Pod Meets Sphere: Backstreet Boys Recap

Summary

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Pod Meets World – "Pod Meets Sphere: Backstreet Boys Recap"

Podcast: Pod Meets World
Host(s): Danielle Fischl, Wil Friedle, Ryder Strong
Episode Date: August 19, 2025
Main Theme:
A fun, behind-the-scenes recap of Danielle, Will, and Ryder's experience seeing the Backstreet Boys live at the Sphere in Las Vegas—with comparisons to other Sphere concerts, reflections on the Backstreet Boys’ performance, pop culture nostalgia, and the culture-crossing fandom of late '90s/early 2000s icons.

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to a night of nostalgia: the Pod Meets World crew recounts their visit to see the Backstreet Boys’ residency at the immersive Las Vegas venue, the Sphere. The hosts share play-by-play impressions, insights on performance and production, and their own comical and heartfelt connections to the era and the band. The discussion branches into fandom overlap, the logistics and physical demands of such residencies, and playful speculation about Sphere’s future.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Sphere & Initial Impressions

• The Venue Experience

  • Second visit to Sphere for both Danielle (Danielle Fischl) and Will (Wil Friedle); prior visit was for The Dead and Company.
  • Key difference: Backstreet Boys’ show was “much more about them performing and a story like... or a journey of sorts. Whereas Dead and Company was like, about the visuals and jammy... you almost forgot the band was there.” (Danielle, 04:34)
  • Will notes: “There are bands that lend themselves to visuals ... Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead ... I didn’t know how Backstreet [Boys] were going to do this. But it was great. I mean, it was a lot of fun.” (Wil, 05:14)

• High-flying Stage Antics

  • Discussion about the platform rising high above the audience: “It was literally like... they are actually halfway up the building. It’s so cool. I would never be able to do that, really.” (Danielle, 05:43)
  • Will shares: “Brian [Littrell] is also afraid of heights. He was in the middle... had a post he could lean against... he actually had a bar in front of him until last night.” (Wil, 06:06)

2. Backstreet Boys' Performance & The Host’s Commitment

• Spectacle & Choreography

  • Will desired more projections of the actual singing and dancing: “...I would also like to see them singing and dancing more... but it was great... a lot of fun.” (Wil, 04:56–05:14)
  • Seats vibrate in time with music and visuals, and Backstreet Boys "utilized the seats" more than Dead and Company. (Wil/Danielle, 10:06–10:29)
  • The immersive visuals created the feel of a “spaceship journey.” (Danielle, 10:29)

• Will Friedle’s Six-Man Cosplay

  • Danielle: “We need to talk about this. When did you get the idea to...dress as the sixth Backstreet Boy?” (07:04)
  • Will’s outfit: “White parachute pants, white boots, a white button down shirt unbuttoned [with] millennium blue... and the sunglasses T-shirt under it and tinted blue rectangular sunglasses.” (Wil/Danielle, 07:30–07:54)
  • Will, ever extra, matched his underwear: “You pull down your pants and you are wearing Captain America millennium blue underwear... Matches part of the outfit.” (07:54–08:31)
  • “All Backstreet Boys were complimenting me on my rig.” (Will, 08:48)
  • High-fiving a photo of AJ, with friends more obsessed with that image than the concert itself. (Wil/Danielle, 09:14–09:25)

3. Nostalgia and Mutual Fandom Overlap

• Crossover Fans

  • Walking into the Sphere: “Yelling from far, it's like, Shawn, Eric, Topanga... [Ryder] goes, there's a big crossover, isn't there?... These are just your fans.” (Danielle, 14:42)
  • “It’s like, literally a Boy Meets World reunion.” (Danielle, 14:56)
  • Danielle: “I was getting recognized last night.” (14:56)

• Music Recognition

  • Danielle and Will both surprised by how many songs they recognized:
    • “I couldn't sing them back to you, but there were moments where I was like, ‘Oh, I do know that one’.” (Danielle, 21:12)
    • Will: “Wait, I know this song.” (21:21)

4. Physicality & Dedication of the Backstreet Boys

• Performer Endurance
  • Danielle awed: “I am amazed at how these five men do this every night... The singing and the dancing... Their bodies aren’t holding up like they did when they were 20... But they killed it.” (Danielle, 11:36)
  • Acknowledgment that the Backstreet Boys’ careers required far more daily physical effort than the cast of Boy Meets World:
    • “Their lifestyle was singing, working on music every day, going to malls when they were nobodies or going to Germany... If they did an appearance, it wasn’t an interview. They would have to sing together.” (Danielle, 12:10)
    • “Our life was so easy. We got to show up and, you know, have craft service. We have an 11am call tomorrow. Come on.” (Danielle, 12:24)
  • AJ’s athlete analogy: “He almost sounded embarrassed to say... ‘We’re kind of like athletes’... Yes, you are.” (Danielle, 12:40)

5. Performance Highlights & Personal Takes

• Brian’s Vocals

  • “He’s got the voice of an angel. He’s doing so good.” (Rider/Will, 13:49–14:04)
  • Danielle: “Discovering him as a singer... his voice is... the way he just commits. They all... they’re so good.” (14:10)

• Venue Utilization

  • Noted the impressive use of the three-dimensional visuals, immersive environments, and vibrating seats for a heightened experience. (Danielle/Wil, 10:29)

• Wishes for the Future

  • Danielle: “I really want to see them with no instruments, acapella... in a stripped down small [venue]... I know they can do it.” (13:29)
  • Hosts fantasize about who should play the Sphere next—Pink Floyd, K-pop, Miley Cyrus, Bob Dylan, and more. (15:54–26:47)
  • Discussion turns to outrageous (and highly comedic) ideas for a Pod Meets World Sphere performance—including flying donuts, whales, moose, and “tens of fans.” (22:10–23:12)

6. Sphere Musings, Future Shows, and Fan Dreams

• Who’s Next at the Sphere?

  • Speculation on upcoming acts: “Eagles are next? Or DJs? Or Wizard of Oz?” (Danielle/Wil, 25:06)
  • Sphere’s future potential: “They need one in every city now.” (Danielle, 15:30)
  • Playful wishing: “I want to play Mario Kart on it. Oh, sick. [Tyson’s] Punch Out. There’s gotta be some videogame…” (Danielle/Wil, 24:10)

• Iconic/Absurd Imaginary Shows

  • Joking ideas for punishment birthday Sphere events (for Danielle): improv, spiders, mimes, Bob Dylan, D&D marathons. (26:36–27:46)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Sphere’s Wonder:
  “It felt like we were on a spaceship, which is kind of what they were... the way the seat was kept vibrant. It was pretty amazing.”
  — Danielle (10:29)

• On Backstreet Boys’ Professionalism:
  “Whether you’re a Backstreet Boys fan, not a Backstreet Boys fan... Good entertainers will suck you in every time. And then put good entertainers at a location like Sphere, and nobody could have walked out... been like, ‘man, that show sucked.’”
  — Will (12:54)

• The Fandom Crossover Realization:
  “There’s no bigger crossover... we’re walking into a TGIF party... It’s like literally a Boy Meets World reunion.”
  — Danielle (14:56)

• Will’s Outfit Commitment:
  “All Backstreet Boys were complimenting me on my rig.”
  — Will (08:48)

• Fan Experience Humor:
  “When we saw Dead and Company... where we were sitting, when you got our seats, didn’t vibrate? ...Last night... they did! They really took advantage of that...”
  — Danielle (09:40)

• On Performer Endurance:
  “I am amazed at how these five men do this every night... Their bodies aren’t holding up... But they killed it.”
  — Danielle (11:36)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:32 – Show begins in earnest; Sphere donut banter
• 04:18 – Comparing Backstreet Boys at Sphere vs. Dead and Company
• 05:37 – Stage-rising stunt and performer heights anxiety
• 07:00 – Will Friedle’s sixth Backstreet Boy outfit segment
• 09:05 – High-fiving AJ (photo), Sphere photo ops, in-venue atmosphere
• 10:01–10:29 – Vibrating seats, three-dimensional visuals, comparing productions
• 11:36 – Performer endurance and respect for Backstreet Boys’ work ethic
• 13:29 – Danielle’s acapella Backstreet Boys concert wish
• 13:49 – Brian Littrell's standout vocal performance
• 14:42–14:56 – The fan crossover revelation—Boy Meets World, Backstreet Boys, and TGIF
• 21:12–21:33 – Songs recognition and “which boy band is which?” confusion
• 22:10–23:12 – Fantasy Pod Meets Sphere performance ideas
• 24:10 – Renting the Sphere and offbeat event dreams
• 25:05 – Next up at the Sphere: future acts speculation
• 26:36–27:46 – Joke punishment birthday at Sphere (improvs, spiders, D&D)
• 27:57–End – Wrap-up, next episode teaser (Ashley Simpson Ross)

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Takeaways for Listeners

• The Sphere is a game-changing concert experience—a blend of technical innovation and live music spectacle, with heightened interactivity and immersion.
• Backstreet Boys’ stamina, longevity, and showmanship impress even those who weren’t diehard fans, underlining the band’s evolution from '90s heartthrobs to world-class entertainers.
• Fandoms overlap in delightful ways; attendees at the concert were just as likely to be Boy Meets World fans, creating a memorable confluence of ‘90s/2000s TV and music nostalgia.
• Pod Meets World’s distinct tone—a perfect blend of playful banter, warm reminiscence, pop-culture in-jokes, and deep personal appreciation—makes the recap an engaging stand-in for actually attending the show.

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Next Episode Teaser:
The crew shares excitement for an upcoming interview with Ashley Simpson Ross, teasing all the Y2K vibes and a dive into the mechanics of a Vegas musical residency.

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For the Full Experience:
Follow the behind-the-scenes fun on Instagram (@podmeetsworldshow) and keep an eye out for Will Friedle’s legendary Backstreet Boy outfit!

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Transcript

[Danielle Fischl]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

And if you don't have yours yet, you'll find it on ebay.

[Wilfred L]

Putting you on here fashionistas.

[Danielle Fischl]

Ebay is where you'll find those. One of a kind. Can't stop researching. Stay up dreaming about pieces again and again.

[Wilfred L]

I'm talking that mew mew off the Runway red leather bomber, the Cousteau Barcelona.

[Danielle Fischl]

Top with the cowboy on it. Or that Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway. All these finds are on ebay and.

[Wilfred L]

They even offer millions of main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee.

[Danielle Fischl]

Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion. EBay things people love.

[Wilfred L]

You know, I never realized how much better I treat my dog than myself.

[Danielle Fischl]

Really? Does your dog eat Oreos with every meal and get massages when he stays at hotels?

[Wilfred L]

No. Even better, he gets Pedigree high quality food with real nutrition that actually supports his health.

[Danielle Fischl]

Pedigree believes dogs bring out the good in people and in turn they bring out the good in dogs with tasty dry food and wet food. And it's made with high quality ingredients.

[Wilfred L]

Ingredients I can pronounce.

[Danielle Fischl]

You're right. I'm starting to think your dog has it figured out.

[Wilfred L]

Visit your local retailer to try Pedigree products for the nutrition your dog needs and a taste your dog will love.

[Danielle Fischl]

Learn more at pedigree.com feed-good feed the.

[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

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[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

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[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

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[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

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[Wilfred L]

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[Danielle Fischl]

Visit your local CVS store or cvs.com Extra big deals to shop this week's deals.

[Wilfred L]

Donut. Donut.

[Danielle Fischl]

One donut in the sky. That's actually funny. You're like a huge donut.

[Wilfred L]

I'm a huge donut fan.

[Danielle Fischl]

You're the donut in the sky. You are the donut.

[Wilfred L]

You're right.

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, my God.

[Wilfred L]

I'm so glad we figured this out. It only took us 35 years. 35 years. Wow. Well, welcome to the Post. Backstreet Boys pod meets world episode PBSB.

[Danielle Fischl]

PBSB.

[Wilfred L]

PBSB. Baby at Sphere. We were at Sphere. I've been saying.

[Danielle Fischl]

We've been saying dust, Fear. And it's not.

[Wilfred L]

It's not the Sphere.

[Danielle Fischl]

It's just the Backstreet Boys. Or are they Backstreet Boys? Backstreet Boys at Sphere. Backstreet Boys at Sphere.

[Wilfred L]

I'm gonna say it.

[Danielle Fischl]

My head's having a hard time wrapping around that one. Right, right. Back Street Boys at Sphere.

[Wilfred L]

So this was our second time at Sphere. Yeah, my third time. But your second time at Sphere. How did you think the Backstreet Boys. Sorry? How did you think Backstreet Boys at Sphere compared to Dead and Company at Sphere?

[Danielle Fischl]

Very different experiences.

[Wilfred L]

Very different. Right.

[Danielle Fischl]

Well, this one was much. I mean. Okay. This one was much more about them performing and a story like. Or a journey of sorts. Whereas Dead and Company was, like, about the visuals and, like. And jammy sort of like, you almost forgot the band was there. Halfway through some songs. It just let the music. Yeah. With this one was like, them on stage.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

You're constantly like, oh. They were also projected on stage, but not as much as. That's one of the things I had a problem with is because, you know, they're singing and they're dancing and I'd like to see some more of the singing and the dancing. So as I'm looking up at being in Space, which is great. Yeah. But I would also like to see them singing and dancing more. Whereas, you know, when John was playing or you're watching Dead and Coplay, they were projecting it a lot in a certain area so you could watch the visuals, but then you're watching them jam. And I thought that was kind of more conducive to the experience. It's just. But there's certain bands that we talked about on that last episode. Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead. There are bands that lend themselves to visuals. And I didn't know how Backstreet. It was like, backstreet Boys are going to do this. But it was great. I mean, it was a lot of fun. It really was.

[Wilfred L]

I thought the stage rising up at the. To the end wasn't that insane.

[Danielle Fischl]

It was literally like, are. That they are real. Right. You know what I mean? Because they've been on the screen for so long that I was like, they're actually. They are actually halfway up the building. Like, it's so cool. I would never be able to do that, really.

[Wilfred L]

Terry.

[Danielle Fischl]

I do not like heights. So the idea that I have to sing and dance on a platform that's raising, what, a hundred feet above the ground.

[Wilfred L]

You are not the only one. Brian is the not the only one. I'm so glad you're giving me that segue. But first I want to say yes. Brian is also afraid of heights. He was in the middle and had a post that he could lean against. And up until last night, he actually had a bar in front of him.

[Danielle Fischl]

I need more than the entire. Strapped in or. No, they're strapped.

[Wilfred L]

They each had a post behind them that they're connected to.

[Danielle Fischl]

Nope. The whole stage would have to rise around me as I stayed in the middle on the ground. They're really high.

[Wilfred L]

I mean, no, it was very high.

[Danielle Fischl]

And then you got to sing and dance when you're.

[Wilfred L]

I know. And Kevin, like, got to the edge and was, like, looking down at people. I was like, oh, sir, no, no. Well, I. I can't believe we've gone this far into the episode writer without discussing the commitment of one Mr. Will Friedle to being sixth man.

[Danielle Fischl]

Six. Six member of the backstreet.

[Wilfred L]

Of Backstreet Boys.

[Danielle Fischl]

Of Backstreet Boys.

[Wilfred L]

We. We need to talk about this. When did you get the idea to. Did you know the minute we said we were going to all be wearing white and you had to wear a little bit of blue that you were going to like.

[Danielle Fischl]

I've wanted to wear this outfit since 1994.

[Wilfred L]

Okay. And just didn't feel comfortable.

[Danielle Fischl]

No, I just, you know, when somebody says, hey, there's a uniform for tonight, I go all out. You know, you gotta.

[Wilfred L]

The only uniform was wear white.

[Danielle Fischl]

Well, with a little millennium blue. With a little millennium blue, yeah. It's a grocer blue.

[Wilfred L]

But you took it to such a level. It was easily. Baxter Boys at Sphere, incredible show. The highlight of my night was Will Friedle wearing white parachute pants, white boots.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

A white button down shirt unbuttoned with.

[Danielle Fischl]

Millennium blue and then the sunglasses T.

[Wilfred L]

Shirt under it and tinted blue rectangular sunglasses. Also, I looked at Susan at one point and I said, Susan, he didn't, he didn't have any nude underpants because through your white pants I could see dark underpants. And so Susan goes, oh, no, I guess he didn't. I didn't see it before he walked out. And you over here. So you go, what are you guys talking? Said just, you know, they obviously didn't have any nude underpants. And you go, no, they're millennium blue. And you pull down your pants and you are wearing Captain America millennium blue. Millennium blue underwear pants. And you were fully like, yeah, this.

[Danielle Fischl]

Matches part of the outfit.

[Wilfred L]

Part of the outfit.

[Danielle Fischl]

We've talked about Will's underwear on our podcast way more than any other subject. I just, I'd like to also point out I pulled down the side to show you a peek of my underwear. I didn't drop trow in the middle of Sphere.

[Wilfred L]

If you want to be descriptive about what you did, that's fine. I was just going to say pull down your pants, but whatever.

[Danielle Fischl]

But yeah, I was, I was, you know, prepared to go. And by the way, all the Backstreet Boys, or all Backstreet Boys were complimenting me on my rig.

[Wilfred L]

It was unbelievable. And then the Sphere inside is completely decked out with fantastic photos of them.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

And your joy fit right in at fitting in with these photos. Your high five picture with AJ.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yep.

[Wilfred L]

Jensen looked at it no less than 10 times throughout the night.

[Danielle Fischl]

I was gonna say he watched that more than the concert.

[Wilfred L]

It was like, this concert's great, but have you seen this picture of Will with a picture of AJ high fiving him?

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, my God.

[Wilfred L]

And then we went outside and got pictures of you with Sphere behind you. If you have not checked out the pod meets World Instagram, you're missing out on some content.

[Danielle Fischl]

It was so much fun. So when we saw Dead and Company. Yeah. Danielle bought our tickets for us because where we were sitting when you got our seats, didn't Vibrate Yeah, they did. They did. Yeah. When we saw Dead and Company vibrated. See, I don't remember that. So last night. Because you know what really took advantage of that last night? And they did it with the visuals. Like, remember when you're going through the circles?

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Each one of them is in a circle. Yeah. You're like. And it was like, yeah. That was so cool.

[Wilfred L]

So what? I'll say that one thing for sure. Backstreet Boys did better than Dead and Company is utilizing the seats.

[Danielle Fischl]

Agreed.

[Wilfred L]

There were many more. More opportunities at Backstreet Boys where the seats.

[Danielle Fischl]

I noticed. I mean, I really didn't notice. I mean, I guess maybe it was just.

[Wilfred L]

You also are standing so much more through Dead and Company.

[Danielle Fischl]

That's true. That's true.

[Wilfred L]

Backstreet Boys, there's a lot of ballads that you can sit through.

[Danielle Fischl]

Right.

[Wilfred L]

But you're absolutely right.

[Danielle Fischl]

I feel like they took advantage of the three dimensionality. Like, you were sort of, like, moving a lot. Like, you felt like the entire room was going through things like valleys and landscapes in a way that Dead and Company was much more sort of like, look at this. And, like, things would be trippy, but, like, this was like, we're moving the whole. It was like. It was cool. It felt like we were on a spaceship, which is kind of what they were. And then the way the seat was kept vibrant. It was. It was pretty amazing. I. I said to Susan a number of times last night that I was. I was looked over, and I was just like, I am amazed at how these five men do this every night over and over and over again. The singing and the dancing, it. I. I don't know how well we've talked to them. Their bodies aren't holding up like they did when they were 20. They're. They're up there with ripped shoulders, knees that have been reconstructed, everything. But they killed it. And it's like. I mean, Danielle, you and I talked to Howie and he said he's sitting there sipping his tea, and he's like, oh. The second we land in Vegas, he's like, we love it here and we love the venue, but it's so dry here that your voice starts to go, yeah, right? So, I mean, how they do it over and over again is shocking. Well, I've told you guys off mic that, like, I watched a documentary about them and Sync and I was. It was so interesting for me because, like, I thought of them as, like, our contemporaries. Like, we hung out, you know, these guys. And so I sort of. It. I hadn't Realized how much I just thought of them as, like, actors or, you know, like that. That their lifestyle was kind of like our lifestyle, right? No, no. Like, their lifestyle was singing, working on music every day, going to malls when they were nobodies or going to Germany and, like, just having to perform. If they did an appearance, it wasn't an interview. They would have to sing together, work together, know each other's parts, and they work so much harder than us. Back in the day. And I'm sitting there, I watched this documentary. I was like, oh, I definitely did not ever give them enough credit. When we would hang out, I'd be like, oh, yeah. You know, they're. They're like, us. No, they're like professional performing musicians on a level that, like, you know, our. Our life was so easy. We got to show up and, you know, have craft service. We have an 11am call tomorrow. Come on.

[Wilfred L]

But think about when we do even just press and it's like, okay, you got to go to New York. You've got to be Morning America at 6am they're doing that and singing, singing.

[Danielle Fischl]

Together and, like, have to have the new number ready to go. Yeah, yeah, it's. And. And on top of that physicality, they're also dancing the whole time. They really. Well, I mean, when. When AJ Said to us, he's like, we're kind. He almost sounded like he was embarrassed to say it, where he's like, well, we're kind of like athletes. And he didn't want to compare himself to. I was like, yes, you are. That's exactly what you are. You are. Yeah. You were working your body to death constantly and have since you were 15 or whatever. As we were talking about last night, whether you're a Backstreet Boys fan, not a Backstreet Boys fan. It's your music. It's not your music. Good entertainers will suck you in every time. And then put good entertainers at a location like Sphere, and nobody could have walked out there, been like, man, that show sucked. Yeah, it was great. Yeah. So, yeah, what an experience.

[Wilfred L]

So much fun. I literally had the greatest time.

[Danielle Fischl]

I do now, though, I really want to see them with no instruments acapella in like a stripped down small. I would. I want. I know they can do it.

[Wilfred L]

Oh, yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

You know, like, this was them on that. Like, this is the biggest it'll ever get, right? This is Backstreet Boys at the peak. Now I really want to just see them, like, sitting here, like, singing. I want to. I'm sure there's Videos I can go find.

[Wilfred L]

But I loved the moment. At one point, Ryder and I were sitting on opposite ends from each other, and I see Ryder making eyes. I'm like, what's going on? He's like, what's. What's. What's the situation with Brian? He's got the voice of an angel.

[Danielle Fischl]

And he's doing so good.

[Wilfred L]

I mean, he's, like, amazing. What is that? He's like, voice of an angel. I was like, I know. I know.

[Danielle Fischl]

I don't know anything. You know, I actually have seen Backstreet Boys before, but I was, like, backstage, like, so, like, for me, this was literally just like. I know the one song. I know. Yeah, I want it that way because we used to do our dance to it, right? So, like, other than that. So I'm like, yeah. So last night was me being like, oh, this one. And, like, discovering him as a singer, because I've actually never met him and, like, being like, oh, my God, this guy's voice is. You know, and, like, the way he feels it, the way he just commits, like, they all. They're so good. I want to add something too. When we were walking in, that writer had the greatest moment of realization.

[Wilfred L]

What?

[Danielle Fischl]

So we're walking out of the car towards the sphere and yelling from far. It's like, sean, Eric, Topanga. And he looks at me and he goes, oh, no, there's a big crossover, isn't there? And I went, what? And he said, there's a big crossover between our audience. And I said, brian, there's no bigger crossover. He's like, this is the crossover. I don't even know if it's a crossover. These are just your fans. Yeah. We're walking into a TGIF party. Exactly. It's like, literally a Boy meets world reunion. Let's go. I was like, oh, it never even occurred to me. You want to know how big a crossover it is? I was getting recognized last night. Yeah. So they tightened. It's crazy, man. It was. But what really, truly an experience, and it makes you want to come in. We're all talking about, like, ooh, they're doing wizard of Oz here. Ooh, what's next? Fear.

[Wilfred L]

Ooh.

[Danielle Fischl]

We just want to come back to the venue. It's an amazing experience. It really is. They need one in every city now.

[Wilfred L]

I know when Ryder walked in, he was like, ah, it feels good to be back in the sphere. I was like, welcome home, Ryder. I'm so. I'm so into it too.

[Danielle Fischl]

I am, too. I want to see, like, planet Earth or something. Just go see something. Yeah, I do want to just see the movie too.

[Wilfred L]

I know that the movie's great. I've seen that.

[Danielle Fischl]

And then, yeah, wizard of Oz.

[Wilfred L]

I'm going to. I'm coming back for wizard of Oz.

[Danielle Fischl]

God, if Pink I will. I will fly, drive, do whatever I have to. If Pink Floyd comes here, I don't care if I have to camp out for tickets. I want to see Pink Floyd in this venue.

[Wilfred L]

This Labor Day. Say goodbye to spill stains and overpriced furniture with washablesofas.com featuring Annabe the only machine washable sofa inside and out where designer quality meets budget friendly pricing. Sofas start at just $6.99, making it the perfect time to upgrade your space. Anibase Pet Friendly stain resistant and interchangeable slipcovers are made with high performance fabric built for real life. You'll love the cloud like comfort of hypoallergenic high resilience foam that never needs fluffing and a durable steel frame that stands the test of time with modular pieces you can rearrange anytime. It's a sofa that adapts to your life. Now through Labor Day, get up to 60% off site [e-mail] Every order comes with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not in love, send it back for a full refund. No return shipping, no restocking fees. Every penny back. Shop [e-mail] Offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. Parents, let's talk snacks. If your mornings look anything like mine, you're reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time. One kid can't find his water cup and the other is crying because their socks feel too spicy. That's why Mott's no Sugar added applesauce pouches are perfect to have nearby. These things are clutch, made with real apples, no sugar added. And the pouch? Genius. It's mess free and perfect for the car, the lunchbox or after school activities. This is a snack you can feel good about and a good source of vitamin C too. Just tasty applesauce your kids will actually want to eat. The other day I handed one to my kid during rush hour traffic. Instant silence. He went from feral raccoon to calm librarian in two squeezes flat. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Motts Real apples make real good applesauce. Learn [e-mail] we all have that piece. You know the one.

[Danielle Fischl]

The thing that's so you You've basically become known for it.

[Wilfred L]

And if you don't have yours yet, you'll find it on ebay.

[Danielle Fischl]

Putting you on here, fashionistas. Ebay is where you'll find those. One of a kind.

[Wilfred L]

Can't stop researching.

[Danielle Fischl]

Stay up dreaming about pieces again and again.

[Wilfred L]

I'm talking that mew mew off the Runway.

[Danielle Fischl]

Red leather bomber, that Cousteau Barcelona top with the cowboy on it, or that.

[Wilfred L]

Patagonia fleece in the 2017 colorway. All these finds are on ebay and they even offer millions of main character pieces backed by authenticity guarantee. Ebay is the place for pre loved and vintage fashion. Ebay things people love. Summer is right around the corner. And you know what that means.

[Danielle Fischl]

Barbecues, Sunny days by the pool with my shirt on.

[Wilfred L]

No unwanted hair. No one wants that. So we're here to remind you about Nair, the number one hair removal brand, the gold standard in the field.

[Danielle Fischl]

You can't go wrong with any of their products. They have the new luxe wax for less. Wait time in between waxes or the dermatologist tested body and shower creams free of dyes, parabens, phthalates and sulfates.

[Wilfred L]

But we're focusing on my favorite, the wax strips. It makes for the easiest wax ever and it lasts up to four weeks, all while minimizing hair regrowth and most importantly, saving me time. I have a podcast to record, a little league practice to watch, and a bedtime of 8.30pm Nair is an actual lifesaver.

[Danielle Fischl]

You can achieve salon quality results at home, leaving you with stress free, soft, silky skin. Or as I like to call it, the triple S. You heard the man. Get ready for summer. Buy Nair wax strips at Walmart, Walgreens or cvs.

[Wilfred L]

Ah yes, it's the season of back to school. The scent of sharpened pencils fills the air and your child suddenly has very strong opinions about sneakers. Luckily, Famous Footwear has all the big name brands. They're obsessed with Nike, Adidas, Jordan Crocs, Converse, New Balance, Birkenstock. But now without the big time drama. I used to love back to school shoe shopping. As a kid, I'd strut out of that store like I was walking a red carpet. If that red carpet led to a cafeteria that served square pizza. But now I keep it simple. I skip the checkout chaos and order online, pick up in store or get same day delivery with doordash. It's fast, easy, and no one ends up crying in the clearance aisle. Not even me. They've got over 830 locations plus, in store fit experts who help pick the right size because they know kids feet grow every few minutes. Famous footwear saves you time, money and sanity and still lets your kid feel like the main character on day one. You don't have to overspend to make it famous right now. Buy one pair of shoes. Get one half off at your local famous footwear store or famous.com. see store associate for details. Did you guys end up knowing more songs than you thought you were gonna know last night?

[Danielle Fischl]

I couldn't, like, sing them back to you, but there were moments where I was like, oh, I do know that one.

[Wilfred L]

Right?

[Danielle Fischl]

I've heard that one. But no.

[Wilfred L]

Okay.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah, I totally did. I totally. And I. I could. I was singing along with a lot.

[Wilfred L]

I was like, wait, I know this song.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah. I mean, it was kind of. It was everywhere in the zeitgeist in the 90s, that kind of thing. And I think I'd be the same way with NSync where it's like. Like, I think there was probably a couple songs I thought were NSYNC that turned out to be Backstreet Boys.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Where because you just. You just kind of keep hearing them and we know them, so it's like, oh, that's Backstreet. I remember overhearing at one of our. Because, you know, these guys are always at the convention. I think it was. Joey was at a convention talking about how people would say that would come up to him and be like, oh, I saw you in Vegas at this time at this concert. He'd be like, you're talking about the other band. Know the show you're talking about. That was the other boy band. I was like, that must happen all the time. They just get confused. They all just go in there at this point. Yeah. One of the bands.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah, I did. I did get gifted a donut this morning. I'm very excited. I've taken one bite.

[Danielle Fischl]

You do. And it's like it's sitting next to you, just calling to you the entire time.

[Wilfred L]

It is.

[Danielle Fischl]

Okay, what would the sphere. Visuals for Pod Meats World Live. What would we do? Donut in the sky.

[Wilfred L]

We get to fly through the donut.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yes, we go through the donut. Whales jumping out of the water. That would be amazing because we could do the entire thing with the. Oh, like the echoing. The whale sound.

[Wilfred L]

We could come out of whale spout. You know, water.

[Danielle Fischl]

Okay.

[Wilfred L]

Okay, camera.

[Danielle Fischl]

Camera begins way above the world. Okay. We zoom in.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Now we're getting to, like, nowhere. Alaska.

[Wilfred L]

Right.

[Danielle Fischl]

And it's. And Then there's a. There's a hut and we go into the window and there's places with squirrels with his. Yes. We just like 45 minutes to get there and then we just see. Yeah. Then you come up with a moose on stage. Oh, and the 212 people there for us would be like, freaking out.

[Wilfred L]

They would freak out. Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

It would be tens of fans.

[Wilfred L]

Tens of fans would line up in that 20,000 seat venue.

[Danielle Fischl]

Be so great.

[Wilfred L]

But it would be wonderful.

[Danielle Fischl]

It would really. But I was seriously watching a Boy Meets World episode on that screen. Did you help? Like awful. Lobster.

[Wilfred L]

Lobster.

[Danielle Fischl]

But it would like, you would see how blurry our camera. Like standard death. Just awfulness. Oh, my God. It's like, wait, we're in the sphere. We're like, why is it 43. They're not using any of the sides. Like, what. What the hell is going on? I wonder if can you. Stupid question. And I'm sure you're gonna be like, come on. Can you rent out the Sphere and play something you want?

[Wilfred L]

I think.

[Danielle Fischl]

A rich guy be like, oh, yeah, I'm renting out the entire sphere. I'm gonna play my family videos.

[Wilfred L]

You know how to get in touch with James Dolan?

[Danielle Fischl]

You know what James Dolan did? Rent it out for no Doubt to someone like a corporate gig. Who is James Dolan? He's the owner.

[Wilfred L]

Owner.

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, okay. And so, yeah, he did. They did a no Doubt show there with visuals and everything one night. See that? So you can. You can rent it. That's millions.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Danielle's next birthday. Thanks for bringing us. Let's do it. That's awesome. I want to play Mario Kart on it. Oh, sick. Ray Tyson's Punch Out. Oh, my God. There's got to be some video game that you could play. Oh, my God. That would be amazing. Because, you know, in baseball stadiums, a big thing is they usually, like, before games, sometimes for players will put it on the Jumbotron and then they'll put it on social media. Oh, cool. Because, like, it's cool. You know, I would love. There's gotta be a way to. Could. They'll do that eventually. They have to. I mean, why not? I was so bummed the robot was closed last night.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah. There was no robot in the lobby.

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, that's right. The robot that. Yeah. Okay. Especially producer Easton. It feels like a real.

[Wilfred L]

A real pointed.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah, like you would love. He's. He's a big amusement park guy. Yeah. And I was like, real excited to tell him, like, this robot takes in anything you say is AI, and then they had it covered. Oh, my. Well, it's probably his day off. Right, right, right. Yeah. Everybody needs a day off. Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah. Robot rest.

[Danielle Fischl]

Robot rest. Oh, man.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

What a show. We talked about this. Eagles are neck. Who's next? At this. At Sphere.

[Wilfred L]

At Sphere. Who is next? Do we know?

[Danielle Fischl]

I think it's Eagle.

[Wilfred L]

I mean, wizard of Oz is still going. And then. And they. And then Backstreet Boys just extended their residence after that.

[Danielle Fischl]

Maybe. Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

The Eagles. Are they coming back?

[Danielle Fischl]

Because they were already there. I think they are. I don't know. And most of the band's not with them anymore, so it's like.

[Wilfred L]

Right.

[Danielle Fischl]

One guy from.

[Wilfred L]

It's an eagle.

[Danielle Fischl]

Yeah, it's an eagle. It's a lone. It's a lone eagle who plays bass with six other guys. Yeah, pretty much.

[Wilfred L]

It's a real eagle.

[Danielle Fischl]

It just flies around like. This is not what I expected. There's also a bunch of DJs coming. Oh, see, that makes sense.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Just do, like, music with visuals. Like dance party. Oh, absolutely. Plus, if your chair is vibrating the whole time, it's like a festival group. Insomniac. They're like a big. Okay, so it makes sense. Edm. You know, it's called. It's called Insomniac. Tomorrowland. Unity. That makes sense. You know who I bet you would do really well? There is like a K pop band.

[Wilfred L]

Oh, yeah.

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, yeah. Huge. Blackpink did a residency or. What was the. What's the other big one? Bts. Thank you. Yeah. My dark horse is Miley Cyrus. It's my dark horse. Interesting. I'm a big fan. A lot of visuals can sing. Okay. I want to rent Sphere out just for Danielle and have Bob Dylan perform. Just. Just Bob Dylan. No visuals, just this. The moment.

[Wilfred L]

This is the moment when I realize Ryder hates.

[Danielle Fischl]

And then that same. Love it. Right? And then I'll invite some theater kids to come and do improv. Theater Kid Energy, just for you. That's a great writer.

[Wilfred L]

Loved me. I thought we were friends. I'm. It's literally right now I'm realizing he wants to torture me. It says that brings him joy and peace.

[Danielle Fischl]

Great, great idea. Oh, my God. Happy birthday. Take a suggestions from the audience. We're going to improv. Hey, you. Let's come on up on stage. You want to be a part of our show? Okay, give me the location. I heard bank. I heard bank. Okay. Oh, God. Happy birthday. It's everything Danielle hates. We set up for weeks, we spend millions. And it's A night of just everything she can't stand. Oh, God, that would be so funny. Ladies and gentlemen, you'll check under your chairs. Live spider ready? Exactly. We're going to start by watching Arachnophobia. Arachnophobia is playing while Bob Dylan plays. Bob Dylan play. 45 minute version of Mr. T. Theater, Kids, acting stuff. Mimes. Just mimes. Just mimes. And then D and D. Let's go.

[Wilfred L]

Yes.

[Danielle Fischl]

Dungeons and Dragons. Oh, God, that is great.

[Wilfred L]

I will never be inviting you guys anywhere for my birthday again.

[Danielle Fischl]

Oh, that's so funny.

[Wilfred L]

Thank you all for joining us for this episode of Pod Meets World. So the next time you hear from us, we will be interviewing a Y2K queen, Ms. Ashley Simpson Ross herself. She's going to be starting a Vegas residency, so I can't wait to talk to her about how exciting that all is.

[Danielle Fischl]

You know my first question for her, What? Is she related to Natania Ross?

[Wilfred L]

Oh. Or Marion Ross, but she is now married into Diana Ross's family.

[Danielle Fischl]

That's probably. She's probably related to her then.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah, that's the Ross. She's married.

[Danielle Fischl]

Okay, that makes more sense.

[Wilfred L]

Okay, okay. As always, you can follow us on Instagram Pod meets World show. You can send us your emails podmeetsworldshowmail.com and we've got merch.

[Danielle Fischl]

Wow. Merch. That's the Lone Eagle. That was amazing. You should do voiceover. Have you ever thought about voice shouting at the Eagles? Play Hotel California. It's gone.

[Wilfred L]

I don't think you hear me.

[Danielle Fischl]

I don't think you heard me. I love that they wouldn't play Hotel California.

[Wilfred L]

I'd have to ask you for it.

[Danielle Fischl]

The one eagle as he's flying around. I don't think they're gonna play any. He's not gonna hit any of the hits. Do you think the. Do you think the eagles actually have eagles in their visuals? They must. I know, but that's kind of disappointing.

[Wilfred L]

It's a little unhyped.

[Danielle Fischl]

It's on the beak. It's just too on the beak. Like, what are we doing here?

[Wilfred L]

Pod meets worldshow.com writer. Send us on.

[Danielle Fischl]

We love you all. Pod Dism. Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fischl, Wilfred L and Ryder Strong, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sugbash, producer Matty Moore, engineer and Boy Meets World superban Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon. Follow us on Instagram odd meetsworld show or email [e-mail].

[Wilfred L]

Hey parents, quick question. When's the last time you won snack time? Yesterday I packed a granola bar so old Adler asked if it was a dinosaur fossil. So it's been a while and that's why Mott's no Sugar added Applesauce pouches are perfect to keep on hand. Real apples, no added sugar and the pouch? It's Snack Time's mvp. Minimal mess, maximum peace. It's even got vitamin C. Kids love it. Parents don't mess it up. Win win Motts Real apples make real good applesauce.

[Danielle Fischl]

Learn [e-mail] hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals Time, where you can enjoy store wide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Kettle, Haagen, Dazs, M&M's Ritz, Chips Ahoy, Arrowhead, All Poppy, Charmin and Red Bull. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery subject to availability restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse with family. Cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to go get mixed up in the family business? Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slot. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather [e-mail] Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. It's summer time to enjoy long days.

[Wilfred L]

Lazy nights and great food. Because UberEats has deals all summer long. So when hunger strikes, don't sweat it. Delicious deals are just a Tap away on UberEats. Enjoy all your favorite grocery items delivered straight to you.

[Danielle Fischl]

Get ice cream, soda and snacks from.

[Wilfred L]

Your favorite stores like Wegmans and cvs and make the most of every moment.

[Danielle Fischl]

Now that sounds like a good summer.

[Wilfred L]

Order. Now on UberEats Terms apply. Product availability varies by region. See app for details.

[Danielle Fischl]

This episode is supported by Belvita.

[Wilfred L]

Okay, let me ask you a question. What is the key to having a productive morning?

[Danielle Fischl]

It's breakfast, right?

[Wilfred L]

Yes. And that leads to another question. Who here has time for breakfast? I know I don't thankfully, there is always time for some Belvita breakfast biscuits, a little fruit and a latte.

[Danielle Fischl]

It's the fuel you need to make the most of your morning. And they're so convenient. They fit right into your routine.

[Wilfred L]

With Belvita, you can juggle busy mornings with a positive attitude.

[Danielle Fischl]

Pick up a pack of Belvita at your local store today. This is an iHeart podcast.