Podcrushed

Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari

<p>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.</p> <p>Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/">https://lemonadamedia.com/</a></p>

  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    [Rerun] Eddie Redmayne

    [Original air date: December 12, 2024] Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, Fantastic Beasts) takes a break from gracing the stage (and the soundstage) to bring his characteristic charm and kindness to the pod. He recalls early memories from growing up as the artsy one in a family full of athletes, and talks about his early days as a young theater actor in London, in awe of the bright lights and buzzy energy. 

     

    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 March 2026, 8:30 am
  • 41 minutes 19 seconds
    [Rerun] Drew Barrymore

    [Original air date: May 24, 2022] Drew Barrymore joins the crew to share hilarious and heartfelt stories about her turbulent adolescent years in the spotlight. They marvel at the power a little discomfort has in bringing you closer to your full self.

     

    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 February 2026, 8:30 am
  • 2 hours 2 minutes
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 February 2026, 9:40 am
  • 1 hour 41 minutes
    Jay Shetty &amp; 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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 February 2026, 11:08 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 February 2026, 9:30 am
  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    28 January 2026, 9:30 am
  • 34 minutes 18 seconds
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 January 2026, 9:30 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 January 2026, 1:02 pm
  • 1 hour 27 minutes
    Aly &amp; 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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    7 January 2026, 2:21 pm
  • 1 hour 9 minutes
    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?

    ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava

    Instagram

    TikTok

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 December 2025, 9:30 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    [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:
    TikTok
    Instagram
    X

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 December 2025, 8:30 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App