Independent investigative researcher, content creator, and host of Griftcast IRL — the corner of the internet where he tells you about things and where they came from.
Known online as Defango, Manuel Chavez III is an independent researcher, investigative journalist, and longtime fixture of the internet's most uncharted territories. For over a decade he has covered everything from cryptographic puzzles and ARGs to deep-dive investigations into media narratives and online influence operations.
He is the host of Griftcast IRL — a no-filter show where nothing is off the table. Whether it's breaking down the latest drama, exposing bad actors, or just having a raw conversation, Defango brings receipts and keeps it real.
Find him live, on-demand, and across every major platform below.
Business inquiries, collabs, or just want to say something?
defango@defango.com