Laughing, Crying, and Everything In Between

Summary

Podcast Summary:

De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Episode: "Laughing, Crying, and Everything In Between"
Date: February 12, 2026
Network: Dear Media

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Overview

In this raw, humorous, and candid episode, Dani and her husband Jordan navigate a vulnerable week of pregnancy woes, marriage, influencer industry insights, and deep dives into cancel culture, public shaming, and the complexities of accountability. They blend laughter, honest tears, and unfiltered debate, particularly around social media call-outs, the “Preachers and Sneakers” phenomenon, and the ever-evolving landscape of AI and job security. The episode is rich with both personal stories and big-picture musings—making it feel intimate, timely, and thought-provoking.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pregnancy Struggles and Emotional Turbulence

• Early Episode (00:13 – 12:00):
  • Dani shares the physical and emotional rollercoaster of being heavily pregnant and ill, describing throwing up en route to her doctor and the emotional weight of not feeling well.
  • Quote:
    • Dani: "I don't feel good. I get depressed when I don't feel good." [01:10]
    • Jordan: “It’s a vicious cycle. Five years of it.” [01:39]
• The couple discusses the repetitive chaos of pregnancies and the idea of permanent birth control, using humor to keep things light:
  • Jordan: "That's why I'm scheduling the vasectomy. We can't let our subconscious crazy get a hold again." [02:14]

2. Relationships, Support, and Gender Roles

• They openly discuss how pregnancy affects not only Dani but Jordan, reflecting on the challenges and expectations for men:
  • Dani: “Pregnancy is very tough on the men and they don't get enough credit. Maybe you should get a push present too.” [07:38]
  • Jordan: “No, I don't want any present. I honestly just wanted you to say that. Thank you.” [07:46]
• The duo pokes fun at each other’s responses to emotional needs, with Dani admitting, “Sometimes I just feel like you don't have a heart.” [04:53]—while also appreciating their partnership.

3. Parenting, Readiness, and Letting Go

• They laugh about not having logistics sorted for the new baby (no nursery, uncertain of the baby’s name) and embrace a more relaxed “all they need is their mama” attitude:
  • Dani: “They don’t need a name. They don’t need a room. They just need their mama.” [10:50]

4. Body Image, Pregnancy, and Social Media

• Dani addresses the pressure of comparing herself to others, accidental glimpses at her weight, and the dangerous allure of social media “before and afters”:
  • “That’s like my version of porn...I go look at before and afters of plastic surgery.” [14:06]
• Jordan offers reassurance, highlighting how personal perception is not always reality.

5. Cancel Culture: Personal Experience & Societal Impact

• The "Preachers and Sneakers" Conversation (21:47 – 46:07):
  • The couple shares their encounter with the creator of “Preachers and Sneakers,” an Instagram account that highlighted the expensive designer gear worn by celebrity pastors, sparking debates about accountability in religious circles.
  • Dani: “It was kind of like a troll account...but he was always very, like, lighthearted about it. It wasn’t mean. It was definitely callout culture, but it wasn’t mean.” [23:38]
• They juxtapose this with Dani's own experience of being “canceled” twice by the fashion watchdog account “Diet Prada”—which resulted in heavy hate, depression, and a major reassessment of her business ethics and practices.
  • Dani: “It was the craziest amount of hate I've ever received. Like, death threats. I was depressed for like a whole week. I didn't want to ever show my face again.” [28:29]
• They deeply debate the value, risks, and morality of public shaming versus accountability, and whether call-out culture fosters growth or just chaos and ego.
  • Jordan: “Shame is a very powerful weapon.” [31:17]
  • Dani: “In your heart of hearts, if you feel like it’s okay to go after someone else because you’re so perfect...that’s where I don’t understand the self-righteousness.” [33:16]
• The pair wrestle with whether personal change should come from community, private conversations, or outside public pressure.

6. AI, Automation, and Job Insecurity

• Late Episode (52:44 – 61:41):
  • Jordan voices serious concerns about the rapid advancement of AI, specifically how it’s affecting job markets—even for graduates of elite schools.
  • Jordan: "For the first time, I’m really, really worried about the future because of AI… It's helping us solve problems we’ve been stuck on for six months, but I don’t see how this goes well for knowledge workers." [53:12, 54:35]
• Dani shares her experience watching makeup tutorials online and realizing some creators are actually AI-generated avatars—underscoring both the uncanny and unsettling reach of tech in daily life.
  • “She was so good at makeup…She was an AI girl. And I’d been following her.” [56:20]
• They talk through anxiety around universal basic income, the loss of purpose that jobs provide, and pragmatic advice:
  • “One of the best times to be an entrepreneur. One of the worst times to be an employee.” [58:59]
• Advice for employees: embrace and rapidly adopt AI tools to stay competitive.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I get depressed when I don't feel good.” — Dani [01:10]
• “That’s why I’m scheduling the vasectomy. We can’t let our subconscious crazy get a hold of us again.” — Jordan [02:14]
• “You've been crying a lot. Have you felt supported in your cries?” — Jordan [04:39]
• “Pregnancy is very tough on the men and they don't get enough credit. Maybe you should get a push present too.” — Dani [07:38]
• “All they need is their mama…They don’t need a name. They don’t need a crib.” — Dani [10:50]
• “That's like my version of porn...before and afters of plastic surgery. I'm like, wow, you can do that.” — Dani [14:06]
• “Shame is a very powerful weapon.” — Jordan [31:17]
• “If you feel like that's okay to go after someone else because you're so perfect...that’s where I don't understand the self-righteousness.” — Dani [33:16]
• “I think people in power… it takes something like public shaming to get them to listen.” — Jordan [40:12]
• “For the first time, I’m really, really worried about the future because of AI… It’s happening so fast.” — Jordan [52:44, 54:35]
• “One of the best times to be an entrepreneur…one of the worst times to be an employee.” — Jordan [58:59]
• “She was so good at makeup… She was an AI girl. And I’d been following her.” — Dani [56:20]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment Topic | Start | End | |--------------------------------------------|---------------|---------------| | Pregnancy struggles & emotional support | 00:13 | 12:00 | | Parenting logistics & laid-back approach | 10:48 | 12:35 | | Body image & pregnancy | 12:36 | 16:06 | | Call-out culture; Preachers & Sneakers | 21:47 | 46:12 | | Dani’s “Diet Prada” cancel story | 26:09 | 31:58 | | Debate: Accountability vs. Self-Righteousness | 33:16 | 43:32 | | AI, job disruption & universal income | 52:44 | 62:12 |

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Tone & Vibes

• Unfiltered, playful, and deeply honest.
• A mix of vulnerability and humor.
• Reflective, occasionally heated debate—particularly around morality, forgiveness, and call-out culture.
• Empathetic but pragmatic in discussing modern anxieties like job security and technology.

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Takeaways for Listeners

• The episode offers a rare, behind-the-curtain look at the emotional realities of pregnancy, the nuances of marriage, and how influencer culture intersects with broader social trends like cancel culture and technological disruption.
• Dani and Jordan’s conversations provide thoughtful (often unresolved) perspectives on accountability vs. self-righteousness, suggesting personal growth is best rooted in humility and honest self-examination.
• The looming impact of AI is spotlighted as both an opportunity for innovation and a looming threat to traditional workforces—urging listeners to stay ahead by embracing new tools and skillsets.

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Skipping detailed sponsor reads, as requested. For full stories and in-between banter, listen to the episode directly.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production hello and welcome back to your favorite podcast.

[A]

D Influenced. I'm struggling today.

[B]

Don't start off like.

[A]

No, I'm. I'm just not feeling great because neither am I. Oh, really?

[B]

Well, I'm just like really pregnant and it's like kind of hard to talk a little bit and I'm a little congested and I had a tummy ache and I was throwing up all yesterday.

[A]

Do you throw up today?

[B]

Not yet. I think I've had a stomach bug that. It's like, I just have a stomach bug and then like exhaustion. So we were on the way to our doctor or like it was my 36 week appointment and I was telling Jordan, I was like, I don't feel good. I really don't feel good. And then we got the car and I threw up on the way in. And then I threw up once we got there and then the doctor came in and I was crying.

[A]

Yeah, she. And I was rubbing your back and she was like, what happened? I was like, I knew she was gonna come in when you were crying. And I was like, I don't want it to look like we're fighting because it's awkward because we weren't fighting, you know?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But she's cool.

[B]

She was like, what happened? I was like, I don't feel. It's like she said, it's not that I'm sad because I'm sad. I'm sad because I don't feel good. I get depressed when I don't feel good.

[A]

Yep. Every time. It's a vicious cycle.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You don't, you get sick. And the sickness is not the worst part. It's the sadness.

[B]

It's the sadness from sickness.

[A]

It's the sadness from the sickness. And then it's. You got to pull yourself out of it. Yeah, it's tough. It's a vicious cycle. Five years.

[B]

Five years of it.

[A]

Five years of it.

[B]

What's it gonna be like? Like not being pregnant. Like, what's like, consistency look like? Have you ever thought about that? Do you think that, like, we're gonna like it? I feel like we're gonna just have to like, throw a bomb at something.

[A]

See, I think there's like a subconscious, like, behavior that we have when the things get calm. Yeah, it's like, oh, no, the condom broke.

[B]

So you're saying you did that?

[A]

No, I'm not saying I did that. I'm just saying you're admitting that you're.

[B]

The one that broke the condom.

[A]

Oh, no, I'm just saying, I think that there's, like, you know, it. We do, like. I think that there will be a time where we're like, should we have a fifth kid? But that's why I'm scheduling the vasectomy. Like, we can't let our subconscious crazy get a hold of us again. We just can't do it.

[B]

Okay. I mean. Yeah, they're always reversible anyway.

[A]

Snip, snap. Snip, snap. Snip, snap.

[B]

I wonder if anyone's ever done that. Like, went in and, like, reverse their vasectomy. Have you ever heard of that?

[A]

Yeah, No. I think it happens all the time.

[B]

Really? You heard about it? Yeah, I heard it's, like, kind of, like, tough to do.

[A]

Oh, yeah. I don't know. My biggest concern is that it's. It's not. It's not going to work.

[B]

God. Oh, my God. Let's just talk about, like, what. Okay.

[A]

No, I can't.

[B]

No.

[A]

Are you about to talk about if we have another baby?

[B]

No. Let's just think about, like, you get the vasectomy. Because they're like, we do have friends that got pregnant off of a vasectomy. Off of.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so let's just say it's five months postpartum, I found out I'm pregnant. I. What do we do? I'm thinking you could probably send me away.

[A]

Probably.

[B]

Like, let's look into some facilities and just, like, you know, and just send me away, at least for the first three months. And then I'll come back a new woman. I'll be past the first trimester. I'll have a lot of friends from my facility.

[A]

All the crazies.

[B]

No, it's just people like me.

[A]

What facility is this?

[B]

I don't. I'm kind of thinking somewhere like, in Switzerland.

[A]

Is this, like, a. Oh, it's not a looney bin.

[B]

Well, you know, call it what you want. As long as it's in Switzerland, I don't really care.

[A]

Okay. Gotcha.

[B]

And then I come back, and then I really only have, like, seven months or so left. Six.

[A]

I don't. We wouldn't. We wouldn't make it. We wouldn't make it.

[B]

We wouldn't make it.

[A]

We wouldn't make it. I. You and I, as a marriage, we can make it. I don't think you could make it.

[B]

I would do something, like, so drastic. Like, where I would sell all of our belongings and just, like, go live in, like, a trailer and just, like, travel. Like, I would. I would need to change my life. So much.

[A]

Yeah. It's like we would have to give up on everything we've tried so far.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's just.

[B]

Yeah, I would have to just. It's the only way I could. I could mentally deal. Deal with it. I've been crying a lot.

[A]

Yeah, you've been crying a lot. You've been crying a lot. It's okay, though. Have. Have you felt supported in your cries?

[B]

Sometimes.

[A]

Oh, where have you not felt supported in your cries?

[B]

Sometimes I just feel like you don't have a heart.

[A]

Well, sometimes I'm just like, if we give it five minutes, we'll be on the other side of this, too.

[B]

Yeah. And I typically am, but it's nice to feel that someone's connecting with you while you are in the five minutes. Yeah.

[A]

What about in the doctor's office?

[B]

You were putting on a show for Dr. Joy Cuddy, and I knew it because you didn't want her to think of your fighting.

[A]

Oh, no, no. I knew that she wouldn't think we were fighting. I. I genuinely. I. I was like, oh, I'm really glad that she's here, because I want to know if she thinks everything's okay.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's okay. It's a hard time.

[A]

It's a hard time.

[B]

His emotions are just the.

[A]

The biggest issue right now is I'm really worried about getting sick this weekend. I know if I fall this whole.

[B]

And my mom's in the Cayman Islands.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, so, like, everybody's like, call your mom. Like, you don't understand. My mom's not here. She's like. She's, like, on a cruise ship. She's on the c. She's in the Cayman Islands. She's traveling all over the place. Your mom is probably more available on the weekends, but I don't know. You're. And your dad, like, your mom and your dad, like, actually, like, do fun stuff together. So.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, we might be riding solo this weekend. And then all my friends had babies, so it's like, I can't. Like, that's another thing is, like, I've kind of had a hard week. And, like, usually I reach out to my friends, but, like, all my friends are having babies, so, like, I can't be, like, attention to me. Like, you know, I'm like, we need to, like, take care of our friends. Maybe that's what we should do is we should go do something nice for our friends this weekend.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

That'll probably make us feel better.

[A]

Okay. Well, I just feel physically ill. Not emotionally, not mentally. Ill.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Do you. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. We can go serve. I'm more so saying, like, I need to physically, mentally, emotionally be the rock here. And I'm. I don't feel that right now. I'm exhausted. My body is kind of achy and I just feel something coming on. I woke up at like three in the morning and my throat kind of hurt and I was like, oh, we can't. Woke up at three in the morning. I'm not complaining. I'm saying I'm trying to.

[B]

3, 5, 7, 6.

[A]

No, I'm saying, I'm saying I'm trying to prevent the collapse here. Yeah, the collapse, you know, I know for you.

[B]

Did you. I feel like we've talked about this before, but that, that meme that's like, I'm so happy that my wife is having an unmedicated birth because now she knows what it feels like when I have a headache.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like one of the husbands.

[A]

That's so true. Oh, that's so real.

[B]

No, I'm just teasing. I know it's been hard on you too. It actually is. Very. Pregnancy is very tough on the men and they don't get enough credit. Maybe you should get a push present too.

[A]

No, I don't want any present. I honestly just wanted you to say that. Thank you. I don't think you've ever said that.

[B]

No, I know that it is, but then it's like the physical pain takes over and I'm like, ah, screw it.

[A]

No, I mean, yeah, totally fine. Yeah, no, I, I. As it's deserved. I feel like all of the spotlight goes onto you, which is fine. And so it's like, I don't want to play the world's smallest violin, but, like, I'm over here too, you know?

[B]

No, that's why I think God designed it to be like this, where it's like a partnership.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

No, because I don't think that either one could do it together or without each other. How do you feel about the unmedicated birth? That's, that's a common.

[A]

Is it. You've kind of flip flopped.

[B]

What? When have I ever flip flopped?

[A]

In the, in the, the room with your ob.

[B]

Well, I told. So I told. I was feeling so bad. I said, I. She's like, how are you feeling? I was like, I feel so bad that if I went into labor right now, I don't think I could do it unmedicated because I feel so sick.

[A]

You also asked for the membrane sweep and she was like, I can't do.

[B]

That because the Membrane sweep is the most effective way to go into labor.

[A]

No, I know, but she. I'm not doing it.

[B]

She's like, I'm not allowed to yet. I was like, get in there. Sweep it. She's like, I can't do it till next week. You know, the membrane sweep is very contra controversial amongst the granola unmedicated birth moms.

[A]

Gotcha.

[B]

So you better be careful. But see, I don't really identify as one of them. I'm just trying not to get postpartum depression, like, 100. I'm like, I'm like a pretty westernized medical girl. Like, you know, I don't do the vaccines as much because those got a little sketchy. But, like, I'm pretty. Like, yeah, like, I've been taking Tylenol.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know? Yeah, yeah. But I. I like to just stay educated. I like to be like. Just, like, know what's going on. But, yeah, the membrane sweep is controversial because they're like, everything should, like, come on its own time and whatever. And to me, I'm like, you know, they're just sweeping the membrane.

[A]

Yeah. I don't know what it means. I don't think I want to know what it means, but, yeah, it's.

[B]

She actually did. Whenever she was checking me last week, I wasn't dilated, but she felt the baby's head.

[A]

Yeah, no, for sure.

[B]

She said it was really, though. That's a good thing, though.

[A]

That's a good thing. No. So I guess you are going to do unmedicated.

[B]

I'm gonna try. I'm gonna try. You know, I was like, the. The more I talk about it, though, I'm like, I'm gonna be such a loser if I don't do it.

[A]

Like, this girl, the funniest thing. Not funny, but we are very behind in terms of, like, the logistics of having this baby. Yeah.

[B]

We don't have a bedroom for the baby.

[A]

Stratton and Stella are not sleeping in the same room yet.

[B]

And Stratton's not potty trained.

[A]

Stratton's not potty trained.

[B]

He is halfway 50%.

[A]

I mean, we don't. We don't know who's filming.

[B]

I've been even thinking about changing the name. You know, I go back and forth, babe. It's like, whatever. You know, this is like, just chill. We're just gonna go with it. Go with the flow. You know, all they need is their mama type of vibes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

All they need is to.

[A]

No name.

[B]

No name. They don't need a name. They don't need a room. They don't need a crib. They just need their mama. That's what they say.

[A]

Yeah. No, I.

[B]

It is kind of sad that this baby's, like, not getting, like, a nursery, but they won't remember.

[A]

They won't remember. I don't think that's sad at all.

[B]

It's fine.

[A]

I just feel like, not seriously, like.

[B]

You'Re gonna be fine.

[A]

I don't think we're childhood drama.

[B]

They're like, my mom never gave me a nursery.

[A]

I don't think we're logistically prepped for this, is what I'm saying.

[B]

No, I mean, but, you know, and.

[A]

Usually this is where you kind of kick it into high gear.

[B]

But I don't feel good.

[A]

I know.

[B]

And then I keep looking on my flow app, and it's like, today you should experience a boost of energy. And I'm like, f you flow. Like, where is that boost of energy? It's like, when I looked at the app, like, a month ago, and it was like, you may be able to see a bump at this. And I was like, like, 50 pounds, like, overweight.

[A]

Like, oh, tell them how y' all did the bump measuring.

[B]

So Janelle.

[A]

Maybe not. Don't tell them.

[B]

No, it's fine. It's like, whatever. Like, so Janelle and I are a week apart in our pregnancies and at her baby shower that we played a game where you take a ribbon and you guessed how big her bump is, and whoever won got a picture frame that's pretty epic. So, you know, I. To me, it's not about the picture frame. It's just about the clout. So I was like, well, I have a major advantage. Like, I know that I'm way bigger than Janelle, so I'm just going to measure my bump and take away two inches, you know, I mean, that's like two jean sizes down, you know? And so I took the ribbon, I measured myself, I took off 2 inches, and I was still, like, way bigger. We're a week apart.

[A]

Did you tell anyone the real number?

[B]

My number?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Well, I did this thing yesterday where I accidentally. Incidentally, I went to the ob. Was it yesterday? Two days ago. And I. I never have looked at the scale my whole pregnancy.

[A]

I saw you look at the scale.

[B]

I know. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't know. It was just, like, a reflex, and I just, like, Was like, I just. I'm just gonna. I'm look. You know, it's just like, one of those instant, like, just A horrible thing that I did.

[A]

It was.

[B]

I saw it.

[A]

I. I saw you looking.

[B]

Did you see it, too?

[A]

No, I didn't want to know because I didn't want you to ask me if I knew.

[B]

How much did you weigh when we first started dating? Oh, I just want to know if I weigh more than you now.

[A]

Like, probably like 190.

[B]

Oh, no, I'm not 190.

[A]

No, no. Maybe like 185.

[B]

I thought you were in, like, the 60s at a point.

[A]

Oh, when I was skinnier when I was fat Jordan.

[B]

Well, fat Jordan, you were probably weighed less because you didn't have any muscle.

[A]

Oh, you know what? You might be right.

[B]

I think you weighed, like, 168.

[A]

Maybe like 180. Yeah, but no muscle. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Anyway, yeah, it doesn't matter.

[A]

But I did see you look, and you never look, and I thought maybe that's what brought the.

[B]

No, you know what? I texted Ellie about it afterwards, and I was like, I did the thing that we weren't supposed to do, and she was like, how do you feel? And I was like, I don't really care. Yeah, I don't really care. But then I did see this girl yesterday, and, like, she had this influencer trip, and she took everybody to, like, this place, a plastic surgeon in Los Angeles. And I was scrolling. That's like. That's, like my version of porn. I look, go look at the before and afters of plastic surgery. I'm like, wow, you can do that. Like, and I'll just look at it, like, all night. And I don't even know these people, but, like, you see their tummy go from this to this, and I'm like, I can't stop looking at it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know? And I was like, must be nice.

[A]

I mean this very sincerely to me. You are not bigger.

[B]

I know. That's why I love you.

[A]

It's so weird. Like, to you, you're bigger, but, like, even when I look at your face, it doesn't remind me of anything different.

[B]

I know, but what's so funny is, like, then we look back, like, three months from now, we're like, whoa, she was huge. We do it every time.

[A]

Yeah, maybe.

[B]

But you never say that I look bigger.

[A]

No, I never say that.

[B]

We always look back and we're like, wow.

[A]

But I do that with me, too. I'm like. I'm like. I'm like, like, whenever we first met and I was clearly not fit, I thought I was jacked.

[B]

I thought you were beautiful in my Mind.

[A]

I was like, I am like, so fit.

[B]

I thought you were gorgeous. This guy, this guy.

[A]

You just did that 2026-2016 thing in your feed and I was like, who are these people?

[B]

I don't know. But I.

[A]

They look like aliens.

[B]

But I remember looking at being like a beautiful boy. Like, I just, I was obsessed.

[A]

That's. That's crazy.

[B]

I know. That's why I truly feel like it's like, okay, you know when like you, your friend like dates some guy or some girl and you're like, yeah, they're not that cute. But like they think that they're like. So I, I genuinely think it's like God makes us like adore each other.

[A]

Well, yeah, it's like a. Yeah, it's.

[B]

It's like they're meant, we're meant for each other spirit led. It's like, it's like. But the way you look is like so attractive to me.

[A]

Yeah, I know. It's so funny.

[B]

I know. I feel like PMS is one of those things that women are expected to just quietly deal with. Like you're bloated, breaking out, crampy, emotional, and everyone's like, oh yeah, that's normal. But normal doesn't mean easy. And it definitely means we shouldn't look for better ways to support our bodies. That's why I really appreciate what O Positive is doing. Their woman's health company that's actually building products around real symptoms women experience month after month. Not vague wellness promises, but targeted support for things like hormonal acne, bloating, mood swings and cramps. Their flow PMS vitamins were actually the first ever PMS vitamin, which is kind of wild when you think about how long women have been dealing with this. Flow is a plant based daily vitamin made with ingredients like chasberry, donkey vitamin B6 and lemon balm. Ingredients that work with your hormones instead of just masking symptoms. Chase Berry is particular and known for supporting relief from menstrual cramps by interacting with feel good receptors in the body. What stands out to me is how consistent the feedback is from women who take flow daily. When taken regularly, just one capsule a day, many people notice real changes within two menstrual cycles. Less bloating, clearer skin throughout the month, more stable moods, less painful cramps. The kinds of improvements that actually affect how you feel in your day to day life. I also love that oh Positive talks openly about women's health at every stage from your first period to well beyond your last. It feels honest, supportive and long overdue PMS shouldn't be something we just push through every month. It's 2026 and there are better options now. Take proactive care of your health and head to oh positive.com Danny or enter Danny at checkout for 25 off your first purchase. That's O P O S I T I V.com Danny for 25 off honestly.

[A]

I feel like February is usually when things get real. January is full of big goals and fresh starts and then February shows up. You are like, okay, but what's actually happening, especially with money. That's when budgets meet reality, credit card statements come in and long term plans stop being abstract ideas and start feeling urgent. That's also when people realize that simply tracking money isn't enough. Looking backward can be helpful, but it doesn't always tell you what to do next. What most people are really looking for is clarity. A way to see the full picture and understand how today's decisions connect to future goals. That's where a tool like Monarch fits in. It's designed to bring your entire financial life together in one place. Budgeting, accounts, investments, net worth, and future planning all in a single dashboard you can access from your phone or laptop. Instead of bouncing between apps or spreadsheets, everything lives in one clear view. What stands out is how forward looking it is. Monarch isn't just about showing you what already happened. It helps you plan ahead. You can set goals, track progress and understand how small adjustments impact things like saving, investing or paying down debt. Over time, it turns money management into something proactive instead of reactive. The visual clarity also matters. Spending patterns are easy to understand. Investments can be tracked against benchmarks like the S&P 550 and everything can be shared. If you are managing finances with a partner. And that shared visibility can make conversations about money feel less stressful and a whole lot more productive. In a recent survey, Monarch users reported saving over 200amonth on average. And most said they felt more in control of their finances with a clearer understanding of where their money was going. That kind of clarity is what helps momentum last past January February isn't about hype. It's about follow through and and having systems that support that. Set yourself up for financial success in 2026 with Monarch. That all in one tool that makes proactive money management simple all year long. Use code [e-mail] for half off your first year. That's 50% off your first [e-mail] with code Danny. All right, so if you've been around Danny at all lately, you know this she is nesting. And when Danny nests, it's not casual. Its drawers getting emptied, closets being reorganized, rooms getting rethought, and the whole house is basically under review. I'll walk in and she's like, why do we still have this? And I'm like, I don't know. I just live here. But honestly, it's been kind of amazing because everything is getting more functional. And the thing that's made it way less overwhelming is being able to get everything we need in one place. That's where Wayfair has been clutch. Whether she's working on the baby's room, grabbing new storage, or thinking ahead to holiday decorations, Wayfair has made it really easy and to just check things off the list. Instead of bouncing between stores, you can find bedding, furniture, decor, storage, literally everything all in one spot. One thing that surprised me was how much they have beyond decor. We actually got Stella's first big girl mattress from Wayfair, which I didn't even realize was an option until we were already on the site. It showed up fast. The quality was great, and it just made the whole process easier. That's kind of the theme right now, making life easier. And that's what I appreciate the most. Whether it's organizing kids rooms, refreshing a space, or just getting the house ready for the season ahead, Wayfair really is one stop shop. You can find things that fit your style and your budget, which matters when you're doing a lot at once. When your home feels more put together, everything just runs better. And Wayfair makes that doable without overthinking it. Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. That's W-A-Y-F-A-I R.com Wayfair every style, every home. Speaking of spirit, led, how about this story? We are sitting in a school observation on Saturday, last Saturday, the amount of.

[B]

Private school observations we've been doing, which.

[A]

Is basically like where you go and they take your kid to a mock classroom.

[B]

And all the one that we just.

[A]

Visited did, and all the parents just kind of like hang back. So I see this guy and I'm like, I 1000% recognize this guy. And I was like, danny, who is that? And she's like, I've never seen this person in my life.

[B]

You don't know him.

[A]

And I was dying. I was like, I know him.

[B]

I know you couldn't let it go.

[A]

I couldn't let it Go like, stop your embarrassing me. I was like, I feel like he's like a big deal. I was like, he's a business guy, He's a startup guy. I can't remember. So then he comes up to Danny and he's like, hey, just letting you know, like, my wife and I follow you. And I grab him on the shoulder and I go, hey, I know you. I was like, why do I know you? Have we met before? And he goes, well, I started this account called Preachers with Sneakers.

[B]

Preachers and Sneakers.

[A]

Preachers with Sneakers.

[B]

Preachers and Sneakers.

[A]

Preachers and Sneakers. And. And I don't know, I think we've talked about it on this podcast. Like, he eventually came out. He was anonymous for a little bit.

[B]

Because he was, like, kind of savage for a little bit.

[A]

So super savage. He was an honest for a long time.

[B]

So weird to be talking to, like. Like, it was so weird to be conversing with like, a troll.

[A]

Like, you know, well, sorry, he. He. Did he identify as a troll? We're going to have him on the podcast.

[B]

He knows that he's a troll. Like, I would tell that to. I think I said that to his face. I was like, you're like a hater. Like. And I was like, no, he knows. That's why he, like, yeah, I don't.

[A]

Want to ruin the episode because he's going to come on, but I will say I. I go. Because he was just going to say hi and fly by because, like, I think his wife, you know, followed you or whatever. And I go, will you sit down? And we sat down for like an hour and we had like, a really deep conversation about.

[B]

Sorry, before you say that, can we tell people what preachers in Sneakers is? Because they might not know.

[A]

Oh, yeah, you know, it is smaller than I thought.

[B]

Yeah, but. But it was smaller. But he came. He like, blew up in 2020. So he actually was big. His engagement was like, insane. So. So what he did was he started posting, like, different pastors, like, all over the world, and about the sneakers that they were wearing while they preached. And a lot of these sneakers are like $10,000, $5,000, $3,000. And then he started posing like, you know, Steven Furtick and all these guys that would wear like, a $2,000 belt or a $5,000 jacket to preach in. And so he called it Preachers and Sneakers because it's just like the irony of, like, what they were preaching about, but, like, meanwhile they're wearing, like, a $20,000 outfit. And so it was kind of Like a troll account. But he was. He was always very, like, lighthearted about it. Like, it wasn't mean. Like, it wasn't mean. It was definitely like, call out culture, but it wasn't mean. And I think what he was doing, like, I think he was trying to, like, shed light, like, in a good, positive way. But it started to get, like, it starts to get confusing because then some. Some pastors are like, well, I was gifted these sneakers or somebody, you know, like. Like, what is the true heart behind the pastor? Like, what are they actually struggling with? Or do they, like. You know what I mean?

[A]

Well, it gets complicated because I think that this is where it gets into two sides. Like, he will say, accountability is important to maintain the culture, like, of the church. And then the pastors would say, hey, at what point point is accountability becoming, like, destructive versus constructive or public?

[B]

What do you call it? Like, public shaming.

[A]

Public shaming.

[B]

Like, it's public shaming. The same as accountability.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And because you don't. If you publicly shame someone and you don't know them or their heart, then, like, how do you know that it's doing good?

[A]

Yeah. So then it's like, I don't know. And it's. I. I told him in person. I was like, you know, it's so interesting what you were doing. I think we've talked about it before. It's such a fine line that you're walking. Right. Because if you take one step to the right, you're actually probably in the wrong.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If you take one step to the left, it's kind of like, you know, you're not actually being effective enough. So it's interesting. I want to have him on because we.

[B]

He towed the line very well with humor.

[A]

He towed the line really well with humor. It's kind of like the Babylon Bee, where it's probably like, you take a step to the right a couple times and you kind of mess up.

[B]

Well, it was exactly like Diet Prada, who literally destroyed my life twice.

[A]

Yeah, twice.

[B]

And, like, so Diet Prada has come after me twice. Those are, like, my first two cancellations, and they were, like, really intense cancellations. Because Diet Prada at the time, I think. I don't know, they had, like, probably millions of followers, and I had, like, 200,000 followers, and they came after me for, like, like, bag dupes. Yeah. Which, you know, in, like, I've learned a lot about, like, the fashion culture, but, like, if you're not, like, raised in, like, high fashion or whatever, like, having dupes was like, like, Just such a normal thing. Like, you go to Walmart and you get studded. You know, you get Birkenstocks. They look like Birkenstocks, but they don't have the logo, you know? And so that was just kind of like, the way that I was raised. I never really thought it was, like, hurtful to anyone. You know, you go to Nordstrom and you get the Jessica Simpson shoes that had the studs that kind of mimicked Valentino, whatever. So, you know, I was naive and I was stupid, and I launched a brand that looked like designer, but it didn't have the logos or anything. And diet Prada, meanwhile, is posting about Kim Kardashian, Balenciaga. You know, Prada, like, all these, like, celebrities, like big, multi million billion dollar brands. And then I'm not kidding you that it's Danny Austin. And I'm like, literally, like, this is 2018, maybe 20. Like, I don't think I had kids yet. It wasn't. And, like, it was the craziest amount of hate, like, I've ever received in my entire life. Like, death threats. Like, just, like, it was awful. I started getting text messages from, like, literally every single person I know, and it literally put me into, like. Like, I got in bed and I was, like, depressed for, like, a whole week. It was horrible. Like, I've. I had just in the. The word cancel. Cancel hadn't even, like. Like, it wasn't even a thing yet. Cancel culture wasn't even a thing. This was, like, before cancel culture. So this was before when it was, like, so new, and it was so. It was almost like investigative journalism. Like, it was so fresh and, like, people were like, so, like, this is, like, this is justified and she deserves to die and blah. And then people were saying that I was, like, using child labor in these different countries to produce all my handbags when I was really just going to the Dallas Market center, like, when my dad works, and I just picked out some bags that I liked. I'm not even gonna lie to y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

Like, I was so naive that I didn't even know that some of the bags that I had chosen were dupes. Like, that's how naive I was to, like. Because I had never. I've never stepped. At this point. I'd never stepped foot in, like, a Designer Valentino store or whatever. And so. So, yeah, they came after me. And it. It's so funny because we were actually talking about this yesterday. It. It sucked. And it was, like, one of the lowest points of my life. And then they Came after me again the second time. But. But, like, we talk about it and we're like, thank God that happened to us because we learned so much from that. And, like, we were able to sharpen so much of, like, even when we launched Divi, like, we had so much integrity behind every single step of the process that I feel like we would have, like, skipped over some things if we wouldn't have gone through that cancellation and learned how, like, the Internet and how call out culture and how people are, like, just. They want to find, like, any thread they can pull to, like, take you down. And that's why, like, the science was so important. The clinicals, the before and afters, like, like, our team, everything was, like, so, so important to us because of that cancellation. And so it's kind of, like, one of the best things that ever happened to us. Also, we learned to, like, diversify our business so that if I ever got canceled, I don't have to.

[A]

Yeah, that was probably the best. I still have the Valentino cease and desist.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Yeah. I was like, wow, it's pretty badass.

[B]

Like, you know, it's pretty badass. Like, Valentino's, like, reaching out to us. Like, we're, like, newly married, like, living in this, like, condo.

[A]

No. I mean, I was scared to death at the time, but. Yeah. So why were we talking about.

[B]

I. I guess because he's kind of like the Christian version of. Of diet Prada. And I get the accountability and, like, I get. I get why it's helpful. And it was actually so helpful to me and, like, my own, like, building my own character and integrity, like, in the long run. But I do have to say, I don't feel like the punishment fit the crime, like, for me, at the time, like, the level of what, like, I experienced. And you have to understand, this was so long ago. So it was just so. It was so intense. Like, and I'm not kidding you. Like, I. There were days I, like, wanted to die. Like, I was like, I don't even want to get out of bed. Like, I got, like, all my brand deals canceled on me. Like, my. I was so embarrassing, and, like, I was so embarrassed that I was like, I literally, like, I. I don't want to ever show my face again. Like, I know that sounds so stupid because it was like, diet product, like, these bags. But this was just a different era of hate when, like, no one had gone through it before.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it was so intense, and I don't know, I just. But at the same time, it's like, how else would she have learned?

[A]

I know. Shame is a very powerful weapon.

[B]

I know. So maybe I needed it. It's, it's, it's like the hardest things in your life, like, no matter what, are the ones that like, make you stronger. Like, and I, I hate to admit it because it was so, so painful, but, like, I will never do something like that again.

[A]

I know. So in a weird way it works.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So maybe he's right and that's what I'm saying. It's like, I think that this is the interesting conversation to have with preachers and sneakers is like, I think that there's a side of what he did that was important to do because no one was doing it. And I think that these pastors, they're kind of like gods at these churches.

[B]

But here's my only argument.

[A]

Who, who checks them?

[B]

But here's my only argument is like.

[A]

Should we save this, should we save this for when he's on?

[B]

No, because I probably wouldn't tell him this stuff to his face.

[A]

Oh, I told, I told him a lot to. He, he's very like sober minded about the journey too. Like, he was like, man, this journey. He was very honest. That like messed him up. And he was like, I didn't know, like, if I was doing what was coming after you.

[B]

You. And so diet product actually does not exist anymore because I don't think, first of all, they couldn't, they couldn't monetize because all they did was go after people that were like, like doing thing crazy things in the fashion industry. And so then when they try to do a brand deal, everybody's like, well, you're a sellout and you suck. Like, you're like a sucker for capitalism too. And so, so they could never really do anything with their, their brand. And thank God they're like, gone because they were, they were not like him. They were mean. They were mean. Mean, mean, mean.

[A]

Yeah, he wasn't mean.

[B]

He wasn't mean.

[A]

But these people, he was like, satirical.

[B]

Satirical. Yeah, it. So the only argument I have is let's take away, like, if it worked, the shame, the blame, the public assassination, like in your heart of hearts, Diet Prada. Like, if you feel like that's okay to go after someone else because you're so perfect and like, you lead a perfect life like that. That's to me where I don't, I.

[A]

Don'T understand the self righteousness.

[B]

The self righteousness? Yeah. Like, I like, you better be Jesus to me. If you're gonna like call somebody out, like, publicly, like, and I. That's why, like, I understand, like, you know, maybe people wanting to do it privately or I don't. I don't really understand how to do it, but I just feel like the way they were doing it was like, more evil than good. I think it was more for clicks and clickbait and engagement and views and follows and fame than it was for, like, the good of the industry, of the fashion industry.

[A]

Well, it wasn't for the. So the biggest confusion I have with preachers and sneakers, and I've said this publicly, I told him this in person to his face was Diet Prada was anonymous. For a long time. They were anonymous. Like, you had to, like, really search with about, like, who was behind it, right?

[B]

No, it was those two people behind it.

[A]

Okay, so they're public.

[B]

Yeah. Okay, maybe they started out anonymous, but it's same with Dumont. Dumas was anonymous and then she had to come out. You can't keep. If your profile grows, you can't stay anonymous.

[A]

Yeah, I think the self righteousness argument doesn't really apply if you're anonymous. Does that make sense?

[B]

But I'm saying keep it. I'm not even talking about the public. I'm talking about, like the. In your heart of hearts, like, when you're typing these posts up, like, the self righteousness.

[A]

Oh, I see.

[B]

Genuinely have in your heart in that moment to post about somebody else when it's the same thing, when people are like, danny, I can't believe you're not speaking about this, this, you know, thing that's happening in the world. And it's like, dude, like, why don't you go focus on yourself? Like, that's how we're actually gonna change? Like, why are you so worried about what I'm doing when, like, you should look at your own heart and, like, check yourself before you throw the first stone type of vibe.

[A]

I get it, I get it.

[B]

That's my thing is, like, in that sense. So it's. That's the one thing that's, like, hard for me now if you're, like, gonna reach out to me. Here's the thing. Okay, so, yeah, it probably. It probably would not have worked for me, like, unless I was canceled. Maybe I'd still be selling dupan bags.

[A]

So. Okay, can I remind you of one part of this story that you didn't tell? Who's the brand that, like, does Steve Madden.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. Do you remember when, like, the CMO or something of Steve Madden walked up to you at North Park Mall and she Goes, hey, don't listen to the haters like, you. You're going to be making millions off those bags.

[B]

No, I mean, I sold a lot of that. Like, I was killing it.

[A]

No, those bags crushed it. So in reality, I do think that this is what's so confusing about the topic is, yes, I was super mad at Diet Prada, and I really felt like, man, you ruined my family. Like, I felt really protective over you. Like, I wanted to destroy them. I wanted to hire a private investigator and be like, let's see how perfect you are. But, like, at the end of the day, there was some good that came out of it.

[B]

Okay, so, yes, that's what I'm saying.

[A]

But this is what's so complicated about the preachers and sneakers conversation.

[B]

I know, but to be honest, I feel like if you look at the both of our hearts and, like, what we were both doing, I don't think that God is, like, more proud of Diet Prada or preachers and sneakers and was like, wow, you're really pursuing, like, my kingdom. And this is exactly how I'd want you to do it. Like, then he would be at me like, that's. That's where I'm kind of like, yes, it worked, and, like, it all. Like, it. Like, it all worked out and it's all great. But, yeah, maybe I would still be selling my dupan bags if I wasn't called out by Diet Prada. But hopefully, if I was, like, putting. Pursuing God and had, like, community and, like, I would have come to that conviction myself. I don't know. I just feel like you're putting a lot on the line if you're calling people up. Because it's like, you're like, to me, that's telling God, like. Like, I know that I'm better than them, so I'm going to call them out.

[A]

No, I get it.

[B]

I mean, you know, I. I don't know. It just. To me, it's like, it's why I get so scared about, like, pastors, like, in general. Just, like, the way, like, I'm like, oh, this is so scary. Like, the weight that you have as a pastor, like, where you're teaching all these people these things. It's like, you better be living these out. Like, it scares me. That's why I'm, like, pastor, you know.

[A]

I think that's why, like, humility is so important.

[B]

Yeah. And I. But don't you agree that if you had humility, you wouldn't be publicly shaming people because you, like, I. I genuinely could not publicly shame someone, babe, because, like, I know that I've been really shitty. No, no, that's like I, I'm like scared because I'm like, if I call you out, then you're gonna come looking for me. And I've done some shitty things too. And like that scares me.

[A]

But I think that that's why this conversation with preachers and sneakers is so interesting. Because I, I don't want to like, tell his story for him, but like, I feel like that's what he came to realize. I feel like his journey of why he no longer wanted to do it was, it was kind of. We don't know it, but like, you know, in the conversation, like, no, this.

[B]

Is exactly what like Christianity needs.

[A]

Yeah, he might be like, I'm gonna use this sorry podcast. No, I mean, so, so anyway, I think we should just have the episode with him. I think it's so fascinating. I think that there's a, there's, it's a very tricky subject. But this same subject applies to like investigative journalists. It applies to, you know, it's hard diet product. It applies to all. Like, it applies to like Reddit haters. It's like, it's like this fine line between accountability and like self righteous shaming. I don't know.

[B]

What if Jesus were here right now, what do you think he would say?

[A]

To who? To you?

[B]

Just about like all this stuff.

[A]

I don't know. I don't know. There's something that doesn't.

[B]

I don't know what about. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if he'd be like, yeah, you get up on that Instagram and you called all those people. I think he'd be like, I think you need to worry about yourself, Jordan Ramirez.

[A]

Probably because, yeah, probably.

[B]

He'd be like, he'd be like, hey.

[A]

Like, let's talk about the log in your eye.

[B]

Yeah. Or let's, yeah, the throwing the stone thing.

[A]

Like, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

Like until you're perfectly clean, like, let's, let's worry about you. Don't you think that's how we as a faith or as a community become better is like when we focus on ourselves.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Don't you feel like calling out people just actually creates like chaos and ego and self righteousness?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, publicly, publicly shaming people. Maybe not calling them out, because I do believe it's like good to call somebody out.

[A]

I just honestly, I think people in power, I'm going to be honest, I think that people in power, whether that's Financial power or audience power, like a pastor? I think it takes something like public shaming to get them to listen.

[B]

But that's like, acting like God isn't righteous. Like, don't you think they're gonna face their judgment day? Like, yeah, what they did?

[A]

Yeah, I do.

[B]

Like, why. Why do you feel so, like, convicted? To make them pay or to call them out when, like, that's what I feel like God will do one day.

[A]

Maybe. Maybe the mindset is protecting what you believe the church should look like.

[B]

But do you think these people are really doing that, or do you think they like the likes?

[A]

I don't know. Let's ask them.

[B]

Do you think they get a.

[A]

Let's ask him what he thought he was doing. Yo, I think we all get hits from likes. That's what I. That's. I think we're all human, so I think that what Jesus call it what.

[B]

It is, it's like, if you love fashion, then be a fashion blogger. If you love trolling, then be a troll.

[A]

It's hard because I. I don't know if you should be in this preacher.

[B]

I know. I think I'm honest.

[A]

I think you're too. You. You haven't really processed this whole diet product situation.

[B]

I have, too. That was, like, 10 years ago.

[A]

But listen, preachers and sneakers is not Diet Prada. You can't come into this episode acting like he's diet Prada. Do you. Do you need to be. Not be in the interview?

[B]

Wait, what do you mean? I do, like, exact product.

[A]

You're basically. You're okay. What you're doing is you're putting diet Prada and preachers and Sneake the same category of accounts of like they are, but, like, one is about something super superficial and is, like, a very, like, ego.

[B]

It was their religion to them. Like, fashion is like, their religion.

[A]

I know, but, like, one is like. Like, one has to do with something superficial and worldly. Like fashion, which I understand. It was their religion and it was their artistry, and so that's why they were so egotistical about it. But, like, the other is slightly different because it has to do with, like, salvation of souls, like, shepherding the flock, etc, so you can't. I understand. I understand how you feel. But, like, if we do this episode, like, you've got to be able to separate them.

[B]

Maybe I shouldn't be there.

[A]

I don't think you should be there. I'm gonna be honest. I think it should be a Jordan episode.

[B]

Maybe you should do this on my maternity leave.

[A]

I think this should be a Jordan episode, because I. I really genuinely see the complexities and the nuances that he was trying to navigate, and that's the episode that I want to come out, is for him to be able to, like, walk through.

[B]

I won't let him talk.

[A]

Well, no, I'll be like, oh, so.

[B]

You think you're better than me?

[A]

Exactly. Exactly. And I don't think he thinks he's better than you.

[B]

Well, I don't know.

[A]

And I don't.

[B]

I'm gonna talk to him.

[A]

I don't know if he thinks he's better than the pastors that were wearing the sneakers. I don't know. But I would want to know. And I would want to know, what did you think back in 2020 when you were popping off and everyone was supporting, you know, your sort of, like, mission? And then how do you feel now after looking back? That's such an interesting episode.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Because it through. One thing that came to light, I think, in. In our conversation over the hour that we had with him in person was that in the same way that we have learned so much about ourselves by navigating public shaming and DMs and the Internet, he also did that, you know, and he was not the same person as when he started the account, as when he ended the account.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And now he doesn't do the account. And it's like, why? What did you learn from that? And what do you think our role as believers is in accountability to the pastors.

[B]

My only agreement. I won't be in it. As long as you reach out to diet product next.

[A]

No, that's just such a different conversation because our value systems are so different.

[B]

I'm teasing a te.

[A]

Like, they don't. We're. We're like, so far, we have such a far gap in terms of, like, what they're not even doing anymore is right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But, like, listen, can one last thing. Can you imagine, let's say, I don't know who the diet product people are. I don't even know if they're school.

[B]

And they're like, everywhere.

[A]

Well, I don't really care to, but, like, let's just say, like, they're older, they're in their late 30s, they now have two kids. You know, do you really think they're going to look back on what they did and be like, that was like, a good thing?

[B]

No. Yeah, for sure.

[A]

Really?

[B]

100%.

[A]

I just look back at every people.

[B]

That are like, I need for you to speak out against what I feel or what I want. It's, it's, it is their way of, of contributing. It's their way of, of feeling like they're making a difference. And I think they'll justify it the day they die.

[A]

Anytime I've ever been self righteous in my life, typically when I was younger, I look back and I cringe because I was like, you idiot. Like, you have no idea.

[B]

Can you think of an example? I'm trying to think of an example.

[A]

They're all like, really small examples for me.

[B]

Sometimes I feel like I struggle, like, even within my own friend group or community of like, being honest with people, like if they did mess up or something. Because I'm so scared that they'll turn around and be like, well, you've been a shitty friend too. I'm like, so then I just don't say anything. I'm like, yeah, we'll just there, I, I, there are a few that I feel like, probably more comfortable with. But so like, maybe I need to be like, I don't know. See, that gives me the ick.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm like, so, like, not confrontational.

[A]

No way. You can be in this episode. This is gonna be a Jordan episode. I'll do, I'll do right by you. Don't worry.

[B]

Okay. You know. You know, I love taking a week off.

[A]

Yeah, you take a week off. I'm gonna introduce them. We'll get them on next week.

[B]

That'd be great. That'd be great. Especially as I get more pregnant. I can't breathe.

[A]

Yeah. The other thing I wanted to talk about today is also. I don't. Was that dark? That wasn't a dark conversation, right?

[B]

No. Was that. Or you say, was it me?

[A]

Huh?

[B]

It was me.

[A]

No, no, no.

[B]

You think I went too dark?

[A]

No, I think you were just. No, I don't think so.

[B]

You don't even agree with anything I said.

[A]

No, I do agree with what you said. It just, it was really personal. What, for you?

[B]

Well, okay. This episode is brought to you by Quint. Lately, I've been realizing how much mental energy getting dressed can take, Especially eight months pregnant. You open your closet, it's full, and yet somehow you still feel like you have nothing to wear. That will be both comfortable and flattering. That's honestly why Quince is there to help everyone, no matter your style or phase of life. They have by far the best high quality basics that last forever without costing way too much. Quince is all about elevated essentials that feel effortless. Everything is designed for layering and mixing. So you're building a wardrobe that makes sense long term. These are the kinds of pieces you reach for over and over because they work. Timeless silhouettes, thoughtful details, and fabrics that feel really good on your body. They've honestly nailed the staples. Organic cotton sweaters that hold their shape, premium denim with stretch that's comfortable all day, and luxe cotton cashmere blends that are perfect for this time of year when the weather can't decide what it's doing. It's the foundation of a wardrobe that actually lasts. Instead of falling apart after one season. What really stands out is how Quince does business. They work directly with safe, ethical factories and cut out the middleman, which means you're not paying for the brand markup, just genuinely high quality clothing. And. And you can feel it. The stitching, the fit, the fabrics. Everything is built to hold up season after season. If you're ready to simplify your closet and invest in quality that lasts, Quint is such a good place to start. Refresh your wardrobe with quint. Go to quint.com Danny for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C.com Danny to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com Dani Lately, I've been thinking about how much pressure we put on our skin to do all the work. Like, if something looks off, our first instinct is to add another product, another step, another serum. But what if the issue isn't what you're putting on your skin, it's what's happening underneath. A lot of times our products can provide temporary solutions by just taking care of what's on the outside. But what truly makes a difference is getting to the core of the problem on the inside. That's where peak really comes in. Their whole philosophy is about supporting the body from the inside out, using ingredients that are actually designed to work a cellular level. It's that intersection of science and nature. The radiant skin duo is built around a really simple idea. Skin needs two things to thrive. Less inflammation and better hydration. The first piece is Sun Goddess Matcha, a ceremonial grade matcha grown in volcanic soil. It's not just about energy. It's packed with antioxidants that help calm stress, support detoxification, and bring balance back to the skin. The second piece is BT Fountain, which is a luxury hydration, not a sports electrolyte. It's formulated specifically to support the skin barrier with ingredients. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and chelated minerals. This is the kind of hydration that helps with that dry, tight feeling or when makeup just doesn't sit right by the afternoon. And the raspberry flavor makes it feel like something you can actually look forward to. What's really interesting is how they to how the two work together. One helps calm and clear things out, the other helps rebuild and replenish. And that's when people start noticing things like less puffiness, brighter tone, fewer flare ups, that rusted, glowing look that doesn't come from a new cream dream. If you've been craving a more intentional approach to skin, one that actually supports your body, this is such a smart place to start. Redefine your standard of health, secure 20 off your order and begin your intentional wellness journey [e-mail] Jenny that's P I Q U E life.com Danny all right.

[A]

So if you know my wife, then you know that she loves finding things for the kids that are thoughtful, well made and just easy. Especially when it comes to clothes they're actually going to wear, not fight and not outgrow in five minutes. And Minow has become one of those brands she always comes back to. What I appreciate about Minow is that it's honestly just realistic. It's kids swimwear that actually works for family life, pool days, beach trips, vacations without feeling overdone or fussy. There's so many things about Minnow that stands out from other brands. The Girls Rash Guard One Piece, the Boys Boardies and the Unisex Rash Guard shirts are all designed with comfort and and protection in mind. The fabric is incredibly soft, easy to put on and take off in just the right amount of stretch. And the fact that Every suit has UPF 50 plus protection blocking 98% of UVA and UVB rays takes a lot off your mental checklist as a parent. Another detail that really matters, the premium fabrics keeps sand out of the lining. If you've ever dealt with that struggle, you know why that's huge. And everything holds up really well even after long days in the sun and water. These are pieces that last through multiple seasons. Minnow also does a great job with thoughtful collections that allow the whole family to coordinate. Not overly matching, just really cohesive. It's elevated but still relaxed, and you can tell there's a lot of care behind every piece. There's a reason Minnow has been featured everywhere from Vogue to Harper's Bazaar. If you're getting ready for a beach day, a family trip, or even just planning ahead for warmer weather, it's one of those brands that makes life a little easier and looks good doing it. The art of winter layering. Soft textures, thoughtful details, and knits designed to move from a day on the slopes to cozy fireside moments. Shop Minnow's new apres ski capsule [e-mail] and enter code meetminnow15 at checkout. To receive 15% off your first order. That's shopmenow.com meetminnow15 for 15 off. What I was gonna say in terms of our next topic is I, for the first time, am really, really worried about the future because of AI. I'm really worried about it and I'm worried about people and I'm worried about families, and I'm worried about, like, how people are gonna get jobs. And the reason for that is. Did you know that January had the largest gap of layoffs ever?

[B]

Largest gap. What? Sorry, can you, like, reword that?

[A]

More companies laid off employees.

[B]

I know. Even, like, some of my friends are reaching out to me, seeing if DIVI was hiring, because they were. They're getting rid of a lot of people.

[A]

Yeah, I just. Oh, no, no. My fear, here's my real fear is that if you're a knowledge worker, so graduate, graduate from Stanford, coming out of, like, you know, good school, you did everything right.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You're coming out and like, typically, even if you're hired to, like, a good organization, like, let's say you go Big four consulting, you're doing pretty remedial, like, data work or administrative work, and you're kind of like learning how it works, but you're doing a lot of the grunt work. And the grunt work is what's getting automated out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so it's like. So then these, these companies just like thinking from a capital. Yeah, you know, capitalism standpoint, they don't need to hire the grunt workers. So then you've got these excess college grads. Then what's also happening is that middle management is being able to be let go because you can automate even a lot of the analysis of the data now.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And so then what you have is you have a lot of like vp, senior director level talent being let go. And they're in the marketplace willing to work for less because they have a family of four to support than the entry level employees. And I just don't see how this goes well, I'm gonna be honest.

[B]

Do you see that? Because you run DIVI and you see, like, how.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, I.

[B]

You see the gaps of where, like, you're like, oh, AI could be used there or it could be used there.

[A]

It's helped us solve problems that we've been stuck on for six months.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And, you know, like, the way that it's like every day is like they're shipping new features to either Claude or OpenAI. And now they have what's called. Like, last night they, they launched Open Frontier, which is basically like, you can spin up your new. Your own agents, which are fully AI bots, to do like, remedial task work. Like, I just don't see how this, this goes. I really don't. The best people, I think right now are blue collar.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or trade school type of individuals.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because. But then we're seeing these robots come out and I'm like, I, I just don't, I genuinely don't see how this plays out. And it feels like it's happening so fast. I know that, like, it's almost like people could go on a paternity leave or mat leave and then come back and the world's totally different.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's going to take a lot of time and it's.

[B]

And it's sad because. And then they go on a maternity leave, pat leave, and they're like, not even up to date with how it's being run because it changes so fast.

[A]

I feel like I am, I genuinely feel like I am the, the one of the most up to date people in my friend group. Like, I think I know I just spend so much time reading. I have like, a really good rhythm of every night. Like, I read these, like, specific newsletters, these specific blogs, these specific feeds on Twitter, and I feel overwhelmed that I'm behind.

[B]

Okay, so you say something that was so creepy and crazy that I did is like, I've been really obsessed with makeup tutorials lately. Like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's like whenever I start to slow down. Like, I love watching a makeup tutorial and, like, trying to copy the look. It's like my favorite thing to do. And I found this girl that I like, really, like, she's so good at makeup. Like, was teaching. Teaching, like, so well. She's so cute. She was an AI girl. No way. And I'd been following her. Yes. Wait, show me she's blonde. Wait, she'd have, like a lot of followers or anything, but she just popped up on my feed as, like, a really good tutorial.

[A]

What?

[B]

Yeah. And then, so she keeps popping up for me and I, I honestly, like, sometimes when she pops up, I can't remember if she was the AI girl or like, like at first, when I see. I would see her, like, in like the background of pictures or like, she would just be there. And I was like, is that the AI girl that I was, that I knew about or what? It was so weird. But, like, the only thing is, is like, I was following her more for, like, the information, not for her life. Like, you know, like, I was like, more like looking for. Let me see if I can find her. She's really pretty. That makes sense. She was too pretty to be, like a normal person.

[A]

But here's the thing. As you're pulling that up, it's like, okay, so you fast forward. So then no. 1. There aren't enough jobs to go around to meet the needs of the people who need jobs. And all of the power is consolidated to like, what, at that point, like 500 companies, whether you're like a data center or your OpenAI. And they're not really having to hire as many employees. So, like, do we move away from capitalism?

[B]

Well, that's why theoban always talks about universal basic income. Yeah, but that would make me, like, depressed. Like, I don't want a universal.

[A]

So that's the biggest. I think that's one of the biggest constraints with, like, isn't that kind of.

[B]

Like socialism a little bit?

[A]

I think it's more like socialism. Right.

[B]

Like, I don't want to feel like everybody else. Well, I want to feel like I bring a different value to the world.

[A]

I know. So. So when. When they talk about it, they're like, yeah, like, people could be not having to work, but then it's going to take away their purpose. So then what's going to make us human? So then it's like suicide and like, depression gonna skyrocket probably. I just don't know. Like, I don't usually buy into the headlines of like, AI is going to eat the future. But, like, I'm like, okay, I don't. I don't.

[B]

Maybe it's the Antichrist.

[A]

I don't really see how this plays out. I really don't. Yeah, I mean, if you're like an.

[B]

Entrepreneur, what advice would you give to people?

[A]

One of the best times to be a entrepreneur, builder of a company, it's one of the worst times, I feel like, to be an employee of the company.

[B]

So what advice would you give to somebody that's like an employee at, you know, been working at a company for. And they. They're doing the marketing.

[A]

Like, I would say, like right now, the advice I would have is rapid adoption of all of these tools. Like I feel like the employees that are like, yeah, I used Claude to do this, like, have an edge because then, you know, yeah, like, you know, I'm not having to check your work, like, with super intelligence, when people don't.

[B]

Use it because they're like, too. They're like, stubborn, Stubborn. Yeah, yeah. It frustrates me. I'm like, just use it. Like, just do it. Like, yeah, like you're going to become more valuable if you learn how to use it in a smart way.

[A]

Because the biggest issue is like, all these tools are available. But where I feel overwhelmed as like a founder is like, when you have a company the size of div is like, I'm like, how do I even integrate this at the cultural level of the company?

[B]

And so I think if you just encourage everyone to use it, like, in any way that they find useful. Because, like, you don't even know the use cases of like, how they could be using it. But, like, I had a friend reach out to me yesterday who's trying to start her own business and she sent me, you remember those, like, Amy Porterfield, like, master classes. I used to, like, buy all the time and it would teach you, like, it would teach you, like, how to sell master classes or courses online or whatever it is. She was going to buy like a, a course to help grow her business to teach master classes online. And it basically offers all these services. And one of them was like $20,000 a month. Month. One was $16,000 a month. There was like another one for $6,000 a month. And like, I was talking to you about, I was like, do you feel like it's a good investment on her, on her part so that she can launch her own business?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And you were like, why doesn't she just take all the things that they say that they offer and say, hey, AI, can you do this for me for free? And then, yeah, it basically could do that all for her for free. Like, I, I don't know, it's just. Yeah, but to me, that makes me sad because, like, I like working with people. So, like, because I'm a very, like, collaborative person, I don't like making decisions on my own. Like, you can ask my team. I do not make one decision on my own. Like, I. Even if I know I like something, like, and I love it, I will still ask them if they like it just so I can get the affirmation. And if they don't like it, I'll still do what I want to do. But, like, I'm very. Because that Makes me happy to, like, collect, collaborate. And so, like, if she were to use AI instead of, you know, hiring this team out of New York that she could fly and visit and it's exciting. And she's working with them collaboratively in person. Like, to me, that's depressing.

[A]

Yeah. I think that you will, like, companies will still need people, but instead, like, instead of needing 25, they're going to need, like, five.

[B]

I know.

[A]

So that's where I think, like, you're just going to create. I'm just worried about families getting pushed into a state of desperation and the gap widening between the haves and the have nots. Yeah, that's like. Because that's what creates historically civil unrest.

[B]

Maybe you should ask AI what you should do if you're in one of those roles.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, everyone.

[B]

How can I use you?

[A]

Everyone should be my job. Everyone should be using it. For sure.

[B]

Yeah, I use it sometimes.

[A]

I know.

[B]

I asked it yesterday. I was like, why do I have a tummy ache?

[A]

It's like, you ate three churros.

[B]

Yeah, you ate three churros, Danny. That'll be crazy. Whenever it, like, will sync up with, like, your aura ring. It probably does that.

[A]

No, it does.

[B]

It's like, well, Danny, like, we saw what you ate.

[A]

No, like, I kind of want one.

[B]

Of those toilets that, like, you know what? Have you heard of them? The bidets the Yvonne talks about all the time? The toilets that, like, take your stool or whatever and it will, like, tell you, like, what is, like, missing from your diet and, like, what. And it will.

[A]

Oh, really? That.

[B]

Why not?

[A]

I mean, no, it's a cool idea thing.

[B]

It will tell you, like, hey, you need to eat more fiber or, like, you ate too much sugar or, like, whatever. Like, that's so cool.

[A]

Yeah, I mean. I mean, it's cool. Yeah. I just.

[B]

Everybody's gonna have it one day, I'm saying.

[A]

Yeah, I know. It's true. It's true. Okay, well, this was.

[B]

We had to keep the episode short because I have to go get my hair highlighted because it's the last time I'm gonna go in before getting my. Be my. Getting my baby before I get my baby, so. But this was a good, deep episode.

[A]

This is a good, deep episode.

[B]

And then next year's Don't Hate Me. What's this? Brian David Ben.

[A]

No, he won't. I don't think you said anything mean about him.

[B]

No, I imagined he was sitting there the whole time I was talking. He can take it.

[A]

No, he's creatures and sneakers. No, he can take it. I just.

[B]

Yeah. Like, don't dish it if you can't take it. Just kidding. I feel like you.

[A]

You're like, no, no.

[B]

It's embarrassed by me.

[A]

No, I'm not embarrassed by you. I just. I. I want. I want him to have his chance.

[B]

I know, babe. I love him.

[A]

Y' all are both threes.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I think that that's also why you shouldn't be in this episode. Because every other three that you meet, like J.D. who used to work for us, like every other three you meet, you're like, I know you. I know what you're about, and I know how you think. So don't even try and fool me.

[B]

I know. That's what I feel about this guy. 100. That's why you need me. Okay. We love you guys. We'll talk to you later. Bye. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.