Podcast Summary: Podcrushed – Episode Featuring Naomi Aki

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Guest: Naomi Aki
Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavlan, Sophie Ansari
Description: Podcrushed explores the tumultuous journey of adolescence through stories and conversations about middle school experiences. In this episode, guest Naomi Aki delves into her personal growth, challenges with fame, and the profound impact of friendship and family on her life.

1. Introducing Naomi Aki

The episode begins with the hosts warmly welcoming Naomi Aki, highlighting her impressive acting portfolio, including roles in "Star the Rise of Skywalker," "Blink Twice," and her portrayal of Whitney Houston in "I Want to Dance with Somebody." Naomi's newest project, the A24 film "Sorry Baby," is also introduced as a must-watch for listeners.

2. Early Life and Shyness ([05:36] - [07:19])

Naomi recounts her childhood as an exceptionally shy 12-year-old. Her mother enrolled her in various activities like drama and tap dancing, which Naomi found challenging due to abandonment issues and her innate shyness. Despite these struggles, Naomi developed a deep love for reading fantasy novels, immersing herself in worlds like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Wheel of Time.

Naomi Aki [06:00]: "I was really into fantasy. I started with Harry Potter and suddenly I was like completely immersed in the fantasy world realm."

3. Finding Confidence through Acting ([07:19] - [10:07])

Naomi's first significant performance was playing Angel Gabriel in a school nativity play. This experience was transformative, providing her with the confidence she desperately needed. She creatively infused a rap into her role, showcasing her early artistic instincts.

Naomi Aki [08:25]: "This was such a flex in my school... I spent the whole evening writing a rap of Angel Gabriel telling Mary."

The performance was met with overwhelming applause, marking the beginning of Naomi's identity as the "drama girl" and the "theater kid," roles that bolstered her self-esteem.

4. Family Dynamics and Being the Youngest Child ([46:08] - [48:52])

Discussing her role as the youngest of three children, Naomi reflects on how this position influenced her behavior and coping mechanisms. Being the "baby" of the family, she adopted the role of the sweet, well-behaved child to maintain harmony within the household.

Naomi Aki [46:24]: "I decided that my role was going to be the sweet one... there was safety in being the one who goes, 'Oh, she's fine.'"

This dynamic led her to seek control and express herself through acting, allowing her to navigate family conflicts by immersing herself in performance.

5. Approach to Fame and Burnout ([12:03] - [24:56])

Naomi candidly discusses her complicated relationship with fame. Despite initial desires for recognition, she found the pressures of fame to be burdensome and alienating. This realization led her to recognize a burnout cycle, prompting her to take a much-needed break from acting.

Naomi Aki [13:24]: "I recognized that I'm in a kind of burnout cycle and I need to rectify it and stop for a while."

She emphasizes the importance of de-glamorizing the acting profession, advocating for authenticity and the prioritization of personal well-being over public image.

Naomi Aki [21:36]: "I just think there should be more people talking about that. This is a job, but it's not my life."

Naomi credits her late mother for instilling in her the value of craft over fame, teaching her that artistic pursuits should be driven by passion rather than the pursuit of recognition.

6. Reflections on First Love and Heartbreak ([33:53] - [43:57])

Naomi opens up about her first love and heartbreak, intertwining these experiences with personal loss. Her first romantic relationship coincided with her mother's passing, making the heartbreak particularly poignant and complex.

Naomi Aki [39:45]: "I was holding onto that first love in a way that... it took me a very long time to work my way through that heartbreak."

This painful period led Naomi to become detached from the idea of relationships, further fueling her workaholic tendencies. However, she eventually found balance and a fulfilling partnership, which helped her appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

Naomi Aki [43:03]: "I want to spend time with you, I want to share things with you. That gives us the choice. It's more romantic to me to want to be together and choose to be together than to need to."

7. Current Projects and Creative Process ([54:23] - [71:36])

Naomi discusses her latest project, "Sorry Baby," describing it as a deeply honest narrative about healing, friendship, and the human experience. Filmed during a strike, the project allowed her to explore authentic emotions and the complexities of grief.

Naomi Aki [56:12]: "Something bad has happened to Agnes. This story is about the slowness of healing... love and healing and support and humor in the tragedy."

She touches on her method acting approach, particularly her challenges in portraying Whitney Houston. Naomi openly shares the personal toll it took, including extreme weight loss and the subsequent body dysmorphia, underscoring the sacrifices made for her craft.

Naomi Aki [62:37]: "I lost about 30 pounds in five months. It was extremely reckless of me to do, and I wouldn't do it again."

Naomi emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal well-being over professional demands, advocating for healthier approaches to acting and fame.

8. Advice to Her Younger Self ([71:13] - [71:40])

In a heartfelt closing segment, Naomi shares what she would tell her 12-year-old self. She expresses a desire to offer comfort and wisdom, encouraging her younger self to stay aware, keep her eyes open, and know how to rest.

Naomi Aki [71:13]: "I would give her the biggest hug. I would just give her a really, really big hug and be like, 'Alright, buckle in, stay aware, keep your eyes open and know how to rest.'"

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming Shyness: Naomi's early experiences in acting provided her with the confidence to navigate a challenging childhood.
• Navigating Fame: She advocates for prioritizing personal well-being over the pressures of fame, highlighting the importance of authenticity.
• The Role of Friendship and Family: Deep friendships and a supportive family played a crucial role in Naomi's healing and personal growth.
• Healthy Perspectives on Love: Naomi evolved from viewing love as a need to seeing it as a choice, which has positively impacted her relationships.
• Authentic Storytelling: Her current projects focus on genuine human experiences, emphasizing the importance of honest storytelling in art.

Notable Quotes:

• Naomi Aki [08:25]: "This was such a flex in my school... I spent the whole evening writing a rap of Angel Gabriel telling Mary."
• Naomi Aki [21:36]: "I just think there should be more people talking about that. This is a job, but it's not my life."
• Naomi Aki [43:03]: "I want to spend time with you, I want to share things with you. That gives us the choice. It's more romantic to me to want to be together and choose to be together than to need to."

Conclusion: In this episode of Podcrushed, Naomi Aki offers an intimate glimpse into her personal and professional journey. From battling shyness and navigating the complexities of fame to finding solace in genuine relationships and authentic storytelling, Naomi's story is both inspiring and relatable. Her candid reflections serve as valuable insights for anyone grappling with identity, purpose, and the pursuit of passion.