Pod Meets World – "Dancing with…Cheryl Burke"
Date: October 24, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guest: Cheryl Burke
Episode Overview
This episode reunites “Boy Meets World” star and podcaster Danielle Fishel with dance legend Cheryl Burke, marking Cheryl’s celebrated return as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) for the fan-favorite Halloween night. Their conversation blends personal journeys, DWTS insider wisdom, the evolution of the competition, and authentic reflections on dance, fandom, and the pressures of modern social media. Fans of both Boy Meets World and DWTS get a heartfelt look at perseverance, growth, and the magic (and grind) behind the glitter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Cheryl’s Return as DWTS Guest Judge
Timestamps: 05:20–06:56
- Cheryl describes the experience of coming back to the ballroom after her “retirement,” noting the show’s renewed popularity and new audience.
- She reflects on the emotional journey of moving from dancer to enthusiastic fan, and now to judge, saying:
“It’s been two decades of my life, basically… and I have gone through it just emotionally. Even if I’m not a part of it anymore.” (05:52, Cheryl)
The Grueling Process & Trusting the Process
Timestamps: 07:55–09:23
- Cheryl offers mentorship advice to Danielle, highlighting how to survive the mentally and physically taxing DWTS schedule:
“You really have to trust the process and literally just surrender to Pasha, which is easy to do because he knows what he’s doing.” (08:49, Cheryl)
- Danielle echoes this mantra:
“I’ve been saying, trust the Pasha.” (08:58, Danielle)
Behind-the-Scenes Mishaps and Glam Department Praise
Timestamps: 09:03–10:40
- Danielle narrates near-miss moments with intense lifts and dips during rehearsal, giving listeners insight into DWTS’s off-camera risks.
- Both praise the hair and makeup (“glam”) team for their Emmy-winning, if underappreciated, contributions:
“The department of glam… they’re Emmy-winning. And I agree with you… Whenever they don’t win, I’m just shocked.” (10:14–10:40, Cheryl)
Cheryl’s DWTS Origin Story
Timestamps: 18:38–22:33
- Cheryl shares how she was scouted after competing in the California Open ballroom competition and her initial skepticism about DWTS.
- She credits DWTS for helping her find her voice as a young woman in a male-dominated industry:
“I do credit Dancing with the Stars for giving me my voice.” (21:35, Cheryl)
“I had to speak up for myself. Like, there was no way around it...” (22:33, Cheryl)
Navigating Partner Dynamics and Setting Boundaries
Timestamps: 22:45–25:18
- Cheryl and Danielle exchange war stories about personal boundaries, career pivots, and learning to say “no” as women in entertainment.
“I have to learn how to set boundaries now. What? Like, what does that mean?” (24:40, Cheryl) “I feel like I just learned it about 10 years ago… I’ve had no boundaries.” (24:57, Danielle)
Why Winning Isn’t About Perfection, and the Power of Presence
Timestamps: 25:20–28:33
- Cheryl insists her success on DWTS came not from fixating on the win but focusing on week-by-week personal and partner improvement:
“It was never about that [winning]. It was about…just improving a little bit next week.” (25:40, Cheryl)
- She counsels Danielle (and listeners):
“It forces you to be present because that’s all you can be.” (26:27, Cheryl)
The "Dance Experience Debate" — Is Experience an Advantage?
Timestamps: 28:45–31:04
- Both discuss the perennial controversy over contestants’ prior dance experience, with Cheryl downplaying its importance:
“…It doesn’t necessarily work in your favor… it’s also not purely a dance competition, obviously.” (28:45, Cheryl)
- Public voting makes it about relatability and struggle, not just skill:
“You want to see struggle — or else there’s…why would anyone root for you?” (31:20, Cheryl)
The Role of the Professional Dancer – Traits of a Great Partner
Timestamps: 32:00–35:09
- Cheryl reflects on what different partners (Emmitt Smith, Rob Kardashian, Jack Osbourne, etc.) brought to their seasons.
- Authentic partnership and emotional investment matter most:
“I am invested in a different way. It’s not just a job for me… I can’t fake it.” (32:00, Cheryl)
Creative Constraints, The Power of Experience, and “Fairness”
Timestamps: 41:06–44:11
- Cheryl debunks theories of favoritism, explaining how music selection and production resources are largely non-negotiable and driven by logistics, not bias.
- Experience, she argues, is not an unfair advantage—it’s something earned:
“You having a wealth of knowledge and experience…is not an unfair advantage.” (43:58, Danielle)
Social Media, Toxicity & Relatable Vulnerability
Timestamps: 44:11–48:43
- The hosts dig into the intense, sometimes toxic online fan discourse surrounding DWTS. Cheryl laments the rise of nasty, dehumanizing comments and the impact on contestants—especially women.
“Whether you want to call it bullying or just complete…It’s shocking. And I can’t even block enough people.” (45:08, Cheryl)
- Danielle recounts a friend’s strategy for disarming trolls by simply responding with sincerity:
“Every single time, the response is, I didn’t think you would even see this…I am actually a big fan.” (47:29, Danielle)
Mentorship, Technique, and Real Performance Advice
Timestamps: 49:28–54:31
- Discussion shifts to technical notes, from hand carriage to ballroom posture. Cheryl offers actionable “pro tips”:
“Think of your spine that goes. It doesn’t stop here. Right. It stops here.” (52:00, Cheryl)
“You need to feel it because I need to see that. I need to see your emotion through motion.” (54:31, Cheryl)
Would Cheryl Ever Return as a Competing Pro?
Timestamps: 56:20–57:19
- Cheryl leaves the door open (“never say never”) but concedes it’s unlikely for now, humorously referencing the toll on her body and her regular bodywork to avoid joint replacement.
All-Star Speculation & Favorite Former Partners
Timestamps: 57:09–57:32
- Danielle asks who Cheryl would want as a partner if All-Stars returned.
“Jack Osbourne or Rob Kardashian… I just love them as human beings.” (57:15, Cheryl)
The Unsung Workload of the Pros
Timestamps: 57:36–58:49
- Danielle highlights the immense unseen labor required of the professionals:
“…The amount of patience and time and effort…You’re a therapist…a physical therapist…with a smile and while being microphoned and on camera.” (57:36, Danielle)
- Cheryl is visibly grateful:
“Thank you for noticing that. Because a lot of people don’t even notice it.” (58:29, Cheryl)
Cheryl’s Final Advice for Danielle
Timestamps: 53:40–56:16
- “I want to see raw. I can forgive that. There’s no perfection. There’s no such thing as—what is perfect?… I want you to embody this music. You need to know this music inside and out…I need to see your emotion through motion. And don’t fake it…Find that emotion.” (53:40–56:16, Cheryl)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Cheryl on Surrendering to the DWTS Process
“You really have to trust the process and literally just surrender…take it one step at a time.” (08:49)
On Finding a Voice
“I do credit Dancing with the Stars for giving me my voice.” (21:35)
About Struggle and Viewer Connection
“You want to see struggle… Or else why would anyone root for you?” (31:20)
Toxic Online Discourse
“What kills me is women doing this to other women…” (45:08)
Pro Tips on Performing
“Transitions are key. More important than anything else.” (37:01, Cheryl) “You need to embody this music… I need to see your emotion through motion.” (54:31, Cheryl)
On Setting Boundaries and Growth
“I have to learn how to set boundaries now. What? Like, what does that mean?” (24:40, Cheryl)
Would She Return?
“Never say never. Is my body saying, yes, please, let's do this now? No.” (56:41, Cheryl)
Important Timestamps for Reference
- Cheryl’s announcement as DWTS judge: 05:20
- Near rehearsal accident, backstage stories: 09:03–10:40
- Halloween night & performance memories: 14:11–17:26
- DWTS origin and finding her voice: 18:38–22:33
- The importance of boundaries: 22:45–25:18
- Dance experience controversy: 28:45–31:04
- Contemporary, props, and partner effort: 33:29–35:02
- Voting system and fairness: 29:50–31:04, 41:06–44:11
- Online toxicity and social media: 44:11–49:21
- Mentorship & technical advice: 51:27–56:16
- All-Star speculation and gratitude: 57:09–58:49
Tone & Language
The conversation is candid, insightful, and relatable—marked by mutual respect, warmth, humor, and honesty.
For DWTS fans, podcast listeners, or anyone who follows women’s journeys in entertainment, this episode is both a masterclass in resilience and a celebration of vulnerability, experience, and growth.