DARWYNISM

PIERSON TO PERSON

DARWYN METZGER is the founder of Phantom, a social-media-driven disruption agency that specializes in engineering and seeding digital propaganda on behalf of celebrities, films and TV shows. Ten years ago, Darwyn had absolutely zero interest in the tech world, but both he and his interests have evolved. (37:10) EXPLICIT EPISODE NOTES: Shortly after recording this free-wheeling episode with DARWYN METZGER he invited me to the opening of Phantom’s new offices on Hollywood Boulevard. Darwyn’s “subversive digital propaganda” agency is now located just a few doors down from old school eatery Musso & Frank in an amazing creative space that could easily be mistaken for a contemporary art gallery. The focal point of the 4,500-sq-foot suite is an eye-popping pop art mash-up of original images by Richie Velazquez (aka Deladeso) superimposed on vintage paintings Darwyn acquired from various LA thrift stores. The open bar featured a signature party drink dubbed “The Phantom” (Maker’s Mark whiskey, Barenjager honey liqueur, lemon juice and spicy habanero bitters), which I enjoyed sipping upstairs on the rooftop deck overlooking H. Blvd. There were a couple frat house touches (ping pong table and cookie dough dip) but little to no hazing. In his episode, DARWYNISM, Darwyn and I talk about his Millennial life, including his reliance on delivery service Postmates and his love of kombucha. When I asked him why the fermented tea wasn’t being served, he led me to the office kitchen and opened a refrigerator stocked full of the stuff. Cheers, Darwyn! I’m still not exactly sure what you and your associates do in your phat place of biz, but you’re certainly doing it with style and enthusiasm. Many thanks to the composers of the music featured in this episode royalty free through Creative Commons licensing: 1. "The Zeppelin" by Blue Dot Sessions 2. "Heliotrope" by Blue Dot Sessions Visit the Blue Dot Sessions website at: sessions.blue/sessions/