Pod Meets World – "Pod Meets 50 Million Downloads PART 1"

Date: December 31, 2025
Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle
Location: Yamava Resort & Casino

Episode Overview

In this special milestone episode, the cast of Pod Meets World (Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle) celebrate reaching 50 million downloads by taking a well-earned trip together to the Yamava Resort & Casino. The trio reminisces about their enduring friendship, shares festive gift exchanges, gives an intimate look at their adventures at a resort—highlighted by a Janet Jackson concert—and reflects on their outrageous success as a podcast. The tone is festive, humorous, and deeply personal, packed with behind-the-scenes camaraderie.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Holiday Gift Exchange & Longstanding Traditions

[03:22 – 07:57]

• The hosts gather for their closest-in-time-ever Christmas gift exchange, poking fun at their habitual seating arrangement and joking about being “90s robots” who always stand the same way in photos.
• Gifts included:
  • Rider's gift: Fancy friendship bracelets for each host (Will's is green, Danielle’s is ivory, Rider’s is black). Discussion about the hidden world (and surprising cost) of upscale friendship bracelets.
    • Quote: “It’s a thing I didn’t know I needed until it’s on my wrist.” —Will Friedle [06:11]
  • Danielle gifts Rider a “Frog and Toad” shirt, referencing his favorite book, and each gets Lego sets—her "selfish" passion developed through her kids.
  • Will fails to bring a present, joking that someone always "flubs it" every year.

2. Reaching 50 Million Downloads—A Major Milestone

[07:57 – 08:52]

• The hosts express immense gratitude for their audience, but with tongue-in-cheek self-congratulations.
  • Quote: “From what I understand, this means 50 million people listen to every single episode.” —Danielle Fishel [08:17]
• Jokes about not knowing what a "download" truly means and refusing to be corrected.

3. Celebration at Yamava Resort & Casino

[08:55 – 12:34]

• The group travels to Yamava for relaxation, food, a Janet Jackson concert, and some gambling. Danielle chose the destination; the group is joined by their significant others.
• Observations about the resort:
  • Beautiful, clean, feels “brand new” despite its 40-year milestone.
  • Spa experiences: Will and Danielle enjoyed their massages, Ryder (ever the introvert) skipped being touched by strangers.
    • Memorable Moment: Will jokes about needing pain to feel alive when getting a tattoo. [06:24]
    • Detailed (and comedic) discussion about spa etiquette, the awkwardness of undressing, and getting "the chime bells" for massage timing.

4. Spa & Casino Antics

[12:34 – 22:38]

• More spa talk: Will’s description of how quickly 90 minutes flies by during a massage; Danielle describes the specifics of a facial and spa attire. Will jokes about wearing Batman underwear for protection.
  • Quote: “I gotta keep my Batman underwear on. You never know when the Riddler’s gonna attack you.” —Will Friedle [16:55]
• Gambling stories:
  • The group hits up the casino, gets Yamava cards.
  • Danielle and Ryder play roulette together, carefully syncing their bets for harmonious “good vibes.”
  • Idea for a "Pod Meets World" themed slot machine—impractical due to Disney licensing.
    • Quote: “Maybe a Pod Meets World slot machine... where you only lose.” —Will Friedle [22:33]

5. Dinner at the Pine Steakhouse

[27:18 – 28:02]

• The group recounts their memorable meal: ribeye, sea bass, lobster bisque, wedge salad, and a divisive blue cheese and candied walnut “spumoni” salad.
  • Danielle raves about the candied walnuts and pomegranate; Will and Ryder violently disagree.

6. Janet Jackson Concert Experience: An Intimate Main Event

[28:02 – 34:43]

• Riding the high point of the trip, the hosts dive into the experience of seeing Janet Jackson live in Yamava’s 2,800-seat theater.
  • Quote: “It’s like being in a private room… seeing like an intimate stage show in a more intimate space.” —Will Friedle [28:34]
• Janet Jackson’s performance:
  • Live vocals, relentless dance numbers—defying modern pop expectations.
  • Danielle admits she doubted Janet would sing live given the show’s intensity, but Janet proved her wrong.
  • The backup dancers’ stamina and the “shirtless except for one fully clothed dancer” moment triggers extended debate and laughter. Will identifies with the “denim-on-denim” dancer, who never undresses.
    • Quote: “I would’ve gone backstage, put on another jean shirt, and then come out again.” —Will Friedle [32:12]
    • Everyone speculates if he’s the dance captain or choreographer.
• Janet's interaction with fans: Accepting a lei from an audience member, showing warmth and appreciation to her fans.
  • Quote: “You can tell she’s super appreciative of her fans.” —Danielle Fishel [34:21]
• Brief celebrity sighting: Yvette Nicole Brown ("Community") was in the audience and posed for a group photo.

7. Reflections and Looking Forward

[34:43 – 36:28]

• Hosts discuss upcoming acts they're excited to see (Violent Femmes, Busta Rhymes).
• Ponder why pop stars say "I love you" to their audiences—becoming a running joke.
  • Quote: “When you see somebody who was born to entertain doing what they were born to do. It’s an experience.” —Will Friedle [35:43]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s a thing I didn’t know I needed until it’s on my wrist.” —Will Friedle (on friendship bracelets) [06:11]
• “From what I understand, this means 50 million people listen to every single episode.” —Danielle Fishel (deadpan about download numbers) [08:17]
• “I gotta keep my Batman underwear on. You never know when the Riddler's gonna attack you.” —Will Friedle (spa/massage conversation) [16:55]
• “I would’ve gone backstage, put on another jean shirt, and then come out again.” —Will Friedle (recalling the fully-clothed dancer) [32:12]
• “You can tell she’s super appreciative of her fans.” —Danielle Fishel (about Janet Jackson) [34:21]
• “When you see somebody who was born to entertain doing what they were born to do, it’s an experience.” —Will Friedle (about Janet Jackson’s show) [35:43]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Holiday Gift Exchange/Banter: [03:22 – 07:57]
• Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: [07:57 – 08:52]
• Arrival & Impressions at Yamava: [08:55 – 12:34]
• Spa Antics: [12:34 – 18:33]
• Casino Adventures & Slot Machine Jokes: [18:33 – 22:43]
• Dinner at The Pines: [27:18 – 28:02]
• Janet Jackson Concert Debrief: [28:02 – 34:43]

Final Thoughts

This celebratory episode radiates nostalgia, warmth, and humor as the Pod Meets World hosts come together not just to mark a major podcast milestone, but to underscore the enduring bond they share—and the special connection they have with their fans. From inside jokes about 90s habits to sharing amazement at Janet Jackson’s showmanship, the episode is full of relatable, candid moments. Stay tuned for Part 2 as their celebration (and storytelling) continues!