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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.