This is an I-Heart podcast.

Guaranteed Human.

Hello, everybody. I am Danielle Fischel, TV director, podcaster, mom of two, and a multi-time answer on Jeopardy, under the name of my 1990s family sitcom character, Topanga Lawrence.

But if you've been like millions of Americans over the past few months, then you might recognize

me as a competitor on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars.

The reality competition show I was just recently eliminated from, making it all the way to

the elite eight.

And along the way, even now that I've been ceremoniously removed, I am recording this

podcast, creating a journal of sorts,

detailing my life-changing journey from zero dance experience to some dance experience. Even if I didn't

find myself hoisting the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy above my head in victory, I do still have

this here microphone. I've been talking with pros,

former contestants, fellow season 34 cast members, and wildly talented behind the scenes

geniuses in order to further understand the worldwide phenomenon that is Dancing with the

stars. And this week, I am chatting with one of the most crucial components

of that machine. During my time on the show, so many aspects of how it's run is both fascinating

and basically unbelievable. And as a part of the celebrated costumes division, she helps

run a team that makes everyone dancing look like a million bucks, even when their footwork taps out around a few thousand.

And keep in mind, she is in charge of creating new costumes week after week for at one point over a dozen different couples,

sometimes in theme, sometimes shinier than a Christmas tree, sometimes numerous looks per show,

all in less than seven days. The pressure is immense, and yet every episode is filled with not

only beautiful outfits, but choices made with care and elegance. If you have only a few hours

...