De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Episode: From Hustling to Farm Life: Let's De-Influence the Beverlins
Date: September 4, 2025
Guests: Laura & Marky Beverlyn
Hosts: Dani Austin & Jordan Phillips
Episode Overview
This candid episode brings longtime friends and influencer couple Laura and Marky Beverlyn to the mic, exploring their journey from early influencer hustle to a slower, more intentional farm life. Laura, once an OG lifestyle influencer with 1.6 million followers, opens up about her path through grind culture, evolving expectations, health struggles—including infertility—and how she and Marky have deconstructed their life for more peace and authenticity. The Beverlins and the hosts reflect on the influencer industry, digital burnout, relationship growth, entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to “de-influence” themselves. Lighthearted moments, nostalgia, and raw honesty abound in this engaging, down-to-earth dialogue.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Origins of the Beverlyns’ Influence (03:12 - 12:34)
- Laura describes starting her content creation in a corporate accounting office, beginning with simple “what I wore to work” selfies. Her creative outlet became a pathway out of a drab work environment.
- Discovering Pinterest and OG bloggers like Rich Parcel and Amber Fillerup catalyzed her journey. Early Instagram strategies included tagging brands, learning photography basics, and teaching herself how to code a website.
- “My Instagram started with those bathroom selfies and nail shots in my car.” — Laura (07:20)
- Marky recognized potential early on and became a supportive “Instagram husband,” even as other partners balked.
- Early brand milestones: getting reposted by Express led to big follower jumps.
2. The Hustle Era: Influencer Grind Culture (13:45 - 17:40)
- The hosts and guests reminisce about the relentless nature of Instagram 2016-2018: daily outfit photo grinds, content batching, strict algorithms, and hyper-analytics.
- Laura was influential in carving out the “car selfie with Starbucks” trend, using repetition and analytics to capitalize on the algorithm.
- “It looked so in the moment, but inspirational... even though it was so staged with all the props.” — Laura (06:53)
- Marky became almost the default photographer for the friend group, illustrating how couples navigated the oddities of the emerging social media economy.
3. Re-Evaluating Internet Life & Influencer Burnout (26:37 - 33:47)
- Conversation pivots to shifting from grind to balance. Both couples discuss “crashing” from hustle, enforced by health crashes or emotional burnout.
- “I want my life to feel as good as it looks... taking a step back and enjoying real life, enjoying our farm, and putting my phone down more.” — Laura (27:12)
- They argue the industry itself is more attuned to authenticity now; audiences respond to boundaries and honesty about stepping back.
4. Personality Types & Finding Peace (29:10 - 33:47)
- Discussion of Enneagram types: Laura and Dani are Enneagram Threes (“achievers”), while Marky is a Nine (the “peacemaker”), complementing Laura’s drive.
- Both Laura and the hosts admit letting go of constant productivity and striving remains a challenge, but healthier boundaries model resilience for their audiences.
5. Farm Life: Daily Routines & Living with Animals (33:53 - 44:38)
- The Beverlyns share an inside look at farm life (60 acres, horses, chickens, and more).
- Transition to farm living marked a decompression from online hustle; Marky’s father helps maintain the property, deepening family relationships.
- Horses and chickens are featured, rituals like brushing animals are described as therapeutic and central to daily peace (34:44).
- “When I’m out with the animals, that’s when I’m at peace… I put my phone away and just decompress.” — Laura (34:44)
6. Entrepreneurship: Launching Beverlyn Coffee (44:38 - 49:59)
- The Beverlyns’ new venture, Beverlyn Hills Coffee, is discussed: small-batch, high-quality, locally roasted, with special care to processes like chemical-free decaffeination.
- “Coffee is about experience for me… decaf to start my day, it’s a cozy ritual.” — Laura (47:14, 47:28)
- They’re proud of hands-on involvement in sourcing, roasting, and tasting, not just “slapping their name on a white-label box.”
7. Health Journey & Infertility (51:04 - 68:47)
- Laura shares the deeply personal story of her multi-year infertility journey, advocating for herself through rocky IVF cycles and discovering endometriosis only after five years and multiple doctors.
- “I started making all these little changes, questioning, if this could be affecting my fertility... my diet, my implants, my products—everything.” — Laura (54:31)
- The physical and emotional toll is recounted; both stress the importance of quiet time, mental health, and advocating for thorough medical answers.
- Marky’s role as an unwavering supporter is highlighted, with meaningful advice for spouses going through similar hardships.
8. Evolving Content & Advice for Creators (73:44 - 78:55)
- The group discusses how their perspectives on social media have changed: now, both Beverlyns and hosts are less motivated by constant growth and more by peace, simplicity, and maintaining a fulfilling “offline” life.
- “Have a whole life offline… everything I ever accomplished used to have to be online. Now I have things just for me.” — Dani (76:46)
- Advice for new TikTok and social media creators: maintain boundaries, have real “offline” lives, don’t try so hard to please the algorithm or build a persona, and pursue true happiness.
- “TikTok isn’t real life. As much as you want it to be, it’s not.” — Laura (78:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “[You] just become a chameleon… tell me what you want me to be…” — Laura (75:06)
- “I married you because of who you are, not your ability to make children.” — Marky (66:09)
- “We hustled so hard, we almost killed ourselves.” — Laura & Dani (13:45-13:50)
- “It’s almost like imposter syndrome… you’re living a life that doesn’t feel like reality.” — Laura (26:28)
- “Helping other people is literally what fulfills me… it gives me worth.” — Marky (72:08)
- “Simplicity… peace. Just enjoy life.” — Laura (73:39)
- “Don’t try so hard. Be yourself, believe in yourself.” — Laura (86:02-86:08)
Rapid Fire, Fun & Lighthearted Section (79:06 – 92:45)
- Bad Habits: Laura struggles to find one, Marky admits to being messy (79:44). Laura eventually jokes about forgetting to flush the toilet, for which Marky is installing an automatic flusher.
- Wellness Trends Debunked: Laura isn’t a fan of the celery juice craze; both are ambivalent on raw milk (80:56, 81:19).
- Farm Life Challenges: The smell from the chicken coop and proximity to the house is real (82:35-83:07), poop-cleaning is a shared job.
- Conspiracy Theories: Marky is skeptical but evidence-based, Laura is open to aliens (84:05-84:43).
- Dream Collaboration: Early on, Laura wanted Gucci (85:26), Marky even tried emailing them.
- Advice to their younger selves: “Don’t try so hard. Be yourself, believe in yourself… and spend time with your family.” (86:02-86:45)
- Cracker Barrel Rebrand Debate: In-depth discussion on nostalgia, regional identity, company strategy, and how branding taps emotions (86:46-91:45). “Buy the dip” becomes an in-joke about stock prices.
Segment Timestamps
- Laura’s Influencer Genesis: 07:20–09:39
- Early Instagram Tips & Trends: 03:08–06:53
- Marriage & Partnership: 21:21–25:28
- Renovation & Entrepreneurship: 24:12–25:58; 44:38–49:59
- Farm Life Realities: 33:53–44:38; 82:35–84:01
- Health & Infertility Journey: 51:04–68:47
- Philosophy on Social Media: 73:39–78:55
- Advice to Creators: 76:46–78:32
- Fun Rapid Fire: 79:06–92:45
Final Reflections
This episode is a raw and insightful look at both the glamor—and the grind—of influencer life. The Beverlyns' journey from corporate jobs to “Instagram royalty” to finding fulfillment in the rhythms of farm life demonstrates a shifting cultural value: happiness, health, family, and authenticity over online approval. Their practical advice on boundaries, burnout, and the importance of a life offline is a must-hear for aspiring creators and longtime followers alike.
Listen to this episode for:
- Real behind-the-scenes of influencer beginnings
- Honest talk about burnout, boundaries, and evolving online roles
- Personal stories of love, loss, and infertility
- Humor, nostalgia, and practical wisdom on reinventing your life with intention
