Teen Beat – Danielle's Diary: 3/27/26
Host: Danielle Fishel
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Podcast: Teen Beat (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Overview
In this special “Danielle’s Diary” episode of Teen Beat, Danielle Fishel offers listeners a vibrant, personal update on her current projects and family life. Known for her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World, and with her career now spanning directing, podcasting, and even Dancing with the Stars, Danielle reflects on her multi-faceted professional journey and the ever-rising pace of her family schedule. The episode is marked by candid behind-the-scenes details, relatable “mom moments,” and a peek into upcoming opportunities—including her new gig as host of the American Idol Official Podcast.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Big News: Hosting the American Idol Official Podcast
- Danielle’s Excitement:
Danielle reveals her next hosting challenge: she’s set to launch the American Idol Official Podcast, with the first episode dropping April 1 and covering each live show every Monday until the season concludes on May 13.“I am going to be hosting only my 400th podcast, the American Idol Official Official Podcast!” (04:00)
- Her Relationship with Idol:
As a genuine fan, Danielle is looking forward to interviewing eliminated contestants and special guests, teasing a few surprises while withholding specifics.“I have several favorites. It’s going to be a very exciting opportunity.” (04:18)
“Some very exciting former idols, current Idol production, just very exciting, interesting stories I’m hoping to hear and share with you all.” (04:32) - New Format:
Unlike her previous podcasts, this will include video versions, available Wednesdays on Disney and Hulu.“...the American Idol Official Podcast will be on video so you’ll be able to watch it every Wednesday on Disney and Hulu.” (05:20)
- Typical Showday Schedule:
Danielle details her Mondays: 10am glam, 1–3pm dress rehearsals, 3–5pm BTS content, 5–7pm live show, 7–9pm recording the podcast.“So that's my upcoming Crazy Monday schedule until May 13th.” (06:45)
- Comparison to Dancing with the Stars:
Danielle compares Idol’s competitive process and mentorship to her Dancing with the Stars experience, noting the profound impact the Idol judges can have on contestants’ lives.“...the advice that the judges are able to give you doesn't have as dramatic of an impact on your life or your career as it does on American Idol.” (07:35)
2. Touring & Appearances: Dancing with the Stars Live, WrestleMania, Pod Meets World
- DWTS Live Tour:
Four more performances—Houston (April 9), Dallas (April 10), Kansas City (April 11), Denver (April 12)—before returning home just in time for American Idol.“I'm so excited about that. I have four more dates that I get to perform at...” (08:30)
- WrestleMania & Pod Meets World in Vegas:
Quick two-day trip with co-hosts Rider and Will to interview “favorite wrestlers,” though unable to attend the actual WrestleMania event due to scheduling.“The fact that we get to interview them, I’m like jumping out of my skin.” (09:15)
“If you don’t play a little blackjack, are you even in Vegas? You know, that’s how I look at it.” (09:35)
3. Family Highlights: Kids’ Activities & Parenting Life
- Adler’s Packed Schedule:
Danielle’s oldest, who’s nearly 7, has advanced to a higher Little League bracket and enjoys a whirlwind of weekly activities (baseball, karate, reading classes) with contagious enthusiasm.“He just loves life. He likes making the most of it. He loves his friends. He loves walking around saying hi to everybody at the baseball field.” (11:50)
- Keaton Follows Suit:
Younger sibling Keaton, almost 5, does karate, baseball, and—like his brother—wanted to take dance after watching his mom perform on DWTS.“Both my kids started talking about they wanted to do dance, and I loved that for them.” (12:40)
- Dance Classes:
Adler starts hip hop after hearing about a friend’s class, leading both boys into dance with separate recitals and jam-packed weekends.“They're doing like a hip hop Harry Potter, which is so cute.” (13:58)
- Parenting Observation:
“As if as a parent to small children, your weekends already didn’t really belong to you enough, once you throw in sports and all of that stuff. Good luck ever having a moment to yourself.” (14:47)
- Cozy Mom Moments:
Danielle shares how a shared couch nap during movies saves her sanity on overbooked weekends.“...they'll cuddle up next to me and I'll fall asleep. And then after about 30 minutes, one will go, mom, mom, can you wake up now? And I'll go, yeah, yeah, I can.” (15:47)
4. Personal & Professional Life: Health, Wellness, Career Expansion
- California Heat:
Unusually high temperatures—“100 degrees in March”—add extra layer to family chaos.“I’m talking 100 degrees where I live, which is apparently on the surface of the sun.” (16:28)
- Mental Health Advocacy:
Danielle discusses her husband Jensen’s experience with OCD, raising awareness about the disorder’s true nature and the importance of specialized therapy (ERP).“Real OCD is a serious condition where you get unwanted, distressing thoughts called intrusive thoughts.” (16:56)
- New Projects:
- Book Meets World—a behind-the-scenes project with co-hosts Rider and Will, including never-before-seen photos and stories.
“We're very excited about that. We've been working on it. Rider, Will, and I are so invested in how this amazing book turns out.” (20:54)
- Be Free by Danielle Fishel:
Expanding her hair care company into body care, launching on QVC.“I have decided to segue the company into doing some body care stuff as well. So we will be launching those on QVC, which is my other my home away from home.” (22:04)
- Directing:
Returns to direct an episode of Vampirina on Disney Channel, though scheduling may limit her to one episode.“I'm also going to be directing an episode of Vampirina for Disney Channel, which I'm excited about.” (24:18)
- Self-care:
Details about her “fit” routine, dietary focus on high-fiber/protein foods, and recent challenges with sleep and possible perimenopause.“I have been eating very few things other than chicken, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, fruits, vegetables...” (25:14)
“If you are experiencing any sort of perimenopause symptoms... I have been waking up every night somewhere between midnight and 3am just hot as can be.” (26:09)- Contemplates whether her sleep woes stem from low blood sugar or hormonal changes, considering a pre-bed “half an avocado” as an experiment.
“So one of the things I think I'm gonna do...is try to eat something, maybe like half an avocado shortly before I go to bed.” (27:24)
- Book Meets World—a behind-the-scenes project with co-hosts Rider and Will, including never-before-seen photos and stories.
5. Looking Ahead & Engaging with Listeners
- Solicits Episode Ideas:
Invites listener feedback via email or Instagram.“If there are episode ideas and things you want to hear me talk about, talk more about, please send them to teenbeatpodmail.com or leave them in a message for us.” (28:02)
- Looking Up To Ryan Seacrest:
Danielle recounts how, for years, she’s viewed Ryan Seacrest as a career role model—now thrilled to be “following in his footsteps” as part of the American Idol team.“I actually very specifically remember a time... they were asking me, like, what is it you want with your career? ... I said, I would love to have a career like Ryan Seacrest’s.” (29:17)
“I'm the next Ryan Seacrest. And then here we are just a couple months later. I get to work with him on American Idol… just thrilled about.” (29:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Busy Schedules (Parenting):
“I was there just too often this past weekend, three games in four days. It's just too much, just gonna say it. I was like, what is he, a Dodger? Is he a professional baseball player now?” (10:52)
- On Following Your Kids’ Passions:
“We are not aggressively pushing our kids to be this busy. It's just not. We're not. My oldest loves everything and wants to do everything.” (11:22)
- On Her Idol for Hosting:
“His career was just something I always looked up to and admired.” (29:44)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|:--------------| | American Idol Official Podcast announcement | 03:27–07:20 | | Tour schedules (DWTS Live, Vegas interviews) | 08:14–09:40 | | Family routines, kids’ activities | 09:55–15:47 | | Dance, baseball, parent anecdotes | 12:32–15:50 | | OCD awareness & advocacy | 16:56–17:44 | | Book, business updates (Be Free) | 20:54–22:18 | | Directing and self-care updates | 24:18–26:55 | | Perimenopause and sleep discussion | 26:09–27:53 | | Soliciting listener ideas | 28:01–28:30 | | Seacrest career admiration | 29:17–30:02 |
Tone & Final Thoughts
Danielle’s voice throughout is casual, forthright, and frequently witty—a balance of self-deprecating honesty and buoyant enthusiasm for life’s chaos. Her “diary entry” blends big career updates, relatable parent life, and candid reflections, making for an engaging monologue that gives fans plenty of reasons to keep following her journey.
Call to action:
- Send episode ideas to teenbeatpodmail.com or on Instagram at @teenbeatpod
- Tune in to the new American Idol Official Podcast on Disney/Hulu every Wednesday starting April 1, and to live Idol performances Mondays on ABC.
Produced by Danielle Fishel. For more behind-the-scenes and upcoming projects, follow on Instagram @teenbeatpod and check out Pod Meets World.