23. Charlie Dark MBE on founding Run Dem Crew, how to properly build communities and his legendary DJ career.

DJ pioneer, community builder, and proud father, Charlie Dark MBE, steps into the spotlight to share his journey of bringing people together. While "community” has become a real buzzword, for Charlie, it’s been a lifelong mission. His work has and is uniting people both on the dancefloor and in the streets.

As the founder of Run Dem Crew, a London-based running community, Charlie has impacted countless lives through the power of movement and positivity, earning an MBE along the way.

We spoke to him about his career as a DJ, his battles with mental health, the evolution of RDC, and his vision for a health-focused future across the UK in the years to come.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction 

00:03:30 Charlie's Early DJ Career

00:04:02 The Birth of Blacktronica

00:10:03 Mental Health In The Music Industry

00:21:46 Rediscovering Life Through Running

00:23:51 Exploring London at Night

00:30:15 What Running Teaches You About People

00:31:45 The Importance of Rules and Manifestos

00:32:25 Running Is for Everyone

00:35:45 The Birth of Run Dem Crew

00:38:24 Incubating Ideas: The Key to Success

00:46:15 Navigating Brand Relationships

00:53:10 What’s Next For Charlie Dark?

01:00:00 Wise Words

01:00:49 His MBE