Dancing with…Ezra Sosa

Summary

Pod Meets World: "Dancing with…Ezra Sosa"

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Air Date: October 12, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guest: Ezra Sosa

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Pod Meets World" is a lively and insightful conversation between Danielle Fishel (Topanga from "Boy Meets World" and current "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 contestant) and professional dancer Ezra Sosa. The episode dives deep into the behind-the-scenes realities of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), exploring Ezra’s journey from dance competitions to DWTS pro, the intricacies of dance selection and music, the evolving social media landscape, and their mutual growth both personally and professionally on the show. The pair also discuss intergenerational DWTS fandoms, the challenges and rewards of mentoring celebrity dancers, and the meaning of storytelling through dance.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezra's Journey to DWTS Pro

• Redemption Stories & Progression
  • Ezra recounts joining DWTS as a troupe member during the COVID era and quickly ascending to professional status. (10:51–11:47)
  • He describes his last-minute promotion to pro after another dancer's illness and his unique experience being paired with Anna Delvey (who was eliminated early). (03:50–04:49)
  • Memorable moment:
    • "She told me she was a dancer... and I said, show me first position... yeah, no dance experience there." — Ezra (08:28–08:43)
• First Season Reflections
  • Ezra credits his experience teaching and performing on "So You Think You Can Dance" and networking in the dance convention circuit for getting him noticed.
  • He emphasizes, "Everything kind of has to set in place... There’s only so many positions on the show as a dancer." (10:51–10:59)

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2. The Pressure and Process of Competing

• Opening the Season
  • Danielle and Ezra discuss the pressure of performing first on a major anniversary season and how it shapes both the judges' and contestants' experience. (05:14–06:24)
    • "I was kind of excited... But I definitely feel like I understand how hard going first is now. Never want to do that again." — Ezra (05:41–06:04)
• Feedback and Growth
  • Both stress the value of constructive criticism (vs. only praise) for personal and artistic growth. (07:21–08:18)
    • "We thrive on the criticism because it means you have something to focus your energy into and turn it into improvement." — Danielle (07:51–08:13)

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3. Music and Dance Selection Complexities

• The dance and music selection process is revealed as highly collaborative, thematic, and occasionally constrained by licensing and production needs. (12:16–15:09)
  • Celebrities are given input, but pros guide choices based on required rhythms, styles, and production themes (e.g., Disneyland week or TikTok week).
  • "You have to pick music and songs that fit the style, the theme... I can't do two slow dances in a row because then it gets a little stale." — Ezra (13:21–14:32)
  • Week-to-week dance variety is critical for both entertainment and competition. (15:20–15:37)

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4. Social Media’s Influence on DWTS

• Ezra is recognized as a Gen-Z force, tying DWTS's television legacy to TikTok’s viral culture. (03:50–04:49, 21:21–24:25)
• He admits being "chronically online" and how that’s both an advantage and a challenge for his mental health and career identity.
  • "It’s super unfortunate that I am chronically online, like, from a mental health and everything, but when it comes to social media, like, it definitely gives you a leg up." — Ezra (21:54–22:18)
• Danielle and Ezra discuss how social media fame can overshadow dance talent but is also a powerful tool for audience engagement.

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5. DWTS Fandoms: Old Guard Meets New Gen

• The intersection of long-time DWTS viewership and a new, younger TikTok-fueled audience creates both opportunities and confusion, especially around voting and scoring. (26:45–29:55)
  • "TikTok is where my huge... audience is, which is a huge part of the new audience that is coming to Dancing with the Stars." — Ezra (27:03–27:34)
  • Both note differences in reception and comments across platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook).
• Discussion on the complexities of voting logistics and the transparency (or lack thereof) in how winners and eliminations are decided. (28:28–29:59)

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6. Storytelling, Dance Experience, and the Purpose of DWTS

• Prior Dance Experience Debate
  • Ezra believes any "star" is welcome to DWTS, regardless of dance background; what matters is connection and storytelling. (34:05–35:01)
    • "If you're under the umbrella of star, you're welcome to be on the ballroom floor. And I really do stand by that…" — Ezra (34:16–35:01)
• The Contest Isn’t Just About Dance
  • Danielle and Ezra agree the show is as much about the journey and personal growth as technical proficiency.
  • The "mirror ball" trophy symbolizes not just victory but the journey and the relationships built along the way. (37:14–40:16)
    • "My goal is exactly what you said about Alona, My story, and this journey for me is the win." — Danielle (38:08–38:13)

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7. Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes & Memorable Moments

• Anna Delvey partnership: Network constraints on references to her "criminal" status, and the fun (and slight chaos) of working with a non-dancer. (08:28–10:21)
• Hilarious tattoo stories: Ezra’s own "nothing" tattoo and convincing Brandon to get a tattoo reading "piss" after elimination. (24:31–26:14)
• The chaos and realness of “charging” an ankle monitor during rehearsal! (41:03–41:48)
• Candid talk about relationships:
  • Danielle probes if Ezra and Anna are still friends after the show ("we’re not talking right now... there was definitely an unfollow." – Ezra at 42:03–42:16).

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8. Looking Ahead: DWTS Tour and Family Life

• Ezra is excited for the DWTS tour, sharing that the live audience energy is unparalleled. (45:07–45:36)
• Danielle asks about bringing children on tour; Ezra is inspired by fellow dancer Pasha’s ability to balance work and family.
  • "I never wanted to have kids until I saw how he handled Nikita and Danny on the road." — Ezra (46:41–47:02)
• Both express hopes about the future—family, dance, and maintaining the joy of performance.

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9. Advice Exchange & Reflection

• Ezra’s top advice for Danielle: Trust the process, enjoy every moment, and don’t be afraid to “go bigger” in performance. (50:07–50:56)
  • "Every single week is an ebb and flow of disaster and then trying to piece it all together, and then magically, it always works out." — Ezra (50:24–50:33)
• Both reflect that, while the competition is real, the heart and joy of the show lie in growth, storytelling, and camaraderie.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Talk about popcorn reading... I could never.” — Ezra, reacting to Danielle’s vibrant introduction (04:49)
• “She told me she was a dancer… I said, show me first position.” — Ezra on Anna Delvey’s infamous lack of dance experience (08:28)
• “You have to understand those things, and in order to do that, you have to be online.” — Ezra on mastering TikTok and internet culture (22:13)
• “If you’re under the umbrella of star, you’re welcome to be on the ballroom floor.” — Ezra on DWTS eligibility (34:16)
• “My story, and this journey for me is the win.” — Danielle (38:08)
• “We thrive on the criticism… it means you have something to focus your energy into and turn it into improvement.” — Danielle (07:51)
• “I never wanted to have kids until I saw how he handled Nikita and Danny on the road.” — Ezra (46:41)

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 04:49 — Ezra’s introduction & reaction
• 05:14–06:24 — Opening the DWTS season & pressure of going first
• 08:28–10:21 — Anna Delvey stories & network limitations
• 10:51–11:47 — Ezra’s route to becoming a DWTS pro
• 12:16–15:09 — Music & dance style selection
• 21:21–24:25 — On social media, mental health, and TikTok strategy
• 26:45–29:59 — Old vs. new audiences, confusion about voting
• 34:05–35:01 — Who should be on DWTS? Debate on dance experience
• 37:14–40:16 — Journey vs. technical skill, meaning of the mirror ball
• 41:03–41:48 — Technical difficulties with ankle monitors
• 45:07–45:36 — Excitement for the DWTS tour
• 46:41–47:02 — Ezra on family, inspired by Pasha
• 50:07–51:17 — Ezra’s advice for Danielle

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Tone & Style

The conversation is energetic, candid, and full of warmth—with light teasing, laughter, and honest insights. Danielle and Ezra share mutual respect and genuine admiration, blending showbiz humor (“straighten your crown, two queens!”), real-life struggles (injuries, social media pressures), and heartwarming moments about family and friendship.

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For New Listeners

This episode offers a fun, behind-the-dancefloor look at both the glittery and gritty realities of "Dancing with the Stars"—from last-minute partner swaps to TikTok strategy and beyond—while never losing sight of the power of storytelling, resiliency, and camaraderie. Whether you're an old-school DWTS fan or discovering it via TikTok, this deep-dive captures the joy, complexity, and evolution of celebrity ballroom.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Ezra Sosa]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Danielle Fishel]

Hey everyone, it's Sophia Bush, host of the podcast Work in Progress. Lexis is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard. For me, a standard that matters to me is being a friend, being a person, being a coworker who shows up. The standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing. Lexis's benchmarks are feelings, things like exhilaration and joy and amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. It's feeling like your car was designed and built just for you. A machine that makes you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. So experience amazing at your Lexus dealer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Ezra Sosa]

But Mint's Premium Wireless is $15 a month.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But I'd like to offer one other perk. We have no stores.

[Ezra Sosa]

That means no small talk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Crazy weather we're having.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, it's not. It's just weather.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It is an introvert's dream.

[Ezra Sosa]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Danielle Fishel]

Of $45 per three month plan, $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com foreign welcome to Danielle with the Stars. I am Danielle Fishel, a TV director, a podcaster, Topanga to the many baristas who write my name on my coffee cups and a mom of two little boys. But as of just a month ago, you can Add aspiring ballroom dancer to my resume because I. I am competing on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, airing every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney. And in addition to learning the quick step, the cha cha, the Argentine tango, I am also recording a podcast along the way so that you, my dear listeners, can follow as I try my hardest to claim my very own Len Goodman mirror ball trophy. And throughout the season, I am sitting down with fellow contestants and pros to talk about the experience, their personal journey to what is currently the number one show in America and what I as a dancer need to do to get better. And today I am talking to one of the main reasons Dancing with the Stars is in the middle of a renaissance. Twenty years after its premiere and now a staple on youn for your page. He quickly became the Gen Z liaison between social media and the Ballroom Dancing TV show when he joined for season 31 as a member of the troupe. Then he got a last minute call in season 32 when Artem caught Covid and like a fabulous Clark Kent on went the cape and dance shoes and it went so well. He was promoted to pro the very next season and paired with the controversial true crime favorite Anna Delvey, where they were eliminated first. Yet the effect of their partnership will live on forever. And now he is killing it alongside Olympic gold medalist and all around badass Jordan Chiles, becoming this season's undeniable redemption story, taking a first week disappointment and quickly turning their partnership into a first place frontrunner. Please welcome to Danielle with the Stars. A truly spectacular dancer. The reason I had to step up my TikTok game and a genuine cutie patootie. It's Ezra Sosa.

[Ezra Sosa]

Jesus, Louise. Oh my God. That was amazing. And that was like one. That was like one. You read all that? I. Wow. I could never. Wow. Talk about popcorn reading.

[Danielle Fishel]

Popcorn reading. That was incredible.

[Ezra Sosa]

I like moved. We haven't even started. That could have been the podcast right there.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's it. That's it.

[Ezra Sosa]

Welcome.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now you can leave.

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, I'm very honored to be here. Thank you for having me.

[Danielle Fishel]

I am so happy you're here. I mentioned that you and Jordan kind of immediately started off as a redemption story. I have to say though, I loved week one's dance. I know. Going first to kick off such a big season, the 20th anniversary, the 34th season, a stacked competitive year. What? How did you feel when you found out you guys were going first?

[Ezra Sosa]

I was kind of excited. Yeah. Because the season four, I was last. Okay. So I was like, okay, not going last. We're going first. So I'm like, yeah, I'm like, I'm.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just comparing bad juju out of the.

[Ezra Sosa]

Way and going first, but I definitely feel like I understand how hard going first is now, because doing it, I was like, oh, yeah, I don't ever want to do that again. Yeah, it was a tough one, for sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's tough. You don't really have a ton of time to warm up.

[Ezra Sosa]

There's no.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's no real practice time right before.

[Ezra Sosa]

Or even gauge how anyone's doing. Like, you just don't know what the competition is. Like, you know, it's fierce, but we're like, we're just going to go out there and, like, give it our all. But you really. It's really hard to gauge the level of talent when you are going first also.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know if anyone else feels this way. I think some people do online. But do you feel like maybe the judges also take a little while to warm up?

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, absolutely. I think as the judges are watching the episodes, as the audiences as well.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I think that's why it's so hard judging, because how are you gonna know how this first dance is gonna compare to the last dance when you haven't seen them so correct? I can. I can just only imagine how hard it is for. For the judges to.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I feel for them every week. Every time Carrie Ann gets booed, I'm.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, guys, I'm like, she's doing her job. She's doing her job. She's doing her job.

[Danielle Fishel]

And also, I want someone in that position who has a hot take occasionally. If that's your opinion, give me your hot take. Don't. Don't keep it in. How boring would the show be if it was just placating every person that got up there? Like, I need them to be honest when something doesn't resonate, when they don't think something was good. Even if we disagree, that's okay if.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm being completely honest too. I do feel like Jordan and I, we struggle when they don't have feedback for us.

[Danielle Fishel]

Completely agree.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because, like, week one, they gave us feedback. We're like, okay, we know exactly what we need to work on. Week two, it was, like, praise, and we're like, okay, we're gonna go back to week one, right? And then it was like, now there's, like, now there's, like, they're just giving us compliments, and it's great, but, like, we're both true competitors.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so when it comes to Anything that judges have to say, if there's any feedback, I think we like that a lot more than praise.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because we want to get better.

[Danielle Fishel]

You will actually thrive on the criticism because it means you have something to focus your energy into and turning it into improvement. And no matter where you start your dancing process, whether you're a total noob or you've got some experience or you're very advanced, the whole point of the show is to definitely end better than you were at the beginning. And the only way to do that is for someone to say, here are.

[Ezra Sosa]

Your areas for growth and. And know who better than the judges on the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

On the show. Exactly. Absolutely. So obviously, Anna Delvey was not necessarily a dancer. You were given a redemption opportunity.

[Ezra Sosa]

She told me she was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

She told me she was a dancer. They were like, she can dance. And I said, oh, she's. No. And I said, show me first position. And she looked at me in the face, and I was. She's like. And I was like, yeah, no. No dance experience there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

No Missy. No.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, you didn't get a redemption opportunity with her because she was let go week one.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so she also probably has to go on that redemption journey alone.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's giving on her own time. It's giving.

[Danielle Fishel]

Solo journey.

[Ezra Sosa]

Solo journey.

[Danielle Fishel]

But are there any ideas you had for her that you wish could have happened?

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, my gosh. So many things. But also too, like, you don't even know what the network is going to allow.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I was like, what do you mean? We can't do a cha. Shot a Criminal by Britney Spears. Like, what do you mean? We can't. Like, what do you mean? We can't do that. But wait, I'm sorry.

[Danielle Fishel]

They drew the line there with the ankle monitor.

[Ezra Sosa]

I honestly, they, like, I feel like, in packages, too, they really refrain me from saying criminal.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

They're like, the network doesn't like the word criminal. And I said, okay, well, I'm in a tricky position here, because I am dancing with a criminal. Yes. But we. Yeah, but, yeah. On the show, she was a fashionista.

[Danielle Fishel]

A fashionista?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes, a fashionista was do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. So they didn't ask me. So I'm gonna go out on a limb and just make the assumption that they don't ask people how they want to be referred to.

[Ezra Sosa]

I think they asked her, really? But she wanted to be referred to as an ankle monitor. Ankle. No, no. A mo. No. An ankle model.

[Danielle Fishel]

An ankle model. Is that because of the monitor?

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. But then they said, we have an Actual model this season. So we can't say. Yeah. We can't say ankle model. Oh, yeah. Very fun first season. You know what Brit told me my first season? She said, no matter what, you're never going to forget your first. Yeah, I stand by that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. You know what? You're right. And now it will live forever because you commemorated.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. As a gay man. How iconic is that?

[Danielle Fishel]

It's the most iconic thing I've ever heard a professional doing after having an experience like that. Truly, it's like. And of course you did it. Of course you're a genius. So let's just get that out of the way. So let's talk about joining the troupe. I know you had competed on so youo Think youk Can Dance and your Utah roots connected you to many of the pros. But how did you getting on troupe come together?

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, my gosh. I feel like it's just like everything kind of has to set in place.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

As you can imagine, there's only so many positions on the show as a dancer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

So there's hundreds and thousands of people who just want to be able to just dance on the show. I was one of those people. But I definitely feel like doing so youo think you can dance. And being in the dance convention circuit, I was kind of in the right orbit around the right people.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

So by the time I actually audition for so you think they were already reaching out, asking, like, gauging, like, if I was a good fit for the show and whatnot. And so I definitely feel like ever Since I turned 18, they were kind of eyeing me and seeing if it was the right fit. And then I joined the show. It was. It was like, during COVID And so it was like an audition zoom process. So it was, like, definitely not. I don't think how anyone else would join the show, but it was. They wanted to see me teach. They wanted to have interviews with me, and. Yeah. And then we got on the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

How do you prepare to teach someone else to dance?

[Ezra Sosa]

You don't. I mean, unless you have teaching experience, but you have to. There's no. There's no other way to train being a pro on the show than being a pro on Dancing with the Stars because there's no other job like it. You have to wear so many hats. And I'm sure, you know, through Pasha, like, he has to find good music for you. He has to also, like, understand you and your story through dance. And it's. There's a lot of things that you have to do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Can we talk a little bit about the music selection and dance selection process? Because I see a lot of people talking about it online.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And they don't understand.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

The discourse. How many factors go into it, play into it.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

I truthfully now, having been a part of it for four weeks, still don't understand all of it. Because I don't understand music the way you guys do. Like Pasha, I'll be like, why can't we use this song for such and such. He's like, because that's not a three, four count. And I'm like, oh, right.

[Ezra Sosa]

I totally knew that. Whatever you say. Like, yeah, for sure, for sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know why I was thinking.

[Ezra Sosa]

We should do that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, okay, so there are so many things. One, you want to pick something that has some sort of a connection to you because you have to rely on that music to help bring your story out 100%. You don't wanna be sick of it. You don't wanna dislike it. You wanna. Love has to fit a certain rhythm. It has to fit the theme of the week. Can we talk about Disneyland week?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. Well, yeah. You have to fit the theme of the week. And honestly, they will sit you down. And especially with Disneyland, they're like, we're celebrating Disneyland. So if you can find a song from the ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, that's what we'd recommend. And so, you know, as a team player, you're always going to want to deliver and find the perfect option. But there's so many other factors that go into it. Like Robert and Whitney. Like, he's in Zootopia too. So it's like, if he didn't do that, that would have been. You know, it's like, it's a great promo for Zootopia, but also a great story for him because he's having a moment in the actual movie.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Ezra Sosa]

So I definitely feel like, especially with song selections, it's different for every single person. But I always say, as a pro, you have to find music that they love. Cause I always say I don't get final decision. My partner does. Because it is their journey on the show. But I'm very lucky. Cause Jordan's very down for whatever and she understands that. Like you said, we have to pick music and songs that fit the style, the theme. But also, I can't do two slow dances in a row because then it gets a little stale. Total. Or it's like if we do a rumba, we can't do a rumba. Later on. We have to Find the styles at the right time.

[Danielle Fishel]

And we have an idea of what's coming week after week. And you start saying, like, okay, let's. We started with this, like, to your point. All right. We started with a tango. We're not gonna do something slow or ballroomy next week. Now we have to do a. So by the time you get to week six, you're like, here are the handful of dances we haven't done. And now we have to find a song that speaks to you, that fits the theme. So the themes, they kind. They're a little. Having one every week is a little difficult.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's hard finding music like it is. It is really hard. But I always say. I personally love theme weeks because it ties all the dances together.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I think it ties the episode together as a whole. I feel like once you're in the shoes as a pro and you're having to actually find the songs, yes, it does suck. But as a bigger picture, it makes total sense to do.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're right. And when people talk online about, like, well, why don't. Why doesn't everybody do all the same dances? And you think, do you want to watch 14 tangos?

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, we did how many we.

[Danielle Fishel]

Five. We had five quick steps. Yes, I know. And we had five cha. Chas.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, like, so. Yeah. Already.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. And we, like. I didn't know. Did you know that there was five quick steps?

[Danielle Fishel]

I did.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, I didn't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

You didn't know.

[Ezra Sosa]

No. I was like, there's five of them, and we're the fifth one. Good luck, troops. As a Jordan, this is going to be a tough one, but I think.

[Danielle Fishel]

You guys were underscored.

[Ezra Sosa]

Really? Because guess what? What? I think you were, too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you. I think you guys deserved your first nine. Really do. I really do.

[Ezra Sosa]

Is it crazy that. And I talked to Jordan about this too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm okay with us. I'm okay with our scores.

[Danielle Fishel]

So am I.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

I feel the same way. I actually. Cause you know, my mom. Of course my mom.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh. Mom's like, you deserve.

[Danielle Fishel]

I can't believe you didn't get your first date. And I'm like, mom, thank God you're.

[Ezra Sosa]

Not on the date. It's actually kind of crazy because I can also not. Like, your quick stuff was incredible.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you. It was so much fun. It's my favorite dance we've done, but if we had gone down, if I had been given a worse score than the week before, I definitely felt like I was at least on par with my last Week's dance. I do think it was better than last week's dance.

[Ezra Sosa]

I agree with you.

[Danielle Fishel]

But if I had gone down, I would be like, oh, no, this is. This is terrible. But consistency is never bad. And I still have the looking forward to my first eight in front of me.

[Ezra Sosa]

So I'm not just giving next week.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, fingers crossed.

[Ezra Sosa]

What's your dance next week, Jive? It's giving next week.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you. If my knees can hold up, it should be. It should be really fine. I mean, you know, dedication week's gonna be amazing. Speaking of dedication week, you guys are doing a song that is very near and dear to my heart. You're doing daughters, and the dedication is to Jordan's dad. Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's just such a special song. I know. It really is. And I also think the message behind the song is so powerful, and it really connects to Jordan and her dad. And you really see the accolades that Jordan has made. And she's an Olympian.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, I mean, I know.

[Ezra Sosa]

Come on. Like, diva, seriously. But it takes a strong support system to do that. But also to the incredible woman that she is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

You can just tell, like, she had such a strong father figure in her life. And really, that's what the dance is about, is just the blessing of having a strong father figure and how it could really shape a woman's life.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you feel a lot of pressure to put together something that's befitting of that kind of emotion?

[Ezra Sosa]

I guess it'll all come together. But, I mean, Jordan clocked me last week because I. I had a. I put a lot of pressure on myself with our quick step.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

But this week, I'm just letting it go, and I'm just trusting the process, and I'm trusting it'll all come together. Like, I trust my ability as a pro, but I also trust Jordan as my partner. And also, like, I already started teaching Jordan's dad, and he is a solid guy. Like, he's so great and so nice, and they're both the literal same person. Where it's like, you just know a piece like this will fall together the way it needs to, the moment it needs to.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's so special.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Limu and Doug. Here we have the Limu emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Ezra Sosa]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[Ezra Sosa]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Savings very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes massive. This is Justin Richmond, host of Broken Record. Lexus is a company that believes in the importance of setting a standard, which I can appreciate as someone who holds themselves to lofty, if not ridiculous standards, especially with the car I drive. The standard Lexus has set for themselves is to experience amazing. Lexus measures success by the feeling and emotions evoked in a driver, like exhilaration and joy. Amazing can only be achieved by knowing people on a deeper level. The standard of amazing results in a feeling in drivers that their car was built in anticipation of them. Machines that make you feel more human, because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing. Experience amazing at your Lexus dealer. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway this fall, take care of the little ones in the family with Baby Club Savings now through November 4, spend $25 on select Baby Club products and save $5. Shop for items like Pediasure bottles, Pedialyte powder packs, Huggies, baby wipes, Huggies diapers, Gerber puffs, and Gerber pouches. And save $5 when you buy $25 or more on participating products. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Hey, everyone. Ed Helms here and hi, I'm Cal Penn, and we're the hosts of Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the iHeart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question. There's no wrong answer. What role would I play?

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what?

[Ezra Sosa]

I can see you as Mr. Darcy.

[Danielle Fishel]

You got a little call in Firth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that. But are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett here. Listen to Earsay, the Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

I want to talk to you about your social media game because you are so good on TikTok.

[Ezra Sosa]

Coming from you diva.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, no, no. I have only had to step up my game because of you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, it's making me step up my game.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, then look at us just raising the bar for each other. That's what real friends do.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. Two queens.

[Danielle Fishel]

Two queens.

[Ezra Sosa]

Two queens, too. Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Let me just straighten your crown. How do you. How do you. How do you come up with your social. Is it like a strategy or do it. Does it really?

[Ezra Sosa]

It is strategy. It is strategy. But also it's. I feel like it's super unfortunate that I am chronically online, like, from a mental health and everything, but when it comes to social media, like, it definitely gives you a leg up, but it's like, also knowing, like, six, seven, like that TikTok you did with Pasha, the six, seven, one chef's kiss. So good. But, like, you have to understand those things, and in order to do that, you have to be online.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right? Chronically online.

[Ezra Sosa]

Chronically online. And I am. I am chronically online. But. But I. I also feel like I learned a lot through a lot of my close friends who have a big social media following. So even it's like our first week was bad. I'm like, okay, that's. That's a joke in itself. We can do a TikTok about that and, like, completely, like, change light of the whole situation.

[Danielle Fishel]

Absolutely. Are you chronically online year round or are you.

[Ezra Sosa]

No. Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, Good.

[Ezra Sosa]

It actually got really. Especially my relationship with social media. Last year, my social media popped off and in ways I never expected it to, but in. In the weirdest way that a lot of people knew me for my social media, but not for my talent and not for my dance ability. So it really got to me on tour when people are going, like, you're meeting so many people and there's like, it's Daniella. And you're like, every single time I see Daniel, like, queen, I'm like, your dancing is incredible. And then fans would come up to me and be like, your TikTok is my favorite.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

So you. For. So, like, after tour, I kind of, like, held that to myself. I'm like, okay, I guess this is my thing. And I put so much energy into it where it made me lose sight for my actual love right of dance. And so before the season started, I kind of took a couple weeks off of social media completely.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

And it kind of. And just trained in the studio and just wrapped my head around, like, getting my mental health better in order to get right for the season.

[Danielle Fishel]

So smart. And you're right that, like, we are. The point of social media for us as professionals should be to use social media as a tool to help cultivate the career as opposed to just the personality. Unless you want to just be a personality, you know? But like, for you, you are an incredibly talented dancer. You're a performer, and your social media should help highlight and shine in the spotlight on that. Not Just the fact that you're also a fabulous personality, although you are both.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, it's the comments. You're, like, going through it, and they're like, oh, my God, I didn't even know he danced. I'm like, diva.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, no. You're like this.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm like, how do you think I got the job? How do you think I got the job? I'm like, four years of shaking my.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, girl, I deserve some credit for that.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes, I do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, absolutely. Okay, I have to talk about the tattoo.

[Ezra Sosa]

The.

[Danielle Fishel]

You have a tattoo that says nothing. Your taking Brandon to get a tattoo that says piss.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is so iconic. How did that idea come about?

[Ezra Sosa]

Was it your idea for Brandon or for my own?

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, for yours, I'm gonna assume it was your idea.

[Ezra Sosa]

It was completely my idea. Of course. Like, it was just stupid. Like, I definitely feel like looking back at it. I was like, I don't even know what I was thinking, but I stand by that decision.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm really glad. I mean, honestly, it's so. I don't have any tattoos. I had two, and I had them removed. I love it so much. I'm like, maybe I'll get a Dancing with the Stars tattoo. I'm not. I don't plan on exiting with a word like, nothing or pissed, But I just think it's so wonderful that, like, maybe I'll.

[Ezra Sosa]

Maybe I will. I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

But whose idea was it to convince Brandon?

[Ezra Sosa]

Brandon, who do you think, girl? Who do you think?

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm gonna say You.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. Literally, right after he got eliminated, I texted him. I was like, see if I can even find it, please. I don't know if I texted him or his wife, because Brandon never, ever responds.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's not as active online, which probably means his mental health is wonderful.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. Unlock.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's probably very healthy.

[Ezra Sosa]

What did I say? What did we say? Oh, I don't even know how it came. Oh, I sent him a voice note. Okay. He said, ezra, the tattoo idea, you're a genius. I said, please do. It would break the Internet, which it did. I said, carry the tradition.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so he was right. Right away. He was on board.

[Ezra Sosa]

On board.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh. And so you. You took him.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Riley felt his.

[Ezra Sosa]

You held his hand.

[Danielle Fishel]

You held his hand.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. It was such a special moment for the two of us. It really was.

[Danielle Fishel]

I just love it. I. I think it's one of the greatest things I've ever seen. You are such a pivotal part of ushering in a whole new demographic To Dancing with the Stars. No one could have predicted 34 seasons in the show would be having, I mean, a total rebirth. It's more popular now than it has ever been. With that said, there is still a large population of viewership. That's part of the, shall we say, old guard, you know.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And now you're helping bring in a whole new, young, more open minded audience. How do you feel the intersection of these audiences? How do you feel the intersection is going? I'm. This is a little bit of a deeper question.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, no, that is. That is a deeper question. You know, I find it interesting because I say like old guard is like Instagram. Okay, okay, okay. I'm sorry. Sorry. I'm an old. I'm sorry if you're. If Instagram is your thing. I'm so sorry. I am so sorry. No offense. Okay, okay. But you know, TikTok is where my huge. Were a huge part of my audiences, which is a huge part of the new audience that is coming to Dancing with the Stars. But I always find it interesting how things perform different. Differently on different platforms.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ezra Sosa]

Even if it's the same video.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Ezra Sosa]

But sometimes a video of yours will see a different side of the Internet, which probably shouldn't see it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Ezra Sosa]

And then it's just going to get a different reaction. Maybe one that you're not really hoping for.

[Danielle Fishel]

I feel very old now that I've lived through enough things that like MySpace. MySpace was one of them.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, but MySpace is iconic. Let's bring her back. You know, what if they.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, no, that's really all that I. That MySpace is already. It's been enough time that it's back. It's cool. In a nostalgic way. Facebook used to be for old people. What. What is Facebook now? Facebook's just for. For the ancients.

[Ezra Sosa]

I think we kind of forgot about Facebook.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. Is Facebook the new MySpace?

[Danielle Fishel]

That's what I'm saying. Facebook is the new MySpace. Instagram is the new Facebook.

[Ezra Sosa]

And then TikTok is TikTok.

[Danielle Fishel]

TikTok is TikTok.

[Ezra Sosa]

Wow, this is a lot to keep up with.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. It is a lot to keep up with.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, it is.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's also some of the. I'm seeing a lot of questions online about judging in particular now that there is a whole new fan base watching the show sometimes for the very first time.

[Ezra Sosa]

I think it's funny. I think I saw when we're. Sorry. I was commenting, like, wait, I thought Derek and Mark were together. I was like, I'm Screaming. I'm screaming. I'm like both happily married.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. And not to each other.

[Ezra Sosa]

And not to each other.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. So funny. Well, I know that now that there are all these newer, younger viewers who have never seen it and they really want to try to understand all the aspects of the show. So they're like, wait a minute. The. The. The voting closes at 8, but then the person who goes last, you only have a few minutes to vote for that person. The judges scores count for roughly 50% every. I mean, the amount of people doing stats and math problems. And I also don't understand.

[Ezra Sosa]

And guess what? I also don't understand.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know there's no syllabus.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, there isn't a syllabus. But I think that's called producing, right? Yeah, I think it's called producing a TV show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. I know. And I did find. I did see someone somewhere, like something on one of the original, maybe the Dancing with the Stars website where there was like some sort of breakdown about.

[Ezra Sosa]

And did it make sense if you understand stats. I'm. I don't know if I feel like I need to look at it. No, honestly, I feel like every single showdown like this. I don't know exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just whatever.

[Ezra Sosa]

Whatever happens, happens.

[Danielle Fishel]

We do what we do.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, look at Lauren and Brandon. We thought they were chilling and then next thing you know, you just never know.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. Was Jordan incredible? I mean, we were all shocked.

[Ezra Sosa]

She's a harmonizer. She was distraught. Like she was.

[Danielle Fishel]

They were close.

[Ezra Sosa]

She didn't want to go through press after. I know. I was like, yeah, but I, like she deserved to stay longer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I will stand on that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I completely agree.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, she. I don't. I also feel like she didn't really fully get to share her story.

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Ezra Sosa]

Which we all knew her. She was such a nice and lovely girl. And it's like, it just makes it that much worse when they like have to leave so soon.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I couldn't agree with you more. And I. Every time I saw Lauren, I felt better after seeing her. She was just one of those people. She uplifted everyone.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Every single time. Always felt good around her. So I was very sad to see her go. And I know how much Jordan and Laura did they know each other before the season.

[Ezra Sosa]

Nor. But when Jordan met Lauren, Jordan was gonna like, pass out. Like she was so excited to meet her. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

She's a big fan.

[Ezra Sosa]

Big fan.

[Danielle Fishel]

That is so sweet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And Doug, here we have the limu emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu.

[Ezra Sosa]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty, Liberty. Liberty Savings Fairy underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts. This is Buzz Knight from taking a walk. Lexus believes in the importance of standards. One of my standards. I never want to be late. I always want to show up on time. For Lexus, the standard is simple experience. Amazing. Their benchmarks aren't stats or specs. They're feelings. Exhilaration, joy. That sense your car was designed just for you. Machines built to make you feel more human. Because a car that doesn't make you feel something is a car that stops short of amazing experience. Amazing at your Lexus dealer. Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway this fall. Take care of the little ones in the family. With Baby Club Savings now through November 4, spend $25 on select Baby Club products and save $5. Shop for items like Pedias shore bottles, Pedialyte powder packs, Huggies baby wipes, Huggies diapers, Gerber puffs, and Gerber pouches. And save $5 when you buy $25 or more on participating products. Offer ends November 4th. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details. Hey, everyone. Ed Helms here, and hi, I'm Kal Penn, and we're the hosts of Irsay, The Audible and iHeart Audiobook Club. This week on the podcast, I am sitting down with Jenny Garth, host of the iHeart podcast. I choose me to discuss the new Audible adaptation of the timeless Jane Austen class Pride and Prejudice. This is not a trick question. There's no wrong answer. What role would I play?

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what? I can see you as Mr. Darcy. You got a little Colin Firth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that, but are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett. Here, listen to Earsay the Audible and iHeart audience audiobook club on the iHeartradio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danielle Fishel]

It seems like every week there is a new philosophical question online surrounding the show, and I wanted to ask you about this. First is the idea of prior dance experience.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, here we go.

[Danielle Fishel]

What on what are your thoughts on what the perfect amount of prior dance experience is for a celebrity to have?

[Ezra Sosa]

I think. I don't think there. I don't think it should matter.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Honestly, I really Don't. Because you look at people like Hilaria and Glubb, she had incredible dance experience, but people at home weren't really necessarily able to connect with her. But then you have someone like Andy who doesn't have near as much dance experience, but he gained such a huge audience just through his heart and through his personality. And I do feel like what's making this season so strong is the different varieties of dance experience. My thing is, if you're under the umbrella of star, you're welcome to be on the ballroom floor. And that is. And I really do stand by that, because you really look at Whitney and Mark like, we wouldn't have had the room where it happens if it wasn't for the two of them together in that moment.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ezra Sosa]

And it's like that dance routine was pure magic.

[Danielle Fishel]

It really was. It really was. No, you're absolutely right. I think that's a great way of thinking about it. If you fall under the umbrella of star, you are welcome to be on the ballroom floor. And dance is. I've mentioned this now to everybody who's come on, and I probably sound like a bit of a stupid broken record because. Duh. But as somebody who's worked in multiple aspects of the entertainment industry as an actor, as a dancer, as a writer, as a producer. Did I say as a dancer? I didn't mean it. I mean, I can say it now as almost everything other than a dancer until now, to really understand how much dance is just another form of storytelling, expression and expression and connection with the audience. You're exactly right. Andy is connecting to the audience through this medium, that even without having the experience, the point of the show is about telling that story. And the point of the show isn't necessarily who's the best dancer. It's who's your favorite dancer. Who do you want to see dance again next week? I see a couple of, you know, people sometimes forget that they can vote for more than one couple. And they're like, oh, it's just so hard because I'm really voting for, you know, Jordan.

[Ezra Sosa]

Isn't it like 10 couples per vote?

[Danielle Fishel]

10 couples per vote. 10 votes per couple. Exactly. So you can vote for more than 1%. And so that's what I always tell people because I'm like, guys, especially before we get to the finale. Once you get to the finale, you're gonna have to choose.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes, sure, yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

But vote for every couple you want to see in the finale, because don't you want to curate the end? So anyone you feel like, you want to see dance again because you connected with the dance or you connected with the story or you connected with it because we are storytelling, and you have to, if you connect with the story, place your vote. So. Okay. Well, thank you for answering that, because I. I love it. Are you more interested as. As not only a pro on the show, but as a viewer, are you more interested in the journey of a celebrity or just an impressive dance?

[Ezra Sosa]

Journey of the celebrity. 100%. 100%. I also feel like, as. As a dancer, I respect someone's journey when they start from the ground up. And you even look at alona last season.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, message was so powerful, and even though she didn't win a mirror ball, I just, like, I told her your message and your journey on the show was a lot bigger than winning a mirror ball.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Ezra Sosa]

And that, to me, is so powerful. But, you know, sometimes, like. But also, you need, like, a stellar routine to, like, really amplify the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Ezra Sosa]

But to me, personally, I love a dancer's journey.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I couldn't agree more. Also, I probably shouldn't say this, but I'm going to anyway. I feel like for. At least for myself. I'll only speak for myself. I can't speak for anyone else. I want to win the mirror ball, but not even so much for me. I want to win for pasha.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. That's so sweet.

[Danielle Fishel]

I want pasha to have the mirror ball that I think he deserves.

[Ezra Sosa]

And you know what? I think pasha deserves a mirror ball, too.

[Danielle Fishel]

I feel like, for me, my goal is exactly what you said about alona, My store, my story, and this journey for me is the win. And where, like, when I was in the bottom three last week and I was standing up there, and I know they say the bottom three doesn't necessarily mean the bottom three, but still, you're standing there. You're there, you're there. Could be your name that is called. Unlike if you're back there.

[Ezra Sosa]

But they were playing games. They were playing games with you. I was not. And I was backstage with Danny. Oh, Danny. She looked like she was gonna fight. Kind of backing up, away from her. And I was like, danny, it's not going to be pasha. Like, it's not. And it's not. It's not happening.

[Danielle Fishel]

I would have loved to have seen Danny's face.

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, no, you wouldn't have, because you made it so.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No.

[Ezra Sosa]

No one wanted to see that.

[Danielle Fishel]

But when you're standing up there, you have all these thoughts that flash through your head, and it was amazing to Me. For as competitive as I am, how quickly I went from, oh, God, I really hope that it's not us to. But if it is us, I have loved every single second I have spent here with these people. And no regrets. No regrets. So I got.

[Ezra Sosa]

But.

[Danielle Fishel]

But. So the mirror ball, I feel, in my opinion, is a. Is more for you guys. We. The mirror ball belongs to you.

[Ezra Sosa]

But do you know what's crazy? I think. I think the opposite for me as a pro. Our job is to give the best experience to our celebrity.

[Danielle Fishel]

But you do that, and then you get the mirror ball. You guys do that. That's what I think everyone needs to know about this show. The stars of this show are the pros.

[Ezra Sosa]

See, we're on different sides here. You. It's. It's about you guys and telling your story.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sure, sure.

[Ezra Sosa]

But if we get a mirrorball, so be it.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Ezra Sosa]

So be it. But even with. Even with Jordan, I was like, do you want to win? And she's like, yeah, I want to win. And I was like, guess what? Me too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Good.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's like. I think it's all about just, like, matching your partner's energy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, but even with Anna, I was like, do you want to win? She goes, I was like, okay, we're going to have a gag. You know what? We're going to have a gag, and we're going. Have fun doing it.

[Danielle Fishel]

We're going to bedazzle your ankle monitor.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm like, that's your idea.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. Well, I remember I talked to production about it, and they're like, well, we wanted to do it, and it was like, lol.

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you get that approved by the government?

[Ezra Sosa]

Why didn't I? No, but honestly, I did it in a way where she couldn't charge it.

[Danielle Fishel]

So wait, you did it yourself?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes, I did. So I did it for rehearsal. No, I'm kidding you. I did it for rehearsal. And the next day, like, she peeled them all off, and I was like, what happens? And she goes, I couldn't charge it. And I was like, oh, my God. So you almost got arrested because of me.

[Danielle Fishel]

I also never thought about the fact that you have to charge those things.

[Ezra Sosa]

You do. We. We would rehearse.

[Danielle Fishel]

Does anybody have a USB C?

[Ezra Sosa]

It wasn't. It was like a giant sleeve. But, like, we would be rehearsing, and then it'd be like. You hear like. And I'm like, what the is that? And then you'd be like. You'd be like. And it's like, low battery. I'm like, I'm dead. I was like, do you need 5 minutes to charge it? I'm like screaming, do you take it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Off to charge it?

[Ezra Sosa]

No, she has to. Oh, she's gonna kill me. Oh, yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Her leg was out, and you just kind of stick it on there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Are you guys still friendly?

[Ezra Sosa]

We're not talking right now. You're not talking right now?

[Danielle Fishel]

I heard that maybe there was an unfollow.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, there was definitely an unfollow. And you know what? It's okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's okay. We're all on our different journeys.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. It's like, you. You be you, boo Boo, and I'll be me. You know, respectfully.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, boy.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

I saw that you were recently hanging out with Kai Sanat.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. Wait, yeah. That was, like, at the AMAs. Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Have.

[Ezra Sosa]

Have you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Have you talked about trying to get him on the show?

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, I mean, I. Every single time I see a producer, I talk about having him on the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Do you know how massive that would be?

[Ezra Sosa]

I. I was telling them that, like, how massive that would be if he was on the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But maybe it's, you know, next season, but.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

I definitely feel like he's in the Rolodex of names names 100%.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, he definitely showed interest. Like, I was. I wasn't expecting him to be as interested as he was. Like, when I went up to. I. I went up to him during the AMAs, and he was, like, doing his live stream, and I was like, to Jen, I was like, I'm just gonna ask him. She goes like, what if he says no? I'm like, then it's a gag, and I can just, like, walk away. I wasn't expecting him to say yes at all and then just get his number and connect.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow, man.

[Ezra Sosa]

I. Yeah, I hope so. And honestly, if he gets on the show, I hope he gets Danny. Ooh. I really do feel like it'd be such a good pairing.

[Danielle Fishel]

That would be a great pairing.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

If you were going to be a celebrity on the show, who would be your pick, really?

[Ezra Sosa]

Pasha.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you know how many people have said that to me? That is so funny. So many people said that to me when I first started. Like, if I were gonna be on the show, Pasha, be who I pick.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. I definitely feel like he's the most team player, most endearing. But also, I trained with him growing up, so I definitely feel like I can learn the most from him.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I also, like, I see his routines, his Choreographies. Amazing. Even watching his routine with you, the figures that he does, the way that he, like, formulates it, so inspiring. So I feel like, as a celebrity, as just a dancer myself, like, I just love every single time I get to work with him.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. He is the. Like, what a. What a gift to humanity is Pasha.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, honestly, I love. I will. I love him so much, even on tour. I feel like on tour, too, you see everyone's side, like you truly do, and there is not. There was never a moment where Pasha, like, lost his cool. He was such a gentleman to everyone. And also, just having his daughter out on the road with Danny and just seeing how amazing of a father he is is, like, so endearing. It really is.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. He said yesterday he was like. During my audition, I told them that I was like, a bear because I could be, like, I could be cuddly, but I could also, like, grrr. And I was like, when are you gur. He's like, you're never.

[Ezra Sosa]

Grr.

[Danielle Fishel]

I've never seen ger. And he was like, I am when I need to be.

[Ezra Sosa]

Ooh. Okay, we're gonna backpedal from that one. Okay. I don't.

[Danielle Fishel]

I guess I don't need the story or whatever, but, like, I. I'm so curious. How excited are you to go back out on the road for tour? Tour was just announced.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. Yes. I'm so excited. I. Like, last season was such a dream come true, and, like. Like, the show is having a renaissance. So just performing for crowds like that in ways that, like, the show hasn't seen in so long is like, a dream. It is such a dream. Like, we're on stage, and your ears would bleed from how loud people are screaming you. I don't think, as a performer, I've ever experienced that. For those people to scream for you, like, that is so surreal.

[Danielle Fishel]

How many dates are you guys doing?

[Ezra Sosa]

I haven't even looked.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Don't know.

[Ezra Sosa]

I just know, like, December 12th. I'm all there is up until May 3rd, so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. December 12th or May 3rd. Where can people buy tickets? Is it DWTS?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, it's like, tour.com.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, DWTS tour.com.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, great.

[Ezra Sosa]

Would you want to go?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, I do want to go. I was going to ask you how. How do normal. How do celebrities normally do it? How long do they go? What's.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is it very.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's like, if. It's. It's like, up to you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Really?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, it's up to you. Of how long you want to go?

[Danielle Fishel]

So, like, if I want to take my kids out of school, bring a tutor, and just go the whole time.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, sure. I mean, we got Rome and Nikita, so we're. We're capable of doing that.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, wouldn't that be.

[Ezra Sosa]

Honestly, too. Having Nikita out on the road and, like, whenever Rome would come down, I think it just brings so much humanity. Like humanity does. Because when you're going city to city to city and you're just on a bus and you're performing on a bus and performing, it's. It's. You see those kids and just brings you back to your why.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And it just helps keep you pushing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you want to have kids?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my gosh.

[Ezra Sosa]

And do you know what's crazy? And I told Pasha this. I never wanted to have kids until I saw how he handled Nikita and Danny on the road. Like, it was like. It just. I was like. I just never thought as a performer and as a dancer, I could have kids in this type of climate and environment. You're just seeing how they're able to make it work just in their love for each other.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, I hope I have that one day.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I really do. It really also helps that his mom and dad. I mean, gosh, how sweet are they? I know. I asked him. Cause, you know, we have two kids and we have a nanny. Our family doesn't live down the street like their family does. But I said, do you guys have a nanny? And he was like, no, it's my mom. I was like, that is the perfect scenario just to have your little tribe be taking care of your family. So great. That's so sweet. You're gonna have that someday.

[Ezra Sosa]

I hope so.

[Danielle Fishel]

You will for sure. Have you already started thinking of Tick Tock ideas for the bus?

[Ezra Sosa]

They'll just come to me, I guess. And if you got any, too, we could do the Boy meets world theme song.

[Danielle Fishel]

How fun would that? So Tick Tock dancing is very vibey.

[Ezra Sosa]

Do you want to know my hot take?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, please.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I'll stand by this Tick Tock has brought so much joy and, like, brought a new life to the show, but I don't think it needs to be on the ballroom floor. Personally, as a tiktoker, I did not. I did not think it. I don't think it belonged there.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what? Don't disagree with you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. And I also, too, like art. Our TikTok week. I feel like a lot of people are expecting me to do a TikTok dance. In my dance. And I was like, no, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I just don't think Pasha and I.

[Danielle Fishel]

Didn'T do it either.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Pasha and I said the way we're incorporating TikTok is that we are using a song that viral on TikTok.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

But we are not going to do the TikTok dance part. Yeah, I agree. And I also think it was a very polarizing thing for the audience. One of the incredible things about Dancing with the stars is that especially right now, it feels like everyone would like a safe space to be able to go for. No politics.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And maybe just pure joy.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love it.

[Danielle Fishel]

And TikTok was a little like, half the audience is like, what even is TikTok? I don't know these songs. I don't know these dances. I'm not sure why we're doing this. And then the TikTok audience was then not really thrilled that it wasn't enough TikTok.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm like, girl.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so no one really felt. I agree. No one, really. I didn't. I don't know that. That it would need to happen again. I will say that who won the Internet during TikTok week was on the comment about Lauren and Brandon going home on TikTok week. Instagram wrote. Would have never happened on Instagram night.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. Yes. But we've never had a social media night ever.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. Instagram won the night as far as I'm concerned.

[Ezra Sosa]

Wow. Look at that. Interesting how that turned out. Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I have been asking everybody who's come on the show this. As someone who has not only seen all of my routines but has had a close seat, if you had one piece of advice for me moving forward, if you could just give me one thing that you think would help me, what do you think it would be?

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, my gosh. I feel like my advice for you is to trust the process. Okay. Yeah. I. I mean, you have such a good pro. You really do. And I do believe that you have such a good head on your shoulders, too, about the whole journey and everything, so. And I'm sure everyone's told you this too. Enjoy it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Have fun. But also, just trust the process. Every single week is an ebb and flow of disaster and then trying to piece it all together, and then magically, it always works out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So just trust it. But honestly, like, you're in such good hands. I don't know what else I could say to elevate your experience. Like, truthfully.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, like Mandy Moore, when we Had Mandy Moore on the podcast. Mandy Moore said, go bigger, be bigger. Just there's no room for subtlety on the ballroom floor, which, as an actor, someone who spends a lot of time being subtle, assuming the camera will pick it up, that's not gonna help.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, girl. Yeah, I definitely agree with that. Especially on camera, things are a little bit smaller, so you have to dance a little bit bigger.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I'm struggling with that, I'll be honest. Like, in the room, you know, Pasha's like. And there's a big sweeping arm movement. And I'm like, what if I do it, like, a little more subdued?

[Ezra Sosa]

But sometimes it doesn't mean dance it bigger. Just means have more tone.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So. Because if someone told me to raise my arm and I was like, this. Yeah, there's a difference between that and this.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right?

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, just. They're just having a little bit more muscle tone in my arm. It just. It'll make your movement.

[Danielle Fishel]

Unless you're doing cha cha. And then the amount of times I had stiff arms, and Pasha was like, danielle, what are those arms? You cannot do that. Please relax your arms, like. And I was like, I can't.

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, those. Give yourself grace, because those technically are the hardest styles for women on the show. Women celebrities, cha cha and rumba. Those have jam packed technique and not in close hold. So you're like, right. You're really on your own there. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, that was a terrible week for me to be injured then. Yes.

[Ezra Sosa]

But then also. Okay, okay, I'm a clock, Pasha, because you're injured. And then I started dance a cartwheel into a split, Pasha. And was it your hammy? Was it the hammy? It was my hamster double wham. It was like.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was a laugh left. It was a left split. So it was my left. So that. That was okay. The cartwheel was making me nervous, but he kept. He was like, do we just take it out? We just take it out. And I was like, no, we got this. But then that day, like, my leg was so swollen, I couldn't even feel my kneecap. So I was like, I don't know if my leg's straight or not. Can't even feel my kneecap.

[Ezra Sosa]

We're gonna send it anyway.

[Danielle Fishel]

We're gonna do it. Yeah, we're gonna do it. If I get a redemption dance, I want to do my cha cha.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. I hope you get a redemption dance.

[Danielle Fishel]

Ezra, thank you so much for being here. I am absolutely rooting for you. And Jordan, I think you are such a delight and so much fun. To be around. I light up every time I see you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Aw.

[Danielle Fishel]

I just really, I appreciate you so much. I respect you so much. You bring so much to the show and I love seeing your partnership with Jordan. And even though we are quote unquote in competition, I hope we're in the end.

[Ezra Sosa]

To the end.

[Danielle Fishel]

To the end.

[Ezra Sosa]

To the end. Let's go. Let's go.

[Danielle Fishel]

Final.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I'm rooting for you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, you really are, like, your journey and seeing how you are with Pasha is truly the heart of the show. So I hope, you know, like, the impact you're making is huge.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you, babes. Of course. Thank you for being here.

[Ezra Sosa]

Thanks for having me.

[Danielle Fishel]

See you soon. Danielle with the Stars Produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel Executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman Executive in charge of production Danielle Romo producer, editor and engineer Tara Sudbaksh Theme song by Justin Segel. Follow us on Instagram at daniellewithstars and vote for me. What kind of man would let this.

[Ezra Sosa]

Happen to his family?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Inspired by shocking actual events, I'm working.

[Danielle Fishel]

On a story about the Murdochs. Their abuses of power are playing out in real time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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