Podcrushed

Podcrushed

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/

Episodes

January 7, 2026 87 mins

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 kid...

Mark as Played

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...

Mark as Played
December 24, 2025 63 mins

[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 ...

Mark as Played
December 17, 2025 85 mins

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. 

 

...

Mark as Played
December 10, 2025 74 mins

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 The Copenhagen Test, premiering al...

Mark as Played
December 3, 2025 87 mins

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 to be Penn's sister-in-law. (Seriou...

Mark as Played
November 26, 2025 54 mins

The gang sits down with Gaten Matarazzo — the quick-witted Broadway kid who became a global sensation as Dustin Henderson on Stranger Things. Gaten takes us all the way back — from hustling backstage at Les Mis, to the chaotic on-stage disaster he’ll never live down, to the moment the beloved Steve-and-Dustin duo was born. We also dig into who Gaten is off-set — the music he’s making, the lif...

Mark as Played
November 19, 2025 54 mins

Lizzy Caplan -- the Emmy-nominated actor you know from Mean Girls, Cloverfield, Party Down, and Fleishman is in Trouble -- joins the hosts to open up about everything from her first crushes to the impact of losing her mother at only 13. She recounts her experiences filming Mean Girls and Fleishman is in Trouble, and spills the tea on her new film Now You See Me: Now You Don't. 

Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://s...

Mark as Played
November 12, 2025 65 mins

The star of Riverdale and Chemical Hearts, Lili Reinhart, joins Podcrushed to discuss her journey from a 12-year-old aspiring artist to a booked-and-busy actor. Lili reflects on her early struggles and auditions, the transformative experience of Riverdale, and the challenges of bringing indie projects like Hal & Harper to life. She also opens up about her latest productions and the pressures of adapting popular IP, all while ma...

Mark as Played
November 5, 2025 74 mins

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.&...

Mark as Played
October 29, 2025 47 mins

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 G...

Mark as Played

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?

Mark as Played
October 22, 2025 45 mins

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 re...

Mark as Played
October 15, 2025 38 mins

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 ...

Mark as Played
October 8, 2025 32 mins

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 ...

Mark as Played
September 30, 2025 57 mins

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 l...

Mark as Played
September 24, 2025 59 mins

[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.

...

Mark as Played
September 17, 2025 32 mins

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.


An...

Mark as Played
September 10, 2025 60 mins

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...

Mark as Played
September 3, 2025 59 mins

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:/...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.