Pod Meets World: Danielle Dances! (Week 1)
Episode Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel (with references to Will Friedle, Rider Strong)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts – Pod Meets World
Episode Overview
In this special crossover report, Danielle Fishel—famed for her role as Topanga on “Boy Meets World” and currently competing on Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars”—shares her immediate, heartfelt reactions after the premiere episode. She offers behind-the-scenes stories, candid reflections on her dance journey, and how her life has intersected with this new challenge, all while capturing the nerves, triumphs, and emotional depth of her first week and the live show.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Gratitude and Support System
- Danielle opens with gratitude for the people enabling her journey, especially her husband, children, nanny, friends, and fans for their understanding and encouragement during her grueling dance schedule.
- She acknowledges the communal nature of her adventure and the vital roles played behind the scenes.
- Quote:
“I have only been able to have this incredible of an experience on Dancing with the Stars so far because of all of the people around me who have just made this possible for me.” (03:01)
- Quote:
2. Behind the Scenes of Premiere Day
- Describes a marathon 13+ hour day:
- Early morning departures, hours in hair and makeup, quick changes, dress rehearsals, and navigating through fast-paced, nerve-wracking moments.
- Shares the physical toll—cramps, injuries, exhaustion—and the constant need to perform at 100%.
- Memorable Details:
- Costume: One-shouldered Greek goddess gown with Arielesque inspiration.
- Dramatic hair: Four braids into a high ponytail for a tango look.
- Makeup: Green and gold, ultra-sparkly.
- Realities: “I stink. I’ve been truly running back and forth, dancing my behind off.” (05:00)
- Feet: “Dancers have hideous feet. They just do. And now so do I, because I am a dancer.” (10:50)
3. Dancing to Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Stronger’: An Anthem and Personal Meaning
- Dance: Tango to “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson, chosen as an anthem due to Danielle’s recent cancer journey:
“I used to listen to it on my way to radiation, and I used to listen to it before my surgeries... the minute they said we needed an anthem song, that was the one that just came to me immediately.” (08:22)
- Notes her trust in partner Pasha, discusses his choreography (particularly a moment inspired by the anthem's lyrics), and emphasizes the mental and physical adaptation required for dance compared to acting.
- Physical challenge: Dancing with a minor hamstring tear and managing adrenaline.
4. Live Show Emotions & Scores
- Danielle recounts scoring 12 out of 20 (two sixes from judges Derek Hough and Bruno) and her initial expectations:
“For someone who three weeks ago had never taken a dance class to come out and do a tango and have Derek Hough and Bruno... give me two sixes, feels like an absolute win.” (12:56)
- Missed judges (Carrie Ann being out sick), nerves from watching her ‘package’ about her cancer struggle, seeing loved ones in the audience.
- Mentor support:
- Pasha reassures her it was the best version yet.
- Alfonso Ribeiro offers a comforting presence and career kinship.
5. Reflections on the Competition & Behind the Scenes
- Danielle admires the talent level:
“It is a stacked season. I don’t remember ever watching a premiere where... every single performance is stellar.” (15:39)
- She describes the importance of voting systems and fan support, expressing concern about the quirky voting process and hoping fans rally for her.
- Sings the praises of professional dancers for making celebrities shine and remarks on pros learning to trust their celeb partners.
6. Rehearsal Hurdles and Learning from Mistakes
- Shares details of a challenging dress rehearsal where mistakes cascaded but emphasizes her ability to regroup for the live show.
“I made a tiny little mistake that I have never done before... That was in my head... And the next thing I knew, I was taking a step with the wrong foot.” (19:35)
- Notes on camaraderie in the cast (celebrating multiple birthdays, admiration for other contestants).
7. Personal Family Moments
- Shares the joy of her young children attending and supporting her:
“My youngest, Keaton, said, ‘Mommy, two things. One, I love you. And two, I really like your dancing,’ which just made my heart burst.” (28:54)
8. Looking Ahead: Injury Management & Next Week
- Plans for recovery: icing, Epsom salt baths, ibuprofen, compression leggings.
- Next week’s challenge: A spicy Latin dance, promising more personality shifts and physical tests, and excitement about speaking with dance legend Maxim Chmerkovskiy on the next episode.
- Expresses hope and excitement for a long run in the competition.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the pressure of dancing live:
“As someone who started my career as an actor at 10 years old, actors don’t do that. We don’t go a hundred percent until the camera’s rolling...” (06:50)
- On judging herself:
“You’re seeing my perfectionism come through.” (09:36)
- On her dance partner:
“I trust Pasha implicitly. I trust him with everything. And he swears that this was the best performance we’ve ever done...” (08:46)
- On the collective experience:
“We’re such a diverse group... from all different facets of the entertainment industry and we all bring different things to the table.” (15:50)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Support and Gratitude: (03:01 – 04:30)
- Premier Day Described: (04:31 – 07:45)
- Dance Details – Song & Costume: (08:00 – 10:50)
- Scores and Judge Feedback: (12:30 – 14:40)
- Reflections on Competition: (15:40 – 17:00)
- Dress Rehearsal Hurdles: (19:35 – 23:00)
- Family Moments: (28:45 – 29:15)
- Looking Ahead/Next Week Preview: (29:16 – 31:05)
Closing Thoughts
Danielle wraps up with heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support from fans and social media, hints at the physical and emotional toll of her new dance life, and shares her hope to grow week by week. The episode is as much about vulnerability and gratitude as it is about competition, revealing Danielle’s unique blend of performer’s perfectionism, motherly warmth, and fighting spirit. She teases her upcoming conversation with Maxim Chmerkovskiy, leaving listeners eager for insight from yet another dance icon.
For fans and new listeners alike, this episode is an engaging, authentic window into Danielle’s “Dancing with the Stars” adventure—full of nostalgia, showbiz realities, and heartfelt moments.