Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant: The Power of Communication

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Squeeze

Episode: Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant: The Power of Communication
Date: October 29, 2025
Host: Taylor Lautner (joined by co-host/husband Taylor Lautner)
Guests: Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant

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Overview

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, hosts Taylor Lautner and her husband Taylor are joined by professional dancer Britt Stewart and actor Daniel Durant. The couple, who first connected on Dancing with the Stars, discuss the power of authentic communication in their relationship, navigating the intersections of the deaf and Black communities, and the importance of mental wellness. This is the first time The Squeeze has featured an interpreter, making it a groundbreaking moment for inclusivity on the podcast.

The conversation covers their journey from professional partners to romantic soulmates, experiences with representation in entertainment, misconceptions about deafness, and their individual approaches to mental health and self-care. Both guests are open about the challenges and joys of their backgrounds and careers, offering genuine insight and encouragement for listeners navigating their own relationships and mental wellness.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Importance of Inclusive Communication

• First Interpreter on the Podcast: The episode opens with gratitude for the inclusion of an interpreter, highlighting the importance of accessibility for the deaf community (00:05–00:36).

  "I think of podcasts, mostly for the hearing. Thank you for being inclusive of our relationship. And Daniel, it means a lot." — Britt Stewart (00:07–00:13)

  "The deaf community doesn't tend to really listen to podcasts, but it's so nice to have those conversations that are really intimate." — Daniel Durant (03:35–03:59)

• ASL Journey: Britt learned American Sign Language (ASL) quickly to communicate directly with Daniel, reducing reliance on interpreters and deepening their personal and professional connection.

  "My first reaction was, I want to learn ASL. I didn't want to rely on an interpreter to communicate with him." — Britt Stewart (09:51)

  "She picked up sign language so quickly. The interpreter actually became so bored at work, he was just standing in the corner." — Daniel Durant (11:36)

Their Relationship: From Partnership to Soulmates

• Meeting on Dancing with the Stars: The couple reflects on their first meeting, initial nerves, and building trust across different cultures and abilities.

  "We're two very different people. But we're soulmates. We fully believe that." — Britt Stewart (08:45, recalled 01:27)

  "When I met Britt for the first time...Britt was so charming, so friendly, so comfortable...her sign language just really took off." — Daniel Durant (11:36)

• Falling in Love: The shift from friendship to romantic interest developed after their elimination from Dancing with the Stars, when distance highlighted the depth of their feelings.

  "I was talking to my mom, and I was like, I'm thinking about Daniel a lot, and I think it's maybe, like, more than I should be..." — Britt Stewart (28:28)

  "We were eliminated. I wanted to tell her that I actually... and then she was looking at me. I was trying to think of something to say. How can I express this?" — Daniel Durant (00:54)

Communication as the Foundation of their Relationship

• Overcoming Language Barriers: Their relationship highlights the benefits of intentional communication, born of necessity from different languages but strengthening their connection.

  "This is the best communication that I have ever experienced before. And I think it had a lot to do with our beginning." — Britt Stewart (31:04)

  "He knew when to introduce new sign to me... You could see that I was ready for more and when I was ready for more." — Britt Stewart on Daniel's teaching style (29:46)

• Mutual Teaching: Britt taught Daniel dance; Daniel taught Britt sign language. This reciprocal approach enhanced understanding and intimacy.

Representation & Misconceptions About the Deaf Community

• Gratitude for Inclusive Upbringing: Daniel shares his adoption story and the crucial importance of language access for deaf children.

  "85% of deaf children are raised by hearing parents, and the hearing parents don't know sign language at all. And so fortunately, my aunt is hearing, and she is fluent in sign language." — Daniel Durant (38:03)

  "A lot of deaf people hate the holidays because it's like a nightmare... you're isolated, you're bored." — Daniel Durant (39:12)

• Common Misconceptions: Many people, even today, may not realize basic facts like the ability of deaf people to drive or assume their homes are silent.

  "I'm pretty shocked that some hearing people today don't know that deaf people can drive." — Daniel Durant (40:24)

  "People assume that if you have someone deaf in your life, that your life is quiet and it's, like, so far from the truth." — Britt Stewart (40:52)

Challenges and Opportunities in Entertainment

• Cycles of Representation: Daniel discusses fluctuating opportunities for deaf actors in entertainment, highlighting the impact of shows and films like Switched at Birth and CODA.

  "When Switched at Birth was over, it was almost like we were forgotten. The opportunities really weren't out there." — Daniel Durant (43:39)

  "With CODA, it made a big impact... people in other countries started adding deaf characters." — Daniel Durant (44:17)

• Improving Inclusion: Britt suggests that casting should be more open—deaf actors could play any role, not just those written as "deaf characters." (46:25)

Personal Career Journeys

• Britt on Becoming a Dancer and Trailblazer:

  • Started dancing at three, discovered professionally at 15 via High School Musical.
  • Became the first Black female pro on Dancing with the Stars, a point of pride and responsibility.

  "I hope that those little girls that are looking up to me, I hope they will be better than me one day and more successful than me one day." — Britt Stewart (62:52)

• Daniel on Authentic Self-Discovery and Advocacy:

  • Open about difficult beginnings and finding a voice through acting and YouTube videos in ASL.
  • Proud of embracing his talent, following his passion despite doubts from family.

  "I'm proud that I found my passion... I knew that path wasn't for me. I knew that I had talent. I knew I could act. I knew I had it in me, and I knew I needed to follow that dream." — Daniel Durant (79:09–80:34)

Mental Health, Self-Care, & Therapy

• Early and Ongoing Therapy: Both Daniel and Britt have long-standing relationships with therapy as a self-care tool. Daniel, in particular, started in childhood, works with deaf therapists when possible, and is supportive of medication when needed.

  "I've been going to therapy ever since I was young. That really did help me big time and helped me understand some tools and appropriate behaviors." — Daniel Durant (71:00)

  "It's okay if you have a mental health issue or you're not... you're feeling some anxiety or depression. Just be open about it. We're all human." — Daniel Durant (71:00)

• Movement and Meditation: Britt values meditation, movement (including qigong), and checking in with herself.

  "Movement meditation is amazing for me... It's specifically I do qigong... you can feel your body, like, buzzing. You can feel it." — Britt Stewart (70:06–70:23)

• Importance of Safe Spaces: Both speak to the sanctuary of home and private life as a place of restoration and authenticity.

  "Our home, when we walk through our front door, that's safe. That is our place and space for us to just be us and to not worry." — Britt Stewart (69:15)

Navigating Public Roles and Pressures

• The couple discusses carrying the burden and privilege of representing their communities (Black, deaf, entertainment), and coping by supporting each other and consciously learning about each other's backgrounds.

  "I always try my best every day to learn about her community because, you know, one day the two of us will have kids and...those kids will be a part of both of our communities." — Daniel Durant (63:58)

  "When I fell in love hard with Daniel, it...hit me like a train...when I accepted that, I also knew that I was accepting his community with that too." — Britt Stewart (66:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Introduction of Interpreter:
  “We feel, like, honored to be here too. I think of podcasts, mostly for the hearing.”
  — Britt Stewart (00:07)

• On Parental Support:
  "I wouldn’t be here if not for my aunt. My aunt is a wonderful woman. She’s such a strong and stubborn woman."
  — Daniel Durant (36:40)

• On Communication:
  “This is the best communication that I have ever experienced before.”
  — Britt Stewart (31:04)

• On Inclusion:
  “I don’t think you have to write a deaf character. I think that deaf actors should be included in all characters.”
  — Britt Stewart (46:25)

• On Representation:
  "I just want to succeed, not only for me, but for, like, you know, the little Black girls that are looking up to me..."
  — Britt Stewart (61:08)

• On Mental Health:
  "It's okay if you have a mental health issue or you're not... you're feeling some anxiety or depression. Just be open about it. We're all human."
  — Daniel Durant (71:00)

• On Pride in Each Other:
  "I am proud of you. For you, you are like, Daniel Durant is the only one in this whole world, and you are stubborn in that. And I’m proud of you for being stubborn in that."
  — Britt Stewart (82:33)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Importance of Interpreter: 00:05–03:36
• Icebreaker/“Citrus Got Real” Game: 03:59–06:46
• Wedding Reflections: 06:55–09:26
• First Meeting & Communication on DWTS: 09:26–14:26
• Daniel’s Perspective on Deafness & Dance: 14:47–16:18
• Developing Feelings, Relationship Growth: 26:19–29:46
• Learning Sign Language Together: 29:46–32:22
• Daniel’s Adoption, Upbringing & Language Deprivation: 33:15–38:03
• Deaf/Family Relationships, Misconceptions: 38:03–42:47
• Representation in Media: 43:39–47:05
• Britt’s Dance Career & Becoming DWTS Pro: 52:13–59:27
• On Being First Black Female Pro: 60:18–62:52
• Dealing with Representation Pressure: 63:32–69:15
• Self-Care & Mental Health: 69:18–76:24
• What They’re Most Proud Of: 76:58–81:49
• Pride in Each Other: 82:01–82:54

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode balances emotional vulnerability, warmth, and humor with clear-eyed discussion of serious topics like trauma, cultural difference, and public responsibility. Both Britt and Daniel are candid, supportive of each other, and encourage listeners to embrace openness and seek understanding across boundaries.

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Final Takeaways

• Communication is not just about language, but about genuine effort, openness, and care—qualities that Britt and Daniel demonstrate at every level of their relationship.
• Representation in media and entertainment matters deeply, not just for visibility, but for nurturing empathy and understanding across communities.
• Both guests underscore the critical value of therapy and self-care, normalizing mental health conversations for all.
• Daniel and Britt’s story is a testament to the power of connection across difference, and the transformative impact of letting yourself be fully seen and understood.

Transcript

[Britt Stewart]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production.

[Podcast Host 1]

This episode is so fun.

[Podcast Host 2]

This is the first time we're having an interpreter.

[Britt Stewart]

We feel, like, honored to be here too. I think of podcasts, mostly for the hearing.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, that's right.

[Britt Stewart]

Thank you for being inclusive of our relationship. And Daniel, it means a lot.

[Podcast Host 2]

When production came to you that he was gonna be your partner and that he was deaf, what was your initial reaction?

[Britt Stewart]

My mind was in Dancing with the Stars mode. I don't trust an interpreter. Sorry, Justin. I was like. I. I don't.

[Podcast Host 2]

You're like, we need to work on this.

[Britt Stewart]

That means that they're trusting me with his story. I want to learn asl.

[Daniel Durant]

She picked up sign language so quickly. The interpreter actually became so bored at work, he was just standing in the corner. It was just something completely new for me, and I love feeling the rhythm and the vibrations from music.

[Podcast Host 2]

When did it go from friends to more than friend feelings for each other?

[Britt Stewart]

I was talking to my mom, and I was like, I'm thinking about Daniel a lot.

[Daniel Durant]

You know, I did have some feelings for her. She's cool. Look at her. She's an awesome person. And we were eliminated. I wanted to tell her that I actually. And then she was looking at me. I was trying to think of something to say. How can I express this?

[Britt Stewart]

His vows. I was taken aback. I don't know if we're. Yes, we can share this.

[Daniel Durant]

I had a breakdown. I got started with therapy pretty early, and so I've been going to therapy ever since I was young. It's okay if you have a mental health issue or you're not. You're feeling some anxiety or depression. Just be open about it. We're all human. We've all had different experiences.

[Britt Stewart]

We're two very different people. But we're soulmates. We fully believe that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Brit, Daniel.

[Podcast Host 1]

Welcome to the Squeeze.

[Britt Stewart]

Thank you. I'm so excited to be here.

[Podcast Host 2]

I asked.

[Daniel Durant]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host 2]

I asked my girlfriend, who took ASL.

[Podcast Host 1]

All through high school, to do squeeze.

[Podcast Host 2]

But then I googled it, and I saw different things. So this is welcome. And then is it. Is it this?

[Daniel Durant]

It depends on what the context is. So, like, if, for example, if you were squeezing a lemon or an orange, you would squeeze it like this. Or if you're squeezing someone with a hug, it would be like this. Or if you squeeze something with your fist, it might be a little different. Just depends on what you're talking about.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay.

[Podcast Host 1]

That's.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's what I gathered when I was trying to. When I typed it in, it said, Hug. And I was like, wait, no. But it's so.

[Podcast Host 1]

I didn't know.

[Podcast Host 2]

But can I sign it? Can you tell me if it's right? I tried to learn it.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

Yay. Thank you.

[Podcast Host 1]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host 2]

So this episode is so fun because this is the first time we're having an interpreter on the podcast, and I'm just so honored to have you both here. I feel like I have watched you guys on the Internet for so long and know your story, but I'm excited to hear more about you guys as.

[Podcast Host 1]

Individuals and also as a couple.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah, thank you. I feel. I mean, we feel, like, honored to be here, too, and that you're inclusive of Daniel and the opportunity to, you know, you think of podcasts, and I feel like it's mostly. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I feel like it's mostly for the hearing. For the hearing world. Right?

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, that's right.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. So thank you. Thank you for being inclusive of not only our story, but our relationship and Daniel. It means a lot.

[Podcast Host 2]

Sweet.

[Daniel Durant]

Definitely. I agree with Brit. I'm so happy to be here. And Brit's right. The deaf community doesn't tend to really listen to podcasts, but it's so nice to have those conversations that are really intimate. And so I really enjoy watching sometimes on YouTube or something like that, someone else's perspective and learning something new. So it's just great to be able to have this intimate conversation with each other and get to know each other. And thanks again for having us.

[Podcast Host 2]

Sweet. So we start each episode off this jar. It's a game called Citrus Got Real. Brit, if you want to pull a question out of there and read it for us, it's just like a little icebreaker game I love silly.

[Daniel Durant]

Okay, cool.

[Britt Stewart]

Oh, no, I got. Oh, no, it's fine. Okay. If your pet could talk for one day, what's the first thing they'd say to you? Okay. I think this is, like, really special because right now we have two cats. And Hudson and Orlando. And Hudson. He's actually really. He's actually. Actually really sick. He is having heart failure, and it's been about. About, like, 10. 10 months. Yeah, 10 months. And we were late today because he. Sorry, this is tmi, but he. He threw up a couple times this morning, so we were concerned and worried, but I don't know. I think if Hudson could communicate for one day, I think first he would tell Daniel that he's fully accepted you as cat dad and thank you. And, yeah, I think he would just send us and say and communicate so much love.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, I think.

[Daniel Durant]

What do you think that's beautiful, what you said.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

I agree with you. You know, I think for me, if Hudson. Hudson would be more like. Like, hi, you know, just really friendly. Or, hey, I'm hungry. I want some more food. Can I have some more food, please? You know, that kind of personality. Personality. Or say, can you give me a little more attention, please? Or, hey, please leave me alone. I need to go sleep.

[Britt Stewart]

And what about Orlando?

[Daniel Durant]

Oh, well, Orlando. Be like, hey, hey, hey. How come you're not looking at me? Why don't you see me? Give me some attention all the time. Play with me. I want to play right now. What? There's not any food. You're giving him food, not me. Why are you giving attention. So much attention to Hudson? Because he doesn't really understand that we have to take care of him. Hudson, because he's sick. And so the other cat's like, how come you're giving him so much attention rather than me? Oh, yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

Orlando is our trouble child. Oh, yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's so sweet.

[Podcast Host 1]

I know.

[Podcast Host 2]

I wonder what I'm trying to think. I have two dogs, and one of them, I think was. Would. She's older and I think she'd just say, like, let me sleep. And the other one would just be like, ball, Ball, Ball. Like, she has so much energy, so I feel like she would really want to just. We would hear her saying ball.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

A lot.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. I love that. That's a good question to start with.

[Podcast Host 2]

I love it. So I think we had the same wedding planners.

[Britt Stewart]

Yes. We were talking about that here on the way. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's so funny.

[Podcast Host 1]

How.

[Podcast Host 2]

How did I want to talk about wedding? Because the video and the photos were stunning. Tell me about the day. It was just magical. I bet.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. You want to start?

[Daniel Durant]

Sure. To be honest, it was. I felt like I was in a dream. You know, we were over there in San Luis Obispo, up. Up north. And it was a beautiful place. And my family had started to trickle in and our friends were arriving, and it really just felt like a dream. And I really love to see my friends and family just really cooperating and mingling. And everybody was happy and had a great time. So that made me happy, too. I just wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and just make some great memories at our wedding, you know?

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

And to be honest, I can't even explain it. There's not words to explain it. I think you just had to be there yourself to experience that moment, if you know what I mean. I mean, seriously, it was like a dream, and I still can't stop thinking about it. You know, I'm enjoying looking at the videos and the photos, and I wish that it didn't stop. Like, I'd want to relive that experience over and over again. Really, Truly.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. Yeah. I feel the same way. I felt like there was this magical spiritual energy that I've never felt before in my life. I think that, you know, you can have these very beautiful moments, but that was. It was special. I. I don't know what it. What it was. There's not one specific word I can use to explain it, but it just felt aligned and right. And we were emotional. I mean, we were like.

[Daniel Durant]

It was so emotional.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

And I think it was special because, you know, we're two very different people, but also our souls, I feel like, are very much. I mean, we're soul mates. We fully believe that, but our people also. They reflect us. And so it was this beautiful, like, blending of our family, community, friends, who we are. I'm a dancer. He's an actor, performer. It was everything. It was this beautiful blend of our two worlds. Coming to one.

[Podcast Host 2]

I'd love to kind of rewind a little bit and go back to Dancing with the Stars and you guys meeting why? Actually, I was going to ask. I want to know what your first impressions were of each other. But when production came to you and told you that about Daniel and that he was going to be your partner and that he was deaf, what was your initial reaction?

[Britt Stewart]

So my first reaction was, I want to learn asl. I want to learn sign. Yeah, that was my. That was my first reaction because I didn't want to rely on an interpreter to communicate with him. And, you know, my mind was in Dancing with the Stars mode. Like, I was. I was in work mode. I was like, I don't trust. Sorry, Justin. I was like, I don't. I don't trust an interpreter to teach my partner how to dance. I need to myself. So I ordered. I ordered on Amazon and ASL Alphabet poster and how to count one through 10. Because I was like, well, I will need five, six, seven, eight. I didn't, because, like, I just, you know, cue him. But that was my, you know, very naive, ignorant mind thinking, this will help, at least in the beginning, to start. So that was my first reaction. And then I felt. I really felt very honored that they gave me Daniel as a partner, because that means that they're trusting me with his story and they're trusting me with an opportunity to have someone that's deaf learn how to dance. And that, in the hearing world, is not always scene. So I also. I felt honored. Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

I'm just thinking back to that day, really. I mean, of course, you know, when I met Britt for the first time, you know, they didn't really tell me anything about who I was going to be with. I remember I was just nervous, you know, I was just thinking, oh, I'm gonna freeze up. You know, I've never really had an experience like that before. And so I came with an interpreter, and the crew told me, hey, don't worry. Your partner is so sweet. She's so nice, and you're gonna really like her. So I said, okay. And so then we met in person, and I was just so nervous, and the first thing I could see is that Britt was so charming, so friendly, so comfortable. She was really motivated and ready to work with me. So then I thought, okay, let's get going. And really, she picked up sign language so quickly. And the interpreter actually became so bored at work because like, a week later, he was just standing in the corner, and finally he came in when the camera was in the room. Then he had to go sit in the corner again. But she was just so focused on communication, on training, on rehearsals, and we learned together, and that's where we really. Our communication grew and our bond began to grow and continues to grow.

[Britt Stewart]

I do just want to add that he. Yes, he was very nervous. Like, his legs were shaking. Oh, sorry.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, pretty badly, you know. No, no, no, it's fine. To be honest, I don't think I ever had that type of leg shakiness until that actual moment, and I don't even know why.

[Britt Stewart]

So in a first meet, you, you know, you talk most of the time. It's just getting to know each other. And then after that, you start to share about your first dance, what song, what style, and. And then you start to teach first steps because they want to, you know, they want to get that on camera. Like, yeah, your first dance steps, it's like walking for the first time. Yeah. And I remember I started teaching him, and. And his legs were, like, shake. Like, uncontrollably. Like, could not controllably shake.

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh, my gosh.

[Britt Stewart]

And then we. And then we went on a break, and I, like, went over to one of the producers. It was a woman named Diane. And I was like, at the time, I didn't know deaf culture. So now I know what I was doing was wrong because I was, like, you know, having a side conversation. But I was like, you think he will be okay? Like, how? Under pressure on a live TV show? You think, like, during our first dance, his legs will shake in the ballroom. But he. You were amazing. We're great.

[Daniel Durant]

I didn't know that you had that sidebar with the producer that day. That's something new. Okay. Learn something new. All right.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. Honestly, I was. I was a little worried. I love you, babe.

[Daniel Durant]

Sorry.

[Podcast Host 2]

What. What were you so nervous about?

[Daniel Durant]

You know, it was just something completely new for me, a completely new experience. I hadn't done anything like that before in my life. And so, you know, growing up, you know, I. I grew up completely deaf, but some deaf people, there's a spectrum, right? Some can hear a little bit, but I'm completely profoundly deaf. And I love feeling the rhythm and the vibrations from music. And I do enjoy music or a little bit of dancing myself. Or I had watched dancing on TV and then YouTube here and there. Oh, how you do this dance. Or I try and learn it and copy it a little bit personally. But Dancing with the Stars, you're just top level, serious professional dancers. You have all of these different styles and techniques, and I had never experienced anything like that before, so that was really out of my comfort zone. And I think I was nervous because it was the first time meeting my partner, you know, who was my partner going to be? Is she really going to understand deaf culture? Well, we have that connection. Will she understand how to lead me? You know, I wasn't the first deaf person on Dancing with the Stars. I was the third. And the other two had different partners. And so I think this was Brett's first experience with a deaf partner. And anyway, so once we met and, you know, my nervousness was completely squashed. And so then we just learned all of these dances and techniques together, and I really enjoyed it, and it was really fun for me. And so I loved every moment. And today, I even miss it. I still miss it. I would love to continue taking dance lessons or I really wouldn't mind doing that.

[Podcast Host 1]

I know a good teacher.

[Daniel Durant]

Obviously.

[Britt Stewart]

Honestly, sometimes. Well, this just happened this season. I needed to change part of the choreography, and I was testing it at home, and I thought I was like, okay, this will be good, but I need a body to make sure it works before I teach it to Baron. So he was in his gaming room, and I was like, come on, I need to test some choreography on you. And. But you were ready. He was like, fine, let's go. And then, of course, I gave him a hard time, which I Love. He always has.

[Daniel Durant]

She always has.

[Britt Stewart]

I was like, you forgot everything. What happened?

[Daniel Durant]

Not everything.

[Britt Stewart]

Most. No.

[Daniel Durant]

Oh, my gosh.

[Podcast Host 2]

I. I read in. In an interview you had done, Daniel, you said that Brit showed you the music. And I think that is such a cool thing because it's true for you. What. What did that look like?

[Britt Stewart]

How.

[Podcast Host 2]

How did you pick up the dance and how did you break, kind of teach it to him without being able to actually count? 5, 6, 7, 8.

[Daniel Durant]

So I remember at that time, we had a discussion, like, what kind of music did we want to do for our first dance? And then we decided on a song. And honestly, I don't know that much about music. And so the interpreter and Britt had a discussion. They were like, okay, hey, what style? And what's this? And what. What does this feel like? What's the energy? What's the poetry of the dance? And all that? And so then we found it, and in our dance studio, we had these big speakers, and Brit connected them to her phone, and they just. She turned it up all the way, so I was pretty close to the speaker, so I could really feel the vibrations from the subwoofers. And I got an idea of the beat and the rhythm. And then we had some. Some counting. And really mostly how I memorized these dances were just muscle memory and just the repetition of doing it over and over again and watching how Brit moved, because then I would know my next move. And so it was. I didn't think too much about the vibrations or the timing, because that would have been too distracting. But I'm pretty proud of that, that we came up with a method that pretty took us pretty far in the show.

[Britt Stewart]

Actually, I was learning it at the same time because, again, this was my first time working with someone deaf and really meeting someone deaf too. So I just knew that I needed to be open in the space and that really we would collaborate on. On so much of the process. A couple things, actually. Our first fight as friends before we started dating was because I wanted to go through the details more so that we could work on technique. And, you know, details in dance are so important, especially on tv, because film shows, everything. But at that time, he, you know, he was communicating to me that he still didn't know the rhythm and how fast or how slow. And I say fight, but really it was just like a passionate discussion because after rehearsal, we texted each other. We were like, sorry, yeah, sorry, we're both passionate. We both. Yes. But, yeah, I had to change the way that I taught Daniel in the Best way. Because I also became a better educator, a better teacher choreographer. After his season two, he had to learn everything. Not just the technique and the style, but how fast or slow the rhythm. And he had to, you know, remember all of that. Um, yeah. And one moment too. I don't know if you remember this, but Carrie Ann gave you some feedback. I think it was maybe like week four. It was about halfway into the process and she was saying that all of his dances were kind of like becoming not monotone, but just the same. And I realized I was like, he doesn't have the opportunity of hearing the ebbs and flows of music or what the words are saying in that exact moment. So then about halfway through, we started also studying the music too. Like in this moment, the vocalist, the singer, he's really up, but then it goes a little bit more quiet and a little bit more down. And he's an amazing performer. So he was able to get all of that information and then go from. From there.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, that's right.

[Britt Stewart]

You remember that?

[Daniel Durant]

No.

[Britt Stewart]

Well, it happened.

[Podcast Host 1]

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[Podcast Host 2]

When did it go from friends to you guys figuring out that you had more than friend feelings for each other?

[Podcast Host 1]

Go ahead.

[Daniel Durant]

You go first.

[Britt Stewart]

So really, it happened after we got eliminated, and we got eliminated. Semi finals.

[Podcast Host 2]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

So there was only one more episode left, and we got eliminated, and we were just, like, standing across from each other and I think realizing that this journey was finished. And I think in that moment, we both realized that we had feelings for each other, that it really started as a team that became a real authentic friendship. And then we were like, okay, we like each other. He looked at me. No, he was looking at me. And I looked at him. I was like. I was like, why are you staring at me? Why are you looking at me like that? And he said, I think, you know, And I was like, yeah. And also same. But then we still didn't. We didn't, like. It's not like in that moment, we were like, we're gonna kiss and make out. No. We just still stood there like, okay, we went to dinner. And then after the elimination, you don't see each other for a few days. And I know for me, I realized that I missed you not seeing you every day. I was also curious how I would feel not seeing him because Dancing with the stars is so serious. It's like. It's high emotions. You see each other every single day. And, you know, I was like, is this real?

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

I remember driving home from rehearsal one day, and I was talking to my mom, and I was like, I'm thinking about Daniel a lot, and I think. I think it's maybe, like, more than I should be, but still, I didn't know if I was just obsessed about, like, the competition and making sure I was doing everything right for him to succeed. But, yeah, the feelings, it was. Yeah, the feelings were. They were growing for sure.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

At that point, did. How well were you able to communicate with Daniel? Did you still need the interpreter? Where were you at in ASL Journey?

[Daniel Durant]

You know, I think just the first week, really, we used an interpreter, and, you know, she wasn't quite fluent yet, but I think it only really took about a month for her for us to communicate. Her sign language just really took off, and everything that I taught her the next day, she remembered everything. So I was pretty impressed with that. I was like, wow, this is amazing, because she's a natural. You know, she learns really quickly. I mean, much faster than the average person would. It's amazing. I don't know how you do it.

[Britt Stewart]

I had an amazing teacher. But seriously, he knew when to. Now, looking back, he knew when to introduce new sign to me. He wasn't introducing sign every single every day. He did it not slowly because I learned fast, but he. You could see that I was ready for more and when I was ready for more. So he. He taught me very good, in my opinion.

[Daniel Durant]

Well, you know, you were a great teacher. You taught me dance, and I taught you asl. You know, it's an equal exchange.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, that's a good trade. Yeah, I would take that trade. I think I was watching an interview that you did, and they had asked about communication between you guys, and you were like, it's funny because, like, your community communication is actually so well, and I think that just speaks volumes to.

[Podcast Host 1]

The two of you.

[Podcast Host 2]

And I love that you both come from different backgrounds, but you really just found your person and you've just made it work.

[Britt Stewart]

Thank you. Yeah, I mean, I agree. It is kind of wild that, you know, like, we were raised in two very different ways, two very different worlds, two different languages. And you're right. This is, like, in my relationship history, this is the best communication that I have ever experienced before. And I think it had a lot to do with our beginning. You know, we really team friendship. We learned a lot about each other before we started dating. And then after we started dating, it felt like everything moved really fast. We were having really hard conversations in the beginning of our dating life, and I think it set the right foundation for. For our relationship that we will always be open with each other. And I don't know, do you think we were, like, forced to have good communication because of our different languages? Because always we're like, did you understand? Right? Like, we're always making sure.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, maybe, huh? I think it was just our. Us personally, where we were very open with each other personally. And of course, you know, during part of the day when we had off time, you know, I tried to just play it cool or if I was upset or something. She always knew instinctively. She said, hey, Daniel, Are you okay? And I'd express my feelings to her, and I would see that with her, too. We would always check in on each other, and I think we're really good like that.

[Podcast Host 2]

Sweet. You talked about your different upbringings. And, Daniel, I'd love to kind of dive into what growing up looked like for you. I know that you were raised by your paternal aunt.

[Britt Stewart]

How.

[Podcast Host 1]

How did you end up with her?

[Daniel Durant]

So I was born in Detroit, and I was born completely deaf, and my biological parents were both deaf. And my biological mother, who was deaf, was a drug addict and really hard drugs. She was drinking, too. It was pretty bad. And my father, he was a drinker, but when he grew up, he just had a different life when he was growing up. And how do I describe it? I think he was language deprived. So he didn't grow up with access to language, meaning he grew up just without any language at all. And so at school, he didn't learn sign language. You know, he really tried to focus and struggled a lot with his education. And from what I heard, he really worked hard and ended up doing well in school. But anyway, so I was adopted when I was 18 months old, and my biological father's sister adopted me when I was 18 months old. And I didn't have any language at that time. And so I would just scream and point at something. And so my aunt. I'm so grateful to my aunt. She took me to deaf clubs and the deaf night out, and she really made a network. And where I grew up was in Duluth, Minnesota, which is a pretty small town. It's a beautiful town, but it's pretty small, and there wasn't many deaf people living there. But fortunately, there were a few deaf people I was able to meet and I looked up to. And, you know, my biological father, I'd see him every once in a while, mainly during the holidays. He'd come and visit. And my biological mother, we lost touch for a long time. I wasn't sure where she was living or what she was doing. And my aunt was really protecting me from my biological mother, because the reason why she adopted me is because my mother didn't show up for a court date. There was some kind of custody battle. I can really, really go into it, but, you know, let me go back a little bit. So some folks told me who. Who knew of my biological mother. When I was born, my mom didn't really take care of me. She kind of just left me alone most of the time. And she would leave me with friends. Hey, can you take care of My son. So I was in a crib or whatever, and then one day, my biological mother asked one of her friends, hey, can you watch Daniel maybe for about a month? And the friend said, sure. And so this friend took care of me for a month, and my mom never came back. And so this friend, the one month quickly turned into three months, and fortunately, they found my biological father, and I was still a baby. And he said, is this your son? And my dad said, yeah. And these people who were taking care of me were really poor. I mean, they were feeding me really unhealthy things. And so I was kind of sickly and overweight. And so my aunt and my grandparents took me to the hospital. And then this court date ended up happening, which ended up with my aunt adopting me. So my biological mom didn't show up for this particular court date. And so that gave my aunt the right to adopt me. So back then, I shouldn't have been living outside of Michigan, but they let me move to Minnesota because if my mother had. My biological mother had wanted me to come back, she would have had the legal right to take me back. So my aunt really didn't want that to happen. And so I was being protected over there in Duluth, Minnesota. So I learned sign language. I picked everything up. I did well. And to be honest, you know, I wouldn't be here if not for my aunt. My aunt is a wonderful woman. She's such a strong and stubborn woman. But I'm so lucky to have had that type of mother raising me because, you know, I had some PTSD and some trauma, and, you know, that happens. I don't remember a lot of what happened when I was a baby, but I went to a therapist and a psychologist, and they said, yeah, you have these traumas. And so fortunately, my aunt was such a strong woman, and really, she did anything for me. She took me to therapy. She took me to all these great services for the deaf, and I was involved with the deaf community. She learned deaf. Deaf culture. She learned my language, and I found my passion as an actor. And so I think that's the story. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's so sweet. She sounds like an incredible woman.

[Podcast Host 1]

I think I read. I either read it or it was.

[Podcast Host 2]

An interview that you had done, but.

[Podcast Host 1]

You had said some crazy stat that it was like. I want to say maybe 80% of. Do you know this stat of hearing parents?

[Podcast Host 2]

Yes.

[Daniel Durant]

So I believe the statistic is 85% of deaf children are raised by hearing parents, and the hearing parents don't know sign language at all. And so fortunately, my aunt is hearing, and she is fluent in sign language. And I was used to that, but every time I met other deaf people, they'd say, hey, Daniel, you're so lucky. Your mom can sign. You're so lucky. And I said, oh, whatever. No big deal. And then I went to the school for the deaf, and I remember I was in eighth grade, and I was socializing with my deaf friends, and I went over to their house where their hearing families lived, and none of them could sign. And they were like, yep, thumbs up or just a gesture here and there. But I couldn't even imagine how would you have a relationship or a bond with your own parents, you know, if your parents wanted to teach you something or have a connection with you? Of course, communication is so important with a parent, between a parent and a child. And, you know, a lot of deaf people hate the holidays because it's like a nightmare, because imagine you go home with your family, and everybody's socializing and talking, and you have no idea what's going on. You're isolated, you're bored. And fortunately, my aunt would interpret for my hearing family members, but my deaf friends didn't have that experience. No one in their family knew sign language. They'd just wave and say, hi, and sometimes they'd say, what did they say? And he'd go, oh, yeah, I'll tell you later. So deaf people really tend to be isolated with their hearing family. So I was really fortunate that my two mothers knew sign language.

[Podcast Host 1]

When I learned that statistic, that made.

[Podcast Host 2]

Me so sad and angry.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

To put it.

[Daniel Durant]

But, yeah, I know. It's my belief and from my perspective, and maybe I'm wrong or maybe I'm right, but today, I think because of social media, it's really helped big time with that. And so I'm seeing more and more hearing parents. They have a baby who happens to be deaf, and then they're learning some sign language online, and it's become more and more popular on social media. So I think that's really nice. And so hopefully that this continues and maybe that statistic will improve. You know, I really hope so. Anyway, anyway, just to put that out there.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah, that's great.

[Podcast Host 1]

What do you. What do you feel are some common.

[Podcast Host 2]

Misconceptions about the deaf community that you wish people would understand?

[Daniel Durant]

There's a pretty long list. But I'm pretty shocked that some hearing people today don't know that deaf people can drive.

[Britt Stewart]

I. I was shocked when he said that to me, and I was like, what? But, yeah, I guess. I guess some people believe that, right?

[Daniel Durant]

Yep. And let me think. I can't. There's not one that comes to mind right now. Do you have one?

[Britt Stewart]

Okay, what is it? I think one question I get asked is if our home is quiet because Daniel is deaf. And I'm like, no, the opposite. I. You know, sometimes, like, we will FaceTime. And he. He has no idea that the TV sound is on, like, high. And I'm like, Babe, the TV's on. Or, you know, little things like that. I think, you know, people assume that if you have someone deaf in your life, that your life is quiet and it's, like, so far from the truth and maybe loud in the sense of sound, but we have such a colorful, loud life. Yeah. Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

I'd just like to add that when I tell a hearing person that I'm deaf, most of the time hearing people just freeze like a deer in headlights. And they're like, do you read lips? Can you speak? Can you read lips? And I say, no, not really. I mean, most of the time, depending on the situation, like if I'm in the bank or any place where you sit down and have a meeting, and they're like, no, you know, just do a voice to text app, or let's text back and forth. A lot of hearing people just freeze up. And so I'm pretty used to that. I'm like, yeah, it's okay. Let's just use our phones to communicate. And then it. It's. It works. But it's awkward. And there's some awkward moments. If I'm in an Uber and the Uber pulls up and I get into the Uber and, you know, I wave and they say something and I'm waving again, and it's kind of awkward. And they're like, what is this guy doing? Why is he waving at me? And I say, I'm deaf. And they say, oh, okay. Most of the time they're like, just give me a thumbs up and say, oh, that's fine. And other times they just act weird, and it's. It's just awkward. And so I think that's something that's happen pretty frequently. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's why I feel it's so important to have representation in entertainment too. Like one of my favorite shows, Ginny and Georgia, the father in it is deaf, and the kids sign with him. And I think it not, I guess, normalizes it because, like, you, you never really had a relationship with someone who was deaf. And, you know, same with me. And it helps kind of show us how to not be, like, the awkward Uber driver or not to have those awkward conversations. So I think it's super important that that is represented in entertainment. And I'd love to know, Daniel, how do you think we can better. I mean, both of you, honestly, how we can better include representation of the deaf community and entertainment and in spaces like that?

[Daniel Durant]

That's a good question. To be honest, I think year after year, it's pretty different. So I was in the movie. Well, let me go back, actually. So during Switched at Birth, when I was on that show, Switched at Birth, it was on ABC Family at that time, and they had a few deaf characters. And that was the first time I was on a TV series. And it was really nice. We had a lot of opportunities because there was a lot of deaf actors working in LA at that time, and Deaf West Theater was running on stage at that time. And when Switched at Birth was over, it was. It was done. And a lot of these deaf actors didn't have opportunities. You know, LA is so expensive to live in. And a lot of these deaf actors moved out of la. The community really shrunk. And then I didn't see any opportunities really pop up for quite a while. And, you know, when Switched at Birth was on tv, other writers would. Or producers would get ideas for more death characters. And then when Switched at Birth was over, it was almost like we were forgotten. And from my perspective, you know, of course I'd love to have more opportunities, and I'd love to act in TV or film. I'd love to play a villain. I'd love to play a murderer or a romantic lead or the whole spectrum, but the opportunities really weren't out there. And most writers are hearing, right? And if they put a deaf character in a script, you're like, oh, that's great. But it's from the hearing perspective, which is a little bit off. They don't completely understand. There's a bit of ignorance there. And so I remember the first time I was in a movie, I took the role and then I was. And it would be nice if the writer or the director or the producer would really socialize with deaf people and get feedback or talk to a deaf consultant to get some feedback on the script a little bit. And so then I was cast for the movie Coda, and it really made a big impact, I think, worldwide, globally. It made an impact at that moment, you know, people in other countries, there was productions adding deaf characters. All over the world, there was more deaf characters on tv, and it looked great. And then, of Course then the strikes happened, the writers and actors strike and then all of a sudden it just plummeted again. It became silent, it became quiet. As regarding opportunities. Then I think it wasn't just me. I think other or just deaf actors, I think all actors had that, that quiet moment. But I think I've kind of seen the same kind of this wave, right? And you're riding the wave with coda and deaf characters are hot and then it goes down. And so I'm seeing the ebb and the flow and the ups and downs and so I've seen that. But I think how can we fix the problem or how can we do something about it? I really don't know. I don't know.

[Britt Stewart]

An idea.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

I don't think you have to write a deaf character. I think that you. I think that deaf actors should be included in all characters. And if it's more like open, you know, I think that character can then be like adjusted a little bit for a deaf perspective. But I think sometimes the, the mindset is you have to have a written in the script deaf character. Right. That makes sense. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

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[Podcast Host 2]

Talk about your career.

[Podcast Host 1]

Dance.

[Podcast Host 2]

Did you always want to do dance? Where, when did that start? How did that come to be?

[Britt Stewart]

Oh, my goodness. Okay. Well, I started dance at three years old and my mom and dad put me in it because I, they, I think in my like kindergarten class there was this teacher that talked to my parents, to my mom and was like, your daughter? I know she's three, but she has really good movement skills and suggested they put me in dance. And then that became the only thing I wanted to do. Oh. And so it started at three.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

And then, you know, my, both my parents are business people, so they're creative, but they're not artists.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

So they were in this new, huge, crazy world of dance. I went into competitive dance and then they were like, what is happening? Because that whole world is crazy. Like think dance moms. But in my upbringing, much more, less drama, more tame.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

And then I, let's see. I actually, I started working in dance professionally early. I was 15. Okay. It happened. I wasn't expecting it. I was kind of like discovered in a dance class when I was 15. OK. And I got hired to be a dancer in the High School Musical. In the High School Musical movie.

[Podcast Host 1]

You were 15?

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah, I was 15.

[Podcast Host 1]

Oh, wow.

[Britt Stewart]

I was 15 in it. And it just happened. And before that, I always thought I wanted to be a doctor or something in medicine, but I also knew that I loved. That I loved dance and that was my passion. So I didn't know how to do both. But after High School Musical, my whole life changed, really. I got an idea for what it was like to be on set and what a career in dance would be be like. And it changed. I decided then I wanted to dance professionally. And I was very blessed. And I'm so grateful because the doors just. They kept opening. It was like, you know, God or the universe was leading me in this direction.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

And, yeah. Started at 15. And I still, like, I didn't quickly become, like, this Hollywood kid. I still stayed in Colorado. My parents were very serious about, you know, like, keeping me humble. You will not become a Hollywood kid.

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

So I filmed both High School Musical 1 and 2. Still in high school.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

And then I graduated, moved to la. I still. Still thinking I would maybe do something in medicine. Went to college, but then booked High School Musical 3. And then after that, I was like, okay, I'm dancing. I left college and started that, started dancing.

[Podcast Host 2]

When you got the call for Dancing with the Stars, what was that like? Did you want to be on the show? Like, how did that come to be.

[Britt Stewart]

So Dancing with the Stars, some people know, like, OG fans know that when I first started on Troop, I had never had professional ballroom training before. You know, I was trained in ballet and jazz and contemporary and tap, like all the different other dance styles. So, no, I was not expecting to get a call from Dancing with the Stars for that one reason. I was working on a job with Mandy Moore. I know, like, the best choreographer in the world.

[Daniel Durant]

No question.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. Daniel's experience working with her.

[Daniel Durant]

Love her. I still dream about working with her again. Maybe a Deaf west or Broadway production one day. That would be amazing.

[Britt Stewart]

Must Mandy?

[Podcast Host 1]

Yes.

[Britt Stewart]

I mean, we've. We've talked about it, so it will happen, hopefully. So I was in rehearsal with her, and we were doing a job for Disney's 60th anniversary, and we needed to film something. Derek was hosting, and Whitney Carson was supposed to be his dance partner, but she was traveling on her honeymoon, I believe. Leave. So Derek needed a dance partner. And so last minute, Mandy was like, brit, go dance with Derek. That video. Mandy sent it to all the Dancing with the Stars producers, abc, Disney, and I got my audition for troupe from that rehearsal, from that video. I was, like, freaking out. Like, I'm going to, like, audition for Dancing with the Stars. They knew I wasn't trained, but they knew I could do it. So I auditioned. I didn't get it right away. But six months later, I got a call. They asked me to join the troupe, and I started the next day. And then I was on troop for five seasons.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

And then during season 28, they got rid of Troop. I remember getting that call from our showrunner at the time. Different from now. And before that, that fall season, I had auditioned again to become a pro. It was a different audition process. And so that same summer got a call, and very quickly he said, this is not a good call. And I was like, okay. He let me know that I wasn't going to get promoted to a pro that season. And then at the same time, they were getting rid of the troupe. But he was very nice. He was like, we love you. We don't think this is the end of your Dancing with the Stars journey. It's just not happening this season. And it's bad timing because we're also getting rid of Troop.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

So I had a year off, and then in 2020, I got promoted to be a pro. And I remember Dina, who. She's the casting director and also EP executive producer, she texted me if I was available for video chat. And when Dina texts, you answer, like, yeah, you don't wait. You just answer. And I remember they let me know that I was becoming a pro. And I was almost like I was in shock. I was frozen a little bit, I think. I didn't have, like, a lot of emotion. I was very clearly happy. But then after that call, I called my mom, and then I, like, lost it. I was like, the floodgates of emotion were just, like, going crazy, and it was so exciting.

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh, my gosh. That's so special. And you're the first ever black female pro on the show. What does that mean to you?

[Britt Stewart]

I mean, that it. It means everything. I remember when I became a pro, I was first excited for, like, my dreams in work and in dance. After experiencing Dancing with the Stars on troupe for so long, I was like, this is really happening. So that was my first thought of just emotion with that. And then after that, I was like, wait, this is a bigger deal than just simply booking my dream job. This is also going to mean a lot for many people that. That look like me.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

And so I saw the significance and the importance and the value of that, and I tried to not let the pressure get to me, but. But it does. It did then at that time, and it still does now. I mean, he knows, like, yeah. Even this season, when I got eliminated first, I was first upset for both myself and Baron. And then I always feel this responsibility for other black women and to be that representation. And so, you know, this season, he's helped me a lot with that pressure and that really I put on myself. But I just want to succeed, not only for me, but for, like, you know, the little black girls that are looking up to me that I, you know, that I cherish so much, and I want them to. To do better than me. Yeah, I want to. Yes. You know, I am the first. And sometimes being the first has a learning process and is sometimes, I think, like, slower than the second or the third. But I know that I'm opening these doors and breaking the, you know, the barriers because I hope that. That those little. Those little girls that are looking up to me, I hope they will be better than me one day and more successful than me one day.

[Daniel Durant]

I hope they will.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

Sweet.

[Podcast Host 2]

I remember, I watched the show, but I remember, like, seeing you upset, and it's sweet to hear that. I mean, obviously I would be upset, too, if I was going home, but.

[Podcast Host 1]

Like, just to really hear your heart behind it, too.

[Podcast Host 2]

And, like, you don't just want it for, like, you and your partner. You want it for the other little girls out there watching you especially.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah, I think. I think it's important to. To see the big. The big picture. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Podcast Host 1]

How do you both.

[Podcast Host 2]

Because you both are such large representations for your communities, which I think just make you, like, such a power couple, and it's the best thing.

[Podcast Host 1]

How do you deal with those pressures.

[Podcast Host 2]

And not letting them get to you? Because if you start to really take that weight on your shoulders, it can get really heavy.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

I think the two of us can relate on that level. I mean, of course, it's so different regarding the black community and the deaf community, but, you know, look at me. I'm white. I have had a lot of privilege, and there is a difference there. The deaf community has deaf black people as well, of course. And so, you know, I think I am different, but I've had privilege. But I always try my best every day to learn about her community because, you know, one day the two of us will have kids and. And those kids will be a part of both of our communities. So I think it's really important to learn from each other and just have that mutual support and just be there for each other. And I think, you know, of course, Britt can have some feelings on, you know, how obstacles people face in the world. And then, of course, you know, in her workplace, she's really risen really high and she's done a great job. I'm so proud of her, and she's so inspiring. She's inspiring for me, too. I learn a lot from her every day. But, you know, I think that's what I can say. It's just I try my best, and I. And I think we learn about each other's communities. And what do you think about the deaf community, Brit? You know, also, you know, I really love when she simcoms, when she communicates, when she signs and speaks at the same time, or even on Dancing with the Stars, she'll do it. And sometimes she'll sign when she's on tour. And I really love to see that because she's thinking about my community, too. And it's beautiful. It's really touching. And a lot of deaf people always come up to me. They go, hey, Daniel. Oh, I love your wife. Oh, she signs. Her sign language is improving. Oh, her sign language is beautiful. And I say, yeah, yeah, I know. I know. It makes me proud, too. And so, you know, she's amazing with that. And I love to see deaf people give their feedback. I think about two weeks ago, I was there, and there was a couple of deaf folks there on Dancing with the Stars, and they were so thrilled that Brit was there, and they approached her, and, you know, I can't even imagine, you know, this is a pro dancer who is fluent in sign language and communicate directly to members of the deaf community, not through an interpreter, but directly. And that really means the world to deaf people. And, you know, Brit really does that. I think she really has a deaf heart. And a deaf heart means you really have that empathy and that understanding for the deaf community, and you do anything to better that community. And so I think Brett really does have a deaf heart.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah. I mean, I feel like it's special when you get accepted into the deaf community. It's like. It's like this. I don't know how to sign it, but badge, like badge of honor, it's like, you know, you know, I don't know, but badge of honor, because it really is a special community and inclusive and bright and beautiful. And so, you know, when I fell in love hard with Daniel, it, like, it hit me like a train. It was like the universe gave me no option. I mean, I, like, very happily but said yes. But, you know, when I accepted that, I also knew that I was accepting his community with that too. And just like he says, you know, one day when we have kids, you know, his kids will be half black. Our kids will be included in the deaf community. And we talk about it all the time. That in our home, it's ASL first. That's the first language. And so, yeah, I feel, I feel honored and I respect the deaf community and I do. It's. It's interesting. I see us and I'm like, we're just Daniel and Brit, you know?

[Podcast Host 2]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

Just. Just loving each other. But I do also realize that we hold a lot of representation in both of our communities and in the entertainment industry too. I realized that. And I think we are always talking about how we can amplify that. Yeah. And I do think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves. I think sometimes I put pressure on him too. I'm sorry, babe, but I think what helps is having your safe place. Like, we always say that our home, when we walk through our front door, that's safe. That is our place and space for us to just be us and to not worry. So we can really just open up, like let all the, you know, outside opinions and negativity just like drip off when we arrive home.

[Daniel Durant]

Yeah, I agree. Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

What are your biggest self care mental health tools? I feel like you guys both have busy schedules, so what do you do to stay grounded and stay mindful?

[Britt Stewart]

For me, I. I've long time, I've been in therapy now. I go like, I'm not very consistent, but I have my therapist like on, like ready for text for. For the next meet. For the next meeting. I also meditate. I started meditating when I was like 23. And now I find that's a beautiful tool from. For me and for my mental health.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

I have a lot actually. Also, like, movement meditation is amazing for me. I think maybe it's like the dance part of the dancer in me. What is that movement meditation? It's specifically I do qigong.

[Podcast Host 1]

Okay.

[Britt Stewart]

And it's like a. It's a little bit like Tai chi, but in Chinese culture. Qi. Qi. Qi. Sorry, I spelled that wrong. Qi is energy. And so it's really like simply. It's the moving of your energy that. And you can like, you can feel your body, like, buzzing. You can feel it. At least for me I can. Yeah. Yeah.

[Daniel Durant]

When I was growing up, I went to a mainstream school and I was the only deaf student. And that's where my two mothers and some of my teachers, they noticed I had some behaviors. And so I got started with therapy pretty early. And so I've been going to therapy ever since I was young. And that really did help me big time and helped me understand Some tools and appropriate behaviors and so on. And I think therapy did really help me. I think the whole time I was in school, I was in therapy from elementary school to high school. I always had a therapist. And after that, I went to college and became an actor. And I didn't really go to therapy for quite a while until I was in the play Spring Awakening on Broadway. And my character was Moritz. And it was a pretty dark and depressing role to play. And, you know, I'm a method actor myself. So how I really dove into that role and that depression was I had to think back and force myself to think about my own traumas, about what happened to me, like negative experiences in school when I was bullied or when I screwed up. And then I didn't want to think about that again. I just kind of stashed it away. And then I became this character, and I kind of opened Pandora's box and all those negative memories started coming out. And I was really proud that I was able to do well in that play. It was a beautiful performance. It was really deep. It was such a great cast. Everyone really did a good job. And after that, after the show was over, you know, I didn't really think that it made an impact on me. But then I started getting depression myself, and I was in depression. I was depressed for a pretty long time. And then it hit me that of course, you know, I was in touch with my. My mom sometimes, and they said, daniel, you haven't been going to therapy for such a long time. You need to go see a therapist. And I said, yeah, you're right. So fortunately, I found a deaf therapist or hard of hearing therapist who could hear a little bit, but new sign language. And that really did help me and taught me some more tools. And I did that for about a year. And then after that, I didn't again until much later during COVID And that was the worst time for me, I think, in my whole life, because at that time, we just finished shooting the movie Coda. It was such a wonderful experience. We had three months going out in a boat in Massachusetts, and it was a big movie. It was so successful. And then all of a sudden, Covid hit and everything was on pause. I didn't have any employment and I was pretty broke and I had to move back in with my parents. And at that time, you know, I was almost in my 30s, and so I had to go back to live with my two moms. And, you know, I didn't feel proud of myself. I felt like my self Esteem really took a dive. I was working in a restaurant. I was working as a busboy in a restaurant, you know, washing dishes and cleaning up tables. And I really went downhill and I had a break, a breakdown, you know, and it. I think that only happens, you know, once in a while with people. But during COVID it happened to me a few times. And my. Then my two mothers said, daniel, go to therapy again. So I listened. I went to therapy, went to the doctor, got some medication that did help, some antidepressants. And so I think mental health is really important. And so seeing a therapist has helped me. And, you know, I need to work out more. You know, I'm just. I'm all talk, but I need to work out more. You know, since Dancing with the Stars, you know, I was so happy because we were exercising every single day. I was sweating, I was moving, you know, I was really enjoying it. And then at home, I felt good. It was almost like you. You were vibrating. You felt so good. And then after that, I was kind of lazy a little bit. And I said, okay, you know what? I do need to work out a little bit. It is really important. And sometimes, you know, if I had a hard day, I really do enjoy playing video games. You know, it's a really nice place for me to escape and disconnect and just, you're in the game, you're in that world. You're just completely immersed in playing. So I do really enjoy a game with the storyline or that feeling when you win, you know, when you're playing a game and socializing, too. You know, living in la, deaf people live all over the place. It's. It's really rare to have an opportunity to see my friends in la, but we socialize when we play video games. I have a group of deaf guys, you know, hearing people can talk over headsets, but we have a separate zoom where we can kind of joke around and chat and play video games together. I really do enjoy that. That really does help my mental health too. You know, it's okay if you have a mental health issue or you're not. You're feeling some anxiety or depression. Just be open about it. I think we're all human. We've all had different experiences. It's okay to go to therapy. You know, I remember when I was in school, the teacher would say, just to let you know, don't forget you have a therapist appointment soon. I was like, why is it such a secret? Why? You know, you can just. It's fine if people know about it. And like, oh, I thought this was a private issue. And, you know, I didn't understand why. There was kind of a stigma back then, I think, where people weren't so open about therapy and we're all trying to take care of our own mental health and our own emotional condition, because, again, we're human. We all have this human condition. There's nothing wrong with that. So that older way of thinking was to stigmatize it. Like, if you're going to therapy, you must have a problem. And, you know, I think it's really important to not think of it that way, just to be open and really we can improve ourselves and be better people for sure.

[Podcast Host 2]

That's so true. We talk about therapy all the time on the podcast because I believe so much that you have to do the work when everything's fine so that when it does get messy, you have the tools and you're prepared. Last couple questions I have for you guys is, first, I'd love to know what you're most proud of yourself for, whether it's life, career, whatever it is. I feel like we don't get to reflect on ourselves like that.

[Daniel Durant]

So me. You want me to start? Okay. What am I most proud of? I think I'm proud that I found my passion. I'm proud that I found my real talent. And I think how I knew I had this unique talent regarding sign language and my expressiveness and how I could put it all forward was growing up. I had a deaf and hard of hearing teacher and an interpreter, and they always. They didn't see many folks signed the way that I did. And I really enjoyed making facial expressions and acting. I always really wanted to act. So when I graduated from high school, I started a YouTube channel, and I would tell stories in ASL and tell deaf jokes. And that's where I started growing my skill and also growing my fans online. And I went off to college, and I went into it, you know, it was completely off topic, and I didn't really like it. And, you know, that was where I really started having fans on campus. They're like, daniel, what are you doing here? Why don't you go to Gallaudet University? And that's a deaf liberal arts University in Washington, D.C. and at the time, I was going to a technical college in New York named RIT in Rochester, New York, and what are you doing here, Daniel? Go to Gallaudet. And I was like, all right. And so then I left that school, transferred to Gallaudet, and I auditioned for some plays, and I kept getting turned Down. I wasn't cast. And then my motivation at school and college was pretty tough. I totally lost my motivation. I decided to leave college. And of course, my mothers were so upset. They were angry with me because that side of the family is very well educated. And my grandmother was a principal at a big high school. My grandfather was on the board of education, and my mom was an English teacher. And it was just a really educational family. So all of a sudden, I became a black sheep. And we went back and forth at that time, when I left college, I was living with my two mothers, and I started buying, you know, those little camcorders, those handheld camcorders, and I was posting things on YouTube, and they kept yelling me, stop doing that. Daniel, focus. Go apply for a job. Go.

[Podcast Host 1]

Go.

[Daniel Durant]

Go to another college. And I was like, no, I'm doing this YouTube channel. I have fans I need to grow. My fans. I need. They like what I'm doing. And so I went back and forth with them. And then I got a role at Deaf West Theater production. And then everything went from there. And when Koda went to the Oscars, my two mothers flew in. They joined us, and they went around with me. They were there all night at the Oscar parties till, like, five in the morning. And so after the parties were over, I remember going back to the hotel and I went up to my mom's. Hey, do you remember where you were pissed off at me when I was recording things with my camcorder for my YouTube channel? Look, now we're here. And they laughed and looked over at me. So I think that's what I'm most proud of myself for. You know, of course, you know, we all love our parents, and our parents always want to do what's best for us. And at the same time, you understand, their perspective is education and degrees and. And jobs. But at the same time, I knew that path wasn't for me. I knew that I had talent. I knew I could act. I knew I had it in me, and I knew I needed to follow that dream. And I'm so happy and proud that I was stubborn enough to chase that dream. So to let anyone know who's listening out there, you know, you may have these dreams about your life, and if your parents disagree, that's all right. You know, the world is yours, the world is ours, right? And so we need to create our own path and make our own choices. And parents will always be there to support and love you, no matter what choices you make.

[Britt Stewart]

I don't know how to follow that, but But I will. I will say that I'm proud that I have trusted the universe and God in my life, because I feel like without that trust, I would have overthought everything. I would have over, like, analyzed. And I think the most beautiful things that have happened in my life have been divine, have been, like, what I didn't expect.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

And that includes work. Some of my favorite moments in, you know, my career. And it also includes Daniel. I feel like I'm still so grateful I didn't overthink even, like, dating you because we met on Dancing with the Stars. I always said I would never. I would never, like, fall in love or date a partner on. On the show, and now we're married, so I'm, you know, I'm so proud of myself for just allowing. For Just allowing.

[Podcast Host 1]

Yeah.

[Britt Stewart]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host 2]

Last question is, I'd love to know.

[Podcast Host 1]

What you're most proud of the other for.

[Daniel Durant]

Wow. I might get emotional, but to be honest, I'm so proud of Britt for everything. For everything that she is. Brit, who you are, you work so hard. You're so passionate, and I know the dancing world is not an easy place to be in, and she inspires so many people. She works so hard, and I can see what she does every single day. And plus, she works. Does nonprofit work, too. And so she's just, you know, I. I feel more than proud. Proud isn't the right word. What's a better word than proud, Really?

[Britt Stewart]

I am proud of you. For you, you are like, Daniel Durant is the only one in this whole world, and you are stubborn in that. And I'm proud of you for being stubborn in that. He's laughing.

[Daniel Durant]

I'm so lucky to have her. I'm so lucky that you love me.

[Podcast Host 2]

Oh, so sweet. This has been so special, and I'm.

[Podcast Host 1]

So thankful for you guys for coming.

[Podcast Host 2]

On, and I'm just. I love following you, and I'm. This is a first for the squeeze, so thank you as well. It's been.

[Podcast Host 1]

It's been great.

[Britt Stewart]

Justin, thank you so much. This is really amazing, beautiful time with you.

[Daniel Durant]

I really enjoyed it, and it's so nice that the two of us. Yeah, we know each other, but it's nice to talk about these things again, you know, it feels good, you know?

[Britt Stewart]

So sweet.

[Podcast Host 2]

Thank you, guys.

[Britt Stewart]

Thank you. Yay.

[Podcast Host 2]

Please note that this episode may contain.

[Podcast Host 1]

Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[Britt Stewart]

Individuals on the show may have a.

[Podcast Host 1]

Direct or indirect financial interest in products.

[Podcast Host 2]

Or services referred to in this episode.