In this episode of the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, host Meredyth Willits sits down with the one and only Dannie D—dancer, licensed social worker, unapologetic truth-teller, and viral voice behind the iconic "leg in the air" TikToks. With his signature smirk, seven-second jabs, and political punchlines, Dannie brings fearless commentary wrapped in joy, movement, and fierce clarity.
But there's more to this creator than a leg extension and a camera-ready grin. From decades in the dance world to his frontline work as a social worker, Dannie uses his platform to educate, entertain, and advocate—especially for the Black, LGBTQ+, and underserved communities he proudly represents.
Together, they dive into:
✅ How a dancer became a digital disruptor through humor and political heat
✅ Why social media gave him the voice he'd been holding in for years
✅ Being the only Black, queer man in predominantly white, female spaces—and turning that into power
✅ The rise of disinformation, fake news, and why facts still matter
✅ Why Project 2025 should scare the hell out of you (and what we can do about it)
They also talk about the cost of honesty online, being targeted for telling the truth, and why some creators have stopped being silent—even when it means losing followers, gigs, or a sense of safety. If you've ever felt like staying quiet was safer, this episode might just change your mind.
🎧 Tune in to hear how Dannie is:
✨ Turning movement into messaging
✨ Making political commentary accessible (and iconic)
✨ Building a platform rooted in joy, rage, and radical truth
✨ Proving that advocacy, art, and authenticity all belong in one body
00:00 Introduction to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast
00:45 Meet Dannie D: dancer, social worker, and viral creator
02:30 The origin of "surprise, surprise" and the iconic leg move
04:00 From Dance Magazine to TikTok stardom
06:00 Discovering politics—and why Trump's first campaign was the catalyst
08:30 On being a Black gay man in social work—and answering the hard questions
11:00 Using teachable moments to bridge cultural gaps in white spaces
13:00 TikTok as a platform for truth—and the cost of clout
15:00 Going viral vs. being heard: the double-edged sword
17:00 Why lies hit harder—and why he won't stop correcting them
19:30 Living with integrity in online spaces (and turning off Twitter for good)
22:00 Getting political means getting personal: the backlash, the risks, and the reward
25:00 Compartmentalization in the workplace vs. full expression online
27:30 Cultural humility vs. cultural competence—and why it matters now more than ever
30:00 Undoing what we were taught: racism, bias, and the work of unlearning
33:00 Challenging ego, embracing discomfort, and staying curious
36:00 The immigrant scapegoat myth—and why it's a distraction
38:00 Project 2025, Roe v. Wade, and constitutional complacency
41:00 Emotional manipulation, cult tactics, and political gaslighting
44:00 The fear of facts—and the fallout of misinformation
47:00 What we risk when we stay silent—and the power of speaking anyway
50:00 Why creators must choose impact over popularity
52:00 Final thoughts on activism, hope, and what's still possible
55:00 Surprise, surprise… we've got work to do
🔗 Connect with Dannie D
TikTok: @dannied01
Instagram: @dannied01
YouTube: Daniel Marshall
🎙 Stay in the Loop with Meredyth Willits
Facebook: Meredyth Willits
Instagram: @meredyth_willits
TikTok: @meredyth_with_a_why
YouTube: Meredyth Willits YouTube
👉 Love a good truth bomb with a side of sass?
Subscribe to the TikTok FAMOUS™️ Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's ready to swap silence for impact—one leg kick at a time.
