Pod Meets World – "Danielle Dances! (Week 5)"

Podcast: Pod Meets World (iHeartPodcasts)
Aired: October 15, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel

Episode Overview

This heartfelt episode offers a deep dive into Danielle Fishel’s experience on Week 5 of Dancing with the Stars, in particular her emotional "Dedication Night" performance. Danielle celebrates the legacy of Boy Meets World and pays special tribute to William Daniels (Mr. Feeny), reflecting on both the challenges and joys of the competition. She provides behind-the-scenes insight, shares personal anecdotes, and connects her dancing journey to the show's fans, cast, and crew.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dedication Night on Dancing with the Stars (02:31)

• Dance and Dedication: Danielle danced the jive to the Boy Meets World Season 5-7 theme for "Dedication Night," dedicating her performance to William Daniels (Mr. Feeny), who appeared with her on stage at age 99.
  • Quote: "Being able to honor Boy Meets World tonight felt so special, like such a gift." (04:57)
• Why Bill Daniels? Danielle sees him as the show's patriarch and a personal mentor who never talked down to the younger cast.
  • Quote: "He always treated me like a peer, which is really saying something." (05:54)
• Mr. Feeny’s Impact: Danielle discusses how William Daniels’ professionalism and kindness shaped her career approach on and off set.
  • Quote: "I have taken Bill's lesson of how to be a professional with me onto every set I have gone onto since the day I met him at 12 years old." (06:21)

2. Bill Daniels’ Life and Legacy (06:45)

• Danielle gives a short biography of William Daniels: child entertainer, Broadway actor, WWII radio DJ, multiple Emmy winner, movie and TV veteran, and civil rights advocate.
• Highlights his long marriage (74 years), his iconic TV and film roles (The Graduate, 1776, St. Elsewhere, Knight Rider, Boy Meets World), and his legacy impacting generations of educators.
• Mentions the Boy Meets World cast and family that came to support, and the effort Bill Daniels made at his age to attend.

3. Personal and Family Support (08:54)

• Danielle describes the presence of her real family, chosen (Boy Meets World) family, and friends on Dedication Night.
• Shoutout to Janice Leanne Brown and Kenzie Richardson—actors from current Disney Channel shows she directs.

4. The Challenges of Week 5 (13:32)

• Physical Struggles: 30 days without a day off, tough rehearsal spaces, performing with lingering injuries.
  • Quote: "Today is day 30 since I’ve had a day off... We're dancing a minimum of four hours a day, plus doing interviews." (13:38)
• Mental & Emotional Stress: Coping with last-minute changes in choreography; pressure to deliver a meaningful performance for Mr. Feeny and fans.
  • Quote: “My brain really locks onto things... once my brain locks in... it's hard to shake it loose. And [Pasha] changed it on Sunday. And like, I wasn’t my best self.” (16:54)
• Choreography Curveball: Pasha, her pro partner, altered eight counts of the dance on Sunday after days of practice.
• Stamina and Stage Logistics: Rehearsals didn’t allow for a full sprint start on the actual floor; performance began with her already winded.

5. Performance Outcome and Judges' Feedback (20:45)

• Danielle was elated to receive her first “8” paddle from judge Bruno Tonioli.
  • Quote: "I squealed when I saw him hold up the 8... I'll remember it forever." (22:29)
• Guest judge Kim Johnson gave helpful feedback and tips that Danielle plans to use.
• Danielle reflected on Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique (her dances all seem similar due to always smiling and being bubbly) and embraced the advice.
  • Quote: "The minute she said it, I thought, she's right... her saying, listen, I’m looking forward to seeing something else—that’s what I heard." (25:38)
• Teases that next week ("Wicked Week") will show a very different side of her.

6. The Magic of Dedication Night (27:55)

• Danielle was moved by the unique, personal stories and dedications shown by the other contestants.
• Praises Robert Irwin, calls him "everything that's good in the world" and encourages voting for him.
  • Quote: “If my sons grow up to be a fraction of what he is, I don’t need any other accomplishment in my entire life.” (28:57)
• Reflects on the joy and community spirit: "Unbelievable night of television and then, surprise, nobody had to go home... It felt like the right thing to do." (30:35)

7. Costume and Style Details (34:17)

• Danielle’s look was pure Topanga: crimped hair, butterfly clips, a dress inspired by a memorable Boy Meets World outfit, Keds for comfort, and special jewelry.
  • Quote: "I have a very Topanga coated look... That's just flat out Topanga. No code." (34:18)
• Pasha wore his favorite, most comfortable costume—jeans and a T-shirt, channeling Shawn Hunter.

8. Watch and Jewelry Shoutouts (36:35)

• Danielle details collaborating with watch dealers and jewelry designers, including a vintage AP watch from Eric Wind and pieces from Forever Fine Jewels and Lou Collective.

9. Looking Ahead: Wicked Week (38:56)

• Danielle teases a dramatic style change for next week’s dance in honor of Wicked, with Jon M. Chu as guest judge. She expresses excitement and gratitude to fans and supporters.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On William Daniels as a mentor:
  "He could have treated us like snot-nosed kids because we were... But he didn't need to do it, and I'm so honored that he did." (06:13)

• On overcoming new dancer stresses:
  "There’s nothing Pasha could do at this point that changes the way I feel about him... Even though I was very frustrated with him... I know it was for good reason." (17:47)

• On Carrie Ann’s feedback:
  “The minute she said it, I thought, she’s right... I know she’s giving me thoughtful feedback because she is rooting for me.” (25:38)

• On Robert Irwin:
  "He is... everything that's good in the world is wrapped up in Robert Irwin. And also, he looks like a freaking movie star." (28:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Dedication Night recap and emotional tribute to William Daniels: (02:31–10:50)
• Bill Daniels’ biography and legacy: (06:45–08:54)
• Family and cast support: (08:54–10:50)
• Week 5 challenges and dance logistics: (13:32–21:30)
• Judges’ feedback and personal reflections: (21:30–27:55)
• Dedication Night contestant stories and reactions: (27:55–34:17)
• Costume, jewelry, and personal style: (34:17–38:55)
• Looking ahead to Wicked Week: (38:55–end)

Final Thoughts

Danielle’s open and genuine storytelling brings listeners behind the curtain of Dancing with the Stars while weaving in the enduring legacy of Boy Meets World and her deep respect for William Daniels. She balances vulnerability (about the physical and mental toll of the competition) with gratitude for the community supporting her, offering a touching tribute to the past and excitement for what’s ahead.

Closing sentiment:
"I appreciate you all. Thank you. I'll see you next time." (39:58)