Today, the gang sits down with culture critic and commentator Blakely Thornton, who takes them from his early days playing competitive tennis and football to his recent years as a leading voice in pop culture critique. Blakely opens up about his experiences navigating identity, battling societal norms, and finding his voice. Plus, Blakely shares his thoughts on current trends, the rise of AI, and why it's time to roll credits on reboots and gendered awards in acting.

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Pop-rock sisters Aly & AJ Michalka join us for a deeply nostalgic, laugh-out-loud, and unexpectedly tender conversation about growing up in the spotlight — together. From childhood auditions and Disney Channel chaos to first crushes, sibling telepathy, and writing their earliest songs on bedroom floors, Aly & AJ reflect on the moments that shaped their bond and their artistry. They open up about navigating fame as kids, protecting their sisterhood at all costs, and why choosing each other has been the throughline of their entire career. It feels less like an interview and more like hanging out in the kitchen with old friends — and you won’t want to leave.

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Check out our new book CRUSHMORE, out now! https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crushmore/Penn-Badgley/9781668077993

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Caleb McLaughlin, best known for his role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, reminisces about his experiences growing up on screen, from Broadway beginnings to international fame. Caleb shares his insights on the positive dynamics of the Stranger Things set, the impact of faith and family on his life, and his new projects, including the animated film 'GOAT' produced by Steph Curry. Tune in for an engaging discussion on childhood crushes, career milestones, and the journey of a young actor navigating the complexities of fame and personal growth.

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00:00 Introduction

03:31 Caleb McLaughlin’s Broadway Beginnings

05:40 Life as a Young Performer

14:49 Family Dynamics and Sibling Rivalry

18:55 Navigating Crushes and Relationships

26:14 Faith and Grounding

34:57 Reflecting on Stranger Things Journey

35:37 The Audition Process

36:26 Meeting the Cast

38:10 Broadway Connections

39:30 Favorite Characters and Deaths

41:24 Lucas and Max’s Relationship

45:43 Reflecting on Stranger Things

53:52 New Projects: GOAT and Shooting Stars

01:02:52 Voice Acting and Animation

01:05:07 Concrete Cowboy and Personal Growth

01:07:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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