PodCrushed Episode Summary: The Jonas Brothers

Release Date: July 23, 2025

Podcast Information: Title: PodCrushed
Hosts: Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, Sophie Ansari
Description: PodCrushed delves into the tumultuous and transformative years of middle school, exploring themes like heartbreak, anxiety, and self-discovery. Hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, the podcast presents relatable stories and conversations that resonate with teenage experiences.

Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with an engaging introduction by the hosts, Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation with the Jonas Brothers: Joe, Nick, and Kevin. They provide a warm welcome and express excitement about featuring the band, highlighting their longstanding influence in the music industry.

Early Lives and Musical Beginnings

The discussion kicks off by exploring the Jonas Brothers' formative years around the age of 12.

• Joe Jonas ([00:07]):
  "So 12 years old, just started new school in New Jersey, and it's actually the year I picked up the guitar."

Joe shares his experience of starting at a new private school and how boredom from being sick led him to pick up the guitar, marking the beginning of his musical journey.

• Sophie Ansari ([02:22]):
  "So I'm not sure if you are aware, but what we do here is you know, it's PodCrush. The idea is adolescents middle school. We start at 12. Cause that's a formative time of life."

Sophie emphasizes the podcast's focus on middle school as a pivotal period for self-discovery and growth.

Formation of the Jonas Brothers Band

The brothers delve into the origins of their band, highlighting their collaborative efforts and early musical endeavors.

• Nick Jonas ([06:02]):
  "I was just the guy that would film skateboarders."

Nick describes his role as the brother who documented their activities, showcasing their supportive dynamics from a young age.

• Kevin Jonas ([09:18]):
  "I started. Yeah, about eight years old."

Kevin talks about his early start in music, emphasizing the family's deep-rooted musical background fostered by their father, a musician and pastor.

Challenges and Setbacks

The narrative transitions to the hurdles the Jonas Brothers faced as they pursued their musical careers.

• Kevin Jonas ([10:55]):
  "Who then brought me in to have me meet this guy, David Massey, who had signed, you know, incredible acts and happened to have signed a couple of acts of Brothers."

Kevin recounts the pivotal moment when they were signed by Sony Records, thanks to a family friend introducing them to a key executive, marking the official beginning of their professional journey.

Personal Struggles: Diabetes Diagnosis

A significant emotional chapter unfolds as Kevin shares his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes, adding depth to their personal stories.

• Kevin Jonas ([24:06]):
  "I'm coming up on my 20th year living with the disease, which coincides with the 20th year of the band, coincidentally, and don't call them that."

Kevin opens up about his diagnosis at 13, detailing the physical and emotional challenges he faced and how it intertwined with the band's evolution.

Path to Success and Breakthroughs

The brothers discuss their relentless pursuit of success, performing at unconventional venues and enduring early financial struggles.

• Nick Jonas ([12:00]):
  "When we were starting as a band and our dad is kind of weighing two different jobs, three different jobs..."

Nick reflects on the band's early days, juggling multiple jobs to support their musical aspirations and the sacrifices made by their family.

Reunion and Current Projects

The conversation shifts to the band's breakup and eventual reunion, highlighting their growth and renewed synergy.

• Kevin Jonas ([43:02]):
  "When you combine the pressure cooker of just time with the fact that we had no tools. And that's nobody's fault."

Kevin discusses the internal dynamics that led to the band's temporary split, emphasizing the lack of communication tools during their turbulent rise to fame.

• Nick Jonas ([63:31]):
  "The whole thing was never as toxic or as, you know, sort of wrong word here, but, like violent in the conversation, in the breakup."

Nick provides insight into the amicable nature of their breakup, underscoring the emotional toll it took and the challenges they faced in maintaining their familial bonds.

The New Album: Greetings from Your Hometown

A focal point of the episode is the announcement and discussion of the Jonas Brothers' new album, "Greetings from Your Hometown," symbolizing a return to their roots and showcasing their matured musical prowess.

• Kevin Jonas ([65:21]):
  "So we ended up being of boring. If the songs are only about, you."
  (Later elaborates on the album's themes and musical influences)

Kevin explains the album's intention to blend their personal growth with their early musical inspirations, creating a project that honors their legacy while embracing their evolved identities.

• Nick Jonas ([63:35]):
  "I think we looked at new music that we're creating and saying, okay, well, how do we all."

Nick discusses the collaborative process behind the album, ensuring that each member's individual experiences and musical tastes are authentically represented.

Interactive Segment: Rapid Fire Game

The hosts engage the Jonas Brothers in a fun rapid-fire game, presenting various scenarios and asking them to match songs to each situation. This segment humanizes the band members, revealing their personal favorites and creative processes.

• Joe Jonas ([70:02]):
  "I'll go with I Can't Lose. It's a Jonas Brothers song."

• Nick Jonas ([71:21]):
  "She was the police chief's daughter that let us rent that home."

Their playful interactions showcase their camaraderie and the lighthearted side of their personalities.

Final Reflections and Advice

Concluding the episode, the Jonas Brothers offer heartfelt advice to their younger selves, reflecting on the lessons learned through their journey.

• Kevin Jonas ([82:23]):
  "I would say take a deep breath, start therapy now."

• Joe Jonas ([84:07]):
  "I would tell myself that some kids picked a keychain instead of a purity ring and maybe do that same commitment, less and more gas broadcast..."

Their candid reflections emphasize the importance of mental health, personal authenticity, and maintaining strong familial bonds amidst the pressures of fame.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with warm interactions between the hosts and the Jonas Brothers, celebrating their enduring bond and looking forward to their continued success. The hosts encourage listeners to follow the Jonas Brothers' new album, "Greetings from Your Hometown," available from August 8th, and to stay connected through social media.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Jonas ([00:07]):
  "So 12 years old, just started new school in New Jersey, and it's actually the year I picked up the guitar."

• Kevin Jonas ([10:55]):
  "Who then brought me in to have me meet this guy, David Massey, who had signed, you know, incredible acts and happened to have signed a couple of acts of Brothers."

• Kevin Jonas ([24:06]):
  "I'm coming up on my 20th year living with the disease, which coincides with the 20th year of the band, coincidentally, and don't call them that."

• Nick Jonas ([63:35]):
  "I think we looked at new music that we're creating and saying, okay, well, how do we all."

• Kevin Jonas ([82:23]):
  "I would say take a deep breath, start therapy now."

• Joe Jonas ([84:07]):
  "I would tell myself that some kids picked a keychain instead of a purity ring and maybe do that same commitment, less and more gas broadcast..."

This episode of PodCrushed offers an intimate glimpse into the Jonas Brothers' journey from their early teenage years to their resurgence as a prominent musical trio. Through heartfelt discussions and engaging interactions, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the brothers' personal and professional evolution, making the episode both relatable and inspiring.