In this episode of WAIT. HOLD UP…WHAT?, host Dawne Hanks is joined by Alyson Spungin for a vulnerable, honest conversation about what it means to truly take up space—and how that looks different for everyone.

Together, they unpack the pressure women face around body image, productivity, and performance, especially within the dance community. Alyson shares how her personal experiences with therapy and psychology shaped her understanding of health, healing, and autonomy. She also opens up about her practice of celebrating small wins offline—without social media, without external validation, just presence.

Dawne and Alyson both reflect on how we often expect others to “fix” us when all we really need is a safe space to exist. They honor the quiet, supportive men in their lives—like Alyson’s father, who drove hours just to check in during her first year of college, or Dawne’s stepfather, who offered small gestures that made a big impact. These moments model the kind of support that empowers rather than overcomes.

This episode isn’t just about movement or mindset. It’s about redefining what health, growth, and support look like on your own terms—and how giving ourselves permission to take up space is a radical act of self-trust.