Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Chandler Kinney | From Disney Star to Dancing Queen!

Episode Date: October 31, 2024

#785. Join Kaitlyn Bristowe as she chats with Chandler Kinney, the current star of Dancing with the Stars and a prominent Disney star. Chandler shares her thrilling premiere night performance and discusses the joys and pressures of reality TV. They dive into the evolution of celebrity culture, touching on the importance of authenticity and the challenges of managing stress while competing. Chandler also reflects on her experiences as both a child and current actor in the entertainment industry. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about dreams, growth, and the journey of being a relatable celebrity today! If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE! Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals! Boll & Branch: That’s bollandbranch.com for 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets by using promo code Vine20. Gravity Defyer: Use VINE for $20 off orders of $100 or more at gdefy.com Shopify: Sign up for your $1 per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/vine. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (10:08) – Chandler talks about the importance of committing fully to her performances on Dancing with the Stars. (36:56)... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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please contact Conix Ontario at 1866-531-2600 to speak to a advisor free of charge but mGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with i gaming ontario i'm katelyn bristow your session is now starting hey everybody welcome to off the vine i'm your host katelyn bristow we have chandler kinney on the podcast today who is an absolute doll I loved talking to her. She's on Dancing with the Stars right now. She's absolutely crushing it.

So we obviously had to talk about her journey on Dancing with the Stars and her journey from being a Disney kid, a Disney child actor. We know how hard that can be. We've seen the documentaries. So I had to ask a few questions about that too. Why didn't you sleep? I was so, like, buzzed. Yeah.

This happens. Like every time every... Did that happen to you? Yeah. Yes. I know exactly what you're talking about. But I'm a naughty girl and I would take like sleeping pills. no you're a responsible girl you're like I need my eight hours well you like the adrenaline yeah

an hour in 45 minutes I'm not kidding oh shoot but that it had been a minute since that happened that happened to me night one premiere night yeah did my tango to hot to go by chapel room so good really fun it was just really fun oh so good yeah that was so fun it was so fun and I just didn't know what to expect. And it's such, I mean, you know, it's like such a high, such a rush. It's like everything on 10. And then the come down is like intense. It took me so long to like re-regulate my body. And so I don't know what it was about last. I think I put a lot of pressure on last night. Well, it all makes sense to me. Everything you're saying, I'm like, of course you didn't sleep. And of course your adrenaline was crazy. Last night, like when I, people don't understand dancing with the stars.

They don't understand the amount of, unless you're in it, or unless you've like even experienced it in the ballroom. Like I went for a drink after with my girlfriend, Katie, and she was like, I got anxiety just being in that space because it's like, it's live television. It's hectic. There's so much pressure on everybody. It's go, go, go. The commercial breaks into like, hey, clap and go. Yeah, all the directions. And I'm like, I'm not even sitting in the audience and I'm like, I'd be confused on what to do.

They're like, clap, scream, countdown, 30 seconds, and they're like moving, they have a leaf blower for all the confetti, each commercial break, and then they're moving all the sets, and it's just pure organized chaos in there. A tumultuous tornado, if you will. But then you add on your rehearsal schedules and what your body's going through, and then the rush of live television, and you just did like your best dance. And so you're probably like really, your body. was probably holding on to so much stress and then to let it go after you did so well, you're probably like, I'm right on the way. Yes, yes, exactly that. It is just such a rush.

And all the good that comes with that, all the bad that comes with that. But I love it. And it's almost kind of addicting. I'm like, put me in, coach. I'm ready to do it again. Well, you get to because it's like Monday night happens and then you're like, I did it. And then Tuesday, there's a new dance to learn. Like, oh, sorry, back to square one.

Yeah. Crazy. It is crazy because, so you had never done a Pasadoblo before. That was your first. No. Kate, but I saw that you have like a black belt in martial arts. So like, did that help you? Like, bring out this fierce, like, research.

That's funny. I did it. Yeah. Well, it had been full disclosure. Yeah. It's been probably like 12, 13 years since I've done any kind of martial. Lawrence of any sort. But yeah, yeah, yeah, it comes right back to you. You know, maybe a little bit, yes, I think I mostly just channeled the character. I really was just so excited to

bring her back to life. I like have lived with her for like six years now. So I've done three movies and an animated series. And so I just like know her like the back of my hand. And it was, it was great because she's a character. She's like the leader of her werewolf pack. For people who I don't know who are you talking about. Zombies. The zombies franchise. My character, Willa, the werewolf. Yeah.

She is the fierce, ferocious, fabulous alpha werewolf who leads her pack. And this is Disney Channel, by the way. If you haven't seen it, because our target demo is 6 to 12. But really, it's a family show. But yeah, but she's so, like, confident. Yeah. And I don't always feel confident out on that floor. Yeah. And so I just, as an actor, I was like, okay, let me tap into her psyche. And I was her. And I think that's really what I want to do, like, moving forward. I think I'm working on my storytelling in the medium of a ballroom. That's actually so hard to do. I mean, acting, being an act. Do you, do people say actress anymore? Is everybody's an actor? So I have a thing with that. Okay. I'm glad that we brought this up. Wow, me too. Because I always just say actor. And I've actually been corrected.

by men saying, oh, you're actress. And I'm like, do we say doctorous? I mean, okay, so I always say actor too. And then I was like, I don't know what people prefer, but we're going with actor. I'll take actor. You're an actor. Yeah, I'm wearing the pants. Does it help to have that for, especially you probably didn't even realize how much it helped you until last night's performance?

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think it does help in a lot of ways. I think what's been the challenge is being vulnerable. as myself. That's really different because all my performance history has been bringing other stories to life, not my own, you know, not existing in front of the camera as myself. So that I think has been my biggest challenge and especially with all the incredible cast, castmates. We have other

contestants. It's like stacked cast. I think the majority of them, their like rise to fame, if you will, has been as themselves. So they're really accustomed to, like, existing in a public space as themselves, and I'm not. So it's been just, like, a little bit of a mental shift. That's really a huge learning lesson for you. Yeah, especially as a child actor. I, like, grew up in the generation of child actors where it was, like, mind your peas and cues and, like, be eloquent and, like, put together polished, and there's almost, like,

this curation, which I don't think, like, that was the best thing. time that's how you like advanced in the industry and now we're in this like new era of like the unhinged not media trained celebrity which I love I'm so here for it because it's actually like representative of real people like you get to see humans being humans and so but it for me it's just you you grow up like as a child actor like knowing what you do before you know who you are and that's just such a weird thing how does I mean which also would completely completely affect your mental health because you're confused on who you are. Yeah. That part. Yeah. Because I mean, I always say on this podcast and I say it to my parents,

like I love that. They really allowed me to just be exactly who I was and like championed me for it, which I don't think even, you know, I could say back in those days because I'm almost 40, so I can say that. But it's, that's what it's, you were almost 40 years young. Yes. Yes. Thank you. I feel amazing. Good. You're like radiating amazing energy. Really? Yes. I actually just never would have guessed that. I would have honestly been like 32.

Really? Yeah. Oh, I'll take it. 209. Thank you, Botox. I keep looking at the wrong camera. I'm like, there's like eight cameras and I don't find my camera. That was another part I found.

Oh, hi. That was another thing I found hard on Dancing with the Stars is finding the camera. But we'll go back to that. Mental health. Because I think, especially in the world of a child actor, and like you just, everything you just said of how you're supposed to behave and how you have to do this to get ahead. How old are you now? I'm 24. Okay.

So then how have you stayed true to who you are and showed up as you while having to be someone else your whole life? Yeah, that is the question. You're like, that's what dancing with the stars is bringing out. me. I'm figuring that out. It is. That is what's so beautiful about dancing with the stars because I have to show up as me, but like all of me, I think I, like any healing perfectionist, you have this like natural inclination to like stuff away the bat, you know, like no one wants to see that, no one wants to see the struggle, but like they do. That's what the show is all about. I know. I want to see it too. But that's uncomfortable and that's like where the vulnerability comes in.

So I think that has been the biggest challenge and lesson, learning her for me, and I'm loving it. I love to learn. I love criticism. I love because I love to grow, you know. And so I think not only like does that apply to this space, but it's also like something that I can carry with me in life, you know. I never thought about that with everybody that's there is kind of quote unquote famous for who they are. and you have played characters. And so that makes sense that the storytelling in dance is so important.

And to play the character that you played last night, you're so familiar with. And you're like, okay, I'm on. I had a really hard time performing. I don't know why. Like, I could get the dance. I could nail the steps. I could get the choreography. But, like, the performance aspect of it, I felt so wildly insecure.

Like, I was like, what if I look stupid when I smile? part or what if I'm like, like, I'm trying to like be sad in this moment. I felt it was almost like I felt silly. I get that. I think what's funny, I've learned this as an actor. You will look the silliest by not committing. Totally. If you just full on commit, like no one can say anything, you know, like that you look sillier by like going halfway. And this is something I'm still working on by the way. Like, but it is something that I've been able to identify. And so it's hard to take that extra step to just be like, you know what? I'm laying it down and doing it.

Yeah, that's true. You do have to fully commit. I think that was one of my most humiliating dances was I was Crewella DeVille doing the Pasadoblo. Iconic. No, it wasn't. I looked, it was supposed to be like a fierce, sexy Crewella. I looked like a grandma. Everything was wrong about it.

No, it was so bad. It was so bad. And I didn't fully commit because I could not hit. those, like the Pasadobo is a very, I know it's supposed to be masculine feminine, but like, it's a very masculine dance. And it's very hard hitting and it's very like, and I couldn't commit to that because I have terrible balance. And so, and I was just like, I don't know, I didn't feel like I could bring out this fierce side of me. Yeah. And I, I didn't fully commit. And I did get called out on it. Carrie Ann, you know, she'll call you out. Yeah, she will call you out. And she, and don't you

find that every time she does call you out, it puts a fire under your ass, and then you, and then you realize what she was talking about. And you're like, oh, yeah, I did. I did need to dig a little deeper. Iconic statement. She did that to me, too. She was like, I feel like you gave up. And I was, and I'm like sitting there out of breath, sweating and dying. I'm like, I didn't give up. I didn't give up. But watching back, I'm like, I totally gave up. I didn't commit to it. I was being insecure. Well, it's interesting. Sometimes it is that like little hair of a difference that you can feel like the camera just amplifies things in a way that you

would never expect. But I think for me with like my experience with, you know, Carrie Ann said that I should dig a little deeper in my week five, I guess it was dedication night for my contemporary. And I, yeah, I really like stewed on it for a while because my initial response and like you kind of saw my confusion and frustration in the skybox. I was like, I dug deep. Like, this is about my mom, my love for her. This dance was supposed to represent, like, a celebration, and, like, I wanted it to feel soft and warm. It felt personal and offensive. Yeah, I was offended for you.

I was like, wait. Yeah. But then I realized, and I talked a little bit about this before, about the different mediums. Like, my performance history is TV film acting. And as an actor, you're never thinking about how something is being perceived by someone, else like if you see an actor doing that that's like no good red flag you know like as an actor we're not actually acting we're trying to be and exist in the circumstance of a character and but you don't ever think about externalizing it right and thinking about the like the perception side

on the other end but theater and like live stage performance is not like that you do have to go that that extra step it's almost like an exaggeration because yes acting is being but dancing is like representing or it's like being symbolic of like a thing and so it does require that extra little like umph yeah and so that was a nugget that I was able to take from that really tough week that's that's not even a little nugget that's a big nugget it was a chunky nugget it was a very big chunky nug because chunky nug because that that's important yeah that can that can change I mean you saw it in your performance last night I I honestly, I was just scrolling my Instagram, and one of my friends was doing, he does a lot

of Bachelor recap stuff, but he was recapping dancing with the stars. And he said, the biggest shock of the night was you not getting a 10. I know, the Disney 10. I wanted to see them. Not even just for me, but like just one in the night. I was shocked you didn't get a 10. I even looked at Joe. I was sitting with Joe in the Golden Bachelorette right now. And I looked at her and said, she's going to get one 10. And I was really, I feel like I, I, I feel like I, can you usually guess exactly what score they're going to give.

I was shocked by Joey's score, but also I think Joey does really well, and he can't just keep doing well the whole time they need to, like, they need to, like, humble him a little bit and take him down a notch for him to go back up. Everybody needs a week of humbling. Yes, I got mine, so. Yeah, you've already had yours, and now you're on the rise again. But, yeah, it is, the judge's feedback is always, I know they have to do things for TV, too. Like, it's also a TV show.

and they are characters on the TV show. They're also, you know, real people. But they have to play a certain role. Carrie Ann is the hard ass. Like, Derek is the, Bruno's the hilarious, unhinged one. And we love. We love. Derek's like the class act, very classically trained technique.

And then Carrie Ann knows what she's talking about, but she'll call you out. And she's kind of like the Simon Cowell of Dancing with the Stars. Which I feel bad for her because she's such a sweetie. She is. She really is. People thought we hated each other on my season because she really would call me out and like do certain things

and I mean the internet was so mean to her they're like you're so mean to Caitlin like you're bully and blah and I was like no no guys it's fine there's no beef everybody calm down I feel the same way I'm like there's no beef it really is they're there to help you yeah they really are and when they are hard on you

it's because they want you to succeed yeah and their feedback is great and their feedback's great and I love that it's like a perfect little trifecta like they all come from different angles and perspectives to give you like what you need to steer you in the right direction and like i welcome that i encourage it like i i want it is is brandon hard on you yeah okay because i they all are i think um i find that all the pros which i actually appreciate when they are hard on because yeah when they're hard on you they i feel like they're they're doing

the kind of the same thing that the judges do when they're critical. Like they're just believing in you more than you believe in yourself and they have to push you. And sometimes I'm, I wanted to quit. I cried so many times because I was like, real. I was like, Artem, I can't do it. I can't. And he'd be like, you actually can. And I, like, and he would, you know.

But it's because he believed in me and what I could do. Yeah. But I was saying before you got here, I was like, I feel like Brandon's like the nicest one. But I'm like, I can't see him. Like, he is so nice. But is he said, I can see him being sassy. Yeah, he can be sassy. Yeah, it's fine.

We can be sassy together. But, no, I love him. Is this for this? He's gone in... As of last night. I know. I know. That's awesome.

And I'm so excited because he deserves it so much. He's such a good guy. He's such an incredible dancer. He's like an insane choreographer. He really is. Yeah, he really is. And I'm, like, excited that I'm, I get to kind of be, like, the teammate in this, like, playground for him.

You know, like, I think he's just really having so much fun. I'm having fun. So he is hard on me because he, I think he also gets stressed, which he will never admit. Of course, he gets stressed. But I'm like, dude. They make it. Those pros get more money. I'm like, I'd be stressed.

I'm stressed, too. But it's just, it is pressure and it is stressed. And it's like, there's no way that you're not going to feel that on some level. Right. If you're not, you're not human. Do you know what I mean? So, and it's a, we feel it. I mean, you're, you're having to cram in learning something so foreign for however many hours.

What is it? Five hours a day right now. Yeah. And that's stressful. I have a question for you. Ask me. How did you manage, like, stress, anxiety, pressure? It wasn't good.

Yeah. Well, thank you for the honesty. I honestly was a mess. Yeah, I feel like I'm at an all-time anxiety level. Yeah, it's, I don't, I just don't think people understand until you don't know what you're signing up for on Dance with the Stars. No. You're like, wow, that's a great amount of money for signing this. And then you're like, ah, okay, yeah, it should have been more.

You're like, for that, yeah, I'll do a little one, two-step. Yeah, exactly. I didn't handle it well. I would honestly go home and cry in the shower in the fetal position and, like, take like a weed gummy and drink a glass. glass of wine. Like, this is not good advice. You're like, just disassociating. You know what?

That's what I would do. I would have, it wasn't, if I was to do it again, I truly think I would, like, really prioritize my mental health in other ways. Like, I think I would go for long walks after, even though you don't want to move your body, but just like, I've fallen in love with walking. I love that. I mean, it helps that I have dogs because I get to, like, get out and walk, but I've never regretted a walk.

Yeah. Every time I get back, I'm like, that felt so good. I don't bring my phone. Yeah. And I feel like just, I don't know, I would meditate probably more. I did meditate. I meditate every day, twice a day. I would have done it more. But I really did, like, you know what I did is I had a massage therapist a lot. That's nice. I had a chiropractor. I had a physical therapist. Yeah. And then I would do cryotherapy. I keep hearing about it.

Yeah. I haven't done it yet. I would do it almost, I would do it probably five times a week. Wow. But mentally I really didn't do well. Physically, I really took care of my body, but I was destroyed. Like, how's your body holding up? You know, it's not in its best shape. Yeah, yeah.

The feet have been hurting. Yeah, the feet. Don't look at them. No. We'll cut it off. I like zoom in. No, you can see a little, just don't look closely. I lost two toenails.

Yeah. Yeah, I lost a toenail. Yeah. That's gross. Yeah, it's not fun, but dance your life. I'm like, ooh, I mean, I'm really in it now. I lost a toenail. I know.

Yeah, those heels are no joke for sure. I've never been in heels that often and also, like, danced in heels. It's so hard. Hard. I danced my ass off when I got to wear converse for one dance. And I had tendonitis, so I also got to go barefoot for, um, my rumba, which I got docked to point for not wearing, but I had tendonized. I literally could not do it. I praise you. I don't know how you did that. Well, it, I had, I mean,

I'm still injured from it. Oh my gosh. I really am still injured from it. Like, my ribs have never been the same. My lower back. I've, I've, I've, I've re-lost to the toenail. Like, it's, I'm still, but I would do it all over again. Yeah. Because it goes so fast. Like, and when, even if you win it's just done and then you're like what you're just dropped off of that high so i think people forget to to remember to have fun yeah so i'm glad to hear that you and brandon are having fun too because i didn't i was so laser focused and so competitive and i had so much fun on the live shows yeah oh that was the best but then when i was in that um studio practicing no fun i've heard that a few times from people. I had the pleasure, ultimate pleasure, of running into Mr. Wayne Brady.

It was like after any party recently. And I just had to run up. I'm like, I love you. I think you're incredible and so talented. And we talked a little bit about Dancing with Stars. And I was like, is there anything, is there anything that you would have done differently? And he was like, just really have fun. Yeah. Because it goes by so fast. It really does. And I've like, I've heard that so many times, but I'm like, oh, I see it now because it's slipping away. Yeah. And I just- It does go by fast. Yeah, I want to like milk every moment.

Well, even, yeah, even like the pain and the exhaustion and everything, you're, you will miss all of it because it really does. It's a lifestyle. Like I'm so jealous that these pros get to do this every year. It's so fun. And then go on tour. I'm like, and don't you just lose your shit watching them dance? They're insane. They're actually insane.

My eyes always go to Daniela and Jen, all of them. I'm honestly like Daniela, the way that they can move their body. Unreal. Unreal. I can't get over it. I just want to watch them all day. I do sometimes I'll just YouTube them dancing. It's mesmerizing.

Jenna was really helping me with the rumba. It was my week two. She just like popped by our studio for like five minutes because I couldn't get the The hip, but it's also like the ribs as well, which I didn't understand. But she just started moving and I was like, hypnotized. I'm like, how do you do that? And then I got really frustrated and discouraged. And Brandon was like, well, you have to remember.

Like, she's been doing this her whole life. You've been doing this for 10 minutes. That was my biggest problem too. I'd be like, but I want to look like that. Yes. I want to be dancing like that. Copy paste. Thank you.

They're really, they're really, I mean, there's a reason that there's, you know, out of everybody in the world they've got what 12 pros yeah 12 people I don't know how many they something like that yeah and those are like the 12 handpick best of the best and they really and they're all just good people yeah like it's a good group it's it's one thing in in the studio because they're just all so intense but then it's like also you're just family in that show I see you and Jen be all cute together all the time yeah she's just a little her Sasha are dating for sure. I should just ask them

because I'm friends with both of them. Yeah, ask them. Well, because I was like, I was talking to Sasha on the phone the other night because I was going through something and he just always, he's just one of my good friends and I just love him. He's a very coy guy. Oh, and he'll just, he'll tell you exactly what you need to hear, which I love. And I was like,

well, are you just loving your, like, partner in time with Jen? And he was like, I really am. Like, he, and he's like, she's, like, he was really hyping her up. And I was like, is there flirty vibes. He goes, it's dancing. There's always flirty vibes. And I was like, no, I need to get defensive. Yeah. I was defensive much. And then last night with the like, kiss the girl. And then I was like, and then, and then, um, Julianne like bringing it up.

I know. They're really, they're really asking a lot about it. I'm like, okay, give him some space. Let them breathe. Not me. I'm not letting them breathe. You're like, are you dating? You're like, kiss the girl. And I kissed her on the forehead. I was like, lane. Like, I think they'd be so cute together. Yeah, I love dancing with the stars romance, though, because, like, Gleb and, what was her name? Brooks. Brooks? Yes.

That's just unfair how good-looking they both are. No, I was like, okay, all right, so they're just too hot. They're hot individually, and then you put them together, and it's, like, blinding, need sunglasses, because that was unreal. I can't get over it. To witness in real life, I was like, wow. Two very attractive people. It felt like I felt uncomfortable. I was like, this is unfair.

It feels like a personal attack, actually. What dance are you looking for to the most? You know, I've heard some crazy things about the samba. Did I do a samba? Yeah, I did. How'd you feel about it? It's like notoriously one of the hardest dances, right? I heard that too, but I didn't find it that hard.

You're like, I'm just... No, that is such a lie. Every dance was the hardest thing I've ever done, but I don't... I feel like I heard that too, and I remember being like, I get why it's hard. Yeah. And again, I do what you probably do is like, I compare myself to the pros. Yeah. And which is not helpful. You can't do that.

It's not helpful. And I was like, oh, my body doesn't move like that. But I'm trying to remember what was hard about the samba. It's the bounce, right? Oh, I love the bounce. Okay. So there you go. Well, that's the thing.

I'm, like, learning that each genre has genre. That's not right. Each style has its own, um, acting like I know what I'm talking about. I'm just like working, I told Brandon, I'm like, with each style of ballroom that we conquer, it feels like I'm, I walked into this dark room and now I'm like slowly lighting candles and I'm like getting a better understanding of like the scope of ballroom. It's its own beast, really. It is because you grew up dancing. I danced when I was like baby. Oh, people always gave me a hard time. They're like, yeah, well, you grew up dancing. So you dance too when you were younger. But it does not. Ballroom is so different.

It's, you have to unlearn dancing. Well, that's a thing. And I, like, I refrain from talking about it because I feel like I don't want people to say anything. Like, is she's saying that this is unfair. I'm like, I'm not saying anything. All I'm saying is that ballroom is its own thing. And I have had the same experience as you. Yeah.

Like, with the unlearning. Like, I won't sit here and say, like, I don't have. have any kind of advantage blah blah blah blah because like I don't think I think everybody has their own thing that they bring into the competition. Some people have more social media followers which is a huge part of the competition huge part of it for me like having that dance experience when I was really really young like I just learned how to count to music so that's a tool in my toolbox yeah like I have some kind of like relationship or like that strengthening of the connection of the mind and body like that's a tool in my toolkit and so there are like things that

I carry with me but like there's so much that just doesn't translate into ballroom and there's so much that I'm having to undo because my natural instinct is just wrong it's actually the opposite of what I have to do so it's been interesting I know but there's every so many people have dance backgrounds too and Neve who was my on my season he was the runner up he literally had classically trained like ballroom dancing. I know. And I was like, and he was trying to say he didn't. And we're like, there's videos.

There's receipts. We have footage. My guy. Roll the tape. Roll the back. I was honestly like there's literally, he took it in college. Oh. So like in adult life.

But I actually like, you know, you look back on other seasons of who's one. It's like some people have dance background. Some people don't. I don't know. You really don't. And I'm like not under the illusion that like this is going to for me. Like I really don't know. Every week I go in with zero expectation of what's going to happen. Because I have been a fan of the show. I know how fast things can change. Yeah. And sometimes you're like, what? That person got sent home? Sometimes it's predictable. And sometimes you're like, wait. Who do you think your top competitors are? I think, well, at this point in the competition, too. Like, I feel like everybody going into it had something and that that's just true. At this point in the competition, and you see, like, this is reflected in the scores,

it's so tight. Like, last week, was it last week? Yes, we had a five-way tie. And I was in that. Was it really? Yes. It was traffic jam. I'm like, am I on the 405?

Because, like, I am out of standstill with all these people. That's crazy. Yes. And then this week, I think we had a four-way tie. So it's really just, this week last night, it was me and Danny first and then like four people for second and then two people for third or something like it was like first, second, third. Yeah. And there's, there were eight of us. So it's just so tight.

That is tight. So I'm stressful. Very stressful. And so I don't, I can't confidently say like these are my top contenders because it's just it's just the board's scrambling constantly. But is, like, your demographic, people that are watching the Disney channel that have watched you, like, are they watching Dancing with the Stars? Yes, I think so. What's also hard, though, is the demographic of zombies is so young. They don't have phones.

Right. They're not voting. They're not. They have parental controls on their family desktop computer. Right. But I think what's nice about Dancing with the Stars, too, is like, that show's been around so. long and they always have you know such a big following it was the most votes they've ever got on any season was last night yes so it's like unreal people are voting and people fall in love

with you on the show it doesn't have to be your you know followers but i feel like people always get like um oh gosh what was her name who won last season uh sochi yes oh my gosh sochi she was so good yes she was but i feel like she was kind of an example of a example of of people really fell in love with her on the show and watching her. She was so good. Just lit up the screen. Yeah. So personal.

And I feel like that happens. There's Bobby Bones won a season once. That was the season that my co-star, Milo, was runner up. Oh. Wait, what are you going to say? Well, I'm like, he couldn't dance, but he had loyal fans. Like, it just, you never know. The Bobby Bone fandom rose up that day.

Well, that's why they had to change the system. They did change the system. Because of that. I was like, holy shit, Bobby. That's, like, that's, like, legit. Like, if I were him, I would, like, be making, like, a product. Like, clearly people are buying what he's selling. I'm like, they were picking up what he was putting down.

They were walking his dogs, checking his mail. I don't know what I'm talking about. But that's, like, people were really loyal to that. And that was crazy. I'm biased, though. I can't say anything. that was my, that's my friend, Milo. I was like, Milo should have won.

I just love him. And he was so great on the show. Who was he partnered with? Whitney. Oh, it was. Yeah, he was with Whitney. I do remember, that was a minute ago, but. Yeah, it was, um, season 27.

Oh, you're like a fan fan of the show. You're like, it was actually season, episode three. So I'm virtually. Yeah, it was. Oh my gosh, that's cool. No, I do love the show. Yeah, I do love it. It must be so surreal.

Because same. I was such a fan of the show. And then it was my dream to be, it was my dream to be on Dancing with the Stars before I even went on television. Like, so made in it. I'm going to make it. I manifested it.

Yeah. I literally had a mirror ball printed out on my mirror. Stop. Before they told me I was going on the show. Isn't that crazy? That's so sweet. I know. Everything just felt like when I wanted to quit,

I was like, well, you can't because you're going to win the mirror ball and this is your dream. This is just like, And I have to see it through. And you manifested that. Yeah. I really did. That's amazing.

It was very fun. I want to know what you're going to do, like what your plan is after dancing with stars. Like, what's your future plans? What's next for you? What would be your dream role? Oh, goodness. Okay, that was two, those were two different questions. No, they're all great questions.

I'm making your, you think. Yes. My one and a half hours sleep break. I should have got you a coffee. I know. Sorry. Go hit up the coffee shop after this. Dream roll. You know, that's actually just a hard question for me because I really haven't allowed

myself to think of it much. I think just growing up in the industry at the time where I was really like emerging, I was just taking whatever opportunity was thrown my way. Like I didn't really have the luxury of picking. I think just in the last couple years I've gotten to the point in my career after doing this for like 15 years. I feel like I've just gotten to the point where I can kind of start like actively crafting my journey and like where I want to go. So it's it's like a new thought and that's like both simultaneously nerve-wracking but also super exciting. And so I'm just kind of figuring that out. But definitely something that like I can dig into or fun like comedy. I don't know. I don't know. Do you know who Whitney Cummings is? Yes.

She literally text me this morning and said, hey, if you ever want to come open for me on a stand-up, I was like, what? You should. You should. I would bomb so bad. I don't believe that. You're funny. You're quick. But I'm personable.

You have a great personality. And I have a great ass. Yes, she has me does. She has it all. You should. Does it scare you? Yes. Then you should do it.

I know. I know. I know. Because literally I do a podcast tour and the first 20 minutes is basically me doing a bit anyways. But it's my show. So I feel like those people are here to see me. People are there to see Whitney that they're going to be like, who the fuck is this? You should do it.

Okay, fine. Everybody tell her in the comments. Oh, gosh. I would do it to challenge myself. I feel like every time I have done. My favorite quote is to do it scared. Like if you're going to be scared, just do it scared. So maybe I should just do that scared.

I think you should. Yay! Oh, I'm so excited. I'm going to come see you too when you open. Oh, God, I just saw it in my brain. Good. She's manifesting. Are you able to visualize things?

I was talking about this last night at dinner. I need to use that more. People, two of my girlfriends at dinner last night can't hear their own voice in their head or visualize anything. Oh, yeah. Brains are weird. Can you visualize? I can.

I can like The picture for me is like pretty clear Like I'm a visual learner Yeah me too So like I think in pictures And like I see images Yeah I'm very visual that way Like even on the show

When I'm learning choreography Brandon will like be doing the partner version of it And kind of like leading me And I'm like actually do my parts Because I need to see it And then I can do it Yeah that's I always had to Artem would always show me videos

of what he was trying to teach me because we were in COVID season so we couldn't have someone come in and like help us so like one of the girls couldn't come in and show me what it was supposed to look like but I'm really switching gears here

for the last like five minutes of this because I do how do you transition into this? Segway. Well was it hard like I just you know there's documentaries out there and so many things just about like being a child actor

and like the Disney world and everything What was your experience with that? Great question. I think I am the generation of Disney Kid that came after, I think, a lot of that, a lot of what people saw. And I will just speak on, like, the Disney side of things. I think they have worked really hard to create and foster such a tight-knit community. They're very aware of the fact that, like, being a child actor, you get, from so many experiences that you'd have in your childhood that are like canon events,

you know, that are like foundational to your upbringing. And they do a really good job of like trying to substitute those experiences. So there's like a Disney prom, for instance, like, and they'll do events and they like create that, you know, community within their little family. Yeah, because you were homeschooled to like, so you, and some people do that by choice was it because you were acting yeah yeah oh yeah my high school experience i was i went to a school that so many child actors went to anybody working professionally from a really young age so there was like everyone from like a zendaya to a gabby douglas like watch them walk like for their high

school ceremony because they're in the same class as my brothers you know and so it was um it was really interesting um being in that environment but like they knew like what we needed, like, as young kids, kind of, like, juggling a full-time job that, like, an adult holds, you know? So, yeah, I had a really positive experience, but I think it was because of, like, everyone that came before, yeah. That's, you know. Well, as long as they're learning and growing and that's what it's all about.

Yeah. I mean, I look at all, you know, the Bachelor franchise. Yeah. So many things on my season would not pass the sniff check these days. Like, I'm sure. You know, like things change. Things change for the better. And I do think it is for the better.

So that's good to hear. You got to talk with Jen about that, right? Yes. Yeah. Yes. Yeah, because I've just getting close to her hearing her journey. It's like, it's a lot. It's a lot.

It's a lot. I can't believe what it is. Like to be on The Bachelor as a contestant was like so fun. Yeah. So easy. Like slumber party vibes. Oh my God, I would have naps every day, drink margaritas lay by the pool, like had so many friends. And then as the lead, a completely different ballgame.

That's what I heard. Yeah. Oh my gosh. It was actually like the most, I was not okay. Like Dancing with the Stars, I was not well, but like with Bachelor, I stopped getting a period. I lost hair. Oh, no. My body was gone.

Oh, it was, yeah, it was, I don't know. I've never been through anything like that. And it was a long time because I was on The Bachelor until there was three of us left. And then quickly went into The Bachelorette role. So it was like, I want to say like five months of filming. That's a whirlwind. Like a whirlwind. Yeah, I didn't know who I was after.

It was crazy. Every podcast I always make my guest tell me an embarrassing story. And it's confession time. Oh, no. Are you prepped for this? I'm kind of. I know. I mean, I don't have a good one. Yeah, it sounds like you do. I don't.

Okay. Is it as embarrassing that I've just sat here with my pants unbuttoned the whole? No, that's not even embarrassing. That's just real. It's a little embarrassing. But not, it's not like, only if you let it be embarrassing. You, I mean, I would have done it up. I would have done it up if I really cared. Well, okay, I was thinking about this one. one story. It's hard. I, you know, I think embarrassment, I have a thing with embarrassment. What? Because I obviously hate the feeling. And I think that makes me human. I think everybody hates the feeling. Yeah, I hate it. So I've really got into myself and I'm like, I think

embarrassment is a mentality. And I'm like, if you choose to just not be embarrassed and own it, it's easier to like curb those feelings. But I will say this. When I was younger, I really, like, I just loved performing. I loved like singing and dancing and acting and just putting on a show. And I remember my grandparents had this karaoke machine, and I was like all over that thing, like, hogging the mic. And I have two older brothers and like a bunch of cousins who were all boys. And then I was the one like token girly. And so they all like had their little like gang, their little pack. And I just remember I was like singing my heart out.

I was like facing the corner of the room. The door was behind me. I didn't know that I was being lurked on. Oh, no. I was probably like eight years old. And I was just belting, putting it all out there. And then I hear snickering. Aw.

I hear like little kikiing. I turn around. It's the whole herd of boys laughing at me. And I will say this. I'm telling the story because, honestly, that, like, stuck with me. I was probably eight years old. That stuck with me and created this huge insecurity. about singing.

Yeah. I honestly thought that I was the worst. Like, I should never open my mouth again. Yeah. And anyway, I took that insecurity and, like, used it to push me to do the zombies franchise, which I'm like, that was one of the best decisions of my life. But I was not going to do it because I was like, I can't sing. Because of, like, not just because of that moment, but, like, that moment then what it snowballed into over the course of my life.

So all this to say, don't let your insecurities and embarrassments take over. I feel like that's such a vulnerable. You're just singing your heart out and then when you're singing like that at eight years old, you're so vulnerable. And that's where it's people to laugh at you. That breaks my heart. Yeah. So that was embarrassing. But look what you did with it.

Look at me now, boys. Yeah. Suck it, boys. Oh, that's sweet. I'm like, I got pantsed once at school and that was. That's not fun. No, first of all, I'm like... Wait, that's like a problem.

Yeah. It ended up. I don't know if I've ever even talked about it on this podcast, but I still like, like that to me, oh, I can't, like, it ruined me. It ruined. I wanted to switch schools. Like, yeah, it was so... I still think about it, like, on a daily basis. In 2 a.m.

In the middle of night. I know. That it's one of those things that I'm like, oh. Tell everybody where they can find you. Oh, you can find me online on my... on my socials at Chandler L. Kinney. And also, you can tune in, dancing with the stars. Yeah, vote. What is your voting number?

It is just Chandler, text Chandler 10 times to 21523. And you can vote online as well. Love that. My godson's name is Chandler. And it was going to be Chandler if it was a boy or girl. Every time I hear your name, my heart does something because I'm obsessed with my little godson. He's the cutest thing in the whole world.

And I love that name. Thank you. I'll show you a picture. Yeah, I want to see. Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you. Now I do up my pants at the end of the podcast. I'm Caitlin Bristow.

Your session is now ending. And if I'm being honest, I wouldn't mind a rating and review.