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Podcast Announcer
Foreign.
Danny Austin
The following podcast is a Dear Media production.
Alex Earl
Hello, and welcome back to your favorite podcast, de Influenced.
Danny Austin
Oh, no.
Alex Earl
What?
Danny Austin
Oh, no.
Alex Earl
What?
Danny Austin
I can tell it's you're sad. I walked up here and I knew it. I saw it on your face. And I don't think it's about the Internet controversy. I think it's about our move.
Alex Earl
Yeah. I am feeling sad. I think it's like, it just all happens so fast, and I can't believe that this Friday, in a couple days, we're moving. And you know me, I've always been obsessed with this house.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
It's like we've had, like, so much has happened in this house. This is where we. We've had four babies in this house. Yeah. We moved here in 2020. It is now 2026. We've been here. It's funny, when we bought this house, we were like, we're going to be there for two years, and we've been here now for six years. And it's like, I. I love it. I love it. But. But I. I know that I feel. I'm, like, excited about Nashville, and I feel peace about the decision, and I know we're supposed to be there, but that doesn't make it, like, less sad.
Danny Austin
Yeah. Do you think that if we were moving to a different house in Dallas, you'd be equally as sad?
Alex Earl
No. Oh.
Danny Austin
But no regrets.
Alex Earl
No regrets. I just am really sad. Like, I love my friends here, and I'm really. I think I'm a little scared about feeling lonely. I think that's probably pretty normal and just, like, feeling overwhelmed with, like, all the stressors of moving and in a new place and, like, not having, like, a best friend that you can just call to come over, like, that makes me feel really sad, you know?
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
And I just feel very. Like, anything that is thrown my way in Dallas, I feel like I can handle because I have, like, my friends and I have my safe space and I have my people. I have my therapists who I haven't seen in a long time. But, like, you know, like, I have my people that I can call or, like, things, like, coping mechanisms of, like, where to go or what. Where to be in, like, in Nashville. It's like, whatever happens, it's like, I'm not gonna know how to act.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
Because I, I. It's a new place, and that's, like, kind of scary. And I feel like. I think one of my biggest fears is, like, me being scared and, like, me not being well, so that if my kids also start to feel that way, then I have to be strong for them. But, like, I don't even feel strong, you know? It's like. It's like, if Stella's upset because she doesn't feel like she has friends, I'm like, me either. And I have to be, like, so strong enough for her. Right. You know, if she's feeling lonely or she's missing Dallas or if she's missing her home, it's like, I have to be the stronger person because I'm her mom.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
But I'm like. I feel those things, too.
Danny Austin
Should we have, like, strategized the move differently then? Or is this, like, inevitable? Like, we just have to kind of face it?
Alex Earl
Yeah, I think it's inevitable. I think it's probably anyone that moves. It makes you have a lot of, like, empathy and, like, heart for, like, military families.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
Or like, people that have to move a lot for their jobs. It's. It's gotta be hard.
Danny Austin
No, for sure.
Alex Earl
I've, like, never really thought about that. And it's. That's gotta be tough.
Danny Austin
Yeah. No, I think military wives have it really tough. Yeah, for sure.
Alex Earl
Thank you for your service. Because it's insane.
Danny Austin
The wives are serving, too. For sure.
Alex Earl
Yeah.
Danny Austin
Because you're. You're uprooting your. Your wife, and you're like, oh, I'm being stationed here. And then they have to form this whole other community.
Alex Earl
Yeah.
Danny Austin
And I think that's easier for men to lack community than it is probably for women.
Alex Earl
Yeah. I mean, I think. I don't know. Nowadays, I feel like it's kind of, like, equal.
Sponsor Voice
It's equal.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
Yeah. I think it's just. I don't know. I think it's really hard for, like. For moms of, like, a lot of kids, too, because, like, what am I supposed to do? Just, like, go get a coffee in the middle of the day? Like, working moms as well? It's like, when I moved here in Dallas, like.
Sponsor Voice 2
Well, I think this is what's kind
Alex Earl
of so scary is, like, when I made all my best friends here, I was the only one with kids.
Danny Austin
Right.
Alex Earl
So it was so easy for me to make friends because, like, my friends were available all the time, and they'd come over anytime because they didn't have. Now, you know, as we've all gotten older, all my friends have kids, but, like, it was so much easier to make friends because I was the only one. Now it's like, I'm going to be trying to make friends with families in Nashville that they also Have a ton of kids. Like, when are we going to get together?
Podcast Announcer
Yeah.
Alex Earl
And, like, when we're together, what we're supposed to have, like, deep conversations when our kids are, like, running amok, like, going crazy.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
I just am, like, stressing myself out thinking, like, how is this gonna happen? Wow.
Sponsor Voice
Like, I'm a little stressed now, too.
Danny Austin
No kidding.
Alex Earl
I mean, think about it. Like, Ellie and Janelle and Sarah's Ali. Like, we. We met and formed friendships with all of them before they ever had kids.
Danny Austin
I know, but here's the thing, is that I talked to Miles Allies husband about this all the time. Now that we all do have so many kids. I mean, we haven't seen them in a real. Like, no one's seen each other. It's not like we haven't just seen them. Like, I was asking Connor Combs at the wedding. I was like, have you seen the guys? And they were like. Like once this year, six months.
Alex Earl
Like, well, I know, but it's just like, we in. But the reason it's so special is because we formed those friendships before, and like, now. We went deep before, so now, like, we don't have to talk to them all the time because we already have that friendship built.
Danny Austin
No, I know.
Alex Earl
You know, it's like, now we just. Like, you can catch up every two weeks and be like, hey, still love you. Like, it's. You know what I mean? Yeah. But now it's like, how do you get that deep in Nashville when you haven't had that time together? To me, it's going to take, like, four years to build what we built in four months. Like, with a friendship.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Alex Earl
That's just. You know, this is just me thinking.
Danny Austin
Yeah. I mean, you're.
Sponsor Voice
You're.
Danny Austin
You're fearful.
Alex Earl
I'm scared. Scared.
Danny Austin
But it's crazy because we were talking about this yesterday, and, you know, people think that, like, I. I feel like. I don't know if this is a narrative, but people feel, like, think I think that they think, like, I uprooted our family and was just flippantly making this decision. And, you know, I don't think anybody thinks that sometimes. I think our parents think that. But anyway, like, maybe, you know, like, I wasn't thoughtful about all of these dynamics. And I remember a year ago, I was sort of scouting ahead for Nashville, and I felt like this resounding calling that it was like, no, like, God wants our family here, but I had no idea how. Like, if I was here, I had no idea how you were gonna come alongside me and agree with that. And I was never going to like, pull our family over, but I remember there was just such a peace that like, there was so much fruit and joy and like our cups being filled in Nashville from the community and from like the believers there and like, you know, all of, all of these things. And as we've kind of moved, I felt such peace about going there for that reason is I was like, I know it's a calling, but I will tell you, over the past week there's been like naturally, like doubt that I was like, oh my gosh, like, what if this doesn't work out? It's kind of like that time where it's like, you know that God has called you to something, but you're like, but what if, you know, like, what if this doesn't work out? And to me, the biggest collapse of this whole thing will be if you do not get plugged into a solid community around you. Us too, but like, specifically you, because I know you and I know, I know that you need, that you need a community to fall back on.
Alex Earl
Yeah, And I have that. Like, I have that here.
Sponsor Voice
Yes.
Alex Earl
But it's like, yeah. And I'm like scared because that's how like I've always dealt with like struggles on the Internet and struggles with what I do or just like the putting my life out there in judgment or even just like I'm having like there's been some not issues with Smith, my four month old, but like, you know, whether my kids are developmentally, like I'm like feeling insecure about something or like I'm like worried about my kids. Like I've always been able to go to like my community and like talk about it and it's, it's really made me fearful like going into like a new place and feeling alone because I feel like when I don't. When all this stuff happens and I don't have anywhere to turn, like, that's when like the depression really starts to hit. And I feel like typically I, I can like weather the storms because I have my people to fall back on. But like with this move, I don't have as much time and like energy to pour into relationships when I'm just trying to get to like a new city.
Danny Austin
You know, you don't have the people in real life. So like digital world is typically pretty separated from like real world.
Alex Earl
I mean, I like.
Danny Austin
But you don't have anyone in the real world to be like, hey, like, that's not.
Alex Earl
But I do. And they have been calling me and Texting me. And, like, I do, but it's different because I'm leaving on Friday. Like, there can be here for the next couple of days, but I don't. I can't hang out with them. I'm, like, packing every day. And, like, we have big things going on this week, and so I don't feel, like, the comfort of, like, falling into their arms and, like, them, like, helping, like, helping love me through it because, like, it's just gonna all go away in a second. I don't know. And, you know, and, like, not only that, but a big move, I think, makes you vulnerable to a lot of, like, judgment and hate. And, like, I. Like, everybody knows that I get a ton of hate. Like, and it goes in waves, but I have, like, I don't. Thank God, I don't read my Reddit page, but I think I have 16,000 people on there. Like, if you ever think about 16,000 people in a room, like, that's a lot of people that hate your guts, you know?
Danny Austin
Yeah, but as a percentage of 2.5, it's a small.
Alex Earl
Yeah, but it's, like, still, I mean, but. But haters are louder than just people that act, that just passively follow you. So, like, you have to think about, like, 16,000 people that, like, actively, like, made an account and, like, went in to hate you. Like, that probably is louder than 2.5 million followers, you know? And so. So, yeah, anything I do that's, like, a little, like, outside the norm or that just, like, it. It leaves me open for criticism. And I put myself in this position so I'm like, not, you know, I know what I set myself up for, but I'm just being honest and open that, like, I. As we moved to Nashville, like, those 16,000 people I know are going to come out of the woodwork, and they already are. And, like, I'm really scared because usually I. I can handle it.
Sponsor Voice
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Sponsor Voice 2
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Danny Austin
Earth right here, you gotta, like, I've been trying to tell you this for years. You gotta, like, take Danny Austin on the Internet and separate that from Danny Austin in real life.
Alex Earl
I know. I feel like I do a good job of that. It's just hard when you're moving.
Danny Austin
No, I know. That's why I. So back to my story.
Alex Earl
And you're postpartum, and you have four children.
Danny Austin
So back to my story. This is where I know there's a God. So, you know, God calls me to lead our family to Nashville. And I. About a week ago, I'm like, oh, my gosh.
Sponsor Voice
I'm like, this could be a disaster. What if Danny's lonely? What if she doesn't make friends?
Danny Austin
And I'm starting to feel that. And I'm, like, praying. I'm like, oh, my gosh, God, please. Like, I need you to follow through on this one, because the last thing that I want is to be sitting in Nashville and you to be like, you let us here. And, like, I'm not happy. That would destroy me, you know?
Alex Earl
And, babe, I would never blame you for that.
Danny Austin
No, I know it doesn't work directly. Female resentment is so much more subtle than that. It's like. It's like three layers below the surface.
Alex Earl
Babe, I'm already honest.
Danny Austin
And then we're fighting about something, and you're like, I never wanted to move.
Alex Earl
So true.
Danny Austin
And I'm like, oh, my God.
Podcast Announcer
So.
Danny Austin
But here's the crazy thing is we get to the airport, we have horrible delays. Like, our Southwest flight gets canceled, and so we have to drive all the way to dfw. And, you know, Danny's, like, dealing with the anxiety of this whole trademark thing. And, you know, she's going to Nashville. And every time I want to go to Nashville, I want it to be happy. Like, I'm like, this is a cool opportunity. We're going to an amazing wedding. There's going to be so many people in our industry. Like, this is a great chance for us to make friends. Like, it's supposed to be, like, kind of the precursor to the life we're going to live in Nashville.
Alex Earl
Yeah.
Danny Austin
And then, you know, it just gets crazy. And so we're driving to our second flight that I had woken up at 4:30. So I woke up at 4:30, and I never wake up at 4:30, and I see our flight is canceled. And I just immediately. I also don't book Our flights?
Alex Earl
Never. I'm sorry that you did that.
Danny Austin
And I book our flight, and I'm like, we can't be late to the wedding. So, like, I'm gonna book this American flight. And American flight keeps getting delayed. We go to dfw, and we meet Emily Favre and her husband Dylan, and they're like, you're gonna love Nashville. Oh, you're gonna be there on the 4th of July. Come hang out with us. And I'm like, oh, man, it's so sweet that we saw them. I didn't see anything divine in it, right? And then Emily goes on the plane first, and then we walk, and Danny is seated right next to Emily in the same row on the flight. And I literally looked at Emily, and I go, emily, I go, I don't know what your belief system is. I think they're believers. I was like, this is divine, though. And I think Danny really needed you to be there right now. And it was just this little sign that, like, for me, that God was like, hey, I got you, and I got Danny in Nashville. And then after the whole weekend, I feel like there were several instances where we were welcomed in and brought into the community. And it's like, hey, come hang out with us when you move. Like, we'll introduce you to X, Y, Z. And all these people that we had wanted to meet in Nashville, we met.
Alex Earl
And so it's so hard to, like.
Danny Austin
So that's the good side.
Alex Earl
Great that you're like. I love that you're able to see it that way.
Danny Austin
I told you this yesterday. Like, I don't want to get super deep with it, but I genuinely think that that is part of the very deceptive spiritual attack is, like, if Danny goes into Nashville with shame and, like, with a lack of confidence and an insecurity, then I genuinely believe that, like, Satan is, like, I can continue to isolate her. And that will destroy not just Danny, but it will destroy her marriage, it will destroy her family. It will destroy her purpose in the home.
Alex Earl
I know. And so I. I shared everything that's going on with Chaney, who was another. She was. Her boyfriend. Connor was also a groomsman. So, like, y' all were, like, gone the whole weekend, you know? So me and Chaney got to hang
Sponsor Voice 2
out, and I shared with her what
Alex Earl
was going on, and she was like, great, because she was like, well, is this happening? Because, like, maybe, like, God wants to, like, maybe because you. Your fear of man, and, like, you're not, like, putting your worth in, like, what God thinks about you. And that you're a child of God and that, you know, you're caring too much about, like, what man thinks of you. And. And maybe he's trying to remind you and be like, Danny, like, protect you from seeking love, from an affirmation from man instead of him. And he's calling you back to him and using this in a way. And I'm like, yes, absolutely, a hundred percent. This is what is going on. You're calling me out. But. And I agree with you, but, like, how do I feel that in my heart?
Danny Austin
Can I tell you?
Alex Earl
So, well, can I finish?
Danny Austin
Yeah, sorry.
Alex Earl
Okay. So. So I was like, I know that you're right. Like, I know that I am valuing what man thinks about me more than what, like, God, who God says that I am. But I did feel like, this, like, tugging my heart. Like, God was like, just, like, pause and, like, sit in this and, like, be uncomfortable. And so there are. The only way that I. I'm able to feel God's love right now and the glimpses of that is when I'm in the presence of other believers. Like, when I'm in the presence of. Or I share my story with, like, another person that is a Christian that's, like, pushing me to, hey, Danny. Like, it doesn't matter. Then I can. I can get out of myself and be like, wow, that's so stupid. Like, I can't believe I care so much about what all these people online are saying. And I can feel God's love when I. When I'm alone. And, like, I am, like, even like, after I hang out with her and I go back to my room and I'm in my apartment or in my hotel room and I'm alone, Like, Satan, like, literally is eating me, like, just, like, piece by piece, like, just nitpicking at me and, like, it destroys me. And so, like, I know what I have to do to remember, like. But, like, I don't know how to deal with. Deal with it when I'm alone, honestly. And I feel like I'm alone right now a lot because, like, we're moving, you know, and, like, you're going off to work, and, like, after this podcast, like, I'm going to go to my office and be alone for a second, and the lies are going to just start coming back in my head, like, infiltrate. And then I'm going to get a notification, and it's going to be somebody. Someone being like, I followed you for so long and I hate you now, and I can't. I just disrespect you and, like, you know, all that. And so it's just hard for me right now.
Danny Austin
No, I get it. And I struggle with the same thing because. And again, this is not the geographic. It's not a geographical problem, but, like, the way that Danny and I have designed our lives in Dallas is it's almost entirely around building a family and building businesses. Right? We had. We have great friends. They're all having kids. We're all super busy now. And I think that you're so right. I think that the way. The only way that. That I'm gonna get out of, like, worshiping work and you're gonna get out of, like, worshiping this, you know, And I'm not saying you worship it every day, but, like, idolizing this Instagram, Danny Austin is if we have other things to fill our lives in the form of other people. Like, if there's one thing that I think is, like, okay, why do you think God called you to Nashville? I would say the one answer is probably, like, community. And it's, like, real people outside of online people surrounding us and, like, grounding us in something other than, like, success, business, social media, et cetera. And so.
Sponsor Voice
Oh, man.
Danny Austin
I was going to say one other thing.
Alex Earl
You can interrupt me if you remember, but I forgot what it was. I agree with you that it's going to be all about community, and it's going to be about, like, putting ourselves, like, you know, rebuilding our lives to where, like, it revolves around community. But what. I think I'm just gonna be honest, but I think what I'm struggling with is, like, why am I not able to feel that peace when I'm alone? And I feel like I've been, like, praying. I feel like I've been, like, praying, and, like, there was a point where I've even been, like, begging God. I'm, like, when I'm alone, and I'm like, like, can you please just, like, take this away from me right now? And, like, this anxiety and this, like, pain I'm feeling and this. This insecurity and how I feel like everybody hates me and, like, can you please just, like, give me this peace right now? And I'm not feeling it when I'm alone. Like, I'm not feeling it, and. And I. And then it just. It's just, like, a confusing time in life right now. Cause then I was like, okay, like, maybe it's because, like, I need to pray in, like, you know, in three or more gathered. Like, I need to get, like, more people praying and, like, more like, you know. And so then I start reaching out to my friends and I start telling them the situation and I'm like trying to create a community over like what I'm feeling and like, can they help me out of this? But like, I'm not. I don't know. It's hard for me to do this podcast right now because, like, I'm not totally on the other side of this just yet. I usually don't like to talk about these things until I'm on the other side of it.
Danny Austin
Yeah.
Sponsor Voice
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Danny Austin
Yeah, I mean, what I was going to say, and it ties into what you just said is like those lies that you refer to them, attacks, lies, spiritual warfare, Satan, whatever, it's all synonymous things for the, like, synonymous terms for the same thing. But like, you and I both know even more than anyone else knows that like, that those attacks have been going on for years. Like they. And it, nine times out of 10 it comes through social media. Like nine times out of 10 it is related to social media.
Alex Earl
Say 100%.
Danny Austin
Okay, fine, I was just trying to be fair. Like, I didn't want to be extreme, but like, yeah, 100% it's related to social media. And so it's like, you know, at what point are you going to cut off that portal or that channel to stop letting it lie to you? So if it's 100% related to social media, like, there's only like two options that I see. Either you build such a fort around you of people and believers and real community and like, like spiritual peace that you are strong enough to go in and handle it, or you like cut the head off the snake in what it is, right? Which is social media. And to me sometimes, like, I'm just gonna be totally honest with you, didn't plan this. Like it's hard for me because you sit there and you say like, I'm feeling anxious and like I'm feeling all these things and like you're sitting in your office alone being attacked, but like you're literally also feeding yourself. It's like you're sitting there scrolling and maybe shopping or maybe doing this, but like it all literally comes through this portal of social media and your phone. And so it's kind of like, well, no crap, you feel like that. Like you're literally just feeding it. And I don't know, sometimes, like, I know what it's like when you're going through hate, you're kind of just like going into that, those woods and you're looking for like the good things in the allies, right? Like, you're looking for the good, but there's tons of good in there. You know, 16,000 of 2.5 million. I don't know what that percentage is, but it's low. But me, you and your entire team joke with you all the time. Like, you'll find, like, you'll find the only like five DMs that are in there that like, justify the perspective that you are letting yourself be attacked by, which is like, I'm not good enough
Sponsor Voice
or I suck or I'm this or
Danny Austin
I'm that, you know, and so those are the only two options. But like, when I, whenever I go on a tirade in our family privately about like not wanting to do social media anymore, or like bring you to our banker meeting and it's like, Danny, if you quit, like, here's financially where we're at, we're good. The reason I do that is because I want you to have the freedom that if you need to cut off that portal, just cut it off. Yeah, but there's just this like double edged sword in your. It's like, I hate it, but I love it.
Alex Earl
Or maybe there's like purpose in it still.
Danny Austin
True. But that's what I struggle with, with social media a lot, you know, and we talked to Maddie Pruitt this weekend and I think she struggles. She struggled with. She's been off the Internet for like a year, right?
Sponsor Voice 2
I think she said like six or eight months.
Danny Austin
Yeah, I mean, they got lit up for sure. I mean, they got lit up, so I get it. But like, I think that as she got off, she was telling us, like, oh my gosh, like I.
Alex Earl
She said, like, there's just no winning.
Danny Austin
And I was like, there's no winning. The Internet is the Coliseum. It is pure theater. It is theater driven by gossip and drama. And it is for someone who is bored and looking for a microsecond of dopamine rush to be like, oh, I hate Alex Cooper, or I'm on Alex Earl's side. It is factionalism. And you either are acknowledging that that's the game that you're playing, and it's like that scene from Gladiator where you like drop your sword and you're like, are you not entertained for me in this day and age of the Internet? Like, you either gotta realize that, like, you are Danny Austin, a character in this theatrical production that is the Internet.
Alex Earl
Yeah, I think I still, Yeah, I so hard. I, there's times that I know that and I'm like, I know that people are just like waiting for like the next dopamine rush and the next like, like, for example, people also like, hated the dress that I wore to the wedding. And honestly, like, I get it. It had like, yeah, the nipple tassels. And I never saw it that way. But then once they started saying it,
Danny Austin
I was like, yeah, you can't unsee it.
Alex Earl
You can't see it. And I got so much like, hate about that dress. But, like, I was like, this is the type of thing that it's like, whatever. Like, you know, it's kind of one of those things. Like any press is good press or bad press.
Danny Austin
It's the character stuff. So I don't know. I, I, I have always believed in you as a person. I think you are, you are one of the few influencers that I just think it, it's never gone to your head. You've been doing it longer than most people and you are the same Danny behind the scenes as you are publicly. Like, I think that God definitely has his hand on you in your influence, 100%. I've always believed that. I just don't know. I genuinely don't know if that influence is, is best wielded for our family or in our marriage or offline or online. I just don't know. And it's not my call to make, unfortunately, you know, but guess we'll have
Alex Earl
to tune in to find out. To be continued. Part one.
Danny Austin
Yeah, she's gonna end up on a farm homeschooling her kids probably some reason.
Alex Earl
Oh my gosh.
Danny Austin
But yeah, I mean, just keep going.
Alex Earl
Okay. We will be taking a two week break, which actually is probably good after having this episode conversation. But we'll be back and we'll be in a new studio. We'll be in Nashville. You know, be fun About Nashville too is for our podcast we could actually have some, like, pretty cool guests. My number one would be Theovon. So Yvonne, if you're out there, would love to have you. Goodbye.
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De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Episode: “Our Last Episode??”
Release Date: June 25, 2026
Host: Dear Media | Main Speakers: Dani Austin & Jordan (her husband)
This emotionally raw episode centers on Dani and Jordan’s imminent move from Dallas to Nashville, exploring the grief, anxiety, and hope tied to leaving their home, uprooting their children, and facing change in both personal and professional spheres. Blending candid vulnerability with thoughtful reflections on community, mental health, online scrutiny, and faith, the couple reveals how their influencer lifestyle intersects—and sometimes collides—with real-life transitions. The episode is marked by uncertainty: Is this their last podcast in Dallas, or the start of a new chapter in Nashville?
Dani’s Deep Sadness: Dani expresses visible sadness as the move approaches, reflecting on the memories and milestones (especially raising four children) made in their Dallas home.
Fear of Loneliness: Fear over losing the comfort of familiar friendships and support structures is prevalent.
Comparison to Military & Frequent Movers: The couple gains newfound empathy for those who must relocate often due to job or military service.
“No, I think military wives have it really tough. … Because you're uprooting your wife, and you're like, ‘Oh, I'm being stationed here,’ and then they have to form this whole other community.” —Jordan, (03:28)
Challenges of Rebuilding Friendships: Dani worries that forging deep community in Nashville will be far harder with kids in tow compared to her earlier years in Dallas.
“It’s going to take, like, four years to build what we built in four months.” —Dani, (05:33)
Support Systems: Dani describes how community helps her manage parenting anxiety and counteract negativity from online hate.
Maintaining Personal Wellness: Losing her “safe space” adds to her fears, especially as she contemplates being emotional support for her kids while struggling herself.
Fear of Online Criticism: Anxieties are heightened by the move because of anticipated scrutiny from online followers.
“Everybody knows that I get a ton of hate. ... 16,000 people on [the Reddit page against me]. If you ever think about 16,000 people in a room, like, that's a lot of people that hate your guts, you know?” —Dani, (09:42)
Social Media as a Double-Edged Sword: Dani acknowledges the louder voice of haters versus her larger but quieter fanbase.
Spiritual Reflections: Jordan shares his process of discerning Nashville as a calling, balanced by doubts and concerns for Dani’s well-being.
“It’s kind of like that time where… you know that God has called you to something, but you’re like, but what if…?” —Jordan, (07:21)
Seeking Community: Both recognize that strong, in-person community in Nashville is vital for their family and spiritual growth.
“If there's one thing that I think is, like, okay, why do you think God called you to Nashville? ... The one answer is probably, like, community. And it’s, like, real people outside of online people” —Jordan, (20:16)
Spiritual Warfare & Mental Health: The couple discusses the interplay of spiritual attack and social media negativity.
“If Dani goes into Nashville with shame and… insecurity, then I genuinely believe that, like, Satan is like, I can continue to isolate her.” —Jordan, (17:09)
Advice from Friends: Sharing with a friend, Dani is guided to focus less on external validation and more on her identity as a child of God.
“Maybe He's trying to remind you and be like, Dani, like, protect you from seeking love, from an affirmation from man instead of Him.” —Dani quoting friend Chaney, (18:03)
Social Media as Source of Attacks: Both describe the inescapable link between their mental strain and online life.
Options for Coping: Jordan bluntly states that Dani either has to build stronger support offline or “cut off the portal” of social media to protect her well-being.
“So if it's 100% related to social media, like, there's only two options that I see. Either you build such a fort around you of people and believers… or you like cut the head off the snake… which is social media.” —Jordan, (25:55)
Dani’s “Double Life”: The difficulty of separating her public influencer persona from her authentic self.
Internet as Public Theater: Jordan analogizes the influencer’s role online as participating in circus-like theater, where criticism and drama are central.
“The Internet is the Coliseum. It is pure theater…driven by gossip and drama.” —Jordan, (28:44)
Public Reception (Dress Controversy): Dani brings up backlash over a dress she wore, using it as another example of public scrutiny and the futility of pleasing everyone.
On moving and grief:
“I just am really sad. Like, I love my friends here, and I’m really… I think I’m a little scared about feeling lonely.” —Dani, (01:32)
Perspective on forming friendships as parents:
“Now it’s like, I’m going to be trying to make friends with families in Nashville that they also have a ton of kids. Like, when are we going to get together?” —Dani, (04:36)
On online hate:
“You have to think about, like, 16,000 people that, like, actively, like, made an account and… went in to hate you. Like, that probably is louder than 2.5 million followers, you know?” —Dani, (09:59)
On faith & vulnerability:
“God calls me to lead our family to Nashville. … I’m like, God, please. Like, I need You to follow through on this one, because the last thing that I want is to be sitting in Nashville and you to be like, you let us here. And, like, I’m not happy. That would destroy me, you know?” —Jordan, (14:19)
Internet as Coliseum:
“The Internet is the Coliseum. It is pure theater. It is theater driven by gossip and drama.” —Jordan, (28:44)
On influencer identity:
“You are Danny Austin, a character in this theatrical production that is the Internet.” —Jordan, (29:19)
The unresolved future:
“I just don't know. I genuinely don't know if that influence is… best wielded for our family or in our marriage or offline or online. …Guess we'll have to tune in to find out. To be continued.” —Jordan, (30:44)
This episode offers a rare, introspective look behind the influencer curtain at a moment of true transition. Dani and Jordan grapple openly with grief, the pressures of online life, fears about loneliness, and the work of trusting their faith and each other—all set against the backdrop of moving and impending personal change. Listeners are left with an invitation to witness the next chapter unfolding in Nashville.