De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Episode: Solo Dani: Controversial Opinions & The Really Important Stuff
Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Dani Austin (solo episode)
Podcast Network: Dear Media
Episode Overview
In this solo episode, Dani Austin takes the mic alone while husband Jordan is away, diving into candid reflections on motherhood, depression, controversial wellness debates, and recent pop culture moments. Dani opens up about her struggles with prenatal depression, navigating social media criticism, and her evolving approach to parenting, health, and influence. She sprinkles in lively commentary on everything from influencer culture (think: Becca Bloom and #RichTok) to hot-button pharmaceutical debates, and offers unfiltered takes on Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and buzzy shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
Life Update: Solo Parenting and Sickness
- Jordan’s Trip to Nashville: Dani explains why Jordan is absent (he’s on a “secret” scouting trip to Nashville to convince Dani to move), and shares what being home alone with baby Summit has been like (00:40).
- “It was kind of nice being in my house by myself...I almost felt guilty. I kind of felt like I was a single girl again, living in an apartment.”
- On Mask-Wearing at Home: Normalizes masking at home, especially with sick kids, reflecting on how Covid changed perspectives (02:30).
Navigating Depression and Wellbutrin
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Depression: Opens up about recurring depression during pregnancy or postpartum phases (05:00).
- Shares how she hesitated to recognize her depression, attributing it to pregnancy and mom life, until a provider diagnosed prenatal depression (07:45).
- “When you’re in it, you make so many excuses... you’re never like, ‘Oh, I’m depressed. I need to see a psychiatrist.’” (07:50)
- Wellbutrin Recovery: Started on Wellbutrin—felt improvement almost immediately, regaining energy, motivation, and social activity (09:25).
- Despite positive changes, she discusses side effects like night sweats, dry mouth, and sleep changes (12:30).
- “The benefits are outweighing the negative side effects. I’d rather be a little thirsty and have a light-switch sleep than the alternative.” (13:45)
Destigmatizing Medication & Adaptogenic Self-Care
- Candid Reflection: Emphasizes that while she’s interested in “root cause” health, immediate relief is sometimes necessary.
- “I don’t really have time for that right now. I need to be a mom... I was getting to the point where it was kind of getting scary.” (10:45)
- Makeup as Therapy: Shares how rediscovering joy in makeup and content creation signaled her recovery from depression (16:20).
Controversial Opinions: Tylenol & Pregnancy
The Debate
- RFK Jr., Tylenol, and ADHD/Autism: Discusses recent headlines about studies linking prenatal Tylenol (acetaminophen) use to increased risk for ADHD/autism (20:30).
- Clearly states she is not giving medical advice, and urges listeners to consult their doctors.
- “Just because there’s a link between something doesn’t mean that it causes it.” (22:15)
- Reviewing the Studies:
- Cites a 2019 Boston study (“birth bio something”) suggesting a link, contrasted with a 2025 Harvard/Mount Sinai study that found no causation (22:50).
- Wonders if politics play a role in how controversies are discussed—RFK as an example.
- “I don’t know what’s true. Here’s what I do know: every 30 years, new things come out and change.” (28:15)
- Historical Perspective on Medical Advice: Details how medical consensus has shifted (cigarettes, arsenic for syphilis, lobotomies, Red Dye 40)—stressing humility and vigilance (24:50–32:30).
- “Maybe what my doctor is giving me isn’t the best for me...there always are alternative, healthier, safer ways.” (33:45)
Taking Action & Self-Advocacy
- Red Dye 40 and Pregnancy: Tells the story of receiving a glucose test with red dye as primary ingredient, despite recent bans; emphasizes the importance of advocating for better options (e.g., ‘Fresh Test’) (31:50).
- “I want to go to the doctor and trust everything they say...but I'm learning I kind of have to [advocate for myself].”
- Balancing Trust in Doctors with Caution: Appreciates doctors and Western medicine, but underscores being proactive, cautious, and open-minded as knowledge evolves (35:10).
Influencer Culture & Rich Talk
- Becca Bloom & #RichTok: Fascinated by Becca Bloom’s extreme wealth and understated flexes, e.g., $200k necklaces and $6 million wedding (40:00).
- “Her wealth whispers...she's just so soft-spoken, but she's also really smart.” (41:45)
- Public Perception of Wealth: Ponders why some influencers are “allowed” to flaunt wealth while others are criticized; theorizes it relates to authenticity, background, and social media savvy (44:00).
Ethics of Sponsorship & Selling Out
- Travis Kelce’s Pfizer Deal ($20M): Discusses rumors and asks: Would you do a political/controversial pharma ad for $20m? (51:30)
- Audience and Dani herself have mixed feelings, with Dani expressing concern over backlash and integrity.
- “At what point will you become a sellout? Like, at what dollar bill? I do feel like everyone can be bought.” (53:30)
Pop Culture Hot Takes
- Justin Bieber’s New Album: Feels there's not enough hype, comments on his personal wellbeing and musical direction (55:00).
- “I don't think Justin's okay. I really don't...I feel like sometimes when that's happening, you aren't living your true life.” (56:10)
- Haley Bieber’s Sephora Launch & Strategic Couples Marketing: Wonders about the timing and strategy behind their milestone launches (57:23).
- Marriage Reflections: Shares personal take on the evolution of marriage and navigating change as a couple (59:00).
- “After the seventh year of marriage, you start gliding...the first seven are a lot of building.”
Influence, PG Rating, and Parenting
- Taylor Swift's Provocative Album Photos: As a fan, she appreciates Taylor’s empowerment but is conflicted about letting her own daughter see those images, reflecting on responsibility as an influencer (01:04:00).
- “I want to be honest that I loved the photos. But would I want my four-year-old daughter to see some of them? Probably not.”
- Influence & Accountability: Debates how accountable influencers should be for their audience's decisions, especially when it comes to parenting choices (01:05:00).
The Summer I Turned Pretty: Officially Out
- Show Critique: Expresses disappointment with the latest season—calls the plot pointless and feels characters are mistreated (01:08:30).
- “Now she goes to France...it's such a side plot. Like, get to the point, we want to see Conrad!”
- Switches from “Team Conrad” to “Team Jeremiah” out of concern for the characters’ wellbeing (01:10:50).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On coping during depression:
“When you're depressed, you could give me $10 million, I wouldn't even blink. I just want to lay in bed all day.” (13:00) -
On historic medical flip-flops:
“Lobotomies happened in the 1960s...they would literally cut into your frontal lobe while you were conscious. This is not that long ago!” (29:20) -
On solo podcasting vulnerability:
“I have been creating content for 12, 13 years. I have never done something like this...talked to myself for 45 minutes.” (03:45) -
On judgments of influencer wealth:
“Maybe I respect [Becca Bloom] because she gives financial advice, and she worked hard – but why do we judge others?” (47:10) -
On selling out for $$$:
“At what point will you become a sellout? ...Everyone can be bought, except maybe people who've already experienced real wealth.” (53:30) -
On motherhood, influence, and public responsibility:
“Sometimes I just wish everything was a little more PG – then we wouldn’t have to go there, you know?” (01:07:35)
Key Timestamps for Reference
- 00:40 — Why Dani is solo-hosting: Jordan’s Nashville trip.
- 05:00 — Dani’s ongoing struggles with depression and medication journey.
- 10:45 — Honest take on medication vs. root cause approaches.
- 16:20 — Joy of recovering her makeup/content groove.
- 20:30 — Tylenol and pregnancy controversy.
- 29:20 — Medical history: cigarettes, lobotomies, Red Dye 40.
- 31:50 — The red dye pregnancy glucose test story.
- 33:45 — Advocating for oneself in healthcare.
- 40:00 — Wealth and influencer culture: Becca Bloom on #RichTok.
- 51:30 — Ethics of big pharma and influencer paydays (Travis Kelce, Pfizer).
- 55:00 — Justin Bieber album & pop culture check-in.
- 01:04:00 — Taylor Swift album photo controversy & parental dilemmas.
- 01:08:30 — Frustrations with The Summer I Turned Pretty’s latest season.
Takeaway & Tone
This solo episode radiates Dani’s characteristic warmth, vulnerability, and unfiltered curiosity. She tackles stigmatized topics with humility, encourages open-mindedness, and wrestles with the burden—and privilege—of influence in modern media. The conversational, self-deprecating style makes the episode accessible, honest, and relatable for listeners—especially those navigating similar parenting, wellness, or content creation challenges.
For future solo episodes or deep-dives, Dani requests listener feedback—reminding everyone how “scary” and “vulnerable” it feels behind the mic alone.