Podcrushed Episode Summary: Ashley Flowers

Podcast Information:

• Title: Podcrushed
• Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
• Description: 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.
• Episode: Ashley Flowers
• Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction to Ashley Flowers

The episode opens with a lighthearted exchange among the hosts, Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, discussing their childhood antics and the origins of Podcrushed. They introduce their guest, Ashley Flowers, a New York Times bestselling author and host of the immensely popular true crime podcast, Crime Junkie. Ashley is here to promote her recent novel, The Missing Half, and to delve into her teenage years, offering listeners a glimpse into her formative experiences.

Ashley’s Upbringing in a Strict Religious Environment

Ashley shares her upbringing in Indiana, detailing a life deeply intertwined with her father's role as an associate pastor at a mega church. "We lived on the premises of the church. We had to go to services multiple times a week. And it was like such a freaking bubble", she reflects (07:17). This insular environment fostered an "us versus them" mentality, shaping her worldview during middle school. The rigidity of her community instilled in her a desire to seek a larger life beyond the confines of the church’s influence.

Lifelong Friendship with Britt and Shared Interests

A fascinating aspect of Ashley's life is her soulmate-like friendship with Britt, a fellow member of the same church community. Both were born on the same day, creating an unbreakable bond. Ashley recounts, "Brit, who's on Crime Junkie with you, is a lifelong friend of yours and that you were you born on the same day we were. That is so wild" (09:07). Together, they developed a shared obsession with true crime from a young age, rewriting songs about boys and solving mysteries out of pure fascination.

Developing a Passion for True Crime

Ashley explains that her passion for true crime was ignited early on, particularly influenced by her mother's love for mysteries and classic detective shows. She recalls a pivotal moment when she became fixated on true crime stories after encountering a high-profile case close to her age. "I couldn't get enough. I just became obsessed with the genre" (11:51). This unwavering interest laid the foundation for her future endeavors in podcasting and writing.

Launching Crime Junkie and Building a Media Empire

Transitioning to adulthood, Ashley discusses the inception of Crime Junkie and her podcasting company, Audio Chuck. Initially partnering with a local radio station in Indianapolis, she created an eight-minute segment that quickly became the station’s top-rated feature. Recognizing the potential for greater creative control, she launched her own podcast, aiming to deliver in-depth true crime stories without the constraints of traditional radio formats. "I got to this point where I was like, well, maybe I should just make the show I keep waiting for" (34:00).

Within a year of simultaneously working a full-time job and developing her podcast, Ashley successfully transitioned to focusing solely on Crime Junkie, achieving over a billion lifetime downloads and cementing it as one of the most popular true crime podcasts globally.

Balancing Creative Passion with Practicality

Ashley candidly shares the challenges of balancing her creative ambitions with practical responsibilities. She admits, "While I was doing the podcast for the whole first year, I worked full time... It was a brutal first year" (22:22). This period of intense dedication highlights her commitment and the sacrifices made to realize her passion, ultimately leading to the success of her media ventures.

Embarrassing Teenage Memories and Personal Growth

In a heartfelt segment, Ashley reminisces about her high school experiences, including humorous and embarrassing moments. From performing as a dancing pig at famous local barbecue joints to getting physically stuck in her high school's crowded hallways, she shares anecdotes that humanize her journey. These stories illustrate her transition from a socially awkward teenager to a confident media figure. "I have these horrendous home movies where I would write a murder mystery and make my family act it out" (00:06).

Philosophy of Compassion and Community Building

Ashley delves into her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her nonprofit, Season of Justice. Motivated by her challenging upbringing and a desire to give back, she emphasizes the importance of compassion and community support. "My parents instilled in me this idea of always trying to help people that are in a worse spot than you are" (16:20). Her organization has funded numerous cold case solves and supports various community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to making a tangible impact.

True Crime Consumption and Ethical Storytelling

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the ethical considerations of true crime media. Ashley expresses concern over the desensitization of audiences to real tragedies and the importance of honoring victims and their families. "How can we consume it better, more responsibly so that we're not continuing to cause more harm to the people who've already suffered the biggest loss?" (42:00). This introspection underscores her dedication to responsible storytelling within the true crime genre.

Reflections and Advice to Her Younger Self

Concluding the episode, Ashley offers poignant advice to her younger self and, by extension, to listeners navigating their own tumultuous adolescence. She shares a simple yet powerful philosophy she adopted: "It's gonna be okay. Sweet." This mantra, displayed on a wooden box in her home, serves as a beacon of hope and resilience. "All the feelings feel so big and it does feel like your world is ending for stuff as an adult you think is simple and it's not to like" (51:52).

Final Thoughts and Community Impact

Ashley’s journey from a sheltered, community-bound child to a successful media entrepreneur and philanthropist is both inspiring and relatable. Her commitment to empowering others, addressing ethical concerns in true crime storytelling, and fostering a supportive community highlights her multifaceted impact. The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing admiration for Ashley’s accomplishments and her unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.

Notable Quotes:

• "We lived on the premises of the church. We had to go to services multiple times a week. And it was like such a freaking bubble." — Ashley Flowers (07:17)
• "I couldn't get enough. I just became obsessed with the genre." — Ashley Flowers (11:51)
• "While I was doing the podcast for the whole first year, I worked full time... It was a brutal first year." — Ashley Flowers (22:22)
• "How can we consume it better, more responsibly so that we're not continuing to cause more harm to the people who've already suffered the biggest loss?" — Ashley Flowers (42:00)
• "It's gonna be okay. Sweet." — Ashley Flowers (51:52)

Conclusion:

This episode of Podcrushed offers an intimate look into Ashley Flowers' life, from her restrictive upbringing to her meteoric rise in the world of true crime podcasting. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful reflections, Ashley provides listeners with valuable insights into overcoming adversity, the importance of community, and ethical media consumption. Whether you're a fan of true crime or seeking inspiration from a compelling personal journey, this episode delivers a rich and multifaceted narrative that resonates deeply.