AJ McLean is teaming up with DWTS partner Cheryl Burke in more than one way: the duo have a new podcast! The Backstreet Boys singer shared with Ryan Seacrest on-air via Zoom they’ve launched “Pretty Messed Up” via iHeartRadio and they’re hoping to spread hope and strength through sharing their candid and vulnerable experiences.
“We have a lot of similarities,” AJ shared of Cheryl. “She’s sober, I’m sober; … There’s a lot of similar history so we’re like ‘Why don’t we do this together?’ … It’s been an absolute blast because right now with the state of the world, people need hope. People need something they can relate to,” AJ added. “Everybody is stressed out; stuck at home; trying to find something that brings them hope and brings them joy and we’re just trying to do something that makes us relatable to everybody and share our experience, strength and hope — that’s the whole goal behind it.”
The podcast will also feature guests, such as Jack Osbourne, who similarly has recovered and is celebrating 17 years sober.
As for DWTS, the duo are also conquering the stage together.
“You will be seeing the quickstep,” AJ teased of tonight’s DWTS episode. “It’s Disney week so I’m stoked about that, especially being a dad. … I will be Aladdin so it’s going to be awesome.”
Watch back the full interview in the video above for more, including to hear how AJ’s navigating work from home with his two kids.
Check out their podcast Pretty Messed Up below: