Pod Meets World – "Backstreet Boys Meet World (Kevin & AJ)"

August 18, 2025 — iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this lively and nostalgia-filled episode, Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong welcome AJ McLean and Kevin Richardson of the Backstreet Boys for a multi-generational pop-culture crossover. The discussion centers on the Backstreet Boys' 32-year career, their Las Vegas Sphere residency, staying connected as a group through decades of change, and what it’s like to keep their brotherhood and passion alive through the years. Listeners are treated to a blend of behind-the-scenes stories, sincere reflections, and playful rapport between beloved 90s icons.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Backstreet Boys Longevity vs. Marriage

[06:01–06:56]

• Danielle jokes about Backstreet Boys’ 32-year run outlasting most marriages.
• AJ quips, “No women involved.” (06:12)
• Kevin adds it takes a lot of communication and notes their improvement as they've aged:

  "We've learned to communicate much better as we've gotten older. Also, our testosterone has subsided." (06:38)

2. Evolving Pre-Show Rituals and Celebrity Fans

[07:12–09:02]

• Backstreet Boys have changed their meet-and-greet routine, now hosting a VIP lounge before shows for backstage guests.
• AJ shares his excitement about celebrities attending, recalling:

  "Elizabeth Banks came. I... full on geek out." (08:25)

• The conversation highlights the surreal experience and the thrill of seeing famous fans enjoying themselves at shows.

3. How Performing Feels Now vs. Then

[09:03–09:53]

• Kevin describes being "in the zone" on stage and feeling young until stepping off with the aches of age:

  “You’re in your head, you’re still 25... but you don’t realize until you get offstage and your bones and muscles [ache].” (09:12)

• AJ and Kevin emphasize feeling fortunate for the group’s renaissance and continued opportunities.

4. Rediscovering Deep Cuts & New Music at the Residency

[09:53–11:45]

• Songs from the Millennium album that hadn’t been performed since the '90s—like "No One Else Comes Close," "The Perfect Fan," and "Spanish Eyes"—are revived with fresh energy.
• AJ calls the stripped-down, Motown-inspired medley one of his favorite moments:

  “It’s a very stripped down moment... you really get to connect during this little section.” (10:52)

• AJ also shares excitement about performing their recent single “Hey,” which wasn’t a radio single but is embraced live.

5. Advice to Their Younger Selves

[11:48–14:11]

• Kevin:

  "I'd probably say, relax. Go with the flow. Enjoy it... I was always like, all right, when’s the bottom gonna fall out?" (12:02)

• AJ:

  "Breathe. Because, you know, I put on a smile... but for me personally, there was a lot of inner turmoil... It really was this, like, whirlwind moment." (13:00)

• Both recognize the importance of taking breaks for their mental health and long-term stability.

6. Physical Toll of Touring and Residency Life

[14:11–16:44]

• Residency is less grueling than touring since they can return home or stay put in Las Vegas.

  AJ: "Staying in one place is easier on the body, easier on the mind." (15:06)

• Both recount injuries: Kevin’s knee surgeries (torn ACL right before his wedding), AJ’s ongoing rotator cuff issue.
• AJ:

  "I have a torn rotator cuff right now as we speak. But it's like, the show must go." (16:02)

• They liken themselves to athletes managing wear and tear to keep performing.

7. Backstreet Boys’ Sphere Residency Extension & New Year’s Eve Shows

[16:44–17:38]

• Will announces new dates just added to the Sphere residency, including a New Year’s Eve performance.
• AJ looks forward to ringing in the year on stage:

  “Ringing the New Year in Vegas with 20,000 people is going to be awesome.” (17:22)

8. Boy Meets World Cast’s Backstreet Boys Dance

[23:42–24:43]

• Danielle and Will reveal that during the later seasons of Boy Meets World, the male cast would perform a choreographed Backstreet Boys song for live audiences every taping.
• AJ insists on seeing the footage:

  "Definitely a me thing that we have footage of it." (24:27)

9. *Advice for NSYNC Reunion Rumors

[24:43–25:32]

• Danielle asks what Backstreet Boys would say to NSYNC about a reunion:

  Kevin: "I think it would be huge... The fans want it..." (25:05) AJ: "Follow your hearts. Do what is right for you and just lean on each other... If it's meant to be, it will be." (25:10)

10. Brotherhood and Lifelong Bonds

[25:33–26:19]

• AJ and Kevin reflect on their group as a brotherhood, even before any marriages.
• Danielle and the group praise Kevin’s wife, Kristen, for her support throughout their journey.

11. Favorite Vegas Shows & Dream Sphere Performers

[26:26–27:56]

• Backstreet Boys discuss other acts at Sphere, shout out the Eagles, Dead & Company, and artists they’d love to see (Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift).
• Max Martin, legendary songwriter/producer, is coming to their show; the group expresses their admiration for him:

  "Max is who Max is. He's an absolute legend... one of the greatest songwriters and producers of all time." (28:03)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• AJ McLean, on group longevity:

  “No women involved.” [playful, not serious] (06:12)

• Kevin Richardson, on survival:

  “It takes a lot of communication... Also, our testosterone has subsided.” (06:38)

• AJ McLean, on celebrity fans:

  “Elizabeth Banks came. I... full on geek out.” (08:25)

• Kevin Richardson, on aging and performing:

  “You don’t realize [your age] until you get off stage and... everything’s a little achy.” (09:12, 09:33)

• AJ McLean, on self-reflection:

  “Breathe... I put on a happy face, but for me personally, there was a lot of inner turmoil.” (13:00)

• Kevin Richardson, on group advice for NSYNC:

  “Follow your hearts... If it’s meant to be, it will be.” (25:10)

• Will Friedle, on Boy Meets World’s Backstreet tribute:

  “Spoiler alert. We were not as good at [dancing].” (24:14)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Backstreet Boys vs. marriage longevity: 06:01–06:56
• Residency celebrity guests/backstage rituals: 07:12–09:02
• Band’s feelings about performing now: 09:03–09:53
• Setlist deep cuts, favorite show moments: 09:53–11:45
• Advice to young selves (TRL era): 11:48–14:11
• Physical toll, injuries, and residency perks: 14:11–16:44
• Sphere residency New Year’s Eve shows: 16:44–17:38
• Boy Meets World cast Backstreet dance: 23:42–24:43
• Advice to NSYNC about reunion: 24:43–25:32
• Reflecting on brotherhood and Kristen: 25:33–26:19
• Dream Sphere performances/Max Martin admiration: 26:26–28:08

Tone & Takeaways

This episode is upbeat, affectionate, and full of mutual admiration. The hosts reminisce about '90s pop culture while the Backstreet Boys reflect with honesty and humor about their journey, challenges, and enduring success. For fans of both Boy Meets World and Backstreet Boys, the episode delivers nostalgia, fresh stories, and insight into the group’s ongoing partnership and evolving perspective on music, fame, and friendship.