Pod Meets World – Danielle Dances! (Week 4)

Podcast: Pod Meets World
Host: Danielle Fishel (with Will Friedle and Rider Strong)
Episode Date: October 8, 2025
Main Focus: Danielle Fishel’s behind-the-scenes journey on Dancing with the Stars Season 34—Week 4 (“Disney Night”), her personal experiences, standout moments from the show, and a special look ahead to Dedication Week.

Episode Overview

In this energetic episode, Danielle Fishel (Topanga from Boy Meets World) gives listeners an inside look at her Dancing With the Stars adventure. This week was “Disney Night,” and Danielle shares the highs and lows of performing a Quickstep inspired by The Jungle Book, describes the backstage whirlwind, and previews a heartwarming surprise for the upcoming Dedication night. She also weaves in stories of Disney food, costumes, and her ever-growing sense of confidence as a dancer, all while giving nods to Boy Meets World nostalgia and the unwavering support of her family and friends.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dancing With The Stars Week 4: “Disney Night”

[02:14]

• Behind the Scenes of Disney Night:
  Danielle reveals the intense prep, lack of prior dance experience, and what goes into becoming a ballroom dancer (e.g., costume changes, hair sewn into “bear ears.”)

  “They literally take a needle and thread and sew your hair into itself... I’m not trusting Jensen with a pair of scissors by my hair. Absolutely not.” (Danielle Fishel, 03:15)

• The Quickstep to ‘I Wanna Be Like You’

  • Chosen both for her love of The Jungle Book and the upbeat nature of the dance.
  • She and pro partner Pasha Pashkov embodied Baloo and King Louie (with playful “banana” metaphors for dance framing):

    “Pasha likes to take two bananas and put them back-to-back, and that’s what our frame should look like.” (Danielle Fishel, 04:54)

  • Despite short-neck insecurities, Danielle found the Quickstep to be her favorite dance so far:

    “I didn’t think I was gonna love this dance. I freaking love it. It’s by far my favorite dance we’ve done thus far.” (Danielle Fishel, 07:14)

• On-Set Disney Experiences:

  • She and Pasha visited Disneyland early in the morning for filming.
  • Danielle introduced Pasha to the legendary Dole Whip (and the new Pineapple Upside Down Sundae).
  • Shared amusing anecdotes about eating only bananas and turkey legs all day.

2. Costume, Nostalgia & Boy Meets World Easter Eggs

[13:20]

• Danielle wore an upcycled Jungle Book dress from RopeDrop Design and paired it with red cowboy boots, echoing a famous Topanga look from the Boy Meets World Disney World episode.

  “As a little homage to Boy Meets World and to Topanga, I paired it with a pair of red cowboy boots." (Danielle Fishel, 13:59)

3. Dance Preparation & Judge Feedback

[15:50]

• Rehearsal Process:

  • Danielle breaks down the technical process: slowing down songs in rehearsal, counting beats/lindy hop moves out loud, and building stamina.
  • Describes learning and perfecting the tricky “lindy hop” section.

• Judges’ Critique:

  • Despite efforts, Danielle was marked off for a slight timing issue in the dance—particularly during the lindy hop, which she explains in detail.

  • “There is a moment in the rock step kick step where Pasha and I are not perfectly synced, which means I was probably half a beat late on one of my kicks... that’s what I think is the mistake.” (Danielle Fishel, 19:37)

  • “I’m really happy that... that means everything else was really great. And I’m trying to find all the silver linings where I can so that I continue to stay motivated.” (Danielle Fishel, 20:40)

• Scores:

  • Three 7s again; still chasing her first 8.

4. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Results Night

[27:47]

• Danielle describes standing under the red “bottom three” light as a true “wake-up call.”

  “Standing up there when that red light hits... my heart was beating through my chest…you’re relieved that you’re safe, but at the same time... they are not.” (Danielle Fishel, 27:57)

• Reflections on the shock of elimination, her gratitude for surviving, and sympathetic thoughts for fellow competitors Hilaria and Gleb (eliminated this week).

5. DWTS Community & Announcements

[24:25]

• Podcast news: Pro dancer Sharna Burgess joining the “Danielle with the Stars” podcast family for weekly expert recaps.

  “She is so smart and so cool and has helped me so much... I’m happy to bring it to all of you.” (Danielle Fishel, 24:39)

• Teaser: Danielle’s live interactions on TikTok with fans after fellow competitors’ dances.

6. Audience Support & Boy Meets World Family

[31:40]

• Danielle highlights her cheering section, including fellow actors, friends, past Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World collaborators, and even a cherished NICU nurse and her family (with sweet anecdotes about little Swayze getting spun on the ballroom floor by Pasha).
• Emotional gratitude for immense community support.

7. Looking Ahead—Dedication Week & a Magical Announcement

[36:54]

• Danielle confirms her Week 5 “Dedication” performance will honor Bill Daniels (“Mr. Feeny”). He will appear live in the ballroom as Danielle and Pasha dance a jive to the Boy Meets World theme song.

  “Bill Daniels is going to be on the ballroom floor with us... [It’s] really a dedication to Bill and the role he has played in my life and the role Boy Meets World has played in my life. I have really felt like Dancing with the Stars is a second act for me...” (Danielle Fishel, 37:33)

• Danielle reflects on the inspiration she draws from Bill (now 98 years old!) and the Boy Meets World fan family.
• Hints at additional surprise guests for the next week.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Costuming:

  “They sometimes sew my hair into itself ... there’s just such a difference working with [choreographer Mandy Moore] than with other choreographers.” (02:55, 03:50)

• On Performance Joy:

  “I just got to smile the whole time and look at my friend who is my choreographer and dance partner, and we just got to have fun.” (09:39)

• On Scores and Growth:

  “I’m a little disappointed that our scores didn’t improve. Obviously, I’m thrilled that our scores didn’t go down... I was hoping tonight was going to be the night I saw my first eight.” (11:34)

• On the Jungle Book & Disneyland Connection:

  “The Jungle Cruise opened at Disneyland on day one... another reason we thought it was a perfect movie and song to choose for tonight.” (12:38)

• On The Pressure of Results:

  “Standing up there when that red light hits and you are finding out that you’re in the bottom three... my heart was beating through my chest...” (27:47)

• On Dedication Week and Bill Daniels:

  “Who is a better example than that than 98-year-old Bill Daniels, who still goes to conventions and is next week gonna be on Dancing with the Stars ballroom floor... it’s really a dedication to Bill and the role he has played in my life.” (37:33)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro & Disney Night Recap: [02:14]
• Quickstep Details & Banana Metaphors: [05:30]
• Disneyland Visit, Food Adventures: [12:10]
• Costume/Boots & Topanga Reference: [13:59]
• Dance Prep & Mistake Breakdown: [15:50]
• Judges’ Feedback & Score Reflection: [19:37]
• Emotional Elimination/Results: [27:47]
• Announcement: Sharna Burgess Podcast: [24:25]
• Big Dedication Week Reveal: [36:54]
• Bill Daniels Tribute: [37:33]
• Closing Thoughts/Gratitude: [39:00]

Overall Tone and Vibe

Danielle’s commentary is enthusiastic, honest, and self-deprecating—with plenty of warmth, fan love, and ‘90s nostalgia. The episode is laden with playful humor, personal stories, and a sense of genuine appreciation for every aspect of this unique experience. Her openness about struggles with the dance, joy at small victories, and excitement for the weeks to come shines through.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re a fan of Boy Meets World, a DWTS devotee, or just looking for behind-the-scenes pop culture fun, Danielle offers a heartfelt and detailed journey through her Disney-fueled dance week. The promise of an upcoming live Boy Meets World moment (with Bill Daniels and the theme song) makes this a can’t-miss episode for longtime fans.

Next Week’s Teaser:
Prepare for a very special Boy Meets World-themed jive and heartfelt tributes as Danielle and Pasha take to the floor with Mr. Feeny himself.

(Subscribe and tune in for “Dedication Week”!)