Podcast Summary: "Top Forbes Creator Calls Out Ice Cream Conspiracy"
De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan, hosted by Dani and her husband Jordan from Dear Media, explores a variety of topics ranging from pop culture and entrepreneurship to personal anecdotes and industry insights. In the episode titled "Top Forbes Creator Calls Out Ice Cream Conspiracy", released on June 19, 2025, Dani and Jordan delve into the intricacies of influencer success, the challenges of fame, and a peculiar conspiracy surrounding McDonald's ice cream machines.
1. Highlights of Recent Guests
Dani and Jordan begin by reflecting on their recent lineup of guests, emphasizing the depth and intensity of their conversations.
- Jordan Ramirez shares about interviewing financiers behind the Netflix and Amazon Prime show House of David, noting their pivotal role in supporting the series.
- They also hosted billionaire Tim Dunn, who defied typical billionaire stereotypes by flying Southwest Airlines and driving the same truck since 2013.
- Dani remarks at [03:02]: “He was wearing New Balances. That's like, our Gen Z producer says she and him had the same sneakers.”
- Additionally, their guest Alex Clark is highlighted for her impactful discussions on health and her antagonistic stance towards Big Pharma.
2. The Art of Being a Wingman
A significant portion of the episode revolves around the dynamics of helping friends find relationships, especially within the context of their Christian community upbringing.
- Jordan discusses his limited experience in setting friends up, stating at [05:37]: “No, I never helped, like, one of your friends get a date.”
- Dani reminisces about actively pairing friends, sharing a memorable quote at [07:00]: “You’ve got to have their back. It is on you that they get married and that they find their love.”
This segment underscores the challenges and rewards of being a supportive friend in the dating scene.
3. Personal Anecdotes: The Father’s Day Surprise
Dani narrates a heartfelt story about surprising Jordan with a golf cart for Father’s Day, highlighting their playful banter and excitement.
- At [09:18], Jordan gushes: “My favorite Christmas ever was the Christmas that I woke up and there was a golf cart in my backyard.”
- Dani elaborates on the meticulous planning involved, saying at [11:20]: “We are on a serious health and wellness journey in our house. We're getting rid of the toxic products and welcoming ones that support a more holistic lifestyle.”
Their conversation paints a vivid picture of their personal lives and the joy of giving meaningful gifts.
4. Forbes Top Creator List and Industry Insights
A major focus of the episode is Dani's recognition on the Forbes Top Creator list, where she discusses her journey and the broader influencer landscape.
- Dani proudly announces at [25:21]: “Fourth time running, Forbes top creator Danny Austin.”
- They delve into the legitimacy of the earnings reported for various creators, expressing skepticism about some of the figures.
- At [47:08], Dani states: “There's no way he made 50 million from brand deals.”
- The hosts compare their achievements with other influencers like Mr. Beast, Jake Paul, and Mark Rober, analyzing the sustainability and authenticity of their success.
This segment offers listeners an insider’s view of influencer rankings and the factors contributing to their prominence.
5. The Price of Fame: Justin Bieber’s Struggles
Dani and Jordan discuss the heavy toll that immense fame can take on a personality like Justin Bieber, highlighting the pressures of maintaining a public image.
- Dani reflects at [23:51]: “He keeps posting like. Like, he posted a picture of, like, a dolphin jumping out of the water yesterday. And he said, like, me when Haley Bieber gets home.”
- They explore the concept of the "hamster wheel" of fame, where constant public scrutiny leads to personal struggles and potential burnout.
Their conversation sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of being a top-tier influencer.
6. Unveiling the McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Conspiracy
One of the most intriguing discussions revolves around the notorious reputation of McDonald's ice cream machines always being broken, dissecting the truth behind the conspiracy.
- Dani explains at [57:52]: “All the ice cream machines at McDonald's are always broken. And they are.”
- They delve into the role of the company Taylor in manufacturing these machines and the startup Kitsch's attempt to provide a cost-effective solution.
- Jordan questions the motives behind Taylor's actions, suggesting a manufactured problem to drive sales of their own solutions: “They are creating the problem to make money by creating the solution as well.”
This segment unveils the complexities behind a seemingly simple issue, offering listeners a critical perspective on corporate strategies.
7. Innovations in Delivery: Walmart’s Future Plans
Towards the end of the episode, Dani and Jordan touch upon innovative trends in grocery delivery, specifically Walmart's initiative to have delivery drivers place groceries directly into customers' refrigerators.
- Dani conveys excitement at [75:03]: “They are like creating a faulty product that is essentially going to need to be fixed.”
- Jordan expresses concerns about the safety and consistency of such services, pondering the practicality and security measures involved.
Their discussion highlights the evolving landscape of retail and the balance between convenience and security.
8. Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Wrapping up the episode, Dani and Jordan share their anticipation for upcoming events, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Gala. They humorously speculate on their chances of winning and the logistics of delivering an acceptance speech, emphasizing their teamwork and mutual support.
- Jordan optimistically states at [81:07]: “We’re going to be fine.”
- Dani adds with a light-hearted tone: “Love y’all. Bye.”
Notable Quotes
- Dani Austin [07:00]: “You’ve got to have their back. It is on you that they get married and that they find their love.”
- Jordan Ramirez [25:21]: “Fourth time running, Forbes top creator Danny Austin.”
- Dani Austin [32:37]: “I love you, Forbes. I love you, Steve. Bertone.”
This episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan offers a blend of personal stories, industry analysis, and critical discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into the world of influencers and the intricacies of fame. Dani and Jordan’s candid conversations and insightful perspectives make this episode a valuable listen for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the influencer industry.