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Podcrushed

Podcrushed
Author: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
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© 2025 Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
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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/
165 Episodes
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Comedian Adam Pally joins Penn, Nava, and Sophie for an episode that’s equal parts hilarious and tender. From the chaos of constantly moving as a kid to finding his voice (and trouble) at Livingston High, Adam opens up about the lessons behind Happy Endings, The Mindy Project, and his brand-new comedy special. But it’s what he reveals about marriage, fame, and why he almost quit comedy that’ll stick with you long after the episode ends.Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at skims.com/podcrushed. #skimspartner Head to https://prettytasty.com and use code PODCRUSHED at checkout for your first subscription order FREE (up to a $49 value), plus 15% off every subscription order after that. Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop https://jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Use code PODCRUSHED or go to https://Harbor.co/PODCRUSHED for $50 off and experience the security every parent deserves. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to https://ollie.com/podcrushed and use code podcrushed to get 60% off your first box! Our new book Crushmore is out now! Go go go! 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.
There are a thousand podcasts you can listen to. This one listens back. And this week, we’re here to tell you about it. Alive with Steve Burns continues the conversation you began all those years ago. Back then it was letters and numbers and graham crackers. Now it’s death, sex, taxes, and all the big, messy questions of being alive. Why does money stress us out? Is the American dream dead? What’s the future of truth? Each week, a new guest drops by Steve’s window for a genuine and respectful dialogue between two people just trying to figure it out, together. Funny, tender, and just a little weird, this show invites you to sit down and think with Steve once again and wonder… what it really means to be alive. You’re about to hear a clip from the first episode, where Steve sits down with hospice nurse Julie McFadden to talk about death. To hear more of Alive with Steve Burns, head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/AlivewithSteveBurnsfdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we’re joined by author and actor Tembi Locke. She takes us from her whirlwind childhood to her life today as a bestselling writer and performer. We talk about the heart behind her memoir From Scratch and her new audiobook Someday, Now, the rituals and traditions that keep us grounded, and why midlife can feel a lot like adolescence (in the best way). It’s a rich conversation on grief, creativity, and finding light through it all. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: geni.us/CrushmoreBook Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Head to squarespace.com/PODCRUSHED to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PODCRUSHED. Use code PODCRUSHED or go to Harbor.co/PODCRUSHED for $50 off and experience the security every parent deserves. Head to prettytasty.com and use code PODCRUSHED at checkout for your first subscription order FREE (up to a $49 value), plus 15% off every subscription order after that. Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/podcrushed for 60% off your first box of meals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThem 🎧 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.
[Original air date: Sept 20, 2023] If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who is the most charming man alive?” and come up with Matthew McConaughey, you are correct. This week, we bring you a rerun of Matthew's episode of Podcrushed, replete with Matthew’s infectious spirit as he regales them with stories from his adolescence in Texas, important lessons on love and patience, and why a little bullshitting is vital. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We asked, you answered. Sophie and Nava read YOUR worst date stories, submitted by Crushies all over the world. From car fires and peanut allergies to mystery billionaires and embarrassing mishaps, they share a mix of hilarious and cringe-worthy experiences. Plus, Sophie and Nava share their own dating disasters (which, unfortunately, are on par with yours). Laugh along with their live reactions to these unforgettable tales. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at skims.com/podcrushed. #skimspartner Head to squarespace.com/PODCRUSHED to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PODCRUSHED. Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/podcrushed for 60% off your first box of meals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThem Cymbiotika is hosting their biggest giveaway ever this summer. Head to Cymbiotika.com/summersweepstakes to learn more. 00:00 Intro 01:22 Worst Date Stories Begin02:55 Embarrassing Romantic Moments 07:29 Listener's Cringe-Worthy Dates 10:17 Unexpected Date Disasters 17:45 Awkward Public Displays 19:00 Embarrassing Moments Caught in the Act 19:25 High School Romance Mishaps 21:28 Awkward Funeral Date 22:50 Middle School Crush Gone Wrong 23:50 Tinder Date Disaster 26:47 Gym Date with a Narcissist 27:51 Homecoming Date Cringe 32:52 First Date Failures 36:06 Concluding Thoughts Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Paul Wesley (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Vampire Diaries, Tell Me A Story) joins the pod for an engaging convo about his journey from Marlboro Township, New Jersey to the silver screen. He shares memories from his time alongside co-stars like Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev, his approach to playing the iconic Captain Kirk, and opens up about the anxiety he faced during his days as a struggling actor. He also reflects on his comedy aspirations and the important life lessons he's learned along the way. Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/podcrushed for 60% off your first box of meals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThem Cymbiotika is hosting their biggest giveaway ever this summer. Head to Cymbiotika.com/summersweepstakes to learn more. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Actress and podcaster Ambyr Childers (You, The Master, Ray Donovan) joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about her path from child actor to acclaimed performer, the lessons she’s learned from parenting and sobriety, and how she’s found new meaning in spirituality. With stories that are equal parts funny, heartfelt, and inspiring, this episode is a must-listen. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. From The Branch, in partnership with The 74 and MeidasTouch, Where the Schools Went is out now. Find it wherever you get your podcasts and start listening today! Cymbiotika is hosting their biggest giveaway ever this summer. Head to Cymbiotika.com/summersweepstakes to learn more. Head to squarespace.com/PODCRUSHED to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PODCRUSHED. Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/podcrushed for 60% off your first box of meals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThem Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta TikTok X You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta @pennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nnnava TikTok @iampennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join the gang as they dive deep with acclaimed actor Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, Nightcrawler, Rogue One). From his 12-year-old self navigating between his British Pakistani community and a posh private school to the chance haircut that landed him his first big break, Riz regales the hosts with story after story after story. Don't miss this one! Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Head to squarespace.com/PODCRUSHED to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PODCRUSHED. Cymbiotika is hosting their biggest giveaway ever this summer. Head to Cymbiotika.com/summersweepstakes to learn more. Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta TikTok X You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta @pennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nnnava TikTok @iampennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tony Hale (Veep, Toy Story, Arrested Development) takes us from his globe-trotting childhood as an army brat to his breakout roles in Arrested Development and Veep. Along the way, he opens up about anxiety, faith, and fatherhood, while sharing the life lessons and practices that keep him grounded. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his new project, Sketch, plus a few surprising Emmy stories. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow us here: Instagram TikTok X (Twitter) Follow Penn, Sophie, and Nava: Instagram Penn Badgley Sophie Ansari Nava Kavelin TikTok Penn Badgley Sophie Ansari Nava Kavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alyson Stoner — multi-disciplinary entertainer, author, and founder & CEO of Movement Genius, a pioneering mental health company — opens up about the intense pressures of early fame, personal family challenges, and their transformative journey to healing. With decades of experience in Hollywood and a deep commitment to mental health education, Alyson shares powerful stories, practical tools, and compassionate insights to empower young performers navigating similar struggles. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here! Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Instagram: @podcrushed TikTok: @podcrushed X: @podcrushed You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Penn: Instagram, TikTok Sophie: Instagram, TikTok Nava: Instagram, TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jay Ellis (Insecure, Top Gun: Maverick, Escape Room) joins Podcrushed to discuss his early life as a military brat, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and how his Sam Jackson-inspired potty mouth got him into trouble as a kid. Jay shares insights from his book Did Anyone Else Have an Imaginary Friend or Just Me? and shares what drew him to take part in his new stage play Duke and Roya. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: @pennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nnnava Tik Tok: @iampennbadgley @scribbledbysophie @nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week's episode was recorded live at the 92nd Street Y in New York City! It was an intimate evening with beloved New York Times Modern Love podcast host Anna Martin exploring the tender, turbulent terrain of adolescence and its lasting impact on our lives. In this special conversation, Penn, Nava, and Sophie welcomed Anna for a night of storytelling about the universal threads that connect our coming-of-age experiences. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: / pennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nnnava Tik Tok: / iampennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well folks, they’re here. The Jonas Brothers — a once-in-a-generation trio who’ve helped define pop culture for the past 20 years — join the pod for a candid, unfiltered conversation about their early years. From playing mall shows in Wyckoff, New Jersey to headlining stadiums across the globe, they reflect on family, fame, and the road to their monumental comeback. Plus, they share a sneak peek at their new album, Greetings From Your Hometown, out August 8. Preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: / pennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nnnava Tik Tok: / iampennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this engaging and nostalgic episode, Rachel Bilson chats with the hosts about her upbringing, the unique insights from her podcast 'Broad Ideas', and fun behind-the-scenes stories from her time on 'The OC'. They also delve into high school memories, people pleasing, and personal growth through challenges. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/podcrushed for 60% off your first box of meals! #ToKnowThemIsToLoveThem Cymbiotika is hosting their biggest giveaway ever this summer. Head to Cymbiotika.com/summersweepstakes to learn more. Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: / pennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nnnava Tik Tok: / iampennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Naomi Ackie (I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Blink Twice, The End Of The F***ing World) swings by the pod to spit some heckin' righteous Bible raps from her days as an 11 year old auditioning for the school play, and gives the BTS scoop on her intriguing new project, A24's Sorry, Baby.And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Click this link https://bit.ly/3HDsVsc to start your free trial with Wix.Look for the blue box at retailers everywhere or shop jlab.com and use code PODCRUSHED for 15% off your order today. Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: / pennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nnnava Tik Tok: / iampennbadgley / scribbledbysophie / nkavelin See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Podcrushed superfan and acclaimed actor Allison Williams (Get Out, Girls, M3GAN) delights the hosts with tales from her AOL Instant Messenger days, sharing everything from her seven-way celebrity crush to memories of her first cigarette. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Candice King (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Juno, Deadgirl) joins the pod today to share about her early days in a girl group, what it was like growing up as the creative kid in a household with an engineer mom and a doctor dad, and her favorite memories from the set of The Vampire Diaries. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we’re joined by Bryce Dallas Howard, the acclaimed actor and director known for blockbuster films like Jurassic World: Dominion, Argyle, and Deep Cover, as well as standout roles in series like Black Mirror. Bryce shares a range of hilarious and heartfelt stories — from hanging out with Colin Hanks on her father Ron Howard’s film sets as a kid, to lightly stalking her now-husband Seth Gabel in her early twenties. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s guest is the wildly talented Karen Gillan, the actor you know from major franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Endgame, and Jumanji, as well as her breakout role as Amy Pond on Doctor Who. Karen talks about her early days growing up in Inverness, Scotland, and how her relentless teenage ambition landed her an agent (spoiler alert: she cold-called every casting director and agent in Scotland until one of them agreed to represent her). Karen’s new movie, The Life of Chuck, is in theatres everywhere now! And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Nava-Kavelin/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kevin Smith, the acclaimed film director whose comedic films and franchises include Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Jay & Silent Bob, swings by the pod to talk about the freedom of his (mostly) unsupervised childhood, his near-religious experience watching Raiders of the Lost Ark for the first time with his father, and his iconic cult-classic film Dogma, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary re-release. And preorder our new book, Crushmore, here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Nava-Kavelin/9781668077993 Want more from Podcrushed? Follow our social channels here: Insta: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedInsta TikTok: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTikTok X: https://bit.ly/PodcrushedTwitter You can follow Penn, Sophie and Nava here: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pennbadgley/ https://www.instagram.com/scribbledbysophie/ https://www.instagram.com/nnnava/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iampennbadgley https://www.tiktok.com/@scribbledbysophie https://www.tiktok.com/@nkavelinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Amazing guyssssss 💥🔥 wow
today, i was very much angry at myself and suddenly decided to listen to this podcast out of complete randomness. today was a bit weird.
also my boyfriend looked exactly like penn badgley back in the day and I'm loving it
I literally love this podcast ❤️
This was the best to listen too. Thank you for loving your daughter like this 💕💕💕💕💕💕
My daughter and I wanna be trees when we pass away also 🌳🌴🌲
♥️♥️♥️♥️
One of the best and most honest episodes of Podcast Crush
One of your best episodes. Thank you for making this.
woah, Penn's voice...
Best episode so far! What an amazing guest, and such an important talk. Thank you all so much for creating this.
The fact that Iranian women Still can't get custody of their children though...🥲
thank you for making this interesting podcast.🙏
keep it up guys. ❤️ bring Jacob elordi
tired of hearing from her...
great episode, so sad we can't watch this on video
Omg. I love Penn! He's a very intelligent person and the topics that he talks about , he relates to people so much, he says things that no one is willing to talk about. It is very true that we all need Love at the end of the day and that is why people more and more nowadays watch TV shows that are about friendships and relationships
This paper is great, and my wife and I really appreciate all the hard work you've put into it https://iogamesfree.io
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Born & raised in Chicago.... We do not claim that man.