What is a Podcast?
A podcast is a type of digital media where people talk about a specific topic or a variety of topics. It usually involves one or more hosts speaking, and it can be either professional or casual in tone. Some podcasts feature experts sharing information or interviews with guests, while others might just be friends chatting about their daily lives, pop culture, or personal experiences. Many podcast creators encourage audience interaction by asking listeners to send in questions, stories, or feedback that they can respond to in future episodes. Podcasts are often released in a series, with new episodes added regularly. Podcasts cover just about every topic imaginable, from true crime and health advice to comedy, news, storytelling, and education. They are usually free to listen to and are available on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other podcast apps. You can stream them online or download episodes to listen to later, making podcasts a flexible and convenient way to learn, be entertained, or simply pass the time.
Podcrushed
Podcrushed is one of my personal favorite podcasts that I listen to weekly. Actor Penn Badgley hosts each episode and is joined by his co-hosts Sophie Ansari and Nava Kavelin. This show explore the often awkward, emotional, and formative experiences of adolescence, focusing on middle school memories and the stories that shape who we become. Each episode features a guest, often a celebrity, writer, or artist, who shares their own cringey, touching, or funny teen stories. Podcrushed is unique in the way that it doesn’t just focus on nostalgia but also digs into the emotional layers of growing up, identity, and connection. The hosts create a warm and open atmosphere that encourages vulnerability for their guests, leading to conversations that are both entertaining and meaningful. Badgley’s thoughtful presence, paired with Ansari and Kavelin’s humor and empathy, makes the podcast a refreshing space for storytelling. Podcrushed offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own pasts while laughing and learning from others’ teenage experiences.