Podcast Summary: "Dayna Marie: From No College to Internet Star!"
Podcast Information:
- Title: We're Out of Time
- Host: Richard Taite
- Episode: Dayna Marie: From No College to Internet Star!
- Release Date: June 24, 2025
- Description: Richard Taite delves into the critical fentanyl crisis and its devastating impact on families. This episode features social media personality Dana Marie, who shares her journey from using TikTok as her "college" to becoming an internet star, while openly discussing her battles with mental health, substance abuse, and personal trauma.
1. Introduction to Dana Marie
The episode opens with Dana Marie joining Richard Taite's podcast, where she introduces herself as a social media influencer who never attended college. She emphasizes how platforms like TikTok served as her educational pathway and means to achieve her aspirations.
Dana Marie [00:03]: "Pretty much, I always thought of, like, influencing and like TikTok as, like, my college, because I never went to college."
2. Dana Marie's Rise to Internet Stardom
Dana Marie discusses her transition from influencer to content creator and manager. She credits her best friend, Edge, for his instrumental role in scaling her YouTube channel from 100K to 1 million subscribers within four months. Together, they ventured into podcasting and brand management, organically expanding their influence.
Dana Marie [03:28]: "He grew my YouTube channel from like, 100K to 1 million subscribers. And, like, four months. Like, it was something so insane."
3. Mental Health Journey and Trauma
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Dana Marie's mental health struggles. She shares a harrowing experience where she was drugged by a boyfriend, leading to severe physical and emotional trauma. This incident catalyzed an eight-month battle with depression, during which Dana employed coping mechanisms like journaling and changing her music playlist to uplift her mood.
Dana Marie [11:48]: "I was just on my hands and knees, scream, crying, like, praying to God, like, please get me out of this."
Dana reflects on how quitting nicotine and embracing her faith were pivotal in overcoming her depressive state.
Dana Marie [12:16]: "I was done with nicotine. And when I quit that and that morning, like, it was definitely like God answering my prayers all at one time."
4. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Dana and the hosts explore the detrimental effects of social media on mental health. Dana attributes her own challenges to the pressures and negativity prevalent on these platforms. She criticizes the superficiality and the way social media can exacerbate mental health issues.
Dana Marie [00:33]: "Do you think social media is slowly killing the mental health?"
Dana Marie [00:37]: "Yes."
The discussion highlights how constant online presence and negative interactions, such as receiving threatening DMs, contribute to mental strain.
5. The Fentanyl Crisis and Personal Losses
Aligned with the podcast's overarching theme, Dana recounts losing several close friends to the fentanyl crisis. She shares the tragic story of her friend Austin, who succumbed to fentanyl poisoning despite multiple attempts by friends and family to intervene.
Dana Marie [26:42]: "He didn't want treatment at all. And it was like, very hard."
Dana also touches on another friend who struggled with alcohol and eventually passed away, underscoring the pervasive threat of substance abuse.
6. Coping Mechanisms and Healing
Dana Marie emphasizes the importance of proactive self-care strategies in her healing process. From journaling and altering her music preferences to changing her social circle, Dana implemented several measures to regain control over her mental health.
Dana Marie [13:06]: "Music influences the way that you think. So if you're listening to a bad. A sad song, you're automatically going to be sad."
Additionally, her deepening relationship with God provided her with the strength and guidance needed to navigate her trauma.
Dana Marie [12:16]: "I have to give my main credits to God, obviously, because."
7. Lessons Learned and Final Insights
Throughout the episode, Dana Marie imparts valuable lessons on resilience, the importance of a strong support system, and the need to recognize unhealthy relationships. She warns of the hidden dangers in seemingly perfect lives on social media and urges listeners to prioritize their mental well-being over online validation.
Dana Marie [21:56]: "I'm telling my testimony for sure. I'm do it."
Dana concludes by advocating for transparency and honesty in sharing personal struggles, believing that vulnerability can foster connection and healing.
Dana Marie [22:33]: "You do whatever you feel Right. Moves you. I promise if you stay true to yourself, it'll all work out."
8. Notable Quotes
- Dana Marie [00:33]: "Do you think social media is slowly killing the mental health?"
- Jason [02:01]: "That in itself is a genius idea."
- Dana Marie [12:16]: "I hope I don't cry."
- Dana Marie [23:36]: "He did fentanyl poisoning."
- Dana Marie [24:49]: "She's insane."
9. Conclusion
Dana Marie's candid narrative offers a poignant look into the intersection of social media fame, mental health struggles, and the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis. Her story serves as a compelling call to action for critical changes to address substance abuse and support those affected by it. Through her resilience and faith, Dana Marie exemplifies the power of overcoming adversity and advocating for mental health awareness.
Final Remarks: Richard Taite wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness about the fentanyl crisis and supporting those battling addiction and mental health challenges.
Richard Tate [51:57]: "We're out of time. Please subscribe on YouTube. Click the thumbs up and leave a comment. Please subscribe on Apple Podcast and Spotify and leave a rating and a review and share the we're out of time podcast with others you know who will get value out of it. See you next Tuesday."