world at work, I know he's committed to our family," Bell said.

"I know he's coming home. I know he loves our children. I know he strives to be a great husband and father.”