Podcast Summary: Just Trish Episode 196 with Ezra Sosa
Introduction to the Episode and Guest In Episode 196 of Just Trish, host Trisha Paytas welcomes Ezra Sosa, a prominent TikTok influencer, dancer extraordinaire, reality show star, and professional dancer from Dancing with the Stars. Trisha expresses her excitement about Ezra's multifaceted career, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about dance, fame, and personal experiences.
Dance Career and Involvement with Dancing with the Stars Ezra shares insights into his journey in the dance industry, highlighting his early beginnings and progression to becoming a pro on Dancing with the Stars. He recounts his audition process and the pivotal moment when Dancing with the Stars expressed interest in him:
"Dancing with the Stars reached out and they're like, we want you to be on the show. You're a top contender." ([03:00])
Ezra discusses the support he received from dance legend Donny Osmond, who encouraged him to pursue his dreams, emphasizing the positive mentorship in his career.
Choosing Controversial Partners: Anna Delvey Discussion A significant portion of the conversation delves into Ezra's experience dancing with Anna Delvey, a controversial figure on the show. He reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of partnering with someone under intense public scrutiny:
"When she's eliminating, it was like, she has to treat others around her well." ([12:10])
Ezra speaks candidly about supporting Anna through her struggles on the show, maintaining professionalism and empathy despite the negative attention she received.
Utah Culture and Its Influence The discussion shifts to their shared background in Utah, exploring how the state's culture and the Mormon influence have shaped their lives and careers. They discuss iconic Utah brands like Swig and Crumble, and reminiscing about the now-closed water park Seven Peaks:
"Everything's related to the church in Utah. It's like, it runs deep there." ([06:07])
Ezra touches on the complexities of reconciling personal beliefs with the prevalent religious culture, highlighting the importance of finding common ground.
Challenges in the Dance Industry: Pay Equity and Dancer Treatment Trisha and Ezra address the often-overlooked issues within the dance industry, particularly the inadequate pay and lack of recognition for professional dancers. Ezra emphasizes the physical demands and financial disparities faced by dancers:
"Dancers are grossly underpaid and I don't know. And there is the equity." ([31:20])
They advocate for better compensation and union support to ensure dancers are fairly treated and valued for their contributions.
Personal Stories: Coming Out and Family Dynamics Ezra opens up about his personal journey of coming out, detailing the initial backlash from his family and the eventual acceptance and support from his mother:
"She was like, we can't do this. This dance is the reason why you're gay." ([90:50])
He shares the transformative impact of living authentically, illustrating the profound changes that personal courage can inspire in familial relationships.
Behind the Scenes: Touring and Performance Experiences The conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rigors of touring with Dancing with the Stars. Ezra recounts the intense schedule, the camaraderie among dancers, and the emotional toll of constant performances:
"We did 88 shows in under 110 days." ([54:02])
He discusses the physical strain, the support system among dancers, and moments of vulnerability, such as dealing with stage fright and injuries.
Influence of Social Media and Online Engagement Trisha and Ezra explore the role of social media in their careers, particularly the impact of platforms like TikTok and YouTube. They discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity online and the pressures of constant visibility:
"I really think that's the reason why the fans love him so much." ([07:12])
Ezra highlights how social media shapes public perception and the importance of engaging with audiences in meaningful ways.
Conclusion and Future Plans As the episode wraps up, Trisha and Ezra reflect on their shared experiences and discuss future aspirations. They express mutual support and excitement about potential collaborations, including the possibility of dancing together on future projects:
"If they offered it to me and they're like, and you weren't, I would like it." ([22:00])
The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with both hosts expressing enthusiasm for continued growth and success in their respective fields.
Notable Quotes:
- "You're only as good as your last performance." - Donny Osmond ([99:37])
- "When you're that close to someone, you really see their struggles." - Ezra Sosa ([12:10])
Final Thoughts Episode 196 of Just Trish offers a deep dive into the life and career of Ezra Sosa, illuminating the highs and lows of being a professional dancer in the spotlight. Through candid conversations about industry challenges, personal growth, and the influence of cultural backgrounds, Trisha and Ezra provide listeners with a comprehensive and relatable portrayal of their journeys. This engaging episode not only entertains but also sheds light on important issues within the dance community and beyond.