Julie Deru: Part One

[YTIG60]

On Bonnie's vlog today, Joel said Landon and Julie had Costa Vida cater Emma's baptism. This isn't inexpensive, they have a large family to feed, so how do they afford this expense instead of preparing your own meal for this family event? Couldn't Julie use some of those Griffiths recipes from their cookbook?

[ICantEven]

On Bonnie's vlog today, Joel said Landon and Julie had Costa Vida cater Emma's baptism. This isn't inexpensive, they have a large family to feed, so how do they afford this expense instead of preparing your own meal for this family event? Couldn't Julie use some of those Griffiths recipes from their cookbook?

I caught that too and thought it was strange, and says a lot about the family too. Maybe Ruby or another family member paid for it. In my family we wouldn't let the unemployed family with 4 kids feed us all (not that any of us would willingly choose not to work... Esp with that many kids). We would either do a pitch in or if we went the catering route, someone more well-off would pay for it.

[ICantEven]

Landon was being really childish in Julie's IG stories today as well, swinging a hanger around while Julie yelled at him to not do that by her piano. Eventually it of course flew off his hand and hit the piano. Julie even said this is what she tells the kids.

Also Julie talked about wanting to buy a large 16 x 20" art print for their house. I really don't know the prices she was looking at or what that even costs, but everything they spend money on that isn't a true need just makes me nervous. We don't even know if Landon is a student/TA this semester, right? I'm so confused where they get all this money they are spending.

I've said it before but maybe IG is more lucrative than we think. That's the only way I can make sense of their lifestyle. Julie puts out quite a few ads.

[YTIG60]

Landon was being really childish in Julie's IG stories today as well, swinging a hanger around while Julie yelled at him to not do that by her piano. Eventually it of course flew off his hand and hit the piano. Julie even said this is what she tells the kids.

Also Julie talked about wanting to buy a large 16 x 20" art print for their house. I really don't know the prices she was looking at or what that even costs, but everything they spend money on that isn't a true need just makes me nervous. We don't even know if Landon is a student/TA this semester, right? I'm so confused where they get all this money they are spending.

I've said it before but maybe IG is more lucrative than we think. That's the only way I can make sense of their lifestyle. Julie puts out quite a few ads.

Julie thought she was marrying a future doctor and now in her thirties, she does have wants and not the income to provide them. I heard Julie say Landon was at a business conference and not home on today's Instastory. I wonder if he isn't hedging in case he isn't accepted into a graduate program.
I saw that clip with the hanger and she was annoyed. I also thought why did she upload this on IG since it doesn't show Landon in the best light?

[YTIG60]

I listen to Landon who is at an obesity conference or week and I liked his message. He gave out some tips that included: keep moving, eating healthy, measuring things, at the the end of the day the method you use to lose weight is what works for you and I especially like his message love your body resulting in taking care of it. He seems non judgemental. I don't know why he doesn't at least work part time as a fitness trainer since I image he would be liked by his clients.
It was good to see this side of Landon.

[HelloSweetie]

Landon was being really childish in Julie's IG stories today as well, swinging a hanger around while Julie yelled at him to not do that by her piano. Eventually it of course flew off his hand and hit the piano. Julie even said this is what she tells the kids.

Also Julie talked about wanting to buy a large 16 x 20" art print for their house. I really don't know the prices she was looking at or what that even costs, but everything they spend money on that isn't a true need just makes me nervous. We don't even know if Landon is a student/TA this semester, right? I'm so confused where they get all this money they are spending.

I've said it before but maybe IG is more lucrative than we think. That's the only way I can make sense of their lifestyle. Julie puts out quite a few ads.

I think they just overspend. They probably got into the habit when Landon was going to be a doctor because they assumed they’d have money to pay for things “one day.” Now it’s just a habit and they can convince themselves their channel is growing and they will have the money to pay off debts one day from that. They also have an image to present and the Griffith family seems very competitive. Landon was on a pedestal with Grandma Griff at one point, and he isn’t going to let that go easily. Something like a potluck event he’s hosting would definitely help him fall out of favour quickly with her. These girls were raised to save money on things people don’t see, and to splurge on things they do. Ellie was using expensive face cream at a time when all she and Jared could afford to eat was potatoes. Being able to afford things is a very loose concept with that family. I have no doubt they have a pile of debt.


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[ICantEven]

According to IG, Landen is working on his prospectus, so he is finishing his thesis for his masters degree. I thought he finished his masters in May, but maybe that was just coursework and he decided to do a thesis since he didn't get into the PhD program. I wonder if he'll apply for PhD programs for next year.

Also I did a little digging in the grad handbook for his program and I read that at the meeting where he defends his prospectus to the faculty, they will begin with a prayer. It just seemed SO weird to me having been involved in many such meetings. But then again I guess if they all have the same beliefs it might not seem weird.

[YTIG60]

According to IG, Landen is working on his prospectus, so he is finishing his thesis for his masters degree. I thought he finished his masters in May, but maybe that was just coursework and he decided to do a thesis since he didn't get into the PhD program. I wonder if he'll apply for PhD programs for next year.

Also I did a little digging in the grad handbook for his program and I read that at the meeting where he defends his prospectus to the faculty, they will begin with a prayer. It just seemed SO weird to me having been involved in many such meetings. But then again I guess if they all have the same beliefs it might not seem weird.

I thought he had completed his master's degree too, but looking at the video where he wasn't accepted into the PhD program, maybe not? Does he have a real chance to get into a PhD program?

"I'll still be teaching Anatomy, I'll be working on my thesis, I'll be working on publishing (Julie interrupted) I'll be working on publications I'll be teaching so it's not like I will just not be doing anything..."

[ICantEven]

According to IG, Landen is working on his prospectus, so he is finishing his thesis for his masters degree. I thought he finished his masters in May, but maybe that was just coursework and he decided to do a thesis since he didn't get into the PhD program. I wonder if he'll apply for PhD programs for next year.

Also I did a little digging in the grad handbook for his program and I read that at the meeting where he defends his prospectus to the faculty, they will begin with a prayer. It just seemed SO weird to me having been involved in many such meetings. But then again I guess if they all have the same beliefs it might not seem weird.

I thought he had completed his master's degree too, but looking at the video where he wasn't accepted into the PhD program, maybe not? Does he have a real chance to get into a PhD program?

"I'll still be teaching Anatomy, I'll be working on my thesis, I'll be working on publishing (Julie interrupted) I'll be working on publications I'll be teaching so it's not like I will just not be doing anything..."

Thanks... I had forgotten exactly what he said. I went through both his and Julie's IG and didn't see any graduation pics so I'm guessing he may have said he finished his masters coursework at some point and I interpreted it as he was going to graduate. So maybe if he got into the PhD program he would have applied his coursework to that. But since he didn't he'll add a thesis and get a thesis masters. I wonder how long that takes in his field. I think he said after passing the prospectus he would be cleared to collect data, then analyze, write it up, etc. So I assume that would take at least until next spring but possibly longer. If he's still a TA and working on his thesis that explains why he's still a student. I was kind of confused but it's starting to make sense now. He

[YTIG60]

If he's still a TA and working on his thesis that explains why he's still a student. I was kind of confused but it's starting to make sense now.

I think it is confusing what he is doing, but it appears Julie is moving towards mostly brand deals as their source of income. She has a brand deal in almost every video she uploads and IG she post. If her viewers are tolerant of all the brand deals, it isn't a bad idea to do this.

[YTIG60]

Julie is perplexing to me. She seems overwhelmed a good deal of the time. When you have a larger family, you would expect to have more work in many areas including childcare, laundry, cooking etc...it is a choice. Her kids are in school now so that should make life easier too. She is a bit of a complainer.
While I still see what Landon is doing in his career is risky, I kinda like his teaching about fasting etc. To me, it is an interesting topic and good information.

[HashtagBlessed]

Well, that last vlog was definitely an attempt to build up Landon's ego and explain to viewers how "stressed" and busy he is at a time when I'm sure their viewers are growing increasingly skeptical. I don't doubt that it's stressful as a family of six when neither mom nor dad want to commit to a real career. Julie has decided not to use her nursing degree. Landon is in his 30s and he's been to school for how many different programs and he has had how many career changes? No one made them do this, it was their choice for Landon to essentially be a full-time student with four kids at home. I doubt Julie will be able to make enough on brand deals to support a family indefinitely.

I had to roll my eyes when he was making claims about the benefits of fasting on brain function, heart health, life span, etc. These are far from proven facts, and for someone who is seeking a career in academia and research, he doesn't seem to understand how these things work. Many of the studies that have been done are on mice, not humans. And there haven't been long-term studies analyzing the affect of a ketogenic diet or fasting. There is solid evidence that a ketogenic diet reduces seizures in children with epilepsy, but that's about it at this point. In terms of weight loss, researchers aren't sure yet what the connection is or if there is a strong correlation between fasting and long-term, sustainable weight loss. For example, people who routinely fast may just have better self-control over how many calories they eat and drink, and this behavior translates into weight control and better choices when they aren't fasting. Given the way he was presenting ideas as proven facts, it sounded like his research was more about "proving" a pre-existing belief, rather than learning about the truth. He just didn't sound very scientific.

[YTIG60]

Well, that last vlog was definitely an attempt to build up Landon's ego and explain to viewers how "stressed" and busy he is at a time when I'm sure their viewers are growing increasingly skeptical. I don't doubt that it's stressful as a family of six when neither mom nor dad want to commit to a real career. Julie has decided not to use her nursing degree. Landon is in his 30s and he's been to school for how many different programs and he has had how many career changes? No one made them do this, it was their choice for Landon to essentially be a full-time student with four kids at home. I doubt Julie will be able to make enough on brand deals to support a family indefinitely.

I agree and in my opinion Julie should be working as a nurse to help provide income/insurance benefits for their family, but she can't seem to keep up with uploading a video two times a week? Add a few night shifts to Julie's life and then I'll feel she is tired, but at that point, I think she would pressure Landon to get a real job. You are right, brand deals can't support this family for the length of time it will take Landon to complete a PhD program and find a job. The stressful part is they are both in their thirties when most couples are building wealth for their children's education, retirement and have purchased a home. Landon's student loans I assume are staggering and could place them in a financial situation where this would be a house payment for many years. If I was Julie, this is what I would be crying about, but you are right again, this situation is a choice.

[ICantEven]

Well, that last vlog was definitely an attempt to build up Landon's ego and explain to viewers how "stressed" and busy he is at a time when I'm sure their viewers are growing increasingly skeptical. I don't doubt that it's stressful as a family of six when neither mom nor dad want to commit to a real career. Julie has decided not to use her nursing degree. Landon is in his 30s and he's been to school for how many different programs and he has had how many career changes? No one made them do this, it was their choice for Landon to essentially be a full-time student with four kids at home. I doubt Julie will be able to make enough on brand deals to support a family indefinitely.

I had to roll my eyes when he was making claims about the benefits of fasting on brain function, heart health, life span, etc. These are far from proven facts, and for someone who is seeking a career in academia and research, he doesn't seem to understand how these things work. Many of the studies that have been done are on mice, not humans. And there haven't been long-term studies analyzing the affect of a ketogenic diet or fasting. There is solid evidence that a ketogenic diet reduces seizures in children with epilepsy, but that's about it at this point. In terms of weight loss, researchers aren't sure yet what the connection is or if there is a strong correlation between fasting and long-term, sustainable weight loss. For example, people who routinely fast may just have better self-control over how many calories they eat and drink, and this behavior translates into weight control and better choices when they aren't fasting. Given the way he was presenting ideas as proven facts, it sounded like his research was more about "proving" a pre-existing belief, rather than learning about the truth. He just didn't sound very scientific.

Yeah I definitely don't understand their career choices. And Landon is still working on his masters. If he goes on for a PhD and becomes a professor he has a LOT more training ahead of him. I'm sure part of Julie's stress is what you said, income. Landon probably makes 25k max as a TA, so any quality of life they have all comes down to brand deals on YT and IG, which falls on her. With their small channel /platform and the YT changes that's a lot of stress. I wonder if that's why they included Landon talking about his research. Even though he did kind of sound like he was trying to explain it for kids. Or maybe he just talks in a condescending tone all the time... I kind of get that idea from him.

And eh, the research doesn't bother me, though admittedly I'm not an expert in his field, and I do not know the primary literature and studies to which he was referring. His personal bias toward the benefits does seem to go further than just a hypothesis, but I'm not sure if that means that his research will be biased. It all depends how well his study is designed and overseen by his professor. There are a couple professors he might be working with, based on looking at their profiles and research. Both focus on obesity and not fasting specifically. So hopefully they have experience with robust study design and will not leave the masters student on his own. He's a very junior trainee.

And the fact that nothing is proven 100% to me means it's a great place to do more research! Especially setting up a human trial.

[gopedjane]

I get what you're all saying about Julie going to work as a nurse, but does that even make sense since Landon would NEVER take on the role as care giver for the children, nor take care of anything with the home. I'm pretty sure Julie is busy doing everything with 4 kids and 2 at home fulltime still. So she would need to put 2 kids in daycare full time and off hours which can be tough to find and very expense.

[ICantEven]

I get what you're all saying about Julie going to work as a nurse, but does that even make sense since Landon would NEVER take on the role as care giver for the children, nor take care of anything with the home. I'm pretty sure Julie is busy doing everything with 4 kids and 2 at home fulltime still. So she would need to put 2 kids in daycare full time and off hours which can be tough to find and very expense.

You're right. As the situation is now, that would be hard. And honestly the IG and YT sponsorships seem like they would be a lot less work, include free clothes and products for everyday life, and seem to pay pretty well. So it may turn out the same. Of course the longevity is a huge question, whereas nursing is a pretty secure career. I don't think she would go back to nursing no matter what at this point though.

[HashtagBlessed]

Yes, it being controversial means that it is a good area for additional research and trials. Many fad diets over the years have incorporated those principals. However, Landon presenting all of that information as fact when it is far from proven was strange. There are no human studies to support Landon's recommendations, and yet he presents himself as an authority. With that attitude and a tenuous grasp of the scientific method, I'm not surprised he was passed over for the PhD program. He comes across as condescending and arrogant in their videos, so I wouldn't be surprised if he comes across that way in his work life as well.

As far as Julie's nursing degree and their childcare situation, they have certainly dug quite a financial hole for themselves. I would probably advise Julie to move close to family who could help her with childcare so that she could go back to nursing. I think nurses typically work three 12 hour shifts a week? It's not easy, and it sounds exhausting to me, but I've known several nurses who make it work so that they can support their families. Normally I would say the husband who refuses to find a real job can handle the childcare, but as far as Landon, I'm not sure there's any reasoning with him. He seems incredibly full of himself.

[lmmomSD]

They already live close to family. Ruby is nearby.
Julie saw the easy money her sisters got and wants it herself. She just jumped on the YT train too late.
Honestly, if I were sick, I wouldn't want her taking care of me. She seems like the type of nurse who acts like she is doing you a favor. She says she loves nursing. I call bs on that. If she loved it, she would find a way to make it work. There are tons of options: school nurse, telephone triage, flexible scheduling-- nurses don't _have_ to work 3 12 hour shifts a week.

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[YTIG60]

They already live close to family. Ruby is nearby.
Julie saw the easy money her sisters got and wants it herself. She just jumped on the YT train too late.
Honestly, if I were sick, I wouldn't want her taking care of me. She seems like the type of nurse who acts like she is doing you a favor. She says she loves nursing. I call bs on that. If she loved it, she would find a way to make it work. There are tons of options: school nurse, telephone triage, flexible scheduling-- nurses don't _have_ to work 3 12 hour shifts a week.

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Didn't she get into a little trouble in a video a while back by nurses that called her out in the comment section when she made disparaging remarks about patients. This is from Working as a Nurse:
"I've kept little stories that have happened over the years of working as a nurse and some of them just make me laugh and someone did meth in their foot so they had to stay for antibiotics people don't do meth don't do meth it's bad it's bad for you it is bad anyway so it was just kind of crazy things I don't miss a busy night with six patients three of them have PCA pumps that I have to check every two hours so there were some definitely some busy busy nights I don't miss working as a nurse right now"

[lmmomSD]

She wrote that? Oh boo hoo on having to check 3 PCA pumps every two hours.
I definitely stick by my assumption about her. Empathy isn't a strong suit in that family.

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