Chicks in the Office

DWTS Semi-Final Preview w/ Alix & Val, Robert & Witney + Whitney & Mark

November 17, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The hosts had an extremely hectic travel week, encompassing a live show in Cincinnati, interviews in LA, and Ria's quick trip to BravoCon in Vegas before returning for a wedding in LA. 
  • Ria had an intense, whirlwind experience at BravoCon, characterized by the high energy of the event, witnessing major drama like the Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga reunion, and feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. 
  • The hosts successfully conducted brief, 15-minute interviews with *Dancing with the Stars* semi-finalists Robert Irwin & Witney Carson, Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas, and Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy in the rehearsal studio, despite the short notice and time constraints. 
  • The hosts and guests discussed the unusual arrangement of married couples living in separate homes, expressing confusion and judgment over the practice. 
  • BravoCon generated significant buzz, particularly moments involving Lisa Barlow being heckled and discussions around the drama dynamics between younger cast members versus established housewives. 
  • The 'Weekly Watch Report' segment heavily focused on the drama and relationship dynamics within 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' especially concerning Jesse's emotional affair and Demi's behavior, while also praising the current season of 'The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City'. 
  • Robert Irwin found his semi-final dance dedicated to his late father to be a very healing experience, facilitated by Witney Carson's choreography. 
  • Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are excited to repeat the Jive, believing Robert Irwin has significantly improved since their first performance of that dance. 
  • Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy discussed the pressure of the semi-finals and Val's gratitude for having a partner who was also supportive of him, contrasting with his usual role as the primary support system. 

Segments

Podcast Intro and Ads
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(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode begins with standard podcast availability information and sponsor advertisements for McDonald’s Buffalo Ranch sauce and DraftKings Sportsbook.
  • Summary: Listeners are informed that Chicks in the Office is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music for Prime members. The initial segment features ads for McDonald’s new Buffalo Ranch sauce and a DraftKings Sportsbook promotion tied to the NBA’s King of the Court contest. Gambling problem resources are provided for responsible play.
Hosts Welcome and Philly Show
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(00:01:43)
  • Key Takeaway: Ria and Fran welcome listeners, confirming they are back in the studio after extensive travel, and promote their upcoming holiday live show in Philadelphia on December 9th.
  • Summary: The hosts express relief at being back in the studio after a busy travel schedule. They heavily promote tickets for their holiday show in Philadelphia scheduled for December 9th. Ria has already selected her outfit for the event, while Fran needs to find a new one.
Recap of Marathon Travel Week
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(00:04:10)
  • Key Takeaway: The past week involved a demanding travel itinerary, including a Cincinnati show, a trip to LA, Fran’s return to New York for the Jonas Brothers, and midweek DWTS interviews.
  • Summary: The hosts describe their week as a ‘marathon,’ moving from Cincinnati to LA, with Fran briefly returning to New York. Midweek, they secured short interviews with Dancing with the Stars pairs in the rehearsal studio, which was an unexpected but exciting opportunity. Ria had to leave immediately after the DWTS interviews for a work obligation in Vegas.
DWTS Studio Experience
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(00:05:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Visiting the Dancing with the Stars rehearsal studio felt surreal, and Mark Ballas demonstrated significant skill by coaching Noah on filming a TikTok.
  • Summary: The hosts felt like they were ‘seeing how the sauce is made’ while filming content in the DWTS studio. They filmed TikToks, including one where Val Chmerkovskiy held Ria for a move, and another where Mark Ballas expertly coached Noah on filming technique after an initial take was deemed subpar.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy Interview
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(00:06:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Ria missed the interview with Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy due to a prior commitment, but Fran enjoyed meeting Val, noting he has been on the podcast twice previously.
  • Summary: Ria missed the Friday interview with Alix and Val due to a work commitment in Vegas, leaving Fran to conduct the interview. Fran showed Val an old photo from his 2018 appearance, confirming he has been a guest on the podcast twice. The TikTok they created involved Val teaching Ria a dance move to the sound ‘That’s my purse.’
DWTS Cast Camaraderie
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(00:11:18)
  • Key Takeaway: The Dancing with the Stars cast operates like a close family, exemplified by Robert Irwin organizing the entire cast to film a video for Steve Irwin Day.
  • Summary: The DWTS cast is described as a supportive family, rooting for each other. Robert Irwin gathered everyone, including dancers and pros, to film a tribute video for Steve Irwin Day, handing out ‘Crikey’ t-shirts. The hosts are now torn on who to root for because everyone is working so hard.
Ria’s BravoCon Experience
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(00:12:20)
  • Key Takeaway: Ria’s BravoCon attendance was brief—only one full day—but she experienced the intense energy, saw the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills panel, and missed the major Teresa/Melissa reunion moment.
  • Summary: Ria flew from the DWTS studio to Vegas, attended a welcome dinner, and only had one full day at BravoCon before leaving for a wedding. She noted the intense energy and shrieking crowds, and watched the Beverly Hills panel where Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley appeared tense, while Kathy Hilton provided a memorable moment. Ria was extremely upset to have missed the on-camera hug between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga.
Bravo Reunion Speculation
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(00:38:53)
  • Key Takeaway: The reunion between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga, orchestrated by Andy Cohen to happen off-camera first, is viewed skeptically by Ria, who suspects the immediate declarations of love are for the cameras.
  • Summary: The main BravoCon story was the reunion between Melissa, Joe, Teresa, and Louie, which involved kissing and hugging after Andy Cohen instructed them to reconcile off-camera first. Ria questions the sincerity of Teresa immediately calling Melissa the best-dressed and claiming to adore her sister-in-law. The hosts acknowledge they will still ’eat up’ the inevitable future drama involving Louis, whom Ria views as ‘bad news bears.’
Amanda and Kyle’s Marriage Status
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(00:45:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Reports surfaced just before BravoCon that Amanda Batula and Kyle Cooke are living separately despite remaining married, leading the hosts to question the longevity and authenticity of their relationship.
  • Summary: Sources told Page Six that Amanda and Kyle are living separately, which the hosts find bizarre if they are forcing themselves to stay married. The hosts observed their distant body language on the Summer House panel, contrasting it with Lindsay Hubbard’s convincing assertion that they are fine. Ria strongly suggested Amanda should leave Kyle if the marriage is constantly rocky.
Fran’s Broadway and Concert Recap
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(00:21:31)
  • Key Takeaway: Fran attended the official premiere of Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy in the condensed, one-part version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.
  • Summary: Fran saw Tom Felton reprise his role as Draco Malfoy in the condensed, single-performance version of Cursed Child, noting the young actor playing Scorpius was fantastic. The theater offers seat-side concession delivery via QR code, and Fran spotted Jason Isaacs in attendance supporting Tom. Fran is also attending the Jonas Brothers concert that night, despite battling canker sores from her recent travel exhaustion.
Marital Living Arrangements Debate
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(00:50:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Living in totally separate homes while legally married is considered by the hosts to be ’not marriage’ and an arrangement they do not understand.
  • Summary: The hosts expressed strong skepticism regarding married couples who live in entirely separate residences, deeming it a ‘weird arrangement.’ They contrasted this with having separate bedrooms in the same house, which they found less judgmental. They invited listeners who maintain such separate-home marriages to share details on how the arrangement functions.
BravoCon Insider Gossip Roundup
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(00:51:45)
  • Key Takeaway: A source intentionally leaked the news about a couple living separately to Page Six, coinciding with Lisa Barlow being publicly called out by the crowd at BravoCon.
  • Summary: The timing of the story about the separated couple was believed to be deliberately orchestrated by an insider speaking to Page Six. A notable moment at BravoCon involved the crowd yelling ‘You’ at Lisa Barlow when she questioned who was leaking stories. The drama at BravoCon often centered on younger cast members having more intense conflicts compared to housewives whose drama involved minor slights from other celebrities.
Vanderpump Valley Cast Updates
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(00:53:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Lala Kent and Tom Schwartz are confirmed full-time cast members for ‘The Valley,’ while Sheena was notably absent from the initial announcement, fueling speculation.
  • Summary: Lala Kent expressed strong feelings about Sheena’s absence from ‘The Valley’ cast, suggesting underlying issues between them. Rumors circulated that Sheena was involved in a physical altercation at BravoCon, which she quickly denied, though the hosts found the rumor unlikely given her demeanor. The confusion surrounding Sheena’s status and the confirmed inclusion of Lala and Tom Schwartz created significant discussion.
Southern Charm/Hospitality Crossover Drama
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(00:54:29)
  • Key Takeaway: There is perceived animosity between the casts of ‘Southern Charm’ and ‘Southern Hospitality,’ with Brad suggesting Austin is jealous of the latter’s success.
  • Summary: Brad from ‘Southern Hospitality’ suggested that Austin from ‘Southern Charm’ harbors resentment because ‘Southern Hospitality’ is gaining success. Leva was questioned about drama stemming from Craig’s reaction when ‘Southern Hospitality’ was announced, implying a territorial dispute. A confusing exchange occurred when Emma from ‘Southern Hospitality’ denied Will cheated, prompting a skeptical audience reaction.
Summer House/VPR Relationship Speculation
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(00:56:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Carl Radke and Lindsay Hubbard appear to be on good terms post-breakup, while West expressed interest in Ariana Beerman after hearing about her at a live show.
  • Summary: Carl and Lindsay are reportedly in a good place, leading some fans to hope for reconciliation, though the hosts were uncertain about that outcome. West mentioned Ariana Beerman as someone he found gorgeous after she was brought up at a ‘Chicks in the Office’ live show. Ariana Beerman is reportedly single, having recently broken up with her boyfriend.
RHONY Legacy/Next Gen Commentary
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(00:57:34)
  • Key Takeaway: Andy Cohen teased good news for ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ old cast, while ‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard’ (Next Gen) was called ‘rookies of the year’ despite one host finding the show one of the worst seen.
  • Summary: Andy Cohen hinted at positive developments for the original ‘RHONY’ cast members, possibly indicating a split format for the show’s future. Jessell, Cy, and Aaron are confirmed to return for ‘RHONY: Legacy.’ The hosts noted that ‘Summer House: Next Gen’ won awards, but one host strongly disliked the show despite its success.
Andy Cohen’s BravoCon Panel Reactions
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(01:00:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Andy Cohen was unhappy with his first panel featuring Jeff Lewis due to an inappropriate comment made about Monica, and he confirmed he is not leaving his role anytime soon.
  • Summary: Andy Cohen reportedly hated his first panel with Jeff Lewis because Jeff made an ‘out of line and so inappropriate’ comment about Monica. Andy alluded to an interview where he stated he is not going anywhere, dismissing speculation about successors like Jerry O’Connell. Cohen expressed a desire to keep cameras down for shows like ‘RHONY’ and ‘RHONJ’ temporarily to ensure they capture ‘real shit’ rather than forced reunions.
Mormon Wives Season 3 Deep Dive
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(01:03:37)
  • Key Takeaway: Jesse admitted to exchanging two kisses and having an emotional affair with Marciano, while Demi is described as ‘vile and mean’ despite being beautiful, and Jordan’s emotional abuse towards Jesse was highlighted.
  • Summary: Jesse confessed to kissing Marciano and having an emotional affair, which shocked many given her typically kind on-screen persona. Jordan’s justification for his poor treatment of Jesse (‘This is why I treated you the way that I treated you’) was condemned by the hosts as emotional abuse. Demi’s behavior, including allegedly manipulative tactics and calling Miranda ‘white trash,’ led the hosts to label her and Brett as ’nasty people.’
Mormon Wives Relationship Dynamics
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(01:13:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Jesse’s actions with Marciano are viewed as seeking validation due to feeling unvalidated in her marriage, which is complicated by Jordan’s prior emotional mistreatment.
  • Summary: The hosts theorized that Jesse sought validation from Marciano due to feeling unattractive and unappreciated by Jordan, whose past emotional abuse is a significant factor. They noted that many women on the show seem to be questioning their early marriages within the Mormon community as they mature. Taylor, despite being level-headed this season, is deemed not ready to be the Bachelorette due to unresolved feelings for Dakota and flirtation with Chase.
DWTS Interviews Kickoff
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(01:42:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Irwin felt immense relief when paired with Witney Carson, and his dance dedicated to his late father Steve Irwin was a deeply healing and vulnerable moment for him.
  • Summary: Robert Irwin described signing up for ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as a ’trust fall’ but felt protected upon being paired with Witney Carson, gaining a new family member. His sister Bindi was present and supportive, bringing ‘another light and life’ to the rehearsal space. Robert viewed the experience, especially the emotional dance, as an avenue to embrace vulnerability and continue his father’s legacy.
Robert’s Healing Dance Reflection
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(01:45:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Irwin’s semi-final dance dedicated to his father was a deeply healing experience that allowed him to represent his father’s legacy.
  • Summary: Robert shared that his mother taught him strength through vulnerability, emphasizing that it is okay to cry. He felt the dance created an avenue for healing a part of himself that needed it. He expressed gratitude for his sister and family being present to witness this moment.
Pre-Dance Connection and Hype
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(01:46:39)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert and Witney shared an unspoken, locked-in connection before dancing, where Robert reversed the usual dynamic by being the primary source of support and pride.
  • Summary: Whitney confirmed she knew about the emotional nature of the dance beforehand, as Robert had an idea for it. Robert stated that for that specific dance, it wasn’t about hyping each other up, but about getting into a zone focused on his father and the emotion of the moment. He focused on letting go and trusting his body to be moved by the emotion.
Choreography Reception and Jive Anticipation
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(01:49:11)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Irwin was initially overwhelmed by Whitney Carson’s choreography but quickly became excited due to his fast learning ability and shared passion.
  • Summary: Whitney noted that Robert was initially challenged by the choreography but his excitement for each step made the process rewarding for both of them. Robert is highly anticipating the upcoming Jive, calling himself the ‘jive guy’ due to his energy and desire for fast kicks and flicks. They aim to top their successful debut Jive performance from earlier in the season.
Relay Dance Chemistry and Competition Vibe
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(01:51:19)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert and Witney won their relay dance against Alix Earle and Joey Sasso, highlighting the intense but supportive competitive atmosphere among the semi-finalists.
  • Summary: Robert felt the relay dance against Alix and Joey was a toss-up, but they were grateful to win, noting everyone is giving their all this year. He mentioned Derek Hough teasing his chemistry with his sister, Sochi, during the relay. Robert emphasized that despite being a competition, the contestants genuinely look out for each other’s success.
Prince William Encounter
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(01:53:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Whitney Leavitt was in pure shock after speaking with Prince William, who acknowledged her participation in Dancing with the Stars during a conversation about the Earthshot Prize.
  • Summary: Whitney initially couldn’t believe she was speaking to Prince William, feeling she might not have said anything worthwhile. She had previously joked to him about not making it past week nine of the competition. The encounter felt fitting as that week’s dance was dedicated to her father and her conservation work with Wildlife Warriors.
Robert’s Phone Case and Old Soul Vibe
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(01:55:24)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Irwin uses an old-fashioned, bulky, leather-bound flip phone case that hosts multiple functions, leading the hosts to label him an ‘old man’ and an ‘old soul’.
  • Summary: The hosts were amused by Robert’s phone case, which flips over his screen in real-time and appears to be a full book setup. The case is described as having features like blocking EMF radio waves. Robert joked that he is an old soul, despite being 21.
Whitney & Mark Semifinal Feelings
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(01:56:50)
  • Key Takeaway: Whitney Leavitt is grateful to have reached the semi-finals, viewing each week as bittersweet due to the constant threat of elimination.
  • Summary: Whitney admitted to being more nervous going into the semi-final night than previous weeks, feeling the stakes are higher now. Mark expressed excitement for Prince Night, as he grew up listening to Prince with his father, and they secured one of his favorite songs. Mark also addressed social media commentary regarding his music production process, confirming that pros can modify music tracks.
Repeat Dance Rationale
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(02:00:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas chose to repeat the Cha-Cha from Week Two to directly showcase the significant technical improvement she has made since the beginning of the competition.
  • Summary: Whitney wants to show improvement in technique, noting her first Cha-Cha had ‘bad technique’ and was ‘clunky.’ Mark praised Whitney’s dynamic performance quality, which he cannot teach, but agreed that her technical execution, like her turns, has tightened considerably since the first Cha-Cha.
Dance Experience Criticism
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(02:02:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Mark Ballas views the pursuit of constant improvement as the core of dance, regardless of a contestant’s prior experience level, noting that even professionals are always learning.
  • Summary: Whitney addressed criticism regarding her dance background, clarifying that her theater degree required dancing but did not make her a professional. Mark stated that he can still pick apart and improve his own performances from past seasons. He believes the pursuit of constant improvement is what keeps the art form fun.
Alix & Val Semifinal Prep
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(02:13:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Alix Earle felt unusually nervous before the semi-final show, attributing it to the higher stakes as the competition approaches the finals.
  • Summary: Alix and Val were both emotional watching the 20th-anniversary show on Tuesday. Val expressed slight awkwardness during the relay dance, as he felt compelled to watch out for his former partner, Sochi, while focusing on his current partner, Joey Sasso. They are performing a Viennese Waltz to ‘Purple Rain’ for Prince Night, which Val feels will challenge Alix to fill the song with raw emotion, contrasting with their character-driven Disney night waltz.
Val’s Perspective on New Pros
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(02:25:35)
  • Key Takeaway: Val Chmerkovskiy supports the introduction of new professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars, viewing the show as a platform for talent to flourish, regardless of his personal involvement.
  • Summary: Val expressed happiness for newer pros like Ezra and Jan succeeding on the show, stating the competition is not his alone. He emphasized that his life’s work is preaching the gospel of dance through his studios, and Dancing with the Stars is just one platform. He wants to see everyone shine, even if he is not directly participating in their success.
Alix’s Grounding Experience in LA
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(02:26:33)
  • Key Takeaway: Being based in Los Angeles for Dancing with the Stars has been a surprisingly grounding experience for Alix Earle, who usually lives out of a suitcase and travels constantly.
  • Summary: Alix admitted she was initially scared to settle in one place, as she has rarely had a stable home since college. The time spent focusing solely on the competition has allowed her to reflect and spend time alone, which she has loved. This experience has made her question her constant need to travel every few days.
Acorns Investment Promotion
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(02:10:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Acorns offers a simple way to save and invest spare change by rounding up purchases to the nearest dollar, with a $20 bonus investment for new sign-ups via their specific link.
  • Summary: The Acorns app allows users to invest spare change automatically by rounding up every purchase. This feature is promoted as an easy way to manage money, especially while traveling or making small purchases. New users can receive a $20 bonus investment by downloading the app through acorns.com/slash chicks.