SOT: DWTS Con 2026 with Ezra Sosa

Summary

The Danielle Fishel Shows

Episode: SOT: DWTS Con 2026 with Ezra Sosa
Date: August 1, 2026
Guest: Ezra Sosa (Dancing with the Stars pro)
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

---

Overview

This episode of "The Danielle Fishel Shows" dives deep into the world of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) through the lens of professional dancer Ezra Sosa, with regular guests Val and Host 1. The conversation centers on life after the DWTS tour, personal growth, family dynamics, the unique energy of DWTS Con 2026, and reflections on the evolving role of pros, fame, and community.

The tone is vibrant, supportive, and peppered with playful banter, authentic emotions, and behind-the-scenes stories sure to delight DWTS fans and curious listeners alike.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life After Tour & the Importance of Family

(04:27 – 07:49)

• Ezra's Post-Tour Vacation: Ezra discusses taking a much-needed break in Greece with his mom, sister, and grandma after a whirlwind tour.
  • Ezra: "Getting to spend time with my mom and my sister and my grandma in Greece was just so special." (05:06)
• Fondness for Family Support: He highlights the sacrifices his mom made for his dance career, describing their trip as a childhood dream come true for her.
• Gratitude from Host 1: Danielle reflects on her own family roots in Malta and traveling with her grandfather, drawing parallels and lauding Ezra for "sharing the wealth with your family." (07:16)
• Val’s Perspective: Acknowledges his busy life with kids, balancing family and fame, and how the success of the show has reached a "different level." (08:10)

2. Navigating Fame & Social Media Impact

(08:22 – 09:28)

• Ezra’s Experience with International Recognition: While in Greece, Ezra notices fans recognizing him from TikTok rather than DWTS, noting the global reach of dance on social media.
  • Ezra: "In Greece, it was people who just love my TikTok. That was, like, really cool." (08:29)
• Val's Social Media Realization: Host 1 and Val discuss the diverse audience on platforms like TikTok and how, as dancers, they reach beyond just DWTS fans.

3. Blended Family Traditions & Competitive Spirit

(09:28 – 11:47)

• Montana Family Vacation: Val shares anecdotes from a recent trip with Jenna’s (his wife) family, emphasizing the intensity and fun of their competitive family games—especially the viral “drink challenge.”
  • Val: "I call it a blended family...I've now become one of the biggest champions of her family and her community." (10:31)
• Competitive Nature of the Johnsons: All agree the Johnson clan is “competitive af,” but loving and inclusive.

4. Sibling Support: Ezra’s Sister on NEXT PRO

(14:01 – 18:29)

• Ezra's Pride in His Sister, Stephanie: The group talks about Stephanie’s progression and confidence on the show, with Ezra emphasizing the importance of self-love and her journey to accept her image.
  • Ezra: "She watched it and she looked at me and she goes, 'I actually look really good.' It meant the world." (14:44)
• Growth & Maturity: Val is impressed by Stephanie’s authenticity and openness under pressure.
  • Val: "She just feels comfortable in her skin..." (15:15)
• Hardships of Reality TV: Discussion of contestants’ isolation from the outside world (limited to basic phones, no social media), which was mentally challenging but made the experience more powerful for Stephanie.

5. Inside the Pro Mentality

(16:00 – 21:50)

• Strengths and Opportunities: Ezra describes the differences between himself and his sister—he’s analytical and strategic, while she’s natural, bubbly, and brings out the best in others.
• Val’s Achievements Teased: Ezra and Host 1 playfully tease Val and his three Mirrorballs.
• Challenges Without Outside Help: The group reveals pros often look for outside inspiration on the internet for choreography, but on Stephanie’s show, that wasn’t allowed, increasing the challenge.
  • Host 1: "To not have access to that at all and to have to do it alone. That's a really great answer." (19:44)

6. Looking Ahead: DWTS Season 35 & Manifesting Success

(20:02 – 21:50)

• Cast Uncertainty: Ezra and Val both mention that nothing is confirmed for the new season, expressing hope to return.
  • Ezra: "I just think Val and I want to be employed." (20:15)
• What Makes It Worth It: Ezra looks forward to getting to tell another contestant’s story through dance, regardless of who he’s paired with—even referencing his experience with Anna Delvey.
  • Ezra: "I think that's the beauty of being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. You don't know who you're gonna get, but once you get with them, that's when your job actually starts." (21:50)

7. DWTS Con 2026: The Ultimate Family Reunion

(21:50 – 23:56)

• What Excites Ezra Most: He can’t wait to spend real, meaningful time with fans in an intimate setting and connect with favorite colleagues across seasons.
  • Ezra: "It's like a clash of some of my favorite people...rehearsals can be tough, but we're all just, like, laughing and having a good time." (22:53)
• Host 1's Fan Moment: Meeting Christy Yamaguchi is a highlight, reinforcing the sense of extended, multi-generational family at Con.
• Closing Heartfelt Exchanges: Danielle to Ezra: "Thank you so much for joining us for this. This was so fun. I adore you. Always have, always will." (23:47)
• Ezra’s Farewell: "I'm going to take a nap. Good idea." (23:56)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Getting to spend time with my mom and my sister and my grandma in Greece was just so special." —Ezra (05:13)
• "You're doing it right—and you're starting so young. The fact that you are sharing the wealth with your family, you're just so important to me." —Host 1/Danielle (07:16)
• "In Greece, it was people who just love my TikTok. That was, like, really cool." —Ezra (08:29)
• "I call it a blended family...I've now become one of the biggest champions of her family and her community." —Val (10:31)
• "She watched it and she looked at me and she goes, 'I actually look really good.' It meant the world." —Ezra, on his sister Stephanie’s newfound confidence (14:44)
• "I just think Val and I want to be employed." —Ezra (20:15)
• "It's like a clash of some of my favorite people... rehearsals can be tough, but we're all just, like, laughing and having a good time." —Ezra, on the magic of DWTS Con (22:53)
• "I think that's the beauty of being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. You don't know who you're gonna get..." —Ezra (21:50)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Family vacations & reflections | 04:27 – 07:49 | | TikTok, fame, & international recognition | 08:22 – 09:28 | | Vacation games, blended families | 09:28 – 11:47 | | Stephanie Sosa on NEXT PRO | 14:01 – 18:29 | | Pro life, growth, and next season hopes | 16:00 – 21:50 | | DWTS Con: fan and pro moments | 21:50 – 23:56 | | Episode close & farewells | 23:47 – 23:56 |

---

Final Thoughts

The episode offers a dynamic look at what it means to be a DWTS pro in 2026, balancing life, family, and fame. Listeners are treated to stories of gratitude, humor, and honest vulnerability, making this essential listening for anyone interested in the world behind the sparkles of Dancing with the Stars.

Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

Your whole neighborhood goes black in seconds. Except your house. The Patriot Power Generator 2200X from 4 Patriots keeps your lights on when the grid goes down. It's the most powerful generator 4patriots has ever built. 4patriots gives you backup power without gas fumes or a loud engine. Just lights, a cold fridge and peace of mind when the power fails. Right now, save $500 and get two solar panels free. That means you can recharge twice as fast, but only while supplies last. Keep your lights on, your food cold, and your family calm when the grid goes down. Don't wait for the next blackout. Visit fourpatriots.com today. That's the number four P A T R I-O T S.com and see why families trust four Patriots to stay ready.

[Host 1]

Hey, Portlandia fans, Carrie Brownstein and Fred Armisen here.

[Ezra]

The dream of the 90s is alive in podcast form.

[Host 1]

We're launching AO Rewatch, our brand new podcast where we revisit every episode of Portlandia together, breaking down sketches, going deep on our iconic characters, and pulling back the curtain on how it all got made.

[Ezra]

And we'll also be joined by the people who helped bring it all to life, guest stars, collaborators, and friends, including director Jonathan Krisel, the mayor himself, Kyle

[Val]

McLaughlin, legendary musician Amy Mann, and many more.

[Host 1]

Kyle is going for it. Here you fully improvised not just words, but a song.

[Ezra]

Well, I thought you were all going to write a song.

[Host 1]

I remember you thinking, listen to Podlandia Aao rewatch on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ezra]

What's up, fam? I'm sports journalist Ari Chambers. Hey, what's up, y'? All? It's your girl, Sam J. And we're the host of Everyone Watches Women's Sports, a new podcast from Together and I heart women's sports. We're breaking down the biggest headlines. Naomi Osaka showing out shout outs to you, Naomi. The viral moments. I've been obsessed with Chrisean Rock's boxing journey.

[Host 1]

She looks good.

[Ezra]

Her combos are swift. And the stories everyone's talking about across women's sp because everyone watches women's sports. Listen to everyone watches women's Sports on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Host 1]

This is Chelsea Handler from Dear Chelsea. Every week the news gets worse, the world gets crazier, and Yamanika is here to tell whoever's responsible, you're the problem.

[Ezra]

Do you know I just found out who Sydney Sweeney was. If he got a bunch of women, then I should have a bunch of men do better or do less so I don't have to do so much.

[Commercial Narrator 2]

Yamaneka.

[Ezra]

And I'm out. Listen to youo're the Problem with Yamaneka on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Yeah. She texts me. She goes, how are we dressing? I said, girl, girl, I'm in my sweats. I'm looking pretty chopped for this.

[Host 1]

Listen, Val's the only one who put himself together.

[Val]

First of all, I point out the matching denim.

[Host 1]

I know, you know, chemistry.

[Ezra]

Spending time on tour with him. I fear he's the only person who is always put together.

[Host 1]

Swaggy. All the time.

[Ezra]

All the time.

[Host 1]

Why are you like that?

[Val]

Have you seen my head?

[Ezra]

Like this is luscious and long and beautiful. Val.

[Host 1]

Always good.

[Ezra]

And then it's the. Then you always wear your loafers, and then you found sneaker loafers to rehearse in. This man is a genius. You know what I mean?

[Val]

It was like. It was my dream come true.

[Host 1]

I also. One of my favorite things was when we were doing photos, you know, before the live shows, and he was once wearing an aloe jacket, and everyone's like, I love this jacket. And he was like, thanks, It's a woman's jacket. I just liked it because it was

[Ezra]

cropped and we would forget the paso jacket. Were you there for the pasta jacket?

[Host 1]

I don't think I was.

[Val]

I'm in my crop top era.

[Host 1]

I love a crop. I know you said you've been cutting everything. What are we gonna do when this trend ends?

[Val]

I don't know. I was about to cut the shirt, but I'm.

[Ezra]

I'm disappointed. I thought you were gonna pull up

[Host 1]

with looks so great.

[Val]

I. Yeah, no, I don't know. I just. I have my phases.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Val]

Yeah. Right now I'm in my long hair, don't care phase.

[Host 1]

You still look great. Yeah.

[Ezra]

I'm gonna get that tattoo.

[Host 1]

Clock it. Clock hair, don't care.

[Val]

That's a Little Wayne lyric.

[Ezra]

Yeah.

[Commercial Narrator]

For real.

[Ezra]

That's better. Yeah.

[Val]

We're gonna keep that whole.

[Commercial Narrator]

The podcast.

[Host 1]

Ezra, what have you done in the 36 hours since tour ended?

[Ezra]

36 hours?

[Host 1]

It's only been about 36 hours since tour ended.

[Ezra]

I feel like I had that sort of raven moment. Like, what did I do? What did I do?

[Host 1]

You took a much needed vacation. Can we talk about your vacation?

[Val]

Yes.

[Ezra]

Okay. I went to Greece, and I definitely feel like this year is the busiest. I think we've. I mean, I've Ever been? I. I don't know. I don't know how. I don't know what your guys schedules look like, but I. I didn't have much time to spend with my family, and I definitely feel like that was just so important to me, especially going into, like, the craziness that we're about to get into.

[Host 1]

But, yeah, the season's starting again around

[Ezra]

the corner, girl, the clock is ticking. But just get. Getting to spend time with my mom and my sister and my grandma in Greece was just so special.

[Host 1]

The four of you went?

[Ezra]

Yeah, the four of us. Oh, that's awesome. Yeah. And I just remember as a kid growing up, my mom just dreamed about just traveling the world and. And, like, whenever I think of going anywhere, going on a vacation, I just think of taking her.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

Because, you know, like, my mom sacrificed so much for my family just to even let us go to dance every single day. And, yeah, she kept. She kept the family going. So the fact that I was able to do that and spend that time with her and just see her light up, and, like, we were in Athens, and we're seeing all the history, and she loves history, and she knew everything. It just. It melted my heart seeing that. So it was a very special.

[Val]

I'm proud of you, bro. I mean, again, we have some track record of knowing each other for a while, but, like, you're doing it right, you know, to see your star ascend the way it has and for you to take the time to. To celebrate the right way, because you could have gone on a binger in Ibiza. That's not far from it.

[Ezra]

But that was Mykonos, and that was.

[Val]

Did that, too.

[Ezra]

We definitely. All those boxes. Okay.

[Val]

But, yeah, no, we spoke earlier about family and just, like, what success looks like, and. And being a provider for the people you love is definitely a part of that.

[Ezra]

Yeah. When.

[Host 1]

So growing up, my family is. Well, not even just growing up, just in general. My family is from Malta. My mom's side of the family is. My mom's 100% Maltese.

[Ezra]

Wow.

[Host 1]

And my grandfather used to talk all the time. He played the lotto, and his goal was he was gonna win the lottery and take us all to Malta and.

[Ezra]

Cause he's.

[Host 1]

You know, he was one of 12 kids. Most of his siblings still lived there. And so when I graduated high school and I was on Boy Meets World, my graduation present to myself was to take my grandfather and my family to Malta. And at the time, you know, we were there for two to three weeks. And at the time, like, I had a boyfriend back home, and I missed him so much. And, you know, I was like. There was a part of me that was like, okay, this was really fun, but I can't wait to get home. Looking back, I am so grateful that I have those memories and that I was able to go around Malta and see, you know, my grandfather fought in the war there and got to go to the war museum and see pictures of him on the wall in the war museum and see. See the churches there and the history and the architecture and the. Just the Mediterranean. Just unbelievable. So, like Val said, it's. You're doing it right? And you're doing it. You know, you're starting so young. The fact that you are sharing the wealth with your family, you're just so important to me. It really is.

[Ezra]

Did you vacay?

[Val]

Did I?

[Ezra]

Could you. Do you have your euros?

[Val]

Well, I didn't want to interject when you were like, I don't know about your schedules, but I've been really busy. I'm like, well, we have kids. I didn't want to do that.

[Ezra]

Oh, wait, you know what?

[Val]

Now that.

[Ezra]

Take back my statement, like, tenfold. No, I keep forgetting that. I keep keep forgetting that.

[Host 1]

We're just so young and cool.

[Ezra]

Yeah, no, you are. Like, you really are.

[Val]

But, yeah, no, we're perpetually busy, but. But, yeah, I mean, again, I'm part of this ecosystem at the moment still, and the. The popularity of the show is just on a different level. So.

[Ezra]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

Did you. Did you get recognized in Greece? Do you notice now, like, worldwide fame?

[Ezra]

It's weird. Like, I did get recognized. Obviously not in this. Like, we're in the States. But it was. It's interesting because in the States, it's like Dancing with the Stars, but in. In Greece, it was people who just love my Tik Tok. And so that was, like, really cool. Like, oh, I love your videos. Like, oh, you're that dancer guy. Like, I see you on Tik Tok. I'm like, that's super cool to experience. And, yeah, like. Like, pop off gre. Like, let's go.

[Host 1]

I love that.

[Ezra]

Yeah.

[Val]

I should be doing more videos on Tik Tok. You probably thought to yourself, no, no, not me. I'm saying you. Because again, when you forget that there are people that follow you that have no interest in Dancing with the Stars, you start to look at that platform a little differently.

[Ezra]

Yeah.

[Val]

Like, maybe I should do more than just, you know, dance all the time or. Or not dance at all. I don't even dance. I Might say I just do the craziest off the rails like dances like the most inappropriate music I could find. I, I make sure I do that trend.

[Host 1]

Can we talk about the. Just recently took a trip to Montana with Jenna's family.

[Ezra]

Yes, we. Was Hailey there?

[Val]

Hayley was there.

[Ezra]

Hayley was there.

[Host 1]

Yes, they did. Did you see Jenna's video about. They did the drink challenge. What were your thoughts on the drink challenge? I was dying to know. Like Val, of course that's your family that you've married into. So were you like, what. This family is crazy.

[Val]

Well, first of all, I think it's, it's amazing you asked me about Haley and Haley again is now becoming this like TikTok star and she's still the cousin, you know, or the niece, you know, and so, so the daughter, the, the granddaughter. And so when we go to these family vacations, first of all, it's such a big family. Yeah. That you know, your importance gets lost in the, in the relationships, the familial relationships. So no, my, I love. You know, I call it a blended family because again, I married a, I'm from, from New York and an immigrant from New York marrying this all American family from California and Utah. So I just. Again now we've been married for seven years and, and they've now welcomed me and I have now become, you know, one of the biggest champions of, of, of her family and her community. And so I just love, you know, the things they prioritize and, and, and, and the love language that they speak and fun games like that and, and crazy activities like this is the most quintessential. You know, I feel like I'm having

[Ezra]

the American experience, but it's the Johnsons. So how serious did they take it?

[Val]

Oh, they're super competitive.

[Ezra]

Oh yeah.

[Val]

By the way, there's just excellence in every single person, whether they pursue dance or, you know, the finance world, whatever it is. Doctors, they're all really excellent and they're all really competitive. And so then the playing field becomes even when we go into these games and it's crazy. I mean they're very respectful, well put together people.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Val]

Until these games start, profanity is just on the tip of their tongue. So all of a sudden I'm, I'm the one that's.

[Ezra]

No, those Johnsons are competitive af. That's what I love about them.

[Commercial Narrator 2]

Your whole neighborhood goes black in seconds except your house. The Patriot Power Generator 2200x from 4 Patriots keeps your lights on when the grid goes down. It's the most powerful generator 4patriots has ever built. Only 4patriots gives you backup power without gas fumes or a loud engine. Just lights, a cold fridge and peace of mind when the power fails. Right now, save $500 and get two solar panels free. That means you can recharge twice as fast, but only while supplies last. Keep your lights on, your food cold and your family calm when the grid goes down. Don't wait for the next blackout. Visit four patriots.com today. That's the number four P A T R I-O-T S.com and see why families trust four patriots to stay ready.

[Ezra]

Tyler Redick here from 2311 Racing Victory Lane. Yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumbacasino.com let's Chumba. No purchase necessary. BTW Group void we're prohibited by law. CTNCs21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

Maxing is so maxing right now, bro. Get ready for spicy chicken maxing because Carl's Jr. Is saving you big with a 5.99 maxed out double stack. Double stack double stack spicy chicken sandwich. Seriously, just 5.99 double stack spicy chicken. This is unreal value in the bromosphere. The new spicy chicken Max. The new wallet friendly Max Tasty only at Carl's Jr available for a limited time at participating restaurants. Tax unincluded. Not valid for use within a combo or in combination with any other offer discount. High interest debt is one of the toughest opponents you'll face unless you power up with a SOFI personal loan. A Sofi personal loan could repackage your bad debt into one low fixed rate monthly payment. It's even got super speed since you could get the funds as soon as the same day you sign. Visit sofi.compower to learn more.

[Host 1]

That's s

[Ezra]

o f I.com P-O-W-E-R loans originated by Sofi Bank NA member FDIC terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891.

[Val]

Well, we've been watching your sister on Next pro.

[Ezra]

I've also been watching.

[Val]

Yeah, I've seen your, your, your video.

[Ezra]

It's been, it's cool to, to support my sister through that and we have like our little watch parties every week and my mom will fly down and like we'll all just like sit together and then I'll see like my mom's inner dance mom come out. Like I don't see that side of her because I'm the one who's usually on TV or performing.

[Host 1]

But, right.

[Ezra]

It's Stephanie. And so it's been really cool just to see her get her moment, get her flowers, get her recognition. But also, I feel like the thing that means the most to me as her brother, knowing. Knowing her story, knowing everything that she went through, is her actually loving what she sees.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

In herself. And I feel like girls nowadays just have a hard time just accepting their beauty and their authenticity and just seeing my sister, like, the first episode, she watched it and she looked at me and she goes, I actually look really good. Oh, nice. And it meant the world. I was just like, full body, chills. I was just so proud of her. And I know just, like, girls, like, they can be so hard on themselves. And I think that means the most to me. Just seeing that kind of acceptance that she just has to herself and the way that she perceives herself, it's really special.

[Val]

I. I think she's. You know, I'm most impressed with the way she's conducting herself and the grace with which she is taking on these challenges. And I think, you know, there's quite a bit of luck in this business as well, especially on our show. The challenges, the music, the partners.

[Commercial Narrator]

Yeah.

[Val]

I just. I'm. I know Stephanie, so I'm just proud of how. I don't even call it maturity. Like, she just feels comfortable in her skin enough to open to. I mean, the, like. I don't want to say cry, but. But, like, those. Those. The sincere openness with which she's navigating that show, which is so hard, especially for her. I'm sure she has such huge expectations for herself.

[Host 1]

And, like, if Stephanie were to become a pro tomorrow, what would you say are her strengths? Like, what does she walk into the ballroom as a new Dancing with the Stars pro? What does she walk in going. I've got this part.

[Ezra]

So I definitely feel like between my sister and I, I'm the. I'm, like, the person who's, like, thinking of everything.

[Host 1]

Okay.

[Ezra]

I'm very analytical. I'm very, like, with choreography. I'm very strategic. I'm. I'm that kind of person with her. She's very natural. She has, like, a natural aura to her. She also has, like, the star quality that is super bubbly. And, like, every single time anyone's around her, they make them feel warm and inviting. And I feel like if she was a pro, I. I feel like she'd be a fabulous pro.

[Host 1]

Oh, yeah.

[Ezra]

But if she was a pro, I definitely feel like she'd have those qualities, too. And I Feel like she'd be able just to bring their partner out of their shell just from her being herself.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

And she's also just, like. I don't know. She's just a star. Like, I just love watching her dance. Growing up, she was a star of the family. Even though I'd still kick her ass every single. At every single competition, I'd still beat her. But she was the one that would, like, get every audition because everyone just, like, loved the way she looked and, like, the way she, like, flipped her hair. Like, she was always that girl.

[Host 1]

What would you say are her areas for opportunity, like opportunities for growth? What would you see her. You would love to see her improve on Excel, in focus on as being. You know, we all look at ourselves and are able to say, this is an area where I need to work harder.

[Ezra]

No, I mean, Val's perfect. He's got three mirror balls over here.

[Val]

Yeah, you guys said it.

[Ezra]

You can't touch perfection.

[Host 1]

You're not saying.

[Val]

It's repeating.

[Ezra]

Oh, my God.

[Host 1]

We started off this interview giving him his flowers about being all put together, and now look where he's ending it.

[Val]

Throwing him back in.

[Ezra]

You guys gotten too big. You guys, I fear, but also, I also will say, like, going into the next pro, I also had my worries and fears. And, you guys, I don't feel like it's been talked about enough. They don't have their phones. They don't have that communication to the outside world.

[Host 1]

I didn't even know that.

[Ezra]

So I feel like a lot of people would probably expect, as her brother, to be on the phone with her every single day. No, she did that completely on her own. So going into it, the things that I was actually worried the most about for her going into it was probably how she would mentally handle the situation, because that's, like, really hard.

[Host 1]

Yes.

[Ezra]

But that's the thing that she overcame.

[Host 1]

Wow.

[Ezra]

So that's what I'm really most proud of her because, like, I was really nervous that she was going to be there. She wouldn't know how to handle herself. She wasn't gonna have her phone, which I feel like a lot of people really rely to have their phone.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

Communication with other people in the outside world just to, like, feel confident in their own skin. But she had to find it within herself, and that's what she did on the show.

[Val]

Did they have access to any, like, tech or Internet at all?

[Ezra]

I believe they were given. And don't quote me on that. I believe they had a phone that was able to take pictures.

[Host 1]

Okay.

[Ezra]

And like, ha. Like search the Internet. But then it was restrictive of what they could search because it would. It was very imperative that the ballroom knowledge that came out of their bodies wasn't through.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Ezra]

Anything from the Internet. It came straight from the. Straight from the source.

[Val]

Yeah. I was gonna say that. That's very tough.

[Host 1]

Yeah.

[Val]

I mean, I don't think it's a challenge.

[Host 1]

I don't think it's spilling too much tea to say that on Dancing with the Stars. A lot, if not all of the pros at some week or another, while you guys are choreographing the. The coming upcoming week, sometimes you guys are choreographing group numbers.

[Val]

Yeah.

[Host 1]

When needed, you will go to outside

[Ezra]

help for or even like, let's say you're doing a contemporary routine. I'm just going to look up some contemporary dances just to get inspiration. Like, just get lighting opening.

[Val]

Yeah. Like just simple ideas again from that. Or to even just have another I, I, another to look at it. Yeah.

[Host 1]

So to not have access to that at all and to have to do it alone. That's a really great answer. To continue to, like, for her to focus on that confidence. She did it in the hardest circumstances, harder than we.

[Val]

Yeah, totally.

[Host 1]

Wow.

[Ezra]

Proud of her.

[Host 1]

Can anything you want to tell us that you're looking forward to with the upcoming season? What are you manifesting for yourself in this season? 35.

[Ezra]

I mean, I feel like none of us are confirmed, so.

[Host 1]

Okay. All right.

[Ezra]

We just gotta wait.

[Host 1]

You're just hoping to be on the show?

[Ezra]

I just think Val and I want to. Want to be employee.

[Host 1]

You want to be on the show.

[Val]

I'm pretty sure why you think I'm doing this. As I'm hedging my.

[Ezra]

I think I'm gonna need to start one next year, too.

[Host 1]

At this rate.

[Ezra]

I think what I'm looking forward to, like, if I am picked up, I'm just excited to be paired with someone and get to tell their story through dance. I definitely feel like I was able to do that with Jordan, and that's something that I really just fell. Fell in love with through the process and just getting to spend, like, three months with someone. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to that. Yeah.

[Val]

I mean, I want to hijack it, but. But that's kind of like, you know, you. You get a different relationship with dance through the show and. And going into your third season now, you. You catch the bug and you actually reevaluate that relationship, and you're like, wow, I have this. This vehicle to connect to someone else and to, you know, explore their story and. And broadcast it and hopefully a creative way. So, yeah, I mean, that's. That's a great way to go into a season. Hopefully you have somebody whose story you're going to be excited to tell, I

[Ezra]

mean, regardless who it is. I think that's kind of the. The fun and excitement of, like, who their partner is, because obviously we don't know who that is until we walk in that door. And even when it was Anna Delvey, my first partner.

[Host 1]

Right.

[Ezra]

I feel like on paper, that's someone that you shouldn't be excited about, but I was so excited to just get to know her, get in the studio. Obviously, it turned out the way that it did, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Like, I think that's the beauty of being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. You don't know who you're gonna get, but once you get with them, that's when your job actually starts.

[Host 1]

We're talking on Con Weekend. What are you most excited about for Con?

[Ezra]

I. I feel like what I'm most excited about for con, and there's two things I'm very excited about. First things first, I'm just excited to connect with the fans. Yeah, it's safe to say that we have a very devoted fan base. And they. They pulled. They pulled up. Especially, like, we got a witness on tour. The amount of applause that we. We saw, the. The different types of people that would go to these shows, I think that's what's really special for us to see, too. But for Connor, like, it's. It's going to be a more intimate setting. And I, you know, we get to do our meet and greets, we get to take a picture, say hi. But this is like, we got to actually, like, meet these people, get to know these people, and I'm really excited about that. But I think one of the things I'm also really excited about is just being. It's like a clash of some of my favorite people and, like, rehearsals, like, you know, rehearsals can be tough, but we're all just, like, laughing and having a good time. I'm there with, like, Haley, Jojo, Sochi, like, all these people. Riley, that I just love.

[Host 1]

Danielle. Danielle.

[Ezra]

Oh, my God. No, but the way we were rehearsing today and you were walking down that conga line and. And you were working it, but then you look to the left and then there's, like, there's Johnny and, like, he's doing his contemporary dance and it slays like, it's. There's. It's a special moment in, like, the Dancing with the Stars verse where it's like, I personally have, like. I personally have, like, favorite dances, favorite numbers, favorite contestants from the show that now I get to, like, actually spend time with. So this is. This has been a very, like, interesting week, to say the least.

[Val]

Family vacation.

[Ezra]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Val]

Family reunion.

[Ezra]

Yeah, A big family reunion, but, like, in tenfold, because now you're. Now you're just spending times with celebrities from multiple seasons. So to see them interact, to see them have their conversations about, oh, my gosh, like, how is your experience on the show? Like, that's really cool to see.

[Host 1]

I got to meet Christy Yamaguchi.

[Ezra]

She's on her glitter.

[Val]

Yes.

[Ezra]

Team Pasta double. Yes.

[Host 1]

So fun. Well, Ezra, thank you so much for joining us for this. This was so fun. I adore you. Always have, always will. And we'll catch you next time.

[Ezra]

Love you guys. I'm going to take a nap. Good idea.