Our Untold Dating Story

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Our Untold Dating Story"
De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Release Date: November 21, 2024

In this heartfelt episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan, hosts Dani and Jordan Austin delve deep into their personal journey of how they met, the challenges they faced, and the growth they experienced together. Skipping past the lighter segments and advertisements, the couple offers listeners an intimate glimpse into their untold dating story, interwoven with updates on their personal lives and reflections on modern relationships.

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1. Personal Life Updates

Dani's Festive Attire and Holiday Preparations
The episode opens with Dani sharing her excitement over her festive holiday attire, inspired by Taylor Swift's makeup artist, Lori Turk. This choice led to a humorous exchange between Dani and Jordan about her "Christmas" look. “No, I am wearing the lipstick that Taylor Swift usually wears” (00:23), Dani explains, highlighting her keen eye for popular trends and her connection to the influencer industry.

Upcoming Family Events and Celebrations
Dani updates listeners about their brother's wedding scheduled for the weekend, expressing her excitement and the challenges involved in wedding planning. She humorously reveals her plan to surprise the couple with nine-foot LED robots as entertainment. “So I told them my budget. First of all, these things are outrageous... they were like, give me a second chance” (05:16), Dani shares, showcasing her creative and unconventional approach to event planning.

Pregnancy Journey
Dani discusses her pregnancy, currently at 30 weeks, and shares her observations comparing her current pregnancy with her previous one. “One of the girls that I work out with was like, you look so different. Like, she really aged you” (08:21), Dani remarks, offering insights into the physical and emotional changes she experiences. The couple also touches upon their excitement and the uncertainties about their baby's gender.

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2. Family Health Challenges

Grandma Goey's Health Struggles
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Dani’s grandmother, Goey, who recently suffered a stroke and is now in hospice care. Dani provides a poignant account of Goey's condition, her mental resilience despite physical limitations, and the emotional toll it has taken on the family. “She is so mentally there... I just want to go home” (12:00), Dani reflects, illustrating the deep bond and the impending loss they face.

Reflections on Goey’s Perspectives
Dani and Jordan discuss Goey’s perspectives on historical figures like President Nixon, revealing generational differences in viewpoints. “Everyone loved Nixon... he was beloved” (14:03), Dani recounts, highlighting how Goey’s opinions offer a different narrative from mainstream views.

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3. Their Love Story: How They Met

The core of the episode revolves around Dani and Jordan sharing their untold love story, providing listeners with an unfiltered account of their relationship's inception and evolution.

Initial Connection and Misunderstandings
Jordan begins recounting how he reached out to Dani on Facebook, initially mistaking her for a cousin. “I definitely reached out to Danny on Facebook, which I don't think was weird” (23:29), Jordan explains. Dani shares her initial skepticism, not recognizing Jordan as a potential partner. “I was so bored in a tanning bed... I had no idea there was another one” (23:51), she adds, setting the stage for their unconventional meeting scenario.

The First Date and Unexpected Turns
Their first meeting involved a workout video shoot with UT football players, which didn’t go as planned. Jordan describes bringing along a picnic blanket and his puppy, Hazel, which became the unexpected catalyst for their connection. “And then you were sitting there with Hazel... love at first sight” (36:22), Dani shares, emphasizing the immediate bond formed through Jordan’s adorable dog.

Navigating Personal Struggles
A significant challenge in their relationship was Jordan’s struggle with mental health and his use of SSRIs. Dani opens up about how Jordan’s depression and medication affected their early relationship. “I was a shell of a person... you were just not the same person” (47:05), she confesses. Jordan explains his battle with depression, overmedication, and the subsequent transformation after reducing his medication. “I was a shell of a person... I was a shell of a person” (48:54), Jordan shares candidly, highlighting the impact of mental health on their relationship.

Overcoming Obstacles Together
Despite the rocky start, Dani and Jordan detail how they supported each other through their personal struggles, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. Jordan reflects on his transformational journey, “It's a true miracle of grace that we were weathering all of those things together” (49:30). Dani emphasizes the importance of growth and mutual support, stating, “I knew that you had problems... we had to really work on work-life balance together” (58:09).

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4. Reflections on Modern Dating and Relationships

Embracing Imperfection and Growth
Dani and Jordan discuss the pitfalls of seeking perfection in modern dating, advocating for embracing each other's flaws and focusing on growth together. “A lot of girls are dating for perfection... it takes a woman to pull the best parts out of a man” (60:22), Dani advises, encouraging listeners to look beyond surface-level attributes.

The Evolution of Relationships
They highlight how relationships evolve over time, emphasizing that marrying someone means growing and transforming together. “I was marrying the beginning of a life with someone... someone I could grow with” (58:23), Dani reflects, underscoring the importance of potential and shared journeys over initial impressions.

Personal Growth and Mutual Support
Jordan adds, “You were always putting on a suit every single day... being the person you wanted to be” (42:26), illustrating how mutual support can lead to significant personal growth within a relationship.

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5. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In closing, Dani and Jordan reaffirm their commitment and appreciation for each other's growth and the journey they've undertaken together. They encourage listeners to value character, ambition, and the potential for growth in a partner over superficial qualities. “That's why we just fixed modern dating” (61:15), Jordan humorously concludes, emphasizing their belief in the strength of their relationship.

Conclusion
This episode serves as a profound exploration of Dani and Jordan's relationship, highlighting the complexities of modern dating, the significance of personal growth, and the power of mutual support. Their candid discussions on mental health, family challenges, and the essence of a meaningful partnership offer listeners valuable insights and inspiration for their own relationships.

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Notable Quotes:

• Dani Austin (00:23): "No, I am wearing the lipstick that Taylor Swift usually wears."

• Dani Austin (05:16): "So I told them my budget. First of all, these things are outrageous..."

• Dani Austin (12:00): "She is so mentally there... I just want to go home."

• Dani Austin (23:51): "I was so bored in a tanning bed... I had no idea there was another one."

• Dani Austin (36:22): "And then you were sitting there with Hazel... love at first sight."

• Dani Austin (47:05): "I was a shell of a person... you were just not the same person."

• Jordan Austin (49:30): "It's a true miracle of grace that we were weathering all of those things together."

• Dani Austin (60:22): "A lot of girls are dating for perfection... it takes a woman to pull the best parts out of a man."

• Jordan Austin (42:26): "You were always putting on a suit every single day... being the person you wanted to be."

• Jordan Austin (61:15): "That's why we just fixed modern dating."

---

This episode offers a raw and honest portrayal of Dani and Jordan's relationship journey, making it a relatable and inspiring listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern love and personal growth.

Transcript

[Dani Austin]

The following podcast is a Dear Media production. Hello, and welcome back to your favorite podcast, the Influence. Do you notice anything special about me today?

[Jordan Austin]

You're dressed like Christmas.

[Dani Austin]

No.

[Jordan Austin]

Shoot. No.

[Dani Austin]

Okay. I am wearing the lipstick that Taylor Swift usually.

[Jordan Austin]

There was no way I was gonna guess that.

[Dani Austin]

Taylor Swift's makeup artist, who I follow, she's very discreet. She posts nothing. I'm sure she's got some heavy NDAs.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

She shared a link to the lipstick that Taylor Swift wears, and it, like, immediately sold out.

[Jordan Austin]

How many followers? Yeah. What's her name?

[Dani Austin]

Lori Turk. Taylor Swift's makeup artist is Lori Turk.

[Jordan Austin]

How did you find out that this is her makeup artist? This.

[Dani Austin]

Because I know everything. Taylor Swift has, like, a team. Like, she has a stylist that she always works with, a hair girl that has always done her hair. A makeup artist. Like, these people go way back with her.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And so Lori is. Has always been her makeup artist. Anyway. Like, I follow Lori, you know, she never pops up. And then all of a sudden, Lori Turk is on my stories, posting a story. I'm like, what's she doing? All she does is probably follow Taylor Swift around. And. And she posted the red nars lipstick that Taylor Swift wears. Here's the thing.

[Jordan Austin]

Was it a commissionable link?

[Dani Austin]

No. And I was like, girlfriend, you could have quit your job and, like, you just be a little blogger now. Makeup. A beauty guru. But no, I'm sure Taylor takes really good care of her, honestly. But I. The only thing was the creamy version that Taylor wears was sold out, so I bought the velvet version. So I'm actually wearing the. It's not the exact same. The same color. Anyway, so, yes, I am dressed like Christmas. I got this. I. I panicked. I panic. Ordered because I saw all the bloggers start posting their Christmas decor the day after Halloween. And, you know, it's always been the day after Thanksgiving that we start posting Christmas decor. And I panicked. So I went on Amazon and was like, okay, I can't buy Christmas decor. Like, I just. Let me buy some Christmas sweaters. So I bought the sweater. So.

[Jordan Austin]

Wow.

[Dani Austin]

And a. In a. In a welcome mat.

[Jordan Austin]

You know what's so funny? We're matching and we didn't even plan it.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, there's only. There's only really seven colors out there, so the chances are pretty high. Pretty high. But. So what else is going on? We. Okay, we have a. Did I tell you that I did it?

[Jordan Austin]

Did what?

[Dani Austin]

Okay, so the wedding. My brother's wedding is this weekend. It's a miracle. Did you ever think we would be saying this.

[Jordan Austin]

Well, yeah. I mean, three. What? Three seasons of the Matchmaker?

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, three seasons. Three seasons. And I'm so excited. I'm so obsessed with Olivia. They moved back to Nashville, as you guys know. That's probably where they're going to end up for good, and. Which I hate. But it's okay. I understand that. They love it.

[Jordan Austin]

I don't know. You might be close to moving there on the path that you're on.

[Dani Austin]

We'll see. Maybe when I finish the book, we'll talk about it, but. Okay. So I really wanted to. This wedding process has been very stressful for them. And sweet Olivia, she's so sweet that I think that sometimes she. It's hard for her to make decisions because she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, which is just. It's the best thing about her, because I'm like, olivia, who cares? It's your wedding. You do what you want to do. And she's like, I want everybody to be happy and comfortable and, like, it's really sweet.

[Jordan Austin]

We're so. Olivia and I are such a counterbalance to the Austin family. Yeah, a great counterbalance to the Austin family.

[Dani Austin]

It's. It's so true. Like, we need y'all. So I called their. And I'm sharing this because this will come out after their wedding.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I don't know how I'm gonna surprise them. Did I already talk about this on the podcast? No. Okay.

[Jordan Austin]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Dani Austin]

So I called their wedding planner, and I was like, is there anything that Landon Olivia really wanted for their wedding, but they cut because of budget? Like, you know, or they just, like, decided it wasn't smart and they wanted to spend money, like, in a smarter way. And she's like, oh, well, there was this room that there. There's, like, a cocktail hour in, and Olivia really wanted to drape one side of it to make it feel more intimate. I was like, no, no, no. I was like, no, I'm not doing drapes. I was like, okay, what else? And she's like, well, there's, like, you can get, like, a wedding stylist, and she can come the day of and help all the bridesmaids. And I'm like, no, no, no, no. I'm like, I'm looking for, like, the wow factor. I'm looking for the oohs and the ahs. And she was like, well, there was something that your brother really wanted. I was like, tell me more. She's like, we have these Nine foot LED robots that come and dance on the dance floor and like, break dance on the dance. And your brother was really excited about them, but they were just like, it didn't make sense at the budget. And I was like, yes.

[Jordan Austin]

Bingo.

[Dani Austin]

Bingo.

[Jordan Austin]

I was like, they're nine feet tall.

[Dani Austin]

I don't. I don't remember. I think I said nine foot, cuz I just bought that nine foot nutcracker. No, I think they're. No, I'm sorry. I think they're taller. They walk around on stilts.

[Jordan Austin]

Wait, wait, they like as in.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, I got two. So I told them my budget. First of all, these things are outrageous. Okay? Let me tell you. At first I was like, you know, I want to put a couple grand in there. Like, I want it to be a big. Like, this is. I love them. This is my. The only. Like, this is the most important wedding of the year for me. And she told me that for like. I mean, I think it was for like two. It was for two robots. It was me, like six grand or something.

[Jordan Austin]

Wait, can you guys up? Yeah, I have to see these.

[Dani Austin]

So my. I got the discounted version. I got the tissue.

[Jordan Austin]

It's from like Alibaba. They like explode and it becomes a fire hazard.

[Dani Austin]

They like glue those little glow sticks on them.

[Jordan Austin]

Like, wait, so I'm just so confused. These are robots.

[Dani Austin]

But here's the thing. I haven't told them yet. And the thing I told that. And I'm really trusting the wedding planet planner here because I was like, listen, like, what if Olivia didn't want these? Yeah, like, what if this was like. Like, Landon thought it was cool. And Olivia was like, no, that's tacky. And she was like, no, no, like, Olivia thought it was cool too. And I was like, okay, well, I'm trusting you because we're gonna have nine foot LED robots on the dance floor.

[Jordan Austin]

So is the moment that they are gonna find this out the moment these, like, come out from the smoke machine, like, onto the dance floor, and everyone's just like. Everyone's just like, what is this?

[Dani Austin]

So I. I don't know. I haven't planned it out yet how. How it's gonna happen. Maybe I just won't say anything. And I'll be like, I don't know. And if it goes over a ball, I'll be like, it was me.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh my gosh. I mean, Landon will for sure freak out. Everyone else is going to be in a state of utter confusion.

[Dani Austin]

Let's see.

[Jordan Austin]

But it will get the party started. 100. So you're telling me those are robots or that's a costume that someone gets.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. It's a costume that somebody gets in.

[Jordan Austin]

Okay, that's what I was confused about, Danny.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

[Jordan Austin]

I was like. You bought nine foot robots?

[Dani Austin]

Like, no, but look how cool they look. You don't like it?

[Jordan Austin]

No, it's. It's.

[Dani Austin]

Your face is not.

[Jordan Austin]

No, it's incredible. It's incredible.

[Dani Austin]

Look at it dance.

[Jordan Austin]

So you both had to hire someone to be on the stilts?

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, that's why they were so expensive.

[Jordan Austin]

So.

[Dani Austin]

And this is a good market if anybody's looking for a job. There's so many ways to make money these days. Oh, my God.

[Jordan Austin]

You know how, like, Jake Paul walks out with that robot when he boxes?

[Dani Austin]

Yes.

[Jordan Austin]

That's what it reminded me of. And that's what it looks like. That's crazy.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. So that'll be me. I guess if they need a third one, I could suit up.

[Jordan Austin]

Babe, you can't do that. You. You got a bunch of hate for being on a ladder.

[Dani Austin]

People are so upset about my ladder content. And I'm like, don't tell me what to do. Like, I'm a woman still. I'm not, like, gonna be a bedridden. It just, you know, it's so crazy. I was looking back at Stratton's. What?

[Jordan Austin]

Nothing.

[Dani Austin]

What?

[Jordan Austin]

It's just most of the time you are better.

[Dani Austin]

No, I know. I. It's true. It's true. But I was looking back at. You're not going to believe this. So I'm 30 weeks pregnant right now.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Or my 31. Whatever. And I was looking back, I was scrolling because, you know, I always like to compare my pregnancies to just make myself feel horrible, you know, to be like, wow, I was so fit with Stella and now look at me and you know. Or the wrinkles. Are the wrinkles the same? And one of the girls that I work out with was like, you look so different. Like, you really. It really aged you. Like, she just told me straight up.

[Jordan Austin]

And I was like, what was it that Taryn said about your booty?

[Dani Austin]

Oh, yeah, she said I had like a. She said I had a black girl booty right now.

[Jordan Austin]

I'm sorry.

[Dani Austin]

And I was like.

[Jordan Austin]

She came up to me and said that too. And I was like, yeah, I was like, I'll take.

[Dani Austin]

Only happens, like, what? You know, when I'm pregnant. But anyway, so what was I talking about?

[Jordan Austin]

Where you were at with your 31 weeks with Stratton.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, okay. So I was looking at my pictures when I was. I was about 26, 27 weeks pregnant with Stratton. Do you know that's when I ran the 10K with Ellie, like, competitively, like, at a very good pace. Like, that was four weeks ago.

[Jordan Austin]

That's crazy.

[Dani Austin]

Four weeks ago, I would have run a 10K and, like, done it. Not just to finish it, like, to get a good pace. And I wasn't even in pain. Do you remember four weeks ago, I was, like, bedridden, like, screaming from how much my back hurt. I've had so many problems this pregnancy. But that's why. So this is my theory. I think it's a girl. Because I think that when you have a girl, and I'm totally making this up. This is not scientific. I think when you have a girl, more of those hormones, like, the relaxin is released. You have more estrogen, maybe or something, and it loosens your. Your muscle or your bones more, and it. So everything is more in pain and you're more nauseous, and it's just, like, it hits you more than, like, a boy. I think boys, you don't have as many hormones.

[Jordan Austin]

Interesting.

[Dani Austin]

So that's why I think my. Remember with Stella, I was in a lot of back pain, too, and pelvic bone pain. And then Stratton, I was running 10Ks.

[Jordan Austin]

I can't. Yeah, that's crazy.

[Dani Austin]

Stratton. I. I didn't have the back pain. I barely went to the chiropractor until, like, the very, very, like, last month.

[Jordan Austin]

Sorry. My brain is, like, churning on if our family has another girl. Like, I just can't picture it. I just picture Stratton with a brother.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, See, I picture a girl like a sister. I think.

[Jordan Austin]

I think you're wrong, though.

[Dani Austin]

I think you're wrong. So. Yeah, we'll see. It'll be very fun. You and my mom are, like, so convinced it's a boy and. But yeah, so we. We're excited for that. I've been trying to set up more for Christmas, get our Christmas card photos done. I always host Christmas, which will be interesting. Hosting Christmas a month before I'm due. Yeah, I don't feel like people usually do that, but that will be fun. My goie. We went to go see Goey. Yeah. So crazy. Not to get, like, too deep, but.

[Jordan Austin]

You can go deep.

[Dani Austin]

Okay. My. In the same week, my grandma, my mom's mom had a stroke and, like, can't use her legs anymore and can't, like, talk or even kind of like breathe on her own. She's gonna have to be like fed through her stomach now. And so that was really sad. And then the same week Goe went into hospice. But I don't. That's what my. An uncle called it. But it's like a nurse that's coming to her. But technically it's called hospice because she is, she's 98. And here's the thing. Went to go visit her and she is so mentally there. Like she's telling us, oh my gosh, she's telling us about how like when Eisenhower was president and Nixon and.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I was like, what you think about the debate? And she's telling me her opinions and she watches and reads everything. But she is now bedridden. She's like immobile and she's having a hard time eating. So that's why they've moved her to hospice. And you know, I call her, I call her, I'm like, hey, go. Just waiting for God to take me. I just want to go home. Like she's just so ready to go. And the thing is I'm really close with Goy and I like Goey has always been very close to me in my life and so that will be really sad. But. But I also know that she's like in so much pain and she just wants to be with Jesus so bad. So I do feel like I'll have like peace about it. But it would be, it will be very, very sad because like she's my go. She's really the only grandparent I was like ever really close with.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. You know what's so interesting is that she. We talked about fluoride in the water.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, she's the one that used to call me and be like, are you brushing or are you drinking tap water? It's good for your teeth.

[Jordan Austin]

So she admitted though, cuz I talked to her about this and I was like, you know, they just came out with these studies which what the odds.

[Dani Austin]

That we talk about fluoride and then RFK makes all those posts about fluoride. We did not plan that.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, we did not plan this at all. Like I felt like we were so early on fluoride in this topic and then everyone starts talking about fluoride. But anyway, I asked Goie about it and she was like, yeah, at the time, like we just didn't know any better. Like I thought that that's what the government wanted us to do. And I said, how do you feel now? And she was like, I don't trust a single thing the government's ever done to me.

[Dani Austin]

Go. We always really trusted the government.

[Jordan Austin]

No, she really did.

[Dani Austin]

She did.

[Jordan Austin]

It was the time.

[Dani Austin]

But even when I was, like, in elementary school.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. You know, the other thing that she said was that Nixon was a very, very popular president.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. Everybody loved him. Like, beloved.

[Jordan Austin]

Yes. Beloved president. And it. I've kind of felt like this. I've never, like, dug into this, but I've wanted to kind of revisit, like, the actual Nixon, because all we know about him is, like, Watergate. Like, that's what he is branded as and known as.

[Dani Austin]

So one of my favorite influencers. I follow. Her name is L. Liz P. Woods. Do you follow her?

[Jordan Austin]

Well, she.

[Dani Austin]

She comments on, like, pop culture and stuff, and she posted, like, a really funny tweet, and it was like. It was like the entire country, like, loved Nixon. Like, he was.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Like, defied so many odds where everyone loved him. And it was like, imagine the imposter syndrome that Nixon felt where he felt like he still had to commit Watergate, even though everyone loved him, that he.

[Jordan Austin]

Still had to commit, that he still.

[Dani Austin]

Went through, like, with that Watergate happened. Like, the fact that he was, like, so loved, yet he had so much imposter syndrome that that still happened. Does that make sense?

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, no, it makes sense. I think the only reason I'm struggling with this is, like, I don't really know. I'm not going to comment on this because I don't know much about Watergate, but, like, was it a setup?

[Dani Austin]

Okay, we're not. We'll go. We'll get into that next.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. But, yeah, I was. It was crazy that, that, that. That Goey, like, said that Nixon was so beloved.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. And I think it was like, our.

[Jordan Austin]

Interpretation of him is so branded differently.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

Because of, like, I grew up just being like, oh, Nixon was the evil president.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

You know, we never heard about the other side.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

It's crazy.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. So it's hard for me to imagine someone like, that is so mentally there. Like, when I see her and, you know, everybody's like, she's in hospice. You don't know. We don't know what's going to happen. I'm like, she's there, though. 100. I. I can't imagine someone being, like, so there, like, passing away. I. I don't know.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

But so prayers for Goie. And it would be amazing to have another Christmas with her. Another. And I always tell her this. I always tell this because she. She's been saying since she was, like, 95. Like, every time I called her, she's like, all my friends are dead. Like, I'm just waiting for the good Lord. And I vividly remember in second grade walking the hallways of Brentfield elementary and praying to God, like, begging God as, like, a second grader, please let my goy live to be a hundred years old. Please let my goy be a hundred years old. And so every single time she calls me and says, I'm like, go. I'm sorry. It's my fault. I'm the one that did it. I've been praying, asking for you to live to 100, she's like, why'd you do that to me? Why'd you go do that? So anyway, she called.

[Jordan Austin]

She. She called me Jordan. She usually calls me Jason. It's kind of a running joke at this point.

[Dani Austin]

Even at the wedding?

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, at the wedding, she's like, okay.

[Dani Austin]

You look like a Jason.

[Jordan Austin]

I'm so proud that my Danny girl is marrying Jason.

[Dani Austin]

Besides, Jordan's name, she's totally there. So. And then the other, you know, switching gears, I had a lovely time at my baby sprinkle. People were wondering, what's the difference between a baby shower and a baby sprinkle?

[Jordan Austin]

I was wondering the same.

[Dani Austin]

They're just like, baby sprinkles are like a lesser version of a shower. Like a shower. You go all out. Like, I didn't create a registry. I didn't. Like, it was just a. It's like a sprinkle.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. So like, after two kids, you're like, let's just do sprinkles.

[Dani Austin]

I had to sprinkle last one, too. But I. To be honest, I don't really want to do anything because, you know, I just feel so sick and tired most of the time, and. But then my friends were like, you have to. So they did it and they planned it. There were like, 10 people. It was so sweet.

[Jordan Austin]

It was meaningful, probably.

[Dani Austin]

It was really meaningful. We just hang, had good food, no pressure. Like, it was the perfect baby sprinkle. And honestly, it. It really did. It was good for me because it, like, actually, I was like, whoa, like, I'm having a baby, you know?

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. It hasn't really hit me yet either, but it usually doesn't hit me until, like, pops right out of there.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And then I'm like, whoa, we have a baby.

[Dani Austin]

But not knowing if it's a boy or girl really makes it hard to digest.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Does that make sense?

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. So sort of way. That's my. That's my life.

[Jordan Austin]

That's my life. That's me.

[Dani Austin]

That's me.

[Jordan Austin]

If you've heard of Ozempic or WeGovy, you've probably heard three things. They're effective, but they're expensive and they're hard to get. That's where RO comes in. We've talked about Ozempic here on the podcast as it took the Internet by storm and proved be really helpful for those in need. With the heightened awareness of GLP1s and what they can do for people who are overweight, it became harder to access. That's where robody comes in. We're huge fans in this house of getting medical care and support you need. Conveniently, through RO, you can access prescription compounded GLP1s with the same weight loss ingredient as brand names GLP1s at a fraction of the cost. RO has compounded GLP1s in stock. Now you can get it in one to four days if you qualify. ROE members have support throughout the entire process. If eligible for medication, patients have access to their provider on demand for any questions and you can see if you qualify from the comfort of your own home. This means no scheduling a doctor's appointment, no commute to the doctor's office, and no waiting rooms, which may eliminate a barrier for someone. A GLP one can help if prescribed. Your medication ships directly to you in one to four days. Go to ro co dani. The memberships start at just $99 for your first month. Medication costs are separate. That's ro company. To learn more go to rode.com safety for black box warnings and full safety information. Compounded medication is not required to and does not receive FDA review or approval. RX only.

[Dani Austin]

Oh guys, you know how much our family loves Minky Couture blankets. I'm most upset because Stella steals mine all the time and she's never stolen my blankets before, but she's obsessed. I actually am gonna order her like the kids version. They're seriously the softest, coziest blankets ever and they just look so luxurious when you have them out on your sofa in your bed. We have one just in about every room in our house and so I can have one available at all times because that's how much we love them. Mickey Couture is the creator of the original Hugs blanket, a stretchy, plush and double sided blanket that hugs you right back. That's so true. I didn't realize how much they like they have like a stretch to them. It really does feel like a hug. That's why our family loves them so much. Mickey Couture is a female owned business love that started by a mother who wanted to provide luxurious comfort to her daughter. Plus they are also passionate about giving back to the community, donating over 30,000 mini minkies to NICUs across the country every year. There are so many different colors and sizes. There's a Minky for everyone in your life which means it is the perfect gift for loved ones this holiday season. Stella and Stratton love them so much that they have actually asked for the kids sized ones for Christmas. It's seriously the best blanket ever. It's so soft. The most luxurious feeling and looking blanket I've ever owned. You guys have to try them and right now you can get them for half off. Visit soft minky blankets.com and use code D influence 50 at checkout for 50 off of all full price blankets. That's softminky blankets.com use code D influence 50 for 50 off of all full priced blankets. Truly the best holiday Christmas gift for pretty much anyone in your family.

[Jordan Austin]

It is that time of year again. The cold is coming even in Texas, which is why I'm so excited to tell you about our recent Pajama Obsession Cozy Earth pajamas. Y'all know we are a sucker for good quality comfort, especially this far along in Danny's pregnancy. And during the holiday season this is the best time of year to lounge around with your family in pajamas making new memories. Cozy Earth has the softest, comfiest pajamas for both men and women that are designed for those cherished moments of relaxation ensuring you feel cozy and stylish all season long. Plus, y'all know we love our Cozy Earth bamboo sheet set. I actually found this on Reddit when we were looking for a solution to Danny's night sweats. We saw that these were recommended and we've never looked back. We absolutely love them and we think that they'd be a great gift for loved ones this holiday season. Their products have a hundred night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty. You just can't go wrong. Visit cozyearth.com Danny and use our exclusive 40% off code Danny to give the gift of luxury this holiday season. If you get a post purchase survey say that you heard about Cozy Earth from this podcast. Wrap the ones you love in luxury with Cozy Earth.

[Dani Austin]

You know with the wedding coming up I thought we could maybe go into a lot of people like on our podcasts or that follow us. Probably don't know about our love story.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh my gosh, let's go down Memory lane.

[Dani Austin]

Do you want to give a brief recap of how we met?

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, I'll give my version and then you give your version.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, we've already told the story, so just do a brief one.

[Jordan Austin]

Okay. So I. I definitely reached out to Danny on Facebook, which I don't think was weird.

[Dani Austin]

I thought you were my cousin. My primo. My primo because your last name was Ramirez. I was like, oh, you know another one. I had no idea. There's another one.

[Jordan Austin]

Looking back, it is pretty shocking that.

[Dani Austin]

You ever responded and I never replied to. I was in a tanning bed.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

That's the only reason I replied is I was so bored in a tanning bed that I was like, I'm gonna go check my Facebook messages that I literally never check. And I was a senior, and I was just like, I'm gonna do it because I have nothing else to do in this little tube. And I thought, my cousin reached out. I gotta meet this guy. And. And I think I clicked on you. And it said that you worked for a company in San Antonio.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I was like, san Antonio? San Antonio.

[Jordan Austin]

El Mercado.

[Dani Austin]

El Mercado. He probably works with, like, he's like a second cousin or something. I looked at you and I go, he doesn't look like my cousins.

[Jordan Austin]

No. Realistically, I feel like we didn't know each other, but we knew a lot of the same people because we were.

[Dani Austin]

Like, I did not know that many people that you knew.

[Jordan Austin]

Well, I knew the people that you knew.

[Dani Austin]

That makes more sense. I did not. You had zero mutual friends with me. Okay.

[Jordan Austin]

It's so funny because it's so true, but I knew, like, you were. You were, like, friends with all of the popular young life kids and.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, the popular, like, Christian kids.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, the popular Christian kids. That's perfect way of saying it.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And I was like. And then I. I think the way I found you was on the Facebook news feed. I saw one of your videos. It was the Meaning of Marriage. The Meaning of Marriage. You were reviewing a Tim Keller book. And I was like, oh, popular Christian girl. Very thoughtful. Like, you reviewed the book, and it was like, I don't know why you did. It was very different than your other videos, wasn't it?

[Dani Austin]

Not the time.

[Jordan Austin]

Not at the time.

[Dani Austin]

I talked a lot about, like, one of my. So when I first started making videos, all my videos were about things I wish a sister taught me. And I had gone to LA and met girls that were just talking about how they were gonna have, like, seven or eight husbands. So I felt very called to share what I thought marriage was about. And I felt like it was a time in culture where, like, you know, like, sex was just, like, being thrown around. Like, it was like, whatever. Marriage was just like, oh, another husband. So I felt. I remember reading that book and being like, dang. Like, I feel like I need to tell people, like, what marriage is for.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. I think at the time when I saw you shoot that video, babe, I.

[Dani Austin]

Did a book review today.

[Jordan Austin]

You did it a day.

[Dani Austin]

No, it's a day. The anxious generation.

[Jordan Austin]

But at the time, like, I mean, yeah, you're right. But, I mean, your career is so much more evolved than it was back then. Like, I mean, I went to your other videos and it was like, not for me at all. It was like, you, like, doing try on hauls and, like, makeup tutorials and things like that. But anyway, I saw that video and I remember the first thing I thought about you is I was like, oh, she's connected to a lot of cool people. And I just was so impressed with how thoughtful and smart you were. Talking about, like, that topic of, you know, what should a Christian marriage look like? It was. I don't think I had ever seen another female college girl, like, doing that.

[Dani Austin]

Before and making videos.

[Jordan Austin]

Making videos or being so thoughtful and, like, processing such a pretty dense book, which was like, the meaning of marriage. And so I was like, oh, she's got a really good head on her shoulders. And I don't remember what my first Facebook message said. Do you remember?

[Dani Austin]

You wanna pull it up?

[Jordan Austin]

Do you have it?

[Dani Austin]

Well, yeah. I mean, doesn't Facebook store everything for some reason? You told me that you invited me to go do a video shoot with all these UT football players.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. So I. I think my setup was pretty great. Great. What I did was you knew how to, like.

[Dani Austin]

And then you had a puppy dog.

[Jordan Austin]

Yep. I pulled out all the stops. So I had.

[Dani Austin]

Are we even friends on Facebook? Do you even have a Facebook?

[Jordan Austin]

I don't have Facebook anymore.

[Dani Austin]

Dang.

[Jordan Austin]

So it probably deleted my message.

[Dani Austin]

Dang.

[Jordan Austin]

Did you ever screenshot it?

[Dani Austin]

No. I wonder if it. Man. Let's see. I mean, I haven't been on Facebook in forever. I don't even know how to get to your messages. Oh, here we go. Okay. This episode is brought to you by Saks.com and I am so grateful because it is that time of year again, y'all. The holidays are upon us, and finding the perfect gift, those cute holiday outfits and more can be such a struggle. This is why I love shopping sex.com it makes it so easy to find great gifts for those that you love. Saks.com's holiday gift guide makes it easy to find presents for hard to shop people. From the viral Celine sunglasses your college age daughter has been wanting to the Chloe bag you've had your eye on for months, Saks.com has it all. Plus it makes it so easy for this pregnant mama to make sure I get all of my shopping done before baby number three arrives without having to worry about crowded stores and long lines. It truly is making my life so much easier this holiday season. It goes beyond even beyond clothes. You know your girl loves to shop cute home decor for the holiday season and Saks.com has me covered. And you can make wish lists which is so helpful for me because we have so many family members and friends I need to shop for. Being able to shop off their list just makes my life so much easier to just get everyone exactly what they want for the holidays. Find gifts guaranteed to bring joy to every. Hardest shop for a person this [e-mail] oh, speaking of Christmas gifts, Speaking of the holiday season. It's that time of year and I'm so excited to be in the kitchen cooking. Okay, that's a lie. I'm not really excited to be in the kitchen Cookie. But I have to. And if I'm gonna do it, it's gonna be for my kids. And it's all thanks to Caraway Cook in their cooking set that I feel so confident and excited to be chefing it up for my fam with the fall weather. I've been thinking about trying to cook some yummy fall recipes like Super Pasta. And with my Caraway pans, being ceramic means it's easy to clean even for recipes that require hours of simmering and roasting. Like I don't know why but every fall season I start to make chicken and dumplings. Remember I went really hard with Year. So good. So good. Their chemical free ceramic coating makes cooking and clean cleanup easy and it's non toxic. Y'all know we are always trying to use non toxic cookware in this house and this cookware set is completely non toxic and is made with without any toxic materials like pfas. Pfas? Yeah, pfas, ptfe, PFOA or any hard to pronounce other hard to pronounce chemicals. This means it's tornado approved too. As a mom, making sure you I'm using non toxic cookware in my house is a must and this set makes me feel good about the meals we're giving our kids. Plus they're so stinking cute. We got the cookware set in the white iconic color and I'm obsessed with how they look in my kitchen. The set comes with the saute pan, fry pan, Dutch oven and saucepan, plus lids for all of them, a canvas lid holder and magnetic pan rack for storage. It's the ultimate kitchen setup and it will save you $150 because you won't have to buy the items individually. That's a good set. With the holidays around the corner, the Caraway cookware set is the perfect way to feel good about the meals you're making. Not only for your everyday life, but for those big holiday parties too. You know, I'm hosting Christmas here, so mama's gonna get cooking also, you know, I'm having a friendsgiving soon and they put me, well, at first they put me on the bread and I was like, guys, stop it. I want something harder. So I'm making a pie.

[Jordan Austin]

Wow.

[Dani Austin]

So yeah, this cook care set is a perfect holly gift. For those who just moved into their first home, newlyweds and first time parents or even grandparents, the holidays are closer than ever, so get their gift or yours in time. Visit careway home.comdani to take advantage of this limited time offer for up to 20% off your next purchase. Again, that's carway to home.comjanie to get new kitchenware before the holidays. Caraway non toxic cookware made modern.

[Jordan Austin]

Speaking of making cooking for the holidays easier, I want to talk to you about Good Ranchers. The holiday is upon us and our schedules are busier than ever, which can make it extra hard to make sure we are eating good quality meats. This is where good ranchers come in. Y'all know both Danny and I love a product that is 100% American made, which means it's locally sourced and no seed oils, antibiotics or hormones. So you can feel good with what you and your family are putting in your body. The best part is it comes directly to my door. And as working parents, this is a lifesaver for us. They send perfectly portioned cuts for everyday meals. It's also great for those big family get togethers that the holidays can bring. And I personally love it because it is perfect for those of us on our health journey. Since they have a huge selection including wild caught salmon. Good Ranchers allows for you to have a home cooked, healthy meal without the hassle of going to the grocery store. With Good Ranchers, I'm saving time, energy and money during the busiest season of the year. It allows us to have more time with our kids and less time in long lines. It will also be a lifesaver once baby number three arrives this winter. And right now, if you subscribe to any box and use the code Danny, you'll get 25% off, free shipping and a free add on for a whole four years. That means when you subscribe to any of their boxes, you get to decide if you want extra plain chicken breasts, Angus ground beef, applewood smoked bacon, or wild caught salmon in every order for four years. It's the perfect way to ensure you always have high quality American meat in your kitchen. Don't miss out. Use our code Danny to claim this promo worth over $1,200 and bring 100% American meat to your meals through 2028. Goodranchers.com American meat delivered.

[Dani Austin]

But what were you saying?

[Jordan Austin]

So I was running the marketing for a tech startup at the time, which mean I had. Means I had a budget and I had a nice camera and I was doing a commercial shoot and I said, you know what? I said, I think I should invite this girl to see if she wants to come. And I knew you weren't going to come for me. And so I invited two of the UT football players. Sam. And was it Sam and Emmanuel?

[Dani Austin]

The Acho brothers. Both the Ocho were like big time at the time.

[Jordan Austin]

Big time. I mean, he's like a sportscaster now.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And you know, I said, hey, we have a red camera, which is like a very expensive camera, which I had.

[Dani Austin]

Just learned what a red, red camera camera was because I was out at YouTube space and they had told me it was like a hundred thousand dollar camera. And this is back in the era of influencing when, you know, you couldn't. I couldn't even hire a videographer or hire a photographer because no one understood the business of creator. So if I tried to hire a videographer or photographer, it would have cost me thousands of dollars when I'm just trying to make another video for a Tuesday. Like, I don't need to spend thousands of dollars on production. I have like a hundred dollar budget, you know. So Jordan's over here offering me to. He's like, you can come shoot on red camera. He's. He said, I think I DM'd you back. I was like, can I have the footage for my channel? And you were like, yes. And it was gonna be workout footage. And I was like, oh, I'll do like a workout vlog or something. And. And then he said, you're gonna meet football players. And I was like.

[Jordan Austin]

So I was like, hook?

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And then the line was like, you can share the footage. And then the sinker was. I had. At the time, Hazel was probably, what, like, six weeks old? So, like, this miniature golden retriever puppy. And I also don't know if you ever acknowledged this, but I showed up late.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, you weren't there.

[Jordan Austin]

Fashionably late.

[Dani Austin]

I honestly wasn't looking for you.

[Jordan Austin]

That's so true.

[Dani Austin]

I'm not gonna lie. I didn't notice that you weren't there. I was actually more upset that the Ocho brothers weren't there. You guys brought in a football player from, like, Texas Tech. And, like, I was like, oh, Tech attack. Like, I'm not marrying somebody.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh, my gosh. I remember that.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. I was very disappointed. He was cute. Like, I was like, oh, maybe. But then he went to Tech, and I was like, absolutely not. Like, I'm marrying Longhorn. Like, I was like. And. And then Chris Burke was there.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And then some other guy with long. Ryan.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, Ryan.

[Dani Austin]

Red hair, right? Long hair.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I really liked Ryan a lot.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh, no, no, no. It was the photographer.

[Dani Austin]

Ryan.

[Jordan Austin]

Do you have red hair or black hair?

[Dani Austin]

He had blonde hair. He was a little bit skinnier.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. I don't know who does.

[Dani Austin]

He was nice. Honestly, I was. I was kind of open for him. But, no, like, we. The funniest thing about it was you told me it was gonna be a workout video, and they brought a bicycle, and there's. If anybody that really knows me knows I do not do well on two wheels. Like, and so I had to. They followed me on the back of this truck while I was running, like, jogging. And this footage ended up being amazing. Like, I don't know where it is. It's on one of my hard drives. Yeah, it is. And riding a bicycle, wearing this wearable, this, like, fitness wearable.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I really. I'll be honest with you, I had no intention. You were not even on my radar. But I was leaving, and you had set up a picnic blanket and, you know.

[Jordan Austin]

Picnic blank.

[Dani Austin]

Huh. And you were sitting there with Hazel.

[Jordan Austin]

Okay.

[Dani Austin]

And.

[Jordan Austin]

And then I was also. You were like, did you walk here? And I was like, oh, yeah. I live right there at Sky House.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. It did not impress me. Like, I was not. It was not interested at all. But your dog Hazel was like. I mean, I tell. I'm telling you, like, love at first sight. I was like, I know that this person will be in my life because of this dog. Like, I was so obsessed with Hazel, and so. Yeah. Then I don't remember how we, like, connected again after that. Like, I don't remember the next time we spoke.

[Jordan Austin]

No, I think the next time that we.

[Dani Austin]

The date.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, it was the date.

[Dani Austin]

Oh. But I was going on dates with this other guy at the time, Andrew Gary.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh, yes.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

Yes. The. The fly fisherman. I think he's a fly fisherman.

[Dani Austin]

I think he is. I don't know.

[Jordan Austin]

Talk about a guy who could teach your kids to hunt.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. Yeah. He's very outdoorsy, and he's very. He was very, like, involved in, like, the Christian.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, he was. He was part of the cool guys.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

For sure.

[Dani Austin]

And he was a. Was. He was in a fraternity.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Was it. S. Up? Yeah, probably. Yeah. Yeah. And he. He was friends with, like, all my friends and. But it's funny. We were friends all through college, and I never, ever, like, looked at him or thought of him as, like, in a romantic way. And then one night we were at a party, we just started making out. It was just. It was crazy.

[Jordan Austin]

You're like, this is crazy. I used to have a hearth appliance. Look at me now.

[Dani Austin]

But it was funny because we were, like, best friends, like, for four years. And then it almost was, like, weird. It was, like, weird. I was like, you're like my brother. Like, this is not okay. So anyway, I don't think I ever thought I was gonna actually marry him. Marry him. But, you know, senior couple in that.

[Jordan Austin]

Season of life, where were you at? Were you just, like, looking to have fun and date someone, or were you like.

[Dani Austin]

No, I. I've never, ever been, like, the girl that's, like, I want to date to just have fun.

[Jordan Austin]

Right.

[Dani Austin]

Like, I. I would have. If anything, I would have. My two options were, like, go pursue my career and, like, make a name for myself and. But if I am going to date someone, like, it's going to be my husband.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Like, I was never, like, have a boyfriend. Have a boyfriend. It just made abs. That. That made absolutely no sense to me.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

It just was not something I would have done, so. But I honestly didn't think that I was going to meet anyone because I had been at UT for four years and I hadn't met anyone that I really thought I would marry, So I always assumed it was going to be somebody I met outside of school.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

But I was very much on my. Like, I was the opportunistic girl. Like, if there was a boy.

[Jordan Austin]

Hustler.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. If there was a boy that I Liked. Or that was interested in me. Like, I always, like, gave it a chance where, like, I would have the conversations, I would go on the date. I was not, like, picky whatsoever.

[Jordan Austin]

I think what. I think early on, like, what intimidated me the most probably about you, was that you definitely weren't, like, desperate to get married, which sometimes happens in, like, the Christian girl circle. You know, you can just kind of like. I feel like guys can kind of tell, like, hey, you're looking for a husband.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And you were not that easy to impress, in my opinion, because you had such a weird life. Like, you were, like, going back and forth from la. You had this.

[Dani Austin]

I was also dating that, like, famous frizzy player.

[Jordan Austin]

Yes. Yes. Oh, my gosh. Yeah. He was on ESPN on, like, our third date. And I was like, you're like, oh, that's my ex boyfriend. I was like, oh, all right. And you know what's hard? I think what was hard about dating you is that I think that my whole shtick would have worked with, like, a lot of people, but it didn't work with you. Like, you didn't really care that. Or maybe you did. Like, you didn't care that I was.

[Dani Austin]

I liked. I'll tell you what I liked. I liked that you were so ambitious. Like, I liked that you.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, but I was like, not, like.

[Dani Austin]

But I didn't try. But I was like, like, no, you weren't, like, successful. Like, you weren't like, oh, my God, I'm gonna marry this guy and he's gonna take care of me. It was not. But I never really cared about that. Like, I never cared about money or someone's, like, job or anything. Like, I just cared so much about, like, what? Like, do they have, like, that hustle culture? Like, do they have dreams for themselves? Like, do they have a future that they're picturing and they're moving towards? Like, that was always the most ambition, was the most attractive thing to me. And I didn't care if you wanted to be, like, the principal of a school or be president of the United States. Like, I was just like, you have to have something that you're working towards. And I had dated so many guys that just didn't know. And they were smart and they were, like, had great opportunity, and they were, like, totally qualified and capable, but they just didn't care. They didn't have, like, that heart. And, like, I wanted that so badly. Like, that was, like, so attractive to me. And so you had all these ambitions. And I remember, like, our first date, you're like, I want to buy my mom a house. I want to be a millionaire by the time I'm 30. I have this dog because I'm like, it's. It's really teaching me, like, how to, like, manage my time. And, like, I think it's, like, great for, like, when I'm a future dad. Like, you had all of these things that you were doing.

[Jordan Austin]

I was, like, going somewhere.

[Dani Austin]

You were going somewhere, and trust me, you weren't anywhere yet.

[Jordan Austin]

No, that's what is so crazy. Like, I think that that's why I don't like to talk about the story of how we met, because I think it, like, triggers this weird imposter syndrome in me where I'm like, okay, wait. Like, I thought, and I believe deep in my soul I could get there. But, like, I was wearing those uncool jeans and the boots, and, like, I just, like, wasn't. It's like, I was trying, but it was, like, so off, you know?

[Dani Austin]

No, it wasn't. It's not. It's not true. That's a lie. Because it. Then that would mean that it was all for nothing. Like. Like, at least you were doing those things. Like, you weren't stuck in. In the past. Like, you were always, like, of all, like, you were. You were putting on a suit every single day, and you worked from home.

[Jordan Austin]

That's true.

[Dani Austin]

You were, like, manifesting, even though we're not really into, like, manifesting. Like, you were, like, being the person that you wanted to be, even though you weren't that person yet.

[Jordan Austin]

I still. Yeah, I. I still am trying to get to the essence of, like. Because to me, you know, I. Look, when we talk about how we met, it just feels like such a divine story.

[Dani Austin]

It's so random.

[Jordan Austin]

I'm very secure in our relationship now. Like, but, like, I. I. And I'm not saying this, like, fish for compliments. Like, I truly don't understand what caused you to follow through at the time.

[Dani Austin]

I know. I think about it. It's so. But no, like, I know crazy and no, like.

[Jordan Austin]

And you had issues, too. Like, yeah. I mean, like, that one night you, like, showed up, and we're standing over my morning.

[Dani Austin]

Sorry, I. Yeah, yeah, no, I know I wasn't perfect. We both had issues.

[Jordan Austin]

We both had issues. Issues. And it's just like. But it was always. I look back, and I never can remember a single time where I felt any doubt that after a certain point. And I remember my point of, like, I'm gonna marry this person. Like, I remember when it Was when? It was. It was. I want you to guess.

[Dani Austin]

No.

[Jordan Austin]

We went to Dripping Springs. Do you remember?

[Dani Austin]

Colorado?

[Jordan Austin]

No. Dripping Springs, Texas.

[Dani Austin]

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

Do you remember.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. The date at the cabin or something.

[Jordan Austin]

At the cabin? Yeah. That was when I was like, oh, I'm married. This person.

[Dani Austin]

Why?

[Jordan Austin]

Because I. I want to say that that was. Was that the first time that I told you that I loved you?

[Dani Austin]

Probably.

[Jordan Austin]

I think it was.

[Dani Austin]

We didn't even, like, do anything that special. Yeah, but, like. But what was it like, what was it?

[Jordan Austin]

I think that.

[Dani Austin]

What? No, come here. Just say it.

[Jordan Austin]

No, I can't say it.

[Dani Austin]

Okay, well, then just say it after. I can't. I can't. Reach over there. My stomach.

[Jordan Austin]

So. So I think that it was the first time that, like, you know, we did very. Like, it felt like the first. Like, we went to the grocery store together. Like, we cooked, like, breakfast and lunch and dinner together. Like, we just sat outside and we talked, and I was like, oh, like, this is the difference between, like, dating someone, just, like, fun in the city, and, like, actually building a life with someone. And I think ever since that moment in time, I was like, there's no doubt in my mind that this is the person I want to actually, like, build a life with, you know?

[Dani Austin]

What month was that?

[Jordan Austin]

I don't remember.

[Dani Austin]

It was cold outside.

[Jordan Austin]

It was a little cold outside.

[Dani Austin]

My story is a little different.

[Jordan Austin]

Be nice.

[Dani Austin]

No, I. I, like. Okay. I went. I met our first date. We went on. We went to San Antonio. I came back, and I went on a cruise with my family. Was that for New Year's? Yes, for New Year's. Okay, so. Talk about being nice. I told my parents on the cruise. I was like, I'm probably gonna marry this guy. And they're like, you literally went on one date with it. I was like, gh. I know. I'm just telling you, like, he's everything that I want. Like, I.

[Jordan Austin]

He's crossed up my.

[Dani Austin]

No, no. I was like. I was so sure. And they're like, really? Sport coat. That's what they always called you. Sport coat.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

My dad and my brother. Because he always wore a sport coat.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Did that hurt your feelings?

[Jordan Austin]

No, No. I mean, it's just, like, still trying to get into their good graces. Not a groomsman in the wedding.

[Dani Austin]

Okay. Oh, my gosh. Stop him. Man. That was so. Yes. On the cruise, I was like, I'm probably going to marry this guy now. I was not in a rush to get married at all. And I was like, we'll probably date for five years. And, like, I was just like, but it will probably happen.

[Jordan Austin]

And didn't the. That was the Grease cruise.

[Dani Austin]

Uhhuh.

[Jordan Austin]

But that happened, like, after.

[Dani Austin]

No, that was New Year's.

[Jordan Austin]

That's right. Okay. Yeah, it was pretty early on.

[Dani Austin]

That was New Year's, and so I was like, I'm pretty sure that I'm going to marry him now. I think after that, we went on the trip to Colorado. Skiing.

[Jordan Austin]

No, it was before that.

[Dani Austin]

Okay, well, around that time, we. Okay, I remember now. Now I remember. So Jordan had been on a medication.

[Jordan Austin]

Oh, the antidepressants.

[Dani Austin]

Yes, we were. We had gone on a couple of dates, and I just felt like this guy, I'm like, why are you even inviting me around? Like, I went on a ski trip with his friends, and his friends were more touchy with me and, like, more friendly and smiley and had more fun. And, like, I was just like, this guy is. It's such a bummer because he's everything I want, but, like, his personality sucks. Like, he's like, no, he's not really there. You were kind of like a Shelba person.

[Jordan Austin]

I was, like, emotionally, like. Like, I have a lot to say about, like, SSRIs, because, like, it really, like, messed up my brain.

[Dani Austin]

You didn't need them, and you were on them. And. And so then the crazy thing is your best friends from high school were there, and you were. You were like. We would all be hanging out, having so much fun, and you would go to your bedroom and just be by yourself, and you were, like, constantly working or whatever. And, like. And so one of your guy friends in the kitchen was like, man, he's just. I heard. I overheard them. Like, I wasn't supposed to hear it. And they were like, man, he's just not the same person. He's like a shell of a person. Like, I don't even know who he is. And so then I started. I was like, man, okay, something is going on. Like, But I didn't know what it was. So after that trip, I told Jordan I got home, and I was, like, relieved to get home from the ski trip. And I told my dad. And I remember I had called you right after, and I was frustrated because, like, your friends would be like, danny, like, let's ski down this mountain together. Or, like, they would try to sit next to me to, like, ask me about my life. And you. I got nothing from you. So after that trip, I was pissed. I was like, this guy made me go all the way to Colorado. He doesn't even like, me. And so I. I think, like, you had texted me or something, and I got a phone call with you, and I told you. I was like, I. I don't think that this is really going to go anywhere. I basically was, like, trying to end it.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And you were like, give me one more second chance. He's like, I have a reason why I think this is all happening. And you didn't tell me in that moment, but you basically just were like, give me a second chance. And I was like, okay. Like, I got nothing better to do. I was like, fine. I did not really expect for it to go anywhere. But shortly after that, I think you had opened up to me about this medication you were on and decided to get off of it. And it was like, as soon as you got off the medication, you were like a different person.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Like, you were like Jordan, you know? And so, honestly, like, man, that's why I look back, and I'm like, man, it is crazy that we ended up together, because.

[Jordan Austin]

No, I mean, honestly, it's like. Like, it's. Yeah, it was such a oddly, like, dark period in my life. Like, that's why I think it's, like, hard when at parties, people are like, how did y'all meet? Like, because I. Obviously, I love you so much, and, like, I am so blessed to have this life with you, but, like, it's a true miracle of, like, grace that, like, it. You were weathering all of those things during that time because.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, I mean, I had my problems, so you're weathering my problems, too. But.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, but the fact that both of us were putting up with each other, it was like we were fighting for something that wasn't even really there.

[Jordan Austin]

Like, but we were. Yeah. And it's just, like, it. Yeah, it's just. It's. It's a crazy, like, divine story of grace. But, like, yeah, it's. It's crazy how dead I was inside.

[Dani Austin]

You were literally dead.

[Jordan Austin]

I was a shell of a person.

[Dani Austin]

You know, all your friends said it, too. And so I knew that there was something. Like, there was an old Jordan and new Jordan. I knew that I wasn't dealing with, like, the real Jordan.

[Jordan Austin]

Do you remember if I, like, got off them like that?

[Dani Austin]

Yeah, I think I did immediately, because.

[Jordan Austin]

I think that, like, my. My friends ended up telling me, too, like, hey, like, something's wrong.

[Dani Austin]

You were literally not there.

[Jordan Austin]

Like, I had this doctor in Austin, and I think it's like, you know, when it comes to, like, things like Adderall or ssris. I think it's, like, why I just don't trust the system so much is, like, I literally would go to this person, random psychiatrist, and I would just be like, yeah, like, I'm feeling sad. And he'd be like, oh, yeah, yeah. Like, he would ask me, like, three questions, and then he kept, like, increasing the script. And I think at the time, like, I was on, you know, like. And I. And I'll. I'll be honest, like, you know, getting out of school and, like, transitioning into adulthood was already hard. And so I think that that's when I, like, got on them. But I started at, like, 25 milligrams or 50, and I abused them because, like, I kept being like, oh, like, I love this feeling. Like, I don't feel any anxiety. I don't feel sad. I don't feel any of this stuff. And then I would increase the dose, and then my body would regulate to 200 milligrams. And then by the time I knew it, I was on, like, more than the prescription actually said. And I didn't know. Like, all I knew was, like, oh, I'm not feeling any anxiety.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

And I'm incredibly productive. And so, like, I'm very successful at my job, and I would, like, be able to work for so long, too.

[Dani Austin]

I. But then you were like, give me a second chance. You got off of them, and it was, like, an instant turnaround, and it's always been that way ever since. And, like, so then I went on the cruise, and I was like, I'm gonna marry this guy. And then I did.

[Jordan Austin]

Wow. You know what's so weird is, have you felt like I've been a shell of a person lately?

[Dani Austin]

A little bit.

[Jordan Austin]

Damn. Okay, well, so, like, when we went through that deal, like, I got really anxious again. Again. And so, like, I started, like, taking, like, a smaller dose, but I felt like kind of a shell of a person. Well, when we went through that deal, like, I was so anxious, like. Like, because, you know, like, yeah, it's a lot. It was so, so much. And I just, like, was not in a good place with it. And I. I literally was like, how am I going to even survive getting through this anxiety? Like, I. It felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulder. So I went back onto the ssri, but I think it was a different one. I don't remember what it was, like, seven years ago, but, like. And I think what happens is if I'm on it for too long, I become a shell of a person.

[Dani Austin]

Well, that is what a lot of SSRIs do. Well, okay, so for me, like, no, because, like, when I'm depressed, it brings me back to life. Am I on ssr? Is that ssr? Oh, no. See, I'm telling you. I think that's why this is probably why you don't need it. Because, like, Lexapro, for me, it was like I was a shell of a person. I had no. Even, like, I remember, like, listening. Even, like, libido wise or, like, affection wise or whatever. Like, a lot of. Like, when I started taking my Lexicrobe when I was postpartum. Postpartum. It brought all of that back to life for me. Like, I just felt like a normal person. I didn't. And I don't feel like. Like I can conquer the world or strung out or, like, energy or anything. In fact, I could still sleep four hours on that thing.

[Jordan Austin]

So I just asked Chat. GPT. What happens if you take an SSRI if you're not depressed? Changes in mood and emotion.

[Dani Austin]

Babe, let me tell you something. Look at me.

[Jordan Austin]

Side effects.

[Dani Austin]

Look at me. Yeah, you're not depressed. I think you might be anxious, though.

[Jordan Austin]

I'm so anxious.

[Dani Austin]

You might be really struggling. I mean, I just don't think that. That you're close to being depressed.

[Jordan Austin]

Well, at the time, like, I know what depression, Depression, the same thing.

[Dani Austin]

No, they're very different. Depression is. Is because I would say I struggle with more. More depression than anxiety. Yeah, I know what anxiety feels like. Like, it's horrible. It's like the elephant sitting on your chest.

[Jordan Austin]

Yes, it's horrible.

[Dani Austin]

You can't get a deep breath. And in fact, I think that sometimes an SSR can. I can maybe make you more anxious sometimes.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Depressed is like, my body aches, migraines. I don't want to be here. I want to lay in bed. Because I don't understand the purpose of life. What's the point? I'm a burden on everyone. You just feel heavy. Like, it's. To even get up and go pee is like running a marathon. Like, it is so painful to just do, like, the everyday tasks in life. And that's not you. But I do think you're anxious.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, I think I'm a very anxious. I think I inherited it from my family, I think.

[Dani Austin]

No, honestly, first of all, the anxious generation book talks about this. Is. There's so many factors that go into anxiety, and it's. And it's. A lot of times, it's not necessarily genetic. A lot of times it's like the environment that we put ourselves in.

[Jordan Austin]

So I agree. I think that there was a season where maybe I needed it this year because the. The stakes and the pressure and the stress was, like, literally unbearable. But I think that me prolonging it, I think my fear in getting off of it at this point, because I think about it probably every night, like, when I take the ssri, I'm like, do I really need this? Like, I think that anxiety, that elephant on your chest is so scary. To go back to that. I'm like, I would rather flirt with, like, being numb than going back to that, because I feel like at least I'm a better dad or whatever than having to. Like, it's just, like, it's an easy out, you know?

[Dani Austin]

Totally. I get it.

[Jordan Austin]

And so that's. That's, like, I think why. And I'm sure this is, like, hopefully relatable to some people because I'm sure people struggle with this. Like, there's side effects to all of these SSRIs. And it's like you were just literally weighing the pros and cons of the side effects versus the benefits. Right. And so, yeah, you know, and. But, yeah, I.

[Dani Austin]

Life. It's really hard. I'm not going to lie to you. But, you know, I think the ultimate goal was, like, would be to get off of everything. Even for me one day, I would love to. I mean, get off of my Lexapro.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

But honestly, I don't even feel that ish anymore. Like, honestly, I don't even think it helps. I don't think it hurts or helps. Like, I think it's just. I just take it because I'm like. I don't want to deal with, like, the side effects, but, like.

[Jordan Austin]

Well, you also take Zyrtec every day, which you're really.

[Dani Austin]

Now Zyrtec. I need to get off that ish.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, that's.

[Dani Austin]

That stuff, when I don't take it for one day, I get itchy. Like, so itchy. Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

You have to wean yourself off.

[Dani Austin]

I'm so scared. And, like, I. Because there's been like three or four days while where I run out of it. And, like, you've seen me, I'm just, like, itching all day, and it drives me nuts. And I don't even really think I have allergies. I'm just addicted dessert tech. Because Big Pharma got me on it.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah. Here's the last thing I'll say about our love story. I don't think I've ever told you this. Like, I think that the reason I don't like talking about our love story is because that version of myself, like, I've never hated another version of myself more than that version of myself when we first started dating.

[Dani Austin]

What? Why? I mean, I hated my version of myself, too. But why do you look back at with so much disgust?

[Jordan Austin]

I was. I don't even, like, remember that state. It's almost like I've purged it from my memory because, like, I was so unhealthy, so depressed. Like, and that's not who I am. Like, I'm a very.

[Dani Austin]

No.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, I'm a very. Like, if I have an issue, I will power through and I'll find solutions. Like. And I just. I was so bl. You know, and it's like, I'm like.

[Dani Austin]

That'S the man I fell in love with.

[Jordan Austin]

No, I know. And I. I think that, like, the reason I don't like to talk about that era is because. And this is, like, really deep psychological stuff is like, I'm afraid that if I go back to that era when you first met me, it's almost like you will realize, like, what you got yourself into.

[Dani Austin]

No.

[Jordan Austin]

Does that make sense? Like, I'm happy with myself now, but it's like, there's probably an imposter syndrome to it. To where it's like, oh, man.

[Dani Austin]

Like, yeah, yeah, I get it.

[Jordan Austin]

I bamboozled you, you know, Like.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

You know, into this whole thing that is. Have you ever realized that? No, me neither. I just realized.

[Dani Austin]

Okay. But, you know, I mean, this is for a whole nother podcast or maybe a book or something. But, you know, I had my issues, too.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, I know. But, like, I. Yeah, of course.

[Dani Austin]

But here's the thing about me. When I. And this is maybe why this is. All this comes full circle. It's like when I always thought about my husband when I was younger.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

Like, oh. I always knew that where I started with my husband was not going to be where I ended. Like, I knew that I was not marrying, like, the end version of a person. I was marrying, like, the beginning of a life with someone. Like, there was. We were going to start at point A, and we were going to go to point G together and then Z together. Like, and so I wasn't trying to marry this, like, perfect person. It was just someone that I knew that I could grow with and I had potential with. And so I knew that you had problems. I knew that. I remember. I. I remember, like, marrying you or, like, getting engaged to you. And I was like, so, okay, we're gonna start Running together. I'm gonna. You know, he's gonna lose all that baby fat. And then I remember being like, okay, so. And then he dresses this way. Like, don't worry. Like, I can fix that. Like, it's not. Like, I remember being like, there are things that are going to change. And, like, he prioritizes work. Okay. We're gonna have to, like, really work on, like, work, life, balance, and, like, we'll figure that out together. Like, I was like, but the. The fact that you were willing to grow and listen and change was, like, more important to me than who you were at that moment.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

So I don't ever look back at it and be like, oh, it's bamboo. Like, I knew exactly what I was signing up for. And I loved that about you.

[Jordan Austin]

I would say it the same way.

[Dani Austin]

You're being hard on yourself.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah, for sure. But, like, I would. I guess I would say the same thing about you, too, is I was like, you know, I didn't see the Danny now. Like, I saw the Danny who is, like, the mother of my children. And, like, you know, I saw the future we would have when we're 60, you know? And, like, I just. I kind of saw the whole evolution of everything.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah. You see the potential.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And I think that's why it's hard for me with a lot of my single girlfriends that are looking for these perfect guys. And. And I'm like, yeah, and there might be some perfect guys out there, but let me tell you, like, that's. That's. That's few and far between. And a lot of times, like, you get the best out of a man when you marry them. Like, it takes a woman to, like, pull the best parts out of it.

[Jordan Austin]

I agree.

[Dani Austin]

And the same thing with probably a female, too. Like, you're gonna get the best parts of me when you marry me and. And I become a mother. You're going to pull out those, like, those little hidden parts of me that I didn't even know that I had. And so. So, yeah, I just. See, sometimes I feel like so many girls are dating for perfection. Oh, I don't like the way he dresses, or I don't like his friends, or I don't like his job, or he doesn't make him enough money or he's not this or that. Okay. Does he have ambition? Like, does he care about his family? Like, does he care about relationships in general? Like, those. All of those things can change and evolve, you know? But what are the things that, like, can't change? And it's really like those character and like his heart that you really can't change. And you had everything that I wanted.

[Jordan Austin]

Yeah.

[Dani Austin]

And more.

[Jordan Austin]

No, it's crazy. You're right. So we just fixed Modern dating.

[Dani Austin]

Yeah.

[Jordan Austin]

On this pod mic job.

[Dani Austin]

Well, thank you guys for listening to this episode. I hope we change some lives. Feel free to follow us on Instagram and Tick Tock at D Influence podcast. We love you guys and 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.