Chicks in the Office: DWTS Semi-Final Preview

Hosts: Ria & Fran (Barstool Sports)
Episode Date: November 17, 2025
Main Guests:

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
• Robert Irwin & Whitney Carson
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas

Episode Overview

This episode of Chicks in the Office brings listeners right to the heart of pop culture’s current hottest topics—Dancing with the Stars semi-finals and post-BravoCon chaos. Ria and Fran share behind-the-scenes stories from their whirlwind week: traveling for shows, visiting DWTS rehearsals, catching BravoCon drama, and recapping the latest in TV. The highlight: exclusive in-studio interviews with the top Dancing with the Stars semi-final pairs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching Up: Life On The Road

• Ria and Fran are finally back in the studio after a hectic week of live events from Cincinnati to LA and Vegas, involving a live show, exclusive DWTS studio interviews, BravoCon, and wedding travel.
• Both express exhaustion but also excitement about reconnecting with fans and listeners across the country.
  • “It was like, mile 23, 24 of a marathon week.” – Ria (03:35)

2. Dancing With the Stars: The Inside Scoop

Studio Access & TikTok Antics

• The hosts scored 15-minute interview slots with DWTS semi-finalists amid their rehearsal schedules, capturing candid moments and TikToks with the celebs and their partners.
  • “I felt like I was seeing how the sauce is made. I am not supposed to be here.” – Fran (05:05)
• Lots of laughter as Fran describes Val and Alix Earle filming a TikTok:
  • “Val was like, nah, let's do this. And I was like, okay.” – Fran (08:03)
• Mark Ballas gets praised for his TikTok cinematography, and some shenanigans are recounted (Noah, their producer, almost knocks over an expensive camera).

Robert Irwin Praised for Sweetness

• Both hosts are charmed by Robert Irwin’s kindness and enthusiasm, especially seeing him organize a group tribute for Steve Irwin Day.
  • “He’s the cutest human being. So, so freaking cute.” – Ria (08:31)

The DWTS Family Dynamic

• Positive vibes radiate from all the DWTS pairs; the environment is collaborative, familial, and encouraging, even in a high-stress phase.
  • “They really are like one big family over at Dancing with the Stars.” – Fran (10:42)

Exclusive Interviews: Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finalists

Robert Irwin & Whitney Carson ([101:35]–[116:09])

Highlights:

• Robert shares the emotional impact of incorporating footage of his late father, Steve Irwin, on the show, and how DWTS has helped him process his grief:
  • “For the first time ever, this experience has been a way...to feel and express emotions from my own grief journey that I've never been able to truly embrace before, and I certainly haven't embraced publicly.” – Robert (104:30)
• Whitney describes Robert as a “fast learner” who brings an infectious enthusiasm to practice.
• Both gush about the family-like support, Bindi’s (Robert’s sister) involvement, and the importance of gratitude and vulnerability on the dance floor.
• Humorous bit about Robert’s “old man” phone case:
  • “He might be 21, but he's an old man.” – Whitney Carson (115:15)

Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas ([116:15]–[130:08])

Highlights:

• Whitney reflects on the bittersweet feeling of reaching the semi-finals, the nerves before every elimination, and the excitement for Prince week dances.
• Mark describes his love for Prince’s music, the creative freedom in arranging songs, and technical strategies for re-performing the cha-cha:
  • “She has something I can't teach. She has this dynamic performance quality.” – Mark (121:04)
• Both discuss balancing Whitney’s modern dance background with learning ballroom from scratch, and setting the record straight that a “modern dance degree” doesn’t equal ballroom experience.
• Mark teases his upcoming appearance on The Traitors:
  • “There is literally a moment...full body goosebumps. Like, no idea how to navigate. It is explosive.” – Mark (127:34)
• Addressing online criticism about contestants’ previous dance experience, Mark emphasizes DWTS has always had a mix, and it’s the audience’s favorite that matters.

Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy ([132:30]–[149:13])

Highlights:

• Alix describes how grounding the DWTS experience has been after her usual “living out of a suitcase” lifestyle. She credits the show for encouraging self-reflection and emotional growth.
• Val gets vulnerable about the pressure and gratitude of having Alix as a partner given her huge following, emphasizing how her genuine commitment transformed his initial skepticism:
  • “I was expecting someone to be a little too cool for things...but immediately I realized, she’s game...not a lot of people would do that.” – Val (148:02)
• The duo discuss the challenge of preparing the iconic “Purple Rain” Viennese waltz for semi-finals and the nerves of tackling such a big song and emotional performance.
• Alix and Val share that early interactions were “awkward,” with both taking time to warm up (“We were just cooking for a second. Now, we’re eating.” – Alix [140:44]), but now have real camaraderie.
• Sweet update on Alix’s dog, Asia, who is recovering from surgery.

BravoCon Recap & Pop Culture Hot Topics

The Wild Energy at BravoCon ([12:56]–[21:08])

• Ria shares the intense atmosphere and “fanatical” behavior at BravoCon, from screaming super-fans to heated panels (“People are ready for whatever. By the way, the amount of screams you hear…” – Ria [13:10]).
• Notable panel moments:
  • Dorit and Kyle’s tension at the Beverly Hills panel (“They do not seem to be on good terms…” – Ria [13:25])
  • Kathy Hilton doing her “labubu” voice (“I felt my soul leave my body.” – Ria [13:20])
• Shocking reunion: Melissa & Joe Gorga and Teresa Giudice (“There was a lot of kissing and hugging and smooching and da, da, da. And a lot of sucking up…” – Ria [38:57])

Real Housewives Relationships & Drama ([39:07]–[47:55])

• The hosts are skeptical about the authenticity of the Jersey Housewives’ reconciliation (“Is not real to me...Just immediately jumping into ‘I adore my sister-in-law.’” – Ria [41:47])
• Amanda and Kyle's rumored separation: hosts debate if relationship drama is hyped up for the show.

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Recap ([63:16]–[88:32])

• Deep dive into the latest season, the fallout from the Marciano drama, Jesse’s marital struggles, Demi’s vilified status, and questions around motivations for doing the show.
• Ria and Fran both praise Taylor as a grounded presence but question if she’s ready to be Bachelorette.

Weekly Watch Report ([63:10]–[99:44])

• Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Season 3 – Both hosts give it an "A" for binge-worthiness and drama (“These girls certainly bring the drama.” – Fran [88:42])
• All Her Fault – Early episodes praised for strong casting and intrigue.
• Squid Game – Slight dip in engagement as interesting contestants go home.
• Dancing With the Stars – Attending live, both rave about the current season.
• Max and Hall – Addictive German drama; Fran admits to using screeners in German just to keep up.
• Freaky Friday (Lindsay Lohan remake) – Sweet, enjoyable, “a B.”
• Salt Lake City – “The best show on Bravo right now.” – Fran (95:24)
• Jonas Brothers Movie – “It was so funny. I think people are gonna love it. It’s an A.” – Fran (99:44)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I felt like I was seeing how the sauce is made. I am not supposed to be here.” – Fran (05:05)
• “He’s the cutest human being. So, so freaking cute.” – Ria (08:31)
• “For the first time ever, this experience has been a way...to feel and express emotions from my own grief journey that I've never been able to truly embrace before, and I certainly haven't embraced publicly.” – Robert Irwin (104:30)
• “She has something I can't teach. She has this dynamic performance quality.” – Mark Ballas (121:04)
• “We were just cooking for a second. Now, we’re eating. We cook now.” – Alix Earle (140:44)
• “I was expecting someone to be a little too cool for things...but immediately I realized, she’s game...not a lot of people would do that.” – Val Szpakovsky (148:02)
• “There is literally a moment...full body goosebumps. Like, no idea how to navigate. It is explosive.” (On The Traitors) – Mark Ballas (127:34)
• “Salt Lake City is the best show on Bravo right now. It’s not even close.” – Fran (95:24)
• “These girls certainly bring. They certainly bring the drama. That is for sure.” (Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) – Fran (88:42)

Additional Highlights

• Behind-the-scenes chaos of live shows, red carpets, and juggling podcasting with attending TV premieres.
• Ria’s run-in with listeners at BravoCon, including a supportive Southern Charm dad.
• The fatigue of constant travel and “marathon” weeks, but appreciation for connecting with fans and fellow podcasters.
• Updates on upcoming reality TV (e.g., RHONY cast shakeups, next season of The Traitors, and Ashley Iaconetti’s debut on Real Housewives of Rhode Island).

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:10] – Catching Up: Hectic week recap
• [04:24] – How the DWTS interviews came together
• [08:31] – Meeting DWTS semi-finalists, studio hijinks
• [12:56] – BravoCon in Vegas: First impressions
• [39:07] – Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion
• [63:10] – Weekly Watch Report (TV Talk)
• [101:35] – Robert Irwin & Whitney Carson Interview
• [116:15] – Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas Interview
• [132:30] – Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy Interview

Tone & Vibe

The episode is fun, friendly, and highly candid—full of the signature Chicks in the Office blend of pop-culture obsession, lightly chaotic storytelling, and genuine warmth toward their guests and listeners. The interviews strike a balance between light-hearted fun and sincere, emotional moments, especially around topics of loss, vulnerability, and self-improvement.

In Summary

For anyone who missed the episode, this is a must-listen for fans of reality TV, DWTS, or Bravo news. The behind-the-scenes DWTS content is particularly rich and personal, and the pop culture/chat segments are packed with sharp takes, relatable anxieties, and all the drama you expect from the Chicks—plus laughs and heart.