Ezra Sosa: Trusting His Talent

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Squeeze

Episode Title: Ezra Sosa: Trusting His Talent
Host: Taylor Lautner
Guest: Ezra Sosa
Release Date: February 4, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Squeeze features Dancing with the Stars pro Ezra Sosa, as he discusses his journey of growth, authenticity, and mental health both on and off the dance floor. Host Taylor Lautner (Tay) invites Ezra to reflect on the most recent season, the personal meaning of his acclaimed freestyle, navigating the pressures of public scrutiny, developing boundaries with social media, and maintaining his identity in a demanding industry. The conversation is open-hearted, energetic, and candid, providing a blend of fun exchanges and deep insights.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Citrus Got Real: Icebreaker Game

• [03:32] Ezra participates in the show’s signature icebreaker game. The question:
  “If you had to eat one meal every day, what would it be?”
  • Ezra’s choice: Pizza (for its never-the-same variety across cities).
  • Taylor’s choice: Ramen (if ignoring the consequences!)
  • Ezra reflects:
    • “Pizza is universal… tour with JoJo taught me it tastes different everywhere!” (04:05)

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2. Proving Himself on DWTS

• [05:41–07:10] Ezra reflects on his mindset entering the latest Dancing with the Stars season:
  • After not getting to showcase his choreography skills in earlier seasons (eliminated first with Anna), Ezra was determined to finally prove his talent.
  • “Going into this past season… I was trying to prove myself not just to my peers but to everyone back home. Everyone knew me for my personality, but not really for my ability to dance.” ([06:47], Ezra Sosa)

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3. Partnership with Jordan Chiles

• [07:10–08:24] Ezra describes working with Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles:
  • Jordan was intensely focused (“locked in since day one”), but also brought “good vibes” and kept things fun.
  • The duo was most successful when they prioritized enjoyment and energy, not just competition.

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4. Favorite Dances & The Viral Freestyle

• Favorite Performance:
  • [08:28] Ezra’s favorite was their jive:
    • “I don’t think I ever got full body chills doing a dance before!”
  • Their “Wicked” rumba was the most challenging but rewarding journey.
• Behind the Freestyle:
  • [09:07–11:25] Inspiration struck when Normani attended the show and wanted to be included if they made the finale.
  • Chose songs “Bow Down” (Beyoncé) and “Motivation” (Normani), capturing Jordan’s story and Houston roots.
  • The dance went viral, with fans recreating it:
    • “There’s such a surreal experience when you see someone do your freestyle in front of you.” ([11:04], Ezra Sosa)

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5. Public Scrutiny & Online Discourse

• [18:06–22:11] Ezra and Taylor discuss backlash and negativity on social media:
  • Ezra recalls early criticism: “After our week one salsa, people said, ‘That’s not a salsa, Ezra can’t choreograph.’”
  • He found strength by accepting that public opinion is inevitable:
    • “Being in the public eye, you are accepting those opinions… the moment I realized that, it gave me ease.” ([19:26], Ezra Sosa)
  • The season felt uniquely tough for contestants, with criticism affecting even seasoned pros and celebrities.
  • Ezra noticed the negative impact on Jordan (“first time I saw her down”, [22:25]), and learned to set firmer boundaries for mental health.

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6. Setting Boundaries & Social Media Detox

• [23:00–24:17] Social media became overwhelming:
  • Ezra took a full month off posting before the season began, even pausing brand deals:
    • “That's when social media starts feeling like a job… [after tour] I felt the most disconnected from what I love to do, but the most connected to the thing that was, like, super addicting to me—not good for my mental health at all.” ([23:45], Ezra Sosa)
  • A month of rest, travel, and renewed focus on dance reconnected him to his craft.

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7. Sustaining Passion & Routine

• [24:22–27:57]
  • The variety of DWTS (new music, choreography weekly) keeps things exciting, versus tour which can feel repetitive.
  • On tour, mental health is challenged by exhaustion, lack of sunlight, and monotony.
    • “When I got depressed, I would just be in bed… But I have to sit with myself… [There's] opportunity to explore these cities.” ([27:07], Ezra Sosa)
  • Routine becomes a lifeline: running, staying active, connecting with friends are key.

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8. Touring, Adrenaline, and Post-Show “Come Down”

• [29:23–32:42]
  • The post-show transition is hard: “You put so much of your worth into your career… once it’s done, your body goes into fight or flight and doesn’t know what to do.” ([30:07], Ezra Sosa)
  • Ezra admits mastery over “the come down” eludes him—finding new projects helps.
  • “After GMA, I was like doom scrolling...also part of me just didn’t want to let it go.” ([31:51], Ezra Sosa)

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9. Maintaining Identity in a Demanding Industry

• [44:11–47:14]
  • As a queer performer, Ezra thoughtfully balances masculine and feminine energy:
    • “I’ll only ‘fem it up’ or be really masculine if it calls for it creatively... my job is to be a vessel for what [my partner] wants to do.” ([44:19], Ezra Sosa)
  • Staying true to oneself is vital:
    • “A lot of people in this industry tend to lose themselves over a job... what helped me the most was allowing space to discover myself. But once I did, really staying true to who that was.” ([47:04], Ezra Sosa)

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10. Advice from Fellow Pros & Support System

• [39:49–40:55]
  • Ezra relied on advice and support from other pros, notably Whitney Carson, Brit, and Riley.
  • “Sometimes you just need to hear that you’re doing a good job, and Riley was always that friend for me.” ([40:54], Ezra Sosa)
  • The camaraderie and mentorship on set proved invaluable—especially as this was his first full season as a pro.

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11. Rapid-Fire: Lemon 7 Questions

• Highlights ([50:09–55:13]):
  1. Movie/song describing mental health: ‘Inception’ (“when I leave a huge project I go into existential crisis”)
  2. Openness about struggle: Very open—believes in strength through community and shared experiences.
  3. Top social follows: Riley Arnold, Jay Shetty, Jennifer Coolidge.
  4. Favorite self-care: Self-expression, especially dancing around the kitchen (“the best therapy I have discovered for myself”).
  5. Most misunderstood: “How smart I actually am. I’m really good with other people’s energies, getting personality out of them.”
  6. Who helps your mental health: His mom—her capacity to change and fully accept him after he came out.
  7. One moment to revisit: Being eliminated with Anna—would tell himself “this is just the beginning.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On public scrutiny:
  “Being in the public eye, you are accepting those opinions… No matter what I do, it will happen.” ([19:26], Ezra Sosa)

• On his viral freestyle:
  “There’s such a surreal experience when you see someone do your freestyle in front of you. That’s so cool.” ([11:04], Ezra Sosa)

• On sustaining passion:
  “When I got depressed, I would just be in bed… being in these cities, there is an opportunity… but I’m just choosing to be in bed all day.” ([27:32], Ezra Sosa)

• On self-discovery:
  “Allowing space to discover myself. But once I did, really staying true to who that was.” ([47:11], Ezra Sosa)

• On identity as a performer:
  “I’ll only fem it up… or be really masculine if it calls for the creative.” ([44:19], Ezra Sosa)

• On his journey:
  “If I could go back… I would tell myself this is just the beginning—stay true to who you are.” ([54:47], Ezra Sosa)

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Important Timestamps

• Citrus Got Real (Icebreaker) & Opening Banter: [03:32–05:41]
• Career Motivation & Proving Himself: [05:41–07:10]
• Jordan Chiles Partnership: [07:10–08:24]
• Favorite Dances & Freestyle Origins: [08:28–11:25]
• Coping with Public Discourse: [18:06–22:11]
• Social Media Boundaries: [23:00–24:17]
• Tour & Mental Health: [24:22–27:57]; [29:23–32:42]
• Identity and Performer Dynamics: [44:11–47:14]
• Peer Support & Advice: [39:49–40:55]
• Lemon 7 Rapid-Fire: [50:09–55:13]

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Tone & Language

The tone is candid, vulnerable, and occasionally humorous. Both Tay and Ezra strike a warm, supportive, and energetic dynamic throughout.

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Summary

Ezra Sosa’s episode is a window into the highs and lows of pursuing your passion under the scrutiny of the spotlight. He speaks openly about pressure, identity, criticism, resilience, and the importance of remaining true to oneself. The conversation is rich with wisdom for anyone navigating creative industries or balancing mental health against public perception. The closing message: “Stay true to who you are. You’ll be okay.”

Transcript

[Taylor]

The following podcast is a dear media production.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, yeah, that's the best part. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Wait. This is kind of fierce, but maybe I'm just.

[Taylor]

It's like an erewhon pizza. Like, a good.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm like, okay, Privilege.

[Taylor]

It's a clean pizza.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, I didn't care at that point.

[Taylor]

Great.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, full transparency. She's definitely, like, twerking on national television, like on Dancing with the Stars, which probably has never happened before.

[Podcast Host]

How's it gonna be on tour without her?

[Taylor]

I'm gonna miss her.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, I taught convicted felon how to d. That definitely came with its battles. So when they were coming for, like, my choreography, I was like, okay, no, Like, I can pull up. Like, I can 100% do this with Anna. I was eliminated first, so you didn't really get to see, like, my choreographic ability. And then they would come up to me and they'd be like, I love your TikToks. I love your social media, which is, like, awesome. But that's not my love. Like, that's not my passion. It's a load of bullet, just like always. Just stay true to who you are. I definitely feel like a lot of people in this industry tend to lose themselves over a job, lose their identity to fit a certain thing. For me, what really helped the most was just allowing space to discover myself. But once I did, really staying true to who that was.

[Podcast Host]

Lemon Drops. The day has officially come.

[Taylor]

Ezra Sosa is on the podcast.

[Podcast Host]

Yes. Cheers, applause. We've had him on before with Riley. We did a fun Christmas episode with them a couple years back. But I'm so excited that I finally got the opportunity to sit down one on one with Ezra and dive into all of the things. In this episode, Ezra reflects on this past season of Dancing with the Stars and how it finally gave him the opportunity to fully showcase his talent for both dance and choreography, including the story behind his freestyle dance and what that piece meant to him personally. He opens up about what it was like partnering with Olympian Jordan Chiles, navigating the intense scrutiny, discord and hate on social media, and the boundaries he's learned to set online to protect his peace. Ezra also shares how he keeps his love for dance alive despite the pressure, what mental health looks like for him while on tour, and the advice older pros gave him that stayed with him. He shares how he stayed grounded in who he is within an industry that often expects you to look, act, and dress a certain way. I cannot wait for you guys to hear this fun little yap. Session that Ezra and I had. He is such a doll, as you all know, and this episode is super special. Hope you enjoy.

[Taylor]

Ezra, welcome back to the Squeeze.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love being here. It's super fun.

[Taylor]

I love having you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. You just have the best energy.

[Podcast Host]

I miss you.

[Taylor]

You're just, like, so, like, warm and cozy and welcoming. Like, I feel like.

[Ezra Sosa]

Thanks.

[Taylor]

I got the Stranger Things premiere. When I saw you, like, you, there's so much going on. Like, you're with Jordan. You got things going on, and you just, like, taking the time to, like,

[Podcast Host]

come up and say hi.

[Taylor]

It's like.

[Podcast Host]

It's so sweet.

[Taylor]

And I know you do that for a lot of people.

[Ezra Sosa]

Well, you're sweet, too, so I think it goes both ways.

[Taylor]

So it's easy.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, it's super easy. I also look, like, insanely gorgeous. I can't remember what your dress was, but, like, I remember seeing it was like, we're.

[Taylor]

Well, we start each episode off. I can't remember if we did this because last time, you hear, we did, like, full on. Just like Christmas.

[Ezra Sosa]

It was, like, full, festive, with pajamas and, like, a whole party.

[Taylor]

Yeah, it was. It was way too much fun. But we start each episode off with this jar. It's a game called Citrus Got Real. If you want to pull a little piece of paper out of there.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay.

[Taylor]

And read her to us.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. I'll pull this one. Because it's, like, less obvious. Do you, like, strategically place these?

[Taylor]

No, strategically in the sense of I try to balance them so they don't fall, but it never really works.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, wait, this is hard. If you had to eat one meal every single day, what would it be? Oh, Taylor, I don't know. That's so hard. Like, I feel like my gut would say pizza. Because I also feel like this is why I love pizza.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. It's universal.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

If you go to different parts of, like, even our country, pizza is going to be different. That's why I love it when I tour with JoJo. She would get pizza in every single city. And that's when I was like, wait, this is kind of fierce. Like, I'm eating the same thing, but it's kind of different every single time. Yeah, But I'm trying to eat healthy right now, so I'm like. I don't feel like that's, like, nutritional.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, to eat every single day.

[Taylor]

Yeah. But maybe I'm just like an Erewhon pizza. Like, a good, good ingredient privilege the clean. It's a clean pizza. I was gonna say ramen. That Was like, my.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, but don't. Wouldn't you feel, like, so bloated after? I don't know. I would eat ramen and be like, I would feel like I hate it.

[Taylor]

Well, okay. Let's live in a world where there's no consequences of feeling bloated. Then it would be hard.

[Ezra Sosa]

Pizza or ramen. Okay.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I think I would still pick ramen. Well, I'm excited to, like, chat and hear about life in this past season because it's been so fun to watch you, but also, like, not that you needed to prove yourself, but I really feel like you showed a lot of people, like, your knowledge of dance and your ability to be an amazing pro as a partner and a choreographer. Like, I can't tell you how many times Taylor and I have watched the freestyle. Like, literally I had, like, I watched it and I was like, I had chills. Like, actually, like, it was so good. And even, like, the actual ballroom styles of dance, I feel like you just did, like, such a good job. Not that I was thinking you weren't going to do one, but, you know, it was your first time really getting to, like, dive into that.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, I love that you said that too. Cuz, like, that was 100% my mindset going into this. This season.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because I knew. I overheard through, like, other producers or casting, they're like, you will be getting a good partner this season, so we can really see what you can do.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Not like. Like, with Anna, I was eliminated first, so you didn't really get to see, like, my choreographic ability. You didn't really get to see her progression, like, as a dancer. So I definitely feel like going into this season, especially when I was, like, on tour, like, I just, you know, like, we're about to go into tour. Just came back from. Yeah, I'm doing another tour. Like, so many tours. I'm like, oh, my God. But, like, when you're out on the road, I would be like, next to Danny.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And everyone would compliment her dance ability, her choreography, whatever. And then they would come up to me and they'd be like, I love your tick tocks. I love your social media, which is, like, awesome.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But that's not my love. Like, that's not my passion. So, like, going into this past season, that just happened with Jordan, that was like, 100 my mindset. Like, I was trying to prove myself not just to, like, my peers, but to everyone back at home. Yeah. Because everyone just knew me for my personality, but not really for.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

My ability to dance. Which is kind of wild, but wow.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, I love hearing that.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I can imagine that could be, like, not frustrating, but, like, you're. There's so much more to you than just, like, your ability to.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes.

[Taylor]

Tick tocks and stuff. And how cool you had Jordan, who's someone that is, like, such a competitor and is so just like, she locked in. Locked in.

[Ezra Sosa]

Since day one, she locked in, and I was like, oh, this is. I'm going to, like, be put in the work in with Jordan.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Was there a moment where you, like, realized that? Did you just know that she was going to be serious about it because she is an Olympian, or was there a moment where you were like, oh,

[Ezra Sosa]

like, yeah, I hear. I feel like when I first met her, I wasn't expecting her to be so, like, I didn't really know much about her prior to the season. I knew her story. I knew her at the Olympics, but I didn't really know much about, like, her as a person because I have never met her before.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But she was a lot more bubbly than I remember. But I. Like, when I found out she was my partner, my head was like, oh, we're taking this so serious. But, like, yeah, one thing about Jordan is, yeah, she'll lock in. She puts in the work, but she emphasizes always having a good time and always having good energy and good vibes, because it's like. And the weeks that we struggled the most were the weeks where, like, we weren't enjoying the process. We were really hard on ourselves. Yeah. So she really was, like, the best out. Bringing out, like, my best self and, like, making sure that I felt 100%.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because then it went both ways.

[Taylor]

Yeah. That's so good. Is there, like, can you pick? Okay, maybe aside from your freestyle, is there a favorite dance that you did before the finale?

[Ezra Sosa]

The. The ones that I did enjoy. I love doing our jive.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, I don't think I ever got Full Body Chills doing a dance before.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, wow.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, when she jumped over my shoulders and then we do, like, that turning sequence after just, like, Full Body Chills was the first time I ever experienced that, like, ever in a dance. And it was just, like, hearing the audience, like, we did something super cool.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I'll never forget that. But I also feel like a rumba was one. That.

[Taylor]

What week was that?

[Ezra Sosa]

That was for Wicked.

[Taylor]

Okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, we. We closed the show, but I. I loved that dance because the journey to get to that dance was probably, like, our hardest. But the way that we Kind of overcame going about that rumba and how it, like, fully developed on the ballroom floor was, like, truly magical.

[Taylor]

Yeah. When. What did. When did the idea for the freestyle come? Like, I want to hear, like, what your process was.

[Ezra Sosa]

It came when Normani came to the show.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

So Normani came to the show to watch Lauren.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because she did, like, her fifth harmony song.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So slay, like. And Normani was there, and so she talked to us after, and I didn't know that Normani and Jordan were friends, but they were kicking. And, like, I love Normani. Like, I love this diva. I love her so much. And so when she was talking to Jordan, she was like, she was confident we're making the finale, but, like, obviously, like, when you're in it, you just don't know it's going to happen.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And she was like, when you guys make the finale, like, I want to be in your freestyle. And I was like, oh, so we have to make the finale. Like, we have to make it. And so I. That was like. That was, like, the first piece to our freestyle that I knew, like, okay, yeah, Normani is going to be in it. Okay. So Normani, like, yes. Like, Normani and Jordan are friends, but, like, Normani wasn't a part of her journey on the show. So I was like, choreographically, it was going to be really hard for me to put her in it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

In a way that made sense for it. So, like, crazy. But then it came down to, like, a couple weeks before the finale when they're like, producers are sitting down with us and being like, okay, we need, like, ideas. We need to, like, start going about it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And then from there, it just, like, I had to find songs that fit Jordan's.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Story.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I kind of sat with her, and, like, we had a couple of options, and I was just, like, playing it for her. And then we ultimately picked Bow down and Motivation, because, like, Normani was in it and Bow down because Jordan loves it. She loves Beyonce. She loves repping Houston. Like, there are so many things about that song. When we were listening to it, we're like, oh, my gosh. Like, this is the perfect song. This. This is it. And then from there, I was just kind of, like, formatting it and then staging it. Yeah, whatever. Yeah.

[Taylor]

Oh, my gosh, it was so good. And it's been obviously so fun to, like, watch people, like, recreate it on tick tock.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, yeah. That's the best part. That's so cool. Like, I just taught at a Dance convention this last weekend with Riley, and people were coming up to me, like, just doing it, and, like, there's. That's, like, such a surreal experience. Like, that's so. Yeah, it's like, so where it's like, wow. Like, I spent the past, like, couple weeks just doing that, and now you're like, you're a random person, and you're doing it in front of me. It's, like, really cool.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Were you nervous at all how the judges were gonna, like, the freestyle?

[Ezra Sosa]

No, I didn't care at that point.

[Taylor]

Great.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, full transparency.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. I feel like going into the finale, we. At this point, it wasn't about getting a good score. To me. I feel like there's certain weeks on the show where it's like, yeah, you want to get a good score with certain weeks where it's like, it doesn't really matter.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And for me, like, doing that freestyle, I'm like, no. Like, there was a part of me that was like, okay, like, she's definitely, like, twerking on national television, like, on Dancing with the Stars, which probably has never happened before. Like, I was, like, sitting myself with this, but I'm like, it's her. It's like, it's. Yeah, it's exactly who she is. And, like, we went out, and I saw her, like, dancing when we went out, and I was like, okay, this is our freestyle. I was like, can you remember this, please? Because, like, I really, like, you need to do this. Like, you have to do this. But, like, ultimately, like, when it comes to the freestyle, I don't think the judge's opinions matter, and people at home's opinions matter. It's just simply about taking who you have and just making them shine no matter what.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I was. I got, like, a little nervous when Carrie Anne was, like, starting to, like, talk, and I was like, what is she about to say right now? And then I was like, oh, no. And then she said, it was the best son. And I was like, oh, my God.

[Podcast Host]

Thank God.

[Taylor]

Like, you know how she does, like, her little thing before she starts talking? And I was like, oh, no. And then she did it, and I

[Ezra Sosa]

was like, yeah, it's always like, too. Like, she'll start with, like, a compliment, and then you're like, okay, it's either gonna.

[Taylor]

You're, like, waiting.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's either gonna go, okay, wait. She loves it. Okay, great. Or the pasta. Like, I really thought she was gonna like her pasta. And then she was, like, complimenting us. And then she said that, like, she was too strong. And then I was like, ah. I was like oh dang it.

[Taylor]

That's so funny.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

How. How has it been this season? Because I feel like there's There was some stuff you kind of. There was some discourse on the Internet at times. Always during the season.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. That was like, a recurring theme this season.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

How. How was that for you? Was that the first time you'd really, like, personally dealt with that or.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, I taught convicted felon how to dance, so that definitely came with its battles, like, for sure. But I definitely feel like it was the heaviest. It was for me.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because when I. Because I definitely feel like at some point, every single pro.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Had a little something.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And, like, it was very evident because it was something that we were all talking about behind the scenes.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I feel like the most heat that I got for it was after our week one. Like, we did our salsa, and people like, that's not a salsa. Ezra can't choreograph. Whatever.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And, yeah, that was really hard for me to deal with, but I definitely feel like the thing that got me over it and am I. Will I ever be 100% over that aspect? No, because it's like, it's multi layered. It's really complex. But the thing that really helped me be at ease with it was knowing that being in the position that, like, we're in, we're in the public eye, you are accepting those opinions. You are allowing that to happen in your life.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so the moment I kind of had to be like, not like, this is going to happen, but no matter what I do, it will happen. So that gave me ease, but also, like, they're coming from my choreography. And I was like, sis, Yeah, I can change my choreography.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, that's super easy. That's not something, like, I'm. That's not something I'm insecure about. Like, I'm really confident in my work and what I do. So when they were coming for, like, my choreography, I was like, okay, no, like, I can pull up. Like, I can 100% do this.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I know. That was definitely something because obviously, like, during the season, my entire, like, for you, Paige, is just all Dancing with the Stars.

[Ezra Sosa]

Right?

[Taylor]

Everything that's naturally. That's just what my feed ends up Being. But I definitely do feel like there.

[Podcast Host]

There was just.

[Taylor]

It was just. I feel like this season really, obviously it was. Each week, it was the most amount of votes. The most amount. Amount of votes. Like, the views are going up, whatever, getting boring.

[Ezra Sosa]

They're like, this week, the most amount of votes were like, I'm like, should we be expecting every week?

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I think there was one week that they didn't say and all of us were like, yeah, we got so excited about.

[Taylor]

That's so funny. But I do feel like on. I just felt like there was. I was seeing a lot of it online and it, like, bounced from, like, it really just, like, bounced from, like, one couple to another of either it was like the pro was catching heat or the star is catching the heat.

[Ezra Sosa]

It really sucked. That part really did suck. Yeah. I feel like experience, it sucks, but seeing other people go through it sucks even more.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Especially the celebrities.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

It is such a vulnerable experience. Like, really. And so the moment I felt like, oh, dang, like this is going to be a thing was after week one. Because usually on the show after week one, like, everyone usually gets a confidence boost.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, no one gets sent home. Everyone gets, like, I always feel like their participation trophy.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so, like, usually, like, when we come back after week one, vibes are great. Like, everyone feels really confident.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

This season was like, after week one, it was. It just was sad. Like, everyone didn't feel confident because now that the show has more opinions, more eyes, everyone wants to say their opinion.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So, yeah, it was. It's. That part was really sad to see, for sure.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Was it ever something that you and Jordan. Did you guys have a conversation about stuff that was going on online or was she just. I mean, she's obviously been in the

[Podcast Host]

public eye for so long.

[Taylor]

Like, is she able to block it out or what did you guys kind of have.

[Ezra Sosa]

She is head strong when it comes to that kind of stuff.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But there was a week where I, like, picked her up during elimination after we made it, and then she was like. She just said, put me down. Which I'm like, queen, you know your boundaries. But I also thought it was, like, funny.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

People saw as her being, like, a diva or a brat, and then it started turning into something that, like.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

That I was like, I was personally really mad at.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I didn't want to say anything because, like, I didn't know how she felt about it.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I just remember that day going in the studio and that was the first time I ever saw her down. And then we talked about it, and she talked about how it really affected her. And I was like. I was like, the fact that you are. You are being put down over something that you are completely innocent of, like, you had no ill intent with whatever happened during that moment.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Is like, it pissed me off so much. And that was probably the first time I was, like, vocal about any online hate.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Have you had to learn to kind of set boundaries with social media after this?

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, well, after last season.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

After I came back from tour was the first time I was like, this is getting a lot for me.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I'm really glad I did. Right before the. This season, I took a whole month off of, like, posting on social media. I had, like, brand deals that whole month. I, like, canceled all of them. I'm like, I'm sorry. My team, like, I. I was literally like, I just need to stop.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Just because it's like, that's when social media starts feeling like a job.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And like, last season when I started with, like, Anna, like, all of it was just, like, stupid. Like, for me, I was like, oh, my gosh, this is a gag. Whatever.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But then it gets to a point where it's like. And I. And I found myself getting this way where it's like I was getting addicted to, like, the views and the likes and staying relevant and on that and all that kind of stuff.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I feel like because of that, it took me away from what I actually love to do, which is, like, dance and choreography, and that was, like, my passion. That's my love. And so after tour, that's when I was like, I felt the most disconnected from what I love to do, but the most connected to the thing that was, like, super addicting to me. Not good for my mental health at all. And so that month where I was doing absolutely nothing and just training, dancing went on a vacay was, like, that was such a healing month for me because it really brought me back to, like, why I do what I do.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Which was, I think, was really important that I did before the season started.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

That's so good a question I love asking pros when I have them on is how have you been able to keep your relationship, like, your love for dance still alive and thriving? Because I imagine, like, it gets to a point where not gets to a point, but it could be a little hard just to love the thing you do when you're like, yeah, dancing 24 7, you're like, it is your job. And when your Passion becomes your job. Like, I imagine that it could be a little hard to still, like, have that love.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. I definitely feel like the thing about the show that I love the most is that every single week is different.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Nothing feels routine or repetitive, which, to me, when I'm on tour, my love for dance goes away because I'm doing the same thing every single day.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like on tour, the thing that keeps it alive is the people that come and watch and support us. Like, that, to me, is, like, a sole reason, like, to keep pushing and going on tour.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But, like, after tour, I was like, I do not want to dance.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, I. In my head, I'm like, I do not want to dance, like, at all.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But when you're on the show, the thing that really helps keep it alive is the creatives every single week.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, getting to choose your music, your song choice. Then you're, like, having, like. I remember the week where I really enjoyed with Anna was our second week. I mean, that. That was the week we got eliminated.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But that's when I was like, okay, like, I need to get her to perform. That's when I'm, like, in the studio, like, trying to choreograph something that can, like, bring out her personality. But that's the part that I love, and that part fuels me so much.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I don't think I realized that until I had a chance with Jordan to go even further.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And then I'm like, every week, I was, like, even struggling, I would get in the studio, I create, but then I'd feel like, really?

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I feel full. So.

[Taylor]

Yeah. How?

[Podcast Host]

You're right.

[Taylor]

I feel like your guys's tour, every time they're like, we added more dates, I'm like, oh, no. Like, obviously, I'm excited for you guys, but then I'm like, it's already so long, and you guys, like, looking at the thing. Like, there are so many shows. How do you, like, even try to remotely prioritize your, like, mental health or, like, having something.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love that you're bringing this up, because this last tour, I definitely feel like I. I personally didn't do good job on my mental health. On the road. The thing that's really hard, and I think this is what I'm bringing it back to, is you. We're touring in the winter, which is, like, there's no sun.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so the first month of tour for me was really hard because that's when we were in, like, the east coast in the Winter in January and, like, some cities, like, were snowed out. We had to cancel the show.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But the moment we got to Florida, I was outside for, like, ever. And I felt so much better.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like, what helps and what, like, in my brightest moments on tour were the moments where I had routine every single day. But when I got depressed, I would just, like, be in bed and then I would just get up, perform, and then go back to sleep. And, like, that's when it feels, like, monotonous. But then I'm like, I have to, like, understand and, like, sit with myself. Being in these cities, there is an opportunity to be in these cities.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, you can explore and go out. You can go to a different gym, you can go to this coffee shop. But I'm just choosing to, like, be in bed all day until I perform.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I'm just like. I, like. It's just. I think it's just a mind. Like, it's a mindset.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But going into this next tour, I'm, like, really prioritizing, like, my tour routine then that I might. I'm actually, like, doing it now.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So that when I get out on the road, nothing about my life changes and I can just, like, keep pushing, if that makes sense.

[Taylor]

Yeah, that's. That's really good to know. And I feel like sometimes we. We don't want a routine. Like, I feel like sometimes it's like, oh, like, this is, like, so monotonous, like, doing the same thing over and over again. But our bodies are, like, really, like, are meant to and thrive off of a routine. So especially when you're. When your little routine can be the same and your schedule is, like, what it is of, like, touring and just, like, such, like, high body exertion and all of this, like, energy, like, having the little. Same thing that you can do every day is so important. Like, what are some, like, things in your routine?

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. Currently it's running.

[Taylor]

Wow.

[Podcast Host]

Really?

[Ezra Sosa]

Which I never thought I would be a runner, like, at all. Like, a running girl. I hate. I did not.

[Taylor]

Yeah, no, that's me.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I actually love running.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, wow.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I just love running with, like, people. So, like, last week I went. Went on a run with Joey.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

I usually do a run club with, like, Sochi. We'll just, like, go out on runs, like, every week. That, to me, is really important. Staying active, like, either if it's like, I do my PT for the day. Yeah. I mean, that's really big. Also, like, I have to get out of My apartment at least once in my day.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Especially this last week where it was like, I had three days where I was just kind of like, bedrot, and I was like, I have to get out and, like, just, like, be active.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I think besides dance, like, I have to make sure I'm active in my day and I do something outside of my day where I'm, like, interacting with, like, other people. Yeah. It's really important.

[Taylor]

Yeah. That's something that's very common in performers and in this entertainment industry. And we see it a lot with musicians when they come off a tour, but we don't really ever talk about the dancers on the tour. But also Dancing with the Stars, it's the same thing. You are on this, like, schedule of a few months of just like, go, go, go. Every single day. Highs, highs grown. It's. You're doing everything and everything all at once. How. How was that? Come down Terrible.

[Ezra Sosa]

Every single time. It sucks.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I. I feel like it just gets harder. I don't know. It's. It's really interesting, like.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because you're really, like, questioning your relationship to yourself as opposed to, like, your relationship to your job.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And then that's when you're sitting with yourself being like, wow, Like, I really put so much of my worth into, like, my career, which is, like, really hard to, like, balance that to, like, your actual, like.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Self worth.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like why I struggle with it so hard is because I definitely feel like growing up at a dance studio and out of school, like, you have a routine every single day.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So when you have that routine and it's something you're passionate about something, it's cool. And you're, like, thriving off of it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes. Like, you're gonna want to continue to do that, but once it's done, it's like.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's like your mind. I just, like. I feel like your body goes into, like, fight or flight and, like, doesn't know what to do.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I, like, even after gma, I was, like, in bed and, like, really trying to sleep, but I just couldn't because, like, my body just felt like it needed to do something.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So it's really hard. I don't feel like I've mastered it, but once I have, I'll hit you up. Yeah.

[Taylor]

Let me know. Well, I feel like there's also just a component of that that really, like, we can't control ourselves because, like, I even feel this way. Even, like, the smallest thing of, like, will be at Like a. I don't even know, like a football game. Like, with, you know, Taylor loves sports, so we'll be at a football game. I love sports too, but.

[Podcast Host]

And like, it'll be like a really

[Taylor]

close, like, high adrenaline, like, game. We're big, like Detroit fans of the team. We always go to games. And like, I feel like sometimes getting into bed, like, my adrenaline is still, like, I'm like, I literally didn't do anything. I just watched a game. Like, so, like the fact that you guys do, you know, you've done all of these weeks of a show and then you fly straight to gma, you do a GMA and then you're expected to just like go to like, like, how do you sleep? Like, how do you turn your brain off?

[Ezra Sosa]

You don't. Like, I like, I think after GMA, I was like doom scrolling. I. I watched every single Dancing with the Stars tick tock from the season. I was just like up watching everything. Yeah. Also, I feel like a part of me just didn't want to let it go, you know? So I was just like, I don't want this to end. So I was just like, yeah, my last hurrah. Like on my for you page, just like seeing everything. But I kid you not, after that day. Yeah, my. The next day, my for you page was like minimal Dancing with the Stars, because I kid you not. I think in that night I went through like every single video. I'm not kidding you.

[Taylor]

Yeah. How long do you think it took for you to kind of like get out of that funk after? You're like, I don't know. I'm still in it.

[Ezra Sosa]

No High key. Still in it. No. I definitely feel like what got me out of the funk was me changing my mindset about tour. And now it gave me something to look forward to.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because I was like, I really want to. I really want to go on tour, but I want to thrive on tour, which is something that I'm not even. I'm not. I'm not the best at tour. You can ask all my friends. I do not thrive on tour. But I'm like, this season I want to thrive on tour. But once I like realized that, I was like, okay, we can start. We can start working to the next thing.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

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[Taylor]

I get halfway through the day and I'm like, wait, why do I have a headache?

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

have had coffee and like three sips of water.

[Podcast Host]

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[Taylor]

Like of the show, is there any, is there any way to keep any form of routine or like prioritizing mental health or. It's just.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah, I definitely feel like you just have to make time for it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But the thing that's really hard about especially a pro on the show, your schedule fully revolves around your celebrity. So that's why it's like hard to plan anything in advance. Yeah, because some days, I mean like literally some weeks, I think it was our do you ever see like your Tina Turner dance? Yes, we.

[Podcast Host]

I saw that one.

[Ezra Sosa]

She learned that in two hours.

[Podcast Host]

Oh good.

[Ezra Sosa]

And Then she couldn't rehearse the rest of the week. And then we had, like, a couple more hours on our Sunday for camera block, and then. Camera block.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, wow.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, yeah.

[Taylor]

Was this when she was, like, gone? She was, like, out of town or something?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yes, I remember. I remember she, like, left. Came back. Yeah, I think. No, no. Then she didn't come back again. I can't remember.

[Taylor]

I feel like I remember during the season, she was not in la. She was, like, in another state.

[Podcast Host]

I can't remember what it was.

[Taylor]

And I was like, how. I was like, wait, me?

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm, like, tweaking. So. Yeah. My mental health isn't good then, because I'm like, we need to rehearse. But, like. Yeah. Really teach you. She really taught me patience.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And like, to really trust her in the process.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because there are some days where it's like, we don't, like, oh, my gosh. Our freestyle, bruh. She. So she learned that in increments every day because we had a. We had, like, no time to practice for the finale week because she was like, double book. She had to, like, shoot this other campaign. Like, this girl is busy. She's in college. Like.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

There's so many things about her life that keep her busy.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So, like, I had to, like, strategically teach her, like, like. Like 10 minutes every single day, like, a new section of the freestyle. And then finally, the day before, like, we had her big rehearsal, like, on stage with everyone.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I just sent her a video of her whole track, and I said, I would love if you knew this all by tomorrow. And then she did. She. She learned it all. She literally learned the whole thing. And then we just plugged her in.

[Taylor]

You just send it to her, and you're like.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. But I also note, I also learned with Jordan how visual she is.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so, like, once you know that, be like, I can send her a video. And, like, that goes a long way.

[Taylor]

Was there any advice that other pros gave you or did you go to anyone for advice during this season?

[Ezra Sosa]

So this is my, like, first full season. Every single pro is, like, in the corner, which is, like, it makes it that much more better.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm also, like, I can get competitive.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I'm not the person that's like, I need a win. Like, I need a mirror ball. Like, I recognize and understand that my job is to give my partner the best experience ever.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Whether or not we get a mirror ball or not. Yeah. Okay. Like, that, to me, is, like, my agenda.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like with that, I really allowed opinion from other pros where I just was like, I just want to be my best for my partner.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And so I definitely feel like people who did help a lot were, like, Whitney Carson. Like, I definitely love her mindset going into a season. Also, Brit helps out so. So much. Like, I definitely feel like in my lowest, she was there to, like, make me feel stronger. But Riley was a huge one for me. She was really huge. Like, a good friend to talk to, make me feel normal, make me feel like I was, like, doing a good job. And she always was reminding me that I was because, like, I feel like, you know, sometimes you just need to hear that.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And she was always that friend for me.

[Podcast Host]

Oh, that's so special.

[Ezra Sosa]

I know. I love her.

[Taylor]

Wait, also, there was a lot of

[Podcast Host]

new faces in your freestyle. Like, dancers, people I hadn't seen before.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

How does that happen? Are they just. They are. Did production just give you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. I mean, I wanted my sister, my freestyle. So I, like, I asked if I can bring out outside people, if I can, like, request, and they're like, no. So that was fully, like.

[Taylor]

Okay. I know. I was wondering, because it was only. Was it only Brit and Riley that were pros.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

Like, people. And then everyone else was.

[Ezra Sosa]

Was, like, outside.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I told. I even told production, like, they're like, what's the style of your freestyle? Because I can see, like, they're trying to see who can do it.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I was like, realistically, only, like, I could think of a handful of pros that could actually pull that particular dance off. Like, you're literally throwing it back, like, on the ballroom floor.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So I, like, sat with production. I was like, I don't feel. Feel like. I feel like majority of this has to be outside dancers just because of the style and because the style isn't really done on the show often. So it needs to be done, like, a certain way.

[Taylor]

Yeah, I know. I was pointing out to Taylor and he was like, oh. Like, he. I told him. I was like, I wonder if that was something that was talked about, because it's not like a.

[Podcast Host]

Typical. What everyone is trained in.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, absolutely. And it's not. Not like, I didn't want you guys. I love you guys. I just. I personally feel like you guys wouldn't have wanted to do it anyway, so I just didn't want to.

[Taylor]

It is great. Well, Riley had, like, the fat. Quickest, quickest, quick change. I feel like.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, my gosh. Yes. From Whitney's to mine. Yeah, Yeah, I remember that.

[Taylor]

I was like, oh, and her frickin blonde hair. She's throwing it back. I just is like my literal favorite.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, she ate it. She ate it up. I'm so happy she was in it because I was in her first freestyle. Yeah. So I like. Yeah, it was like, stupid. That was so stupid. I was like, riley, I was in your first freestyle and you're in mine. Like we both just had like a tender moment.

[Taylor]

Like we're like, oh, no, you have. I feel like you have to have those moments though. Like you have to. Like, even if it's like a little. A little something, like you really have to. Those are big moments.

[Ezra Sosa]

Those are big moments.

[Taylor]

Even though, even though it's just like, you know, you're in a dance, you're in every dance, you know?

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

But it's really sweet that you guys have each other and you're able to like, do that.

[Podcast Host]

How's it gonna be on tour without her?

[Taylor]

I'm gonna miss her.

[Ezra Sosa]

No, I'm gonna miss her because when she left on tour last year, that sucked for me because she was my. She was my diva. But I also, like. Yeah, I don't know.

[Taylor]

I don't know. Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love, I love the whole cast.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love them so much. But like, Riley's my best friend. Like, that's what. So it's like. Yeah, it's going to be interesting, but also it's going to allow me to be closer to everyone else.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So I'm looking forward to that.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. And you have your little, like, routine in place that you're going to carry on.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Throughout the tour, just like thrive and

[Taylor]

it's going to be great.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Taylor]

Something that you mentioned to me before and I don't know if you've talked about it, so I'm going to let you just like take it away and share. But you mentioned being a queer performer, that their days were. You feel more masculine.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, yeah. I love this question.

[Taylor]

How has that been for you? Trying to figure out, like, honoring both sides. In a way.

[Ezra Sosa]

It's the easiest thing.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I feel like the moment I figured myself out.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I figured out the, the, like the styles that we have to dance to, particularly on Dancing with the Stars. It's, it's just easy. But also like, I'll only fem it up or. And I hate the fact that I say that. Or like Matt or maybe like really masculine. If it calls for it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

If it calls for the creative. So like, I really. And I, like. I kind of, like, fell off with this idea, but like, first, like, couple weeks on the show, I was committed to, like, a character.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So when it came to, like, our anxiety routine, like, our tango, the whole day, I. I was, like, with Jordan, like, this whole episode. I am gonna be your anxiety until we dance up until we dance. Then I'll be myself.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But, like, I really tried my best to, like, play a role this season as opposed to, like, be myself on the ballroom floor.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So I feel like it just. If the creative called for it, then I'll do it, but I just wanted to be a vessel to what she wanted to do.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. No, I feel like you did a

[Taylor]

really good job, because I think you're right. There is certain dance roles where, like, the male lead is supposed to be, like, the strong, like, masculine, and, like, you do a very good job at, like, being those types of characters. And then, like, you know, the fun dances, you, like, add your little wave or your wing.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, you know, I enjoyed this a little bit more.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

The only. The only time I, like, completely disregarded, like, this, the style was our pasta doble, and it was because I was selfish, and that so selfishly. That was my dance.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Breaking dishes was my dance because I just wanted to do. I just wanted to do that song so bad. And then I was just, like, with Jordan's, like, I'm so sorry. Like, this dance could flop, but I just. I just personally want to do this. Yeah. That was probably, like, the most, like. That was the most, like, against, like, the creative or against what Jordan wanted to do, because I just really just wanted to have fun.

[Taylor]

Yeah. In this entertainment industry, especially as a dancer, I feel like it's very. You are taking on, like, a lot of roles, as we talked about, but it's also. I feel like an industry where you're kind of told to, like, act a certain way, be a certain way. How do you, like, keep your identity in that?

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, wow. I definitely feel there's a fine balance of, like, being a good person to work for and also, like, having your personality.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I definitely feel like, I guess, like, it's a load of bullet just, like, always. Just stay true to who you are. But also, I feel like morals are really big, too. Like, I definitely feel like a lot of people in this industry, they tend to lose themselves over a job or, like, lose their identity to fit a certain thing.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like, for me, what really helped the most was just, like, allowing space to discover myself.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But once I did. Really? Staying true to who that was.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah. I love that.

[Taylor]

Is there, like.

[Podcast Host]

I mean, you can say that you're

[Taylor]

in your dream job, but is there something like, career wise, one day you hope to do that you haven't done that you dream of doing? That would be cool.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, gosh.

[Taylor]

You're like everything. Everything and nothing.

[Ezra Sosa]

Everything and nothing and more. I don't know. I feel like doing the coolest thing about Dancing with the Stars is the opportunity that it brings. I think that to me is the cherry on top. I love doing it, but, like, the fact, like, I don't. I never expected to gain, like, a following because this massive following because of the show or any of this kind of stuff. So that to me is like a cherry on top. But I definitely feel like any opportunity that comes outside of the show, like, I will 100% go for. I'm like such an open person, but also, like, I love anything artistically, whether it be singing, acting, dancing, performing, like, all those things I'm passionate about. I'm not a person that's like, I have a specific dream because I am living my dream.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I'm a person that's like, if it works for me and it's like, I'm passionate about it, I will 100 go for it.

[Taylor]

Yeah. I feel like what's fun about you and what I love about you, and I think everyone can kind of see it because you are so authentically yourself is like, you. I feel like there's a fine line, especially with dance or even just entertainment. Getting a job and then like, you expect. You kind of, like, are expecting of things. I feel like you are the perfect combination of being confident in yourself and, like, knowing that you are a good dancer and that you are, like, you're good enough to be in these spaces, but also you don't expect it. Expecting this, that and the other. Like, you're just like, I'm here and I'm grateful to be here and I'm gonna do my job. And. Yeah, be nice.

[Ezra Sosa]

I also feel like when you expect something, it doesn't happen.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I. I definitely feel like growing up as a kid when I would expect things and I never. I can't believe I'm, like, referring to, like, a kid. That's crazy. Like, when you're a child and you're, like, expecting things and they don't come your way, like, you get really let down.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I feel like just ever since I was a kid, I like, quickly changed that mindset to being like, I Deserve things. No, things come to me.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because of the energy I put out. And I definitely feel like I 100 live by that.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

I love that. I would love to know what you're most proud of yourself for.

[Ezra Sosa]

Oh, wow. I'm. I'm really proud of myself. Like, this season, I'm so proud of myself. I think the biggest thing I'm most proud of is my patience and my willingness to learn. This past season, I definitely feel like if it wasn't for those two things, it wouldn't have been what it was.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I love. The thing that I love most about myself is how open my heart is and how open I am to criticism, to other personalities, to crazy ideas. Like, that's just the type of person I am. Like, I will always see anything through, and that's something that I'm really proud of.

[Podcast Host]

I love that. Okay. Lemon. Seven.

[Taylor]

Seven questions. You can answer them rapid fire. Or if you, like, want to tell

[Podcast Host]

a story, you just do whatever your heart desires. Number one is what movie or song title best describes your mental health today?

[Ezra Sosa]

I would say Inception.

[Taylor]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because of. Because whenever I leave a huge project, I go into, like, existential crisis of, like, was that real? Did I experience that? And then I'll be dreaming of it. Yeah, that's. That's.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Number two is how open are you with people in life when struggling?

[Ezra Sosa]

Very open.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I love. I definitely feel like it's a part of the human experience to hear other people's experiences.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because I definitely feel like we are stronger as a community. And we're strong. We're stronger when we're allowing others people's thoughts, opinions to, like, enter your own life. Even if you don't agree with it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Even if it's something that you. Because I've heard a lot of things from this past season that I definitely, like, shouldn't have heard.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But a part of me, I'm glad it is. Glad I heard it.

[Taylor]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Number three is if you could only

[Taylor]

follow three social media accounts, what would they be?

[Ezra Sosa]

I'd follow Riley.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because I just. I feel like every single time I see her face, I just feel better.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

She's like that person. Like Riley. I just, like, even on the show, we'll be, like, super tense, and I'll

[Taylor]

see her like, I love you.

[Ezra Sosa]

Okay. Riley. Probably like, Jay Shetty, right? Yeah. Yeah. Because it's, like, motivational. Like, I'll feel super confident and then probably like, Jennifer Coolidge.

[Taylor]

That's good.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, a hundred percent. Just, like, does she post not enough. I don't know. Not enough.

[Podcast Host]

Number four is. What is your favorite form of self care?

[Ezra Sosa]

Favorite form of self care is self expression. Oh, yeah.

[Podcast Host]

How do you do that outside of dance?

[Ezra Sosa]

Outside of dance?

[Taylor]

Like, outside of dancing? How can you.

[Ezra Sosa]

How can I express myself outside of dancing? Yeah. Like, through art. I like to me what makes me feel better. And I kid you not, whenever I'm in a funk, I'll literally just play music and dance in my kitchen.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

And that's how I've always been as a kid.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

So, like, that, to me, is the best therapy that I have discovered from. For myself.

[Podcast Host]

I hear what you're. I hear what you're saying.

[Taylor]

Number five is. What is the most misunderstood thing about you?

[Ezra Sosa]

I think people don't. I actually don't know. I don't know most misunderstood thing about myself. I feel like a lot of people misunderstood how. Actually, how smart I actually am. Like, I'm actually pretty smart. May. I may not know how to read a book. I may not know how to read a book, but I definitely feel like. And a lot of people have. Like, a lot of people I looked up to would tell me, like, how smart I was. And I literally was like, am I really that smart? Like, I don't feel like I'm smart, but it really took me a long time to understand, like, what I'm, like, what I'm actually smart at. And it's like, I'm really good with other people's energies. I'm really good at getting personality out of other people.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Really good at choreography dance. Really good at, like, surprisingly really good at pr. I'm like, not many people can, like, go unscathed from dancing with a convicted felon. Like.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

I mean, I did definitely feel the burn a little bit, but whatever.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I definitely feel like when it comes to those scenarios, like, I don't feel like people underestimate my ability to, like, get through. Yeah. And, like, really make the most out of any situation.

[Taylor]

Yeah. I agree with that. I think you have a very good sense of, like, I think they put you with Anna because they knew that you could hit. Like, you are smart enough to handle that.

[Ezra Sosa]

Like, pivot, whatever.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Looking back, I was like, yo, you're a genius. I was like, wait, what? Because, like, what was that? Like, that's crazy.

[Taylor]

Okay, number six is who has had the most positive impact on your mental health?

[Ezra Sosa]

I would say my mom. Yeah. For many reasons, my relationship with my mom has varied throughout. Throughout, like, my whole life. But I Think the thing that really makes me look up to her in so many ways is her ability to change as a person. Like, even when I first came out, she was super against it.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But seeing her, like, really see her love for me, her son, and really put aside her belief system and completely dropping it to fully accept me and to fully see me thrive, I think it's super powerful. And because of that, really opened my eyes to really how I want to live my life. And I just see the type of person she is now. She's super happy, super vibrant, and I just definitely think the only thing that changed was her mindset.

[Taylor]

Yeah. That's sweet. Okay. Number seven is if you could go

[Podcast Host]

back to one moment in your life, what moment would that be and what

[Taylor]

would you say to yourself?

[Ezra Sosa]

If I could go back to a moment in my life, it would probably be when I got eliminated with Anna.

[Podcast Host]

Okay.

[Ezra Sosa]

And I would just tell myself that this is just the beginning.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

Because I feel like in the moment, it felt like the end, and I felt like that was my journey on the show. I didn't think I was going to be asked back after that.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

There were so many, like, variables that, like, I was on the fence about that. I had no idea what was going to happen.

[Taylor]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

But I. If I were to tell myself in that moment is like, no, this is just the beginning. Just stay true to who you are.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Ezra Sosa]

You'll be okay.

[Podcast Host]

I love that.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah.

[Podcast Host]

Well, I adore you.

[Taylor]

Thanks for being chatting. And I love you. I love getting to just, like, watch you live your life. And you're such a light. I know we talked a lot about Riley being a light, but you are definitely a light to people.

[Ezra Sosa]

Thank you.

[Podcast Host]

And you bring such good energy. So have fun on tour.

[Ezra Sosa]

Thanks.

[Taylor]

Go. Go see the Dancing with the Stars tour. We'll link it.

[Ezra Sosa]

Yeah. And we'll bring her up on stage again.

[Taylor]

That was fun.

[Podcast Host]

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