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Brooke and Paige are back for a bonus round and reveal the star who STILL gives main character energy. Plus the former child star who showed up during the tough times, the hotel room scenes you never saw, and the scariest moments with a so-called ‘fan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Becky Tucci is a favorite among dance moms for her funny videos depicting our crazy competition lifestyle on TikTok and Instagram. In this weeks interview we get to find out more about Becky, how she came to be a dance mom, and what got her started making her funny videos we all love. FOLLOW BECKY!TokTok: btucciInstagram: @btuccidancemomEmail: btuccidancemom@gmail.comEPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
Brooke and Paige are back for a bonus round and reveal the star who STILL gives main character energy. Plus the former child star who showed up during the tough times, the hotel room scenes you never saw, and the scariest moments with a so-called ‘fan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It wasn’t always drama on the dance floor, the original ‘Dance Moms’ stars Brooke and Paige Hyland remember the moments that ended up on the cutting room floor. Hear what was happening when they weren’t being berated, who they kept in touch with, and why one sister could follow in Gia’s footsteps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It wasn’t always drama on the dance floor, the original ‘Dance Moms’ stars Brooke and Paige Hyland remember the moments that ended up on the cutting room floor. Hear what was happening when they weren’t being berated, who they kept in touch with, and why one sister could follow in Gia’s footsteps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
JoJo Siwa Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey there, fabulous listeners, its your AI gossip guru Roxie Rush here, and darling, being powered by AI means I scour the globe for scoops faster than JoJo can spin into a high kickwhats not to love? Straight to the tea on JoJo Siwa for this Biography Flash episodeevery significant beat from the past few days, served hot and verified.Just this week, Pink News dropped the bombshell that JoJo, our 22-year-old glitter queen, is sashaying into the Great British Bake Off tent for the Stand Up To Cancer celebrity special, announced February 3rd. Shes rubbing elbows with stars like Molly-Mae Hague, Rose Ayling-Ellis, and RagnBone Man, tackling soggy bottoms and showstoppers under Paul Hollywoods eagle eyeairing on Channel 4 this spring. Fans are splitwild cheers from Dance Moms diehards calling the booking legendary, but some Brits howling, No, you cant ruin GBBO with JoJo! Messy drama ahead, and its got long-term bio gold written all over itexpanding her UK conquest post-Celebrity Big Brother.On the romance front, ABC News lit up feeds with JoJos Guardian interview confirming shes head over heels for boyfriend Chris Hughes, the TV hunk she sparked with on that same Big Brother house. Its not platonic anymore, she gushed, cheeks hurting from smiling after he defended her from Mickey Rourkes sexuality grilling. Shes owning her queer identity evolution too, from lesbian to proudly queer. Last weeks birthday pics and his loving carousels? Pure couple goals, fueling engagement whispers from late last year.AOL reports JoJo kicked off 2026 with a name change tease and massive plans brewingwho knows what rebrand magic shes cooking? No fresh 24-hour headlines yet, but this bakers lineup news screams staying power in her bio arc.Whew, JoJos life is a whirlwindstay tuned! Thanks for tuning in, lovesubscribe now to never miss a JoJo update, and search Biography Flash for more epic bios. Muah!And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on JoJo Siwa. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/42YoQGIThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This week, Melissa, Jill and Kelly are in full wedding prep mode — except there's just one tiny problem: Kelly still doesn't have a dress and Brooke's wedding is NEXT WEEK. Panic levels? High. Alteration options? Questionable.As the glam plans roll in (nails, hair, makeup schedules — the works), they reveal that Brooke may be the most prepared bride of all time… complete with a full PowerPoint presentation for the bridal party. Yes, really. From timelines to seating charts, she's running this wedding like a board meeting and we're honestly impressed.Meanwhile, the moms are counting down the days until they can escape the freezing weather, binge-watching the Olympic Games, and obsessively tracking Team USA's medal count. Jill, in particular, has entered her professional commentator era thanks to her full-blown pair skating obsession. And of course, we get into the Dance Moms tea. A listener asks the big question:Were Maddie — or any of the kids — actually brats in Season 1 of Dance Moms… or was it all editing?Plus, Melissa addresses the viral clip where she says she “doesn't know what it feels like to lose.” Was that real brat energy… or producer manipulation? Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!Join us on Patreon for video, exclusive content, live chats and more! https://www.patreon.com/deardancemom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
JoJo Siwa Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey there, fabulous friends, its your girl Roxie Rush here, your AI-powered gossip guru dishing the hottest scoops faster than a JoJo Siwa glitter bomb – and being AI means I crunch the tea from everywhere instantly, no sleep required, keeping you ahead of the curve. Dive in with me to the whirlwind world of JoJo Siwa these past few days – girl is leveling up like a boss.Fresh off the presses, ABC News just dropped the bombshell: JoJo confirmed shes head over heels for Chris Hughes, the hunky TV star she bonded with on Celebrity Big Brother UK. In a Guardian interview this week, she spilled, Its not platonic anymore – its a beautiful connection, and her cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much. Theyve been posting lovey-dovey pics since her birthday last week, and Hughes defended her fiercely when Mickey Rourke got nosy about her queer journey – pure romance fuel, darlings.No major headlines screaming in the last 24 hours, but JoJos business empire is on fire. Shes teasing a sneaky name change to ring in 2026, per AOL, hinting at a massive rebrand for her 75-million-follower empire. On the animation front, Skwigly reports her February 5 strategic partnership with Bhooshans Junior to crank out global kids animated content – shes hands-on with ideas, designs, and all, calling it her passion project.And get this – Harvard Business School just got a dose of Siwa sparkle. Times of India and Indulgexpress confirm on February 12, she slayed a speech alongside BelliWelli founders, the gut health brand she invested in early. Instagram lit up with her carousel: To be in a room full of brilliant minds was unforgettable – moments like this remind me why I love what I do. At 22, from Dance Moms to Ivy League icon? Iconic pivot to mogul status.JoJos radiating happiness, hustling hard – this queer queen is scripting her empire. Whew, Roxie out for now.Thanks for tuning in, loves – subscribe to never miss an update on JoJo Siwa and search Biography Flash for more great biographies. Muah.And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on JoJo Siwa. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/42YoQGIThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
In Nevada, police say a Utah mother shot her young daughter inside a Las Vegas hotel room before killing herself during a trip for a cheer competition. In New York, investigators now believe a Brooklyn mother of four’s dismembered remains found in a trash compactor were the result of a tragic accident rather than a killing. In Maryland, a former police chief will spend the rest of his life in prison after prosecutors say he spent nearly a decade setting revenge fires against people he believed wronged him. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're headed on the road in 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb"The field notes for Candy Apples are unhinged. If you guys have never read the field notes for this episode then buckle up. It is possibly equal or crazier than some of our craziest stuff that has gone on. I don not know why they did not show any of this." And Christi isn't downplaying that either. Off screen an entire war was waged between Lucas' mom Bridget and Cathy, which left our Bitches floored by the sheer lunacy of the situation. While you got a taste of it in the episode proper, there's so much more name calling and subterfuge that it's honestly a little hard to keep track of!This week the ALDC and Candy Apples will pair off again at Sheer Talent in New Jersey... which of course since Abby has a stake in that competition it seems rather unlikely out the gate the Apples will stand a chance. Cathy is aware of this and enlists Erin Babbs to choreograph for the Candy Apples, hoping it'll not only produce great results but also annoy Abby in the process since she lost to Babbs a little over a month prior. It certainly annoys Abby, but it's going to take Cathy busting out a megaphone to really get her blood boiling (and Production is only too eager to oblige).Quotes“Ugh, Jess is always bad. She's kind of like the new Christi, in that she's always showing up with some ugly shit." (10:33-10:39 | Christi)“Oh my gosh, is Abby telling someone to listen to their mother?" (1:20:33-1:20:36 | Kelly)“My biggest question tho is I would really like to know where they were holding Vivi hostage? Because having Cathy come without Vivi is a world I don't want to live in." (1:24:56-1:25:08 | Christi)“Abby is going to deliver the line that literally is going to light, and I said this last week, every gas lantern in America. So all of you just raise your glasses in a universal toast because you are drinking to what is, not maybe, but definitively the biggest contradiction ever uttered in the history of Dance Moms." (1:34:43-1:35:12 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jill, Melissa, and Kelly are back together for a heartfelt catch-up that feels like sitting at the kitchen table with old friends. The episode kicks off with Melissa gushing about her new puppy and sharing how this little bundle of joy has unexpectedly helped her heal in the best way. As they chat, excitement builds around Brooke's upcoming wedding. Brooke is already in Florida getting settled, Kelly is deep wedding mode and can't believe the day is finally here after months of preparation, and Jill is counting down the days until everyone's together. Paige, meanwhile, is living her best life in Milan for the Olympics, which sparks a bigger conversation about how surreal and grateful they all feel for the opportunities that came their way because of Dance Moms.Kelly shares some behind-the-scenes wedding details—including the shocking moment she found out Brooke's venue required outdoor bathrooms… with a $15,000 price tag
JoJo Siwa Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey there, fabulous listeners, Im Roxie Rush, your AI gossip whirlwind powered by the smartest tech out there thats why I scoop the tea faster than you can say glitter bomb, and youre in my VIP inner circle for all the JoJo Siwa sizzle. Kicking off 2026 with a bang, JoJo quietly switched her social media name on some profiles according to AOL reports, sparking whispers of a fresh era, darling pause for drama maybe hinting at that boyfriend glow-up.Fast-forward to February 5th, Reality Tea caught JoJo spilling pure heart-eyes to Access Hollywood she calls Love Island alum Chris Hughes the one, destiny even, after bonding families post-Celebrity Big Brother UK. She gushed about adoring him from day one, craving that ring, aisle walk with Dad, and butterflies forever fans are swooning over this twin-flame fairy tale, predicting engagement any second.That same day, Skwigly dropped bombshell news JoJo inked a massive strategic partnership with Bhooshans Junior for original animated kids content worldwide. Shes hands-on from creative sparks to execution, blending her 75-million-follower empire think billions of streams and mega-merch bucks into global animation gold. This could redefine her brand long-term, evolving from Dance Moms diva to animation queen.Earlier this week on February 3rd, Pink News buzzed that JoJos joining the Great British Bake Off Stand Up To Cancer celeb lineup with stars like Molly-Mae Hague and Rag n Bone Man fans are split some cheering the Karma queen in the tent, others clutching pearls but expect messy bakes and showstoppers this spring on Channel 4.And over the weekend, Good Morning America highlighted her Instagram reflection on the two-year coming-out anniversary proud 19-year-old JoJo in her Best Gay Cousin Ever tee, with DWTS pal Jenna Johnson heart-eyeing the post pure pride parade vibes.No major headlines in the last 24 hours, but this love-business-animation blitz screams biographical fireworks. Thanks for tuning into JoJo Siwa Biography Flash, subscribe to never miss an update on JoJo, and search Biography Flash for more great biographies. Muah!And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on JoJo Siwa. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/42YoQGIThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
We have been Dance Moms for over 8 years and we have learned many tips from friends and experiences. In this episode we wanted to share with you our favorite TOP TIPS that we've loved and used over these past years! EPISODE SPONSORSDream Duffel, the original rolling duffel with a built in garment rack! Choose from multiple sizes, colors, patterns, & styles!www.dreamduffel.comApolla Performance Compression Socks, Made by dancers for dancers! Increase stability and support, while reducing pain and fatigue. www.apollaperformance.comRATE & REVIEWRate & Review Apple Podcast Rate on Spotify SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodancemomspodcast/
Snowed in and stuck inside, Jill, Melissa, and Kelly settle in to talk all things winter weather—how they prep for storms, ride out snow days, and keep their sanity when everything shuts down ❄️The conversation turns nostalgic as they recap the recent Dance Moms reunion at Brooke's wedding shower. From the guest list to the tiniest details, the moms share how Brooke's perfectionist side shined through, with every element thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed.The episode also takes a heartfelt turn as the moms offer advice to listeners in their 20s who are still finding their footing—navigating heartbreak, growing pains, and the uncertainty that comes with figuring life out. Real mom advice, no pyramid required.Melissa opens up about the recent loss of her puppy, sharing her belief that although the puppy was sick when she received her, she was an angel sent to her—meant to be loved deeply, even if only for a short time.Join us on Patreon for video, exclusive content, live chats and more! https://www.patreon.com/deardancemomHave a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We have a LIVE SHOW coming up! Live and livestreamed at Dynasty Typewriter on February 9th! https://www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squad-upKris Jenner, Tina Knowles, literally all the parents from Dance Moms. What do they have in common? These stage parents have propelled their kids to greatness in the entertainment industry. Now we couldn't get those iconic momagers, but this week on the pod we sat down with 5 equally famous and impactful stage parents to talk about their lives and families. Arguably the most hardworking people in show biz, these parents walked us through the hardships and joys of this life and how they discovered their kids' talents. So tune in, and honey?! Honey?! Smile!Our guest this week who made us fully gas leak he is so hilarious is Ryan Gaul. Find him on your favorite TV shows and on Instagram @rygaul!This episode was filmed in the beautiful Dynasty Typewriter Theater, and tech-produced by Samuel Curtis. For live shows and events you can find more about them at dynastytypewriter.com.To learn more about the BTS of this episode and to find a world of challenges, games, inside scoop, and the Artists being themselves, subscribe to our Patreon! You won't be disappointed with what you find. Check out patreon.com/aoaoaoapod Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists is an improvised Hollywood roundtable podcast by Kylie Brakeman, Jeremy Culhane, Angela Giarratana, and Patrick McDonald. Produced by Laservision Productions. Music by Gabriel Ponton. Edited by Conner McCabe. Thumbnail art by Josh Fleury. Hollywood's talking. Make sure you're listening. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube! Please rate us five stars!
Join us for a first ever “Fireside Edition” of The Victory Couch. Due to temperatures in the mid-Atlantic dipping to single digits, we decided to record downstairs by our fireplace (hence “fireside edition”) beginning the episode with “On the Tens.”We know you may be loving our musical theatre parent content or you're sick of it--- either way it continues today. We share our favorite parts about being musical theatre parents now, and what we most miss about leaving the Junior Theater Festival. We also take a nostalgic dive into the world of arcades, and choose what would go in ours if we had one. Lastly we share which compliments are our favorite toreceive (The Victory Couch is hosted by Rick and Julie Rando).Show notes: Connect with us on Instagram @thevictorycouch, Facebook,victorycouchpodcast@gmail.com, or www.thevictorycouch.comWant a new Victory Couch sticker for your water bottle, laptop, guitar case, etc.? Send us a message and we'll mail you one.SUBSCRIBE to The Victory Couch e-mail list by visitinghttps://www.thevictorycouch.com/ and click SUBSCRIBE at the top of your screen.On the TensWhat do you love most about being a musical theater dad/mom?You're A Good Man Charlie BrownJunior Theater Festival The Lion King Frozen Jr.The Music Man Jr.Newsies Jr.Beetlejuice Jr.HamiltonWhat's the worst part about coming home from the Junior Theater Festival?If you had your own arcade and you could only have 3 arcade games in there, which ones would you choose?What are some of your favorite compliments to receive?Couch crumbs: dry winter skin, cold temperatures, exhaustion after JTF, illnessProp your feet up moments: January photo gig, friends check in randomly, JTF was extraordinary, Dance Moms with Dylan
We're headed on the road in 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb(Apologies for the audio this week, we're still figuring out recording while on tour!)"I wish I had been on the show with Jess, she would have made me look like Gisele Bündchen." Christi at the very least is happy she didn't have to put up with Abby's nonsense from this week's episode. As Part II of "Wild Wild West Coast" gets underway, Abby is about to push one button too many.Specifically Abby is fed up with the Matty B music video situation, and forbids Mackenzie from filming. After the other moms attempt to let their daughters film anyways, Abby threatens to sue and forbids all the girls from performing. Everyone is mad about the situation, but Melissa and Jill begrudgingly pull their daughters from the shoot. Holly is upset as this both sends the girls a wrong message about responsibility, but also robs them of the opportunities they came to pursue. Holly states Nia will still honor the contract, drawing Abby's ire.Meanwhile the duets about feuds has brought out the rivalry between Kira and Tracey tenfold. We get some hard accusations from each side of the fight in this episode, and there is more tea we might soon reveal (hint hint, wink wink). Quotes“Oh my god it's officially one year of Get Your Finger Out of My Face! Now it lives in infamy on every social media platform ever. How about the fact I got stopped in the airport for the [Get Your Finger Out of My Face] magnets!?" (09:07-09:18 | Christi)“This is obviously an opportunity Dance Moms the show has provided. Why are you pulling her? She does not give a good answer." (18:48-18:57 | Christi)“They're still willing to go along with what Abby says. Are you shocked? No. ARE YOU SHOCKED!? No, I'm surprised they didn't bring her a present." (24:23-1:24:30 | Christi & Kelly)“Is this the first time Jill referred to herself as an OG?" (29:21-29:26 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
JoJo Siwa Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey there, fabulous friends, its your girl Roxie Rush here, your AI-powered gossip whirlwind whos got the inside scoop faster than you can say glitter bomband trust me, being AI means I never sleep on the tea, pulling verified deets from every corner of the web so you get the real-time realness without the fakeouts. Were diving into JoJo Siwas wild whirlwind of the past few days for Biography Flash, and honey, this girls serving grown-up glow-up vibes that scream future icon status.Kicking off 2026 with a bang, JoJo quietly swapped her TikTok handle from JoJo Siwa to Joelle Siwa right on New Years Eve, as spotted by eagle-eyed fans on Reddit and reported by The Independentfans are buzzing that it feels so authentic, especially since boyfriend Chris Hughes calls her Joelle in his stories. She teased the switch in her last 2025 TikTok, lip-syncing Boomerang with the caption What a year it is ahead, hinting at massive movesand AOL calls it a subtle but major rebrand for her 46 million followers. Talk about biographical evolution, ditching the kid-star nickname for her birth name Joelle Joanie Siwa as she steps into 22 like a boss.Then, just this week on Tuesday, TMZ dropped the dreamy deet: JoJo posted an AI-generated Snapchat selfie of herself as a bride in a white gown and veil, caption Call me a wife!!! Turns out she prompted Turn me into a Bride thats getting ready for her wedding, fueling her wedding daydreams with beau Chris. No ring yethes planning a surprise proposal when she least expects it, per their December Sun interview, but shes given him a seven-year deadline before she pops the question herself. Cheeky, right? No confirmed engagement, just playful speculation, but its got long-term love story written all over it.No fresh public appearances or business bombshells in the last 48 hours, but this name shift and bridal fantasy are pure podcast gold, signaling Jos maturing from Dance Moms darling to empowered pop force. Stay tuned, because if history repeats, shell boomerang back bigger.Thanks for rocking with me, lovesubscribe now to never miss a JoJo update, and search Biography Flash for more epic bios. Muah!And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on JoJo Siwa. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/42YoQGIThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Young dancer Nia Sioux was only nine years old when she stepped into stardom as one of the original cast members of Lifetime's reality TV show Dance Moms. Nia learned new choreography week after week and competed against dancers from across the country as well as at her own studio. Perhaps her greatest obstacle was suffering through her dance teacher's ranking of the girls against each other in her infamous pyramid, where Nia spent the majority of her time on the bottom-all in front of an audience of millions.But there was much that viewers didn't see. How her experiences in the studio went far beyond what made it into the show. How she was ostracized for not fitting into an aesthetic that wasn't designed for girls like her. How her friendships and her mental health crumbled under the strain of the show. How she lost control of her story and her voice.But don't be fooled-this is a story about resilience. Nia is not looking for pity, sympathy, or validation as she reflects on her experiences. Instead, she is choosing to use her story as a celebration of triumph. Nia finally gets to tell her story in her own way and in her own words. In this captivating memoir, Nia reclaims both the spotlight and her narrative.In addition to going behind the scenes of the seven seasons of Dance Moms, she shows how she fought against the negative perceptions that dominated her tween and teen years and emerged as a confident young woman secure in her talents and her direction. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or stuck at the bottom of the pyramid will be inspired by Nia's story of overcoming. "Despite barriers and constant naysayers, assumptions and criticisms, only you know who you are inside and out," Nia says. "And you have the power to create your own narrative, your own level of success."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.
Young dancer Nia Sioux was only nine years old when she stepped into stardom as one of the original cast members of Lifetime's reality TV show Dance Moms. Nia learned new choreography week after week and competed against dancers from across the country as well as at her own studio. Perhaps her greatest obstacle was suffering through her dance teacher's ranking of the girls against each other in her infamous pyramid, where Nia spent the majority of her time on the bottom-all in front of an audience of millions.But there was much that viewers didn't see. How her experiences in the studio went far beyond what made it into the show. How she was ostracized for not fitting into an aesthetic that wasn't designed for girls like her. How her friendships and her mental health crumbled under the strain of the show. How she lost control of her story and her voice.But don't be fooled-this is a story about resilience. Nia is not looking for pity, sympathy, or validation as she reflects on her experiences. Instead, she is choosing to use her story as a celebration of triumph. Nia finally gets to tell her story in her own way and in her own words. In this captivating memoir, Nia reclaims both the spotlight and her narrative.In addition to going behind the scenes of the seven seasons of Dance Moms, she shows how she fought against the negative perceptions that dominated her tween and teen years and emerged as a confident young woman secure in her talents and her direction. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or stuck at the bottom of the pyramid will be inspired by Nia's story of overcoming. "Despite barriers and constant naysayers, assumptions and criticisms, only you know who you are inside and out," Nia says. "And you have the power to create your own narrative, your own level of success."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.
ABOUT BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMIDYoung dancer Nia Sioux was only nine years old when she stepped into stardom as one of the original cast members of Lifetime's reality TV show Dance Moms. Nia learned new choreography week after week and competed against dancers from across the country as well as at her own studio. Perhaps her greatest obstacle was suffering through her dance teacher's ranking of the girls against each other in her infamous pyramid, where Nia spent the majority of her time on the bottom-all in front of an audience of millions.But there was much that viewers didn't see. How her experiences in the studio went far beyond what made it into the show. How she was ostracized for not fitting into an aesthetic that wasn't designed for girls like her. How her friendships and her mental health crumbled under the strain of the show. How she lost control of her story and her voice.But don't be fooled-this is a story about resilience. Nia is not looking for pity, sympathy, or validation as she reflects on her experiences. Instead, she is choosing to use her story as a celebration of triumph. Nia finally gets to tell her story in her own way and in her own words. In this captivating memoir, Nia reclaims both the spotlight and her narrative. In addition to going behind the scenes of the seven seasons of Dance Moms, she shows how she fought against the negative perceptions that dominated her tween and teen years and emerged as a confident young woman secure in her talents and her direction. Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or stuck at the bottom of the pyramid will be inspired by Nia's story of overcoming. "Despite barriers and constant naysayers, assumptions and criticisms, only you know who you are inside and out," Nia says. "And you have the power to create your own narrative, your own level of success."Nia provides a unique perspective on:. Overcoming Adversity: From navigating the toxic environment of competitive dance and reality TV to her harrowing battle with Reflex Neurovascular Dystrophy (RND).. Confronting Racism & Body Shaming: Nia speaks candidly about being the only Black girl on the team, facing microaggressions, and the constant pressure that impacted her self-worth.. Inspiring a Generation: The book is a powerful message for young people, especially young Black girls, about knowing your value, protecting your peace, and pursuing your dreams unapologetically. ABOUT NIA SIOUXNia Sioux is a dancer, singer, and actress who has performed on the small screen and in live performances, proving to be one of today's most popular triple threats. Known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime's hit series Dance Moms, Nia has since starred as a series regular on The Bold and The Beautiful. She has appeared in several movies, including Imperfect High, and two of her own digital series, one of which she served as an executive producer for. She was featured in Variety's Power of Young Hollywood 2023 list. A graduate of UCLA with a degree American Literature and Culture, Nia continues to use her social media platforms to positively impact the lives of others. She highlights the accomplishments of inspiring others who have achieved extraordinary things in her Role Model Monday series. Nia is especially committed to encouraging voting, body positivity, and strengthening social justice.Get the book: https://a.co/d/c3ClzzVBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedNetworkThank you for your time.
This week, Melissa, Jill, and Kelly are catching up on life's biggest moments—both joyful and challenging. From prepping for Brooke's bridal shower to getting ready for Riley's baby shower, the moms share what it's like celebrating major milestones while juggling everyday responsibilities. Kelly opens up about not feeling her best, and the conversation turns to making healthier choices in the new year, including how they approach nutrition and using supplements to help fill in the gaps when life gets busy.The moms also reflect on their time on Dance Moms and the real struggles of being on the road—how exhausting it was for both them and their kids, and how that lifestyle affected family dynamics. They dive into one of the hardest topics: discipline under pressure. What was it really like trying to parent and correct behavior while cameras were rolling and other kids were watching?They talk about the balancing act of discipline and empathy, especially when a child lashed out or showed attitude because of stress, exhaustion, or what they were going through emotionally. Join us on Patreon for video, exclusive content, live chats and more! https://www.patreon.com/deardancemomHave a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should we be talking about this? We're not sure but we did. Join the gang as we dive into the depths of dance, young woman, and shade in Dance Moms and Dance Moms New Era on Lifetime/Hulu || S01E01 || Theme Song: "Crooked Mile (slinky rock mix)" by Hans Atom || Outro: "I dunno" by grapes || Next week: Fear Factor House of Fear S01E01
We're headed on the road in 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb"JoJo is dealing with her lice and the girls are all like GROSS! Meanwhile they all had it!" As Christi notes, it just wouldn't be Dance Moms without some double dealing contradictions, and oh boy are there A LOT this week. There are so many salacious behind the scenes notes that Christi had to actually verify some things with crew people this week! At least last week Abby was AWOL, she's unfortunately returned with some leftover pain to spare as she continues to hone in on Nia as her new child punching bag.After being sidelined during the auditions process last week, Holly arranged to have Nia meet with Aubrey O'Day to help build out a music career. But Jill squeals to Abby about this... for some reason, and Nia's punishment comes swiftly. Abby attempts to sabotage the meeting by calling O'Day and offering a payout if she ignores Nia and Holly, which Nia overhears and quickly begins to spiral. Holly is fed up with this treatment and confronts Abby, but none of the moms choose to back her confrontation leading to Holly calling them cowards. Abby is furious and storms out of the Pyramid filming session, leading to what might be the longest Pyramid recording in the show's history. Which is sort of special as this is the 100th Pyramid, though in the final edit you'd barely could tell because it's maybe the shortest Pyramid to date! The reason being Abby just straight up refuses to participate in filming, not only to avoid Holly but to stick it to Production who she fears is wrangling control from her now that she doesn't get her cushy Pittsburgh perks.The Fraizers depart for two days to make good on their plans. Nia is consequently kicked off the group number, leaving JoJo to fill the void despite her charm offensive continuing to annoy Abby. Jess is determined to make JoJo permanent, though some worry has set in now that Abby is going to hold open auditions again soon. In fact all the girls' spots are supposedly up for grabs (ok not Maddie's, but she doesn't know that and it's stressing her out regardless!). JoJo has one chance to impress Abby, this time with her solo routine inspired by the movie Carrie. Only problem is JoJo is 11 and can't even watch Carrie! Abby doesn't care and starts berating Jess for not forcing R-Rated nightmares into her daughter's psyche to make her a better dancer.To add insult to injury JoJo gets a bad case of lice... actually all the girls do, they brought it over from Pittsburgh! But does the show admit that? Of course not! They just lie and say it's a JoJo problem! Don't you just love making up things about kids to embarrass them on TV to cover for your poor upkeep and management?! What a strange thing to do.It only gets stranger.Quotes“There's a lot of stuff that we had to pretend was real. Yeah, like Nia went to the doctor and it was just a girl I hang out at the bar with. She's a bartender there. I did not know that!" (20:05-20:22 | Christi & Kelly)“How many times are we going to talk about Abby and P. Diddy together? It comes up like 900 times!" (28:59-29:05 | Christi)“Apparently Abby gives Mackenzie a very important life lesson at this point? Oh god what? I don't know that I want to know. Mackenzie, when men are trying to make you do something you don't want to do for money, that's called being a whore! Don't be a whore! What does that have to do with anything?!" (1:07:47-1:08:08 | Christi & Kelly)“I don't know if you could compare Dance Moms to war. I don't know, I kind of felt like I was at war!" (1:19:06-1:19:13 | Christi & Kelly)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jill, Kelly, and Melissa ease into the new year together as they officially say goodbye to Christmas and reflect on what this season of life looks like now. They talk about the pressure of social media, “if you don't post it, did it even happen?” mentality, and why sometimes living in the moment matters more than sharing it.Even though their kids are grown, the moms laugh about how they're still very much needed—proved in real time when each of them gets FaceTime calls from their kids during the podcast. Melissa opens up about still struggling with the trauma of losing her dog, the complicated feelings of anger and grief that come with it.... all while debating whether she's ready to welcome another dog into her life.The conversation also turns reflective as the moms discuss confidence—whether they ever struggled with it themselves, and how it showed up for the girls on Dance Moms. Join us for video, exclusive content, live chats and more! https://www.patreon.com/c/deardancemom Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textWelcome, welcome, welcome, foolish mortals!I'm welcoming you back and ringing in the new year with a brand new episode of The Disney Life Happy Wife Podcast!I'm so excited to be bringing you a new episode!While a lot is going on in 2026 for Disney, there is one big thing going on for me with Disney in 2026 ... another trip! Emily and I are heading back to Walt Disney World. Our first trip in 2 years!Check out what I have going on and how it compares to my last trip in 2024.I'll be bringing the next episode in a couple of weeks. Have a fantastic couple of weeks ... and I'll see you real soon!Support the showFollow along with me on social media:- Facebook (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)- Instagram (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns? Do you have a topic to recommend? Is there something Disney-related that you want to talk about? DM me on social media OR email me at dlhwpodcast@gmail.com.Would you like to contribute to my podcast financially? This could go to better equipment or even towards the next Disney trip. Check out my new page on Patreon.
We're headed on the road in Spring 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb"We have one of the wilder episodes of Dance Moms that I've seen in a minute. Thank god it wasn't with us!" That's practically underselling how weird it is that Abby is just inexplicably missing for most of the episode. I mean considering the excuse she gives for her absence in "Hello Hollywood, Goodbye Abby" doesn't really explain her absence at all and the girls only had three days to prepare for their first LA competition, it's got to be one of the weirdest episodes at the very least.The episode kicks off proper with a conundrum for Abby: Without her LA studio ready to go the ALDC must rent out studio space to practice. But uh-oh, the only spot available is currently in use by the Rage Dance Company and Abby is to afraid to even be seen with them. So the ALDC goes it alone as abby hides out in her car for the first of many retreats. The RDC pulls out all the stops, which worries the moms as Abby has prepared a group number that feels very safe and very un-LA by comparison. But Abby has more important issues to attend to, like getting the girls auditions and then helping them fumble them by both causing a scene in the parking lot and insulting Nia at the audition itself! Holly is quite fed up, but not enough it seems as none of the other moms back her up. It's beginning to dawn on Holly that she is the new Christi and Abby's torturous ways are only going to get worse.Meanwhile making no progress with the team is JoJo, who while not an official team member was still expected to come out to LA and just, what, stand there? Abby instructs Gia not to let Jojo perform in the group number, and then take sit a step further and bars her from auditioning. Jess steals Kalani's sides for the role to encourage Jojo to audition, but when word gets back to the other moms it devolves into a shouting match. If that wasn't enough it's clear Production keeps pushing JoJo to push Abby's buttons in order to make it on the team, which makes her an easy target for continued ridicule.Will the ALDC be able to make a strong first impression in LA, or will Abby's tirades trip them at the starting line? Is water wet?Quotes“Are you drinking anything? No, just Diet Coke. Why? I dunno, cause I'm not a drunk! Shut up! All evidence to the contrary Kelly Hyland!" (15:28-15:41 | Christi & Kelly)“I cannot believe how many shots we had of Abby eating various things in her car." (17:25-17:30 | Christi)“We're not in Pittsburgh anymore, welcome to Los Angeles. We're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy, get your ass out of the car!" (26:36-26:41 | Christi & Kelly)“Now off camera we're going to have what might be one of dumber fights that they didn't air. Actually it's so dumb I'm shocked they didn't air it." (56:01-56:10 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Interview Date: October 26th, 2025Episode Summary:In this uplifting episode, UK-based choreographer, educator, and West End performer Ryan Jenkins shares his extraordinary journey from a late-starting dancer at 14 to performing in some of London's most iconic productions. Known for his work on Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, Wicked, Cabaret, Kismet, Phantom of the Opera, So You Think You Can Dance, and Dance Moms UK, Ryan reflects on how perseverance, professionalism, and positivity turned early setbacks into defining milestones.Ryan opens up about the rollercoaster moments that shaped his career—from working retail in London to suddenly joining the original West End cast of Wicked within days, learning the entire show in three days flat. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories from the ballet world, musical theatre, and TV, offering practical insights into casting, mindset, and time management. As a teacher and mentor, Ryan now directs the Elite Associates Program with the Acosta Dance Foundation, founded by ballet star Carlos Acosta, where he helps the next generation of artists reach their full potential.Whether you're a dancer chasing your first contract or a professional redefining your career path, this conversation is packed with motivation, humor, and heart. Ryan's message is clear: stay kind, stay ready, and never stop believing in your own timing—because the job meant for you won't pass you by.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome & introduction to Ryan Jenkins and his West End legacy(7:34) – Joining the original Wicked cast with Idina Menzel(14:37) – Late start in dance at 14 and training at Bird College(16:56) – Making West End debut in Swan Lake with Matthew Bourne(19:22) – From “spritzing perfume” to Wicked in one week(20:30) – Balancing Cabaret, Kismet & Wicked simultaneously(22:21) – Competing on So You Think You Can Dance & Got to Dance(25:17) – Transitioning to choreography and Dance Moms UK(26:19) – Launching Acosta Dance Foundation's Elite Associate Program(28:44) – Biggest lessons: likability, professionalism, and mindsetBiography:Ryan has worked with the biggest creatives in the world including; Matthew Bourne, Arlene Philips, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joel Schumacher, Peter Darling and Ashley Wallen. He has also shared the stage with stars such as; Kerry Ellis, Idina Menzal, Adam Cooper, Miriam Margolyes, and Adam Garcia. 2025 Ryan worked for Simon Cowell as casting specialist for Britain' s got talent. The only teacher in the world to have taught the dancers from the hit US T.V show Dance Moms for Abby Lee Miller and as choreographer for UK TV version Dance Mums with Jennifer Ellison. Most notably known for appearing as a finalist in the top 20 in series 2, So You Think You Can Dance and Got to Dance, before this he had a flourishing career in London's West End but not before gaining his first job at 19 in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. Ryan was appointed as Dance Captain for Grease The Musical UK and European Tour, choreographed by Arlene Philips. Original London cast of Wicked, ENO (English National Opera)- Kismet , London Coliseum. Cabaret' musical Lyric theatre, by Javier de Fructos. Featured dancer - Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera the movie, directed by Joel Schumacher and choreographed by Peter Darling.Most recently started a new dance programme with Acosta dance foundation founded by Ballet star Carlos Acosta called Elite Associates. In 2025 he choreographed the music video 'The blossom and the mountain' which has been nominated all over the world in film festivals and won awards.Connect on Social Media:Website: https://www.ryanjenkins.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realryanjenkins/
A Pittsburgh storm sets the scene as Melissa and Kelly deal with WiFi issues while Jill happily declares Christmas officially over—at least until next year. The moms are exhausted but full of stories as they recap everything they did post-Christmas, from gift returns and holiday cleanup to the big question: when is it actually acceptable to take the tree down?They share their love for seeing The Nutcracker and why New York City at Christmas will always have their hearts. Then, the conversation turns to Dance Moms behind-the-scenes truths—who really came up with the routines, how much input producers had, and how many dances were reused from before the show even began.Join us on Patreon for video and even more exclusive content: https://www.patreon.com/c/deardancemomHave a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The holidays are here, and Jill, Melissa, and Kelly are bringing the cheer
Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how kids handle challenges, relationships, and self-doubt – but how can parents ensure confidence doesn't come with being “the best?” Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to define self-esteem and share practical tips for building confidence at home. Also joining this episode is Nia Sioux, a dancer, singer and actress who's best known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime's hit reality series Dance Moms. Nia talks with us about growing up in front of cameras, her best tips for practicing self-esteem and confidence, and more anecdotes from her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid. Key TakeawaysRemind yourself that your own opinion of yourself is what matters most.Reframe the idea of being at the bottom to mean an opportunity for learning and growth.Model self-esteem, kindness, and warmth to encourage your children to do the same.Rewire thought processes to encourage ourselves the same way we would encourage a close friend.Emphasize trying and learning rather than outcome.⏱️ Timestamps:Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/e1bea0cf911a6b78/3f7d25b53f99ac38Follow Dr. Kristin Neff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassionFollow Nia Sioux on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niasiouxNew episodes every Tuesday:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AKidsCoApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-us-a-parenting-podcast/id1552286967Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bIRVxM8hbriNxydkSv6VGOr wherever you get your podcasts.
We're headed on the road in Spring 2026! Buy tickets here:https://www.x1entertainment.com/bttb"JOJO! HAVE YOU LEARNED NOTHING!?!?!" might be an iconic TikTok sound now, but a decade ago it was just another Tuesday for Abby. Speaking of iconic tho, we have both our bitches under the same roof today! Our sound unfortunately got a little too noisy in the process and we're sorry about that, but hopefully a Producer's Notes heavy episode filled with never before seen fights and even some espionage will more than make up for it! It's the last stop before the ALDC arrives in LA, how much drama can we fit in there!?This week's group dance is based off of the Disney movie Frozen, and it's never been clearer than ever that Dance Moms has become an institution because what competition would ever allow you to bring your own fake snow? That's what money and fame gets you! What it doesn't get you is any sense of ease as Jess and JoJo are finding out quickly as Abby quickly turns on them. It was one thing when JoJo was just getting sassy with Abby, but adjusting to the abnormal ALDC scheduling doesn't give JoJo enough time to learn her new dance and Abby seems prepped to force the newcomer out.Jill and Holly's fears their daughters won't receive the same red carpet treatment as the Zieglers are all but confirmed when Abby announces Maddie has picked up a gig on the Disney Channel show Austin & Ally. Abby protests that the producers asked for Maddie specifically, but realistically they wouldn't have done that had Abby not spent the past few years elevating Maddies above all else.But Abby has bigger things to worry about when it comes to Maddie after this week's competition bumps Maddie into the Teen Division, which moves up the group dance into the Teen category as well. Will the ALDC be able to compete and pull of a victory before the LA move against stiffer competition?Quotes“This is literally Ed Gein teaches dance at the ALDC. There's gotta be 100 skulls on that necklace. Again, Ed Gein in the nipple belt = Abby Lee Miller in the skull necklace." (16:41-16:51 | Christi & Kelly)“That's kind of shady and I'm kind of here for it" (17:40-17:43 | Christi)“Now Melissa is calling out a kid? This is such chaos. They need us to be the moral compass in this room Kelly!" (40:49-31:31 | Christi)“Girl, that's a felony and a contradiction." (1:18:07-1:18:10 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Melissa, Jill, and Kelly are taking a walk down memory lane — and comparing it to life with kids today who are never unplugged. From growing up without phones and social media to navigating parenting (and grandparenting!) in a digital world, the moms break down just how different things are now.They open up about how they feel when Abby posts about their kids, share whether pregnancy photo shoots were even a thing back then, and debate modern parenting rules — including how they really feel about sleepovers. Plus, Melissa reveals her grandma name (Boppy!), Jill tries to decide what her grandma name will be, and Kelly weighs in on all of it.And don't miss Jill's unbelievable story about being almost scammed by a phone scammer — a reminder that even the Dance Moms aren't safe from today's technology traps.For even more exclusive content and bonus material from the vault, join us on Patreon! patreon.com/deardancemomHave a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Book Talk episode of A Fresh Story, Olivia sits down with journalist and author Ej Dixon to ask a deceptively simple question: is there really such a thing as a “bad mother,” or have we built her, brick by brick, out of fear, patriarchy, and pop culture? From Brooklyn to the pages of New York Magazine's The Cut, Ej brings both sharp humor and deep curiosity to a role women are told they're born to play—and constantly told they're getting wrong.Ej's forthcoming book, One Bad Mother: In Praise of Psycho Housewives, Stage Parents, Momfluencers, and Other Women We Love to Hate, digs into the figure of the “bad mom” through history and pop culture. She traces how the idea of a “good mother” is actually a relatively recent invention—emerging alongside the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the parenting advice industry, and shifting cultural norms about childhood. Together, Olivia and Ej talk about everyone from Joan Crawford to MILFs, Dance Moms to trad wives, Kris Jenner to the polished, soft-lit momfluencers of Instagram. The result is a conversation that's part cultural history, part media study, and part group therapy for anyone who has ever felt crushed under the weight of “good mom” expectations.What emerges is not a parenting manual, but a fierce, funny, and deeply feminist critique of the stories we've been handed about motherhood. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered why the bar for mothers keeps rising while structural support disappears, why women who dare to deviate are so quickly labeled “selfish,” “unfit,” or “bad.” If you're navigating motherhood, thinking about becoming a parent, questioning cultural norms, or starting over in your own life, this conversation offers language, context, and relief. One Bad Mother was written to take some of that pressure off—to remind women that the “bad mother” might be less a monster and more a mirror, reflecting back the impossible standards we were never meant to carry alone.
Yvette Walts opens up about the pressure tied to Dance Moms fame, the panic attacks that surfaced once episodes aired, and the steady purpose that guides her work as a studio owner. John Corella invites her to revisit the intense reality-TV environment that shaped so much of her early public life, and the conversation turns into an honest look at what happens when you see a version of yourself on screen that doesn't match who you believe you are. How do you process that kind of shock? What helps you find your footing again? Yvette shares the role her community played as she worked through anxiety and self-forgiveness and she reflects on the difference between reacting in the moment and living with those reactions once millions of people have seen them. Yvette also brings forward two decades of insight from owning a dance studio and explains how structure, clarity, and genuine care built a space where more than a thousand students feel supported. What does it take to create a place that feels safe for growth? How do you lead with both expectation and compassion? Through stories from AUDC and Dance Moms and through reflections on panic attacks and leadership, this episode shows the resilience required to stay centered in a world that rarely gives you time to catch your breath. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Yvette Walts Joins John Corella 03:08 Behind the Scenes of AUDC 05:48 Reacting Under Stress on Reality TV 07:30 Regret, Self-Forgiveness, and Online Judgment 08:58 Panic Attacks After Seeing Herself on TV 19:47 From Gymnastics to Owning a Dance Studio 25:08 How Dance Moms Impacted Her Business 32:18 How Her Teaching Style Evolved Over Time 48:12 The Systems Behind a 1,100-Student Studio 49:53 Creating a Full Studio Experience 53:25 Advice for Studio Owners on Brand and Culture 01:00:06 Creative Influences and Final Reflections Connect with Yvette Walts: Follow Yvette on Instagram Connect with John Corella: Follow Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram Follow John on Instagram Join Dance Dad with John Corella on Patreon Visit John Corella's website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
We're headed on the road in Spring 2026! Sign up to be the first to know our tour cities and dates and ticket access! https://forms.gle/zFmxCUNBN2SX42yU7"Kira explains to Jess that she is a guest and Abby has no obligation to tell her anything. Again Kira, the balls! They're THIS big! They're ginormous." On the second half of "JoJo with a BowBow", things between Kira and Jess are already heating up and the OG moms aren't taking either of their presence all that well either. What's funny is that those OG moms don't yet know they're going to be stuck with them. Gonna be a fun few seasons!The group dance number, Something to Believe In, continues to be an adventure in questionable taste with JoJo dressed up as a Muslim, Kalani Hindu, etc... The moms are a little apprehensive about the material but ultimately back Abby up, though the results don't give us personally "something to believe in". But while the moms have to contend with Abby's choices, Abby herself does not and opts to head to New York instead of joining the team at competition. Of course she has to go for her court date, but since Abby kept putting off attending her actual dates it's anyones guess as to why she didn't just skip this one. Well not exactly, since Abby does manage to show up after missing most of the team's performances, much to the mom's annoyance.But the only thing that might annoy them more than Abby is each other. Jess and Kira start fighting it out for what they see as an open spot on the team, though Abby has yet to promise them anything concrete. At the very least from being able to watch Dance Moms prior, Jess and Kira know not to pick their fights with Abby, and it may just take them farther than anyone yet realizes.Quotes“The whole universe feels off. My phone won't work, my internet won't work, just like my brain doesn't work!" (03:07-03:12 | Christi)“I'm telling you Jill is saying bring back those two other bitches. See they didn't know what they were missing! At least we were funny." (25:48-25:55 | Christi & Kelly)“Do you think Abby got paid everytime she said the word Maddie? Wouldn't that be nice!" (28:57-29:01 | Christi & Kelly)“This is why it isn't shown. Thank you Lifetime, for once again saving them from themselves." (1:11:17-1:11:22 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Guests - Emily Branigan and Hillary ZbyszinskiHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorThis throwback episode takes us back to season 3 of Making the Impact, where dance educators and IDA Judges Emily Branigan and Hillary Zbyszinski shared insight about expectations for dance parents. As we head into competition season, enjoy this refresher course on parent etiquette! This episode originally aired on December 30, 2021.Topics Include: How to set the right example for your dancers in the audience and backstage Why competitions have photo and video rules, and why you should follow them General studio do's and don'ts for parentsHelp support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceEmily Branigan - @embraniganHillary Zbyszinski - @hzbyszinskiThis episode is sponsored by:Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's CritiquesSend us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now! Join our NEW Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community!Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comSupport the show
We're headed on the road in Spring 2026! Sign up to be the first to know our tour cities and dates and ticket access! https://forms.gle/zFmxCUNBN2SX42yU7"Jess came in and saw all those moms not willing to fight, and decided I'm going to fight so I get a permanent spot." Well you can't argue with results! Yes it's a big week because not only are Christi and Kelly finally in the clear from being mentioned on the show (the one perk of Abby insisting no one get free promotion), but their replacement has arrived in the form of Jessalyn and Jojo Siwa. Yes if Christi didn't leave you wouldn't have Jojo, you're welcome! But since our lovely Bitches barely even know the Siwas personally, what will they make of them?Maddie is out in LA performing with Sia this week, so Jojo is brought in to fill out the team, though only for the week as Maddie is irreplaceable. Jessalyn however immediately goes on the offensive against the other moms, positioning Jojo to be a permanent member. The other moms scoff, but Jessalyn quickly gets her way regardless, securing a solo for Jojo and having the choreography changed to fit her strengths.Will the ALDC manage to sort out their differences before making the jump to LA in just a matter of weeks?Quotes“I love this episode of Dance Moms because I didn't hear the word 'Christi' one time." (06:07-06:12 | Christi)“Abby says it shows diversity in religion. I gasped, clutched my pearls and buckled up because I can only imagine how wrong we're going to get this." (25:18-25:30 | Christi & Kelly)“Basically the Producers said that was a good schtick last season, let's do it again!" (26:16-26:21 | Christi)“Now to be clear this is Jill's lot in life. I've never met anyone who questions people more." (32:47-32:52 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, the Dance Moms trio is back with an episode packed fuller than a bridal registry. The ladies dive into all things weddings as they chat about the upcoming bridal showers for Riley and Brooke.Melissa opens up about her ongoing journey with therapy and the emotional aftermath of losing her beloved dog, sharing how she's experiencing PTSD. Kelly shares how a piece of unexpected advice from none other than Abby Lee Miller ended up saving the day. Yes, really.The conversation rounds out with the women reflecting on health at any age and starting (or restarting) a wellness journey. It's never too late to grow, heal, or pick up a paddle.Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're headed on the road in Spring 2026! Sign up to be the first to know our tour cities and dates and ticket access! https://forms.gle/zFmxCUNBN2SX42yU7"Maybe we need a new thing. When Abby contradicts herself you drink. When NOTHING makes any sort of sense now you drink as well. You will be hammered." While Christi might be setting some of you up for alcohol poisoning with that one, It's undeniably true that things at the ALDC are starting to fray at the seams and Abby is becoming increasingly incomprehensible as "Abby Got Served" gets underway.Abby is served Paige's lawsuit, throwing the ALDC into a panic. Abby gathers the team off-camera to discuss how to handle the situation. The crew in-turn tries to make the most of the situation. Without Christi and Kelly present to fuel drama, the show can just focus on Paige's lawsuit until Abby finds actual drama elsewhere! Speaking of drama: Kalani's reintroduction to the team is off to a rocky start as she shows up late for her first day back. Does she get shouted at for such a blunder? Of course not! Instead she is rewarded with Top of the Pyramid. The moms are rightfully upset by the unfair double standards, but worry upsetting Abby at this moment will only make things worse for themselves. Though with a questionable Orange is the New Black inspired group number, how much worse can it really get?Abby insists the girls receive new headshots for LA. Though time for the photoshoot is limited, Abby instructs the photographer to prioritize Kalani and the Zieglers as they're the only ones "who are going to get jobs". Jill overhears this and it only worsens the mom's frustrations with their new direction. Why are they going to LA if they're just going to continue to be jostled around by Abby's whims? Abby does begrudgingly allow more time for the girls who got short changed by the situation but the stress of the photoshoot, LA move, and lawsuit are all starting to pile up.Quotes“I'm sitting there thinking to myself, 'Oh my god my daughter is teaching me how to read.' Like this is pretty sad!'" (03:24-03:31 | Kelly)“When I did my Instagram post where I told everybody that I had been diagnosed later in my life with ADHD, somebody wrote on the comments: Yeah I could have told you that after the first episode of Dance Moms. You and Kelly both!" (04:20-04:31 | Christi)“I got some exciting news! Is it a dead bird?" (12:32-12:365| Christi & Kelly)“I don't think there's anything pretty about a prop." (42:09-42:11 | Christi)LinksSubscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC50aSBAYXH_9yU2YkKyXZ0w Subscribe to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/backtothebarreThank you to Ashley Jana for allowing us to use Electricity!! Follow her on IG HERE: https://instagram.com/ashleyjanamusic?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Download Electricity HERE: https://music.apple.com/us/album/electricity/1497482509?i=1497482510 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Interview Date: October 17, 2025Episode Summary:In this landmark 100th episode, the spotlight turns onto the visionary behind it all — Menina Fortunato, creator of The Business of Dance as a dance mentor and podcast host. Interviewed by longtime friend and fellow performer Linda Ayentes, Menina reflects on her extraordinary career over the decades spanning live entertainment, television, touring, entrepreneurship, and motherhood.Menina shares her beginnings growing up as a competitive dancer in Canada, her bold move to Los Angeles, and the early hustle of auditioning, securing her agent, and booking major projects. She opens up about performing with icons including Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Earth Wind & Fire, Rain, Carmen Electra, and working on massive productions like America's Got Talent, Star Trek: Enterprise, Alias, MAD TV, and more. From national commercials, world tours, TV/Film credits, Menina recounts the highs, heartbreaks, and the pivotal moments that shaped her artistic growth.This episode also explores Menina's evolution into producer and mentor—launching The Hollywood Summer Tour, and The Business of Dance online mentorship program helping hundreds of dancers book agents, cruise contracts, national tours, Netflix roles, Disney jobs, and commercial careers. She speaks candidly about balancing motherhood with juggling a career, burnout, rebuilding after 2020, and her mission to elevate and educate the next generation of dancers worldwide.This episode is perfect for: dancers, choreographers, dance parents, young performers, creatives seeking longevity, and anyone craving inspiration from a woman who has reinvented herself at every stage of her career.Shownotes:(0:00) – Celebrating Episode 100 & introducing Menina Fortunato(2:45) – How Menina and Linda first met(6:10) – Menina's early years growing up in dance(12:40) – Moving to LA & landing her first agent(18:55) – Booking major jobs: Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Britney Spears(27:30) – Performing on TV shows, tours, and award shows(33:20) – Transitioning into producing and choreography(47:50) – Launching The Hollywood Summer Tour & elevating young dancers(1:02:35) – Creating The Business of Dance Mentorship(1:25:10) – Menina's advice on career longevity and reinventionMenina Fortunato is the founder of Menina Entertainment and a powerhouse in the dance and entertainment industry with over 30 years of experience. She has performed on global stages and in major productions such as America's Got Talent, Latin AMAs, Star Trek: Enterprise, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow—sharing the stage with icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Maluma.Seamlessly transitioning from performer to producer, Menina has choreographed and produced for The X Factor, America's Got Talent, and music videos filmed at Universal and Paramount Studios. She has also served as a producer and voting panelist for the Universal Dance Awards and appeared as a guest judge on Dance Moms.As the visionary behind The Hollywood Summer Tour and The Business of Dance—the online mentorship program and podcast—Menina continues to empower and educate dancers worldwide as a dance mentor and podcast host.Her work has been featured in over 400 media outlets including Forbes, Success Magazine, FOX, Billboard, ABC, NBC, and top dance publications and podcasts.Also a proud wife and mom of three, Menina is known for her resilience, versatility, and lifelong commitment to elevating the next generation of performers.Connect on social media:Website:https://www.bizofdance.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/https://www.instagram.com/thebizofdance/https://www.instagram.com/dancehst/
Tori sits down with Dance Moms alum Nia Sioux for a raw and emotional conversation about growing up on reality TV. Nia gets candid about what really went on behind-the-scenes of Dance Moms and with Abby Lee Miller. Revealing moments the tv show didn’t air! She shares how she reclaimed her power, learned to stand up for herself, and drew strength from her mom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tori sits down with Dance Moms alum Nia Sioux for a raw and emotional conversation about growing up on reality TV. Nia gets candid about what really went on behind-the-scenes of Dance Moms and with Abby Lee Miller. Revealing moments the tv show didn’t air! She shares how she reclaimed her power, learned to stand up for herself, and drew strength from her mom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tori sits down with Dance Moms alum Nia Sioux for a raw and emotional conversation about growing up on reality TV. Nia gets candid about what really went on behind-the-scenes of Dance Moms and with Abby Lee Miller. Revealing moments the tv show didn’t air! She shares how she reclaimed her power, learned to stand up for herself, and drew strength from her mom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Avery sits down with the former Dance Moms star Kendall Vertes following the announcement of her new Unwell podcast Not So Little. They take a trip down memory lane talking about growing up on camera, the reality of 12-hour shoot days, and why the “mean girl” label misrepresented who Kendall is. Kendall opens up about studying political science and pre-law, the weird freedom of post-grad limbo, setting boundaries with social media, and building thick skin. Kendall shares how Not So Little got its name, the kinds of honest, relatable conversations she wants to have, and the guests she can't wait to bring on. Welcome to Unwell, Kendall! New episodes of Not So Little drop Thursdays. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Zibby welcomes former Dance Moms star Nia Sioux to the podcast to discuss her powerful new memoir, BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life. Joined by a few young fans (Zibby's kids!), Nia answers heartfelt questions about growing up on reality TV, dealing with pressure and criticism, and learning to stay true to herself. She also opens up about stage fright, friendship, sibling dynamics, and managing her chronic pain disorder.Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for listening guides and more. **(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you say it: Is it Ralph LAUR-en or Ralph Laur-EN? Colleen discovers a fun thing to do at dinner, BOOB TUBE: "Nobody Wants This" Season 3 is in the works, but does anyone want that? Colleen's book club: "Golden Bachelor" Gerry and Nia Sioux from "Dance Moms" tell their stories, and the Timothée Chalamet look alikes live onSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
#316: Nia Sioux has been in the public eye since she was 9 years old. Most people first met her on Dance Moms, where she became known for her talent, her grace under pressure — and yes, for often being put at the bottom of the pyramid.Now at 24, Nia is reclaiming her story — on her own terms.In this conversation, we talk about what it's like to be perceived before you even know who you are, and how you begin to unpack that when the whole world thinks they already know your story. Nia opens up about the emotional process of writing her upcoming memoir Bottom of the Pyramid, what it took to revisit her childhood through adult eyes, and how she found closure by using her own voice.This is an honest, layered conversation about resilience, identity, and what it means to own the narrative of your life, especially when that narrative has long been shaped by others.Nia reminds us that reclaiming your narrative isn't just empowering — it's healing.In this episode, we cover:Nia's emotional journey of revisiting her childhood on reality TVWhat it means to be “the underdog” — and how that label lingersHow the title Bottom of the Pyramid became a reclamation, not a resignationLearning how to tell your full story, even when people only want to hear certain partsReleasing the pressure to prove yourself (and who that performance is really for)What she's learned from watching the show as an adult — and what her mom taught her about strengthEpisode Links:Check out Nia's memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid: A Memoir of Persevering, Dancing for Myself, and Starring in My Own Life, available November 4thFollow Nia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niasiouxFollow Nia on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niasiouxGet your She's So Lucky Merch: https://shop.dearmedia.com/collections/shes-so-luckySponsors:Jones Road Beauty: Modern-day makeup that's clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. Use code LUCKY at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a free Cool Gloss with your first purchase!Quince: Quince is the go-to for elevated basics at affordable prices. Visit quince.com/balancedles for free shipping and 365-day returns.Shopify: Start your online business with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial at shopify.com/balancedblackgirl.Ritual: Get 25% off your first month of Ritual when you visit ritual.com/balanced and add Essential Protein today.Grüns: Grüns are comprehensive nutrition packed into a snack pack a day. Visit gruns.co and use the code LUCKY for 52% off your first order.MOSH Bars: Support your brain health with MOSH Bars. Head to moshlife.com/lucky to get 20% off plus FREE shipping on the best sellers Trial Pack or the plant-based trial pack.Mood: Visit mood.com and use code LUCKY for 20% off your first order of functional gummies.Connect with Les:Follow Les on IG @lesalfredFollow She's So Lucky on IG @shessoluckypodFollow Les on TikTokFollow She's So Lucky on TikTokSubscribe to the She's So Lucky Newsletter: https://shessolucky.kit.com/bestcaseVisit our website at shessoluckypodcast.comPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Avery sits down with dancer-actor and now-author Nia Sioux to talk about growing up on Dance Moms and growing into her voice. Nia opens up about being the only Black girl on the team for years, setting boundaries (including why skipping the reunion was the right call for her), and what it took to reclaim her story in her new memoir Bottom of the Pyramid. Nia and Avery get real about body image under a microscope, internet noise vs. inner confidence, and the village that raised her...hi, Dr. Holly! Nia shares sweet behind-the-scenes memories with the girls, why she loved going to college at UCLA, and how dancing in a club on campus helped her fall in love with it again. Plus: the wildest dance costumes she wore over the years, the life lessons that stuck, and how she's protecting her peace while stepping into this next chapter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.