De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan
Episode: "Uh, Did We Just Lose Power?"
Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan, hosts Dani Austin and Jordan Ramirez dive into a variety of topics ranging from lifestyle habits and economic debates to personal anecdotes and the evolving landscape of digital influencers. Their candid and humorous interaction offers listeners a relatable and insightful experience, enriched with personal stories and thoughtful discussions.

Naps and Changing Work Culture

The episode begins with a lighthearted conversation about the value of naps. Dani questions whether naps are beneficial for adults, sparking a debate on modern versus historical sleep habits.

Dani Austin [00:33]:
"Do you endorse naps for grown adults? I think it's a lot of the great snapped."

Jordan Ramirez [00:40]:
"I endorse naps for everyone."

They explore how pre-industrial societies incorporated napping into daily routines, contrasting it with today's 9-to-5 work schedules that often eliminate midday rest.

Minimum Wage Debate

Transitioning into economic discussions, Dani and Jordan delve into the complexities of raising the minimum wage. They examine its impact on both employees and small businesses, highlighting regional differences and the challenges of implementing blanket policies.

Dani Austin [07:33]:
"Practically speaking, it is impossible for someone to live off that minimum wage."

Jordan Ramirez [10:50]:
"I'm definitely for minimum wage. If you can't hit minimum wage, then should you really even be in business?"

The hosts debate whether the free market should dictate wages or if government intervention is necessary to protect workers from exploitation. They acknowledge the potential consequences for small businesses struggling to meet increased wage demands.

Emotional Reactions to Movies

Shifting gears, Dani shares a personal experience of watching a Tyler Perry movie, which unexpectedly moved her to tears. This leads to a deeper conversation about emotional connections and the portrayal of love and pain in media.

Dani Austin [13:08]:
"I just thought it was crying during the Notebook. But it kept going."

Jordan Ramirez [14:11]:
"Have you ever had love something so much that it's painful because you don't want it to go away?"

Dani recounts a poignant moment with her daughter Stella that amplified her emotional response, illustrating how media can resonate deeply with personal experiences.

Streaming and Netflix's Top 10

The discussion then shifts to the quality of content on streaming platforms, specifically critiquing Netflix's Top 10 rankings. Dani expresses frustration with the platform's recommendation algorithms, suggesting that popular but low-quality movies dominate the listings.

Dani Austin [18:03]:
"There's nothing on there. But I do have to say, I think people would disagree with you about Straw. Oh, it's so cheesy."

Jordan Ramirez [19:05]:
"A lot of podcasts, a lot of, like, TV shows."

They debate whether Netflix intentionally promotes certain types of content to maximize viewer engagement, questioning the overall impact on viewers' intelligence and cultural consumption.

The Rise of AI Influencers

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the emergence of AI influencers. Dani and Jordan discuss the potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize content creation and influencer culture.

Dani Austin [30:17]:
"I think we should get into the business of AI influencers. I think we could kill it and create captivating stories of AI influencers."

Jordan Ramirez [32:01]:
"It's just not real. And like, I could get into it. I don't, like, look down upon it, but that's just not for me."

They explore how AI-driven characters could engage audiences without the need for real-life personalities, contemplating the future of parasocial relationships and digital storytelling.

Weekend Adventures and Parenting Anecdotes

In a heartfelt segment, Jordan shares a weekend outing that didn't go as planned due to rough tubing on the lake, leading to physical discomfort and reflections on parenting.

Jordan Ramirez [33:42]:
"I had to get off and. And then I had to skip tubing the rest of the week. Weekend bummer."

Dani and Jordan discuss the challenges of managing multiple children, coordinating schedules, and the emotional toll of ensuring each child receives adequate attention and care.

Health Concerns and Personal Health Journeys

Towards the end of the episode, Jordan opens up about her recent health concerns, detailing her experience with a full-body MRI scan and the anxiety it caused.

Jordan Ramirez [54:17]:
"They found a little spot on my brain. No way."

Dani Austin [60:00]:
"You have to fax them, do you?"

This vulnerable moment highlights the importance of proactive health measures and the emotional strain of awaiting medical results. The conversation underscores the significance of supporting one another through personal health challenges.

Parenting Dynamics and Family Life

The hosts delve deeper into their parenting philosophies, discussing the dynamics of raising multiple children and the inevitable challenges that come with it.

Jordan Ramirez [63:00]:
"Our kids are going to be better people because they have siblings, because they're not getting full attention."

Dani Austin [64:12]:
"You're basically an only child too."

They reflect on their own upbringings, the impact of sibling relationships, and the balance between ensuring children receive individual attention while fostering camaraderie among siblings.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Dani and Jordan share final reflections on the topics discussed, emphasizing the importance of communication, support, and embracing the complexities of modern life. Their genuine and relatable conversation leaves listeners with a sense of connection and understanding.

Jordan Ramirez [67:15]:
"This was a good episode."

Notable Quotes

• Dani Austin [00:33]:
  "Do you endorse naps for grown adults? I think it's a lot of the great snapped."

• Jordan Ramirez [07:40]:
  "I think minimum wage is $7."

• Dani Austin [13:08]:
  "I was bawling, crying."

• Jordan Ramirez [30:26]:
  "It's crazy. Like anyone can, like, if I..."

• Jordan Ramirez [54:41]:
  "I didn't mean to. I'm going to call someone."

Insights and Takeaways

• Work-Life Balance: The conversation on naps highlights the ongoing struggle to balance productivity with personal well-being in today's fast-paced society.

• Economic Policies: The debate on minimum wage reveals the complexities of policy-making, where intentions to protect workers must be balanced against the sustainability of small businesses.

• Emotional Health: Dani's emotional reaction to the movie and Jordan's health journey underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental and physical health proactively.

• Digital Evolution: The rise of AI influencers poses intriguing questions about the future of content creation and the nature of human connection in the digital age.

• Parenting Challenges: Managing multiple children and ensuring each receives attention while fostering strong familial bonds is a recurring theme, emphasizing the need for effective communication and support systems.

Conclusion

This episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan masterfully weaves together personal stories, societal observations, and thoughtful debates. Dani and Jordan's authentic interactions provide a meaningful exploration of contemporary issues, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking both entertainment and insight.