Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast
Episode 5: Dedication Night Breakdown
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Joey Graziadei (BBC Studios)
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down "Dedication Night" on Dancing with the Stars—an emotional evening focused on performances inspired by personal dedication and heartfelt stories. Host Joey Graziadei is joined by special guests including past champions Bindi Irwin and Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky, guest judge Kim Johnson, and her husband, Shark Tank’s Robert Herjavec. Listeners get exclusive backstage insights, expert performance analyses, memorable personal stories, and hear how family, legacy, and vulnerability come together on the ballroom floor.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. The Irwin Family’s Heartfelt Journey (01:00–17:59)
- Bindi Irwin reflects on her brother Robert’s emotional performance and the unique feeling of supporting her family in the ballroom.
- She shares childhood memories of her late father Steve Irwin and discusses the importance of honoring him and their mother, Terri, through dance.
- Notable Theme: The centrality of unconditional love, grief, legacy, and family strength—especially following loss.
"It was such a healing and cathartic experience that watching him...honour his grief journey and the love we all have as a family. It’s just, it’s indescribable.”
— Bindi Irwin [02:01]
- Bindi discusses her own Dancing with the Stars journey, revealing she had never worn high heels before competing and describes the support and “patience” of her partner Derek Hough.
- The family’s move from Australia to the US for Robert’s participation is explored, highlighting their tight-knit bond.
"For us, it’s the message of conservation. I never imagined that I would reach my message of conservation to so many people wearing sequins and high heels."
— Bindi Irwin [13:22]
- Bindi’s lessons to her daughter focus on the value of family and embracing life’s brevity.
"Life is so precious. You have to seize every opportunity to be with the ones that you love."
— Bindi Irwin [07:05]
2. Expert Performance Analyses with Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky (19:32–40:53)
- Jenna and Joey reminisce about their competitive partnership, sharing a candid behind-the-scenes story about the stress of finale week.
- Jenna gives detailed, dance-pro insights on each of the night’s performances, assessing growth, storytelling, technique, and partnership chemistry.
- Andy & Emma: Praised for increased dance content and Emma’s partner-focused choreography.
"Andy shines in frame, and I think those ballroom dances are where he can really just focus on that strong frame."
— Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky [24:39] - Robert & Whitney: Noted for emotional vulnerability and authenticity, especially dancing barefoot.
"He has this natural breath you cannot teach... and Whitney’s obviously a brilliant choreographer, brilliant teacher, and she's developed that and pushed it out of him."
— Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky [25:07] - Elaine & Alan: Loved for expressive arm movements and facial performance, thought scores should have been higher.
- Whitney & Mark: Whitney’s artistry and emotional storytelling highlighted.
- Jen & Yawn: Jen’s expressive “Disney princess” face praised, notes on needing to challenge frame dance.
- Dylan & Daniella: Highest score of the night applauded for commitment and wild, passionate movement.
- Jordan & Ezra: Celebrated for the involvement of Jordan’s dad and strong, finished movement.
- Scott & Riley: Improvement in frame and personal emotional connection discussed.
- Danielle & Pasha: Adored for genuineness but acknowledged jive’s technical challenge.
- Alex & Val: Best dance yet, highlighting risk-taking and performance growth.
- Andy & Emma: Praised for increased dance content and Emma’s partner-focused choreography.
- Jenna’s tone is supportive yet honest, focusing on growth and personal stories reflected in technique.
3. Love Stories and Legacy with Kim Johnson & Robert Herjavec (42:21–48:43)
- Guest judge Kim Johnson discusses returning to the ballroom, now as a judge, offering practical tips contestants can use in future rounds.
-
"It was so fun being back... it does feel like coming home."
— Kim Johnson [42:49]
-
- Kim and Robert reflect on meeting, their romance, and building a family through the show.
- The enduring family feel of the show and its generational impact is at the forefront.
"The energy and the excitement of the show... After 34 seasons, it's on fire."
— Robert Herjavec [44:02]
- The couple jokes about their kids thinking Robert is a professional dancer and describe the experience of finding lasting love amidst the ballroom’s intensity.
- Kim shares how their first date almost didn’t happen—illustrating the real-life bonds forged on the show.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Bindi Irwin on starting DWTS:
"When I first arrived for my very first rehearsal, I put on my high heels, and no joke, I fell flat on my face immediately. Just immediately."
[04:36] -
Podcast Host celebrating the Irwin family:
"When you guys walk in, it’s like a whole family atmosphere... We need the Irwin family."
[06:45] -
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky on Robert's dance:
"Bare feet is vulnerable in the ballroom... he had breath to his movement. That evokes emotion that translates."
[25:07] -
Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky on the pressure of the finale:
"My eyes start watering up... And you were like, 'I'm gonna have to defend myself on this one.' And it’s my favorite line. Val and I quote that to each other still."
[22:13] -
Kim Johnson on the family impact of DWTS:
"Everyone says this, but it does feel like coming home."
[42:49] -
Robert Herjavec on meeting Kim:
"You’re spending 10, 12 hours a day together. You really get to know someone. The good, the bad..."
[47:57]
Episode Structure (Key Sections & Timestamps)
- Irwin Family Insight and Interview
[01:00–17:59]- Bindi’s reflections on emotion, legacy, and family
- Stories of support, grief, and celebrating their mother
- Performance Review with Jenna Johnson Chmerkovsky
[19:32–40:53]- Behind-the-scenes stories from finale week with Joey
- Rapid-fire performance breakdowns and judge feedback
- Special Judges: Kim Johnson & Robert Herjavec
[42:21–48:43]- Judges’ advice, behind-the-scenes as a couple, show legacy, and family life
Conclusion
“Dedication Night” was an emotionally charged episode exploring not only technical excellence in the ballroom but also personal histories and connections that make Dancing with the Stars a unique and enduring cultural phenomenon. The stories this week—whether about honoring family members, living through grief, or finding love and friendship—gave listeners a privileged seat to the heart of the show, shining with authenticity and hope.
For more behind-the-scenes stories and expert analyses, tune in every week to the Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast!