Conversations with Darwin Gardner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darwin Gardner.

Hi Darwin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Life has been a whirlwind for me. Just 10 years ago I was homeless, depressed and struggling with addiction. Today I am proud to say I am a college professor, a owner of a independent record label called Bigg Buff Records, a hobbyist chicken farmer (actually they are more like pets) and I also work as a maintenance in a facility that caters to the elderly. My life is about giving back and everyday I try to show kindness to others I come in contact with. What helped me overcome my obstacles was a strong believe that I deserved a better life for myself as well as my family. I also found strength in religion that helped me believe in something when there seemed to be nothing to believe in. Alot of my accomplishments happened because I got up and took the steps to make them happen. Instead of blaming others I took full accountability for my bad decisions so it was only reasonable that I put in the effort to solve them. Now days I consider myself as a source of light and guidance to those who may be also facing similiar battles in life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life has had its ups and downs but I do not complain. The main struggle is you have to want and believe you deserve better. Alot of times in life we are our own worst enemy. The road wasnt smooth but I am thankful since i realize it could have been alot rougher. People ask me how I am doing , I reply ” things could be better but they definitely could be a lot worse so I am thankful”. It also takes a strong mind to resist temptations and focus on goals. Life will throw lots of trick plays but it is about how you handle them. This life does not last forever so it is each individual’s responsibility to try to make the best of it for themself as well as for the rest of society. My struggles were in my opinion common ones like excessive partying, poor money management skills and poor judgement of potential friends. Alot of issues could have been avoided had I paid better attention to what actions were helpful or harmful to my life. Alot of things start off as fun but negatively progress if no barriers are put in place. I learned life is about decisions and environment and those two factors can make or break a person.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a great love for music and have released numerous “clean” hiphop songs under the name ” Poe the Passion”. I have also had the opportunity to act in several short films. Life is about growth and surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy from the people to the places you give energy to. I am most proud of getting 1,000,000 streams for my music, it made me realize there are lots of people interested in my story and for that I am thankful. What sets me apart from alot of people is my heart. I am a big lover and family to me is everything. I still value the older traditionals like honesty over profit which is often overlooked in todays money driven world.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Believe in yourself, be wary of your surroundings and if you are a giver like me then you have to learn your limitations. When you a giver, there will be people who will take and borrow until you have nothing left. It is great to help others but at the same time you have to take your best interests into account as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poethepassion/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poethepassion
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-darwin-gardner-47165890
• Twitter: https://x.com/poe_the_passion
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/poeticjloccoo
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/darwin-gardner-269994660
• Other: https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/1472819