Podcast Summary: The Squeeze Episode featuring Jenna Johnson: Passion and Purpose

Release Date: June 18, 2025

Introduction and Friendship Dynamics

The episode kicks off with a warm welcome to Jenna Johnson, a celebrated dancer and recent guest whose previous appearance elevated the podcast's popularity, ranking it among the top 10 performing episodes.

• Jenna Johnson [00:27]: "No pressure. Jeez, you guys compete with that slicked back hair, little accent he has. I mean, he's hot."

The hosts, Val Chmerkovskiy and Kelsey Merritt, engage in a light-hearted banter about friendly competition, highlighting the camaraderie and playful tensions that enrich their interactions.

Jenna's Dance Journey and Early Beginnings

Jenna delves into her passion for dance, tracing her roots back to age three, nurtured by her two older sisters who were both dancers themselves.

• Jenna Johnson [10:07]: "I started when I was three. I have two older sisters, and they were both dancers. They were going to this studio out in Utah called Center Stage Performing Arts Studios."

She emphasizes the influence of her family and mentors in shaping her dance career, mentioning notable figures like Julianne Hough and Mandy Moore, whose guidance was pivotal in her development as both a dancer and choreographer.

• Jenna Johnson [12:34]: "They are my guides. And even to this day, like when I'm choreographing for the show, if I'm stuck or I don't feel good about something on my routines, I'll send them the video and I'll be like, 'Advice, help. What do I need to do?'"

Balancing Passion and Parenthood

Transitioning to motherhood, Jenna shares her experiences navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding dance career with raising her son, Rome.

• Jenna Johnson [48:36]: "What age you started Ballroom?"

She discusses the initial survival mode of establishing a new routine post-pregnancy, evolving into embracing her son's unique personality and the joys he brings.

• Jenna Johnson [52:25]: "A common denominator in my life is this need for control. I am such a control freak. And I think motherhood or parenthood in general, you have to let go a lot. You've gotta just go with the flow."

Jenna openly addresses feelings of mom guilt, particularly when managing her commitments to "Dancing with the Stars" tours while being away from her son.

• Jenna Johnson [55:05]: "My most recent mom guilt has been going on the Dancing with the Stars tour... I know that I will look back on that time and be so grateful that I did it for myself."

Overcoming Infertility and Emotional Healing

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Jenna's journey through infertility and miscarriage, highlighting the emotional toll and the pivotal role of therapy in her healing process.

• Jenna Johnson [59:29]: "He was like, 'If you feel comfortable, I think this is something that you should do.' And we actually both started to go to therapy at that time."

She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in overcoming personal struggles, advocating for openness and vulnerability as tools for healing.

• Jenna Johnson [66:26]: "The biggest thing that I've learned through all of this is there's really nothing wrong with you... Just being so grateful and present in the moments that you are pregnant or you do have your baby because life just happens and it's unfair sometimes."

Triumph on "Dancing with the Stars"

Jenna recounts her transformative experience competing on "Dancing with the Stars" alongside Joey Joseph, detailing how this journey reignited her passion for dance and led to a meaningful personal victory.

• Jenna Johnson [42:44]: "I can see that. Wow."

Her partnership with Joey is highlighted as a harmonious blend of mutual respect and shared passion, culminating in their season win.

• Jenna Johnson [43:11]: "He is just like, 'I just wanted this for Jenna more than anything.' And I'm so happy she had her moment."

Jenna reflects on the importance of keeping the passion alive in her career, citing her evolving approach to choreography and personal growth.

• Jenna Johnson [29:25]: "I need to keep the fire alive. I'm so grateful for everything."

Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Looking ahead, Jenna expresses her aspirations to expand beyond televised dance performances into live theater and Broadway, inspired by her husband's adventurous spirit.

• Jenna Johnson [75:26]: "These next couple of years I really want to push myself to be outside of my comfort zone... I really want to do Broadway."

She underscores the significance of continuous personal development and embracing new challenges to sustain her passion and prevent burnout.

• Jenna Johnson [76:05]: "I love dancing for live TV... But there is no feeling like dancing for a live audience. That's something I'm really passionate about."

Closing Thoughts and Community Support

In her closing remarks, Jenna emphasizes the value of community support and shared experiences in overcoming personal challenges, encouraging listeners to seek connection and remain hopeful in their journeys.

• Jenna Johnson [67:43]: "Don't give up, don't give up... It can happen one way or another. Maybe not on your timeline, but just do not give up."

She reiterates the transformative power of vulnerability and openness, both in personal healing and in fostering supportive communities.

• Jenna Johnson [68:00]: "I've tried to have that same approach when it comes to my own social media. Be like a journal and be open because you never know what somebody is going through."

Conclusion

Jenna Johnson's episode on The Squeeze offers a profound exploration of passion, purpose, and personal resilience. Through candid discussions about her dance career, motherhood, and overcoming infertility, she provides listeners with valuable insights into maintaining mental well-being amidst life's challenges. Her journey underscores the importance of community, self-care, and unwavering passion in navigating both personal and professional landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenna Johnson [10:07]: "I started when I was three... There was the first time I kind of fell in love, if that's even a thing."

• Jenna Johnson [29:25]: "I need to keep the fire alive... I'm so grateful for everything."

• Jenna Johnson [52:25]: "A common denominator in my life is this need for control... You have to let go a lot."

• Jenna Johnson [67:43]: "Don't give up... Your baby is waiting for you."

• Jenna Johnson [76:05]: "I love dancing for live TV... there is no feeling like dancing for a live audience."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast guidelines.