Podcrushed Episode Summary: Kevin Smith
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
Guest: Kevin Smith, Acclaimed Filmmaker
Episode Title: Kevin Smith
1. Introduction to Kevin Smith
The episode opens with the hosts warmly welcoming listeners and introducing their guest, Kevin Smith, a renowned film director known for works such as Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. Kevin joins the conversation to celebrate the 25th anniversary re-release of his cult classic Dogma.
2. Kevin Smith’s Adolescent Years (00:02 - 17:42)
Kevin Smith delves into his childhood in Highlands, New Jersey, recounting a relatively idyllic upbringing despite being part of the latchkey kid generation. He shares insights into his parents' influence, particularly his father's cultural contributions through movie outings.
Kevin Smith (07:43): "At age 12, my father's bringing me to the movies every Wednesday... That was him raising me culturally."
Smith reflects on his formative experiences, including watching advanced films like The World According to Garp with his father and developing an early appreciation for storytelling and language through influences like George Carlin.
Kevin Smith (09:00): "George Carlin's in Dogma. There's a direct line between my father's influence and my appreciation for Carlin's wisdom and storytelling."
He also touches on the strained relationship with his parents, typical of 70s and 80s parenting styles, and how his father's practical dreams of marriage and family contrasted with his own burgeoning ambition to create and entertain.
3. Spiritual and Existential Themes in Dogma (17:42 - 32:35)
Transitioning to his film Dogma, Kevin explores the spiritual and existential questions that the movie addresses, stemming from his own grappling with faith and organized religion during his adolescence.
Kevin Smith (20:36): "Dogma is an expression of a shaky belief system. This is me trying to hold on to my faith."
He recounts the creation of Dogma and his collaboration with George Carlin, which ultimately led to his questioning of traditional Catholic beliefs. This pivotal moment on set catalyzed his departure from strict religious adherence.
Kevin Smith (21:12): "Working with George Carlin... This was the beginning of the end. I'm a grown man and make my own decisions."
Smith emphasizes the film as a "profession of faith," blending humor with deep spiritual inquiries, and discusses how his personal experiences and reflections during his 20s shaped the narrative of Dogma.
4. Personal Stories: First Love and Embarrassing Moments (32:35 - 43:51)
The hosts guide Kevin through sharing personal anecdotes that intertwine his youth with his professional journey.
First Love:
Kevin reminisces about his first love, Kim Locke, a high school girlfriend who later appeared in his films. Their relationship and eventual breakup fueled his creative ambitions and led him to create projects that reflected his early romantic experiences.
Kevin Smith (37:58): "My first love is Kim Locke... she was the reason I spent a lot of my childhood here in Atlantic."
He describes how the desire to regain Kim's admiration inspired him to pursue filmmaking, ultimately leading to the creation of Clerks and other significant works.
Embarrassing Story:
Kevin shares an embarrassing memory from his school days involving a confrontation with a girl named Paige Newman.
Kevin Smith (41:37): "When I was nine, Paige Newman stood right in front of me at the Catholic school playground, and I started dancing and clapping instead of addressing her presence properly."
This story highlights his early struggles with social interactions and self-expression, contributing to his later development as a storyteller who captures the awkwardness of adolescence.
5. Advice to Younger Self (49:51 - 54:53)
In response to the hosts' questions, Kevin offers heartfelt advice to his 12-year-old self, encouraging resilience and ambition.
Kevin Smith (51:56): "Change nothing. Because what you do from now until the moment I take over gets us where we're going."
He reflects on the importance of believing in oneself and pursuing one's dreams despite uncertainties and setbacks.
Kevin Smith (53:37): "Don't wait for somebody to give you permission to make your dream come true. Pick yourself up and drive that train."
Kevin emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with supportive, "why not" individuals who encourage creativity and perseverance.
6. Reflections on Faith and Legacy (32:35 - 57:37)
Later in the conversation, Kevin discusses his evolving views on faith, particularly in the aftermath of a life-threatening heart attack.
Kevin Smith (33:00): "Energy is neither created nor destroyed... When you talk about the dead, you're an antenna. You bring that energy."
He contrasts his childhood Catholic teachings with his current beliefs, which are influenced by modern interpretations of physics and personal experiences. Kevin contemplates re-embracing faith in a more nuanced, personal form rather than traditional doctrines.
Kevin Smith (34:39): "I feel like as I get older, I will re-embrace my faith totally one day."
7. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with the hosts expressing gratitude for Kevin’s insightful storytelling and encouraging listeners to engage with his work. They highlight his contributions to both film and thought-provoking discussions on faith and existence.
Nava Kavelin (55:16): "You can watch Dogma in theaters now and keep up with Kevin Smith online at that Kevin Smith podcrust."
Notable Quotes:
- Kevin Smith (07:43): "At age 12, my father's bringing me to the movies every Wednesday... That was him raising me culturally."
- Kevin Smith (20:36): "Dogma is an expression of a shaky belief system. This is me trying to hold on to my faith."
- Kevin Smith (51:56): "Change nothing. Because what you do from now until the moment I take over gets us where we're going."
- Kevin Smith (53:37): "Don't wait for somebody to give you permission to make your dream come true. Pick yourself up and drive that train."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Podcrushed offers an intimate glimpse into Kevin Smith's formative years, his creative journey, and his introspective journey regarding faith and personal ambitions. Through engaging storytelling and candid reflections, Smith provides listeners with both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the man behind some of the most iconic films in independent cinema.