Podcrushed Episode: Anna Camp

Release Date: May 14, 2025

In this episode of Podcrushed, hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kaplan, and Sophie Ansari engage in an intimate and engaging conversation with actress Anna Camp. The discussion traverses Anna's tumultuous middle school years, her early passion for acting, personal anecdotes from her youth, and her illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

1. Introduction to Anna Camp

The episode begins with a warm introduction of Anna Camp, highlighting her notable roles in "Pitch Perfect," "True Blood," and "The Help." Anna humorously mentions her upcoming film "Bride Hard" alongside Rebel Wilson, setting a lighthearted tone for the conversation.

Anna Camp (00:46): "You're a gynecologist now, he's a gynecologist. And we did see each other later in life, so we did. For an appointment or kind of story guy."

2. Early Life and Middle School Struggles

Anna opens up about her upbringing in Columbia, South Carolina, sharing feelings of isolation and shyness during her middle school years. With an older sister who was a high achiever, Anna often felt like the opposite, yearning to be an actor from a young age.

Anna Camp (05:25): "I felt very... I guess I wanted to be an actor. I knew I wanted to be an actor. Like second grade, I was a dare commercial. That was my very first job."

She discusses her limited friendships and how the drama room became her sanctuary away from the popular kids.

Anna Camp (07:40): "The drama room was where I got to breathe and just be around people that I felt like weren't judging me."

3. Passion for Acting and Early Experiences

Anna recounts her first acting job in second grade, playing a drug dealer in a school play. Her parents' support, particularly her mother's focus on her appearance for the role, adds a humorous touch to her early acting endeavors.

Anna Camp (00:16): "I had to memorize something that my dad had to say when he was a freshman in college... I, private cadet camp, request to remove my gross mass of protoplasm from your highly exalted presence, sir."

She emphasizes her sister's influence on her acting aspirations, watching classic films together that fueled her passion.

Anna Camp (20:17): "She was the person to inspire me to become an actor... We would watch old movies together, like Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable."

4. Dealing with Bullies

A poignant moment in the discussion is Anna's account of being bullied in sixth grade. She describes a traumatic incident where a girl pulled her hair and used it to floss her teeth in front of the class.

Anna Camp (14:55): "She proceeded to pull my hair out of my head and then floss her teeth."

Years later, Anna encounters her bully at a gas station, culminating in a moment of closure that allows her to move past the trauma.

Anna Camp (16:41): "I have closure now... I feel great about it."

5. Maintaining a Poetry Journal

Anna speaks about her childhood poetry journal, a deeply personal project she maintained for nearly a decade. This journal served as her grounding place and a form of journaling, filled with poems, photos of friends and boyfriends, and mementos of first experiences.

Anna Camp (09:43): "It became my grounding place where I would go... It just became something really beautiful to me."

She reflects on why she stopped updating it after meeting her first husband, hinting at life’s evolving priorities.

Anna Camp (10:52): "I stopped after I met my first husband. Life just kind of took over."

6. Career Highlights and Challenges

Anna delves into her significant roles, particularly her experiences in "Pitch Perfect" and "Equus." She discusses the physical and emotional challenges of performing nude on Broadway, highlighting the liberation she felt despite the initial nerves.

Anna Camp (36:00): "I have to do it. There's a reason why I got the part... Don't worry about your body. This is a chapter in your life that you would really regret walking away from if you didn't do it."

Her candid recounting of the rigorous filming process in "Pitch Perfect," including a particularly messy scene involving a fire hose rigged with tomato juice and other mixtures, showcases her dedication and sense of humor.

Anna Camp (46:18): "I was literally just vomiting everywhere... It was really wild."

7. Personal Relationships and First Crush

Anna shares a heartfelt story about her first crush, Adam, a skater boy who was also an actor. Their relationship was brief but impactful, marked by a first kiss that left Anna feeling disillusioned.

Anna Camp (26:21): "He was my first kiss... he grabbed me and he, like, smashed his face into my face to that song."

She fondly recalls meeting Adam years later, turning a painful memory into a moment of closure.

Anna Camp (16:33): "I have closure now... I feel good about it."

8. Joining the Show "You" and Acting Dynamics

Anna discusses her role in the series "You," exploring the complexities of playing dual characters and the unique challenges of acting directed at the camera. She emphasizes the importance of humor and grounding oneself amidst intense scenes.

Anna Camp (75:00): "It's about giving, doing what I want, getting what I want from the other person... I don't want to be overly concerned with what my face is, what I look like in that certain dress."

She shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes with Penn Badgley, highlighting their camaraderie and the humorous moments that helped maintain a light atmosphere on set.

Anna Camp (83:10): "I would give my 12-year-old self a hug and just say, it's gonna be okay, you're cool. Don't be so hard on yourself."

9. Advice to Younger Self and Personal Growth

Towards the end of the episode, Anna offers heartfelt advice to her younger self, emphasizing self-acceptance and confidence.

Anna Camp (83:10): "I would give my 12-year-old self a hug, a huge hug and just say, it's gonna be okay, you're cool. Don't be so hard on yourself."

10. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Anna expressing gratitude for being part of Podcrushed and sharing her aspirations beyond acting, including ethical animal care in Montana. Her closing remarks reinforce the themes of personal growth, resilience, and embracing one's true self.

Anna Camp (84:10): "I want to be in Montana on a ranch somewhere with lots of animals. That is a dream of mine."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anna Camp (00:16): "I had to memorize something that my dad had to say when he was a freshman in college... I, private cadet camp, request to remove my gross mass of protoplasm from your highly exalted presence, sir."
• Anna Camp (07:40): "The drama room was where I got to breathe and just be around people that I felt like weren't judging me."
• Anna Camp (14:55): "She proceeded to pull my hair out of my head and then floss her teeth."
• Anna Camp (09:43): "It became my grounding place where I would go... It just became something really beautiful to me."
• Anna Camp (26:21): "He was my first kiss... he grabbed me and he, like, smashed his face into my face to that song."
• Anna Camp (36:00): "I have to do it. There's a reason why I got the part... Don't worry about your body. This is a chapter in your life that you would really regret walking away from if you didn't do it."
• Anna Camp (83:10): "I would give my 12-year-old self a hug and just say, it's gonna be okay, you're cool. Don't be so hard on yourself."

This episode of Podcrushed offers a deep and relatable exploration of Anna Camp's journey from a shy middle schooler to a confident actress. Her openness about personal struggles, coupled with her humorous and heartfelt stories, provides valuable insights and inspiration for listeners navigating their own teenage years.