Penn Badgley & Podcrushed Crew Join Billboard Book Club for Unfiltered Chat About Crushmore Essay Collection

Penn Badgley & 'Podcrushed' Crew Join Billboard Book Club: A Conversation to Remember It's a moment of truth for fans of Penn Badgley, the charming Gossip Girl alum turned podcast sensation. This week, he and his "Podcrushed" crew, Nava Kavelin and Sophie Ansari, are taking on a new challenge – tackling the world of literature with their debut essay collection, "Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age." And to celebrate this milestone, they're joining forces with Billboard Book Club for an unforgettable livestream discussion. The trio's journey began in 2022 when they launched Podcrushed, a podcast that delved into the awkwardness and heartbreak of adolescence. With their unique blend of humor, empathy, and storytelling, they quickly gained a devoted following. Guests on the show have included A-listers like Ariana Grande, Jonas Brothers, Jenna Ortega, Drew Barrymore, and even Badgley's Gossip Girl co-star Leighton Meester. But what sets "Crushmore" apart from their podcasting endeavors is its focus on the written word. This essay collection continues the journey of self-discovery that defined Podcrushed, but this time, it's in a medium that allows for deeper reflection and introspection. The book explores themes of love, loss, and growing up – topics that will resonate with anyone who has ever navigated the complexities of adolescence. The livestream discussion on Thursday (Oct. 16) at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT promises to be an intimate and engaging conversation between Badgley, Kavelin, and Ansari. Powered by TalkShopLive, fans will not only get to watch the trio chat about their book but also have the opportunity to order a signed copy – making it a truly unique experience. "We're thrilled to join forces with Billboard Book Club," says Badgley in an exclusive statement. "This is a chance for us to connect with our fans on a deeper level and share our stories in a new way." The conversation will be available to watch in the video player above or on Billboard socials, making it accessible to anyone who wants to join in on the discussion. For Badgley and his crew, "Crushmore" represents a significant milestone – one that marks their transition from podcasters to published authors. But what's truly remarkable is how they're using this platform to tackle tough topics and spark meaningful conversations about growing up, love, and loss. As we tune in to the livestream discussion on Thursday, it's clear that "Crushmore" is more than just a book – it's an invitation to reflect on our own experiences, to share in the struggles and triumphs of others, and to find comfort in the knowledge that we're not alone in this journey called life. Watch the livestream discussion with Penn Badgley & 'Podcrushed' crew on Thursday (Oct. 16) at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT Order a signed copy of "Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age" during the livestream discussion This article is brought to you by Billboard Book Club in partnership with TalkShopLive. *Based on reporting by Billboard.*