Penn Badgley: Listening Machines (Re-Release)

Jun 8, 202654 min

Summary

In this re-released episode of Literally! With Rob Lowe, host Rob Lowe sits down with actor Penn Badgley for a wide-ranging conversation that blends personal history with critical analysis of Hollywood tropes. The two actors, both of whom moved to Los Angeles as children, find common ground in their shared experiences as young performers, including their time taking the California High School Proficiency Exam and navigating the unique, often challenging culture of the industry’s child-actor circuit. Badgley shares an amusing anecdote about his unusual name, which was inspired by a tennis ball, and reflects on his early, often humiliating audition experiences. The discussion shifts to his hit series You, where they analyze the character of Joe Goldberg not merely as a serial killer, but as a disturbing embodiment of toxic romantic tropes found in classic cinema. Badgley offers insights into how the show deconstructs the "nice guy" archetype. The episode also touches on deeper subjects, with Badgley discussing his Baháʼí faith and how his spiritual practice and meditation help him maintain balance while portraying complex, dark characters.

Updated Jun 12, 2026

Arts & Entertainment Society & Culture Television Acting Celebrity Interviews Spirituality Mental Health

Topics

TikTok Algorithms and Social Media

About This Episode

This week, we're looking back at Rob's 2023 conversation with "YOU" and "Gossip Girl" star Penn Badgley! They discuss their eerie similarities as well as Penn’s middle school tribulations, his journey from Gossip Girl to YOU, his meditation practice, and the mysterious TikTok algorithm.

This episode originally aired in March 2023. Make sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube at YouTube.com/@LiterallyWithRobLowe! Got a question for Rob? Call our voicemail at 323-570-4551. Your question could get featured on the show!

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More Episodes

Rainn Wilson: This Beets Everything (Re-Release)

Jun 18, 202644 min

Summary

In this episode of Literally! With Rob Lowe, actor Rain Wilson joins the host for an engaging conversation that spans his iconic career, the complexities of the entertainment industry, and his deep commitment to spiritual exploration. Reflecting on his journey from theater training in New York to finding his footing in Los Angeles, Wilson discusses his transition from being a theater-trained actor to navigating the evolving landscape of network television. The two discuss the shifting nature of broadcast ratings and the challenges of sustaining shows that were ahead of their time, such as Wilson’s series, Backstrom. Beyond acting, the dialogue shifts to Wilson’s personal life and his experiences raising a teenager in the modern world. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Wilson’s writing and his upcoming projects, specifically his interest in exploring themes of faith and societal change. He explains his background in the Baháʼí faith and shares his vision for a spiritual revolution, emphasizing the need for a collective shift toward compassion and unity. It is an insightful, wide-ranging discussion about art, identity, and the pursuit of meaning.

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