Podcast Summary: Hot Mess with Alix Earle
Episode: Becoming a Disney Villain IRL
Host: Alix Earle
Date: October 9, 2025
Episode Overview
In this lively and candid episode, Alix Earle takes listeners behind the scenes of her "Dancing with the Stars" journey as she transforms into Disney’s iconic villain, Maleficent. Joined by her dance partner (and others), Alix shares the creative process of costume design, the challenges of embodying a new persona, and the excitement (and nerves) of performing live. Filled with inside jokes, practical dance talk, and snippets of real friendship, this episode is a blend of vulnerability, ambition, and pure fun.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
Preparing for Maleficent: Costume & Character
- Trying on the Maleficent look: Alix and her team gush over her rhinestone-encrusted horns and dramatic sleeves, experimenting with practicality and flair.
- “This is our first look at Maleficent. I don't know. This might be my favorite costume yet. This is so beautiful.” (Alix, 00:10)
- “Big horns. Yeah, the horns of being rhinestone. I feel like this was helping me channel my evil.” (Alix, 00:17)
- Her collaborator jokes: “I don't think you have much evil in you, so you have to channel a bit deeper.” (Partner, 00:33)
- Adjusting the costume for dance performance: Lots of practical talk about sleeve openings to balance drama and movement.
- Excitement for first Disney trip: Alix and dance partner Val are giddy about both her first trip to Disney and the upcoming performance.
- “Since my first trip to Disney. And Val's also celebrating my first trip to Disney.” (Alix, 02:16)
The Dancing with the Stars Process
- First rehearsal woes and wins: Alix and her partner discuss the complications of integrating Maleficent’s horns into their choreography. Overhead spins are out, creativity is in.
- “She's a great spinner, for instance...there’s a lot of movement that we do that’s like, over her head...won’t be able to get it over the horns.” (Partner, 06:13)
- Developing a character arc in the dance: The story is “almost like a toxic relationship. Back and forth. Feel is more fun.” (Alix, 08:11)
- “You already took my wings. I already hate your guts. And then it's kind of like, I hate you. A little bit of love, and then like, I really hate you. And then I start. They'll kill you at the end.” (Alix, 07:57)
- The physical challenges and “wow” moments:
- On technique and the importance of intention: “The entire routine is a wow moment. You and I dancing next to each other is a wow moment.” (Partner, 07:26)
- On her struggle: “For me, because I'm a little stiff sometimes.” (Alix, 09:06)
Beauty & “Villain Energy”
- Fully committing to the look: Long, pointy nails help Alix embody her evil persona.
- “Next step in the getting ready process for this dance is we are gonna get some long ass nails. So this is very out of my comfort zone, but we’re really just gonna go for it.” (Alix, 09:19)
- “I’m just like, this is so not me. Like, I’m looking at myself, and I’m like, whose fingers are these?...I feel like I want to channel, like, Lady Gaga.” (Alix, 09:43)
- Getting into character before the stage: Jokes about Sleeping Beauty, a “third member” of the dance, and nervous excitement before showtime.
- “I'm serving Aura, a blonde wig. This is this week just for Alex, just so we could kill her off.” (Alix, 11:16)
Nerves, Hype & Real Talk Before the Show
- Encouragement and confidence: The team hypes each other up, with reminders to be confident and channel their best energy.
- “Confidence. Remember confidence. Don't forget who the you are.” (Partner, 18:39)
- “I have confidence. I have confidence. It's coming out. No confidence. You guys.” (Alix, 18:41)
- Nervous excitement and celebration: The cast shares nerves, teases, and after-show celebratory plans.
- “I'm starting to get like. When I get anxious and quiet. Deep breath. Okay. Love you. Love you. Looks just like this.” (Alix, 18:27)
Aftermath & Reflection
- Reflecting on performance:
- “It was amazing, and you did so great.” (Alix, 21:46)
- “Should have been nines across the board. She was incredible.” (Partner, 22:17)
- Teamwork and support: Throughout, the partnership is highlighted both in fun rivalry and genuine support.
- Sign-off with a flourish: “Thank you guys for coming. Maleficent out.” (Alix, 22:51)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the dance character:
“You already took my wings. I already hate your guts...I hate you. A little bit of love, and then like, I really hate you.”
– Alix (07:57) - On confidence before the show:
“Confidence. Remember confidence. Don't forget who the you are.”
– Dance partner (18:39) - On transformation:
“I’m just like, this is so not me...But I feel like I want to channel, like, Lady Gaga.”
– Alix (09:43) - On the team dynamic:
“Best idea wins. It's not about my idea or your idea. These are all our ideas.”
– Dance partner (08:21) - On celebration after the performance:
“Tens in our hearts, but yeah, she'll get them next week.”
– Dance partner (22:20) - Mic drop outro:
“Thank you guys for coming. Maleficent out.”
– Alix (22:51)
Important Timestamps
- 00:10 – First look at Maleficent costume
- 02:16 – Alix’s first Disney trip excitement
- 06:13 – “Horns” change the dance choreography
- 07:57 – Crafting the Maleficent character for the routine
- 09:43 – Nails and channeling Lady Gaga for the role
- 11:16 – Sleeping Beauty cameo and trio night antics
- 18:39 – Pre-show nerves and confidence boost
- 21:46 – Celebrating a successful performance
- 22:51 – Maleficent “mic drop” sign-off
Conclusion
This episode is a high-energy, humorous, and heartfelt glimpse into Alix Earle’s “Hot Mess” journey of embodying a Disney villain live on TV. Through playful behind-the-scenes chatter, real talk about artistic and physical challenges, and lots of laughter, Alix and her team capture both the chaos and the thrill of performance. Whether you’re a “Earl girl” or a “Val gal,” there’s an infectious spirit and encouragement to go big, be bold, and own your inner villain — at least for one magical night.