@@albertomedina4294 lol. You thought you were making a connection with something. Fix whatever issues you have that's killing your self-esteem then meet women in person my guy.
James, good sir, thank you for being emotional. Its always good to see a grown man express emotions, even when it's tough for them. You seem like a good man who's lived a very hard life. Thank you for remaining kind, despite all of your troubles.
Remember you are more than just a addict,or your actions. You seem like a gentle intelligent man. You still have some thing to offer to your children. My father is a Doctor with a medal of honour from the queen, but he's a rotten heartless man who has nothing to offer as a father. It's not just what you do,it's what is in your heart. Let your children decide
@May de Wilde I've been clean & sober almost a decade now. And I needed to see & read this post. Thank you. I didn't run out on my daughter. I didn't even know. When I found out on my own I got really anxious, yeah yeah let's take a test. She wasn't ready because for 15 years her mom has been telling her some other guy was her father and with the other guy didn't even want to take a test it crushed my daughter. And I pushed & pushed and I ruined it. Like you said it "let the children decide." I'm 🙏, wishing and 🤞😎. Im thinking about you everyday always always always. We'll meet one day😎. Hi D😎.
My Dad was A Pentecostal Preacher and everyone loved him but behind closed doors he was physically and mentally abusive till this Day even after he passed I never have felt his Love and affection and even though Im living good been married for almost30 years have Beautiful Children and Grandchildren I still wonder what did I do wrong or Why didn’t he love me my Daughters have a Wonderful and awesome relationship with my Husband Their Father and I feel so Happy and proud that they got to experience that 🤔🤔
Pain is a terrible thing and so debilitating, seems like a genuine guy, I just love that people get to be themselves with you, their masks come off in your studio, and then they go on again to survive on tbe Street. Your passion for people, this time they have to talk and just be real is more helpful than I think you even realise Mark
@@mikegolden3131 this would be affect. The father leaving affects the child, the effects of that would be the emotional damage that piles on afterward.
Guy admits to gang participation, purse snatching, dealing, robbery, gta, is in juvie for life & murder, his son drowns & he goes to prison for it, says he embraces death, been in prison half his life, oh such a caring soul.
@@TheKeyMaker just to clarify he says he 'was in prison for it' , speaking of his sons death - that means he was in prison when it happened. Not that he went to prison for the crime. As far as the other things you mentioned, Id say he's a product of environment. I wanted to like your comment because at first I agreed, but as I listened to the interview further my perception shifted. Did you make this comment early?
@@morgenmachen2400 you may be right, maybe in prison during the event. He still is a murderer. A wolf is nice & caring too in some contexts, until it decides to rip a leg off and disembowel it’s victim.
My dad was sexually assaulted for 10 years of his childhood by someone who was almost like “his uncle” and he is a meth user and has been in & out of jail and struggles. I feel for this guy. He seems like he had a good heart, but has had a lot of bad circumstances that made him make a lot of bad choices. Hope he finds peace in his life soon
Bless his heart... he has a bruised soul. looking at the photo... I see haunted eyes... Just want to reach out and hug him. I see such a tender man, who is tired and lost in his addiction, I hope he wants and seeks help. He has such potential and he is young enough to do right. He would be a great youth counselor . God Bless this man.
He’s right. You SHOULD be able to trust your family. Unfortunately, some families are not worthy of your trust. Instead of helping you, they just exploit you.
As a recovering meth addict, I totally understand James. The sad thing is there are people out there who laugh people in recovery... They have no idea... My prayers go out to you brother. Keep your head up!
I can hear my late husband echoing through you, my friend. I'm astounded at the bravery the people you find, have! By and large, the TRUE gateway to drugs, rebellion etc is CHILDHOOD TRAUMA! That's why I value a mother/father household with some structure and morals over ANY amount of money... Thank you for sharing with us! ♥️
Did I miss something? He said he was born into a fatherless house with no father figure growing up, yet then states (2 minutes later) his step dad came into his life at 2 years of age and he has so much respect for him and taught him so much. Is he confused, or am I?
One of my favourite interviews. I cried for this one. I watch them all but don’t cry for many. This man has spent the majority of his natural life in prison. You can see and hear that he is just a good person. I wish you all the best homie! If you’re reading this .. keep your head up. You’ll be ok.
@1:40 "She can't teach a boy how to be a man." Gonna have to disagree...with extreme prejudice. Many single mothers who've raised their sons to be good men would also disagree with that statement. Many single fathers also raise girls who become kickass women. It depends on the individual, not the circumstance.
As an only child of a single mom (who was gay BTW), I just want to add that opposite gendered role models can come in many different forms: a teacher, coach, uncle. I agree with your comment 💯 (Edit: I mention the LGBTQ2S+ fact to highlight there weren’t many men around period, but we still found ways to find mentors I could look up to in my father’s absence)**
Indeed there are millions of single mums out there that do an amazing job and their boys grow into good men. But for every great single mum there is a dud that can’t manage to pull it together. Good mums are so essential and a child is just super lucky to have both a good mum AND dad.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is absolutely never too late to change our course in life. I am going to pray for you! I am eight years sober from alcohol and just about your same age. LOVE yourself! You are valuable! Be your very own role model. It starts with sobriety to see life clearly!
@@Kevin-ii7gy what's he lying about, The years he tried to go school and juvie? I doubt he went to school but kept "trying" to go. Not really a lie he's trying to save some face,ease up Kevin
People are so quick to judge and make fun of a person because they don’t use their words correctly or have a hard time explaining. Give a person a break. These people are pouring out their whole lives to the world and on camera. Some are nervous. Wouldn’t you be?
I definitely would be nervous, and would probably sound less coherent than most people we hear from. Sometimes the amount of thoughts going on in my head are hard to speak clearly to others. Thank you for the kind reminder. 🙏
I’m so sorry for the loss you’ve experienced. Losing parents is so hard. And I cannot fathom the loss of my child. You are more than your addiction. Bless your kind heart
So many people out there on the streets suffer from the trauma of being sexually abused.... I wish James the best and hope he turns his life around for the better 🙏
I really appreciate your videos. This one in particular has helped me understand the struggles of my own father in a very illuminating and helpful way.
Even after all hes been through he still learns from his mistakes like the OD. This is a guy that can still make it & be happy. Id say go spend as much time with your father as you can. That kid inside you can still love & learn. It would mean the world to your Dad too. Try hard to get straight & things will come. 1 blessing after another. Its time. You deserve love & a happy life. God bless you.
Good morning. I run a recovery channel and I can tell this gentleman is sick and tired of running and gunning. Praying for you brother.🙏. At least he's as honest as he is!
You're a good man in there, brother. Keep pressing forward and know that you have the opportunity to be a father figure to so many youth who have been in your position and worse, starving for guidance, security, structure and understanding!!! Cartoons and old school shit is the best! It's nostalgia. People lose their child likeness. Childish and childlike are very different...Strong men allow tears to flow. It's a physical reaction to cleaning the soul of pain that words can't express. ♥️
That’s 💯! And for the many of us in recovery who can’t work with kids (not due to anything predatory, due to drug related convictions and non-violent subsistence crimes), you can still nurture new life. I just about gave up when I couldn’t have one of my kids, work, or even volunteer with kids. A good counselor helped me heal the child I was, and the wounds of “failure”, and gave me new life. Now, people in early recovery are my “babies”.
This is why SWU is so essential....It makes a huge difference to know where people come from - what they have experienced in their lives. Hearing each person share their story hopefully helping us not to judge each other too harshly. James' story is full of trauma from the very beginning. No one protected him EVER! His whole life has been about survival - Period. You are obviously a sensivie soul James. For what it's worth - I wish you all of the strength you need to make yourself whole & have peace in your life ♥
My dad was in a Nazi labor camp at age 15, and I wonder if her went through something similar to what this guy is describing in cali juvi hall, perhaps he had to go savage to protect his orifices from either the Germans or his own people (Srrbians). Later in life over here he was accused by his countrymen of being a traitor, as he become a supervisor/enforcer for the Germans in his pod, and I wonder if he did what he had to do to walk out of that camp and is not a bad guy.
Sending Prayers Your Way, James. You’ve got a lot of wisdom. Hope you can reconnect with your kids even though things may not be perfect you got a lot to give.
I'm a 60 year old man and two of my pleasures are watching vintage cartoons and listening to music from the 30s and 40s so it's not as unusual as you may think and it's a great way to escape the pressure of the day. Take care I wish you the very best!
Sounds so crazy to say this but damn mark, I’ve been here since like 200,000 subscribers. The growth, community, and impact this UA-cam channel has had is profound and i don’t know if people really get it…
Shout out to this man's stepfather!! Respect! Takes a real man to raise another man's son,or family!!!!God bless the REAL FATHERS OUT THERE! BECAUSE ITS THE PARENTS WHO HELP MOLD US TO WHO WE ARE WHEN WE LEAVE THE NEST OR THE 🧱 BRICKS!
Watching his interview, you wouldn’t think he was talking about himself when he was talking about his past.The man I saw talking,has such a kind soul. He took responsibility for what he did and was so completely honest.Listening to him speak, and how he talked about drugs, prison and the things he did, it made me feel for him because he had such compassion and showed love in his heart for his stepfather. I don’t care what anyone else thinks, but to me, you are more of a man when you cry. That shows me pure love and a good heart. Such a sweet man and i’m praying for him and if he keeps this fight inside him, he’ll be just fine.
Very sweet guy. Its never too late to change and get your life back. Of so many i have watched on SWU, you seem like you have the best chance of changing and making a great new life. I can see you even talking to high school kids. Good luck !!!
This hits me hard. My bf is back on meth and the stress he's causing me is very hard to deal with. He tells me he's not doing it again but it's a pattern. When he does it he's awake for 3 or 4 days and then crashes. He's very emotional and delusional and sleep for days and takes the anger out on me and blames me for everything. I'm 36 year's old and had a heart attack last February and almost died and that's when I found out I have heart disease. My heart can't handle stress and even with what I'm going through, it doesn't matter because he's more worried about the drugs. When you love someone it's hard to give up on them even when their on drugs but sometimes you have to for your own health. Sir, you are stronger than you know. You are more important than those drugs and you deserve to be happy. Life is to short. Ask yourself how bad do you want it? How bad do you wanna be clean and fight for it. You are stronger than you know. You are in my prayers 🙏❤ God bless you
James, this is the first day of the rest of your life. It's never to late to change and be who you really are deep inside. You are a great guy inside there. Best of luck and thanks for sharing.
There's something so wise and profound in his eyes. A lot of pain behind them, I wish he was taught better coping mechanisms. I wish he knew how valuable and loved he was and how good his soul is.
Of course a mom can raise a man. I did even though his father was in his life, his father wasn't a good man or father. He is a good man, even though his father wasn't in his life totally.
No Mark, it was redemption. He was redeeming his pride and street honor. Laughing while "correcting" him came off super rude. Surprised by that since you are always so nice.
You can only work on your future, seeing your problem is the first step. Baby steps one day at a time, I wish you all the best. You can do this, believe in yourself James. Thanks Mark for bringing us these stories, cheers
This is why I like Mark's interviews; the message is so important, and Mark knows how to change his strategy each time. Hang in there James and keep walking.
He is a stand up man no doubt! I feel his pain to a certain extent. My story isn’t too much off. It’s kinda crazy how when you look at a lot of these stories, a lot of them are roughly the same. It’s really sad but we gotta stay strong 💯🙏🏼 god bless you all.
When you have nothing the last thing that's taken from you is regret once you move past that you can actually move forward if you regret everything you've done you aren't moving forward
This was beautiful. I’ve always believed every person is good in their core, they just weren’t loved correctly. I sympathize with anyone who didn’t feel loved and accepted… it’s awful. It’s a hole that no one or nothing can fill. God bless this man.
To clarify, he is talking about trying to get a GED for 9 years…he was not in high school for 9 years! He was in juvenile prison / prison until 25 Meth hurts your ability to articulate
It also impairs your perspective of reality, past, present, and future. Adderall may have been given to him at a young age. I still can't believe we give it to kids and think it's helping THEM. Yeah it helps teachers and parents not have to spend so much of their precious time doing cognitive behavioral therapy. It also helped Hitler with his troupes.
James, 4th of July is no celebration for me either. I thought I was the only one that felt this way. Thank you for the content bud.Shout out from Hangtown Ca.
By just 8:37 so many things he says are contradicting other things he said. He didn’t have a dad, he turned to the streets to learn to be a man, then says his step dad has been in his life starting at age two. He taught him to be a man. His mom died when he was two, but at four or five she said he would drive a fire engine one day. It took him 9 years to finish high school, he kept getting kicked out, but was in jail for murder before he was old enough to be in high school… I mean whatever I guess, let’s see what happens with the rest of the interview.
I mean he said he was hit in the head with a hammer and also died recently, maybe that has messed his mind up and he can’t workout his own timeline of life events. Who knows, I hope whoever he actually is can get back on track and have a better life.
Yeah I think some of these people are on drugs and srsly confused and maybe hallucinating.... who knows. Maybe they are just making up stories and bcos they are on drugs they get confused with their stories.
Dont knock what gets you through this life my friend; Never !cartoons and memories of being a kid .All of these people who have got their well adjusted grown up lives never knew how childhood losses can change your development.
I’m so glad he didn’t die from his first use in a long time. My friend lost his daughter to her first use of heroin after not using for almost a year. He gently tucked her into her body bag. You never come back from that. I got this man finds healing.
Being Sober is Life Changing and possible For Everyone... The Problem is its easier to stay loaded and Not have to deal with trauma in life. It's not Until we hold each other accountable that we truly Change. We need to Love and Help Each other. That's all we have in Life is each other. I will pray for you brother and I hope you come around to the Light
A universal theme in so many addicts' lives is unresolved grief. Loss comes in many forms and how we are able to deal with it can determine whether we survive or submit to continual suffering. Ironically, many in our society are losing loved ones to addiction and to mental illness. Until we face this and deal with it, the story will continue...
The fact that there are so many comments saying he’s lying and his stories don’t make sense is actually disgusting. Listen to him and his story, that’s all you have to do. Don’t question or make fun of people who are sick. He had the bravery to tell his story and that should be nothing but respected.
We are allowed to be confused and should be wary. Have you ever had someone like him in your life? It is dangerous to believe everything they say at face value. I had one guy brag to me he was helping my brother to take his vitamins when he meant he was trying to get him to regulate his meth consumption. My brother claims to this day he overdosed on acid when he was 3. They were antacids and I remember because I was older than him. Tums=parental abuse to him. If people blindly empathized with him, LOTS of lies would be believed.
A step Dad to take on someone else's children as there own need to be commended. I have a Step Dad that has two children of his own and consider me and my brother his children also and I love him with all my heart. I say that God Broke the mold when my step dad was born because you can't find a better man. I am so blessed to have him in my life since I was 11yrs old and still today and I'm 57 yrs old.
I don’t see it much as a sickness I am battling opiate addiction but I see it more as a mental problem I know I have to stop popping pills have to constantly remind myself not to otherwise I will sub consciously keep taking them for no reason other then to feel good. For me it’s the mix of a joint and some oxycodon that go so well I catch myself continuously chasing tht first initial high I get smoking after taking a pill
Wishing you the best , you’ve got this! It may not be today, tomorrow, or even next month but you will reach the other side of this addiction. I’m claiming it for you.❤️
It seems more to me like they turn to drugs because life fucks some people up harder along the way. Is it the drugs or the being molested by his uncle and forced to fight at a young age that's the problem?
alcohol and opioids for life. it's better than living in extreme sadness and 247 anxiety , I still hold a job making 20 an hour doing hardcore labor most of you could never handle.
James, your sweet spirit is easy to see. You don't have to let your past define you. It's never to late to make positive changes. Ayahuasca changed my life and freed me from over 10 years on opiates and I haven't looked back. It allowed me to forgive myself and others for what I'd experienced. Life can be so much more than the hustle. I pray you find it.
He reminds me so so much of my older brother. Kindest soul you would ever meet but he's one of my four older brothers. I'm the youngest out of 5 kids and the only girl. So I understand what he's talking about in terms of gangs being more of a brotherhood. People who are in gangs aren't bad people, they just do whatever they need to do to protect the other members of the gang. I know for a fact my brother would do anything for me, all of my brothers would. Especially because we lost our dad the month before my 16th birthday. All of my brothers have made it very known that they've claimed that fatherly role for me and they do not take that topic lightly. This video is so beautiful and really hits me on a personal level. I truly do wish the best for him. I struggle with addiction as well, but I'm only 24 and whether this man is an addict or not, he is such an inspiration to me...God bless his soul🌻
He's glad he went thru what he did or he wouldn't be the strong* man that he is today... while sobbing and talking about doing drugs to help numb the pain
I watch Animal videos. Dogs, cats, elephants, lions, rhinos, seals, otters. Sanctuaries etc etc. I’m 60 and have been doing it since the internet. Some things never change. As a child I would entice stray animals home. They were and still are my love. If it was cartoons I’d be watching them. I think all I’ve us at times still feel like children. I do. That’s ok. I sense you are are lovely man. Growing is a bitch as a child when there is so much chaos. Keep going and I sincerely hope you get clean and get to see your kids. I got everything you said, except trusting your family. If you’ve grown up as the scapegoat with a very abusive , narcissistic parent , who directs your siblings to also scapegoat you , it’s hard to trust. We all come from different dynamics and situations. I hope for the best for you. God bless you.
May God keep.him in his hands and bless him and get him on the straight and narrow, he's a smart man I have faith in God that he will help this gentleman🙏 and get him on his way to a Godly brighter future. God bless you James and keep you safe in his arms. You can do this and show your twin boys and their families that you are somebody that they can be proud of❤️ also my husband is 61 years old and he still watches cartoons yea he still has that child in him, but that's okay because we all have something in us that we never grew out of, and I wouldn't have it any other way🙂
I wish him well. He has such a kind demeanor and spirit. I think he can turn things around!
@Amy Huddleston I wish too that will happen! I just woke up to get ready for work and here I am. How are you doing today?
@@albertomedina4294 lol. You thought you were making a connection with something. Fix whatever issues you have that's killing your self-esteem then meet women in person my guy.
James, good sir, thank you for being emotional. Its always good to see a grown man express emotions, even when it's tough for them. You seem like a good man who's lived a very hard life. Thank you for remaining kind, despite all of your troubles.
💯💯💯
Remember you are more than just a addict,or your actions. You seem like a gentle intelligent man. You still have some thing to offer to your children. My father is a Doctor with a medal of honour from the queen, but he's a rotten heartless man who has nothing to offer as a father. It's not just what you do,it's what is in your heart. Let your children decide
@May de Wilde
I've been clean & sober almost a decade now. And I needed to see & read this post. Thank you. I didn't run out on my daughter. I didn't even know. When I found out on my own I got really anxious, yeah yeah let's take a test. She wasn't ready because for 15 years her mom has been telling her some other guy was her father and with the other guy didn't even want to take a test it crushed my daughter. And I pushed & pushed and I ruined it. Like you said it "let the children decide." I'm 🙏, wishing and 🤞😎. Im thinking about you everyday always always always. We'll meet one day😎. Hi D😎.
@@garycozcosio6102 Take care of yourself and the ones you love, and do your best at the end of the day that's all anyone can do. Best wishes
The best way to judge someone is by what their adult children think of them.
My Dad was A Pentecostal Preacher and everyone loved him but behind closed doors he was physically and mentally abusive till this Day even after he passed I never have felt his Love and affection and even though Im living good been married for almost30 years have Beautiful Children and Grandchildren I still wonder what did I do wrong or Why didn’t he love me my Daughters have a Wonderful and awesome relationship with my Husband Their Father and I feel so Happy and proud that they got to experience that 🤔🤔
It IS what you do tho
When your clean
We don’t have a choice while we are in the grip of active addiction
🙏♥️
Pain is a terrible thing and so debilitating, seems like a genuine guy, I just love that people get to be themselves with you, their masks come off in your studio, and then they go on again to survive on tbe Street. Your passion for people, this time they have to talk and just be real is more helpful than I think you even realise Mark
Such a beautiful and caring soul, just shows how not having a father can affect children
Effect
@@mikegolden3131 this would be affect. The father leaving affects the child, the effects of that would be the emotional damage that piles on afterward.
Guy admits to gang participation, purse snatching, dealing, robbery, gta, is in juvie for life & murder, his son drowns & he goes to prison for it, says he embraces death, been in prison half his life, oh such a caring soul.
@@TheKeyMaker just to clarify he says he 'was in prison for it' , speaking of his sons death - that means he was in prison when it happened. Not that he went to prison for the crime. As far as the other things you mentioned, Id say he's a product of environment.
I wanted to like your comment because at first I agreed, but as I listened to the interview further my perception shifted. Did you make this comment early?
@@morgenmachen2400 you may be right, maybe in prison during the event. He still is a murderer. A wolf is nice & caring too in some contexts, until it decides to rip a leg off and disembowel it’s victim.
I hope James reads these comments. You're a good man deep down James. Sorry life was cruel to you. I hope you manage to get clean and find peace.
Amen
Life wasn't cruel to him.
I could listen to this guy talk all day. I love when people who been through so much negative still find positive things to say.
What an eloquent, well thought out soul. I truly hope he finds peace.
My dad was sexually assaulted for 10 years of his childhood by someone who was almost like “his uncle” and he is a meth user and has been in & out of jail and struggles. I feel for this guy. He seems like he had a good heart, but has had a lot of bad circumstances that made him make a lot of bad choices. Hope he finds peace in his life soon
Bless his heart... he has a bruised soul. looking at the photo... I see haunted eyes... Just want to reach out and hug him. I see such a tender man, who is tired and lost in his addiction, I hope he wants and seeks help. He has such potential and he is young enough to do right. He would be a great youth counselor . God Bless this man.
He’s right. You SHOULD be able to trust your family. Unfortunately, some families are not worthy of your trust. Instead of helping you, they just exploit you.
Good Morning!👋😃from 6:00am Brooklyn NY to whatever time it is wherever in the world 🌎 🌍 you are, my SWU family.
5pm here in Bangkok 🇹🇭
GM, from Colorado 4:21am.have a good 1 eyes!
@Mrs Sawatsuntorn Cool! 😎 My first hello from Bangkok.😁 Thanks👍
8.29pm Gold coast, Australia
@Gram #7 What up Gram 7. Hey did you hear someone blew up them Georgia Guidestones?
As a recovering meth addict, I totally understand James. The sad thing is there are people out there who laugh people in recovery... They have no idea... My prayers go out to you brother. Keep your head up!
You can tell how much he loves the man, his step-dad. That part was nice.
I can hear my late husband echoing through you, my friend. I'm astounded at the bravery the people you find, have! By and large, the TRUE gateway to drugs, rebellion etc is CHILDHOOD TRAUMA! That's why I value a mother/father household with some structure and morals over ANY amount of money...
Thank you for sharing with us! ♥️
@@shamanllama Stop. There will always be outliers, but the fact remains that an intact, 2 parent household is the best foundation for a decent life.
@@naelyneurkopfen9741 It's just fact. There seems to be a VERY carnivorous attack on facts, truth and logic right now.
Did I miss something? He said he was born into a fatherless house with no father figure growing up, yet then states (2 minutes later) his step dad came into his life at 2 years of age and he has so much respect for him and taught him so much. Is he confused, or am I?
Yeah that whole thing didn't really add up. He clearly stated he had no father figure and that's why he joined the gang🤔🤔🤔
One of my favourite interviews. I cried for this one. I watch them all but don’t cry for many. This man has spent the majority of his natural life in prison. You can see and hear that he is just a good person. I wish you all the best homie! If you’re reading this .. keep your head up. You’ll be ok.
Lame
@1:40 "She can't teach a boy how to be a man." Gonna have to disagree...with extreme prejudice. Many single mothers who've raised their sons to be good men would also disagree with that statement. Many single fathers also raise girls who become kickass women. It depends on the individual, not the circumstance.
As an only child of a single mom (who was gay BTW), I just want to add that opposite gendered role models can come in many different forms: a teacher, coach, uncle. I agree with your comment 💯
(Edit: I mention the LGBTQ2S+ fact to highlight there weren’t many men around period, but we still found ways to find mentors I could look up to in my father’s absence)**
Indeed there are millions of single mums out there that do an amazing job and their boys grow into good men. But for every great single mum there is a dud that can’t manage to pull it together. Good mums are so essential and a child is just super lucky to have both a good mum AND dad.
Your arguing with a broken person mind set 😂 . Seems ur projecting and not doing good in life if someone struggling can trigger you so hard ❤
Thank you for sharing your story with us. It is absolutely never too late to change our course in life. I am going to pray for you! I am eight years sober from alcohol and just about your same age. LOVE yourself! You are valuable! Be your very own role model. It starts with sobriety to see life clearly!
So cool to hear him say about his Irish connection which was his mom . Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Dudes a survivor,wish him well. Also there's nothing wrong with watching cartoons or oldies to remember things fondly lol
Lol dudes a liar . So naive
@@Kevin-ii7gy what's he lying about, The years he tried to go school and juvie? I doubt he went to school but kept "trying" to go. Not really a lie he's trying to save some face,ease up Kevin
@@Kevin-ii7gy not everybody can be as worldly as you Kevin. The rest of us are just so naive. I'm glad we have you
Let this man tell HIS story, thats whats wrong with some people 😳 TF
@@Kevin-ii7gy welcome keyboard warrior
People are so quick to judge and make fun of a person because they don’t use their words correctly or have a hard time explaining. Give a person a break. These people are pouring out their whole lives to the world and on camera. Some are nervous. Wouldn’t you be?
I have that problem which is why I don’t like talking too much lol I am more articulate through text
Who the hell makes fun of someone who is sick. Yes drug addiction is an illness.
@@toddcarlisle8577 Same :)
Your a fool to think that all people are sensible
I definitely would be nervous, and would probably sound less coherent than most people we hear from. Sometimes the amount of thoughts going on in my head are hard to speak clearly to others. Thank you for the kind reminder. 🙏
James. Thank you for sharing your story with us.. hoping you find some peace in your life. Take care.
I’m not sure what to say I mean my heart goes out to him and I hope his life can change for the better. Thank you for sharing Mark. Love Ruby
I’m so sorry for the loss you’ve experienced. Losing parents is so hard. And I cannot fathom the loss of my child. You are more than your addiction. Bless your kind heart
I go to bed early and wake up early just so I can watch your videos at 6am. keep up the good work!! love all the way from Brooklyn New York.
Me as well! 4:22am in Denver Colorado! Have a great day!
@@Gram72534 awesome! you have a great day too love XOXO
@@fidel8478 run a righteous program all day every day!!!
@fidel blessings love 🙏
@fidel you’re absolutely right 🙌🏽
So many people out there on the streets suffer from the trauma of being sexually abused.... I wish James the best and hope he turns his life around for the better 🙏
Same here! ❤
I really appreciate your videos. This one in particular has helped me understand the struggles of my own father in a very illuminating and helpful way.
5:35 never expected tears from a gang member drug addict. Let’s you know some do have a soul and a heart that feels, loves and cares
I literally wait up looking forward to watching your interviews mark😭
Even after all hes been through he still learns from his mistakes like the OD. This is a guy that can still make it & be happy. Id say go spend as much time with your father as you can. That kid inside you can still love & learn. It would mean the world to your Dad too. Try hard to get straight & things will come. 1 blessing after another. Its time. You deserve love & a happy life. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us James. Mark helps to show us how similar and very unique we all can be.
Blessings.
Good morning. I run a recovery channel and I can tell this gentleman is sick and tired of running and gunning. Praying for you brother.🙏. At least he's as honest as he is!
You're a good man in there, brother. Keep pressing forward and know that you have the opportunity to be a father figure to so many youth who have been in your position and worse, starving for guidance, security, structure and understanding!!!
Cartoons and old school shit is the best! It's nostalgia. People lose their child likeness. Childish and childlike are very different...Strong men allow tears to flow. It's a physical reaction to cleaning the soul of pain that words can't express. ♥️
That’s 💯! And for the many of us in recovery who can’t work with kids (not due to anything predatory, due to drug related convictions and non-violent subsistence crimes), you can still nurture new life. I just about gave up when I couldn’t have one of my kids, work, or even volunteer with kids. A good counselor helped me heal the child I was, and the wounds of “failure”, and gave me new life. Now, people in early recovery are my “babies”.
The second part of your comment is so true and so real!
@@sciencenotstigma9534 Birds of a feather ♥️
This is why SWU is so essential....It makes a huge difference to know where people come from - what they have experienced in their lives. Hearing each person share their story hopefully helping us not to judge each other too harshly. James' story is full of trauma from the very beginning. No one protected him EVER! His whole life has been about survival - Period. You are obviously a sensivie soul James. For what it's worth - I wish you all of the strength you need to make yourself whole & have peace in your life ♥
The absolute madman went to high school for a decade! :D Props for finnnishing. Must have felt very nice to finally climb that mountain.
My dad was in a Nazi labor camp at age 15, and I wonder if her went through something similar to what this guy is describing in cali juvi hall, perhaps he had to go savage to protect his orifices from either the Germans or his own people (Srrbians). Later in life over here he was accused by his countrymen of being a traitor, as he become a supervisor/enforcer for the Germans in his pod, and I wonder if he did what he had to do to walk out of that camp and is not a bad guy.
Sending Prayers Your Way, James. You’ve got a lot of wisdom. Hope you can reconnect with your kids even though things may not be perfect you got a lot to give.
I'm a 60 year old man and two of my pleasures are watching vintage cartoons and listening to music from the 30s and 40s so it's not as unusual as you may think and it's a great way to escape the pressure of the day. Take care I wish you the very best!
Sounds so crazy to say this but damn mark, I’ve been here since like 200,000 subscribers. The growth, community, and impact this UA-cam channel has had is profound and i don’t know if people really get it…
I get it :) Powerful medicine these interviews.
We get it, that's why we watch
We do. That's why we are here
Shout out to this man's stepfather!! Respect! Takes a real man to raise another man's son,or family!!!!God bless the REAL FATHERS OUT THERE! BECAUSE ITS THE PARENTS WHO HELP MOLD US TO WHO WE ARE WHEN WE LEAVE THE NEST OR THE 🧱 BRICKS!
Not a real man for raising someone else’s kids, more like a Blue Pill Beta Male Provider
Watching his interview, you wouldn’t think he was talking about himself when he was talking about his past.The man I saw talking,has such a kind soul. He took responsibility for what he did and was so completely honest.Listening to him speak, and how he talked about drugs, prison and the things he did, it made me feel for him because he had such compassion and showed love in his heart for his stepfather. I don’t care what anyone else thinks, but to me, you are more of a man when you cry. That shows me pure love and a good heart. Such a sweet man and i’m praying for him and if he keeps this fight inside him, he’ll be just fine.
Very sweet guy. Its never too late to change and get your life back. Of so many i have watched on SWU, you seem like you have the best chance of changing and making a great new life. I can see you even talking to high school kids. Good luck !!!
This hits me hard. My bf is back on meth and the stress he's causing me is very hard to deal with. He tells me he's not doing it again but it's a pattern. When he does it he's awake for 3 or 4 days and then crashes. He's very emotional and delusional and sleep for days and takes the anger out on me and blames me for everything. I'm 36 year's old and had a heart attack last February and almost died and that's when I found out I have heart disease. My heart can't handle stress and even with what I'm going through, it doesn't matter because he's more worried about the drugs. When you love someone it's hard to give up on them even when their on drugs but sometimes you have to for your own health. Sir, you are stronger than you know. You are more important than those drugs and you deserve to be happy. Life is to short. Ask yourself how bad do you want it? How bad do you wanna be clean and fight for it. You are stronger than you know. You are in my prayers 🙏❤ God bless you
Stay strong and praying God heals you
I’m so very sorry! I hope things get much better for you. I live in the south also. 🙏✝️
@@baublesanddolls LEAVE!!!!
Lose the looser
maybe consider moving and go to a womens shelter
or secretly move out to a family member
stop enabling an addict
Good morning SWU and Mark. Mark, your heart and your gentle nature makes your better than many others I know
Good morning ☀️. Great interview James is a calm soul in a wide-open body. Best wishes James.
James, this is the first day of the rest of your life. It's never to late to change and be who you really are deep inside. You are a great guy inside there. Best of luck and thanks for sharing.
It sure seems like there's thousands of Fathers out there that never became Dads. Always interesting, thanks!
What do you expect when society tells men it's not their decision to keep their children?
women should choose better men to procreate with
I think the saying is anyone can become a dad, but only the good 1's become a Father. But I get what your saying.
I've met plenty of terrible and abusive mother's too.
there's just as much mother's that were never mums
There's something so wise and profound in his eyes. A lot of pain behind them, I wish he was taught better coping mechanisms. I wish he knew how valuable and loved he was and how good his soul is.
Wise and profound about his eyes? What a load of rubbish.
@@dublinsfaircity that's my opinion 😊 you're welcome to have yours. Wishing you a good day!
My heart goes out to this man
Of course a mom can raise a man. I did even though his father was in his life, his father wasn't a good man or father. He is a good man, even though his father wasn't in his life totally.
No Mark, it was redemption. He was redeeming his pride and street honor. Laughing while "correcting" him came off super rude. Surprised by that since you are always so nice.
That’s what I was thinking like cmon mark let the man vent
Why rude? With all due respect, the man was in prison for murder and has an endlessly long criminal file, so you can stumble over words.
dude wasn't offended so neither should you...sharing a laugh over word usage is okay
Agree! Kind of smug. Let him be w/o correcting him.
Super rude is a subjective term
Hi swu fam, thanku Mark for all that you do, coming to u from New Zealand 10pm, God bless
Hi 4:25 in Denver Colorado, have a good day!
Good Morning from Nashville Tennessee USA 🇺🇸
@@KimbradleyMasterGardener hey Kimmy!
@@Gram72534 Hey Baby!
Interesting he called the three guys who shot him "gentlemen". Seems he was taught some values through his life.
Not really because he killed two of them!
Different generation
I feel for this nice man. He had a strange life, hard life, but you can see and feel how nice he is. Hope he’ll have better and long life.
You can only work on your future, seeing your problem is the first step. Baby steps one day at a time, I wish you all the best. You can do this, believe in yourself James. Thanks Mark for bringing us these stories, cheers
Thank you for sharing your story.
Good morning & stay safe & blessed mark your work is fascinating! Keep up the good work ❤blessings
Good Morning !
This is why I like Mark's interviews; the message is so important, and Mark knows how to change his strategy each time.
Hang in there James and keep walking.
He is a stand up man no doubt! I feel his pain to a certain extent. My story isn’t too much off. It’s kinda crazy how when you look at a lot of these stories, a lot of them are roughly the same. It’s really sad but we gotta stay strong 💯🙏🏼 god bless you all.
My jaw drops when a lost soul says they have no regrets...
When you have nothing the last thing that's taken from you is regret once you move past that you can actually move forward if you regret everything you've done you aren't moving forward
@@redlight3932 well said brother
This was beautiful. I’ve always believed every person is good in their core, they just weren’t loved correctly. I sympathize with anyone who didn’t feel loved and accepted… it’s awful. It’s a hole that no one or nothing can fill.
God bless this man.
Rooting for you James! Well wishes.
Good afternoon from Aberdeen Scotland 🏴
To clarify, he is talking about trying to get a GED for 9 years…he was not in high school for 9 years! He was in juvenile prison / prison until 25
Meth hurts your ability to articulate
It also impairs your perspective of reality, past, present, and future. Adderall may have been given to him at a young age. I still can't believe we give it to kids and think it's helping THEM. Yeah it helps teachers and parents not have to spend so much of their precious time doing cognitive behavioral therapy. It also helped Hitler with his troupes.
Thanks. Helpful info
He is on his way to loving himself and then more doors will open. Thanks again Mark for sharing ❤️
This man is a beautiful soul. A broken but beautiful soul.
Greetings from The Philippines. I have learned a lot from your channel.
Love how you been consistent mark
Crying in the morning for a loving cause helps me throughout the day.
Awesome statement 👏
My favorite channel!!!
James, 4th of July is no celebration for me either. I thought I was the only one that felt this way. Thank you for the content bud.Shout out from Hangtown Ca.
What a lovely guy. When he started crying over his step dad 🥺
By just 8:37 so many things he says are contradicting other things he said. He didn’t have a dad, he turned to the streets to learn to be a man, then says his step dad has been in his life starting at age two. He taught him to be a man. His mom died when he was two, but at four or five she said he would drive a fire engine one day. It took him 9 years to finish high school, he kept getting kicked out, but was in jail for murder before he was old enough to be in high school… I mean whatever I guess, let’s see what happens with the rest of the interview.
I mean he said he was hit in the head with a hammer and also died recently, maybe that has messed his mind up and he can’t workout his own timeline of life events. Who knows, I hope whoever he actually is can get back on track and have a better life.
Yeah I think some of these people are on drugs and srsly confused and maybe hallucinating.... who knows. Maybe they are just making up stories and bcos they are on drugs they get confused with their stories.
Dont knock what gets you through this life my friend; Never !cartoons and memories of being a kid .All of these people who have got their well adjusted grown up lives never knew how childhood losses can change your development.
He seems like a good guy.
I’m so glad he didn’t die from his first use in a long time. My friend lost his daughter to her first use of heroin after not using for almost a year. He gently tucked her into her body bag. You never come back from that. I got this man finds healing.
Being Sober is Life Changing and possible For Everyone... The Problem is its easier to stay loaded and Not have to deal with trauma in life. It's not Until we hold each other accountable that we truly Change. We need to Love and Help Each other. That's all we have in Life is each other. I will pray for you brother and I hope you come around to the Light
Mark, As a representative/lens of the universe i thank you for giving me a glimpse into so many existences.
James my heart goes out to you. Pray man.
A universal theme in so many addicts' lives is unresolved grief. Loss comes in many forms and how we are able to deal with it can determine whether we survive or submit to continual suffering. Ironically, many in our society are losing loved ones to addiction and to mental illness. Until we face this and deal with it, the story will continue...
The fact that there are so many comments saying he’s lying and his stories don’t make sense is actually disgusting. Listen to him and his story, that’s all you have to do. Don’t question or make fun of people who are sick. He had the bravery to tell his story and that should be nothing but respected.
Stop 🛑 being so emotional 😭 babe!!!
Stop being so rude Chad. 👍🏼
@@shawnasingers339 🤷🏾 didn't know that I was. That wasn't my intention!!!! But okay 👍🏾
Yeah dudes like you never do. ✌🏻
We are allowed to be confused and should be wary. Have you ever had someone like him in your life? It is dangerous to believe everything they say at face value. I had one guy brag to me he was helping my brother to take his vitamins when he meant he was trying to get him to regulate his meth consumption. My brother claims to this day he overdosed on acid when he was 3. They were antacids and I remember because I was older than him. Tums=parental abuse to him. If people blindly empathized with him, LOTS of lies would be believed.
A step Dad to take on someone else's children as there own need to be commended. I have a Step Dad that has two children of his own and consider me and my brother his children also and I love him with all my heart. I say that God Broke the mold when my step dad was born because you can't find a better man. I am so blessed to have him in my life since I was 11yrs old and still today and I'm 57 yrs old.
I don’t see it much as a sickness I am battling opiate addiction but I see it more as a mental problem I know I have to stop popping pills have to constantly remind myself not to otherwise I will sub consciously keep taking them for no reason other then to feel good. For me it’s the mix of a joint and some oxycodon that go so well I catch myself continuously chasing tht first initial high I get smoking after taking a pill
Wishing you the best , you’ve got this! It may not be today, tomorrow, or even next month but you will reach the other side of this addiction. I’m claiming it for you.❤️
@@Nobodyimjustagirl thank you for the kind words 🙏
Good luck Todd. Try & find a doctor that can prescribe Suboxen. Wishing you the best. Hang in there.
this interview is really impactful- "certain keys that stay..."
So many souls ripped away by drugs. Heartbreaking 😔
It seems more to me like they turn to drugs because life fucks some people up harder along the way. Is it the drugs or the being molested by his uncle and forced to fight at a young age that's the problem?
Tell the truth!
It's done on purpose to...government
alcohol and opioids for life. it's better than living in extreme sadness and 247 anxiety , I still hold a job making 20 an hour doing hardcore labor most of you could never handle.
@@mongogojjo5944 that’s a dangerous cocktail. I think I can handle my drug addictions (benzos & opiates) till I can’t….
James, your sweet spirit is easy to see. You don't have to let your past define you. It's never to late to make positive changes. Ayahuasca changed my life and freed me from over 10 years on opiates and I haven't looked back. It allowed me to forgive myself and others for what I'd experienced. Life can be so much more than the hustle. I pray you find it.
Nine years in highschool! All on its own thats an incredible achievement.
Praying for your James. We hear you. You can overcome this.
He reminds me so so much of my older brother. Kindest soul you would ever meet but he's one of my four older brothers. I'm the youngest out of 5 kids and the only girl. So I understand what he's talking about in terms of gangs being more of a brotherhood. People who are in gangs aren't bad people, they just do whatever they need to do to protect the other members of the gang. I know for a fact my brother would do anything for me, all of my brothers would. Especially because we lost our dad the month before my 16th birthday. All of my brothers have made it very known that they've claimed that fatherly role for me and they do not take that topic lightly.
This video is so beautiful and really hits me on a personal level. I truly do wish the best for him. I struggle with addiction as well, but I'm only 24 and whether this man is an addict or not, he is such an inspiration to me...God bless his soul🌻
I dont have one brother or sister
He's glad he went thru what he did or he wouldn't be the strong* man that he is today...
while sobbing and talking about doing drugs to help numb the pain
Prayers for a strong clean life my good Sir!🙏😇❤️
I watch Animal videos. Dogs, cats, elephants, lions, rhinos, seals, otters. Sanctuaries etc etc. I’m 60 and have been doing it since the internet. Some things never change. As a child I would entice stray animals home. They were and still are my love. If it was cartoons I’d be watching them.
I think all I’ve us at times still feel like children. I do. That’s ok.
I sense you are are lovely man. Growing is a bitch as a child when there is so much chaos. Keep going and I sincerely hope you get clean and get to see your kids. I got everything you said, except trusting your family. If you’ve grown up as the scapegoat with a very abusive , narcissistic parent , who directs your siblings to also scapegoat you , it’s hard to trust. We all come from different dynamics and situations.
I hope for the best for you. God bless you.
I love Rhino videos lol
@@KimbradleyMasterGardener lol.
Interesting how so many of the interviewees describe their childhood as "chaotic".
Such weirdos... Molesting children. Touching a young boy and causing him to have lifelong sexual confusion???? Horrible people!
He's full of BS
Hang in there mate you can turn your life around.Go get it wishing you the best.
Stop letting evil win, James. Break that cycle. There’s still hope. Keep faith
My first attempt getting sober I used to watch these all the time while I was throwing up off heroin withdrawal
Every single child molester needs to be put down.
Twice
May God keep.him in his hands and bless him and get him on the straight and narrow, he's a smart man I have faith in God that he will help this gentleman🙏 and get him on his way to a Godly brighter future. God bless you James and keep you safe in his arms. You can do this and show your twin boys and their families that you are somebody that they can be proud of❤️ also my husband is 61 years old and he still watches cartoons yea he still has that child in him, but that's okay because we all have something in us that we never grew out of, and I wouldn't have it any other way🙂