PodCrushed Episode Summary: Asa González

Episode Title: Eiza González
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kaplan, Sophie Ansari
Guest: Asa González

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of PodCrushed, hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kaplan, and Sophie Ansari engage in a deep and revealing conversation with acclaimed actress Asa González. The episode delves into Asa's tumultuous middle school years, her journey through grief, and her rise in the acting industry. Asa opens up about her personal struggles, her relationship with her mother, and her dedication to her craft, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of teenage life and career growth.

Early Life and Loss

Asa González begins by recounting her early adolescence marked by profound loss. At the age of 12, Asa experienced the sudden death of her father in a motorcycle accident—a trauma that significantly impacted her identity and emotional well-being.

[06:12] Asa González: "Imagine you're in the middle of building this tissue in your brain and you just get a shock of electricity and adrenaline to your brain."

She reflects on how her father's passing during a critical developmental period left her feeling fragmented and without a clear sense of self. Asa discusses the challenges of coping without the foundational support of her father, whose identity was deeply intertwined with hers.

Transition to Acting

The loss of her father not only plunged Asa into grief but also catalyzed her transition from her passion for motorcycles to acting. Originally trained in motorcycles under her father's guidance, Asa found herself distancing from this love to honor her mother's peace and to redefine her own identity.

[10:35] Asa González: "Acting came in because I'd always been sort of creative, but I never really knew where."

She describes how enrolling in a British English school exposed her to theater, sparking her interest in acting. This new passion provided solace and a means to rebuild her identity amidst the chaos of adolescence and early fame.

Relationship with Her Mother

Asa shares a unique and candid bond with her mother, whom she considers her best friend. Growing up in a challenging environment on the Mexico-US border, Asa's mother instilled in her a no-nonsense attitude coupled with unwavering honesty and love.

[29:34] Asa González: "My mother was my best friend. I had conversations with her in a way that I really want to like hone onto throughout my life."

This open relationship proved crucial during Asa's rise to fame, as it provided a stable and understanding foundation that helped her navigate the pressures of the entertainment industry without succumbing to destructive behaviors.

Career Highlights

Asa's career trajectory is marked by significant roles in both television and film. She gained widespread recognition from her role in the Netflix series Three Body Problem, which garnered a massive following and showcased her versatility as an actress.

[06:12] Asa González: "Once I got into what the character is, I forget about everything else."

Her involvement in Three Body Problem was paralleled by her participation in major motion pictures like Baby Driver and franchises such as Hobbs & Shaw within the Fast & Furious universe. Asa's dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

Currently, Asa is promoting her latest film, Ash, a science fiction horror project produced by the renowned music producer Flying Lotus. In Ash, Asa portrays a stranded astronaut navigating a mysterious and terrifying ordeal.

[54:48] Asa González: "Ash is a survival slasher off-the-wall sci-fi horror."

Personal Insights and Resilience

Throughout the episode, Asa emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-awareness in overcoming personal traumas. She reflects on the fragility and strength she discovered within herself following her father's death and how these experiences shaped her approach to life and her career.

[20:31] Asa González: "Self-awareness is the most pivotal thing. You become self-aware, but in the process, you are sacrificing certain things."

Asa discusses her struggles with confidence and how reconnecting with her fearless younger self has been a continuous journey. She admires the resilience of younger generations and strives to maintain that same fearlessness amidst the complexities of adulthood.

Relationships and Support Systems

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Asa's supportive relationship with her mother, who played a pivotal role in her emotional recovery and professional growth. Asa recounts pivotal moments, such as her mother's honest discussions about sex and relationships, which fostered a transparent and trusting bond.

[35:27] Asa González: "She was always having these real honest conversations. I never felt like rebelling."

This strong support system enabled Asa to navigate the challenges of fame and personal loss without feeling the need to escape or deny her emotions.

Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Asa provides insights into her latest projects, particularly focusing on Three Body Problem and Ash. She highlights the immense pressure and high expectations associated with large-scale productions like Three Body Problem and how immersive projects like Ash allow her to explore raw and intense aspects of her acting abilities.

[56:07] Asa González: "It's fantastic to be part of a movie made for theaters because horror is one of the most fun genres to go see in movie theaters."

Asa expresses excitement about the collaborative process with visionary creators like Flying Lotus and her friendship with co-star Aaron Paul, underscoring the importance of creative synergy in her projects.

Final Reflections and Advice

Towards the end of the episode, Asa shares her reflections on her past and the importance of trusting oneself. When asked what she would tell her 12-year-old self, Asa emphasizes confidence and self-trust as crucial elements for navigating life's challenges.

[63:58] Asa González: "Trust yourself more. Be more confident in yourself."

Her message is one of empowerment, encouraging young listeners to believe in their own strength and resilience.

Conclusion

This episode of PodCrushed offers a profound exploration of Asa González's life, highlighting her journey from a grieving young girl to a successful and resilient actress. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, Asa provides valuable insights into overcoming adversity, the significance of supportive relationships, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions. Her story is both inspiring and relatable, resonating with anyone who has faced similar struggles in their path to self-discovery and personal growth.

Notable Quotes:

• Asa González [06:12]: "Imagine you're in the middle of building this tissue in your brain and you just get a shock of electricity and adrenaline to your brain."

• Asa González [29:34]: "My mother was my best friend. I had conversations with her in a way that I really want to like hone onto throughout my life."

• Asa González [56:07]: "It's fantastic to be part of a movie made for theaters because horror is one of the most fun genres to go see in movie theaters."

• Asa González [63:58]: "Trust yourself more. Be more confident in yourself."

PodCrushed continues to deliver authentic and engaging stories that resonate with the teenage experience, offering listeners both entertainment and meaningful reflections on personal growth and self-discovery.