Foreword by Paul Gomez, Co-Founder of Hurley

I’ll never forget the day when I walked out into the parking lot at Hurley, and there was Darren Doane—standing toe-to-toe with another employee, ready to throw down in the middle of the parking lot. They were about to have an actual fistfight. I’m still not entirely sure what sparked the conflict, but one thing was clear—somebody was being way too precious about something, and Darren wasn’t having it.

That’s Darren for you. He’s not the kind of guy who wastes time with ego, politics, or any form of “preciousness.” He’s always been ready to roll up his sleeves, get in the trenches, and make things happen, no matter what. The thing is, most people talk about getting things done, but Darren? He lives it. That punk rock attitude—throwing caution to the wind, not caring if he’s breaking rules or stepping on toes—that’s in his DNA.

I remember the early days of Darren’s career when he was breaking the mold, combining vintage punk rock energy with an aggressive, take-no-prisoners style of filmmaking. But what made him unique wasn’t just the aggression—it was the way he threw in comedy, fun, and a kind of mischievous energy that no one else was bringing to the table at the time. He was doing something new, something raw, and he was doing it without ever being precious about his work or reputation. Darren never cared about fitting into any box.

And the truth is, Darren hasn’t changed. He’s still got that punk rock spirit today, even though punk rock itself is dead. It’s not a movement anymore, but Darren’s philosophy of getting rad—of not being precious—continues to change the game. In a world where most people are obsessed with image, reputation, and perfection, Darren’s out there every day, getting things done in his own scrappy, fearless way.

When he started The Doane Cast podcast, I was one of the ones encouraging him to keep going—even when he had no idea if anyone was listening. Darren didn’t care about the numbers. He was just out there creating, putting something into the world. That’s how he works. It’s the same way he’s always worked, whether he’s making films, shooting commercials, or producing content—he doesn’t wait for perfect conditions, he doesn’t worry about having the right tools or approval. He just does.

We used to have this joke about taking people from “white bread to wheat bread.” In a world full of white bread thinkers—people who play it safe, who want things easy and predictable—Darren’s always been on the wheat bread side. He pushes boundaries, he adds texture, and he’s not afraid to make people uncomfortable if it means pushing them forward. That’s the whole essence of not being precious—it’s about doing the work, taking risks, and letting go of all the things that slow you down.

Darren and I have been in the trenches together more times than I can count, and I’ll tell you this: There’s no one I’d rather have beside me when it’s time to get stuff done. He’s the guy you want when the plan falls apart, when the play is broken, and you need someone who’s ready to get dirty and fight for the project. He’s not precious, and that’s what makes him unstoppable.

So here’s my advice to you as you read this book: Learn from Darren. Learn from someone who doesn’t care about titles, who doesn’t wait for permission, and who’s not afraid to take a few punches—literally or figuratively—if it means making something real happen. There’s too much “preciousness” in the world today, too many people worried about looking good and playing it safe. Darren? He’s still out there getting rad and changing the game.

And if you’re reading this, then I think you’re ready to do the same.

—Paul Gomez