Podcrushed Podcast

Podcrushed

Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
Podcrushed — the podcast where Penn Badgley reads your middle school story -- explores the heartbreak, anxiety and self-discovery of being a teenager. Hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari bring you stories and conversations about middle school - from childhood crushes, to battles with body hair, to schoolyard scuffles. The results are sometimes awkward, sometimes heartwarming, and always relatable. Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Leighton Meester Returns (Series Finale)
Well folks... this is it. The final episode of Podcrushed. As a final parting gift, the gang called the only person befitting of the 'final guest' title: Leighton Meester. Leighton is not only the very first guest we ever had on Podcrushed, or Penn's co-star from the iconic series Gossip Girl, or the actor you know and love from projects like The Roommate and Nobody Wants This... but is also the most requested return guest of all time on Podcrushed. Be sure to stick around to the end to hear final thoughts from the hosts after three seasons and well over 100 episodes of Podcrushed.    David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to https://www.davidprotein.com/PODCRUSHED.     To learn more about therapy with NOCD, go to https://www.nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 18
2 hr 2 min
Jay Shetty & Michael Karlberg: Humanity's Collective Coming of Age
In this special double episode, the gang tackles a big question: could the turbulence and chaos in our world be signs that humanity is collectively coming of age? To help them answer, they've recruited Jay Shetty, award-winning podcast host of On Purpose and New York Times bestselling author, and Michael Karlberg, a professor at Western Washington University whose work reconceptualizes human nature, power, social organization, and social change in the pursuit of peace and justice. Simply put, Michael helps make sense of our world, and Jay helps make sense of our place in it. Don't miss this one!    Right now, new customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://magneticme.com.    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 12
1 hr 41 min
Jesse Metcalfe
Jesse Metcalfe comes on Podcrushed and opens up about being bullied for being “too pretty,” carrying a chip on his shoulder into Hollywood, and how the peaks and valleys of his incredible career introduced him to spirituality. He revisits John Tucker Must Die with Penn for the first time in decades, including JTMD moments from behind the scenes, and a dinner moment involving edamame that still haunts Penn to this day. There’s soap-opera hell portals, pilot-season pressure cookers, and a brutally honest reckoning with fame and identity. Funny, uncomfortable, and unexpectedly deep — this one's a banger.   David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to https://davidprotein.com/PODCRUSHED   Right now, new customers can get 15% off sitewide at https://magneticme.com.    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 4
1 hr 16 min
Meghann Fahy
This week, the effortlessly talented actor Meghann Fahy stops by for a candid look at her journey from shy, gap-toothed singer to Emmy-nominated star. Meghann reflects on her "two-line" Gossip Girl debut, her whirlwind days on Broadway, and subverting expectations as Daphne on the smash series The White Lotus. Plus, Penn and Meghann discuss their upcoming rom-com, You Deserve Each Other, and the social media feud that nearly broke the internet.   To learn more about therapy with NOCD, go to https://www.nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 28
1 hr 24 min
Madison Beer
Madison Beer -- the inimitable, twice-Grammy-nommed pop superstar -- joins the gang to talk about her first experiences on social media, being discovered by Justin Bieber (who, apropos of nothing, was also her first celebrity crush), and the challenges and insights gained from her years in the spotlight. Madison shares the pressures of teenage celebrity, her explosive career growth, and the inspiration behind her new album 'Locket,'  out now on Epic Records & Sing It Loud.   To learn more about therapy with NOCD, go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.   David is offering our listeners a special deal: buy 4 cartons and get the 5th free when you go to davidprotein.com/PODCRUSHED.    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 21
34 min
Blakely Thornton
Today, the gang sits down with culture critic and commentator Blakely Thornton, who takes them from his early days playing competitive tennis and football to his recent years as a leading voice in pop culture critique. Blakely opens up about his experiences navigating identity, battling societal norms, and finding his voice. Plus, Blakely shares his thoughts on current trends, the rise of AI, and why it's time to roll credits on reboots and gendered awards in acting.   To learn more about therapy with NOCD, go to nocd.com and schedule a free 15-minute call with their team.   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 14
1 hr 13 min
Aly & AJ
Pop-rock sisters Aly & AJ Michalka join us for a deeply nostalgic, laugh-out-loud, and unexpectedly tender conversation about growing up in the spotlight — together. From childhood auditions and Disney Channel chaos to first crushes, sibling telepathy, and writing their earliest songs on bedroom floors, Aly & AJ reflect on the moments that shaped their bond and their artistry. They open up about navigating fame as kids, protecting their sisterhood at all costs, and why choosing each other has been the throughline of their entire career. It feels less like an interview and more like hanging out in the kitchen with old friends — and you won’t want to leave.   Make changing time easier for you and your little one… order Magnetic Me today! New customers get 15% off your first order when you go to https://www.MagneticMe.com    Check out our new book CRUSHMORE, out now! https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 7
1 hr 27 min
Caleb McLaughlin
Caleb McLaughlin, best known for his role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, reminisces about his experiences growing up on screen, from Broadway beginnings to international fame. Caleb shares his insights on the positive dynamics of the Stranger Things set, the impact of faith and family on his life, and his new projects, including the animated film 'GOAT' produced by Steph Curry. Tune in for an engaging discussion on childhood crushes, career milestones, and the journey of a young actor navigating the complexities of fame and personal growth.   Make changing time easier for you and your little one… order Magnetic Me today! New customers get 15% off your first order when you go to https://www.MagneticMe.com    00:00 Introduction 03:31 Caleb McLaughlin’s Broadway Beginnings 05:40 Life as a Young Performer 14:49 Family Dynamics and Sibling Rivalry 18:55 Navigating Crushes and Relationships 26:14 Faith and Grounding 34:57 Reflecting on Stranger Things Journey 35:37 The Audition Process 36:26 Meeting the Cast 38:10 Broadway Connections 39:30 Favorite Characters and Deaths 41:24 Lucas and Max’s Relationship 45:43 Reflecting on Stranger Things 53:52 New Projects: GOAT and Shooting Stars 01:02:52 Voice Acting and Animation 01:05:07 Concrete Cowboy and Personal Growth 01:07:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 31, 2025
1 hr 9 min
[Rerun] Ariana Grande (Part 1)
[Original air date: June 12, 2024] In Part 1 of this two-part conversation with the extraordinarily prolific Ariana Grande, the crew has a wide-ranging conversation on childhood, her Broadway origins, and getting to act alongside her best friends. Ariana shares thoughtful reflections on her time at Nickelodeon and why therapy should be mandatory for all child actors. For more on music, Eternal Sunshine, BTS on The Boy is Mine MV, and Wicked, check out Part 2. Follow Podcrushed on socials:TikTokInstagramXSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 24, 2025
1 hr 3 min
Kumail Nanjiani
Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani (Eternals, Silicon Valley) joins the crew to discuss his latest comedy special, 'Night Thoughts.' Kumail reminisces about his early childhood in Karachi, Pakistan, dealing with bullying, and the journey to self-acceptance. He shares candid insights into his creative process, the role of his wife Emily in his work, and the challenges of returning to standup comedy after a long hiatus.    Podcrushed listeners can grab Rosetta Stone’s LIFETIME Membership for 50% OFF! Visit https://www.rosettastone.com/podcrushed today to get started.   Go to https://www.airalo.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your first eSIM. Terms apply.  Make changing time easier for you and your little one… order Magnetic Me today! New customers get 15% off your first order when you go to https://www.MagneticMe.com   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nava  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2025
1 hr 25 min
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