Pod Meets World: "The Last Dance (Week 11)"

Podcast: Pod Meets World, iHeartPodcasts
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Danielle Fishel

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged solo episode, Danielle Fishel recaps the "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 finale from the unique perspective of a contestant, returning performer, and fan. Listeners are taken behind the scenes for an intimate look at finale week—its meticulous preparation, the competitive spirit, the personal journeys, and the joy (and occasional tears) of reaching the end of the season. Danielle offers heartfelt commentary on her fellow contestants, reveals rehearsal secrets, and shares her own emotional growth through dance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Finale Week: Preparation & Reunion

[02:04–14:22]

• Finale Prep Starts Weeks in Advance:

  • Creative planning for the finale began even as early as the week Danielle was eliminated (week 8), with pros and celebrities already discussing their potential freestyle routines in case they made it to the end.
  • “For weeks, the couples have been talking about their plans and what they are going to do if they are fortunate enough to make it to the finale.” (Danielle, 03:35)

• Rehearsal Dynamics:

  • Danielle describes the joy of returning as a group for a fun, high-energy opening number, rehearsing with fellow contestants, and experiencing expert choreography (“you can tell when there’s somebody who’s really good at what they do, and everything just goes super seamlessly.”)
  • Only one real rehearsal day for the group number, followed by a two-hour “bumper” rehearsal for a mini segment with Whitney and Andy.

• Seeing Old Friends:

  • Danielle emphasizes the family-like atmosphere and excitement at reuniting with the season’s cast, highlighting her closeness with Baron and her admiration for Lauren Jauregui’s new song.
  • She humorously notes being the only eliminated contestant to attend every show after elimination, just out of love for the experience:
    • “My husband would like me to say that I am the only eliminated contestant to have been at every show, which makes me sound like the loser that I am. But that’s okay. I’m gonna accept that.” (Danielle, 10:12)

2. The Finale Night: Vibes, Dances, and Celebrations

[14:22–28:06]

• Atmosphere Backstage:

  • The finalists were focused and a bit stressed leading up to the big night, tasked with mastering six dances (including their freestyle and instant dance).
  • Yet, on the day itself, Danielle found “everyone was just having the best time. It just feels like a party.”
  • The anxiety of competition faded into excitement:
    • “All the work’s been done. There’s nothing else I can do… I can just go out there and have the time of my life.” (Danielle, 15:34)

• Finalists’ Judge-Selected Dances:
  Danielle recaps every standout routine:

  • Alex Earle & Val: Samba to “Hip Hip Chin Chin”—colorful, festive, and technically impressive.
  • Robert Irwin & Whitney: Quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet—fun and full of energy, “He’s so cut out for that.”
  • Dylan & Danny: Paso Doble to “Stampede”—emotional journey highlighted, noting Dylan’s remarkable transformation:
    • “To watch how far Dylan has come… is just, gosh, it’s such an incredible journey. So proud of him.” (Danielle, 17:05)
  • Elaine & Alan: Rumba to “Take My Breath Away”—beautiful and graceful.
  • Jordan & Ezra: Paso Doble to “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna—dynamic, risk-taking partnership with striking choreography.

• Celebrating Risk-Taking:

  • Danielle praises the bold choreography from Jordan & Ezra, calling them the “most exciting couple for me to watch because of those risks.” She commends their partnership for mutual trust and adaptation.

3. The “Instant Dance”: Unpredictable, Exciting, and Emotional

[28:06–48:26]

• How Instant Dance Works:

  • Contestants learned weeks before that there would be an “instant dance,” but they didn’t know when or what song—they had to be ready to adapt in real time.
  • Danielle admits skepticism but confesses she “was wrong,” calling it the most exciting part of the finale:
    • “It was even more exciting than the freestyles… because it is less produced and less perfect… you get to see your fave possibly make a mistake.” (Danielle, 29:43)

• Dylan’s Manifestation Story:

  • Danielle shares an emotional behind-the-scenes story about Dylan wishing for and manifesting a foxtrot for the instant dance—and then performing it beautifully, which moved Danielle to tears.
  • “Never in my 44 years of life thought I would be crying about a foxtrot.” (Danielle, 33:43)
  • She connects this moment to her philosophy as a director, urging young people to trust their instincts.

4. Freestyles: Joy, Tears, and Showstoppers

[34:25–48:26]

• Danielle thoroughly recaps each freestyle and what made it special:
  • Alex & Val: “Man Eater” / “Sports Car” — A transformative performance full of confidence and artistry, with a special shoutout to Jenna for her vital behind-the-scenes support.
  • Robert & Whitney: “Black and Gold” / “The Nights” — Upbeat choreography that side-stepped the expected sentimentality to become a celebration of Robert’s own star power.
  • Dylan & Danny: “Something in the Heavens” — Deeply emotional, ending in water:
    • “Start crying again. Stop it, Danielle. Stop it right now. This was really, really, really beautiful.” (Danielle, 37:23)
    • Danielle marvels at the use of water and the emotional resonance of the contemporary routine.
  • Elaine & Alan: “I Hope I Get It” (A Chorus Line) — Playful, meta narrative with a fun quick-change and actorly charm.
  • Jordan & Ezra: “Motivation” — An all-time showstopper with Normani joining live and innovative choreography.
    • “This is going to go down in history as one of my favorite freestyles I’ve ever seen.” (Danielle, 46:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being the ever-present contestant:
  “My husband would like me to say that I am the only eliminated contestant to have been at every show, which makes me sound like the loser that I am. But that's okay. I'm gonna accept that.” (Danielle, 10:12)

• On the finale atmosphere:
  “It just feels like a party… all the work’s been done. There’s nothing else I can do… and I can just go out there and have the time of my life.” (Danielle, 15:34)

• On instant dance skepticism and surprise:
  “I was wrong…As a viewer, it was the most exciting part of the night. It was even more exciting than the freestyles.” (Danielle, 29:41)

• Crying over Dylan’s foxtrot:
  “Never in my 44 years of life thought I would be crying about a foxtrot. … I am just so, so, so proud of him.” (Danielle, 33:43)

• On Jordan & Ezra’s risk-taking:
  “If I had to pick riskiest partnership, riskiest choreography, most willing to take risks of this season, it would be Jordan and Ezra… It made it exciting to watch every single week.” (Danielle, 22:41)

• On Jordan & Ezra’s freestyle:
  “This is going to go down in history as one of my favorite freestyles I’ve ever seen. I thought it was incredible.” (Danielle, 46:14)

[48:26–End] Winner Announced, Reflections & Looking Forward

• The winner:

  • After heartfelt build-up, Robert Irwin and Whitney are crowned champions. Danielle acknowledges the bittersweet position of being the runner-up:

    • “The hardest place to come in is second because they don’t even say your name…” (Danielle, 50:44)

  • She deeply praises Whitney’s sacrifices as a pro and mother, as well as Robert’s dynamic potential:

    • “He’s a star. He’s just a star. There’s no other way of saying it. He’s got it.” (Danielle, 36:29)
    • “Her sacrifices… culminate in having a mirror ball trophy above your head…” (Danielle, 51:40)

• Personal growth & gratitude:

  • Danielle reflects on what she learned about herself:

    • “I think one of the things that I learned about myself is just how much I love cheering for people who are working hard… There’s not a better feeling than supporting other people doing that.” (Danielle, 57:21)

  • She expresses joy and disbelief at being a professional dancer, now headed on the Dancing with the Stars live tour (Jan 22 – Feb 15), co-hosting with Emma Slater, with rotation from various contestants.

• Final call to fans:

  • Encourages listeners to stay tuned for interviews and a big announcement:
    • “We are not done yet… Please stay tuned to this feed because we have a big announcement coming soon. I don’t want you to miss it.” (Danielle, 55:05)

Key Timestamps & Segments

• [02:04] -- Danielle returns from Dancing with the Stars finale; emotional reflections begin.
• [03:35] -- Finale prep behind the scenes; weekly creative meetings.
• [10:12] -- Only eliminated contestant present every week; love for the environment.
• [14:22] -- Finale day: celebratory mood, judge-selected finale dances.
• [22:41] -- Partnership praise, especially for Jordan & Ezra.
• [28:06] -- Instant dance segment explained, Danielle's change of heart.
• [33:43] -- Dylan’s “manifested foxtrot,” Danielle’s emotional reaction.
• [34:25] -- Freestyle dances, details and Danielle’s moving commentary.
• [46:14] -- Jordan & Ezra’s freestyle called “one of my favorite[s] ever.”
• [50:44] -- Winner (Robert Irwin & Whitney) announced; acknowledgment of the runner-up’s unique pain.
• [55:05] -- Looking ahead: tour announcement and future podcast plans.
• [57:21] -- Danielle’s personal reflections and gratitude for audience support.

Takeaways

• This intimate solo episode gave listeners an exceptional behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Dancing with the Stars finale so meaningful—for contestants and fans alike.
• Danielle’s warmth, humor, and honesty (and occasional tears) make this a must-listen for dance show diehards and anyone moved by stories of personal growth and community.
• Listeners get a comprehensive recap of every standout dance, finale twist, and partnership journey—with special attention to the indefinable “magic” of the ballroom, the hard work of the pros, and the enduring support of the DWTS family.

Recommended for:
Anyone who loves DWTS, appreciates heartfelt commentary, or just wants to relive the drama, joy, and backstage secrets of one of TV’s most enduring live competitions.