Detailed Summary of "Call It What It Is" Podcast Episode Featuring Jenna Johnson

Podcast Information:

• Title: Call It What It Is
• Host/Authors: Jessica Capshaw and Camille Luddington (iHeartPodcasts)
• Episode: Featuring Jenna Johnson
• Release Date: May 26, 2025
• Description: Jessica Capshaw and Camille Luddington, known for their roles on Grey's Anatomy, explore their real-life friendship while navigating life's highs and lows. In this episode, they open their friendship circle to include guest Jenna Johnson, delving into topics ranging from relationships on competitive shows to personal growth and parenting.

1. Welcome and Introduction [02:31 - 04:46]

Jessica and Camille warmly welcome Jenna Johnson to the podcast, expressing their excitement about having a contestant from Dancing with the Stars on the show. Camille shares her enthusiasm as a fan and highlights the effort both hosts put into securing Jenna's appearance.

• Camille Luddington [03:00]:

  "We have Jenna Johnson on today, and you know that I'm a huge Dancing with the Stars fan, so I've been really looking forward to this day."

• Jenna Johnson [04:56]:

  "We're on the same page about the excitement!"

2. Jenna's Experience on Dancing with the Stars [04:56 - 07:28]

Jenna discusses the exhilaration of winning the competition and the subsequent emotional challenges when the season concludes. She reflects on the intense bonds formed with dance partners and the difficulty of transitioning back to everyday life after such a high-stress, collaborative environment.

• Jenna Johnson [06:08]:

  "I'm so grateful I was able to, first of all, meet Joey, go through that wild ride together, have an incredible win in that moment."

• Jessica Capshaw [06:20]:

  "Where is the trophy?"

3. The Highs and Lows of Competition [07:28 - 10:50]

Jenna elaborates on the emotional rollercoaster of competing on the show—moving from the euphoria of winning to the depression that follows the competition's end. She emphasizes the transient but profound connections formed during the three-month stint and the constant cycle of high expectations and subsequent letdowns each season.

• Jenna Johnson [07:28]:

  "It's a wild experience because you have all of that high, and then inevitably, you're like, in this deep depression because it's all over."

• Jenna Johnson [09:03]:

  "It's a wild boot camp experience that bonds you."

4. Partnership Dynamics and Intimacy [10:50 - 14:20]

The conversation delves into the unique intimate dynamics between dance partners on the show. Jenna explains how holding hands and close physical interactions are essential for trust and performance, even though they are not romantic relationships. This professional intimacy often leads to strong, platonic friendships.

• Jenna Johnson [13:04]:

  "We're holding hands because we are a team. It is such an intimate visual."

• Jenna Johnson [13:39]:

  "We are dragging our partner around the floor. We're like, hey, come over here."

5. Balancing Personal Life and Competition [14:20 - 17:46]

Jenna discusses how she manages her personal life, particularly her role as a mother, while competing on the show. She highlights the support from her husband, Val, who understands the demands of the competition and helps her stay grounded and focused.

• Jenna Johnson [16:38]:

  "Don't leave with any regrets of looking back and being like, that was such a short amount of time that I could have fully committed to."

• Jenna Johnson [18:03]:

  "Val is really great about seeing what he's doing with his partner and that they are safe and sure of their relationships."

6. Selecting Dance Partners and Competitive Edge [17:46 - 21:42]

Jenna explains the challenges of being paired with both novice and professional dancers on the show. She shares her experiences of having to continually prove herself, especially when paired with contestants who already have dance experience, emphasizing that professionalism and adaptability are key to success.

• Jenna Johnson [19:06]:

  "I have not had a football player yet. I keep throwing his name out because I think he would be so fun."

• Jenna Johnson [20:03]:

  "If you are a female contestant, I think it's hard. You're putting yourself in a very uncomfortable situation."

7. Navigating Camaraderie and On-Set Behaviors [22:37 - 24:28]

Camille raises a question about the potentially annoying behaviors of other couples on the show, wondering if they sometimes try to steal the spotlight. Jenna responds by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive environment and focusing on the collective goal of performing well, regardless of others' antics.

• Camille Luddington [22:43]:

  "Some people are annoying up there when they're standing there waiting and trying to grab the moment."

• Jenna Johnson [23:29]:

  "As long as all of us are having a good time... do whatever you got to do."

8. Pre-Performance Rituals and Mental Preparation [37:01 - 40:29]

Jenna shares her pre-performance rituals, including a unique superstition about putting on her right shoe before her left and the importance of physical warm-ups like planks with her partner. She also discusses the mental strategies she employs, such as positive affirmations and prayer, to maintain focus and a positive mindset before performances.

• Jenna Johnson [37:17]:

  "I always have to put my right ballroom shoe on before my left."

• Jenna Johnson [38:01]:

  "I say a prayer and then positive affirmations. I read what nerves can be positive or negative, just whatever you tell yourself."

9. Inspirational Advice and Personal Growth [46:14 - 49:49]

In a heartfelt exchange, Jenna offers advice to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and recognizing one's unique worth. She addresses societal pressures, particularly those faced by women, advocating for self-celebration and resilience against comparison.

• Jenna Johnson [46:39]:

  "I would just tell her to trust herself and to not forget why she's special."

• Jenna Johnson [47:13]:

  "Comparison is the thief of joy. It just is."

10. Closing Remarks and Future Plans [49:40 - End]

The episode concludes with warm sentiments and plans for future interactions. Jenna expresses her eagerness to return to the show and continue her journey, while Jessica and Camille commend her dedication and passion.

• Jenna Johnson [43:35]:

  "I would love to be a performer."

• Camille Luddington [50:52]:

  "She said football star. Well, she's a football star, but could have been anyone."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jenna Johnson [04:56]:

  "We're here to navigate the highs and lows of life together."

• Jenna Johnson [09:03]:

  "It's an insane boot camp experience that bonds you."

• Jenna Johnson [16:38]:

  "Don't leave with any regrets of looking back and being like, that was such a short amount of time that I could have fully committed to."

• Camille Luddington [38:58]:

  "You’re going to program it as excitement or will you categorize it as fear? Excitement gets you on your toes."

• Jenna Johnson [46:39]:

  "I would just tell her to trust herself and to not forget why she's special."

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of "Call It What It Is," Jenna Johnson provides an in-depth look into the life of a competitive dancer on Dancing with the Stars. Through candid discussions about partnership dynamics, personal challenges, and mental preparation, the episode offers valuable insights into balancing high-stakes competition with personal life. Jessica and Camille facilitate a warm and thoughtful conversation, making it both informative and inspiring for listeners who may be navigating similar challenges in their own lives.