Pod Meets World: "Dancing with…Ezra Sosa"

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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).

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.