David Farrier on Dark Tourism, Weird America, and Why Journalism Still Matters

About this episode

Journalist, filmmaker, and Dark Tourist creator David Farrier joins Tawny Platis to make friendship bracelets while talking about documentaries, weird American subcultures, creative obsession, and the strange reality of building a life in the U.S. as a journalist.

David talks about:

• Growing up in New Zealand and how storytelling slowly became his career

• Why journalism still matters, even as media and documentaries continue to change

• How Flightless Bird and Web Worm let him explore bizarre rabbit holes and overlooked stories

• The emotional toll of making documentaries about narcissists and abusive people

• Why America feels chaotic, overwhelming, fascinating, and creatively inspiring all at once

• The difference between documentaries, podcasts, newsletters, and short-form storytelling

• Traveling across the U.S. to investigate Dungeons & Dragons, niche communities, and strange cultural phenomena

• Why he’s happiest when he’s constantly creating and staying busy

The two also talk about fish and chips on New Zealand beaches, friendship necklaces, Portland vs. New York, hiking, live music, and why Alaska feels magical despite neither of them having been there.

Plus, David shares his thoughts on the “Netflix-ization” of documentaries, the best comment section on the internet, and how a compliment from his grandfather shaped the way he thinks about storytelling to this day.

Every bracelet made during this episode is available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds going to Feed the Streets.

Remember, every bracelet has a story, and every story helps a cause.

Follow David Farrier: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfarrier/

Follow Tawny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawnyplatis/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tawnyplatis Web: https://tawnyvoice.com/