Meet Jen Danczak | Podcast Host & Brand Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Danczak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a small town called Medina, about 30 miles south of Cleveland. I was always a very social kid; I received notes on all my report cards from my teachers about how much I talked to my friends in class and needed to be moved seats, and making friends anywhere I went. (I was even voted as “Most Talkative” for my Senior Superlative by my peers during high school– what a surprise!) Everybody knew everybody in my town, emphasizing what it means to have a close-knit community within my heart. I have had the same few close friends since grade school, showing me how loyalty can flow into my adult life.

I always dreamed of the limelight; I received a karaoke machine from Santa when I was about 10 years old, where I would sing for hours in my bedroom and have makeshift concerts in my head. I would watch Mary-Kate and Ashley movies and pretend I was an actress like them, and found my love for the Hollywood scene through the television. I never let go of those dreams, as I sit in my West Hollywood apartment today.

I have always been a very competitive person, as well. I grew up as a competitive figure skater, softball player, and tennis player. I love to compete and push myself to greater limits I never knew I could exceed. Learning how to work with teammates as well as individually will always be an asset in my personal life, and certainly in my business!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over quarantine, I created my first podcast, UNWOMANLY: Based on a passion for pop culture and intense desire to learn, UNWOMANLY discusses topics with open yet articulate minds, with doses of occasional comedic and vulgar twists. As I say in my tagline, “An open mind and dirty mouth are always encouraged!”

My thought-process behind starting the UNWOMANLY podcast was wanting an outlet where I could be my authentic self. I used to have reporting jobs in the midwest, where everything I did felt monitored. (I’ve even received a write-up at one of those jobs due to my potty mouth!) I didn’t want to be at the mercy of anyone else’s criticisms, and creating an avenue where my guests and I can have honest conversations with no filters seemed ideal!

I thrive when I make people around me burst out in laughter, even a little chuckle. Knowing I’m the reason a smile is cracked on someone’s face, if only for a second, means I’m doing something right, and for the right people. It has taken time, but I have come to embrace that part of my personality, the part that was disciplined because it was “unflattering” through a male lens. That’s how UNWOMANLY began.

Of course there have been challenges when it comes to my personality meshing with others; one time I was told on a date that I would be “more attractive” if I “didn’t swear as much,” which of course added fuel to my fire!

I believe in showing all sides of a woman — one that doesn’t censor herself; women who don’t seek acceptance, but have found it after fully embracing themselves…and the male friends who recognize and support it. I want someone to wear an UNWOMANLY hat or t-shirt and be proud of that lifestyle. I’ve learned it’s certainly OKAY to not be everyone’s cup of tea!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friends were visiting, of course we would do the touristy things, such as seeing all the stars on the Boulevard, dipping our toes into the Pacific Ocean. (I love to go to Dockweiler Beach and plane watch– I like to go on the FlightRadar app to see which planes are taking off above us and where they are headed!)

Sometimes the best places in the city are the least-known ones! I love going to hole-in-the-wall spots for food and drinks. I enjoy going to Surly Goat in West Hollywood for karaoke and drinks, or to a taco truck downtown for one of the best tacos in the city!

I am also a HUGE paranormal junkie; I love to visit haunted places and enjoy touring the city and seeing all the history engrained in LA. I would take my friends to see the famous murder houses (Cielo Drive where the Manson murders took place, the Sowden House where the Black Dahlia was allegedly murdered, etc). I would also take my friends to see the Roosevelt Hotel to hopefully talk to Marilyn Monroe’s ghost, or stay in the hotel room where Janis Joplin overdosed. There is so much history in this city; it’s impossible to explore it all, but I attempt!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The book “If You Have to Cry, Go Outside” by Kelly Cutrone will always ring in my ears. Kelly is a fashion empire boss bitch and I have always looked up to her in terms of owning yourself, owning your brand and not taking any bullshit from anyone. In 2010, I was a fashion student in New York City. I went to Laboratory Institute of Merchandising and then Fashion Institute of Technology, studying Fashion Merchandising. At both places, I felt like I never truly fit in with the crowd around me. I would be on the subway train heading to class at 6am in my sweatpants, no makeup with my hair in a ponytail just trying to get through the day – while other girls were in high heels and blowouts (while beautiful, not realistic for me). Having Kelly and her attitude in the back of my head at all times helped get me through my 21.5 credits per semester while simultaneously dodging any perceived judgment from others or any self-doubts. I can thank her for showing me what a badass woman looks like!

Website: www.unwomanlypodcast.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/unwomanlypodcast

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jendanczak

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unwomanlypodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCMKPTvsfo1u3wRE647v0pw

Image Credits
Adam Case, Charli Transue