Teen Beat with Danielle Fishel – Drew Lachey (April 1, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this nostalgic, heartwarming episode of Teen Beat, host Danielle Fishel sits down with Drew Lachey—pop star, Dancing with the Stars champion, stage actor, and home renovation guru. The hour is a deep-dive into Drew’s formative years, his journey from a performing arts school in Cincinnati to the heights of boy band stardom, and the importance of staying grounded amidst fame. Expect plenty of 90s pop culture gems, fun behind-the-scenes stories, and touching reflections on love, friendship, and authenticity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Y2K Pop Fame and Spring Break Stories (03:25–08:21)

• Danielle and Drew reminisce about the whirlwind life during the late-90s boy band era, recounting a memorable MTV Spring Break in Cancun spent together.
• They highlight the camaraderie among 90s pop groups and debunk rumors about feuds between *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and 98 Degrees.
• Quote: “Everybody thinks it was like this really bad version of West Side Story…doing boy band dance battles in the streets. No…we became friends.” – Drew (09:56)

The Reality of Touring & FOMO

• Drew and Danielle agree that in their youth, they said “yes” to every opportunity out of both excitement and fear of missing out.
• Quote: “You’re scared that if you say no, that’s going to be the one opportunity that you should have done.” – Drew (08:02)

Growing Up: Family, Music, and Performing (12:48–15:40)

• Drew shares about a music-filled childhood in Ohio and attending a performing arts school, crediting it for his path into the arts.
• Describes the school’s ‘Fame’ vibe, with music and dance in every hallway.
• Quote: “If I hadn’t gone there, I never would have probably pursued a career in the arts…it definitely changed the trajectory of my life.” – Drew (14:00)

Athleticism & Boy Band Stereotypes (15:40–16:35)

• Despite public image as jocks, Drew confesses their only sports team was a lackluster soccer squad; photo shoots often inflated their athletic cred.

Longtime Love: Leah (16:35–21:52)

• Drew details his relationship with his high school sweetheart (and now wife) Leah—meeting in fifth grade, dancing together, and staying together for 33 years.
• Leah later became 98 Degrees’ choreographer.
• Mutual respect and staying grounded are key to their marriage’s longevity.
• Quote: “I’d never dated…I just found somebody that I enjoy being around and loved, and it’s just been that way.” – Drew (18:36)
• Quote: “Remember why you got together…stop trying to find reasons why you aren’t happy, but remember all the reasons why you are.” – Drew (26:40)

Staying Grounded in Ohio (19:17–21:52)

• Drew notes living in Ohio keeps him humble and close to his roots, away from Hollywood pressures.
• Discussion of hometown pride, especially the legendary Skyline Chili.
• Memorable Moment: Drew and Danielle bond over their obsession for Skyline Chili and its “three pounds of cheese.” (20:24–21:52)

98 Degrees: The DIY Boy Band (31:51–32:55)

• Unlike some manufactured groups, 98 Degrees formed organically through lifelong friendships.
• Drew’s unusual career path: Army combat medic, New York EMT, then pop star after a call from his brother Nick (34:11–35:45).
• Quote: “Could you go back to driving an ambulance if it doesn’t work out?...So once in a lifetime opportunity. Opportunity that’ll still be there. Which one you gonna do?” – Drew recounting his father’s advice (34:52)

The Allure and Challenge of Fame (38:22–40:09)

• Drew shares “pinch me” moments: first time hearing his song on the radio, meeting musical idols, performing with Stevie Wonder and Boys II Men.
• Admits he never liked to self-promote, preferring friends or team members to make introductions.

Tattoos, Trends, and Tales (44:19–46:47)

• Drew and Nick’s iconic tribal arm tattoos were “cutting edge” at the time (“We were badasses for getting tattoos…”) but their parents never fully approved.
• Amusing tangents about bad celebrity tattoos and translation mishaps.

Stories from the Mariah & Reality TV Days (46:47–50:17)

• Their Grammy-nominated #1 hit with Mariah Carey: disjointed recording schedules, but later a funny recognition story on a Hallmark set.
• Realities of early reality TV: Candid at first, but increasingly scripted; learned to seek executive producer credits for control.
• Quote: “As reality TV progressed, they figured…let’s shape our storylines…that’s when stuff got a little more annoying, a little more difficult.” – Drew (49:04)

Dancing With The Stars Legacy (50:16–51:45)

• Drew reflects on the show’s evolution and watching it now with his daughter, who wasn’t born when he won.
• Grateful for the show’s continued celebration of dance and the arts.

Becoming a Home Reno Expert (51:47–55:56)

• Drew describes a home renovation journey motivated by personal catastrophe (a shady contractor), and the satisfaction of physical, tangible accomplishment.
• Talks about new HGTV competition “Rock the Block,” building homes from the ground up in Las Vegas, and the joy in learning by doing.
• Quote: “There’s a sense of pride…a before and after moment that you can appreciate.” – Drew (52:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On 90s Boy Bandom:
  “Everybody thinks it was like this really bad version of West Side Story, like doing boy band dance battles in the streets. No…” – Drew (09:56)

• On Partnership:
  “Remember why you got together, and stop trying to find reasons why you aren’t happy, but remember…why you are.” – Drew (26:40)

• On Opportunity:
  “So once in a lifetime opportunity. Opportunity that’ll still be there. Which one you gonna do?” – Drew recounting his dad’s practical wisdom (34:52)

• On Home Renovation:
  “There’s a sense of pride…before and after, that you can appreciate.” – Drew (52:03)

• On Self-Perception:
  “We’re still teenage boys at heart. Gray hair, but the same mental capacity that we had as teenagers.” – Drew (11:08)

Important Timestamps

• 03:25: Danielle’s intro and establishing their Y2K pop connection.
• 07:03–10:55: Spring Break in Cancun stories; debunking boy band rivalries.
• 12:48: Growing up in Cincinnati, performing arts school (“Fame” vibes).
• 16:35–19:19: Love story with Leah, growing up together, staying grounded.
• 20:24–21:52: Skyline Chili ode.
• 31:51–35:45: 98 Degrees’ “DIY” formation, Drew’s army/EMT background, jumping to music.
• 38:22: “Pinch me” celebrity moments.
• 44:19–46:47: Legend of the Lachey tribal armband tattoo.
• 46:47–51:45: Mariah Carey, the Nick & Jessica reality era, Dancing with the Stars reflections.
• 51:47–55:56: Transition to home renovation expert and “Rock the Block” preview.

Tone and Takeaways

• Warm, self-deprecating, and sincere: Drew’s humility and humor shine through in tales both big and small, from losing an EMT patient on his first day (37:24), to losing track of drywall deadlines in home reno.
• Nostalgic, but grounded: The episode is a celebration of pop culture and growing up in the spotlight—tempered with a grounded, Midwestern outlook and genuine gratitude.
• Inspiring for all ages: Whether reminiscing about 90s fame or explaining how to avoid home renovation scams, Drew’s advice is practical and heartfelt.

Final Thoughts

This is an engaging look “behind the frosted tips,” offering listeners a real portrait of a pop star whose journey is rooted in authenticity, loyalty, and growth. Whether you’re a fan of 98 Degrees, reality TV, or just a good coming-of-age story, this episode will both entertain and endear.

For more, check out the Teen Beat feed for the bonus episode and catch Drew on the new season of HGTV’s Rock the Block!