Danielle with…Whitney Leavitt

Summary

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Pod Meets World: Danielle with…Whitney Leavitt

Podcast: Pod Meets World
Host: Danielle Fishel
Guest: Whitney Leavitt
Episode Date: November 14, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and lively episode, Danielle Fishel welcomes Whitney Leavitt—TikTok creator, co-founder of the "Mom Talk" social group, star of Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and fellow Dancing with the Stars competitor. The discussion traverses Whitney's Utah upbringing, her Mormon faith, navigating viral fame, the inner workings of reality TV, the unique camaraderie of the DWTS season 34 cast, and the joys and hardships of public perception. Both women reflect on balancing family, ambition, and mental health during the whirlwind of reality TV and social media fame.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Protecting Peace & Press Fatigue

• Danielle opens about pulling back from press and podcasts due to exhaustion from repeating herself and to "protect her peace."
  • “Saying no more and more... I'm sorry, I'm gonna take a bubble bath.” —Danielle (07:03)
• Both discuss learning to say “no” and prioritizing mental health in demanding, public careers.

2. Dancing with the Stars: Injuries, Pressure, and Friendship

• Whitney recounts dancing through significant injury and concealing it from production.
  • “I snapped a tendon… could not feel my kneecap. It’s just floating in a bunch of fluid.” —Whitney (07:17; 07:54)
• Danielle recalls mutual support among castmates, with Whitney highlighting how relentless studio schedules and dance-related pain impacted everyone.

3. Utah, Mormonism, and the Drive to Excel

• Whitney describes Utah’s unique, competitive culture—especially in dance and beauty industries—and how perfectionism and peer pressure are intensified within tight-knit LDS communities.
  • “It’s like, you gotta be the best… there’s also a lot of pressure to always appear like you’ve got it all together.” —Whitney (09:14)
• She explains her mission experience in Atlanta, facing culture shock and realizing the world is not “all Mormon” (10:36–12:54).

4. Growing Up in a Foster Household

• Whitney shares her upbringing in a chaotic and empathetic environment as her mother was a foster parent, caring for up to 10 kids at once—primarily teenage girls.
  • “When I think of my childhood, I just think of chaos… there was always somebody coming in, somebody leaving.” —Whitney (22:12; 22:20)
• She credits this upbringing for developing her empathy and desire to include everyone (24:22–24:48).

5. Navigating Faith and Public Perception

• Whitney candidly discusses her current Mormon faith—less active than in years past—and how the church and community reacted to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
  • “It was a bit refreshing seeing Mormons… at different stages in that faith.” —Whitney (25:22)
• The show’s initial trailer was seen as “raunchy” but the series’ relatable depiction softened critique (25:00–26:07).

6. Mom Talk, Social Media Stardom, and the "Swinging Scandal"

• Whitney details the organic formation of Mom Talk and its explosive social media growth, especially after a “swinging scandal” fractured the group.
  • “I want to say it was right before the swinging scandal… then it just exploded. Then it just broke the group up.” —Whitney (30:28–30:47)
• The group’s evolution from casual TikToks to international trending headlines is discussed (31:22–32:06).

7. Dreams, Performing, and Career Shifts

• Whitney always aspired to be an actress but struggled to gain traction and almost gave up—until reality TV and social media organically opened new doors.
  • “Maybe I don’t have it… maybe this isn’t something for me.” —Whitney (33:47)
• TikTok offered her an outlet for performance, motivation, and finally, a sense of belonging in entertainment (34:01–34:06).

8. Reality Show Editing vs. Authenticity

• Danielle raises Whitney’s perceived “villain” edit on Hulu vs. her popularity on Dancing with the Stars.
  • “If someone is following you around every single day and showing your worst moments, I don’t think anyone’s going to like you.” —Whitney (38:41)
• Both discuss the challenge of being fully authentic on camera and heightened emotions in the reality TV environment (39:14–40:24).

9. Debunking Dance Experience Myths

• Whitney clarifies her much-discussed BYU modern dance degree, emphasizing this does not equate to professional ballroom expertise.
  • "If I was a professional, I probably wouldn’t be doing a reality show. I’d probably be a Rockette." —Whitney (42:11–42:31)

10. Camaraderie & Support on DWTS

• Both hosts praise the supportive, drama-free nature of the current Dancing with the Stars cast.
  • “We all just have such good vibes… everybody's supporting each other, everybody's rooting for each other.” —Whitney (56:33–57:03)

11. Handling Public Critique and Online Hate

• The toll of online comments and “favoritism” rumors are discussed. Danielle stresses how neither she nor her partner Mark Ballas receives special treatment.
  • “He works his ass off. There’s no favoritism there.” —Whitney (46:34)
• Both emphasize resilience and the importance of not internalizing negativity from strangers (47:29–49:02).

12. Ambitions and Looking Ahead

• Whitney shares dreams of performing on Broadway, acting in TV and film, and is optimistic now that she has professional representation.
  • “I would love to. I would absolutely love to. Love to be in movies, Broadway. I want to do it all.” —Whitney (59:19–59:41)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Navigating Press Fatigue:
  “I just kind of needed a little bit of a beat, a little bit of a break.” —Danielle (06:46)

• On Utah’s Intensity:
  “In general, Utah, like, there's this weird, like, you got to be the best culture.” —Whitney (09:10)

• Missionary Expectations:
  "You'd be such a great Mormon… This is a missionary lesson right now." —Whitney (10:06–10:13)

• On Foster Home Chaos:
  "There was always somebody coming in, somebody leaving… my mom only took in teenage girls." —Whitney (22:03)

• On Reality TV 'Villain' Edits:
  “If someone is following you around every single day and showing your worst moments, I don’t think anyone’s going to like you.” —Whitney (38:41)

• On Handling Hate:
  “Sometimes people will tap into those insecurities, and then that's probably when it's going to affect me the most. But when it's just nonsense, I'm just like, dude, like, what? This is crazy.” —Whitney (48:35)

• On Broadway Aspirations:
  “You could do it. Like, you’ve got a shot. So hearing someone… like Mark’s not a bull—like he’ll tell you straight up—that makes me feel like, oh, okay. If you believe it then maybe.” —Whitney (59:18)

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Important Timestamps

• Press Fatigue & Saying No: 06:46–07:08
• Dancing with the Stars & Injury: 07:17–08:08; 08:14
• Utah’s Culture & Perfectionism: 08:27–09:36
• Serving an LDS Mission: 10:24–12:15
• Foster Home Childhood: 21:20–24:19
• Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - Community Reaction: 24:49–26:07
• Mom Talk Growth & Swinging Scandal: 30:28–31:22
• Acting Dreams & Self-Doubt: 33:03–34:06
• Reality TV Authenticity: 38:41–40:24
• On Modern Dance Degree: 41:16–42:31
• DWTS Camaraderie: 56:33–57:35
• Handling Online Hate: 47:29–49:02
• Broadway & Representation: 58:51–60:10

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Episode Takeaway

This episode provides an intimate look at Whitney Leavitt’s journey from small-town Utah to viral influencer and reality star, highlighting the complexities of fame, faith, and friendship. Listeners get rare behind-the-scenes insight into Dancing with the Stars and viral mom culture, framed by genuine self-reflection, humor, and heartfelt support between women rooting for each other's success.

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Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

This is an iHeart podcast.

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[Whitney Levitt]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

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[Danielle Fishel]

Foreign.

[Whitney Levitt]

It'S time for another episode of Danielle with I am your host Danielle Fishel, TV director, podcaster, mother of two and from the years 1993 to 2000 and then again from 2014 to 2017, I orbited the world of family sitcom playing the character Topanga Lawrence, first as a teen and then as a poorly explained adult. But if you have been keeping up with pop culture these days, you may know me as one of the season 34 contestants on the water cooler phenomenon that is dancing with the Stars. Though I was eliminated on Rock and Roll hall of Fame night, or as I like to call it, the Night Flava Flav wanted us to know what he was saying. I have continued to record this podcast, giving listeners a front row seat to my own dancing journey, even if it was cut short. And in the process I've been chatting with fellow celebs, genius pros, past participants and crucial behind the scenes contributors in hopes that it could forever immortalize the year I tried to win a Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy. And this week I am sitting with a very special person, a fellow Dancing with the Stars competitor who has quickly become a very close friend and one of the best results of my decision to do this show. She's a founding member of Mom Talk, a social media tornado originating in Utah consisting of Mormon mom creators who first took TikTok by storm and then transformed it into a hit Hulu reality show. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives just kicked off its third season this past Monday night, during the same week that she avoided Dancing with the Stars elimination to enter the semifinals alongside her partner Mark Ballas, where arguably she has become the best celebrity dancer to ever do the show. And I will make that argument.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh my God.

[Whitney Levitt]

I invited her to the show today to 1 spend some time with her during an incredibly busy schedule and two to hopefully introduce you to the Whitney I have gotten to know over the past three months. A kind, supportive soul who turned casual, funny TikTok dances into a larger Than life celebrity brand she never saw coming. All the while, she's earnestly worked through the good, the bad in real time with the cameras always running. Please welcome to Danielle with Whitney Levitt.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God, I'm so honored.

[Whitney Levitt]

So happy you're here.

[Danielle Fishel]

Me too.

[Whitney Levitt]

You were saying you haven't done this in a while, this whole being interviewed thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. The last time I did it, it was in New York, and it was promoting the last season that we did.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I haven't done any press for the season that's coming out, too.

[Whitney Levitt]

I know. I did notice that I'd seen everyone else have little clips and. And you just haven't done it. Is it mostly because you have no time because you've given up your entire life to Dancing with the Stars?

[Danielle Fishel]

To living In a studio 24 7? Yes. Yeah. And, like, obviously, people have asked, but it can be exhausting.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, sometimes you just feel like you're saying the same thing over and over and over again.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I think I just kind of needed a little bit of a beat, a little bit of a break.

[Whitney Levitt]

Is maybe saying no one of the ways you're learning to protect your peace A little bit.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, absolutely. Because I am such a yes man, I want to say yes to everything. Like, I always have this fear of, like, a missed opportunity.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

But no, with press and podcasts, I've been saying no more.

[Pandora Jewelry Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Saying no more and more.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Guess what? No. I'm like, I can't today.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm sorry. I'm gonna take a bubble bath.

[Whitney Levitt]

Your poor feet. Every time I think of the struggles on this show, I mean, I snapped a tendon. And yet when I think of your feet, I'm like, oh, poor Will.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, you had it. You had it the worst. When you walked in our room and showed us your leg, I genuinely turned to Mark and I'm like, why is she here? What is that? What is that?

[Whitney Levitt]

Somebody call 91 1.

[Danielle Fishel]

Your leg. Dear God. I was scared for you.

[Whitney Levitt]

And I hid it from production as much as possible because I was so. First of all, it was so early on.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

I had. I was like.

[Danielle Fishel]

That was week three. Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Week two. I actually injured it during the. During my first tango week. And then when it was, like, very bad, was during week two when I had my cha cha, and it was like, make sure your knee is straight. And, like, can't feel my kneecap. It's just floating in a bunch of fluid.

[Danielle Fishel]

My mom, she's like, I didn't see it. I couldn't See, I was like, that's because they literally lathered it with my makeup covered.

[Whitney Levitt]

It does. Is a body makeup. Genius. And spray tan.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Thank goodness for spray tan. But anyway, I want to talk. I want to go back to you. I want to go back to Utah for a second.

[Danielle Fishel]

Let's go.

[Whitney Levitt]

What was growing up in Utah like for you? After being on Dancing with the Stars, I'm convinced all of Utah is just dancing in the streets. I'm just like, is everyone there an incredible dancer?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I. There's a lot of competitive dance studios there. Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which is so funny. Most of the pros are from Utah.

[Whitney Levitt]

I know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. There's a lot of dance studios. I just feel like in general, Utah, like, there's this weird, like, you got to be the best culture. And so I think it's like, with anything. Like, I love the beauty industry there. I love anything. I always make fun of Mark. I'm like, Utah has, like, it's better in Utah. You need to go to Utah. Like, if he's drinking a drink, I'm like, it's better than Utah.

[Whitney Levitt]

That's so funny.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Utah is the version of, like, it's bigger in Texas. It's just.

[Danielle Fishel]

There you go.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah. Like, everything's big in Texas. Everything's great in Utah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, getting, like, my hair done, my makeup done, like, shopping, like, I just.

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[Danielle Fishel]

I just love it. So. Yeah. But, yeah, I just think it's a very, like, you got to be the best culture, which is also, like, it has its negative connotations with it, too.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, peer pressure to be perfect and to always appear like you've got it all together. Right. Yeah. I felt like I grew up in a bubble, for sure.

[Whitney Levitt]

Do you think that is related to Utah, or do you think it's more specifically to the LDS community?

[Danielle Fishel]

Both. Okay. Because I served a mission for the church in Atlanta, Georgia. Do you know what a mission is?

[Whitney Levitt]

I sure do.

[Danielle Fishel]

You'd be such a great Mormon.

[Whitney Levitt]

Thank you. You're welcome. Are you recruiting?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I am. This is a missionary lesson right now.

[Whitney Levitt]

Do you want to tell our listeners? Because I think there are going to be people listening to this who have never seen. I've heard that. The Secret lives of Mormon Wives.

[Danielle Fishel]

So you don't have to go on a mission. Yep. Like, it's option, but I went and I served a mission. It's for the women, it's a year and a half. For men, it's two years.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And you don't get to choose where you go.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's chosen for you. And I went to Atlanta, Georgia, and that was the first time where, yes, I still was surrounded by Mormons, but not in Utah. And culturally, it's just different. Like, I don't know why. It's just like, it's like on steroids in Utah. And it's a lot more of a judgmental culture. And again, like, that perfectionism, like, you have to appear like you've got it all together. I just didn't really. I mean, still there in Mormonism, but it's less, I feel like, outside of Utah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right. So when you go on a mission, you are truly. I mean, unless it's different for I know the men, it's door to door.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Spreading the word.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I would knock on doors.

[Whitney Levitt]

Knock on doors.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is that.

[Whitney Levitt]

Is it the same thing for. And it's like from the moment you wake up until the time it's time for dinner all day, every day.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

For a year and a half.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

And where are you living? And are you living with other missionaries?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. So you get. Once you get called to, like, the state or the city, then you get called to an area, and in that area, typically you're going to be. You always have. They call them companions. You're always paired with a companion. Just like a dance partner. Right, right. You're paired with a dance partner and you're there, you're with them for a certain amount of time. Again, not up to you. Up to whoever your mission president is. Okay. But usually it's you and your companion. And usually you have someone. Another companionship there, too. It's very rarely just you and that other person.

[Whitney Levitt]

So how did. Going to Georgia on your mission and seeing a totally different culture outside of Utah, how did it change you?

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, it definitely was culture shock. I learned a lot about Christianity. Christianity in general.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Um, which was really refreshing to me because I just felt like everyone was Mormon. I genuinely believed that. Right. Like, because everyone in my elementary school, everyone in my junior high, everyone in my high school was Mormon.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I just, like, had that assumption that majority of the world, we're all Mormon. We're all Mormon. Yeah. And so then going to Georgia, I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, wait a second.

[Whitney Levitt]

How come there are so many non Mormons?

[Danielle Fishel]

So many non Mormons here? Yeah. It was bizarre. Like. Cause I've obviously, like, I've watched movies. Like, I watched the news. Like, I just had that mindset.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So weird. But, yeah, I just. I learned a lot about Christianity. I learned a lot about the Bible and just like culture in general.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, it was very refreshing.

[Whitney Levitt]

And then when you went back. So you're usually. It's around 18, right? So from like 18 to 19 and a half.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, wait, what do you, like, age.

[Whitney Levitt]

18, were you 18?

[Danielle Fishel]

So 18 for men, 19 for women.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay. So a little later for women.

[Danielle Fishel]

It used to be 21. You still had to be 21 to go on a mission, but my group of the missionaries were the first 19 year olds.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, look at you breaking barriers.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. So then reading history.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah. There you go. You come, you go back to Utah. And are you after my mission? After your mission, yeah. So you're like 20 and a half? Because it's a year and a half.

[Danielle Fishel]

So.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah, 20 and a half, yeah. Almost 21.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Are you. How has it changed your perception of life in general? Are you still, like, are you currently still a practicing Mormon?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, like, I'd still consider myself Mormon. I haven't been as active as I would like to be. But yeah, if somebody asked me, I'd.

[Whitney Levitt]

Be like, yeah, yeah, I'm Mormon.

[Danielle Fishel]

I practice Mormonism. Right, yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay, interesting. And, you know, so I told you I would tell you. I grew up. My best friend in elementary school was Mormon. Her dad was the bishop of the Mormon Church. And, you know, Sundays are sacred family days. My best friend and I were so close. We used to like to spend our entire weekends together. And her family would say, you can spend Sundays with us, but you have to go to church with us.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

So I grew up pretty regularly spending time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Really?

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah. Going in the Mormon Church.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's so cool. What did you think?

[Whitney Levitt]

It was so long. It's, you know, it's four hours.

[Danielle Fishel]

They changed it. It's now only two. So they're. They're learning.

[Whitney Levitt]

I remember because, you know, I grew. I went to Catholic church with my family before my family left the. Left the Catholic Church. And I thought Catholic church was long.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, because how long is it?

[Whitney Levitt]

You know, hour, hour and a half. But there were donuts after. And then I remember going to church with them and being like. And then you're separated. You know, the parents go to their part of the church. Right. And that doesn't happen at Catholic church. We all sit together, the kids go to their different class. And so I remember also thinking that was where I was like, whoa, where are you guys going? And they were like, oh, they're doing classes too. It's like, they. Oh, they. Oh, all right. And we're going to be over here. Yeah, but I. You know, I grew up and I knew a lot of Mormon kids. They were some of my greatest friends. We will be taping a live episode of Danielle with at Disney California Adventure park on December 4, 2025. If you live in the Southern California area or if you can be in the Southern California area on December 4, we have an opportunity for you to join us between now and November 24th of 2025. You can enter for your chance to win tickets to attend the Coast 103.5 Private Holiday Party at Disney California Adventure park on December 4, 2025 including an overnight stay at the Disneyland Resort Hotel for a and two day one park per day tickets to Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure Park. Plus you will have the chance to meet us while we are taping an episode of Danielle with Inside Disney California Adventure Park. Visit coast1035.com Daniellewithnow to enter for your chance to win Time for a Sofa.

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[Whitney Levitt]

What were your parents like growing up? You have two younger sisters, Right. Have you always been close? What's your family dynamic like?

[Danielle Fishel]

So my. My dad's actually a convert to the church.

[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

Oh.

[Danielle Fishel]

So he's, like, the only Mormon in his family.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

But then my mom, very, like, past. Past generations. Mormon, Very, very active still to this day.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

And, yeah, there's five of us, and my mom was a foster mom.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

So I grew up being in a foster household. Yeah. So, like, my mom would take in, typically about, like, four to six additional kids in our house. So it's like, I grew up with.

[Whitney Levitt]

Like, nine or 10 people in your house at all times.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah, it was chaos.

[Whitney Levitt]

Did you have a giant house?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, no, my mom. Yeah, no, my mom and dad, we had a pretty big home.

[Pandora Jewelry Advertiser]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

And, yeah, like, I just. When I think of my childhood, I just think of chaos in that house.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just because there was always somebody coming in, somebody leaving. And sometimes it was hard because we would have foster kids stay with us that were, like, five, six years. So, like, to me, that felt like a sibling, and then they just leave. Like, something happens, and then they have to go to a different home or a family member takes them in or something. But, yeah, it was a very chaotic childhood. Like, just pure chaos in the household because my mom only took in teenage girls, too.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, my goodness. Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Whitney Levitt]

And so this started when you were how old? Like, for as long as you can remember.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, yes. So. So she. Okay, I should take that back. Because she tried to take in kids that were, like, generally our age.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

But once we were teenagers, it was just teenage girls. Yeah. So in the beginning, it's probably when I was, like, 4 years old, and she'd taken, like, one or two kids and then three kids and then four kids and then five kids. And she always wanted to try and keep siblings together. Yeah. Like, if, like, there was a child and they're like, oh, well, like, they have. There's a sister. And then I was like, oh, absolutely. Like, let's keep the siblings together. Yeah. My whole life, like, even after I left home, I think it's been only, like, five or six years that my mom hasn't been a foster mom.

[Whitney Levitt]

Wow.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. It's crazy.

[Whitney Levitt]

I mean, that is such an incredible thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah, she is Wonder Woman.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Your mom obviously has such a huge heart. And, like, what a. To be. Like, I have three teenage daughters. You know what we should do? Bring in four more. Let's add our teenage girls.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, my God. Every day.

[Whitney Levitt]

That then helped shape you being a person who's good at sharing. Like, how would you describe how that impacted who you are as a person and the way you think about sharing space with others?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

I feel like that would automatically make you more empathetic as a person.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I do feel like I'm a very empathetic person.

[Whitney Levitt]

You are.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I always want to. I. And it's probably because I also want to feel included. I want others to feel included as well.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I think that growing up in that space, those traits just naturally kind of happened where I'm like, no, I want all of us to feel like we're together, you know?

[Whitney Levitt]

Yes, you are. Very much that way.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

What do you think the church thinks of the show?

[Danielle Fishel]

Of the secret lives of my own wife? Yes. In the beginning, I feel like the community wasn't excited about it because the trailer was pretty raunchy.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And there's a lot of Mormon shows that just, like, don't really have a lot of positive outlook. But then I feel like once the season came out, there was a better response because it was like, oh, like, it's a bit refreshing seeing Mormons and all of us are, like, kind of at different stages in that faith.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Some more active than others. Where I felt like someone who is Mormon could relate with someone in the cast. And that's the response that I saw was like, oh, like, we're not. Mormons aren't all perfect. Yeah. They don't look done up every single day. Although some people in the cast do look down up. I'm the one that doesn't.

[Whitney Levitt]

Some of them don't.

[Danielle Fishel]

Some of them do.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Relate to me, you know? Yeah. Like, even watching it, I'm like. Which is just so cathartic, by the way. Just bizarre watching yourself back on a reality show. But when I did watch it, I was like, wow. Like, I feel like a lot of people, specifically in the Mormon community, and honestly, just moms in general, could relate to at least one of us in that show.

[Whitney Levitt]

When you talk about watching yourself back.

[Danielle Fishel]

On a reality show, it is so cringe. Is it? It is so incredibly cringe. I just cringe the whole time.

[Whitney Levitt]

What? Okay, so I have had this experience before where I have been recorded, like, something, you know, whatever it is, if it's in a video that, like, say, my kids are in the video. And then I can hear myself in the backgr background, and I'm like, I can hear the way I say my husband's name.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

And I'm like, oh, I didn't think my bubbling resentment was as obvious in my voice as it is now that I hear it when I'm like, johnson, like, you know, like. And I'll think, ooh, so that's what I sound like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Is it a similar cringe, or is it more just like, oh, my gosh, I can't believe I felt so comfortable being so myself.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I think it's a little bit of both, because I'll watch it, and I'm like, oh, why did I say that? Right? And then sometimes you're just like, what are we even talking about? And then other times you're like, I don't remember it going down that way.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

But that's what happened.

[Whitney Levitt]

Or at least it may have been edited that way. And if you don't really remember, you don't know for sure. No.

[Danielle Fishel]

Because you're so far removed from it. Yeah. Like, they come out, like, the season that's coming out this week. Like, that was almost six months ago. Like, that's. That's a while ago. A lot happens in six months.

[Whitney Levitt]

That's true.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know that's true. Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

But I did expect, with the way you were setting that up, that it was gonna be like, that came out.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, years ago, two years ago.

[Whitney Levitt]

That was like, who remembers what they did yesterday? I want to explain, too, what Mom Talk is, because I. I don't know. I've. I've never seen an episode of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you want to join?

[Whitney Levitt]

I kind of. I mean, now that you said I'd be a good Mormon.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, you should.

[Whitney Levitt]

There should be a reality show where we see who's the best Mormon.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah. It would be you, even though you're not Mormon yet.

[Whitney Levitt]

Because everything I do now is have dancing in it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yep.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay. So the idea for Mom Talk was Taylor's idea originally, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay. And she recruited a few women to start posting on social media to challenge the assumptions people were making about Mormon women.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, I think it was. It happened more organically. Okay. Where she got some of her friends together just to get together.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

To make some fun videos. And then it started building traction, and then more. More women wanted to be involved. Okay. And so then we all just start getting together, and it just got bigger and bigger. And bigger. Like, it happened very organ. It wasn't like, okay, really thought, let's.

[Whitney Levitt]

Go out there and accomplish the takeover. Take the social media by storm.

[Danielle Fishel]

I actually think it was more so, like, hey, we're doing this together. Let's have some fun. Like, we're moms. Like, you know how you see, like, those content houses?

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was like, well, we're moms. We're not gonna have a content house, but maybe we can. But we also get together and have.

[Whitney Levitt]

Some fun and film content in them.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yeah. And get together and have fun. And that's what it was in the beginning.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

And what did you. Were you involved right from the beginning?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

And what did you think of the idea?

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I loved it. Yeah. I loved it. I love the camaraderie of it. I just, like. I mean, I love making TikToks. Like, I just, like, I just love, Like, Yeah. Like, I just have so much fun doing it. And so it's just like, you get these group of women together. You've got great food, music. Like, everybody's just wanting to have a good time. Like, that's what it was. And so having fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

Were you doing this, like, during the week while the kids are in school? Are the. Are. Are the kids going to school Monday through Friday or a lot of them homeschooled?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, a lot of our kids at the time, in the beginning were, like, babies. Like, I don't think anyone had, like, anybody in school.

[Whitney Levitt]

This is way more fun than a Mommy and Me class.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, and you know what? Some people would bring their kids.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah, exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

I mean, it is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, how is it some moms would have just literally had babies, and they're, like, just either sleeping on a couch somewhere or someone's feeding them. Like, it was so it's so fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

It also seems like a great way of, like, keeping postpartum.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, you socializing, getting out of the house. Yeah, Like, I always looked forward to it. Okay, great. Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

When was the first moment you realized that this was gaining traction? And, like, this was kind of a thing, that mom talk was a thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. I want to say it was right before the Swinging Scandal.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right before that, I was like, well, this is getting really big. And then that swinging scandal happened, and then it just exploded. Then it just broke the group up. That group chat was wild.

[Whitney Levitt]

So is the group still fractured from the Swinging Scandal, or has there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, like, there's definitely women that would come to these Mom Talk events that just, like, aren't even affiliated with the show, like, have, like, completely separated themselves. Like, we'll still see them at events and stuff.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So, yeah, like, I'd say absolutely still fractured. Like, there's, like. You have to understand, this was, like, 20, 25 women that would, like. I genuinely remember one time, and I was like, there are 25 moms here right now making videos. Making videos. Yes. It was incredible.

[Whitney Levitt]

My gosh. So what originally started is you guys kind of making videos for your community and are now being seen by millions of people around the world. And all of your ador, horrible dances and some also maybe questionable moments are becoming trending headlines. Did you ever see that coming? Did you, ex. Did you think ever, hey, I could end up being famous because of this?

[Danielle Fishel]

I'll be honest with you. No.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

I purely was excited for the entertainment aspect of it. On social. On social media. Yeah. Of course. Like, I had dreams, but in my mind, they always just felt, like, unobtainable.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

But I was just, like, having fun. Like, I didn't really think that much into it until we got the offer for the reality show where I was like, oh, oh, okay. So this is something.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right?

[Danielle Fishel]

It wasn't until then.

[Whitney Levitt]

So you mentioned you had dreams. Were your dreams to be an entertainer? An actor, a singer, a dancer?

[Danielle Fishel]

What.

[Whitney Levitt]

What did you want to be?

[Danielle Fishel]

An actress.

[Whitney Levitt]

An actress.

[Danielle Fishel]

An actress, absolutely. Like, I. I would talk to Connor about it all the time, but it just, like, I just. I didn't have, like, the tools for it. It just didn't feel like I had, like, the networking for it. Like, I didn't even know how to start.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right. Where would I begin? This.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, here we are.

[Whitney Levitt]

And here. And here you are. I mean, it really is, like. It's really inspiring and aspirational that you talked to Connor about it for so many years. And what did Connor say?

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, he always was like. You know, like, I even remember, like, making an Actor's Access. Yeah. Like, account and, like, looking at the breakdowns and, like, auditioning just, like, literally for anything and everything and just. I didn't have representation at the time, though. Like, I didn't really have. I didn't have a team. Like, I was just, like, kind of doing it all on my own. No bites. Like, but I just kept doing it. And Connor was always just like, yeah, you just. You just keep going. You just keep doing it. And I'm just like, this is so stupid. Like, this is just such a waste of time because. Yeah. Like, at one point you're just like, well, if nobody is saying something, maybe it's not. Maybe I don't have it.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

Maybe.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Maybe this isn't something we feel. Yeah. And then the reality show just kind of of naturally presented itself. So then all of my time and energy went into that.

[Whitney Levitt]

But no wonder. Making all the tick tocks was then so fulfilling for me.

[Danielle Fishel]

It was because it was like. It was like my outlet to entertain.

[Whitney Levitt]

Correct.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

It was a perf. You got to go perform.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

I get to go do a performance. And you have immediate feedback because the second you post it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, and let me tell you, feedback. Those mom talk girlies will tell you I am crazy with my. I am. I turn into. And Mark will tell you, too. I turn into this director. Or I'm like, I'm taking this a little too seriously, but do it again.

[Whitney Levitt]

Do it again, guys.

[Danielle Fishel]

Not what I want it to look like.

[Whitney Levitt]

The TikTok. The most impressive TikTok I've ever seen anyone do ever in my life. You did in five what felt like five minutes at the People magazine party.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah, the group one. That one was fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

The group rap that somehow you were able to get.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you want to know the organization that I went into that? Okay, this is my type A personality coming out.

[Whitney Levitt]

Gosh, I'm dying to know, because I literally watched it and I was like, how does anyone know how to do this? It felt like I had just watched someone do brain surgery.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I was like, wow. Well, I knew it was gonna be a hard task because the cast is so big and I mean, these are all stars. And I, like, we weren't really close yet, so I just, like, wasn't sure what the vibes were, you know, first of all, what a great freaking cast, too.

[Whitney Levitt]

Like, we will talk about that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, gosh. So I wrote it out in my notes app, like, where I needed. I needed each person. Bruno was a plus in your shot. That was. That was just a plus. Like, that was a little. That was a happy on top.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

But I wrote it out in my notes. Like, this person goes here. This person goes here. And then before, in the TikTok app, you can. You can record it all and, like, already have it pre spliced. And then once you go into editing, you can replace that one little clip. So I'd have it all set and I would know which person was when. And then I just hit replace. And then you say, key. This is your line.

[Whitney Levitt]

So this makes sense because I. Mark then showed me your replacement replace trick.

[Danielle Fishel]

So before it takes time to go back. That's what I was Gonna say, yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

So you do. How long does it take you? So, like, before you're going to the people party, you're, like, figuring out what you're going to wear. You're doing your glam.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. And you're like, I'm doing it while I'm in glam. Right.

[Whitney Levitt]

And so I'm sorry. This is so boring for everyone except for me. So are you. You're deciding like Bruno and Danielle. But Bruno.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Whitney Levitt]

Happy surprise. Danielle is going to be from like point five to one point seven.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. And I knew I needed to, like, group people together. Everyone could fit everyone. And not everyone could have a single shot.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. It was fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

So how. How do you enjoy even that process of, like, breaking it down and figuring it out? Yeah, my thing. And it's just because I haven't used it enough. My thing is people are gonna listen.

[Danielle Fishel]

To this, be like, whoa, why are we talking crazy?

[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

No.

[Whitney Levitt]

They're gonna be like, why is Danielle asking so many questions about Tick tock? So you do all of that before that makes sense. Because I could not figure out. It would have taken me. It would have taken me the entire. I tried to do a carousel post on Instagram for my husband's birthday. And when I tell you, it took me like three and a half hours because I was like, why can't I. Why is that picture? That's not where that's supposed to go. And then you hit back and then somehow something gets deleted. And then why do they make you hit a thing like, you're about ready to delete all your TikTok.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's new. Which I really don't like. And they also have like the post to story where the draft button is as well. So sometimes you gotta really triple check. And not. Because I've done that too. And I'm like, great, there's that. Yeah. I've just. You have to remember, I've done this for like, I would post three to four times a day.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, my.

[Danielle Fishel]

Six years ago. So I just have like a rhythm down. Right, Right. Like where I'm just like, I know what I need to do. And then that's how it works, you know?

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Whitney Levitt]

So yeah, you've got your 10,000 hours in TikTok, that's for sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's right.

[Whitney Levitt]

I have never seen the Hulu show, as I told you. And I think a lot of us who have been around for the last three months getting to know you are completely shocked to hear that you are the quote unquote villain on the show. I don't know how that's possible. And there's a lot of chatter online that is like, I don't like the Whitney on Mormon Wives, but I love Dancing with the Stars. Whitney. Who is the real Whitney? Ooh.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, this is the thing. If someone is following you around every single day.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And showing your worst moments, I don't think anyone's going to like you.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I really don't.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And those were some of my worst moments.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And that's just the truth.

[Whitney Levitt]

As someone who wanted to be a performer, wanted to be an entertainer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Was there a part of you who was maybe willing to create worst moments, even knowing they might end up using this, but where you were almost playing a character, Whitney. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

I definitely think, like, everybody has this camera front. Almost like. Yeah. Like, I can tell, like, when a camera's in front of me. Like, I almost, like. I don't know. I tense up a bit of a front. Just naturally happens. It's hard to fully authentically be yourself.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I don't know. I don't think I've met any reality star that would say, oh, yeah, I can just fully be my 100% self when there's a camera right there in front of me.

[Whitney Levitt]

But did you know maybe while it was going on that you were gonna be. And maybe the answer is, no, I would've never. Did, you know, maybe that you were gonna. Because of some of the worst moments you had, that. Did you think, like, I wonder if.

[Danielle Fishel]

They'Re gonna use this and I should.

[Whitney Levitt]

Play it up a little bit? Oh, no, no.

[Danielle Fishel]

Absolutely not.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, I did not feel that at all.

[Whitney Levitt]

It was not fabricated.

[Danielle Fishel]

No.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

No. And I think that's why it was so successful.

[Whitney Levitt]

Got it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is because, like, these were genuine friendships that were just in real scenarios that happened that were just blown out of proportion.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I will say, when there is a camera in front of you in that reality space, emotions are naturally heightened. Yeah. And so, you know, even when I watch back on it, I'm like, well, like, why did I make that such a big deal? It wasn't really that big of a deal, but it just, like, naturally feels that way. It's bizarre.

[Whitney Levitt]

Totally. I can. I can totally see that. How you could be sitting down, having a normal conversation if there wasn't a camera in your face.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

Because you do. You start thinking of lots of other things where you're like, you just said that and it's on camera.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

And what are people's gonna think.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I. Yeah, you just are overthinking and overanalyzing and, you know, because I don't care what anyone says. Like, of course you want to be liked.

[Pandora Jewelry Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

You want to be loved. You want to be the fan favorite. And I'm just not on that show. That's okay.

[Whitney Levitt]

That's okay. I want to talk about your prior dance experience.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Whitney Levitt]

You graduated BYU with a degree in modern dance.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

Please explore. Explain what that means that you studied. And what was yours?

[Danielle Fishel]

This. I studied shapes.

[Whitney Levitt]

What does that mean?

[Danielle Fishel]

Modern dance is. I mean, have you ever seen a modern dance before?

[Whitney Levitt]

No. I'd love to right now.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's very, you know, it's. It's just a lot more artistic.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Is the best way that I can put it. And I think some people would think it's weird, right?

[Whitney Levitt]

I mean, I know when Mark was telling me, when Mark at one point was like, I mean, she has a degree in modern dance, which is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which is this.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah, I was like, what?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, just like weird shapes. No, like, I. I absolutely loved getting my dance degree. But, yeah, like, I never was professionally trained in ballroom.

[Whitney Levitt]

No.

[Danielle Fishel]

People just kind of took that. As I will say, a lot of the stuff that I did learn, you know, is tools that's helped me in this.

[Whitney Levitt]

Of course. Of course. You know, timing, counting.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Like even not having your shoulders up by your earlobe.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, exactly.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

I get it.

[Danielle Fishel]

You know, like, I think that any sort of experience, like Elaine had some dance experience, Alex has some dance experience. But I think, like, people took this, like, modern dance degree and was like, like, oh, my God, she's a professional. I was like, you need to calm down. Because if I was a professional, I probably wouldn't be doing a reality show. I'd probably like be like a Rockette or something, like, you know.

[Whitney Levitt]

So you have had three kids since you got your modern dance degree. Did you dance after. After college?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. You did? Okay. I'd go to classes, but then. Oh, wait, after college or after kids?

[Whitney Levitt]

After college?

[Danielle Fishel]

After college, yes. But then once I started having kids, I.

[Whitney Levitt]

You have not.

[Danielle Fishel]

No. Ok. Like after I had Billy, I would take some hip hop classes and like my local, like, small town, which was so fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, I bet.

[Danielle Fishel]

I really miss it. The vibes were immaculate.

[Whitney Levitt]

But just like, everything's better in Utah.

[Danielle Fishel]

It really is. Go to Utah, everyone.

[Whitney Levitt]

Hip hop classes in Utah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Everyone knows that's where you go. I just. I would do dances on TikTok though, right. When I had kids. And that was again, like, an outlet for me because I love dancing. Like, it just makes me so happy. So learning these like quick little 15 second dances, like the TikTok of you.

[Whitney Levitt]

Showing Connor that you learned the Shrek.

[Danielle Fishel]

Dance wild is incredible.

[Whitney Levitt]

One of my favorite videos I've ever seen on the Internet. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's just. It's just.

[Whitney Levitt]

Just so funny. I want to talk to you about Mark.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, love that man.

[Whitney Levitt]

What do you. How would you describe Mark and your relationship?

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. Mark is the type of friend who's going to show you. He's going to show you what you can do.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

He's going to help you believe even more in yourself because there will be moves that he'll show me where I'm just like, man, I don't know, man.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah, you're crazy.

[Danielle Fishel]

But then I'm. I'll get so frustrated because I'm not getting it the first second or maybe even third time. Yeah. Maybe even the 10th time. But she's like, no, like, I believe you can do this. And it's like having that friend that believes in you helps you believe even more in yourself. Like that's who Mark is. Yeah. But I see it with everyone. Like, it's not just with me. Like, he does that with every single person he's with.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

Completely agree.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which is very admirable. He's so sassy. I love when Mark is sassy. So obsessed with farts. Oh, my God, that too. I'll like be stretching and I just like, he does it all the time. Yeah. He loves fart noises.

[Whitney Levitt]

Give me an example of sassy, Mark.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, well, I'm sassy too. You are so sassy. So we're sassy together.

[Whitney Levitt]

Was he good at tiktoks before you?

[Danielle Fishel]

He didn't ever really, like, make those types of tiktoks. And I'm like, what are you doing?

[Whitney Levitt]

Like, his personality is really. He really is perfect for it.

[Danielle Fishel]

He is. He is. He's just such a good actor. He's just good at everything. Goodness. Save some for the rest of us, Mark.

[Whitney Levitt]

Come on, Mark, what is wrong with you? Nothing is the problem.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly.

[Whitney Levitt]

And so the Internet.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Oh, God.

[Whitney Levitt]

We've seen lots of stuff about whether or not Mark is getting any sort of favoritism. What do you think about the favoritism conversation? What have you seen and experienced?

[Danielle Fishel]

It's so interesting because Val has also been on the show for, I'm pretty sure, just as long.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Pasha's been on the show for a really long time.

[Whitney Levitt]

Pasha's been on the show for seven years. But Val has been on the show for almost since, like, the second season.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Whitney Levitt]

So a very long time. Mark and Val have been there for a very long time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. You know, I think just, like, sometimes people. It just takes one person to, like, start a domino, and then it just goes crazy. Because when I tell you that man works his ass off. Yeah, yeah. There's no favoritism there. He works his ass off. He works really, really hard to choreograph the music. There's so much thought that goes into it. And not only pushes me. Pushes himself. Yeah. Again, I just think it's like somebody just says something and then people will just, like, kind of go everywhere. It's like, oh, I believe everything that's said on the Internet. I'm like, right, okay. No, right.

[Whitney Levitt]

Have YouTube enable.

[Danielle Fishel]

What.

[Whitney Levitt]

What has the experience been like of reading some of the backlash, reading some of the hate? Has it been harder for you? Harder for Mark? How have you helped each other through it?

[Danielle Fishel]

It's been hard for both of us. Like, it's nice because sometimes I'll be having a really bad day with it, and then he'll be having a good day, and then sometimes we'll be switching roles, or I'll be having a really good day, and he'll be having a really bad day. And so it's. I feel like we haven't had a day where it's both of us.

[Whitney Levitt]

Great.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which is great. Good. It's almost like, makes me think of, like, mom and dad where it's like a kid is being upset and you're like, I can't handle this right now, but one of the parents can. Yeah. Yeah. I'd be lying if I didn't say, like, it definitely, like, has affected us. And Mark, I think, has just never seen it to, like, this gratitude. So he's just like, whoa. Like, how do you find, like, the resilience in not necessarily dealing with it, but dealing with it.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right. How do you find the resilience to deal with it?

[Danielle Fishel]

Mark asks me the same question, and I don't really have an answer. Like, I don't know these people. Yeah. It would hurt more if I knew them.

[Whitney Levitt]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And sure, I have insecurities, and sometimes people will tap into those insecurities, and then that's probably when it's going to affect me the most. But when it's just nonsense, I'm just like, dude, like, right. What? This is crazy. Like, right. And sometimes if I see a video and it just takes a second to look at the comments and be like oh this is like not Team Whitney. So let me just scroll back.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Right.

[Whitney Levitt]

We won't read this one.

[Danielle Fishel]

I'm not going to read this one.

[Whitney Levitt]

They don't like me here. How do I get on the other side of the algorithm?

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. Yeah.

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

When you say Lego Star wars, the first thing you think of is imagination or action or both. Definitely both. Like with Jango Fett's Starship. I mean with Stud Blasters, Seismic charges and three minifigures, your kid is gonna be creating stories until the Banthas come home. And for yourself, there's the Jango Fett's Firespray Class Starship LEGO set from the Ultimate Collector series. Enjoy some Jedi Master level mindfulness during your building time. Shop now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in lego retail store. 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 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? I can see you as Mr. Darcy.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

You got a little Colin Firth.

[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

Okay, that's really sweet. I appreciate that, but are you sure I'm not the dad? I'm not Mr. Bennett.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Here.

[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

Listen to Irsay the Audible and I Heart Audio Radio Book Club on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Pandora Jewelry Advertiser]

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[Whitney Levitt]

Okay. This week.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

The people's Princess. The people's princess, Andy Richter was eliminated. The people's Princess.

[Danielle Fishel]

My heart after seeing those abs. Hello.

[Whitney Levitt]

I know. Well, I mean, for a while, it really felt like the audience was pitting Whitney against Andy, which I think is so ironic because I don't think Andy Richter has a bigger fan than Whitney Lovick. You are his biggest fan. I was sitting next to you during the holiday show, and I am facing the stage. You're sitting over here. And he comes walking out, and Whitney goes, oh, I can't. My heart.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love that man so much. I'm telling you, I freaking. And I told him when after the elimination, because it's such a bittersweet feeling. And it was the same thing when. When you got eliminated. It's like, I'm so used to seeing these people in the studio, and Andy was also that person for me, where it was like, he just has just this light that just. If I was having a bad day, I literally just needed to, like, hear Andy speak.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Say a really dumb joke, and then I'm happy Again, like, he just has that energy, that ambiance about him. Like, that's just how he carries his. I'm just like, how can you not be happy around this man? You will be happy. Like, you know what I mean? Like, I could not ever be sad or mad around that man.

[Whitney Levitt]

It's so cute. I talk about his banana bread every opportunity. Did you ever taste his banana? He makes the best banana bread.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, now I'm pissed.

[Whitney Levitt]

And now I have never had a rotten banana in my kitchen without thinking of Andy. Every time I see a rotten banana, I go, God, I wish I could give those to Andy to make some banana bread. How do I get these rotten bananas over to Andy?

[Danielle Fishel]

You know what he told me?

[Whitney Levitt]

What?

[Danielle Fishel]

When I saw him, he was like, well, you might still see me, because no one's using this trailer, and I need to finish this book. He's like, I need a quiet workspace. I'm like, okay, I'll see you next week.

[Whitney Levitt]

I love that, by the way. He's not wrong.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Whitney Levitt]

Come on over. The minute I was eliminated, I started acting like I wasn't allowed to be there. I, like, show up. I'm like, hi, it's my badge. I was eliminated, but I. It still works. Can I use it? I, like, literally walk around there. It's Danielle. Don't shoot. I literally act like I'm not supposed to be anywhere.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, you're definitely needed.

[Whitney Levitt]

And then last night, when Robert did his dance and he got hit the first perfect 40.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

And then I realized there was a commercial break. I jumped up and went to go run up into the skybox, and a woman in a red vest was like, where are you going? And I was like, do I just knock her down, please?

[Danielle Fishel]

Did you?

[Whitney Levitt]

I basically said, I need to go see Robert.

[Danielle Fishel]

Good. She went, okay, good.

[Whitney Levitt]

I just ran up to the skybox.

[Danielle Fishel]

Good for you. So anyway, I bet that meant so much to Robert.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, my gosh.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're so sweet.

[Whitney Levitt]

Hi, Jennifer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just.

[Whitney Levitt]

I love everybody so much. Can we talk about that? Because I. I do want to talk about this. Why?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Why do we all love each other so much?

[Danielle Fishel]

I think it's just, like, we all just have such good vibes. Like, we're. It's funny because all Al was even telling me.

[Whitney Levitt]

Alpop?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, not Alpop. Alfonso.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, Alfonso.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. The other Al.

[Whitney Levitt]

Oh, my God, there's so many.

[Danielle Fishel]

Which Al? Alfonso. Okay. He was telling me is, like, this cast. I just love how, like, nobody's petty.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Everybody's supporting each other. Everybody's rooting each other.

[Whitney Levitt]

Someone's got to be secretly petty.

[Danielle Fishel]

You think?

[Whitney Levitt]

I mean, somewhere, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, I don't feel those vibes. No, I don't feel those vibes. I. I feel like we're all rooting for each other and we all want each other to do our best. And that's why eliminations suck.

[Whitney Levitt]

I know.

[Danielle Fishel]

Every single time. Because we all just want to keep doing this together. I know, but it was. It's like we don't know anything else, though. It's like we don't know what the other casts were. Like, we weren't there. But it's kind of cool to hear. It's like, man, this cast, like you guys have just brought the vibes.

[Whitney Levitt]

It really. We felt it. I think from gma, even like from that GMA weekend. I was like, wow, this is gonna be fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is gonna be fun.

[Whitney Levitt]

And this is gonna be. This is gonna be good times.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay. I wanna just. Last thing. I wanna. Well, two. Two last things.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

One.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Whitney Levitt]

Do you want to win Dancing with the Stars?

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. Can you imagine? People would have an uproar.

[Whitney Levitt]

Listen, all of us there because we want to win.

[Danielle Fishel]

Listen, I would be so grateful to win. That would be incredible. I would love to make it till the end. And to me, the end is the final stage.

[Whitney Levitt]

You know, that's exactly how I felt when I first started.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Whitney Levitt]

When I first started, I was like, I'm gonna win a mirror ball.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's right.

[Whitney Levitt]

And then I started and I was like, I am not gonna win a mirror ball, but I am gonna make it to the finals. And then it was like, what if I even make it to the semifinals? And I made it to Rock and roll week.

[Danielle Fishel]

Listen, that's far though.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

8 out of 11.

[Whitney Levitt]

I'll take first for my 44 year old, no dance experience person who has never done any of this before, I'm thrilled. I look at you and I see Broadway. Is that on your vision board?

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow. You know what's been so crazy about this whole experience is. And I made a post about it today where. And Mark's. Having that friendship has helped me a lot too. Where, like having someone. I mean, obviously my husband believes in me, Connor. Like crazy. But having someone who's like, done it.

[Whitney Levitt]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like. Cause Mark's done Broadway. Like, I look up to that man like crazy where he's like, no, like.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

You could do it.

[Danielle Fishel]

You could do it. Like you've got a shot. So hearing someone and like, Mark's not a bull. Like, he'll tell you straight up. Like, that makes me feel like, oh, okay. If you believe it, then maybe. I would love to. I would absolutely love to. Love to be in the movies, Broadway. I want to do it all.

[Whitney Levitt]

You got representation now.

[Danielle Fishel]

I do have representation now. It helps. Yeah, it does help because there's networking. Plays such a huge role in it. You know, it's like meeting people, them getting to know your personality and. Oh, and then they're creating a movie and then maybe they'll think of you and like, oh, she'd be great for this role.

[Whitney Levitt]

Like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, that's what I'm hoping.

[Whitney Levitt]

Any chance you're gonna move to la?

[Danielle Fishel]

Ooh, I know.

[Whitney Levitt]

Everything's so much better in Utah. You're glam, you're shopping.

[Danielle Fishel]

But I mean, I don't know. Okay. I don't know. Future holds. I'm telling you, we move around so much. Bless Connor's heart. He's probably like, he's always down for the ride, but I'm for my kids. I'm like, man, I really need stability for them. But I. Yeah, I don't know what's next.

[Whitney Levitt]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

But I'm excited.

[Whitney Levitt]

I can't wait to watch. I can't wait to support you. Better be there. Oh, I. Every step of the way.

[Danielle Fishel]

Good.

[Whitney Levitt]

You're stuck with me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thanks for the long haul.

[Whitney Levitt]

I love you so much.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love you, too.

[Whitney Levitt]

Thank you for doing this. I hope everybody gets to see a snippet of the person I have gotten to know. This open book who is you just. You will tell it like it is and there's no. There's no affronts or trying to hide, which is so refreshing. And I hope you never change.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thanks, love. Thanks, Danielle.

[Whitney Levitt]

Thank you.

[Pandora Jewelry Advertiser]

Bye.

[Whitney Levitt]

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 Siegel followed by us on Instagram daniellewithstars and vote for me.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. As winter approaches, make sure you set aside some time for self care now through December 2nd. Get great savings on personal care essentials when you shop in store or online. Buy two participating self care items and save $3. Shop for items like Tresemme shampoo, Dove Shampoo, Dove Men's care body Wash, Dove Body Wash and Axe shower gel. And save $3 when you buy two or more items. Offer ends December 2nd. Restrictions apply. Offers may vary. Visit Albertsons or Safeway Dot com for more details.

[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

When you say LEGO Star wars, the first thing you think of is imagination or action. Or both. Definitely both. Like with Jango Fett's Starship. I mean with stud blasters, seismic charges and three minifigures, your kid is going to be creating stories until the Banthas come home. And for yourself, there's the Jango Fett's Firespray Class Starship LEGO set from the Ultimate Collector series. Enjoy some Jedi Master level mindfulness during your building time. Shop now for Star wars lego sets on lego.com or in lego retail stores. What a matchup we got y'. All. This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The bed is rockin and the crab lit chant echo drum beat Everybody showing that school pride game like this. Yeah it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans are school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola that's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work so grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Anabe Sofas Advertiser]

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[Liberty Mutual / LEGO / Audiobook Club / Coca Cola / iShares Advertiser]

A retiree on a cross country drive? Someone with new long term goals. A student getting their start with over 400450 ETFs iShares gives you access to countless market opportunities. IShares by BlackRock the market is yours. Visit www.ishares.com to view a perspective which includes investment objectives, risks, fees, expresses and other information. Future Reading Consider carefully before investing. Risk includes principal loss. Prepared by BlackRock Investments LLC member Fino.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is an iHeart podcast.