In a season finale that can only be described as “pure magic,” Kylie Kelce closed out the first chapter of her hit podcast Not Gonna Lie with a heavy-hitting guest who embodies the spirit of adventure and legacy: Robert Irwin. Fresh off his historic win on Dancing with the Stars, the wildlife conservationist joined Kylie for a conversation that spanned from the glitz of the ballroom to the muddy banks of the Australia Zoo, leaving listeners both laughing and reaching for the tissues.

The episode served as a “full circle” moment for Kylie, a self-proclaimed animal nerd who spent her childhood glued to Animal Planet. Dressed in a custom khaki Australia Zoo shirt gifted by Bindy Irwin, Kylie welcomed Robert with an enthusiasm that was infectious. However, the lighthearted start quickly pivoted to the deeply personal. Robert opened up about the immense pressure and emotional weight of his time on Dancing with the Stars, specifically a contemporary dance dedicated to his mother, Terri Irwin.

Robert described the performance as “one of the most healing moments” of his life, explaining how it allowed him to tap into a “vulnerable side” of his grief journey that he had never previously explored. He recalled the raw emotion of the night, revealing that after the performance, he, Bindy, and Terri were found sobbing in their trailer—a testament to the enduring bond of the Irwin “bubble of love.” Robert credited his mother as the “glue” that held their family together after the tragic loss of Steve Irwin, noting her tireless work to ensure his father’s legacy continued while remaining the ultimate support system for her children.

But it wasn’t all tears. Robert shared a “gentlemanly” account of his famous “TikTok night” salsa, where he famously removed his shirt—a move he joked was done “for wildlife conservation.” He admitted his family was completely blindsided by the “spicy” choreography, but emphasized that the experience taught him to stop taking himself too seriously and to “just send it.”

Kylie, never one to shy away from the gritty realities of motherhood, used the finale to address some “doomscroll” topics close to her heart. She delivered a powerful and unapologetic message regarding her breastfeeding journey with her youngest, Finny. In a world of constant judgment, Kylie stood her ground, declaring “fed is best” and offering a colorful “get fucked” to anyone criticizing her choice to transition to formula. She also echoed actress Kate Winslet’s sentiments on aging, proudly claiming her “earned” wrinkles and smile lines as badges of a life well-lived, stressing the importance of modeling authenticity for her four daughters.

The conversation took a turn toward the wild when Robert issued a formal invitation for Kylie to visit the Australia Zoo. He didn’t just offer a tour; he challenged her to “slap the water” and feed a massive saltwater crocodile named Graeme. Without a second of hesitation, Kylie declared she was “so in,” proving that beneath her “germaphobe” exterior beats the heart of a true wildlife warrior.

Robert also shared adorable anecdotes about his role as a “Funkle” (fun uncle) to Bindy’s daughter, Grace. He revealed that he and Grace often “run amuck” at the zoo after hours, sneaking around on scooters to visit tortoises and wombats. He joked about the “uncle privilege” of letting Grace have chocolate before dinner, much to Bindy’s chagrin. It was a sweet reminder that despite their global fame, the Irwins remain a tight-knit family grounded in love and humor.

As the episode drew to a close, Robert offered practical advice for those looking to support conservation, urging parents to instill a sense of responsibility for the natural world in the next generation. “Believe in your own strength to change the world,” he said, echoing his sister’s wisdom.

Kylie Kelce’s season finale wasn’t just a wrap-up; it was a celebration of authenticity, legacy, and the courage to be “not gonna lie” honest. With season two just a few weeks away, the bar has been set incredibly high. From the bright lights of Times Square billboards to the khaki-clad dreams of feeding crocodiles, Kylie Kelce has proven she has plenty of “business” being exactly where she is.