Facts, Not Fear
How the adults who reach kids every day can actually change their decisions about drugs.
For driver-ed, school resource officer, school safety and prevention conferences · 45–90 minutes · In person or virtual
Scare tactics stopped working a generation ago
Young people today face fentanyl in counterfeit pills, high-potency THC and vapes that look like highlighters. Lectures and shock videos don’t reach them. The adults they already trust can, if those adults know what to say.
In this high-energy, story-driven keynote, Darren shares the story of losing seven friends to drugs and alcohol before he turned 16, and what he has learned from training more than 20,000 educators since. Audiences laugh, lean in, and leave with a method they can use the next day.
Your audience will leave able to
Built for these events
- Driver education conferences: state DTSEA meetings, ADTSEA, regional associations
- Traffic safety events: highway safety offices, impaired-driving task forces, DOT summits
- SRO and law enforcement trainings: state SRO associations, department in-service days
- School and district events: staff professional development, parent nights
- Prevention coalitions: community and opioid-settlement funded programs
Formats
Every booking includes a planning call with Darren to tailor examples and language to your audience. Keynote plus breakout combinations are available.
What organizers say
“Darren talks to the audience, not at them. He comes from a place of understanding, not judgment.”
“Darren is a passionate and authentic speaker who connects with students and delivers a powerful message about the dangers and life-changing consequences of drugs, alcohol, and other substances. He captures students’ attention, encourages them to think beyond the moment, and reinforces the importance of personal responsibility and smart choices. I highly recommend Darren to schools and youth organizations. He brings purpose, passion, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on young lives.”
“Darren was an invited speaker at our PASRO conference. Leading up to the event I was taken aback at how generous he was, ensuring our attendees each received reference and training materials to bring back to their schools. He was a dream to work with!”
“I’ve attended a couple of Darren’s presentations, on drug education and prevention and on growing online exposure, and he is exceptionally passionate about both. I’ve also hired him for specific projects and regularly give his educational brochures and DVDs to our clients. He delivers real value, and I highly recommend his expertise and resources.”
More from Darren
The Purpose Effect
Clarity of purpose is what turns effort into impact.
Darren tells how a personal loss became a national mission, and gives people a simple way to reconnect their daily work with the reason it matters.
45–60 min keynote · virtual
Sessions for companies →Workplace drug awareness
Practical, non-judgmental drug awareness for teams.
What employees and their families need to know about today’s drugs, delivered without shame or jargon.
60-min session · lunch-and-learn · virtual
Sessions for companies →