Podcrushed

[Original air date: April 11, 2023] This week Adam Brody (Fleishman is in Trouble, Shazam!, The O.C.) stops by and wins the group over with his endless trove of middle school stories. Adam gets passionate explaining his take on marriage, and shares why he’s the happiest he’s ever been. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Original air date: November 29, 2022] Conan O’Brien steals the show this week, helping Penn regain control from the normies (Sophie & Nava). He also reminisces about his disastrous first school play and reveals his Gossip Girl standom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Original air date: June 28, 2022] Writer, comedian, actress, and The Bear star Ayo Edebiri charms the crew with stories of first periods and missed Leonardo DiCaprio encounters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Original air date: June 14, 2022] Jenna Ortega gets refreshingly candid about representation, body image, and therapy, and spills the deets on what it was like working with Tim Burton in the upcoming series "Wednesday." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Original air date: June 7, 2022] Rainn Wilson regales the group with stories of heartbreak, courage, and finding your footing when you *really* don't fit in. The cherry on top: he sings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Original air date: July 23, 2025] 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 comeba...

[Original air date: October 2, 2024] Demi Lovato (rockstar, popstar, and now Child Star director) sits down with Penn in New York City for an intimate and wide ranging conversation about her life -- from her time as a young actor on Barney, to her breakout role in Camp Rock as a teenager, to her stratospheric and storied music career in her adulthood.    🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram...

[Original air date: July 19, 2023] Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries) stops by the pod to share recollections from her early adolescence, including her time as a substitute on the national Canadian gymnastics team, navigating Canadian culture under a strict Bulgarian upbringing, and recognizing how recreating family-seeking patterns in romantic relationships was preventing her from finding real love. ...

[Original air date: July 5, 2023] Kelly Clarkson, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and television personality, brings her buoyant spirit to the pod for a wide-ranging chat about everything from winning the very first season of American Idol, to living out of her car after her apartment burned down, to the moment she had as a middle schooler when she realized she could sing. (Like, SING sing)....

[Original air date: December 27, 2022] Elizabeth Lail is our very special guest for the Season 1 finale of Podcrushed. She shares about early social stigmas that shaped her current world views, prevalent and problematic romantic tropes, and what she thinks should happen to Joe at the conclusion of YOU.   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & N...

[Original air date: July 12, 2022] Chace Crawford stops by and opens up about frosted tips, heartbreak, and being "okay" at football (this is disputed; we've heard he's quite good). He and Penn reminisce on their Gossip Girl days, while Sophie and Nava try to act casual.   🎧 Want more from Podcrushed? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava T...

[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 o...

[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? 📸 Instagram 🎵 TikTok 🐦 X / Twitter ✨ Follow Penn, Sophie & Nava Instagram Penn Sophie Nava TikTok Penn Sophie Nav...

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 m...

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 natur...

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 hau...

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 s...

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 inspir...

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...

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 n...

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...

[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 Sun...

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...

Marvel superstar Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Kim's Convenience) joins the hosts to delve into his fascinating origin story -- including candid memories of his early childhood in China, his wholly unexpected journey to Canada, and the biggest moments in his stratospheric acting career. Plus, he offers exclusive insights into his latest project, the espionage thriller series...

Lola Kirke -- the actor and musician known for Mozart In The Jungle, Gone Girl, and her recent role in Sinners -- joins the hosts to discuss her fascinating upbringing in a family she describes as 'wolves,' her journey into country music, and the challenges of balancing an acting and music career. She also shares candid stories of growing up around rock stars, and spills the tea on what it's like...