Pod Meets World Pod Meets World

A Helmet Doesn’t Go Far with a Viennese Waltz (DWTS: The Next Pro 106)

Aug 18, 2026 · 1h 32m

Summary

Val Chmerkovskiy joins the show to discuss his preparation for the upcoming Dancing with the Stars season, emphasizing constant practice and his roles as a teacher and performer. He reflects on the viral nature of dance moments, arguing that emotional connection matters more than intentional "wow" factors. The episode also covers DWTS Season 31, Episode 6, where pros teach amateurs, with Val analyzing the critical balance between teaching technique and managing student expectations.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: ChatGPT for Business and Truist Securities Val Chmerkovskiy on preparing for DWTS and his career ecosystem The importance of viral moments and performance drama on DWTS Guest judge Whitney Carson and the necessity of teaching skills Val's coaching philosophy and balancing passion with technique Sponsors: ChatGPT Work and Indeed Sponsored Jobs Sponsor: Vela products for hormonal health Influencer casting and the impact of height differences in dance Rehearsal breakdowns: Adele, Anthony, and the challenge of teaching Managing expectations and last-minute choreography changes Sponsors: ChatGPT, Indeed, and Vela Social media pressure and judging ambition vs. execution Coaching styles: Selena, Jeremy, and the 'bang for your buck' strategy Influencer feedback on coaches and confidence levels Performance reviews: Adele, Anthony, Alan, and Zyra Sponsors: Reese's and Indeed Sponsor: Vela and Alan's pro-ready potential Results: Selena in jeopardy and the reality of pro life Outro and final sponsor messages
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