The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast - Will You Accept This Waltz? With Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson

Episode Date: September 27, 2024

Ben is dancing into the podcast with former Bachelor Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson from Dancing with the Stars! Joey gets real about making sure Kelsey is comfortable with how close he gets with Jenna, and they both open up about how to get past the chatter and noise that surrounds couples on Dancing with the Stars. And we find out what’s going on between Jonathan and Jenn Tran!! Plus, Joey shares why he got Botox in his armpits.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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It's almost famous podcast. Today, I have a first. I've never interviewed somebody from dancing with the stars. I've interviewed people that have been on Dance with the Stars, but I don't think of, I cannot remember. I was trying to think about this. Anytime I've ever interviewed a current. contestant and their coach, their partner during the season. So this is really exciting for me. Yay. Thanks for having us. Now, we just started talking and I asked, why aren't the two of you together? In my mind, you're together all the time. Like you never are not together, but you're not together right now. You're in two separate places. How common is this right now? I mean, we're still in the beginning phase of the show. So we have like a bit more time, although that's saying

a lot because we don't have a lot of time where we're not together. But yeah, as we were telling you, we finished rehearsal. It was a very great but sweaty, productive rehearsal. I was not looking cute. So I needed to go home and get a little bit cute. So it's my fault. You're looking just fine. I also had to throw on a hat because I literally just got out of the shower. So yeah, it was just one of those days that we had a lot going on. We were busy. And yeah, usually we are together a lot. Now, this is a big deal for me because the two of you, I would argue, would be the fan favorites right now, the front runners, you're crushing it. And so I'm very excited to be talking to the two of you. I do have some questions based on my own curiosity about the process of dancing with the stars.

I was never on dancing with the stars. And so I've only watched. as a fan for the last, you know, how many years it's been on television. A couple questions I'm going to rapid fire. Either of you can answer it. Any current injuries? Jenna, any current injuries? Not severe. We're doing a move this week.

I'm not going to say what it is, but we're doing a move this week. Our bodies are sore. Our bodies are really sore. My arm hurts. This is a very fast-paced week. So this is the first time that the body. I think is starting to kick in a little bit right now. Yeah.

I have friends who have been on the show, Joey, this one's for you. They have gotten, they said in the best shape of their life being on Dance with the Stars. Can you already, I mean, I don't know how many weeks you've actually been in the experience. I mean, obviously, we've only seen a few weeks of YouTube dancing on television, but I'm sure there was some prep time before that. Are you feeling that way right now? Oh, 100%. It's awesome.

Yeah, I was so bad after getting off The Bachelor. Like, you know, going into that, you train, you get into shape. And then when you get into the show, you kind of fall out of it a lot. And then life gets crazy. So I kind of got out of routine. So I came in probably not in the best shape that I could be. But the first two weeks kicked my butt, got right back into it. And yeah, we're like two to three weeks in now.

And I feel good already. The body definitely made a difference for sure. I mean, Ben, why do you think his shirt's been open the first two weeks? yeah it's playing good is that is that a jury request or is that a strategy uh it was on the first night it was definitely an idea from the choreography that jenna had and then on uh this last dance that we had it was no joke a last minute decision i did the whole dress rehearsal with the tank under we wanted like an open shirt because we thought it looked beautiful in the dance and one of the producers came over to me like right before showtime and said so

what do you think about not wearing a shirt for this dance? And we said, yes, that just happened. This was very quick, but it happened. See, that would be, that's something nobody's ever asked of me. So you have to be doing something right. Nobody's ever said, hey, Ben, how about you take off your shirt for this? Yeah. From what I remember from a buddy who did it, there was a lot of blisters. So as a professional dancer, Jenna, how do you like handle that? Like, how do you, because I know Joey's feet are probably just torn up right now because he's not used to it. This is something you do all the time. How are your feet prepared for this? You know what? From a young age, the quote, beauty is pain has just been ingrained in me. Like my feet go through the

ringer in ballroom shoes. They suffocate them. They squeeze them. I have at least like four blisters on my toes right now. It's just part of the process. And honestly, it doesn't really even phase me anymore. I just know that it like comes with the territory. So, but it is a lot. I forget because like even Joey's shoes, they're different shoes, but I know that they're really tight and they're uncomfortable at first and you have to break them in. So it's a wild process. Like I forget that, oh yeah, this is just part of the gig, but it's a lot to adjust to. We as guys do not get to complain when you think of dancing with the stars. I am at all every single time how they have to do this in heels. Like I don't think people understand.

We are doing the same moves. We're doing everything and they're doing it in heels. And yeah, I definitely, little blisters here and there. Feeder not my strongest suit. I've got messed up feet as it is. So I'm sure they're getting beat up. But the fact that she does is in heels and has to like just rebound from it is unbelievable to me. Thanks, Joey.

He's such a sweet man. I know. He's so good at this. I do need a name drop for a second. Before we dive into what you guys are doing currently, I was on tour or once with somebody on Dance with the Stars. Oh my gosh. Wait, I know this. Yeah, Ezra Sosa and I traveled the U.S. up until COVID shut us down.

Ezra was like 18 years old, living in the same bus as me, an absolute joy to be around. One of my favorite people. He's amazing. Yeah, there's a reason why people are like really like him and are gravitating towards him because his energy and just his personality is so big. but his dream which is cool i haven't been able i've i texted him but i haven't been able to tell him but i'm going to tell you guys that like when he was 18 years old his dream was to be on dancing with the stars you don't get to see a lot of people like actually accomplish these like huge

dreams they have he did it i think it's pretty cool yeah uh fun fact actually ezra and i grew up together so he went to the same studio i did growing up so i've known him since he was a baby and this kid has the most heart out of anybody I know and I've known it's been his dream to be on Dancing with the Stars and so I think for him to see me join and then for me to see him join is the biggest gift I just I'm so proud of him he deserves it all he does he does he's a trooper he dealt with a lot of wildness at 18 years old on a tour of us I can imagine Jenna, I'll start out with you here. We're going to dive into some of the fan questions and some of our questions here.

When you heard that Joey was your partner, I don't know if you can disclose kind of how that's brought up and how you're told that as a professional. But when you're told Joey is your partner, I want to hear your honest, real first thoughts. Yeah, I'll give it to you. Joey knows this. I've been honest with him. But I think people think that we know who we're going to have. for a little bit.

That's not the case. They really like to make it a secret. So it's an authentic reaction. But I had a feeling because I had heard his name in the mix. And so I was a little sad because I've been promised, not promised, but like I've never had a football player. Through my time on the show, I've never had a football player. And so I kind of heard Danny was going to be involved.

And I was like, this is my year. I'm going to get the end. NFL guy. And then when Joey walked in, I obviously knew who he was, but I didn't watch the season of The Bachelor. But my sister is a mega fan. And I just remember when his season was going, she was telling me about like, Joey, he's just like the nicest guy.

It's been the best season. No offense, Ben. It's been the best season of The Bachelor. Everybody loves him. And I was like, okay, okay. Let me see for myself. And it's all of that is true. He is one of the most genuine humans I've ever met.

I think we kind of just connected really easily and quickly. And we have so much fun. It's seriously, I mean, obviously there's stressful moments, Joey. I'm not always the kindest. But it's just such a pleasure to work with him. He's so talented. He's one of those annoying people that's freakishly good everything. It's like, you just want to punch him because he can, I'm like, can you try this?

He's like, sure, and does it in one try. And I'm like, how did that happen? So he's just really talented, but humble, kind treats other people really well, which is a big, like, characters or attribute that I, I love, you know? So I just, it's been so awesome being his partner. And obviously, you know, I've been with a bachelor guy before. I was with Joe Mabelay, so I knew that, like, the fan base was going to be epic. And I was like, okay, love this for us. But I think ultimately, you're really at the disposal of your partner. So if they're a good human, it makes this whole process even better.

There you go. That was very kind. That was very nice. But don't forget the beginning that she said that she was disappointed. So don't know. I didn't say I was disappointed. Don't forget that it started. You know.

Disappointed. I love that. I just have this image of Geneseen, the name. pop up and she said gosh dang it once again. Another bachelor. Come on. Stop. Another loser. Jenna, one more question for you before we start popping it back and forth. There has to be an art form to the chemistry that you two have built and how you build chemistry with your partners. I'm assuming if I was if I was told hey, you're going to be on dance with the stars, there would be a lot of nerves about a lot of different things, including meeting my partner.

And so for you, Jenna, with any of your partner, kind of what is your mindset as the leader here to build that chemistry and to make it a space that is fun from the very beginning? Yeah, that connection, that chemistry is one of the most important parts for me, being a pro on the show and having a partner be successful. I think, obviously, ballroom dancing is a team sport, so there needs to be that trust going into each week and being like, can you do this? Will you do this?

I'm going to be yelling you. I'm going to be pushing you, like, do you trust me in this scary, intimidating process? But then also, there has to be, like, genuine admiration for each other because it is a very vulnerable process, you know? So for me, that's always one of the biggest things that I try to establish very soon with my partners is that good partner chemistry. You just need it. And the audience can feel when people get along and look like their friends or when they don't.

I think it's really obvious. So that's one of the first things I do. And I'm an open book. I think anyone that meets me, like you can tell who I am pretty soon. So I just try to be as open and welcoming and honest as possible about what this process is going to be because there are highs, there are lows.

But I hope that I'm my partner's safe space in the process. Joey, for you, obviously, I don't want to put words in your mouth, but that feeling of accepting. the invite to dance with the stars and then finding out who your partner is and then showing up to the studio on the first day. Walk us through kind of your emotions throughout that whole process. Yeah, I mean, I was nervous. I really was because I know how important it is to be able to, I don't know, to really trust your partner, as you said. And if you don't feel like you're going to, then it's not going to be as enjoyable of a process. And I heard from my sister and some friends,

Jenna's name came up a lot. They said, like, I hope you get Jenna. I hope you get Jenna. So when I found out it was her. I was generally so excited, but I had no idea how we were going to sink and be able to get into it because I was really nervous going into that first day. I was like, I think I have rhythm, but I don't even know if I can dance. I want to be able to really commit to this and be in it, but I know I have to be somewhat good to be as into it as I want to. So a thousand thoughts are going through my head and what I give Jenna so much credit for is she made it feel so comfortable right from the beginning. It was something about how she was able to joke with me, something about how we just kind of, I think, had this friendship right

away, felt like we kind of already knew each other. That idea of worrying how I looked kind of went out the door right away. And that was really big for me. It let me kind of hit the ground running right when we started practice. Jenna knows this. We had like the craziest first day. We literally did our first rehearsal the same day we did the entire promo shoot, the same day that we did all this other extra stuff. We spent at least eight hours together that day. So it was kind of a right away and she looked at me like it's not usually going to be like this but it was perfect. I wouldn't have changed the thing because I think it led us kind of get comfortable and trust each other right away so the rest was easy but was definitely nervous and was definitely

grateful that Jenna was my partner right from the beginning. The amount of hours the two of you right now are spending getting prepared for each week is what? Typically it's four hour rehearsals but then that doesn't include like fittings interviews camera blocking days show day we're together from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. You know, so it's a lot of time. But I would say like typically right now our rehearsal times are four hour chunks. Yeah. It's in the beginning, it's honestly not as much as you would think it is, but it doesn't feel that way either because those four hours, you are hitting it immediately. It's very intense. And then you kind of need those breaks after. But then when you get to blocking days on Monday and Tuesday show days, those are,

Those are long days. So it's a lot. Hi, my name is Enya Emanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect.

And want to hear people with mental illness, psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you. Open your free IHeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. Hi, I'm Janica Lopez and in the new season of the Overcomber podcast, I'm taking you on an exciting journey of self-reflection. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life?

Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? I wanted to be successful on my own, not just because of who my mom is. Like, I felt like I needed to be better or work twice as hard as she did. Join me for conversations about healing and growth. Life is freaking hard. And growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happened in motion, even when you're hurting.

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money advice. Listen to Brown Ambition on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult. But it happens all the time to people just like you. And people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc. And I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the host of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation, and the psychology of belief. Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers, and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust me, new episodes every Wednesday on exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. The Super Secret Bestie Club podcast season four is here.

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Today we have a very special guest with us. Our new Super Secret Bestie is The Deepa of the People. The Deep of the People. I'm just like text your ex. My theory is that if you need to figure out that the stove is hot, go and touch it. Go and figure it out for yourself. Okay.

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Available on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Jenna, for you, Dancing with the Stars is obviously, I mean, I know of Dancing with Stars for many reasons. Again, going back to Ezra, it was such a big deal for him as a professional dancer to be on this show. Can you give the fans a little backstory of,

if this was a dream for you, if this was something that you'd always wanted, how you ended up on it, kind of walk us through that. And then we'll get into obviously this season. Yeah. So I grew up at a studio that produced a bunch of amazing dancers and specifically ballroom dancers. So I grew up at the same studio that Derek and Julianne actually came from. And I'll never forget, I was, Julianne was 18 years old and I used to take lessons from her. She was like one of my first female ballroom teachers and she was just like the hottest girl ever. And I was like, I want to be her when I grow up. And she called my mom one day because we're supposed to have a lesson.

She was like, listen, I'm moving out to L.A. I got this big opportunity. And I never saw her again. And she got booked for Dancing with the Stars. And that was the first time that I had like heard of the show. this was right in the beginning. And, you know, as a dancer growing up, you don't think that dance can be a career

or provide for your family. But I think Dancing with the Stars was the first show that made that attainable or like a vision that this could happen for you and you could do this. And so after that, there were quite a few other dancers from that studio that had been booked on Dancing with the Stars. Chelsea High Tower,

Whitney Carson, Lindsay Arnold, I then got asked to join. And this was a bucket list. It was a dream of mine to be performing on this stage in front of this mass amount of people. So to be able to do it and to have been on it for 10 years, which is scary to say, it's a dream come true. It is super interesting that you say that. That Dance with the Stars kind of opened up this new path for professional dancers to provide family. It's a really exciting thing.

This season has been a hit so far. I mean, the viewership, the ratings, the excitement. the conversations around it have been absolutely amazing. And something else that's been amazing is the two of you. This last Tuesday you did the Roomba. It blew everybody out of the water. Do you think your dance was underscored? Because I think from social media, people feel like it was.

I have said the same thing every single time. I love the judges and I respect their opinions always. We did go into that week feeling really confident from the first week. we thought we did great. It was really hard to start the show. You saw Jenna's reaction on week one, like to get all seven, she was stoked. And then we did say, I said, and I was like, Jenna, was I supposed to say that? But like in the beginning of the week, I said, I want an eight.

Like I said, I want to get an eight this week. I feel like this is a beautiful dance that she created to such a beautiful song. It felt so foreign initially. But I said, if I can do something this difficult and do it well, I think an eight isn't a crazy thing to get. And I didn't say I wanted all eight. I said, I just wanted one. So we hit the goal.

that we kind of went for. So I think for us, we were really excited about it. I'm not going to speak for both of us, but I just feel like any time the fans say that, that makes us feel great. But yeah, we respect the judges and love their opinions, is what I'm going to say. Good answer. Thank you. No, it's also, we can't forget that it's week two. Sure. You know, to already have seen an eight in week one is unheard of. So I think maybe for the fans, they saw that week one and they were maybe expecting more. I'm very happy with what our scores have been and where we are in the leaderboard.

This is the perfect placement for us to continue to grow, to take that momentum and just keep building each week. So I'm super happy. Again, like Joey said, it was a goal to get an eight. We did. And now let's keep doing it. But then Jenna, as the leader here, how do you continue to get better? Does that put a pressure on you? because your scores are so high,

but they're not quite where you will maybe want them to be. How do you continue to get better week by week? That's what this process is. You want to see somebody who's not a dancer become one. And I think you're getting that evolution with Joey. So I think for me each week, it's to show something different in Joey each week that the fans are going to be shocked or surprised about.

You know, week one, I don't think anyone expected him to come out with that charisma. He did. Boom. Week two, I don't think people expected him to have that quality or those nuances and the details in a Rumba, which is so difficult. He did it. So I think that's where we go. I just want to keep pushing him and he's such a great student.

He really listens and he wants it. So I love that I can push him, but I think we can obtain those goals and keep getting better each week. Is there a type of dance right now in your head that you're like, that's our home run? Like this fits Joey, it fits me. If we, like, when we need to bring it out, we'll bring it out. It's hard because there's a few different styles that I love doing on this show just because I know they translate well and the audience loves them. So I'm like looking forward to a dance like an Argentine tango or a regular tango or

Vini's waltz. Those are some of my favorite dances to choreograph. But, you know, with Joey's athletic ability, I think something like a quick step or a jive is really going to show him off where he can show that he has stamina he has athleticism and and we can kind of just fly so you know so there's a lot in the worst right there's a lot to work with that's that's great there's a lot i'm excited for for sure yeah joe you mentioned it earlier about the kind of the physical condition you've been in there's a thing in my notes here i had no clue about that was brought up to me but you've gone to great lengths for this show including botox

in your armpits? Oh my God, dude. I can't even explain. I can't even explain how funny this is. And this is a great time to set the record straight on all this. When I got off The Bachelor, I had a sweating issue. I don't know what it was other than to call it a sweating issue. Like during The Bachelor 2 or after?

More after. It kind of happened with Carrie a little bit of the way through that we had to be kind of smart about the colors when I was in Mexico or whatnot because it was so random that it was like a nervous sweating thing or like an anticipation thing. and it was only carried in my armpits, like, wasn't sweating anywhere where you could see it, like, through the shirt, but I would just get, like, these crazy pit stains. And I was like, I don't want to look like this on TV. So it got so bad through the show. And then obviously you get off the show and it's wintertime. And I'm doing press in New York. And I'm going to do press in New

York. And I'm like, I'm sweating through a full suit here. Like, it got really, really bad. So I asked for, like, anyone, like, what do you have for help? And it's just so funny because this company offered to do like Botox in the armpits. It was Carrie's idea. I was like, yeah, I'll try it. But I'm not kidding. That was in no, I think that was in December of last year. And they had it. And I guess they just decided to post it when dancing started. I kind of honestly forgot about it. So now everyone thinks it's with dancing. But if you look closely at the video, like I have my long curly hair like I did when I was during Bachelor. And now I have like the shorter cut. So it was from almost like all the way back to earlier this, our, at

the end of this last year. But it caught steam. I looked the other day. It's got like over a million views on TikTok. So I'm screwed. Everyone knows they got Botox my armpits now. But it's worn off. So if people want to know, I need to do it again. I am starting to sweat. We had that silk shirt shirt shirt yesterday. And I've obviously been shirtless on a few times. So it doesn't matter. But the pit stains are back and nervous Joe, he's back in play. So I got to figure out something for these armpits. Will you do it again? I would. It worked really well. You know when I did it actually, Ben, it was right before I saw you. It was right for the golden wedding. That was when it kicked in.

So the Golden Wedding was the first time I actually wore a suit again. I was like, whoa, this actually worked. And it was great for the last six months or so. And I guess it can wear off. And usually going on national TV brings out nerves for people. So I guess it's happening again. Yeah, I was going to say I never noticed it during the Golden Wedding. Because the Botox was activated.

That's why. See, I'm actually guessing, Joey, here's how you should look at this. It has so many views because there's so many people. people that are like, I need to do this too. Like, what did Joey do? I see this headline. I need to watch it. So you're helping people.

That was what they said to, the people that did it. It said it's actually not the most known thing. I think it's called, I don't want to mess up the name. It's hyper somber. Hyperhydrosis is. Hyperidrosis. Hyperidosis. It's called hyperadrosis.

And whatever it is, I definitely got it. So, and apparently other people have it too. And yeah, I'm raising awareness about sweaty pits. What a fuck. That's a great poster child for. Joey, good job. Yeah, good job for you, man. If you've done nothing else in this last year of your life, you've done that.

The chemistry you guys have is palpable. It's awesome. We'd be remiss not to bring up just the comments that have existed around your dancing partnership. I think I'm not going to put words in your mouth. So I'll ask the questions first. Obviously, that has been a big topic. Either of you can answer this. Are you surprised that it's a big topic?

I'll start on this if you want, Jenna, and then I feel like you'll definitely do the best of filling in from the pro side. We knew, like we knew coming in as a Bachelor Nation thing. I think it's understandable that people are paying attention to my relationship always. And it was something that Kelsey and I talked about. It made sure before doing this that she was comfortable with putting that into kind of the world again. I think that we are more surprised than not that people couldn't step away and understand the situation of the relationship I was in. the relationship that Jenna was in, we were kind of hoping that people would be a little bit more aware of that. But we weren't necessarily surprised. I think it was more just trying to have the

conversation of people understanding that it's not something that you really need to be focusing on. We want to be able to connect and have what we have on the dance floor and have this friendship and trust with each other without this assumption of something that we would never be doing. So I'll let Jenna talk because she's on the pro side of. I'm sure this happens every season with different people, but I would not say that we were necessarily surprised from the comments. We just wish people were kind of understanding the situation a little bit better. Yeah, I think Joey nailed it, but I have been on the show for a while, and so has my husband. We've been paired with the opposite sexes.

I've been paired with a girl. People were assuming things were happening with us. So it just kind of comes with the show. I won't say, unfortunately, I love that people are that invested and they, like, feel like they're part of your partnerships but you know i think that not i'm desensitized to it but i just knew that this would probably happen and especially with the franchise that he comes from um but like joey said i think it's very obvious that my relationship is known on the show i mean i have a child my husband's on the show as well and i thought you know people would obviously know that

joey's engaged so i think there's disappointment when we're so excited about being able to be announced on Good Morning America, finally. And there's just like, all these comments that kind of like, you know, why does it have to be that initially? But I think it's gone so much better. Kelsey's incredible. She's been so supportive during this whole experience. Obviously, my husband loves Joey and is so supportive.

So I think we can have asked for better partners in this situation. But yeah, it just, it kind of comes with the show in the territory. There's always going to be chatter. And then I think once you get past the initial shock of it of like seeing these two people together, then they forget about it and they're just invested in our dancing and what our partnership is going to do and how far we're going to go. Exactly. I'll add one more thing too because I don't even know if I've talked about this as well.

Like it was something I thought about coming in. I said I wanted to be in a situation where I was comfortable that I didn't have to worry about a lot of this noise. So I asked when I got on the show to be paired with someone that was in a successful and healthy relationship. I said I didn't want there to be any chance of noise on this because I know that comes with the show and the territory sometimes. And I was in such a great place in my life with everything that Kelsey and I have built that I didn't want to have a distraction. So we understand why it's happening. But I was also coming in with those thoughts being like, let's do everything we

possibly can to help with it. And Jenna nailed it that we're in probably the best spot we've been now with Kelsey being more vocal, with us trying to do is everything we can to have people kind of settle down and hopefully we can just get to just enjoying and having fun and focusing on our dances each week now. That's it. I want to talk a lot about Kelsey here in just a second because I think she has done just a tremendous job at, and I want to say navigating it because it's not like an issue in her life probably, but she's doing a great job publicly with it. But for you two as partners now, is there an element you have to be intentional about not having like showing that connection off? Or are you trying to convince the audience now that maybe it isn't as close?

Because in my mind, based off what I've heard from the beginning, having that chemistry, having that closeness is a key to the success of a dancing partnership. So have you at any moment been like, hey, like we shouldn't do an interview side by side? Or is there any of that going on? I think we're very intentional with what we do. But I think our main focus isn't cater to the audience. It's catered to our individual spouses or significant others, you know, being just intentional aware of their feelings and thoughts. Yeah. But I want to, again, you know, like my job is to teach my partner how to dance and to create

beautiful shapes and art. And so at the end of the day, I have to make sure that I'm doing my job and I'm creating art and I'm teaching Joey how to be a good partner. So I think it's just the mindset also. Obviously, obviously we have a ton of fun together. We have a great time. But yeah, I would say like publicly we are very aware and intentional. Yeah, nailed it perfectly.

And as you said too, Ben, like it's important. It's actually been one of the best compliments we've gotten from the beginning on week one and two is that the judges see that we trust each other. There is a chemistry and connection. And that's really important to be able to make the art that she's talking about. So we're aware, but we're also leaning into the idea that we're comfortable. with each other. And that's great. We wouldn't change a thing about that. Hi, my name is Enya Yumanzoor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have

unmedicated ADHD, oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness, Psychobabble Yes, yes Then Emergency Intercom is the podcast for you Open your free IHeartRadio app Search Emergency Intercom And listen now My name is Ed

Everyone say hello Ed From a very rural background myself My dad is a farmer And my mom is a cousin So like it's not like What do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club I know it sounds like the start of a bad joke

But that really was my reality nine years ago I just normally do straight stand-up but this is a bit different. On stage stood a comedian with a story that no one expected to hear. On 22nd of July 2015, a 23-year-old man had killed his family. And then he came to my house. So what do you get when a true crime producer walks into a comedy club? A new podcast called Wisecrack, where stand-up comedy and murder takes a

Interstage. Available now. Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Everyone thinks they'd never join a cult. But it happens all the time to people just like you. And people just like us. I'm Lola Blanc and I'm Megan Elizabeth. We're the hosts of Trust Me, a podcast about cults, manipulation, and the psychology of belief.

Each week we talk to fellow survivors, former believers, and experts to understand why people get pulled in and how they get out. Trust me, new episodes every Wednesday on exactly right. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Hi, I'm Jennifer Lopez, and in the new season of the Overcover podcast, I'm taking you on an exciting journey of self-reflection. Am I ready to enter this new part of my life? Like, am I ready to be in a relationship?

Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? I wanted to be successful on my own, not just because of who my mom is. Like, I felt like I needed to be better or work twice as hard as she did. Join me for conversations about healing and growth. Life is freaking hard. And growth doesn't happen in comfort. It happens in motion, even when you're hurting. All from one of my favorite spaces, The Kitchen.

Honestly, these are going to come out so freaking amazing. Be a part of my new chapter and listen to the new season of the Overcomfit podcast as part of the MyCultura podcast network on the IHeart, Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Hola, it's HoneyGerman, and my podcast, Grasias Come Again, is back. This season, we're going even deeper into the world of music and entertainment, with raw and honest conversations with some of your favorite Latin artists and celebrities. You didn't have to audition?

No, I didn't audition. I haven't audition in, like, over 25 years. Oh, wow. That's a real G-talk right there. Oh, yeah. We've got some of the biggest actors, musicians, content creators, and culture shifters, sharing their real stories of failure and success. I feel like this is my destiny.

You were destined to be a start. We talk all about what's viral and trending with a little bit of chisement, a lot of laughs, and those amazing vivras you've come to expect. And, of course, we'll explore deeper topics dealing with identity, struggles, and all the issues affecting our Latin community. You feel like you get a little whitewash because you have to do the code switching? I won't say whitewash because at the end of the day, you know, I'm me. but the whole pretending and, you know, it takes a toll on you.

Listen to the new season of Grasas Has Come Again as part of My Cultura Podcast Network on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I'm sure, Joey, before the season started, we do have people within our group that have been on Dance with the Stars. What were those conversations like with Kelsey? not even from a who my partner is going to be standpoint, but hey, this is going to be a huge time commitment. I'm going to be investing a lot of time away from home. How did those conversations exist in your relationship so early on, you know, post-batchel? Yeah, it's a great question.

I think the first thing was I was not going to do it unless she was okay with it. I knew that from the beginning. I was really lucky that charity did it the season before this and she was obviously fresh off how things were and I got to talk to her about it. there's a lot of levels to why our situation was better than charities because she went straight from the Bachelorette right into it. It worked out great for them because Doughton was able to work a remote job and he's been amazing and supportive and I think they did it perfectly for them. But if we had to do that, if I was going straight off the Bachelor and I was going to jump into it, I probably would not have done it because it would have been really

tough. But Kelsey and I had obviously those three months or so to be able to enjoy, have fun, go learn a lot about each other while having all these experiences. And then I was able to have the real conversation with her of what do you think about this? Because it's getting tossed towards me, but I have to kind of actively look to do it if I want to. So I want to start having those conversations, but I'm not going to do it unless we talk through it. And she actually was the one that pushed me the most. She said, no, I think you should do this, not only because I think you'll enjoy it, but I think you'll be good at it. And I want you to have that experience. So unless I had that conversation with her. I don't know if I would have probably had the convos I did and been in the

position. She gave me the confidence that I could do it. And it did help that we had charity and gotten to talk through what the time commitment would be. And it's the same as The Bachelor. Like, you think you know and then until you're in it, you don't. So we're still navigating through that as much as we possibly can. But she's been nothing but supportive. We love being in L.A. right now. There's so many exciting things that are going on here too. So it's been great. But we're learning through it every day as well. What are some ways, Joey, that you've made your relationship of priority already in the first two weeks?

Being really present when I come home because it's hard and it's honestly more through communication. Like I need to tell her as soon as I get home that I need to decompressed for like 20 minutes because I'm tired and I'm thinking about my dance in a million different ways. And then once I feel like I'm centered, now I can have a real conversation with her. But, you know, telling her about my day, being excited and talking through all the amazing things I did asking her how her day was how was her workout how was this meeting that she walked to like all those little things of trying to just have the open communication but then feeling each other out too like i want to make sure that she's feeling comfortable and if we need to have a chill night she'll understand that

but then if she really wants to go out and go to this party because it's an opportunity for her to meet more people i got to suck it up and go to that party but it's been good so far i can obviously always be better i'm not going to act like i'm a master at this but i think that we've been doing really well at the communication and not letting things fester if there is any type of issue. So I'm just trusting and leaning on her. She's happy. I'm happy. And we're just trying to have as much fun as we can with this awesome opportunity that came my way. Sounds like you're doing it right. I've been married for three years. I would love to stay here and be like, no, this is how you should do it. I don't know. You'll do you best. If you love her, you'll figure it out.

Jenna, Kelsey has said that you've been a support, you know, obviously your relationship with her is important too. You've done this for 10 years. As you've said, you're not shocked, you know, by the fans' reactions and these comments. What are some ways that you've kind of found to support Kelsey through this journey or just give some insight into what to expect? Yeah. I think it was really important right away as soon as Joey and I had met each other. We were like, let's get you guys over to our house. I want her to meet me. I want her to meet Val, meet our son. You know, just already established that relationship together too, so she felt really part of it and comfortable in this partnership because she's part of it. So yeah, we did that right away before we were

announced on Good Morning America's partners. They'd come over to our house. We had dinner, which was so much fun. And then she's been our like social media queen. She sends us all sorts of audios and ideas. She's so good at that. And I love that because Joey and I are brain dead at the end of the day. We don't have like the capacity to even think about that. So she's been so helpful and involved with us on that aspect. And then we actually got dinner. We did a little double date last Tuesday after the show. We all went to catch steak.

So it's been really fun. Obviously, this is only week three. So we still have a lot more time to get to know each other. But I told Joey from the beginning, I really think it's important that we are open with her. And I want you to show her the videos from our day. I want her to feel part of it. So she's just as excited.

as you are. And she's been really, really awesome with that. So far, at least on social media, Kelsey has been so excited about this process. Joey, not that you need to do this, but I think one great thing that everybody listening would love to know is if you could just kind of give, if it's a summary of where your relationship stands with Kelsey right now, kind of how you're doing, what you're looking forward to, what you're excited about. Or maybe it's the opposite, but I don't think it is. No, no, all good things. It's been great right now. Obviously, it's been a funny thing that I was spending a lot of time in New Orleans with her, living with her roommates. This is the first time we've been in a place just us and kind of starting to make a home together.

So that's been a really fun part of the beginning of this whole process is we have our own place. We're doing a lot of stuff, getting a lot of alone time together, which we found in our own little way in New Orleans, but this is even better. A big thing for us right now is we're just trying to figure out what's going to happen post-show. And we've talked about New York, but being in L.A., being here and enjoying it, we've been also a lot more open to staying here because we think there's a lot of great opportunity here too. The weather does not suck. It fits a lot of things that I want to do with playing more golf and tennis and being in that world. But I think right now the biggest thing for us is we are both trying to stay present and joy that we aren't traveling all over the place like we have been in the last few months, really diving into this experience for both of us because it is an experience. for both of us right now, and looking forward to what can possibly be in the future. We're not making any rash decisions, but we both have enjoyed L.A., and it seems likely that

we might stay here post-show. But in our mind, this is still a temporary move. We're still just trying to live in the present and do the best we can to build our relationship. That's what we really have been focusing on. It reminds me of the best piece of advice I've ever been given. Somebody I look up to a lot, his name is Bob Goff. He's an author of Love Does. As my show was going on, there was chaos around me. And he said, Ben, as chaos ensues, just be where your feet are, which feels very familiar to where you're at right now. So every day, I'm not kidding since then, that was years ago. I tap my feet where I'm sitting at my desk and I tap my feet and just remind myself, be where my feet are. It's been incredible. And it feels like what you could do right now because you're using your feet so often. To kind of clean this whole thing up here, and finish us up, obviously, the Golden Bachelorette is happening right now. There is somebody in your fan camp that's on the show. Jenna, are you watching The Golden Bachelorette?

I haven't had time, too. I have to admit, I'm trying to choreograph our dances while we're not practicing. But I was able to meet Kelsey's dad, and he is just absolutely adorable. So I need to get caught up because I really want to see his journey. He had a moment this week. Mark is a star. Joey, you're obviously watching it, right? Yes, sir. Thoughts so far, we obviously just saw Mark have his first kiss with Joan. It's a big deal. Yeah, you're missing out, Jenna. You got a too. Oh, my goodness. They locked the lips. That's so cute. It was romantic, too. It was sweet. You should have saw Kelsey's face. He did it, Jenna, with, like, showing a card that said, because he knows German and he was

doing German, like, can you guess what this phrase is? And the camera like pans over in the phrase says, can I have a kiss or something along those lines in German? So Kelsey like knew it was coming and she just put the pillow up. She's like, I can't watch. Just tell me what happened. So it's so fun to see that dynamic. You know how weird it is sometimes to watch yourself on TV. And we obviously were watching ourselves on TV during that whole experience that we had in The Bachelor. So I don't think I've ever seen Kelsey get this giddy about a show before. And it is so fun. I'm finding myself looking at her more than watching the TV when her dad's on because she's just so excited for him. Thoughts on the Golden Bachelorette is amazing. I'm in love

with the show just because the men seem so awesome. Kelsey and I cannot get over Charles. Charles is I love Charles. We're obsessed with him. He made my wife ball. Absolutely ball this week. The prom scene when he was just, I know, I know, but the prom scene when he was sitting there and thinking about his wife. I said, Kelsey, I need a new grandpa. I'm grabbing Charles. Like, I want him. He just was the cutest man ever. Joan's been doing amazing. I love just the feel of the Golden Bachelor franchise. I just think it's just a different feeling that show. And Kelsey and I are loving it. We're obviously supporting Mark 1,000 percent, but I'm also blown away with how amazing all these guys are. And yeah, Jenna, you're going to have to start watching it because I want to talk about it as

much as I can't. So it'd be fun to talk about a practice. Yeah. I'll get on it. It's something that my wife doesn't watch the franchise. She loves the Golden Show. She, like, loves it. Joey, is it weird for you to see Mark Kiss yet? Like, are you there with him yet? I think I took a meme from yesterday and I put it on my story when he had the card and I said, you slide dog you, like he was just a stud doing it. I think it's amazing. I'm in a different spot than Kelsey is. I don't think anyone wants to see their parents kissing on TV, but I'm just, I'm Team Mark a thousand percent and just going to support him whatever he does on that show. I love him. Yeah, he's doing great. He's a star. The whole thing is amazing and Jones crushing it. Maybe she'll be on Dance with the Stars here soon. Right.

Now, Jenna, kind of final question for you. How special is it for you to see Val be nominated for an Emmy for his tribute to Lynn Goodman? Obviously, this is a big season and Val's, you know, working that is so important. What did it feel like for you? So we were actually nominated together. Oh, amazing. For that piece. Yeah.

And but to that point, to be nominated together was insane. Like what other husband and wife get to say that they've been nominated for an Emmy for their work together. So it was definitely like a bucket list thing to do and to be there and to be like surrounded by all of these artistic geniuses. was insane. And then choreographing that piece was a huge honor. Yeah, just such a special time in our life.

And yeah, to honor Len Goodman, who was the head judge for so many years, was amazing. So, yeah. Congratulations to the two of you. Thank you. I didn't know it was the two of you together, but it's... No, no worries. It's such an impressive just thing to have that.

And like you said, for you to be standing next to your spouse, I mean, if there is not a definition of a power, couple. That would be it. Like, hey, we've been nominated for an Emmy together. Yeah, it was crazy. Thank you so much. Thank you. Joey, I need to create a headline here. So give me some support. We saw Kelsey with Jonathan at Tuesday's live taping. Jonathan was obviously there to support a lot of people, including Jen. Do you think he was there for more than just a friend? End of question. And no question. I was like, it looked like there's a little more.

I will say this. I have gotten to know Jonathan since I've been in L.A. We've hung out a few times. I love Jonathan. I have zero idea of what's going on between the two of them. I saw that Good Morning America interview with Jen and Jonathan. I know you probably want me to say something to help give some inside intel. My answer is I have zero idea.

I just know that Jonathan is obviously in Jen's camp, supporting her he's supporting me too he always reminded he supported me too so i'm happy about that but at the same time they seem very close they seem like they're enjoying being in l a together but i don't know i i have not really asked jonathan that i've wanted to get to know him for him and kind of separate the two because i know how tough it is coming off a show and like having yourself be associated with the lead especially when you're not with them but i have no idea what's going on with them i really don't jena you got any guesses from what you've seen i again i didn't see the seasons. I don't know the T. I wanted to put you in there. I wanted to put you in there.

Since I'm getting on the spot, I need you to be on the spot too. Don't worry. You gave me the headline. Jonathan and Jenner very close, says Joey. That's all I need. Thank you. Quote. It's all I need. All right. Are the two of you going to win this season? Yes. Let's go. Let's go. I'm putting it out there. We did put our name as team twinning because a lot of people said that we looked alike. And the idea was we put win as capital. lies. So we've been saying it from the beginning. I think when Jenna was, as we talked about in the beginning, disappointed with me being her partner. Our first goal was just trying to make the finale because no bachelor's ever made the finale before. But I do think we're both in a really great

spot after the first two weeks. And we think that we do have a chance to do this if we keep improving the way that we have. So the goal is to win this thing for sure. I'm not doing this for second place. But if that happens, I'll be happy too. But the goal is to win it. Jenna, anything to add? No, I again, I say yes, but that's the ultimate goal is to, I think, be in the finale. Like Joey said, no Bachelor has ever been there. We've had a ton of bachelorettes in there. We've had a ton of bachelorettes win.

So how epic would it be to win this mirror ball, but to be the first to do it as well? I would love that for Joey. I'd love that for you, Jenna. You need to get closer to Val. She only has one. He has three. We've got to get her at least the two. The fact that you said only is really annoying.

I have a mirror ball. I've won before, but yes, I would love to add to the stack, yes. We're going to try to double it this year. That's the goal. Improved by 100%. Hey, the two of you are great. We wish you the best. I know the fan support is out there.

Continue to watch Dance with Stars if you're listening. Vote for Jenna and Joey every week. Continue to improve to the two of you. Thanks for coming on. Thanks for giving us the insight into the whole thing. This whole process is so interesting to me. me. And it's so exciting to see the two of you thrive. Like all this work that goes in to then the performance is just awesome. So keep doing your thing. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Follow the Ben and Ashley I, almost famous podcast on IHeartRadio or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Hi, my name is Enya Humanzor. And I'm Drew Phillips. And we run a podcast called Emergency Intercom. If you're a crime junkie and you love crimes, we're not the podcast for you. But if you have unmedicated ADHD... Oh my God, perfect. And want to hear people with mental illness,

psychobabble. Yes, yes. Then Emergency Intercom's the podcast for you. Open your free I-HeartRadio app. Search Emergency Intercom and listen now. I just normally do straight stand-up, but this is a bit different. What do you get when a true crime producer

walks into a comedy club? Answer, a new podcast called Wisecrack. where a comedian finds himself at the center of a chilling true crime story. Does anyone know what show they've come to see? It's a story. It's about the scariest night of my life. This is Wisecrack, available now. Listen to Wisecrack on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hi, I'm Jenna Lopez, and in the new season of the Overcomfit Podcasts, I'm even more honest, more vulnerable, and more real than ever. Am I ready to enter this new part? part of my life. Like, am I ready to be in a relationship? Am I ready to have kids and to really just devote myself and my time? Join me for conversations about healing and growth, all from one of my favorite spaces, The Kitchen. Listen to the new season of the Overcombered podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Let's start with a quick puzzle. The answer is Ken Jennings' appearance on The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs. The question is,

What is the most entertaining listening experience in podcast land? Jeopardy Truthers believe in... I guess they would be conspiracy theorists. That's right. They give you the answers and you still blew it. The Puzzler. Listen on the I-Heart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Super Secret Festi Club podcast season four is here.

And we're locked in. That means more juicy chisement. Terrible love advice Evil spells to cast on your ex No, no, no, no, we're not doing that this season Oh, well this season we're leveling up Each episode will feature a special bestie And you're not going to want to miss it

My name is Curley And I'm Maya Get in here! Listen to the Super Secret Bestie Club On the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcast This is an IHeart podcast This is an IHeart podcast