

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/
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 14min
Sam Smith
Sam Smith joins us for a raw and revealing conversation. Discover the surprising revelation about their journey from a young, talented singer to a global pop sensation. Sam talks about overcoming stage fright, the inspiring moments of writing their hit songs, and the unique way they find peace in New York City. Plus, get a sneak peek into Sam's intimate Brooklyn residency and learn why this next album might be their best work yet. For a limited time, you can try Pretty Tasty for free - just go to prettytasty.com, pick your flavor, and use code PODCRUSHED. Take the guesswork out of your dog's well-being. Go to ollie.com/podcrushed and use code podcrushed to get 60% off your first box! 00:00 Intro 04:53 Sam Smith’s Childhood and Early Influences 06:28 Navigating School as a Queer Kid 09:52 The Power of Music and Female Voices 20:41 Struggles with Weight and Self-Acceptance 26:27 First Experiences with Love and Heartbreak 31:30 Embarrassing Moments and Overcoming Stage Fright 34:21 Pursuing a Career in Music 36:22 Early Career and Record Deal Challenges 37:11 Deciding Between Musical Theater and Pop Stardom 37:58 Musical Influences and Recording Experiences 40:04 Family Influence and Early Performances 42:04 Themes of Love and Safety in Music 46:18 Personal Growth and Mental Health 47:34 Creating Authentic Music and Overcoming Challenges 49:40 New York Life and Relationship 54:27 The Importance of Water and Flow in Life 59:27 Reflecting on Career and Future Projects 01:07:55 Intimate Performances and New Music 01:12:07 Final Thoughts and Advice to Younger Self 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.

Oct 29, 2025 • 48min
Introducing: Don't Listen To Us
We’re so excited to share a new show from Lemonada Media, Don’t Listen To Us, an advice show for advice-skeptics and wisdom-lovers, hosted by Mandy Patinkin, Kathryn Grody, and their son Gideon. Legendary actor Mandy (The Princess Bride, Homeland, Criminal Minds) is the consummate entertainer who shoots from the hip, stage actress Kathryn is the thoughtful connector who sees all the nuance, and Gideon is the brave soul keeping them on track (or at least trying). Together, Mandy and Kathryn have 40+ years of marriage, 140+ years of life experience, and a series of viral social media posts where Gideon interviews them and watches both chaos and wisdom ensue. They don’t always agree on what advice to give—in fact, they rarely do. But they draw from their highs and lows as artists, parents, lovers, and humans, to give their unique take on real dilemmas submitted by you -- the listeners. Hang out with this family and you’ll walk away with insights you didn’t expect, stories you’ll want to repeat, and comfort knowing that you’re not alone in figuring out how to survive this fakakta world. You’re about to hear the first episode from Don’t Listen To us. After you listen, head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/DontListenToUsfd to hear the full episode and follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 9min
CRUSHMORE Book Launch (with Phoebe Robinson)
OUR BOOK IS OFFICIALLY OUT! To celebrate the release of "Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age", we sat down with Phoebe Robinson and a few hundred fans in NYC to chat about the process and stories behind the book. Check out Crushmore everywhere you get books and audiobooks, or click here: 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.

Oct 22, 2025 • 45min
Host AMA: Spirituality
In this special host AMA, we're diving deep into the mystical world of spirituality. Join us as we get personal and discuss our own spiritual journeys, all sparked by your questions and comments. We'll talk about transcendental experiences, faith, near-death encounters, and much more. Sophie shares a poignant story of feeling her late grandfather’s presence, Penn recounts an unexpected moment of peace among chaos, and Nava reveals a life-saving divine intervention. 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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 39min
Adam Pally
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.

Oct 8, 2025 • 32min
Introducing: Alive with Steve Burns
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.

Sep 30, 2025 • 57min
Tembi Locke
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.

Sep 24, 2025 • 59min
[Rerun] Matthew McConaughey
[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.

Sep 17, 2025 • 33min
Reacting To Your Worst Dates
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.

Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Paul Wesley
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.


