Danielle Fishel signs lucrative deal with iHeartMedia for new 'Teen Beat' podcast and 'Pod Meets World' after recaps.

Danielle Fishel is trading dance shoes for a microphone. Fresh off Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, the actor and director has inked a seven-figure agreement with iHeartMedia to create and produce new content.

As part of the deal, Fishel will host a weekly podcast titled Teen Beat. The show will explore celebrities formative years, revealing untold stories from their childhoods. Fishel plans to dig into diaries and reminisce about school crushes, early fashion mishaps, and dramatic teenage friendships, giving listeners a candid look at life before fame.

Ive treasured my partnership with iHeart over the past three years and am excited for whats next, Fishel shared. Ive always said it loudly: I am the new Ryan Seacrest.

Premiering in January 2026, Teen Beat marks the fifth collaboration between iHeartMedia and Fishel along with her husband, Jensen Karp, through their production company, Foghorn Media. Their expanded deal includes the development and exclusive production of upcoming projects. Current productions include How Rude, Tanneritos!, Magical Rewind, and Pod Meets World, which is approaching 50 million downloads.

Fishel will continue co-hosting Pod Meets World alongside Rider Strong and Will Friedle. The team is set to recap the final season of Boy Meets World starting January and has signed a multi-year extension to continue the podcast beyond the series recap.

While on Dancing With the Stars, Fishel hosted the Danielle With podcast, featuring interviews with cast members from the show. Simultaneously, Strong and Friedle co-hosted Pod Meets Twirld, reviewing and commenting on the competition for the first time.

Teen Beat will be distributed through iHeartPodcasts under the Popworthy network, promising a mix of nostalgic stories and fresh celebrity insights.

Analysis: Danielle Fishel Expands Media Footprint

Danielle Fishel is leveraging her recent exposure from Dancing With the Stars to establish a significant presence in podcasting. Her new seven-figure deal with iHeartMedia positions her not just as a host but also as a content producer, reflecting a strategic expansion of her career beyond acting.

"Teen Beat," set to premiere in January 2026, will focus on celebrities' formative years, offering personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. This format aligns with current audience trends favoring nostalgia and intimate celebrity insights.

Fishel's continued partnership with iHeartMedia and collaboration with her husband, Jensen Karp, via Foghorn Media, signals a long-term commitment to multi-platform production. Alongside existing shows like Pod Meets World and upcoming projects How Rude, Tanneritos!, and Magical Rewind, Fishel is consolidating a strong portfolio that blends nostalgia, pop culture, and podcasting expertise.

The expanded deal and the planned multi-year extension for her co-hosted projects underline iHeartMedia’s confidence in Fishel as a media personality capable of driving audience engagement across multiple formats.

Sources:

• Danielle Fishel Signs Seven-Figure iHeartMedia Deal, Sets New ‘Teen Beat’ Podcast and More ‘Pod Meets World’ After Recaps Finish (EXCLUSIVE)