Dancing with…Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Pod Meets World
iHeartPodcasts
4.8 • 6.2K Ratings
🗓️ 19 September 2025
⏱️ 49 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
You can’t talk about Dancing with the Stars without mentioning the one and only ballroom legend, Maksim Chmerkovskiy!
The former pro sits down with Danielle to discuss his thoughts on the season 34 premiere, how he’s pivoted to Vodka and what he noticed Danielle needs to work on moving forward for the show.
Plus, Maks has a bone to pick with Derek Hough and THAT compliment he gave to Week 1’s leader. It’s all on a brand new episode of Danielle with the Stars!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to Danielle with the Stars. I am Danielle Fischel, a TV director, a podcaster, forever |
| 0:19.4 | Topanga, and a mom of two. But right now, I am an aspiring |
| 0:23.9 | ballroom dancer competing on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, airing every Tuesday night |
| 0:30.2 | on ABC and Disney Plus. And throughout the process, I am recording a podcast chronicling my journey |
| 0:36.4 | to win my very own mirror ball. And along the way, I am hoping a podcast chronicling my journey to win my very own mirror ball. |
| 0:39.7 | And along the way, I am hoping to chat with other contestants and professionals from not |
| 0:43.8 | only the current iteration of Dancing with the Stars, but it's past. |
| 0:47.8 | And today, I am honored to welcome true ballroom royalty to Danielle with the Stars. |
| 0:54.0 | This mirror ball winner appeared on 17 seasons |
| 0:57.4 | of the show, becoming one of the most recognizable fan favorites of all time, and a major reason |
| 1:04.0 | I kept up with the show for years. His trophy came in season 18, alongside partner Merrill Davis, |
| 1:10.5 | and it's worth noting, he also |
| 1:12.6 | has two second place finishes, and I don't care what they say, close does count. |
| 1:19.0 | I'll accept it. |
| 1:20.3 | He is synonymous with the show that I'm hoping to conquer, so this might just be my key |
| 1:25.0 | to the finals. |
| 1:25.7 | Or, if I fall short, he can supply the booze, |
| 1:29.3 | since his Tetya Kappa vodka made right at home in Napa Valley is taking the spirits world by |
| 1:35.0 | storm. And soon, Calabasas, where on Thursday night, September 25th, he will hold Kappa Nights |
| 1:41.7 | at the Mulholland, an event you're going to want to attend. |
| 1:45.0 | I am thrilled to welcome to the show, the legend, Maxim Schmerkowski. |
| 1:50.9 | Max, thank you so much for coming on my podcast. |
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