Witney Carson

Hello, and welcome to Danielle With, a podcast that, if you're hip to industry lingo, recently flipped into my solo interview series, Teen Beat.

But since I, Danielle Fishel, director, podcaster, mom of two, and TV-ready ballroom dancer, am about to go out on the road for the Dancing with the Stars live tour, I figured that I'd not only be updating you from all cities like Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Banger, Maine, I'd also prep a bit

and return to talk to some of my favorite pros and contestants from the show.

I'm hosting 28 live performances over three months, and since this is a safe space, I will admit one thing.

I have no idea what to expect.

Yet, I am very excited to meet some of you live and in person at these shows, and if worse comes to worse, I will just use any free time I have on the bus to force Jenna Johnson to help me get abs.

But today, I wouldn't just return to Danielle Wythe for any meaningless reason.

It would have to be for a guest of the utmost importance.

A superstar, even.

And so, for this week's special episode, I'm joined by the owner of not only one, but two Mirrorball trophies, with her most recent victory capturing the nation by storm and forever changing the culture of the show moving forward.

She first appeared on the ballroom floor as a member of the troop in seasons 16 and 17.

Then the following year was promoted to big league competitor.

And it only took two cycles to score her way into the winner's circle, partnered with Alfonso Ribeiro, who at the time was just a lowly celebrity contestant.

But with her help, not only transformed into one of the most impressive winners in the show's history, he would later become the face of the process.

Then over the next 13 seasons, she'd have eight top five finishes, including her turn with Milo Manheim, whose second place showing is often referred to by dance experts as a total effing crime against rhythm.

But in 2025, things began to look up, or should I say down under, when she paired with human koala bear Robert Irwin.

And right out of the gate, the pair stole America's hearts, gliding into the finals and securing the Len Goodman trophy.

It makes you wonder, how could she top it?

What's next for this fellow mom of two adorable boys who seems to capture dance magic year after year?

Well, I'll tell you what.