Podcast Summary: [Rerun] Adam Brody on Podcrushed

Release Date: April 2, 2025
Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
Guest: Adam Brody

Introduction

In this rerun episode of Podcrushed, hosts Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari welcome the talented actor Adam Brody. Known for his iconic role as Seth Cohen on The O.C., Adam delves into his middle school experiences, struggles during adolescence, his journey into acting, and insights into his personal life and marriage.

Early Life and First Tech Experiences

The conversation begins with a nostalgic discussion about early technology.

Nava recalls her first gadget:
"My first piece of technology was a digital diary that you could type into and it would save your notes... as a 10-year-old, that was the most exciting present." [00:26]

Penn jokes about his first "tech" being a spoon, adding humor to the exchange:
"It was a spoon. I just couldn't figure out how to hold that." [01:13]

Sophie shares her first tech experience:
"I had a Nokia 3000 in third grade. I played Snake on it until it was gone within a couple of months." [01:13]

Adam Brody adds his own early tech story:
"My first piece of tech wasn't a phone. It was a digital four-track that I recorded music on when I was 14." [02:05]

Junior High Challenges

Adam opens up about his tumultuous junior high years, describing them as the darkest period of his life.

"Junior high and maybe freshman year of high school were like the darkest period of my life... It was a fairly lonely kind of scaryish time." [08:43]

He discusses the exposure to violence and the impact it had on him:
"People can get jumped. It's like, people were getting jumped, which is something I also think... is violent." [15:53]

Adam also touches on his early experiences with substance use:
"I started smoking pot early and got suspended for it in eighth grade." [10:24]

High School and Surfing

To cope with the challenges of junior high, Adam immersed himself in surfing during high school.

"In high school, my whole four years were mostly built around surfing. I loved it and it was my way of staying close to the ocean." [09:57]

He describes the surfing culture at his school and how it provided a sense of community and purpose:
"We'd get up at 5:30 in the morning to surf. It kept me grounded and focused amidst the chaos of school life." [32:45]

Friendships and Tragedies

Adam reflects on his friendships during his youth, highlighting both the camaraderie and the tragedies that befell his peers.

"We had a friend who tragically took his own life shortly after eighth grade. It cast a pall over our group and made the environment even more daunting." [19:24]

He also shares a harrowing memory of witnessing a friend's violent encounter:
"I remember a white kid, a bit of a provocateur, being chased by a crowd and getting utterly destroyed by the end of it. That was the last time he ever went to that school." [17:33]

Transition to Acting

Despite his earlier struggles, Adam made a pivotal decision to pursue acting, which eventually led to his successful career.

"I never thought I'd become an actor until just before my 19th birthday. I decided to give it a try on a whim, and that's how my career took off." [10:24]

He explains how a lack of direction and dissatisfaction with surfing motivated him to explore acting:
"I was uninspired by school and surfing felt anticlimactic. Acting seemed like a new path, so I decided to commit to it." [10:24]

Marriage and Personal Life

Adam shares heartfelt insights about his marriage to Leighton, emphasizing the strength and partnership they share.

"My best friend is Leighton, and our relationship is the most important project of our lives. We complement each other's strengths and support one another through everything." [19:50]

He speaks about the depth of their connection and the joy it brings to his life:
"I am the happiest I've ever been. Our kids are incredible, and being financially secure allows us the freedom to spend quality time together." [43:36]

Insights on Relationships and Happiness

Reflecting on his personal growth, Adam discusses what constitutes a healthy and fulfilling marriage.

"Marriage shouldn't require you to be on the same team in terms of tolerating each other and enjoying each other's company. It's about partnership and mutual support." [36:43]

He emphasizes the importance of communication and evolving together:
"We are so fused, forever. So much of who I am is her, and who she is is me now." [40:02]

Adam also shares his philosophy on dealing with challenges and maintaining happiness:
"Being content and grateful for what I have is essential. It’s a balance of hard work and recognizing the rewards that come with it." [43:36]

Reflections on Acting Career

Adam provides an honest assessment of his acting journey, highlighting both enjoyable and challenging aspects.

On The O.C.:
"I don't recall a particularly hard day. The set was comfortable, and I had my dog around, which made it fun." [44:25]

On Promising Young Woman:
"I knew it was going to be impactful. The script was exceptional, and working with Carey Mulligan was a highlight." [60:56]

On Shazam!:
"The kids in Shazam! are great. The concept of kids turning into superheroes is a refreshing take, filled with joy and innocence." [71:36]

Adam discusses how different roles have allowed him to explore various facets of his craft, blending enjoyment with the responsibilities of storytelling.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Adam Brody offers a candid look into his formative years, the adversities he faced, and how they shaped his path to success. His reflections on personal relationships, career choices, and maintaining happiness provide valuable insights for listeners navigating their own middle school-like challenges. Adam's journey from feeling adrift to finding fulfillment in both his personal and professional life serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the pursuit of one's passions.

Notable Quotes:

• "Junior high and maybe freshman year of high school were like the darkest period of my life... It was a fairly lonely kind of scaryish time." — Adam Brody [08:43]

• "Marriage shouldn't require you to be on the same team in terms of tolerating each other and enjoying each other's company. It's about partnership and mutual support." — Adam Brody [36:43]

• "I am the happiest I've ever been. Our kids are incredible, and being financially secure allows us the freedom to spend quality time together." — Adam Brody [43:36]

This episode of Podcrushed offers a deeply personal and relatable exploration of the trials and triumphs of adolescence, illustrated through Adam Brody's experiences and growth. Whether you're reminiscing about your own middle school days or seeking inspiration from Adam's journey, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the enduring quest for self-discovery and happiness.