422: Darnell Epps—Where There’s a Pulse There’s a Purpose

Podcast Summary: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Episode 422: Darnell Epps—Where There’s a Pulse There’s a Purpose
Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 422 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, host Mike Rowe engages in a profound conversation with Darnell Epps, a remarkable individual whose life journey bridges the worlds of law and skilled trades. The episode delves into Darnell’s transformative experiences, from his challenging early years and time in prison to his academic achievements at Yale Law School and his entrepreneurial venture, Thurgood Industries.

Early Life and Challenges

Darnell Epps grew up in the housing projects of Brooklyn, New York, facing significant adversity from a young age. His life took a tragic turn on March 8, 2000, when a confrontation led to the loss of a life and resulted in his incarceration for 17 and a half years. Reflecting on this period, Darnell emphasizes personal accountability:

Darnell Epps [10:11]: "I took full responsibility for my acts... when we went to prison, we just committed to accountability, personal growth, and helping others avoid the same mistakes we made."

Time in Prison

During his time in prison, Darnell transformed his circumstances through education and mentorship. Despite not having completed high school prior to his incarceration, he pursued a GED and immersed himself in legal studies, becoming a self-taught jailhouse lawyer. His dedication led him to work as a law clerk in the prison library, where he assisted fellow inmates in navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Darnell Epps [24:06]: "I did the full boat. Because there's a federal law... the conviction in itself was wrongful."

Darnell and his brother developed a close bond in prison, supporting each other through challenging times and engaging in programs aimed at rehabilitating at-risk youth.

Educational Journey

Darnell’s commitment to education did not end with his incarceration. Upon his release in 2017, he pursued higher education with unwavering determination. He enrolled at Cornell University, where his exceptional performance and dedication caught the attention of influential mentors, including Joseph Margulies, a Supreme Court attorney.

Darnell Epps [50:17]: "I love the law... I was reading about Sean Hopwood, Dwayne Betts, and I knew it was possible to enter the legal community and apply the skills I’ve been self-taught over more than a decade."

His academic excellence culminated in his acceptance to Yale Law School in December 2020, making him one of the few individuals to bridge Ivy League education and vocational training seamlessly.

Darnell Epps [65:37]: "I was accepted to Yale. Got accepted to Yale."

Launching Thurgood Industries

Leveraging his unique background, Darnell founded Thurgood Industries, a career-building and networking platform focused on skilled workers. The platform aims to bridge the skills gap in the United States by providing a modern, digital space akin to LinkedIn but specifically tailored for the trades.

Darnell Epps [81:53]: "Think of it as a LinkedIn for the skilled trades. We want to bring attention to the meaningful careers that people can find in this space."

Thurgood Industries offers features such as skills assessments, a public feed for showcasing work, and job application capabilities, all designed to make hiring more efficient and to celebrate the achievements of America’s skilled workforce.

Vision and Future

Darnell envisions Thurgood Industries as a pivotal tool in transforming the perception of skilled trades and making these careers more accessible and appealing. By highlighting the tangible skills and projects of tradespeople, the platform seeks to inspire younger generations and provide underserved communities with viable economic opportunities.

Darnell Epps [87:50]: "The ask is to download the app, get engaged on the platform, and help build out this community and bring awareness to careers in this space."

Conclusion

Mike Rowe commends Darnell Epps for his extraordinary journey and his dedication to bridging the gap between legal expertise and skilled trades. The episode underscores the importance of personal responsibility, education, and entrepreneurship in overcoming adversity and driving societal change.

Mike Rowe [88:44]: "You were the only former inmate Yale graduate, lawyer, trades apologist that I know, and it was super great of you to fly across the country to do this."

Key Takeaways:

Darnell Epps’ life exemplifies resilience and transformation, showcasing how education and accountability can alter one's path.
Thurgood Industries addresses a critical skills gap in the U.S. by creating a dedicated networking platform for skilled trades.
The integration of legal education and vocational training highlights the diverse avenues available for personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

Darnell Epps [10:11]: "When there’s a pulse, there’s a purpose, you know, that you can always find purpose, even in your darkest moments."
Darnell Epps [81:53]: "Think of it as a LinkedIn for the skilled trades."
Mike Rowe [88:44]: "You were the only former inmate Yale graduate, lawyer, trades apologist that I know."

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one individual can have on bridging critical gaps in the workforce.