Pod Meets Y2K: Viva Las Content!

Summary

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Pod Meets World

Episode: "Pod Meets Y2K: Viva Las Content!"

Release Date: August 16, 2025
Hosts: Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, Rider Strong
Network: iHeartPodcasts

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Danielle, Will, and Rider are live from Las Vegas for a week packed with content and nostalgia. Set against the backdrop of a Backstreet Boys show at the Sphere, the trio shares Vegas adventures, behind-the-scenes stories, and signature banter. The episode spotlights memorable Vegas experiences, celebrity encounters, reflections on the staying power of 90s pop icons, and a comedic retelling of an upscale steakhouse visit—complete with a “beefcase.” There's also anticipation for interviews with Carrot Top, the Scrubbing In hosts, and Ashley Simpson Ross, connecting the worlds of 90s/00s shows with the modern era of residencies and pop culture reunions.

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Main Segments and Key Discussion Points

[04:33] – Vegas, Baby!

• Returning to the scene: The group is back in Las Vegas, reflecting on how often they’ve visited recently.
  • "This is the most I’ve ever been to Vegas ever." – Will Friedle (04:33)
  • Comments on feeling like the “official (or unofficial)” podcast of Las Vegas.
• Vegas routines: Danielle exposes how Will has begun to indulge in pre-show rituals, including massages and nice dinners, influenced by her own habits.

[05:14] – Epic Casino Wins & Celebrity Stories

• Will’s craps table hot streak:
  • He recounts a 20-minute epic roll, earning strangers—and himself—a few hundred bucks. (05:14)
• Price of Vegas luxury:
  • Will details a $50 coffee + OJ room order, joking about classic Vegas price-gouging. (06:57)
  • Sweet encounter: Room service attendant, a Chris Kyer acting student, shares heartfelt appreciation for the podcast. (07:12)

[07:39] – Packed Vegas Schedule & Celebrity Cameos

• Backstreet Boys at the Sphere

  • The week's content will be centered around seeing their show, with interviews featuring:
    • Kevin and AJ from Backstreet Boys
    • Carrot Top (Vegas legend and prop comic)
    • Scrubbing In podcasters
    • Ashley Simpson Ross, who’s doing her own Vegas residency

• Anticipation & interviews: The hosts hype up guest appearances, including a pod swap with Scrubbing In and interviewing Carrot Top as per Will’s long-held wish. (08:33–08:46)

[09:35] – The Celebrity Vegas Scene

• Sphere’s celebrity holding room:
  • Past attendees: Usher, Post Malone, Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song
  • Danielle hopes to spot Mayan Lopez (Instagram friends) at the show (11:14), while Will’s stepdaughter Lexi will attend for a bachelorette party.

[11:39] – Backstreet Boys vs. NSYNC: Boy Band Bragging Rights

• The hosts discuss ongoing Backstreet Boys mania:
  • “Backstreet Boys are the number one boy band of all time,” per Google and ticket sales. (12:08–12:28)
  • Debate legacy and longevity compared to NSYNC and other groups.
  • Danielle gives insight on Brian Littrell’s vocal condition and his perseverance:
    • “He hasn’t just let it be like, ‘listen, I’m not at the same level I was... so I’m just not going to do it anymore.’” – Danielle Fishel (13:26)
  • Compassionate discussion about how health can change a performer's career.

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Memorable Vegas Dinner: "The Beefcase Incident"

[19:42]–[27:26] — A Night at Poppy Steak

• Unexpected dinner run-in:

  • Both Danielle (with Jensen) and Will (with Susan) end up at the trendy, dark, and Instagram-famous Poppy Steak, unknowingly reserving at the same time.
  • Danielle jokes about crashing Will’s birthday dinner (20:43).

• The “Beefcase”:

  • Table near Danielle and Will orders the notorious $1,000 55-ounce Australian Wagyu steak, presented in a literal briefcase as lights, sirens, and club music erupt (“party siren”).
  • “It's a briefcase filled with beef.” – Danielle Fishel (21:51)
  • Will clarifies: “The beefcase, baby!” (21:47)
  • The experience includes staff stamping the raw steak tableside and chanting "steak, steak, steak" (22:19–22:24).

• Vegas Prices and Reactions:

  • Will continues to lampoon eye-watering Vegas prices:
    • “$18 for bread, free parking was $12.” (23:29–23:39)

• Pranking Danielle:

  • Will plays a practical joke on their dinner neighbors, pretending not to know Danielle but hyping Topanga’s presence to a pair of fans. One eventually approaches Danielle mid-bite for a photo, surprising her and resulting in an unflattering but hilarious dining memory.
  • “She literally looks the same, too!” – a fan, relayed by Will (24:16)
  • Danielle’s reaction: “Imagine you’re me, cutting into your steak...” (25:00)

• The reveal: Eventually, after a long conversation, the fans realize Will is Eric from the show. (27:03)

  • “I go, all right, well, I played Eric. She’s like, of course you did. I'm like, really? You had no idea?” – Will Friedle (27:03)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On living like Vegas locals:
  • "I said...a little bit of me has rubbed off on Will that he decided, 'Oh, I'm going to come in a day early, I'll get a massage, we'll go to dinner.'" – Danielle Fishel (04:54)
• Celebrity superstorm:
  • “[Backstreet Boys] selling out every single night. They’ve just extended the residency...maybe a peak career moment.” – Danielle Fishel (11:52)
• Boy band respect:
  • “With all love and respect to our friends at NSYNC...Backstreet Boys are number one.” – Wilfried L (12:12)
• On Brian Littrell’s resilience:
  • “He’s continued to show up, he’s continued to perform, and he’s been very open and honest...Some nights he has incredible nights, and other nights...” – Danielle Fishel (13:26)
• On Poppy Steak and the 'beefcase':
  • “It's a briefcase filled with beef.” – Danielle Fishel (21:51)
  • “The beefcase, baby!” – Wilfried L (21:47)
  • “There's your beefcase, baby!” – Wilfried L (22:07)
• On Vegas prices:
  • “$18 for bread, the free parking was $12.” – Wilfried L (23:29)
• Prank photo op:
  • “She comes up like this. Are you—she doesn’t even—there’s no chance she actually saw my face. The whole thing felt very sus.” – Danielle Fishel (25:50)

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Upcoming Content Preview

• Pod Swap:
  • Next up, a conversation with Becca and Tanya from the Scrubbing In podcast, continuing their Vegas content streak and cross-podcast collaborations. (27:26)

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Additional Notes

• Tone & Atmosphere:
  • The episode is fast-paced, playful, and packed with inside jokes and wry commentary on celebrity culture and Vegas excess.
  • Throughout, the trio keeps the spirit light and nostalgic, referencing their Boy Meets World roots while embracing their grown-up(ish) adventures.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:33 | Opening Vegas chat, favorite routines and rituals | | 05:14 | Will's legendary craps session | | 06:57 | $50 coffee & sweet fandom story (Chris Kyer connection) | | 07:39 | Content schedule preview: Backstreet Boys, Carrot Top, etc. | | 11:39 | Celeb cameos at the Sphere, who might attend | | 12:08 | Boy band debate: Backstreet Boys vs. NSYNC | | 13:26 | Brian Littrell’s vocal condition, resilience | | 19:42 | Dinner at Poppy Steak; “beefcase” saga | | 23:29 | Vegas sticker-shock: menu prices | | 24:16 | Will’s prank on Danielle/fan, Topanga photo | | 27:26 | Sign-off, preview of Vegas content week |

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For New Listeners

This episode is highly accessible for both long-time and first-time listeners; it’s packed with heartfelt nostalgia, classic Boy Meets World references, and plenty of Vegas-fueled fun. The hosts’ chemistry shines as they blend pop culture commentary with their own ongoing friendship and travel mishaps.

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Transcript

[Danielle Fishel]

This is an I Heart podcast. 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 times mvp. Minimal mess. Maximum peace. It's even got vitamin C. Kids love it. Parents don't mess it up. Win win Mottz. Real apples make real good applesauce. Learn [e-mail] 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 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. Okay, so Amazon prime is the easiest and fastest way to get anything delivered.

[Wilfred L]

But there's so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.

[Ryder Strong]

Prime helps you get more out of your passions and even discover new ones.

[Danielle Fishel]

Running a household with a four and six year old, I have become a connoisseur of children's toys. And not only can Amazon prime get me what the boys want as quickly as possible, which honestly can save my day, it also suggests new toys, ones I didn't even know existed, sending me down a rabbit hole of robots, ninja hybrids and happy puppets.

[Wilfred L]

We've all come to know Amazon prime as a lifesaver. It's where I go to stream movies and listen to music it just keeps on giving.

[Ryder Strong]

From streaming to shopping, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.

[Danielle Fishel]

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[Wilfred L]

No passport required and no need to fight over an aisle or a window seat. Pandora jewelry can transport you to paradise.

[Danielle Fishel]

Let your jewelry sparkle in the sun and and be unmissable on your vacation.

[Ryder Strong]

From ocean charms to color tennis bracelets, Pandora has new arrivals to add to your summer staples.

[Wilfred L]

I'm looking to get Susan one of their rectangular pendants for a necklace, especially with their in store engraving. Now I just have to decide if I'm going with Susan or Sue. Ooh, maybe I'll do both.

[Ryder Strong]

Feel it. Live it. Embrace it. Be love.

[Danielle Fishel]

Shop in store or [e-mail] to discover new styles. You've got mail. We're back in Las Vegas, everybody.

[Wilfred L]

Oh, yay. More Vegas. This is the most I've ever been to Vegas ever.

[Ryder Strong]

In any one year period.

[Wilfred L]

Every 20 year period.

[Ryder Strong]

Any 20 year period.

[Wilfred L]

Well, I have a favorite hotel now. Like, what are the chances I have.

[Ryder Strong]

A favorite order at this hotel?

[Danielle Fishel]

I said, I was so happy last night, Jensen and I went to dinner and I said, I'm so happy that a little bit of me is rubbed off on Will that he decided, oh, I'm gonna come in a day early, I'll get a massage, we'll go to dinner. I was like, I did.

[Wilfred L]

I called Zurich. I moved some money around, I got a bottle of water.

[Ryder Strong]

It was great tables.

[Wilfred L]

You didn't. I did.

[Danielle Fishel]

Last night he went on a craps roll where he Rolled for other people for 20 minutes.

[Wilfred L]

The people. The people I was rolling for were giving me money because I was making them. I won five or six hundred bucks. I was just betting the pass line, but they were everything. They were hitting. It was hitting doubles and snakes and all. It was crazy. It was a crazy night.

[Danielle Fishel]

So fun. Well, we have an entire week's worth of content in celebration of seeing the Backstreet Boys show here at the Sphere. All right. Nice.

[Wilfred L]

Thank you.

[Danielle Fishel]

That was incredible.

[Wilfred L]

You're.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're getting ready for tonight. Okay. They call you up?

[Wilfred L]

Well, just in case they call me up, let's just say I'll be prepared to jump on stage.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. I like that. I like that you're not dressed in your Backstreet Boy whites and blues.

[Wilfred L]

I'm not yet. I will be. Trust me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Will you tell people why?

[Wilfred L]

Because I am, as what my wife would say, a childlike eater.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Wilfred L]

So very rarely do I walk out of a meal childlike.

[Danielle Fishel]

He like that is.

[Ryder Strong]

I think when we're talking, eating, it's childish.

[Wilfred L]

Pretty much. Pretty much. But it's also, a lot of times these stuff gets on my sleeve because I'm using the crayon on the mats.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's hard.

[Wilfred L]

You're trying to draw the picture on.

[Danielle Fishel]

The thing and feeding tater tots with your fingers. Exactly.

[Wilfred L]

I'm trying to get all the way to the treasure map, so it's. I got stuff to do, and I tend to get sauce on my shirt.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, Ryder, you look wonderful in your white. Yes. Are we the official or unofficial podcast of Las Vegas at this point?

[Wilfred L]

I think.

[Danielle Fishel]

At this point, yeah, I think we could be.

[Wilfred L]

I think we are.

[Danielle Fishel]

We have no problem representing a city that none of us are from. Right. I think it's great. I have heard stories about how the tourism here is suffering. I'm happy to turn it around.

[Wilfred L]

I think we can.

[Ryder Strong]

We will be the face of Vegas.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah. I do have an interesting Vegas story this morning, so I ordered the coffee.

[Danielle Fishel]

How much was the coffee?

[Wilfred L]

One coffee and one orange juice was $50. Okay. Delivered to the room. The man who delivered to the room said, hey, I. It really nice to meet you. I want to let you know something. I wanted to be an actor, and I moved out to Los Angeles, and my acting coach was Chris Kyre.

[Danielle Fishel]

Wow.

[Wilfred L]

And Chris just said nothing but amazing things about you all. And I really just wanted to meet you. And I've been following you and following the pod, and I just. I really wanted to tell you how awesome you are and how great Being with Chris was. So a Chris Kyer student was.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then did he say, I don't even work here. I don't have your coffee and your orange juice. I just followed you to this place.

[Wilfred L]

And that's when I noticed he wasn't wearing pants. But it was. No, it was very nice. It was really cool of him. Yeah. So it was, it was very sweet. We have a Chris Kyer student here.

[Danielle Fishel]

I love that. Well, in addition to Interviewing Kevin and A.J. of the Backstreet Boys from the Sphere, we will be pod swapping with the scrubbing in ladies, two other I hearters who have made the trip in search of some piping hot nostalgia. So we'll be chatting with a. With a Vegas staple and comedy swapping.

[Ryder Strong]

For some pipe and hot nostalgia.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah, there's a lot of words there that are creepy if you put them in a word. Yeah, put them in a row.

[Danielle Fishel]

There's nothing dirty there.

[Ryder Strong]

Hyperin hot nostalgia.

[Danielle Fishel]

I want some.

[Wilfred L]

I want some moist nostalgia.

[Ryder Strong]

My thick and moist, you know, like just lay it on me. Lay it on me.

[Danielle Fishel]

You are two of the weirdest people I've ever known in my life. I love you both forever. So we are also going to be chatting with a Vegas staple and a comedy legend, A man who knows a thing or two about the 90s and the 2000s. Carrot Top. That was a Will Friedle random throw out suggestion. The last time we were in Vegas.

[Wilfred L]

Was it, did I make, did I manifest Carrot Top?

[Danielle Fishel]

You said, when we're here for the Backstreet Boy shows, can we interview Carrot Top? And producer Jensen said, I think we could make that happen.

[Ryder Strong]

Does he have a show here? He has a resident.

[Danielle Fishel]

He sure does.

[Wilfred L]

For like. Yeah, for decades, I don't think I've.

[Ryder Strong]

Seen a single Carrot Top.

[Danielle Fishel]

Really?

[Wilfred L]

Really What?

[Danielle Fishel]

The first joke I remember ever seeing from a professional comedian was a Carrot Top joke on TV and on tv. And I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever seen. What's the joke? It was a joke about call waiting but using the phones from when you were, you know, like when you used to have a tree house and you could connect. And then it was, hold on, I got a phone can. There was another little. Another little.

[Ryder Strong]

And he had a yes, that's funny.

[Danielle Fishel]

His a yes, that's good.

[Wilfred L]

And it's really funny. Yeah, he. So he was at the roast of somebody on one of those Comedy Central roasts and Flavor Flav was there and he's like flavors. Flav's gotten older. So I got him a new Clock. And it was a grandfather clock on the giant gold chain. So he does stuff like that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, I love it. Well, and then to close it all out, we are going to be chatting with Ashley Simpson Ross, a Y2K legend who has started her own Las Vegas residency here at the Venetian, returning to play her hits for what is basically the first time in a decade. So we chatted just a few days before she took the stage. So what do you guys think about the dress in white suggestion? We already know you have a childlike eating issue. Did you worry about whether or not you had anything?

[Ryder Strong]

I had one shirt.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Wilfred L]

This is my white shirt.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Ryder Strong]

And I, I felt weird about it so I put a tie on.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Couldn't.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

And definitely don't own white pants. So I went gray jeans. That's the closest I got.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, great. Jensen also didn't have a whole lot of white and he went and bought that entire outfit he's wearing. He did you?

[Wilfred L]

I. Of course.

[Danielle Fishel]

I can't wait to see what you.

[Wilfred L]

I am on.

[Ryder Strong]

The pants actually don't look bad. I don't know why I don't. I never think about it.

[Danielle Fishel]

These were 30 some odd dollars from Macy's.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And they're great.

[Wilfred L]

World sponsored by Macy's. And white pants.

[Danielle Fishel]

Listen, you never know. So did you know that there is a like little holding room before the show where we will see the Backstreet Boys and some past celebrities who have attended and have taken pictures with them have been Usher Post Malone, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song. Who are we hoping to see celebrity wise tonight? If you could pick someone, anyone, any celeb to be at the Backstreet Boys.

[Ryder Strong]

Celebrities. I don't know who anybody is.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Van Morrison.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah, Exactly.

[Ryder Strong]

Van Morrison. 80 years old. Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

With a hint of millennium blue.

[Wilfred L]

With millennium blue it.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't know who.

[Wilfred L]

Who most random celebrities. I don't know.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know. I know Mayan Lopez is going to be there. I know that because we are friends and she was posting about it on Instagram. I was like, I'll see you there. Okay. So I'm looking forward to seeing her. That'll be fun.

[Wilfred L]

My stepdaughter tomorrow, Lexi. She's coming and seeing the show tomorrow night with a bachelorette party.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh.

[Wilfred L]

So yeah, I don't know if. I don't know if she's going to get backstage. I'll have to try to figure something out.

[Ryder Strong]

Just a lot of celebrities are going to see the Backstreet Boys. Is that like a thing?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes, it's I mean, you know, obviously the Backstreet Backstreet Boys are having a peak nostalgia moment and truly maybe a peak career moment. Like this is. This is some of the biggest things they've. The shows they've ever done.

[Ryder Strong]

Sure.

[Danielle Fishel]

Selling out every single night. They've just extended the residency now through the end of the year and into the beginning of next year. And it's become, you know, the sphere is also shiny and new and insane and the word of mouth has been good. So everybody's coming to check it out.

[Wilfred L]

We didn't. We also Google. Were you guys with me? I don't know if it was us or was Susan. They're the Backstreet Boys. I guess, with all love and respect to our friends at NSync are the number one boy band of all time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah.

[Wilfred L]

I didn't know that. I would have guessed. By what measure was it record sales and gross income? I mean, they're like, Backstreet Boys are number one.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Ryder Strong]

I feel like they were the. Well, actually, I would have said new.

[Wilfred L]

Kids because that was our generation. A little menudo because of the. The fandom that was in South America that whole. I thought maybe they were, but no, Backstage Boys are number one.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. They've definitely continued the legacy. Well, mostly also because they've been able to continue to work as a group, whereas NSync is really successful as a group when they were together. But once Justin split off, they haven't really been able to ever get back to the group mentality to do a show.

[Wilfred L]

So anyway, I have a question because you especially know all this kind of stuff. Who do the fans as a group think are better singers? NSYNC or the Backstreet Boys?

[Danielle Fishel]

I think if you go back into the day, it'd be split pretty 50, 50, where people would be like, you either love the Backstreet Boys or you loved NSync. Now that kind of fighting of who's better has completely gone away and there's just room to love them all.

[Wilfred L]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

And I would think that maybe the majority of people would say lasting voice wise and sync has maybe voice wise held up a little better. Brian actually has a vocal condition that he has been having treated, but it causes some singing issues for him and it's really inspiring because he has continued to show up, he's continued to perform, and he's been very open and honest about the struggles that he faces. He hasn't just let it be like, listen, I'm not at the same level I was back in the day. So I'm just not gonna do it anymore. And some nights he has incredible nights, and other nights.

[Wilfred L]

That's got to be rough because that's your instrument. I mean, it's. And so it's exactly. Oh, I couldn't imagine. It's like, this is what I do. This is who I am. And, well, Adele had that with the nodules and all that kind of stuff. So for a singer, that's just got to be the worst.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's terrifying. And there's surgeries and stuff, but then you really run the risk of being able, like never getting your vocal ability back. Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

I mean, again, I'm not a singer, but my voice is my life. For podcasting and voiceover work, and we have voiceover actors who go through the same thing where it's like you need surgery and you need. This time, it's just. And it can change. You come in, you're an octave low or you're not higher. You can't hit the same registers.

[Ryder Strong]

It sucks.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you think of when you hear Amazon prime delivery trucks outside your home?

[Ryder Strong]

Your favorite streaming shows, of course, but.

[Danielle Fishel]

There is so much more. Whatever you love, that's what prime is.

[Wilfred L]

Prime helps you get more out of whatever passions you're into, and it helps you discover new ones.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just today, I bought a new makeup remover for my brushes and a few collagen masks that I sleep in. And Amazon prime is perfect for my never ending obsession with beauty products. Not only do I get what I need incredibly fast, I can find myself going down a rabbit hole for all new items I didn't even know existed. Nail brightening treatment? Yes, please. Green tea clay mask. Yes. Add it to the haul.

[Ryder Strong]

And the fact that Amazon prime also puts hundreds of movies and TV shows right at your fingertips.

[Wilfred L]

It's more than just same day delivery. It's a place to explore your passions.

[Danielle Fishel]

From streaming to shopping. It's on Prime.

[Wilfred L]

Visit Amazon.comprime to get more out of whatever you're into.

[Danielle Fishel]

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. Okay, can we talk about the power of a go to outfit? Because when you're juggling school, drop off a dog who needs his flea meds bad and a grocery list you started on the back of your Putting on something that can keep up with you is key. So picture me at the park, hair in a claw clip, one shoe untied, granola bar crumbs everywhere, and my kids treating the jungle gym like the ropes of a wrestling ring. Then someone walks up to you and says, cute dress. And you say, thanks, it's from JCPenney. And that's when you see it. The wait, seriously face. Yeah, JCPenney. Totally underrated style destination. It's packed with stylish, affordable finds for the whole family, especially for the one who keeps it all together. And the deals. I mean, finding a dress that looks amazing and fits your budget? That's a mom win. Worth celebrating. I grabbed the Liz Claiborne Sleeveless A line dress. It's light, it moves with me, and I still looked pulled together while sprinting after a juice box and flip flops. And I picked up a few adorable graphic tees for the boys that fit their growing bodies and their adorable personalities. Already a fan? Then you know. If not, consider this your wake up call. Discover it for yourself. Shop [e-mail] yes, JCPenney, life's messy.

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[Danielle Fishel]

So will. I rubbed off on Will. He came in a day early with his lovely wife Susan. They got massages, Susan got a facial. And then I did not know where they were going to dinner for Will's birthday, but it turned out they went to dinner at the exact same place. Jensen and I just wandered into dinner at the same time, which is a restaurant called Poppy Steak. I have never heard of Poppy Steak, but apparently it's very famous as a chain.

[Ryder Strong]

Or this one in particular.

[Wilfred L]

This one, I think for the Instagram machine.

[Danielle Fishel]

TikTok or what? Miami. Yeah, but. But I don't know, it's just a stereotype. I am not sure.

[Wilfred L]

Nice.

[Ryder Strong]

Is it poppy?

[Wilfred L]

Like Puerto Rico?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, Poppy steak. So we wander in and I'm like, I'm in shorts. And I'm like, it's very fancy, it's very dark. But I was craving a steak. So I walk in, I go, listen, I am wearing shorts. I don't look like I belong here, but I. I'm hungry for a steak. Am I allowed in here?

[Wilfred L]

And they were like, yeah, it's Vegas. Yeah, sure, you're good.

[Danielle Fishel]

So we wander in, we sit down. Within 40 seconds of being at the table, I hear, what? What are you doing here? Turn Around. It's Mr. Will Friedle.

[Ryder Strong]

And you've now ruined his birthday.

[Danielle Fishel]

Hugs. Hugs. Thankfully, we're on the other side of the rack.

[Ryder Strong]

Luckily, we can't join tables.

[Danielle Fishel]

I can't join tables. I'm not ruining anything. My back's to him. I can't even see him.

[Ryder Strong]

Not an 11 sisters, so get out of here.

[Wilfred L]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

So we say hello, I hug Susan, they go back to their table, we order our food. Food comes while we're eating. All of a sudden, siren.

[Ryder Strong]

You made it sound like a party siren.

[Wilfred L]

It was.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, it is. It's a party siren.

[Wilfred L]

It was.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's a party siren with all the lights go black in the restaurant and it's now like a techno light above the table. Oh, your favorite place to have right on a table. And we're like, what is happening from the back? People come out with lights.

[Ryder Strong]

Woo woo.

[Danielle Fishel]

Everybody's screaming, they're carrying something to the table. We're like, what is going on? It's the beef case.

[Wilfred L]

The beef case, baby.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh yeah, you heard me right.

[Wilfred L]

Beefcase, my friend.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's a briefcase filled with beef.

[Ryder Strong]

I mean that makes me want to vomit.

[Wilfred L]

Like just say wait till the price.

[Danielle Fishel]

You open the beefcase.

[Ryder Strong]

Wait, is it actually like a suitcase? Like it actually floats gold.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't want beef in there.

[Wilfred L]

There you go. There's your beefcase, baby.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then they have a hot iron. It's. It's raw. The steak is raw. Oh, even worse, Stab, they stamp it with an iron. You see the steam and the smoke.

[Wilfred L]

Going and they're going steak, steak, steak, steak.

[Ryder Strong]

Is that your beef face?

[Wilfred L]

Yeah, for the beef case.

[Ryder Strong]

Steak, steak, steak. That's what they do.

[Danielle Fishel]

By the way, the family that ordered it was a mom, a dad and like a six year old girl.

[Wilfred L]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

So six year old girl is like, what is happening?

[Ryder Strong]

So how much does a beefcase.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, that's a good question. Will. You're the, you're the resident. Know how much everything costs everywhere we go person. So how much does it cost?

[Wilfred L]

$1,000. What?

[Danielle Fishel]

Huh? It's a 55 ounce steak what feeds Australian Wagyu. Australia.

[Ryder Strong]

It might last you a week, I guess. Yeah, but you can't.

[Danielle Fishel]

We got the case.

[Wilfred L]

We got the case. The case goes, case goes back, they take the.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't get to keep the case.

[Wilfred L]

That's how they get you.

[Ryder Strong]

What if I, if I eat all 55 ounces, do I get to keep the case? Like I have?

[Danielle Fishel]

No. We tried to get a beefcase to go. It's not the same.

[Wilfred L]

No. So yeah, a thousand dollars. They have a thousand dollar steak and then a thousand dollar dessert which is the base to bake the last.

[Danielle Fishel]

I should have also said that right? When I hugged Will, before I had even opened the menu, he was like, oh, I hope you have all the money in the world to eat here. The bread alone's $18. Before I had even sat at my.

[Wilfred L]

18 bucks for bread, the free parking was $12. My dad, when you get to Vegas, you get really? I do. I become old because it's so asinine.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Wilfred L]

But I did have a little bit of fun at Danielle's expense at the restaurant.

[Danielle Fishel]

Sure did.

[Wilfred L]

We're sitting down and it's, you know, you're very close to the table next to you.

[Danielle Fishel]

And Will is the mayor of everywhere. He goes, why not not talk to the people next? Of course.

[Wilfred L]

So they sit down, and of course we're, hey, there's the beefcase. All that kind of stuff. And then we start, I. I look over to Susan, I go, I'm gonna have a little fun. So I turned to them, I said, did you guys ever watch that show? It's like, boys meet whatever boy. And they're like, boy meets world. And I'm like, yes, like the girl from Boy Meets World, Whatever. And they're like, topanga. I'm like, she walked in, she's over there, and they have no idea.

[Ryder Strong]

She jumps in.

[Wilfred L]

No. She's like, she looks the same too. I'm like, she's. The woman's like, oh, my God, you're kidding me. My husband loved her. I'm like, I never really watched the show. But, like, she, like, looks. And so they. 15 minutes I'm talking to him about this. So she's like, I'm gonna go take a lap and take a picture. I'm like, you should, because I. I bet you she's super nice, like. And so she gets up and walks. Do you want to take it from there?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. So I'm. Steak has just arrived.

[Ryder Strong]

I'm literally normal sized steak.

[Danielle Fishel]

Jensen and I shared a normal sized steak.

[Wilfred L]

He's just one person going, they didn't know.

[Ryder Strong]

There were.

[Danielle Fishel]

There were no lights. They were like, here's your cheap ass steak, kid. By the way, the food was.

[Ryder Strong]

There's a toothpick. We seared it.

[Danielle Fishel]

The food was incredible.

[Wilfred L]

It was amazing.

[Danielle Fishel]

So anyway, I am cutting into my pee. I just put a bite in my mouth, and this woman comes walking up like this. Like, imagine you're me cutting into your steak. She comes up like this. Are you. She doesn't even. There's. There's no chance she actually saw my face. The whole thing felt very sus. But like, never in a million years did I think, oh, Will Friedle told her I was here. I just thought, wow, I guess she saw me and somewhere else, and she took a lap and whatever. And I go, yeah. And she's like, oh, my God, I love that show. She's being very loud. I love that show. My husband was a big fan. I was like, okay, great. What's your name? She tells me her name, Rona. So I shake her hand. Nice to meet you. She's like, can I get a picture? I literally have, like, cilantro, like, sauce in my teeth. I'm like, okay. So I'm. I'm finishing my bite.

[Wilfred L]

Meanwhile, Susan, she's standing up. Daniel standing up. I think she's.

[Danielle Fishel]

She hands her phone to Jensen. Jensen has to put his food down. He takes a picture from the sitting down position. We look like pigs being shot up the nose. We take the picture, and then she's like, thank you so much. I'm really sorry. And I was like, no, it's okay. It's fine. And then she walks away, and I sit back down, and I'm like, all right, let's get back to our meal. And then about 10 minutes later, will texts me and says, we're almost done. Do you want to go play some craps? And I'm like, yeah, we're done now. Let's go. And I look over to see if he gets it, and I go, he's sitting next to that. He's sitting next to that woman. That's the woman that recognized me. And I'm like, I'm not gonna go over to their table.

[Ryder Strong]

You should have gone to another table and set it up even better. You know, like, you know what she loves, Ben, is when people do the Topanga call and, like, what is that?

[Danielle Fishel]

You just give them.

[Ryder Strong]

She loves that.

[Wilfred L]

But I think we were having so much fun. It was. The timing couldn't have worked better. They were. And, oh, God, it was just magic all the way around. But I talked to this woman, both of them, about Boy Meets World And Danielle, for 15 minutes.

[Danielle Fishel]

And then she finally said, how do you. How do you know all of this?

[Wilfred L]

And he was like. I go, all right, well, I played Eric. She's like, of course you did. I'm like, really? You had no idea? And then I couldn't hear the rest because I got the beefcake.

[Ryder Strong]

Get your beef face on.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's beefcake. Beef face, Beef's face.

[Wilfred L]

You get the B face when you're covered with some hot nostalgia.

[Danielle Fishel]

All right, well, thank you all for joining us for this first episode of our POD kicks off Las Vegas. Again. We look forward to hopefully entertaining you with a week's worth of Las Vegas content. So the next time you hear us, we will be with Becca and Tanya from Scrubbing In. We'll be doing our pod swap. Thanks for listening to this episode of Pod Meets World. As always, you can follow us on Instagram pod meets world show. You can send us your emails. Pod meets worldshowmail and we've got merch.

[Wilfred L]

Merch.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Podmeets worldshow.com all right, writer, send us out.

[Ryder Strong]

We love you all. Pod dismissed. Pod Meets World is an iHeart podcast produced and hosted by Danielle Fishel, Wilfred L And Ryder Strong, executive producers Jensen Karp and Amy Sugarman, executive in charge of production Danielle Romo, producer and editor Tara Sugbaksh, producer Matty Moore, engineer and Boy Meets World superman Easton Allen. Our theme song is by Kyle Morton of Typhoon. Follow us on Instagram odmeatsworldshow or email us at podmeatsworldshowmail.com.

[Danielle Fishel]

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 times. Mvp. Minimal mess. Maximum peace. It's even got vitamin C. Kids love it. Parents don't mess it up. Win Win Mottz Real apples make real good applesauce. Learn [e-mail] youm know, I never realized how much better I treat my dog than myself.

[Wilfred L]

Really?

[Ryder Strong]

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

[Danielle Fishel]

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

[Ryder Strong]

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

[Danielle Fishel]

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

[Ryder Strong]

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

[Danielle Fishel]

Big things are happening at your local CVS Extra Big.

[Wilfred L]

You don't want to miss these extra big deals and more are coming every two weeks, so keep coming back.

[Ryder Strong]

Use your Extra Care card to unlock savings every time you shop. Extra Care is the way to save.

[Danielle Fishel]

At cvs, so if you're not a member yet, join for free online or in store and start saving.

[Wilfred L]

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

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Now through August 26th, it's back to Deals Time. Where you can enjoy storewide deals and earn four times points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Califia Farms, Pillsbury Crescent, Yoplait, General Mills, Prego, Bertoli, Heinz and Kraft. 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.

[Wilfred L]

This episode is supported by Belvita.

[Danielle Fishel]

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

[Ryder Strong]

It's breakfast, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. And that leads to another question. Who here has time for breakfast?

[Wilfred L]

I know I don't.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thankfully, there is always time for some Belveda breakfast biscuits, a little fruit and a latte.

[Ryder Strong]

It's the fuel you need to make the most of your morning.

[Wilfred L]

And they're so convenient, they fit right into your routine.

[Danielle Fishel]

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

[Ryder Strong]

Pick up a pack of Belveda at your local store today.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is an iHeart podcast.