Pod Meets World: “Dancing with… Britt Stewart”

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Air Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guest: Britt Stewart

Episode Overview

This special episode of "Pod Meets World" brings together Danielle Fishel—famed for her role as Topanga and current “Dancing with the Stars” contestant—with Britt Stewart, celebrated dancer and trailblazing “DWTS” pro. The conversation centers on Britt’s journey on “Dancing with the Stars,” her approach to dance, representation, and her professional and personal milestones. Danielle, herself grappling with the competition’s demands, looks to Britt for advice, and the two share insights about community, perseverance, and the transformative power of dance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Britt Stewart’s “DWTS” Roller Coaster

• Unexpected Early Elimination with Baron Davis

  • Britt and Danielle express surprise and disappointment over Britt and Baron’s week 2 elimination.
  • The competitiveness of this season is highlighted, given that many participants bring either social media followings or dance backgrounds.
  • Quote:

    “If I can get Baron to week three, even week four, people are going to fall in love with him.” — Britt (06:16)

• Baron Davis’ Impact

  • Both women reflect on Baron’s charisma, authenticity, and generosity in mentoring fellow contestants (07:33).
  • Discussion on how connecting authentically made the partnership special, and how vulnerable one must be to fully engage in the competition.

2. The Reality of Contestant Support

• Fan Reaction and “Justice for Baron” Movement

  • Danielle and Britt discuss the groundswell of online support for Baron after his elimination (09:48), acknowledging that making such an impact so early is atypical.
  • Britt shares her perspective on accepting outcomes and believing things happen for a reason (11:04).

• Unrealized Dances and Theme Weeks

  • Britt shares plans for what would have been future performances with Baron, including a true LA hip-hop dedication to his kids and black culture (11:50).
  • Danielle expresses hope that Britt and Baron might still collaborate on creative projects outside the competition (13:28).

3. Maintaining Relationships & Wedding Stories

• Keeping in Touch with Former Partners

  • Britt maintains close friendships with former partners, particularly Johnny Weir, who was a bridesmaid at her wedding (16:03).
  • Humorous exchange about their nicknames (“Doodle” and “Bruce”) and shared quirks (16:27).

• Showmance Turned Real Love

  • The conversation dives into Britt’s romance with Daniel Durant, her “DWTS” partner from Season 31, culminating in marriage (47:27–52:03).
  • Quote:

    “The first time he kissed me...I was like, oh, this is over. It’s over.” — Britt (50:45)

4. Britt’s Path to “DWTS” & Dance Origins

• Disney Roots & High School Musical

  • Britt didn’t realize the significance of working with Kenny Ortega at a young age—her dance career began in a whirlwind of serendipitous events (18:14).
  • She reflects on moments of “kismet” and being guided to formative opportunities (21:28).

• Transitioning to Ballroom without Prior Experience

  • Initially selected for troupe, Britt immersed herself deeply in the ballroom world, even competing in Pro-Am to show respect for the culture and to grow (31:36).
  • Discusses the challenges for classically trained dancers adapting to ballroom’s unique demands (32:10–32:27).

5. Representation and Personal Growth

• Becoming the First Black Female Pro on “DWTS”
  • Britt recounts her initial disappointment when troupe was eliminated and her job disappeared, only to return as the first Black female pro (33:23–35:13).
  • Navigating newfound pressure and the importance of showing up authentically for herself and others (36:09, 37:41).
  • Quote:

    “All I have to do is show up as myself, and that would be the perfect representation, because that’s all I have is me.” — Britt (38:24)

6. Inside “DWTS”—Rumors, Pairings, and Creative Roles

• Traveling Dancer Life

  • Britt shares that she never tired of dancing to Katy Perry’s music during a 3-year tour (25:24).

• Involvement in Tour and Choreography

  • Dispelling the rumor that pros like her or Emma request to be paired with early-exit celebrities to focus on tour prep; her actual involvement in tour choreography begins only once the tour starts (27:26–29:59).

• Pairing Celebrity Talent: ‘Ringers’ vs. Underdogs

  • Britt acknowledges she’s yet to be paired with a “ringer” and discusses the complexities and fairness of casting (52:03–55:09).
  • She emphasizes the unique journeys of her partners, with Daniel Durant described as a true dark horse (53:38).

7. The Heart of “DWTS” — Connection and Growth

• Debate: Should Celebrities Have Dance Experience?

  • Britt sees both sides but cherishes seeing true beginners blossom through hard work and learning. That journey, she says, is the soul of the show (39:20–40:48).

• Biggest Strategy for Success

  • Above physical ability: "the connection with your partner" is the critical ingredient to winning over the audience and achieving growth (56:21).
  • Quote:

    “If you can find that essence, I feel like people fall in love with that. People want to root for that as well.” — Britt (56:21)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Authenticity and Vulnerability:

  “One of my mottos for life is to be a consistent student, to always be a student, and to always learn.” — Britt (09:25)

• On Representation:

  “Not only is, you know, this dream of mine coming true, but now I’m becoming, you know, this representation that has not existed until now, until you.” — Britt (36:09)

• On Dance Partnerships:

  “Sometimes you just have to…marinate and get some sleep sometimes.” — Britt (35:13)

• On Perseverance:

  “Like any industry dancer does...you pivot, and you pivot immediately.” — Britt (34:20)

• On the Transformation of Celebrities:

  “The heart of the show is teaching someone how to dance…from their first days of rehearsals and then at the finale, doing their freestyle like a proper dancer. That is the heart of the show.” — Britt (40:14)

• On Danielle’s Growth:

  “You are the stars of Dancing with the Stars…and you keep spirits high and you are patient…” — Danielle (42:21)\

Notable Timestamps

• [04:26] Britt Stewart introduced; career highlights
• [05:36] Discussing the shock of early elimination with Baron Davis
• [11:46] Britt shares creative plans for unrealized “dedication week” dance
• [16:03] Britt’s continued friendships and wedding stories with former partners
• [18:14] Britt’s dance beginnings and Disney connections
• [25:24] Brittany talks about touring as a professional dancer
• [33:23] On becoming “DWTS”’ first Black female pro
• [39:20] Debate: celebrities with or without dance experience
• [47:27] How Britt and Daniel’s romance developed after the show
• [52:03] Discussion of fairness and factors in pairing pros and celebrities
• [56:21] Britt’s biggest “DWTS” strategy: connection with your partner

Episode Tone & Closing

Throughout the episode, Danielle and Britt share open, heartfelt, and frequently humorous reflections on the highs and lows of dance and life in the spotlight. Their camaraderie is tangible—from fangirling over choreographic challenges to sharing secrets of “DWTS” success. The tone remains warm, supportive, and empowering, concluding with mutual gratitude and excitement for future collaboration.

For fans of “Boy Meets World,” “Dancing with the Stars,” or anyone interested in the journeys of women whose authenticity and resilience are their true superpowers, this episode delivers inspiration, behind-the-scenes reality, and a celebration of growth—on the ballroom floor and beyond.