Podcast Summary: Let's Give A Damn Episode 280 — David Gate
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Nick Laparra
Guest: David Gate
Book Discussed: A Rebellion of Care by David Gate
Introduction
In Episode 280 of Let's Give A Damn, Nick Laparra engages in a profound conversation with David Gate, a London-born poet, writer, and visual artist residing in Asheville, North Carolina. As the release of David's debut book of poems and essays, A Rebellion of Care, approaches, the episode delves into his artistic journey, spiritual evolution, and the pressing need for community and care in today's tumultuous world.
Early Life and Creative Beginnings
David Gate opens up about his upbringing in Northwest London within a small Anglican church community. Surrounded by a multicultural environment, he embraced a Christian faith while cultivating an openness to diverse cultures and beliefs.
"I had this faith, this Christian faith, but I also had this openness to other people and other ideas and loved other cultures, too."
— David Gate [12:28]
As a teenager, David began writing worship songs, leading worship at conferences, and experiencing the nurturing yet restrictive influence of his church leader. The leader's abusive behavior profoundly impacted David, stunting his creative expression and instilling a sense of vulnerability.
"I came into contact with a lot of that narcissistic abuse... it definitely had a huge impact on me and kind of stunted my creativity."
— David Gate [14:31]
Transition to the United States and Creative Evolution
In 2011, David relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, seeking freedom from the constrictive environment of his previous church. The move marked a significant shift in his creative focus—from music to poetry—reflecting his dissatisfaction with the modern music industry's dynamics.
"I just concentrated on the poetry and just began to think, well, I've got all these things... I can just release them."
— David Gate [21:07]
His poetry gained traction on platforms like Instagram, leading to increased visibility and the eventual publication of his book, A Rebellion of Care. The book encapsulates themes of care, community, and resistance against systemic oppression.
Spirituality and Faith Journey
David shares his journey of evolving spirituality, moving away from doctrinal discussions to a more personal and poetic exploration of the divine. He emphasizes his continued belief in God, whom he refers to with female pronouns, and his deep appreciation for Jesus's life and teachings.
"I still have a belief in the divine. I still give it a name, which is God. I almost entirely refer to her with female pronouns."
— David Gate [26:54]
Unlike many who deconstruct faith, David's relationship with spirituality has strengthened, focusing on the essence of Jesus's message rather than institutionalized religion's constraints.
Writing A Rebellion of Care
- A Rebellion of Care* emerged organically from David's prolific writing on Instagram and his Substack newsletter. The book's central theme revolves around care—for oneself, for others, and for the community—as a form of rebellion against the prevailing systems of oppression.
"The theme is care... A more caring politics, a more caring religion, a more careful approach to my own mental health."
— David Gate [55:43]
He identifies two rebellious elements within this theme:
- Care as Progressive Action: Acts of kindness and mutual aid are inherently progressive, pushing societal norms towards greater empathy and solidarity.
- Necessity of Community Care: As governmental structures fail marginalized communities, grassroots care becomes essential for survival.
The Importance of Friendship and Community
A significant portion of the conversation centers around the pivotal role of friendship and community in resisting systemic injustices. David reads excerpts from his poems, "Friendship Will Save Us" and "It Takes a Village," highlighting the necessity of deep, genuine relationships beyond superficial interactions.
"Friendship is what will save us. Fall deeply in love with your friends... intimacy doesn't have to be reserved for romance."
— David Gate [57:14]
"It takes a village. But there are no villages out here. Only suburbs... Will you be my village?"
— David Gate [59:00]
Nick and David discuss the absence of authentic community bonds in modern, individualistic societies, emphasizing that true resistance requires robust mutual support systems.
"The biggest cure for depression is friendship. We just gotta bite the bullet sometimes and meet up for that drink and that coffee."
— David Gate [66:18]
Raising Children with Care and Independence
David reflects on his approach to parenting, contrasting it with his rigid upbringing. He prioritizes character development and authentic faith over proselytization, allowing his children to explore and develop their own values.
"If you want one word, it's Jesus. I really think Jesus is awesome... it's actually gotten stronger and more true to what I think faith in a divine being is all about."
— David Gate [30:24]
He advocates for raising children to be ethical, generous, and loving individuals, free from the guilt and rigid doctrines often imposed by institutionalized religion.
Sustaining Hope Through Art and Community
As the conversation draws to a close, David shares his hopes for A Rebellion of Care. He wishes for his work to make readers feel more alive, less alone, and inspired to care for others despite global atrocities and personal challenges.
"I'm hoping that helps you make you feel a little more alive... that you can bond over that experience."
— David Gate [75:13]
Nick echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balancing self-care with active participation in the fight for justice. They discuss practical strategies for fostering meaningful relationships, such as setting reminders to reach out to friends and prioritizing quality interactions over superficial connections.
Closing Thoughts and Resources
David encourages listeners to embrace moments of joy and connection as acts of resistance, using art and community to fuel the fight against systemic oppression. He provides resources for further engagement, including his Substack, Instagram, and avenues to purchase his poetry.
"You can find more about my work and connect with me on my Substack, Instagram, or at davidgatepo.com."
— David Gate [81:12]
Nick concludes by urging listeners to support local bookstores when purchasing A Rebellion of Care and to remain committed to building strong, caring communities.
Notable Quotes
-
David Gate [12:28]:
"I had this faith, this Christian faith, but I also had this openness to other people and other ideas and loved other cultures, too."
-
David Gate [14:31]:
"I came into contact with a lot of that narcissistic abuse... it definitely had a huge impact on me and kind of stunted my creativity."
-
David Gate [26:54]:
"I still have a belief in the divine. I still give it a name, which is God. I almost entirely refer to her with female pronouns."
-
David Gate [55:43]:
"The theme is care... A more caring politics, a more caring religion, a more careful approach to my own mental health."
-
David Gate [57:14]:
"Friendship is what will save us. Fall deeply in love with your friends... intimacy doesn't have to be reserved for romance."
-
David Gate [66:18]:
"The biggest cure for depression is friendship. We just gotta bite the bullet sometimes and meet up for that drink and that coffee."
-
David Gate [75:13]:
"I'm hoping that helps you make you feel a little more alive... that you can bond over that experience."
Conclusion
Episode 280 of Let's Give A Damn serves as a stirring exploration of David Gate's artistic and spiritual odyssey. Through heartfelt dialogue, David articulates the transformative power of care, community, and authentic relationships in the face of global and personal adversities. His book, A Rebellion of Care, emerges as both a manifesto and a beacon of hope, urging individuals to foster meaningful connections as a form of resistance and survival.
Resources:
- David Gate's Substack: David Gate
- Instagram: davidgatepoet
- Purchase Poems and Prints: davidgatepo.com
- Buy A Rebellion of Care: Available at Bookshop.org and other bookstores.