Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast

Episode 3: TikTok Night Breakdown
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Host: Joey Graziadei (DWTS commentator & former Bachelor lead)

Episode Overview

This episode offers an inside look at “TikTok Night” on Dancing with the Stars, featuring exclusive interviews with returning champion and TikTok superstar Charli D'Amelio, viral TikTok commentator Brian Baker, and the newly eliminated couple, Lauren and Brandon. The episode delivers vibrant reactions to this season’s increasingly competitive ballroom, detailed recaps of standout performances, and heartfelt comments on the hard work, evolution, and emotion behind the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Charli D'Amelio Returns to the Ballroom

[01:37–14:26]

• Charli on Dancing Live Again:
  Charli shares the thrill and stress of returning to the ballroom for a special performance—highlighting the pressure of learning her first-ever samba in just a day with Mark Ballas.

  • "It was crazy ... I got to LA like two days ago ... I started my dance with Mark yesterday." (Charli, 01:50)
  • Lighthearted banter between Charli and Joey about her quick mastery of samba and the challenges of tackling new styles.

• On Tonight’s Cast and Performances:
  Charli celebrates the season’s stacked cast and expresses admiration for both pros and newcomers.

  • "It is such a stacked season. I really got to elimination and was like, I have no idea how this is going to go." (Charli, 03:07)
  • Emphasizes that the journey is uniquely challenging as every star brings different strengths and weaknesses (e.g., experience, picking up choreography, performance skills).

• Ballroom Technique Focus:
  Analysis of how the judges have upped their critique on technique, especially notable in the leap from Weeks 2 to 3.

  • "There’s two ways ... you can learn a dance or learn how to do the style of dance ... that’s what makes the show so beautiful." (Charli, 03:55)

• Social Media’s Expanding Role:
  Charli remarks on the shift from her season (where she barely posted) to the current one, where social media extends the contestants’ stories and deepens fan engagement.

  • "I was never on my phone because I was like, I'm here. I'm a student ... Now I see how everyone else does it—I'm falling in love with these couples from a viewer perspective." (Charli, 06:44)

• Dance Background vs. Ballroom Dancing:
  Dispels the misconception that prior dance experience is a straightforward advantage in ballroom.

  • "Ballroom dancing, I've had to unlearn so much because a lot of it's so opposite." (Charli, 07:58)

• Mark Ballas and Partnership:
  Deep appreciation for Mark’s mentorship, letting Charli focus entirely on dance by handling countless behind-the-scenes details.

  • "[Mark is] such an icon ... He was that person, so I just got to focus on the dancing. And that was it." (Charli, 12:05 – 13:32)

• Charli’s Growth and Emotional Journey:
  Credits DWTS as transformative, describing it as her “high school experience” and crucial to her personal growth.

  • “This show changed my life ... it taught me so much ... I learned more about myself and my relationship with dance than I have in any other time in my life.” (Charli, 10:26)

• Full Circle Moments:
  Charli reflects on high praise from late head judge Len Goodman, whose words remain a career highlight.

  • "My goal, I want to impress Len ... to be his final winner after such a legacy was so special." (Charli, 16:10)
  • "He said no words could describe how good he thought you were. That was one of his comments." (Host, 17:02)

2. Viral Recapper Brian Baker Dives In

[19:14–29:34]

• Origin of the ‘Straight White Guy’ Recaps:
  Brian credits Joey (“I kind of started watching last season because I was such a big fan of yours in the Bachelor.” (Brian, 20:00)) and discusses how his atypical perspective as a sports guy-turned-ballroom-fan quickly gained traction on TikTok.

  • His presence breaks expectations (“It definitely subverts your expectations when I pop on your screen ... I’m talking to you about the tango and jive kicks ... but it’s not a bit. I actually do like the show.” (Brian, 20:38))

• Ballroom Breakdowns: Segment-by-Segment
  Brian gives witty, sometimes self-deprecating but increasingly technical recaps of each couple:

  • Jen & Jan (Cha Cha): Praised the bold opening, but noted she didn't stand out in previous weeks. [22:16]
  • Lauren & Brandon: (Eliminated) Complimented prior ballroom performances as "effortless" but says Latin required more presence. [22:34]
  • Danielle & Pasha: “Very proper, very simple, but effective." [23:01]
  • Jordan & Ezra: “I don’t know much technical, but I know how a dance makes me feel. … I felt something.” [23:29]
  • Dylan & Daniela: Joked about being mesmerized by Daniela, noted a slip but “so hot ... you forget Dylan’s even out there.” [23:52]
  • Elaine & Alan: Great technique but hard-to-dance-to song, “song choice can take you out of it.” [24:28]
  • Whitney & Mark (Samba): “I audibly said, whoa … first chills of the night … not necessary to cover up anything tonight … perfect balance for TikTok night.” [25:08–25:59]
  • Scott & Riley: Best routine so far, but height can highlight mistakes. [26:08]
  • Hilaria & Gleb: “Beautiful samba roll … Derek said it was the most beautiful samba roll he’s ever seen on the show.” [26:33]
  • Andy & Emma: “Felt like we were being held by Andy Richter ... pure joy ... cue the waterworks.” [27:03]
  • Robert & Whitney: “He had me biting my lip ... Hip movement, crazy ... Beatles-level fan screams.” [27:46]
  • Alex & Val: “Home field advantage for TikTok night—delivered, amazing footwork, I see her going really far.” [28:30]

• Evolution in Judging:
  Host and Brian note how his critiques are getting more technical and nuanced each week.

  • “Your takes are evolving. There’s technique.” (Host, 23:13)
  • “I’m just trying to be a sponge and soak it all up.” (Brian, 29:11)

3. Lauren & Brandon, Freshly Eliminated: Raw Reactions

[30:42–40:12]

• Immediate Reaction:
  Lauren is visibly upset, calling herself “a crybaby” but grateful for the experience.

  • "I'm feeling really disappointed ... I'm feeling a little sad." (Lauren, 30:54)
  • “Having to do this right after getting eliminated is funny ... here I am.” (Lauren, 32:22)

• On Why They Might Be Out:
  Lauren’s phone broke, so she couldn’t even tell fans to vote. Host and couple emphasize the importance of fan voting.

  • "My phone broke today, so I couldn't even tell you to vote. Sorry." (Lauren, 31:51)

• Ballroom vs. Latin Styles:
  Lauren says ballroom was more intuitive for her, while cha cha proved tougher.

  • “Ballroom styles were a lot easier for me to learn. The cha cha was a little challenging ..." (Lauren, 32:38)

• Partnership with Brandon:
  Deep gratitude and friendship, “couldn’t have been paired up with a better person ... I had so much fun with you." (Lauren, 33:39)
  Brandon calls it his “most painful elimination ever,” crediting Lauren for her authenticity and hard work.

• Judges & Musicality Praise:
  Lauren was often praised for “lyrical quality” and musicality; she notes the difference dancing without needing to save energy for singing.

  • “This show gave me the opportunity to give my 110% as a dancer, which I've never really gotten to do in front of the world before.” (Lauren, 36:40)

• On Authenticity and Support:
  Both encourage fans not to attack other contestants online, emphasizing the hard work and passion of all participants.

  • “Nobody deserves it more than the other person ... everyone worked so hard.” (Brandon, 39:15–39:45)

• Looking Forward:
  Lauren and Brandon both tease upcoming new music and end on a note of gratitude despite the disappointment.

  • "I have new music coming though, so get ready. You better still be locked in." (Lauren, 40:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You either can learn a dance or learn how to do the style of dance. And it's interesting—everyone has their own ways ... that's what makes the show so beautiful."
  — Charli D'Amelio [03:55]

• "Ballroom dancing, I've had to unlearn so much because a lot of it's so opposite … you're also dancing with someone. It's such a puzzle."
  — Charli D'Amelio [07:58]

• "I felt like we were being held by Andy Richter on the camera, you know? What a moment ... cue the waterworks. That was the most I smiled all night. Pure joy."
  — Brian Baker [27:03–27:29]

• "To be [Len Goodman’s] final winner after such a legacy was so special ... to think that that was even me that he said that to is so crazy."
  — Charli D'Amelio [16:10]

• "The show changed my life ... this was my high school. I didn't finish high school. So this was my high school experience, and I learned more about myself and my relationship with dance than I have in any other time."
  — Charli D'Amelio [10:26]

• "Nobody deserves it more than the other person ... If you saw how hard every single celebrity is working, nobody deserves it more."
  — Brandon (eliminated pro) [39:15]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Charli D'Amelio segment (ballroom insight & life after DWTS): [01:37–18:12]
• Brian Baker TikTok Recapper: [19:14–29:34]
• Lauren & Brandon farewell interview: [30:42–40:12]

Episode Tone & Style

• Upbeat and lighthearted, with moments of touching sincerity.
• Direct, conversational, and honest—especially when addressing the emotional impact of eliminations and growth of participants.
• Creative use of genuine reactions and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to further humanize the contestants.

Summary Takeaways

This breakdown of TikTok Night on DWTS celebrates the show's evolution, honoring both its newfound relevance among a younger, internet-savvy audience and the enduring themes of self-discovery, hard work, and artistry at its heart. From Charli D’Amelio’s reflections on fame and personal growth, through Brian Baker's infectious outsider enthusiasm, to the raw post-elimination emotions of Lauren and Brandon, listeners are treated to a layered, authentic portrayal of what makes Dancing with the Stars such a beloved competition.