De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan: Episode Summary - "The Divi Deal"

Release Date: November 14, 2024
Hosts: Dani and Jordan from Dear Media

1. Health Challenges and Upcoming Doctor Visit (00:00 - 05:11)

The episode opens with Dani and Jordan discussing their daily lives, with Dani revealing her recent struggles with pregnancy discomfort and chronic health issues. Dani shares that she has been frequently ill throughout 2024, experiencing seven out of eleven months battling the flu, alongside previous ailments from 2023 such as bronchitis, low blood pressure, and a UTI. She attributes part of her ongoing health decline to breast implants, speculating that they may have triggered an autoimmune response (03:46).

Notable Quote:
Dani: "There's so much that goes into it, like... I've never gotten this sick this often in a year before." 03:51

As a result of these persistent health issues, Dani and Jordan are scheduled to visit an immune specialist, Dr. Jane Lee. Dani expresses a mix of apprehension and hope, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding her condition until medical tests are completed.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "I didn't want people's opinions because... nobody's gonna really know what's going on until we get the blood work." 02:23

2. Impact on Daily Life and Relationships (05:11 - 12:56)

The conversation shifts to how Dani's health issues have affected their social interactions and relationships. Both Dani and Jordan contracted a stomach bug, leading to missed social events like election night plans. Jordan observes that Dani's frequent illnesses have become normalized within their circle, with friends showing concern yet treating her sickness as an everyday occurrence.

Notable Quote:
Jordan: "It just has become so commonplace for you to be sick that I was like, oh. Like, she'll... she's good." 06:05

Dani also discusses her reluctance to share her health struggles openly, noting that she rarely informs friends unless necessary. This secrecy stems from her desire to avoid pity and maintain a semblance of normalcy despite her chronic ailments.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "I don’t even tell people anymore because I... I literally would be texting them every other week." 06:34

3. Fashion and Personal Branding: Jordan's Style Debate (12:56 - 24:56)

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a lighthearted yet candid discussion about Jordan's wardrobe choices. Dani initiated a poll comparing "Cali Jordan" (casual, youth-oriented attire) versus "Dad Jordan" (more traditional, subdued outfits). The poll results indicated a split preference, with approximately 60% favoring the "Dad Jordan" look and 40% preferring the "Cali Jordan" style.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "I used the picture of you in your classic outfit, and then Cali Jordan and then dad Jordan. I did a poll and seems pretty split. It's about 60 like dad Jordan and 40% like Cali Jordan." 23:10

Jordan laments his perceived outdated fashion sense, expressing a willingness to collaborate with Dani to modernize his wardrobe. They discuss the challenges of staying current with fashion trends, especially amidst their busy lives managing personal and professional responsibilities.

Notable Quote:
Jordan: "I think when you were 30, 31, I was like, oh, he's cool, he's hip. But now that you're 33 going on 34... it's like you're trying too hard." 20:05

4. The Divi Deal: Expansion and Partnership with a Private Equity Firm (24:56 - 46:19)

The core of the episode revolves around a major announcement concerning Divi, their self-funded beauty brand. Dani provides a comprehensive background on Divi's journey since its inception in 2021, highlighting the unexpected success of their flagship product, the scalp serum "Skew," which achieved over a million sales.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "We've sold a million bottles of that serum now." 25:49

Given Divi's rapid growth and their limited brand awareness (only 6% recognition in a recent survey), Dani and Jordan decided to seek a partnership with a private equity (PE) firm to facilitate further expansion. Initially resistant to external investments to maintain the company's founder-led magic, they eventually recognized the necessity for specialized expertise to navigate global markets and complex industry politics.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "Divi grew so fast, and we were so tired as founders that we kind of just needed help...." 31:17

They emphasize choosing a PE firm with a female-led team to ensure alignment with their brand and values. The partnership aims to enhance Divi's presence in major cities like Chicago and expand internationally, leveraging the PE firm's experience to drive sustainable growth without diluting the company's core identity.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "I want to work with a female team because they get it...they're the demo." 36:45

5. Reflections on Social Media and Influencer Culture (17:04 - 24:56)

Dani and Jordan delve into the intricacies of influencer culture, particularly focusing on Instagram Stories and TikTok. Dani expresses a deep understanding of the psychology behind content creation on these platforms, likening her insight to that of a college professor. They discuss how Instagram Stories remain a niche yet significant area within influencer marketing, contrasting it with the evolving dynamics of TikTok.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "I really feel like I understand the science of Instagram stories on like a level that I could teach a college class." 18:17

Jordan adds that while many influencers focus on broader engagement metrics, a smaller group heavily relies on Stories for their content strategy. They acknowledge the need to adapt and stay relevant in the fast-paced social media landscape, emphasizing authenticity and connection over superficial online personas.

Notable Quote:
Jordan: "We have a little small pocket of us that like relies so heavily on stories." 18:29

6. Controversy Surrounding Zach Bryan (46:19 - 65:07)

In a candid and somewhat contentious segment, Dani and Jordan discuss the recent scandal involving musician Zach Bryan and his ex-girlfriend Brianna Chicken Fry. They dissect the situation where Bryan allegedly offered Brianna $12 million to stay silent about his misconduct, drawing parallels to high-profile cases like Epstein's. The hosts speculate on Dave Portnoy's involvement, positing that he might have financially supported Brianna to reveal the truth about Bryan.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "It's just, how often does that happen? If it happens with Zach Bryan and Brianna chicken fry, think about the major celebrities..." 48:50

They express skepticism about Bryan's chances of a career comeback unless he addresses his personal issues, particularly his alleged alcohol addiction. The hosts argue that true redemption would require Bryan to seek rehabilitation and authentically confront his problems, despite his poetic and emotionally charged lyrics that reflect his internal struggles.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "If he goes to rehab and he truly faces his addiction issues with alcohol... I think that he could come out with an album that people would listen." 52:08

The discussion also touches on societal double standards, comparing Bryan's fallout to what might happen if a female artist faced similar allegations. They critique the handling of the situation by media outlets like TMZ, advocating for more responsible reporting that presents the full context of such incidents.

Notable Quote:
Jordan: "We hold you to a high standard." 58:25

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (65:07 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Dani and Jordan briefly reflect on their personal growth and the importance of maintaining authenticity both in their health journey and professional endeavors. They reinforce their commitment to building Divi into a globally recognized brand while balancing their personal lives and ongoing health challenges.

Notable Quote:
Dani: "We're going to hire people smarter than us, which I love." 44:53

They conclude by encouraging listeners to follow their podcast on social media platforms and express gratitude towards their audience for their continued support.

Key Takeaways:

• Health Struggles: Dani's ongoing health issues, potentially linked to breast implants, have significantly impacted their personal and professional lives, prompting an upcoming visit to an immune specialist.

• Personal Relationships: The couple navigates the complexities of their relationships with friends and family amidst chronic illness, emphasizing the normalization of Dani's frequent sickness within their social circles.

• Fashion and Branding: A playful yet sincere debate about Jordan's wardrobe highlights the balance between personal style and maintaining a professional image, reflecting broader themes of identity and societal expectations.

• Divi Expansion: The major announcement regarding a strategic partnership with a female-led PE firm underscores Divi's ambition for global growth and the desire to preserve the brand's authentic, founder-driven ethos.

• Influencer Insights: Dani and Jordan offer deep reflections on the mechanics of influencer marketing, particularly the nuanced roles of Instagram Stories and TikTok in shaping online personas and engagement.

• Celebrity Controversy: The candid discussion on Zach Bryan's scandal reveals the hosts' perspectives on accountability, media responsibility, and the potential for redemption within the celebrity sphere.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dani on Chronic Illness: "I've never gotten this sick this often in a year before." 03:51
• Jordan on Dani's Health Impact: "It just has become so commonplace for you to be sick... she's good." 06:05
• Dani on Poll Results: "It's about 60 like dad Jordan and 40% like Cali Jordan." 23:10
• Dani on Divi's Success: "We've sold a million bottles of that serum now." 25:49
• Jordan on Divi's Growth: "We have a little small pocket of us that like relies so heavily on stories." 18:29
• Dani on Zach Bryan's Potential Redemption: "If he goes to rehab and he truly faces his addiction issues with alcohol...." 52:08

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and narratives shared by Dani and Jordan in the "The Divi Deal" episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan. From personal health battles and their impact on daily life to strategic business expansions and deep dives into influencer culture, the episode offers a multifaceted exploration of both personal and professional realms.