104 episodes

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.

Don't Make It Weird Daniel Quigley & Dinasaurus

    • Arts
    • 4.6 • 14 Ratings

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 Dzintra Sullivan

    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 survival tips.

    Step right up for a comedic guessing game that explores which literary characters capture the hearts of authors worldwide, featuring a lineup from Frodo Baggins to Cinderella. But it's not just about the iconic characters; we're also tearing down the curtains to reveal the oddities and quirks within the English language and storytelling. Zee leads the charge with her insights into character development and the colorful world of indie publishing, making this episode a treasure trove for writers and readers alike.

    We're rounding off the shenanigans with a foray into the world of cringe-worthy erotic literature. Be forewarned, it's as hilariously uncomfortable as it sounds. And for the pièce de résistance, Zee tackles the ultimate challenge of pitching her "Days of Death" series in a single heartbeat. So, if you're ready for a good chuckle and a peek behind the literary curtain with a crew that doesn't take themselves too seriously, pull up a chair and lend us your ears. You're in for quite the show.

    Dzintra Sullivan's Website: https://www.booksbydzintra.com/
    Dzintra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DzintraSullivan
    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 1 hr 18 min
    The One With Mike Jones: The Musical

    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 best medicine.

    As the conversation takes a turn through the chaos of the Word Association Game, you'll witness our brains zigzag from the great outdoors to the enigmatic Mike Jones, all while we try (and often spectacularly fail) to stick to the rules. But it's not all fun and games—when writer's block rears its ugly head, we lay bare our souls and share the survival tactics that keep our pens moving. Whether it's a detour onto Reddit or embracing a new muse, we shed light on the conundrums of the creative process, with a side of our signature wit.

    Hold onto your seats, because the ride gets wilder as we dial up Stevie Wildcard for an uproarious chat about dinosaur-human romances (you read that right) and the intricate details of the cloaca. This chapter isn't for the faint of heart, but it's guaranteed to leave you in stitches—or at least with an eyebrow raised in intrigue. From poignant pet anecdotes to crafting the perfect conspiracy theory with friends, Don't Make It Weird is a melting pot of the peculiar and profound. 
    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 51 min
    The One With The Flibbertigibbets

    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 Little Mermaid' and the myths surrounding sex education in animation. Dina's Tiktok Conspiracy Corner might just have you questioning reality—or at least, the reality of social media. Plus, we're giving some much-deserved shoutouts to our community, so don't miss out on your chance to be part of the weird and wonderful banter!

    Wrapping up with a game of 'Weird Definitions,’ where we try our hand at guessing the meanings of the most bizarre words we can find—let's just say, our vocabulary may never be the same again. And as if that wasn't enough, we're ending with a spirited debate over the proper measurement of shots, because let's face it, size does matter—when it comes to your drinks, that is. So, grab a beverage (measured correctly, please) and settle in for an episode full of unexpected twists, gut-busting laughter, and a bit of learning on the side. Cheers, weirdos!
    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 1 hr 25 min
    The One With The Holiday Hoedown Throwdown (feat. Special Guests!)

    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, who brought their own brands of merry mischief and reflections to our Christmas special.

    Every holiday has its traditions, and ours apparently includes playing drinking games with impossible rules, honoring our lost friend in the most 'us' way possible, and speculating if Santa is indeed the tallest elf in the grotto. We also delve into the reality of multitasking as parents during the holidays – because nothing says Christmas like pumping while podcasting. From contemplating whether we'd rather spend Christmas trapped in Mariah Carey's holiday album or kissing the Grinch, to sharing our personal favorite festive films and traditions, this episode is a sleigh ride through the quirks and quintessentials of yuletide cheer.

    Wrap up your season with our Christmas cocktail of jokes that'll have you deciding whether to belly laugh or facepalm. To bring it home, Sean, Jess, Rance, Alex, and Dina bring their own stories and humor to the table, making for a podcast episode that's more stuffed than your stocking. Whether we're paying tribute to a beloved friend with a cringe-worthy reading or two, or debating the finer points of Trader Joe's holiday offerings, this is one holiday gathering you won't soon forget. So pull up an armchair, pour another glass of that eggnog, and join us for a festive foray into laughter, camaraderie, and the unexpected joys of the season.
    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 2 hr 9 min
    The One With Sarah Eriksen

    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 meets Pokémon in a crossover so chaotic it might just break the internet. Picture this: a T-Rex noshing on Frodo, golden fish Pokémon materializing out of nowhere, and the ultimate face-off with a colossal Jar Jar Binks. The madness doesn't end there—Sarah recounts her real-life romantic quest that began in the virtual fields of World of Warcraft and whisked her away to the land down under. Our conversation jets from the fantastical to the creation of our own narratives, the joy of 'pantsing' our way through storytelling, and the pivotal moments that shape our characters and worlds.

    Ending on a note that's both humorous and heartwarming, we navigate the craft of world-building and character complexity before diving headfirst into a cringe-worthy erotica reading that even our own Producer Sean can't unhear. Whether you're here for the laughs, the creative insights, or the sheer unpredictability of our topics, this episode of Don't Make It Weird offers a treasure trove of entertainment. So, come join us and the ever-engaging Sarah Eriksen for a podcast experience that promises to tickle your funny bone and ignite your imagination.


    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 1 hr 22 min
    The One Where Dina Escapes A Cult Pt. III (The One Where We Meet The Duggars)

    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 myriad of topics from the amusing to the mysterious, including an intriguing conspiracy theory about Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelce.

    But it's not all fun and games today. Brace yourselves as we steer the conversation towards a darker realm, the world of religious cults, specifically the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. We reveal the underbelly of these sects, with Dina, sharing her personal experiences of growing up in a rigid and punitive environment. Unravel the threads of the Duggar family's rise to fame, their intersection with the IFB and IBLP belief system, and the profound implications of their religious convictions for gender roles, discipline, and control.

    In the final stretch of our discourse, we confront the chilling reality of child abuse within independent churches and the lack of accountability that lets the culprits slip through the justice net. We address the damaging effects of purity culture and the urgency for victims' voices to be heard and validated. Through it all, we emphasize the vital need to hold abusers accountable, regardless of their status as religious leaders. So, tune in for an enlightening journey that promises to challenge your perspectives in this, the first of a 4-part miniseries where we watch and discuss the Shiny Happy People documentary and compare it to Dina's experiences in the IFB.

    Check out part one, The One Where Dina Escapes A Cult, right here!: https://youtu.be/ZNz5QIhr9g0?si=i1p27g0PcQe8SRXh



    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 version on any of your favorite podcast apps!

    Give us a call on the Don't Make It Weird Hotline and leave us a voicemail message! We just might use your message on a future episode of the show! 347-69-WEIRD

    Don't Make It Weird Podcast on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dmiwpodcast
    Daniel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/danqwritesthing
    Dina on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dinasaurusd
    Producer Sean on Twitter: http://twitter.com/shaceholdu

    Music Credit:
    Swing Rabbit ! Swing ! by Amarià https://soundcloud.com/amariamusique
    Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
    Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/al-swing-rabbit-swing
    Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/lt7fn1NVxQM

    • 1 hr 23 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
14 Ratings

14 Ratings

JAV418 ,

Funny and different

It’s funny, different and laid back. Daniel and Dina makes an awesome and funny duo. If you’re looking for a good time give it a shot.

Industrious Emily ,

Give it a try

The hosts had good chemistry from Ep 1 which is pretty rare with a new podcast. They’re entertaining and smart, feels like you’re hanging out with friends. A good podcast to just chill with while doing chores or driving. Keep going!!

Daradixie ,

Hilarious

Great show and great crew. They talk about writing, but mainly, it's about the hilariously fun, unexpected life adventures of the team. Their lives are like something straight out of movies and tv shows. Love it

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