Pod Meets World: Pod Meets Twirl’d – DWTS 3406 Recap

Podcast: Pod Meets World
Date: October 25, 2025
Hosts: Will Friedle & Ryder Strong
Theme: A light-hearted, deeply opinionated and playful breakdown of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34, Episode 6 (Wicked Night), from the perspective of two "Boy Meets World" alums now self-proclaimed DWTS “experts”—mainly because their co-host and friend, Danielle Fishel, is a contestant.

Episode Overview

In this energetic episode, Will and Ryder unpack every twist, turn, and kick-ball-change of Wicked Night on Dancing with the Stars. Broadcasting with Will in the States and Ryder in Costa Rica (accompanied by a 50th birthday party crowd keen to talk all things DWTS), the duo give the rundown on each performance, debate judging, riff on the quirks of the show, and, of course, gush enthusiastically over Danielle Fishel’s breakout performance. They also muse about how DWTS blends talent, personality, and voting quirks, frequently parodying their own dance ignorance while serving up sharp observations and running jokes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcasting from Costa Rica & Becoming Accidental Dance Experts

• [03:34] Ryder opens with banter about podcasting from Costa Rica and the out-of-body experience of becoming a "DWTS commentator" just by stating they are not experts.
  • “I was just, you know… everyone wants to know how Danielle’s doing. I’m like, good, I think I’m going to talk to her tomorrow." —Ryder [05:01]
  • “All of a sudden we’ve become experts because we said we’re not experts.” —Will [05:18]

2. Danielle Fishel’s Standout Week

• Danielle (Topanga) and Pasha’s dance is a major highlight, with both hosts effusively praising her breakthrough.
  • “It was like a wanted to cry moment for my friend…we know how hard she’s been working." —Will [06:04]
  • “For her to be able to lean into [her bubbly and dark sides] this week was just incredible." —Ryder [07:01]
  • Memorable quote: “She arguably…all things being considered, was dance of the night." —Will [54:46]

3. Wicked Night: A Broadway Twist

• The night is themed around the musical Wicked, leading both hosts to comment on the opening group number and how the Broadway style amped up the entire episode.
  • “It seemed like we went to the Pantages and were watching a big theatrical show in front of us." —Will [07:53]
  • “It brought a cool energy—everybody focused around one story and set of characters." —Ryder [08:33]

4. Dance-by-Dance Breakdown (Highlights)

Scott Hoying & Riley Arnold

• Dance: Contemporary (“The Wizard and I”)
• Feedback: Struggled—awkward, shuffling, missed a few lifts.
  • “He was kerfuffled at the beginning...super clunky when he’s by himself.” —Will [09:06]
• Scores: Sevens across the board.
  • “Pretty generous, frankly.” —Will [11:04]

Ariana Madix & Pasha

(Note: episode transcript skips detailed dance for Ariana & Pasha, but focuses later on Danielle Fishel's big night—likely the episode’s main “star turn”)

Alexis and Val

• Dance: Jazz (“What Is This Feeling?”)
• Feedback: Impeccable sync, stage presence.
  • “This is so fun… this is going to be a good night.” —Ryder [11:27]
• Scores: 9, 9, 8, 9
• Judge Score Inflation: Hosts note score creep, wonder if the bar keeps artificially rising.
  • “Is it just that the judges just up the ante…making scores higher?” —Ryder [12:37]

Robert Irwin & Whitney

• Dance: Jazz (“Dancing Through Life”)
• Performance: Strong, “blends in with the pros.” Hosts speculate he or Whitney will win.
  • “He’s just blending in with the pros now.” —Ryder [15:55]
  • “I don’t think anybody’s going to beat him this year.” —Will [17:22]
• Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9

Whitney and Mark

• Dance: Quickstep
• Feedback: “Incredible.” Both marvel at the technical difficulty.
  • “...Even as a complete amateur, I’m like, this is hard!” —Ryder [19:03]
• Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10

Dylan and Daniela

• Dance: Latin (Noted: step back in quality)
• Feedback: Daniela is mesmerizing; Dylan seemed less confident, more clunky.
  • “Her body becomes a flame flickering around or something. It’s so impressive…” —Ryder [30:28]
  • “I did not think he was as good this week. He felt a little clunky.” —Will [30:43]
• Scores: All eights (8, 8, 8, 8)

Andy and Emma

• Dance: Jazz (“One Short Day”)
• Discussion: Hosts praise Andy’s personality and heart but expect it's nearly time for him to go based on dancing alone.
  • “He’s awesome. We love him… but now it might be time for you to go.” —Will [36:51]
  • “In this field…he can only go so far…” —Ryder [50:07]
• Scores: 7, 6, 7, 7

Elaine and Alan

• Dance: Contemporary (“Defying Gravity”)
• Notable Staging: Elaine spends 30 seconds aloft, not actually dancing.
  • “For 30 seconds of the dance, she’s not dancing. Is that a cheat?” —Will [45:55]
  • “I think dropping a point or two from a couple judges…she probably should have gotten an eight.” —Ryder [47:33]

Jen and Yan

• Dance: Foxtrot (“As Long As You’re Mine”)
• Feedback: Improving, but still “blends in.” Slight misfire at the ending.
  • “She seems so lovely…but she just blends in a bit.” —Will [48:54]
• Scores: Eights (8, 8, 8, 8)

Danielle Fishel & Pasha

• Dance: Argentine Tango
• Feedback: Major breakthrough. Hosts praise her technical mastery, expression, and dynamic presence—especially with an injured leg.
  • “She is one of the smallest people I’ve ever…you would never call her long-legged. And yet I was watching this—I was like, where did these legs come from?” —Ryder [53:40]
  • “My parents called me…‘Oh my god! Wait till you see Danielle.’” —Will [54:01]
  • “She arguably…was dance of the night.” —Will [54:46]
• Scores: Nines across the board (9, 9, 9, 9)—first nines, and Danielle is ecstatic.

Jordan and Ezra

• Dance: Rumba (“For Good”)
• Feedback: Jordan’s athletic control is stunning. She “could go off and become a professional dancer.”
  • “Her personality is really coming through…she’s just physically amazing.” —Ryder [56:44]
• Scores: 10, 9, 10, 10 (tied highest of the night)

5. Personality, Popularity & the Voting System

• Ongoing debate about whether dance improvement or popularity keeps contestants on the show, with the duo both praising Andy’s likability but suggesting it’s time for better dancers to stay.
  • “If the goal is to entertain you, [Andy will] win every week. If the goal is to dance, it might be time we say goodbye to Andy.” —Will [39:56]
• Hosts express curiosity about how fan bases (influencers, athletes, legacy stars) affect voting, especially for contestants like Whitney (reality dance influencer) or Danielle (90s TV nostalgia).

6. Judging Consistency and Score Inflation

• The hosts notice increasing scores each week and wonder if judges plan or “inflate” to keep up excitement.
  • “Is there judge inflation?” —Ryder [13:39]
  • “Poor [Carrie Ann]. She can’t win for trying…We’re gonna bash her for being too harsh and bash her for being too friendly.” —Will [23:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It was like a wanted to cry moment for my friend...we know how hard she's been working." —Will [06:04]
• "All of a sudden we've become experts because we said we're not experts." —Will [05:18]
• "I thought Scott had not progressed enough. Andy is progressing, and I think...he is progressing, so I think this was the right call." —Will [37:05]
• "She arguably...was dance of the night." —Will [54:46]
• "If you committed, I'd be such a downer. Stick in the mud." —Ryder, joking about ever joining DWTS [63:40]
• "It's just commitment. Commitment is the point. That's what we're celebrating with Andy—his commitment." —Ryder [39:41]

Fun Side Segments

"The Strong Incentive" Game — [60:04]

Will tempts Ryder with hypothetical prizes (like a year in New Zealand with his family in a Sprinter van) to see what it would take for Ryder to agree to be on DWTS. This week, Ryder immediately says yes to the New Zealand offer.

• “Yes, I would do it… That is, like, literally my dream…” —Ryder [62:17]

Elimination, Outcomes, and Looking Ahead

• Elimination: Scott Hoying is eliminated, which both Ryder and Will saw coming.
  • “It wasn’t a surprise…he took a step back as a dancer this week.” —Ryder [59:00]
• The field is narrowing, with strong dancers (like Danielle and Robert) rising as clear leaders, and Andy’s charming underdog story possibly nearing its end.

Final Thoughts

• The episode closes with the hosts reflecting on the mix of talent, athleticism, personality, and narrative that makes DWTS such fun TV. The consensus is that this season is stacked with dancers, and that Danielle’s transformation has officially made her a contender. Through witty asides, honest opinions, and lots of “we know nothing, but here’s what we think”—the hosts make the episode enjoyable whether you’re a passionate fan or a casual viewer.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:34] — Costa Rica trip & friends talking DWTS
• [05:45] — Accidental “DWTS experts” & Danielle check-in
• [07:53] — Wicked group routine: Broadway boost
• [09:02] — Scott Hoying & Riley critique
• [15:31] — Robert Irwin: prediction as favorite
• [19:19] — Whitney and Mark: judged on difficulty
• [30:13] — Dylan & Daniela: amazing pro, but Dylan slips back
• [36:51] — Andy & Emma: is it time to go?
• [45:34] — Elaine & Alan: staging vs. dance time
• [53:05] — Danielle's Argentine tango: major triumph
• [54:46] — “Dance of the night” (Danielle)
• [58:52] — Speculating on Jordan’s fanbase and voting
• [59:00] — Elimination: Scott goes
• [60:04] — “The Strong Incentive” & Ryder’s hypothetical DWTS deal

In summary:
An episode full of affectionate teasing, honest appraisals, and Boy Meets World camaraderie, spotlighting Danielle Fishel’s emergence as a DWTS frontrunner, technical dance debates, and musings on what really drives a winning season on the world’s sparkliest dance contest.