Don't Make It Weird
Two amateur authors and amateur humans—Daniel and Dina—discuss all things writing and books, and re-tell chaotic life adventures from cults to exes that think they’re horses. We’ve got you covered in this comedic and sarcastic, life-centered podcast. Follow us as we fail to not make it weird.
The One With The $3000 Manicure

This week on Don't Make It Weird, we're sipping on gin & juice (thanks Snoop), discussing whether Daniel’s hands are bisexual, and playing a brand new game—Book Title or Bullshit! Dina drops some spicy updates on Ryan Reynolds, and Sean gets tricked into trying melon-flavored regret. We also talk about LitRPGs, self-pub Patreon domination, and how a simple manicure nearly destroyed Dina's finances.
In This Episode:
Taste test: Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre’s Gin & Juice cocktailsShower Thought: Are all hands bisexual?Dina’s TikTok Conspiracy Corner: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and shady PR spinsGam...The One With Line Dancing & Blow

From princess flasks to TikTok conspiracies and stolen rocks, this episode is absolute chaos in the best way.
🎉 What’s inside:
Drinking games & offhand chaosDina’s theory that Gen Z TikTok is AI-generatedA Neopets sponsorship pitchThe wildest “line dancing & blow” story you've never heardDaniel & Dina try to become Synchronicity Sages in Mind ReadersSean teaches Dina about the legendary meme “ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US”And this week’s Cringey Copulation excerpt... is somehow worse than usualSupport the show
Daniel's website: https://dumps4danq.com
Dina's website: https://dinasaurusd.com
You can...
The One Where We Have Issues Forever (feat. Anthony LaFauci & Stevie Wildcard)

We’re BACK, weirdos! After a short hiatus, the Don’t Make It Weird crew returns with indie comic creators Stephen and Anthony, the brains (and butts) behind the hilarious and heartfelt series We Have Issues.
This week’s episode is stacked with storytelling chaos, off-the-rails games, and more conspiracy than a TikTok rabbit hole. Featuring:
🧼 Danq’s Shower Thoughts – Prepare for unsolicited wisdom, personal revelations, and a deeply uncomfortable energy.
🧠 Dina’s TikTok Conspiracy Corner – Birds, billionaires, and bonkers theories that just might be true.
🎭 DMIW ChatGPT Theater – AI-generated scenes performed live… with the dramatic flair of...
The One Where Kelly Breaks Her Back (St. Patrick's Day Special)

🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from Don't Make It Weird! 🍀
Get ready for an unhinged St. Patrick’s Day special! Sean brings the drinking rules, Dina brings the ASL mishaps, and Daniel brings the existential crises.
Story Time: The time Executive Producer Kelly broke her back (no, not like that, Daniel).Dina Learns The Internet: 1998’s Hamster DanceGame Time: I-rish I Were Making These Up - Real or Fake Irish Phrases?Shower Thoughts: If you sleep with your partner’s clone… is it cheating?The Great Taylor Sw...The One With Daniel's Watermelon Kink

In this hilarious episode of Don't Make It Weird, we dive into YA smut controversies, discuss whether Ryan Reynolds is the villain in Hollywood’s latest drama, and explore the most awkward foods to eat while making eye contact. Spoiler: It gets weird.
🎭 This Episode Includes:
Game Segment: Never Have I Ever - Story Time Edition! 🃏Shower Thoughts with Daniel: What’s the worst food to eat while making hard eye contact? 🍉🤨YA Smut Debate: Should Young Adult books include spicy scenes? Di...The One Where Dina Loses TikTok Forever

Dina made a grave mistake—she deleted TikTok when the ban lasted a whole 12 hours, and now she can't get it back. Meanwhile, Sean and Daniel get sucked into the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni legal drama, Dina discovers her fear of clowns may not be entirely what she thought, and Daniel once again fails at names—this time, butchering Dina’s book title beyond recognition.
But that’s just the beginning. We also debate whether Lego people are zombie necromancers, break down Ryan Reynolds' alleged script rewrites, and, most importantly, launch...
The One Where Dina DNF’s Butt Stuff

Daniel is back—for now! After serving his time in DMIW detention, he’s on a performance improvement plan, and Dina and Sean are keeping a close eye on him. In this chaotic episode, we dive into the real origins of the missionary position, uncover the shocking JFK Big Hat Conspiracy, and play a game where we match ridiculous sounds to ridiculous faces!
Dina makes a confession about Aragon (it's a hot take), Sean might already be dead, and Daniel, as always, is problematic. We also chat about when to DNF books, Dina’s desperate need for Neopet...
The One Where Baby Oil Is For Everything (Except Babies) (feat. Guest Co-Host Dustin Taylor)

Daniel is missing (again), but we’ve got Dustin Taylor stepping in to help Dina and Producer Sean hold down the fort! In this episode, we uncover a shocking truth—baby oil is for EVERYTHING... except actual babies. 🤯
💡 In this episode:
✅ Dustin delivers some of the best intros in show history 🎤🔥
✅ Dina proposes a TikTok conspiracy theory: Is Area 51 actually a portal? 👽🚪
✅ Neopets neglect: Dina logs in, but she refuses to feed them. 😭
✅ Writing, creativity & life changes: Dustin shares how moving and relationships have impacted his creative process ✍️✨
✅ A voicemail from Elias Faust!? What does Blackpeak want? 🏜️📜
The One With The Hear Me Out Cake (feat. Guest Co-Host Shannon Bright)

Daniel is still MIA, leaving Dina, Sean, and special guest co-host Shannon Bright to hold down the fort! This week, things get weird as they dive into the Hear Me Out Cake challenge—where they justify their most questionable fictional crushes. From animated animals to biblical warriors (yeah, really), things get unhinged fast.
In this episode:
Dina’s Conspiracy Corner goes off the rails—again. Did NASA fake the moon landing using Alcatraz prisoners? She has TikTok evidence, so it must be true. 👀 Shannon’s research leads to deep Wizard of Oz lore. Who knew the Tin Man...
The One With The Worst Birthday Lunch Ever (feat. Guest Co-Host Rance)

In this episode of Don't Make It Weird, Dina and Sean welcome Rance as their guest co-host while Daniel is mysteriously absent. From wild conspiracy theories to rapid-fire Q&A hilarity, this episode is packed with laughs, awkward moments, and a sprinkle of light trauma. Plus, Dina shares a Taylor Swift-inspired theory, Rance talks writing struggles, and the gang debates the ultimate kitchen utensil. Tune in for all the weirdness!
Check out Rance's website https://www.eliasfaust.com
Rance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hisraggedcompany
Support the show
Daniel's website: https...
SOMETHING SPECIAL by Dina S. LIVE Release Party!

What if you could unlock the secrets behind crafting a page-turning fantasy novel? Our latest episode of the Don't Make It Weird podcast is a celebration like no other, featuring the brilliant author Dinasaurus and the highly-anticipated release of her second book in the Discerners Trilogy, "Something Special." From humorous apologies to our non-human listeners to teasing Dina about needing to text her husband mid-show, we keep the laughs coming while exploring the creative process behind her stunning book cover and toasting with Mountain Dew hard seltzers.
Buckle up for a night of unpredictable fun as we...
The One With Dina's Razor Mishap

In this episode of Don't Make It Weird, things go off the rails as Dina breaks her mic, and Sean faces some serious Shock-O-Con anxiety! Join hosts Daniel, Dina, and Producer Sean as they navigate technical difficulties, play a hilariously awkward game of Poetry for Neanderthals (NSFW edition), and debate the merits of romance versus fantasy writing. Along the way, Daniel trains his hugs, Dina reveals her preference for spy novels, and the team can’t seem to get a clean take no matter how hard they try.
Plus, don’t miss Dina’s Mind Map detour and th...
The One at Shock-O-Con LIVE!

What if Mary Poppins and Pennywise from "It" were the same species? Join us on this unforgettable live episode of the Don't Make it Weird podcast as we speculate wildly and hilariously about this and more at Shock-O-Con in Maryland. Daniel, Dina, and our Producer Sean meet face-to-face for the first time, sharing their journey from online acquaintances to close-knit friends and co-hosts. Feel the camaraderie and enjoy spontaneous audience interactions as we kick off with laughter and excitement.
Brace yourselves for some quirky and stomach-turning moments as we dive into an unusual soda taste-testing adventure. From...
The One Where We Dab The Tip

Can a grilled cheese sandwich really be the key to an unforgettable podcast episode? Join us as we explore everything from the irresistible charm of this comfort food to Dina's fabulous double buns. In this episode, we reminisce about 90s and early 2000s makeup trends, engage in playful banter about selling the show, and give a heartfelt shoutout to last week's guest, Matthew. Dina passionately defends the nude lip look while Daniel humorously admits his indifference. It's a nostalgic and lighthearted start that sets the tone for an episode filled with laughs and intriguing discussions.
What's better...
The One With Matthew Siadak

Ever wondered what happens when a mischievous gnome, Taylor Swift conspiracy theories, and a fictional supervillain collide in a podcast episode? This week on Don't Make It Weird, Daniel, Dinasaurus, and Sean serve up a cocktail of hilarity and unexpected twists with our special guest, the talented author Matthew Siadak.
Hold onto your cosmic bedazzled underwear as we create our own supervillain, speculate Taylor Swift's superhero debut in Deadpool & Wolverine, and recount a chaotic escape from the law that feels straight out of a movie. The fun doesn't stop there; we debate the hottest anti-hero character crushes...
The One With Abby Simpson

Join us for an entertaining episode of "Don't Make it Weird," where we're thrilled to host Abby Simpson, a passionate Canadian writer and historical fiction enthusiast. We kick-start with a playful chat about oven settings and Canadian city hierarchies, sprinkled with Abby's witty Canada facts. Trust us, you'll be laughing as we take some good-natured jabs at cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg.
Ever questioned the ancestry of American presidents or the authenticity of regional stereotypes? We've got you covered. This episode features a rollercoaster discussion on a conspiracy theory about American presidents' lineage and reveals...
The One Where We're Under Authority (Dina Escapes A Cult Pt. V)

Content Warning: The upcoming discussion delves into topics related to religious beliefs, strict traditional gender roles, sexual abuse, and practices that some may find restrictive or controversial. This episode in particular goes heavy on the topic of sexual abuse. Please practice good self-care, and proceed with caution if you're sensitive to such subjects or consider skipping this discussion entirely if it might be distressing to you.
In this week's episode, you'll hear about Dina's fierce encounter with a rattlesnake, showcasing her protective motherly instincts. But things get heavy as we continue to dissect the deeply unsettling documentary "...
The One Where Batman Doesn't Give Head

Ever wondered if Batman's a giver or a taker in the bedroom? We're not holding back in this hilariously unfiltered episode of the Don't Make It Weird Podcast! We kick things off with some lively banter, including updates on Dina's toddler, Zebra, and his new molars. Producer Sean chimes in with his signature wit, and Dina shares her recent success in book marketing by offering her book for free. The episode is rounded out with a beloved game segment, another hysterical Dina story, and an eagerly anticipated reading of "Space Raptor Butt Invasion" in our Cringey Copulation segment.
<...
The One With The Optimal Orgy Etiquette

Ever wondered about the bizarre connection between nipples and teeth? Or how neglecting your virtual Neopets might just make you a quadrillionaire? Get ready for a rollercoaster of fun as Season 3 of the Don't Make it Weird Podcast kicks off with Daniel and Dina's wild banter. Dina's amusing fact-sharing and her carefree bottle-of-margarita antics set the stage for a series of hilarious and heartfelt revelations, including a milestone in her personal life.
Dina takes us on an emotional yet humorous journey as she talks about pausing her Discerners Trilogy to pen a memoir about her cult experiences...
The One With Dina Dakota

The episode takes a conspiratorial twist when we dig into the mysterious disappearance of Kate Middleton. Amid community efforts to recover a missing piece for Dina and her Kickstarter success story, we dive into gripping conspiracy theories about the British royal family. From speculating on Queen Elizabeth's secret demise to debating the relevance and attractiveness of royal figures, our irreverent banter keeps things lively and engaging. Don't miss our humorous take on pre-recorded New Year's Eve ball drops and secret royal scandals.
Switching gears, we dive into personal stories and creative ambitions. Dina shares a wild tale...
The One Where Dina Escapes A Cult Pt. IV (The One Where We Grow Up Gothard)

Can a lack of hugs spark a hilarious debate? Celebrate our third anniversary and the thrilling end of season two of the "Don't Make It Weird" podcast! This episode is packed with laughs as we reminisce about our journey, featuring Daniel's infamous intros, comedic mishaps, and a hilarious mix-up between "quokka" and "quaker." Dina shares her amusing story of Daniel's cringe-worthy attempt to bond with her husband, Tim, over strip club laws.
But it's not all fun and games—brace yourself for a deep dive into serious territory as we explore the "Shiny Happy People" documentary, focusing on...
The One With Dzintra Sullivan

If you've ever wondered whether an elephant is more akin to a dog or a cat, or if you've found yourself lost in the peculiarities of Australian slang, buckle up for this wild literary escapade. With the brilliant Dzintra (Zee) Sullivan in the mix, we're throwing the rulebook out the window and serving up a feast of storytelling with a side of irreverent humor. From character games that will have you guessing alongside us to a hearty debate on the hierarchy of potato dishes, this episode has it all - including a pinch of philosophy and a sprinkle of...
The One With Mike Jones: The Musical

Daniel and Dinasaurus, your beloved raconteurs, are back to whisk you through a whirlwind of absurdities and heartfelt realness in this week's brand new episode of Don't Make It Weird. This time, Producer Sean forgot to record the footage for the first 20 minutes. OOPS!
From Dina's quick-witted recap of what we missed, to Danq's progressive shirt unbuttoning, we explore the lighter side of our week, peppered with nostalgic dives into Neopets and Webkins. And when life throws curveballs in the form of family emergencies and pet predicaments, we tackle them head-on, proving that humor can be the...
The One With The Flibbertigibbets

Ever found yourself in the aftermath of a shower, faced with a toilet disaster that has you contemplating life choices? Yeah, us too—and we're spilling it all in this episode! Join Daniel and Dinasaurus, along with our quick-witted Producer Sean, as we navigate through the murky waters of bathroom blunders with a side of Sunny D Vodka Seltzers. Prepare to cringe and chuckle as we share stories that are just too outrageous to keep to ourselves.
Bathroom humor aside, we're taking the plunge into the untold tales behind Disney classics, offering a fresh and comical take on...
The One With The Holiday Hoedown Throwdown (feat. Special Guests!)

Grab your Santa hat and a cold pint of Death Raptor because this holiday special of our podcast is like the weirdest, wildest office Christmas party you've never attended – but always wished you had. Planned entirely by Dinasaurus, as scandalous and spirited as ever in her holiday get-up, we take you through a winter wonderland of topics, from the moral ambiguity of Christmas movie tropes to the chaos of outfit changes and technical gremlins that tested our festive fortitude. And let's not forget our special guests, Alexander James, Rance and Bob Denton, and our bestest friend Jess The Mess, wh...
The One With Sarah Eriksen

Ever found yourself pondering the peculiar color change of soggy clothes or which insurance plan Lightning McQueen prefers? Well, your curiosities are about to be sated as we, Daniel Quigley and Dinasaurus, guide you through an episode that's anything but ordinary. With the whimsically wonderful Sarah Eriksen, a master of the written word and gaming extraordinaire, we traverse the landscapes of holiday hilarity, pop culture puzzles, and literary labyrinths. Sarah even gives us a glimpse into her "Treacherous Havens," sharing the origins and ethical intricacies laced within its post-apocalyptic world.
Brace yourselves for an episode where Star Wars...
The One Where Dina Escapes A Cult Pt. III (The One Where We Meet The Duggars)

Trigger/Content Warning: The upcoming discussion delves into topics related to religious beliefs, strict traditional gender roles, sexual abuse, and practices that some may find restrictive or controversial. Please practice good self-care, and proceed with caution if you're sensitive to such subjects or consider skipping this segment entirely if it might be distressing to you.
Have you ever wondered about the bizarre yet relatable fears of parenting? Like teaching your little ones to blow their noses or losing your shirt to a mutant moth strain in Florida? Buckle up for a wild ride as we traverse a...
The One With Every Wish Way (The Return Of Shannon Bright)

Ready for a wild ride of romance, whimsy, and hilarity? We buckle up with Shannon Bright, a mastermind auto body technician and romance novelist, who's here to turbocharge our adventure. Shannon opens up about juggling her love for auto work and crafting swoon-worthy love stories, giving us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Every Wish Way.
We rev things up with a thrilling game of 'Red Flags', helping our single friend navigate the twists and turns of the dating world with Shannon, our romance expert in the driver's seat. As we explore potential suitors' attributes and...
The One With N.J. Alexander

Get ready for a roller-coaster episode as we welcome N.J. (Nick) Alexander, the brilliant mind behind the epic fantasy, FOGBOUND, and The Intern of the Goddamn Gamecube Podcast. We're delving deep into Dina's Tiktok Conspiracy Corner, discussing claims that nuclear test footage is fabricated – is it reality or just another conspiracy theory?
Prepare to chuckle (or not!) as we challenge our funny bones in 'You Laugh You Die: Pickup Lines edition'. Can Nick and the team keep a straight face or will they succumb to seduction? Nick then takes us on a chilling journey, recounting a fa...
The One Where Alex Releases The Woodkin (feat. Alexander James)

Prepare yourself, listeners, for an episode filled with wild anecdotes, laughter, and intellectual discussions as we welcome back our fan-favorite guest, author and culinary pro, Alexander James. In honor of the release of his long-anticipated horror novel, The Woodkin, we have a thrilling chat about his writing journey, dinner evaluations, and some outlandish conspiracy theories. From his childhood bicycle accident involving a Mercedes and firing Dina's cannon, to the wild theory linking Britney Spears and the World Trade Center, we promise a rollercoaster ride of an episode.
Embark on a hilarious journey as we hear about Alex's...
The One With Uncle Bobbo

Ever wondered how Donald Trump's peculiar orange hue could be linked to time travel? Or how risqué literature could be hilariously compared to electronics and cheap wine? Join your favorite weirdos, Daniel and Dinasaurus, as we have a riot of a time with our multi-talented friend, Uncle Bobbo, exploring it all, and so much more.
Our conversation whirls around Uncle Bobbo's passion for theater, and his humorous talent for distinguishing cryptids from, well... dicks. We tackle the mystery of time travel, the eccentricities of the game 'Only Up', and our very own version of Good Mythical Morning's SN...
The One With Dina's Arranged Marriage

Caught yourself wondering about the rising ebook prices lately? Well, you're not alone! Get ready for an amusing exploration of the ebook industry, its soaring prices, and how it affects both keen readers and diligent authors. Stick around for a captivating spoken poem via voicemail by Stevie Wildcard from the 'We Have Issues' podcast, and let's revel in the realm of words and stories together.
Buckle up as we plunge into the enigmatic world of conspiracy theories. From the high-profile personality hiding their baby to the existence of extraterrestrial life, we've got it all covered! Also on...
The One With The Sweaty Ball #@!&% (feat. Alexander James)

Prepare to enter a realm of laughter, mystery, and intrigue as Alexander James, Appe-TEASER and soon-to-be-published author of THE WOODKIN, graces the Don't Make It Weird Podcast once again. He brings us tales from his journey to publication, his Dungeons & Dragons improv comedy podcast Critically Stupid, and even a little insight into his experience with our drinking game known as Buffalo. We even make space for a sneak peek into the saucy working title for his sex tape. Brace yourselves for a lighthearted journey filled with signature humor, cheeky revelations, and much more!
Take a detour with...
The One Where Dina Denounces Mom Water

It's DMIW #90, and are those whispers of conspiracy theories getting to you, too? Well, quench your thirst for curiosity-fueling narratives as we navigate the murky waters of Wayfair and Wal-mart's alleged child trafficking scandal. Join us, along with our special guest, the Zany Zephyr of Zebrasaurus, as we dissect this controversy and discuss the bizarre store policies of a large "hobby" retail chain.
Our journey doesn't stop there, though. We take the road less traveled and venture into the complex human psyche as we dissect the difference between genuine concern and self-serving empathy. Who knew checking in...
The One With Almedia Ryan

What's that sound? Oh, just the exciting buzz of our first post-baby episode! We're thrilled to have the charismatic Almedia Ryan, author of 'Those Beneath', in the hot seat. Ali opens up about her transformative journey from southeast Texas to the lush landscapes of Montana, her switch from performance art to writing, and the inspiration behind her dark and romantic debut novel. We even toss in a fun drinking game to keep things lively and unpredictable - as usual!
We're not stopping at unpredictable though, we're taking a nosedive into downright eccentric as we delve into the p...
The One Where Dina Discovers The Dutch Rudder

In this mind-blowing installment, Dina takes us on a wild journey through her TikTok Conspiracy Corner, uncovering the shocking truth about birds (spoiler alert: they aren't real!) and delving into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Kobe Bryant's tragic death.
Prepare for a special treat as Arnold the Bard of Critically Stupid leaves us a voicemail message filled with musical enchantment. You won't want to miss this delightful interlude!
Next up, brace yourself for The Sexual Lexicon Challenge. Daniel challenges Dina to guess the horrifying definitions from Urban Dictionary, leading to uproarious and cringe-worthy moments. Can Dina...
The One With L. A. Cunningham

Join us for an exciting episode with L. A. (Laurie) Cunningham, author, artist, and adventurer. She serves as the Editor-in-Chief and a writer at ASAP IMAGINATION, and is also a comic book creator with a dark and twisty sense of humor that complements her dark and twisty writing. Among her notable works are the debut comic book series, Sister Grim, the Points of Villainy series, and the dystopian zombie-esque parenting picture book, Babies with Rabies: An ABC Survival Guide.
In this episode, we visit Dina's TikTok Conspiracy Corner, we play the dating game Red Flags, and we...
NOTHING SPECIAL by Dina S. LIVE Release Party feat. Alexander James!

Come celebrate with us as we launch Dinasaurus' debut novel NOTHING SPECIAL! We will be chatting about the book and giving away free copies live on stream! Grab a drink and join us!
Follow Alexander James on Twitter!: https://twitter.com/DrunkScribe
Check out his Dungeons and Dragons Real-Play Podcast CRITICALLY STUPID on YouTube!: https://youtube.com/@critstupid
Support the show
Daniel's website: https://dumps4danq.com
Dina's website: https://dinasaurusd.com
You can find the video presentation of this show on our YouTube channel, and the audio only...
The One With The Mystery Waistcoat (feat. Alexander James)

In this week's episode of Don't Make It Weird, we continue the publishing journey of our friend Alexander James! Alex gives us an exclusive Riley-ism in the Accountabilibuddies segment! We play a new game called HOT TAKES! Alex tells us about that time he took a selfie with a wild baby bear in STORYTIME! And we learn about a new superior form of potato thanks to a sexy snippet read by Alex from Black Feathers: Erotic Dreams by Cecilia Tan in this week's CRINGEY COPULATION! #Bookish #Booktube #writingcommunity
You can find Alexander James on Twitter: https://twitter.c...
The One With Daniel's Length Issue

In this week's episode of DMIW, we get to catch up with the fam! Dinasaurus lets us in on the latest TikTok conspiracies! We get a special message in our voicemail from the bard Arnold from @CritStupid! Sean tells us about some real life stories of when people made it weird from reddit, in THEY MADE IT WEIRD! We have a discussion about the length of your ... book. Dinasaurus fills us in on the ultimate guide to revenge on a cheating ex in STORYTIME! and then she reads us a very intimate excerpt from Touch by Courtney Maum in...