@Trepang 412 but you need facts to support an opinion. He already declared that he has viewed most youtube channels and that is impossible for anybody to do.
@Trepang 412 opinion without comparison is no opinion at all. Most 5th graders could understand that. If I ate only 1 piece of pizza in my life and I said that is the best pizza in the world.....that would be riduculous because I didn't compare it to any other pizza.
@Trepang 412 No I'm not. In his statement he compared this channel with all youtube channels without comparing them with any youtube channels. If he would have said "this is an important youtube channel", that would have been an acceptable opinion.
I have known this family all my life. They lived on the hill from my grandparents. They walked everywhere and lived poor. Always thankful for everything and hard workers.
I live and grew up in West Virginia, and you have no idea how much i appreciate that you are doing things like this. Families like this and the Whittaker's are close to my heart because my dads family is a very old family, and we all grew up around people like this where they lived. I used to love and hear some of them tell stories like this. The way the speak just feels like home to me. Thank you so much for not making us look like uneducated hill folk like so many people paint us to be. Thank you for shining a different, kind, light on the people of my state. Im very proud to be from West Virginia.
I got family down in Ky/West Virginia and they truly are the forgotten Americans, completely untouched by the system and no help for them, but no matter what they are always happy with the absolute bare minimum and they are the most loving family oriented people in this nation. My great grandmother was a Shiflett, which there seems to be a whole shit Ton of them down in West Virginia, it makes finding relatives a little difficult when there’s so many of the same last name.
If Jerry is Ray, he is the best actor ever. At first, I thought it was Ray until he spoke. Your videos are great. I appreciate the empathy and kindness that you have shown them.
Were they TWINS? I don't know the ages so that's why I'm asking. They're too similar & in the other video the sister that told her Mom she'd never get married & always take care of them said that they were always together. Wow. Thanks for a superb channel & content.God Bless you ~Anita
Jerry mowed grass for my grandparents every week. He paid him $5.00 (1975) and you would think he won the lottery. It was enough to help feed the family. Honored to have known them. Great people.
These are the cutest sweetest old men who have had a rough upbringing and the odds are against them. But look how sweet they are. I hope they have a peaceful and happy life 💕
These guys got strong chill on the porch and talk about nothing in particular for hours energy. You don't have to be witty, clever, or have a stance. You can just sit around and just be.
If only he would listen more and maybe ask questions on their level and not his. That guy on the right with the beard told him he quit school at 15 years old in 7th grade and walked home but he asked again about the schooling.
@@CharleysMom2 He always does that he ask same question over and over He does it on Whitaker’s video Every video same question He says he’s not an interviewer but you don’t have to be in interviewing to remember and comprehend what somebody says to you
Yeah but he really needs to improve how he talks to people, when people get uncomfortable he shouldn’t push the same question, but mild his tone a bit, be more soft-spoken and talk a bit slower. Sometimes it feels like he’s interrogating not interviewing.
Indeed and there's likely a reason for the resemblance. Both of them have comitant strabismus, which is often found among descendants of excessive inbreeding.
These stories are not so uncommon. I am a mental health therapist in a part of the USA that people live and thrive and these ARE the secrets I hear from people who are just like you and me… I explain to my clients that secrets are poison NOT shame. We must talk about these things In order to prevent them in future generations. There are so many suffering people even if they don’t appear to be so. Mark you know this. Your interviews are often cathartic for the interviewee and that is why they come back over and over. I so so applaud you. This has to be changing you greatly. I would love to hear you talk more about this. I know I am changed by my work. In some very good ways and in some other ways that are maybe a burden like carrying so much sadness around and loving people who I watch struggle and never get better and sometimes die. Thank you so much and I do wish more people watched and I wish more People didn’t make comments that they think are clever and entertaining. I wish more people were inspired to listen and know people instead of judge. Thank you thank you. From Virginia Beach via NY.
This channel has given me empathy and insight. I know I can’t truly know what people go through. I’m so grateful and know that my life might feel empty and I’m absolutely heartbroken over my husband’s death. 35 years of love and understanding. I’m fortunate to have two ginormous dogs who give me purpose. Please don’t hate on me, I never ever comment. This world is viscous and at times feel unlivable. I watch these sweet men and know that their lives matter. They’ve lived a good life ~ what else could me ask for. Thank you Mark for allowing us to live vicariously through you. God bless us all.
Its a pity the host of the site has not gained any empathy or insight. His bombastic rude questioning is worthy of a Lawyer in s murder case. What a disgusting way to make a living, prostituting poor people for financial gain on utube.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband Mel. I hope you have family to help you through this difficult time. Sending love and comfort to you in your time of need and a hug if you're a hugger.
As someone who was born, raised, n still lives in Southern WV, It intrigues me to read some of these comments. I know so many good folks just like this. They are simple people who love the simple life. And people like this are always the happiest and most content. I love being an Appalachian girl💙💛
I’m from the uk and all I know about the Appalachian people are what I’ve seen on UA-cam. I am really intrigued by the way of life. My impression of the Appalachians is that they are hard working down to earth people and I feel a pull towards them. Maybe being a Lancashire lass I can feel some sort of familiarity. When Covid is over I would love to visit Appalachia, where do you recommend?
Well, my beautiful state of West Virginia is for sure. We have the best whitewater rafting, the most beautiful views you would picture from a calender, we have a ski resort called Snow Shoe, we have rock climbing, great fishing, we have The Greenbrier, which is a luxury resort that is beautiful and had lots of history including an underground bunker that was used in the Cold War(you can take a tour) If you're into history and beautiful nature, WV is the best naturous place you'd ever imagine. Any states that are home to Appalachian people most likely have beautiful views& awesome nature activities. The mountains are my home and though there's not alot to do like on the big cities, there's still alot to do if you're in tune with Nature #WV💙💛
@@Bee-ly4gx salyersville ky, is a beautiful country w beautiful ppl. My mom grew up there and I have beautiful memories of visiting my mamaw and pawpaw. No bathroom just a out house but had a kitchen sink. Spotless home although there was 8 kids. All the males were coal miners and all of them worked in the tabacco and sugar cane fields. Hard working ppl, had what they needed. This was only 20 mi from Butcher holler where Loretta Lynn grew up. Really beautiful ❤️ place and you'd love the wooded hills. You'd be very much welcomed and ppl won't let you leave till they feed you and omg, the food taste like no other. Please visit you won't regret it. You'll make great friends. Ps you can take a tour of Loretta Lynn's house where she grew up.
@@Bee-ly4gx We got us some pretty places out here in Western, NC. Clingman's Dome, Mt. Mitchell, Cherokee, NC. You likely feel some familiarity because most of us come from the Northern English, and Southern Scottish borderlands, and some from Ulster. Lots of us live the way folks did decades, or centuries ago. My neighbors and I grow most of our own food. I had a hog killing just this past week from 2 hogs I raised from piglets. Instead of salting pork like our ancestors did, we just freeze it, but we don't buy any grocery store meat and very few grocery store veggies. We're as stubborn as the granite that's up on some of our balds ;)
"It's been such a long time..." and "that was so long ago..." and "I don't remember, it's been too long..." are cleansing phrases. They protect the speaker from painful memories and possibly a guilty conscience from the distant past. While these men's intellects are not high-level, the number of times they squash recall is telling.
I feel for these guys as it's obvious there was trauma in their life. One seems to have a good stand on blocking out the past while other wouldn't mind a conversation but fears his brother. if that makes any sense.
Disagree. I think they just don't care and aren't interested in the discussion. They live primarily in the present and are dismissing questions they find odd, irrelevant, or uninteresting to them.
My late grandpa lived in the mountains of western PA (1901-1985). He had a 4th grade education and then worked in the coal mines. These brothers often say they don’t remember things, and my grandpa would say the same thing when we asked him about his early years. I think it’s a way of saying, “that’s none of your business.”
I find these videos of the Appalachian families very interesting. Mark you are giving a voice to people who for many generations have been ignored and not given the opportunities that many in a more urban areas take for granted and abuse. These are people who no matter how they came into the world are survivors, who don't expect anything more than respect.
A moving portrait of a life less lived. Mark's subjects are always treated with such respect & without judgement. Such a brilliant documentarian of the fringes of society
Watching these families I notice such a huge difference. They’re not sat with they’re head in a phone or Xbox and actually spend quality family time together which is rare nowadays. It’s a breath of fresher to see no reliance on wifi/internet and computer games, and still they’re happy with a simple but peaceful life.
I’m one generation removed from the hillbillies of the Ozark mountains in Arkansas. Some of my fondest memories were from those days and as I age, I crave for the simplicity and small community back. I’m in Memphis, Tn and work for a Fortune 500 company here and according to today’s standards I’m doing well. I’ve watched several generations be pulled away from personal interaction with people to specifically technologically based communication. ( text, email, zoom...ECT). Most of the younger sect I engage can’t hold a verbal conversation more than a minute or two without the aid of an iPhone. There is a peace that most can’t understand around this lifestyle, folks in this realm are true friends to their neighbors, community and others. I’m glad to have experienced this in my younger days, it keeps me grounded in this world of instant gratification, technology and selfishness.
Thank you for not judging these people. They had no control how their lives began. Now they live with the taboo of being inbred staring them in the face daily. I greatly appreciate the way you ask questions without using their vulnerability against them. Your interviews have helped this large family to afford food, and to repair their shelter, and have vehicles to get around in. I hope and pray that the Whittaker family will live a long, fulfilled life. ❤️
They've got alot of similarities to the Whitaker's but they're DEFINITELY NOT them. They keep a cleaner home then the Whitakers & they can BOTH speak clearly.
Jerry is definitely Ray’s doppelgänger!! It’s uncanny how much they look like each other! I gotta watch Ray’s video after this and jump back and forth a few times just to understand in my head. It makes me sad to think about their poor mother/sister! It’s awful!
@@cb4883 ..Baahaha!! Your right, he does look like Biden! I bet Leonard could also run this country better than Joe Biden! Hell, Ray could do a better job!!
I live in WV. There really are, deep in the mountains, people like this and even in my home town. But everyone isn’t this way. My family and I are perfectly “normal” in societies eyes. We live close to Morgantown now and it’s rare you see folks like this but honestly, these are the best kinda people to live close to. They will literally give you the shirt off their back. There’s more simple folk here and there’s people like you’d see wherever you live. It’s amazing how these people can live and be happy with so little. Thank you mark for shining light on them and helping them. I’m originally from GA and my husband from Illinois but our parents moved us here as kids. It’s a beautiful state full of some of the best people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. Around here people hold the door for others, say ma’am and sir, they are respectful and kind. Everytime I Leave WV I’m appalled at how rude people are.
When I first moved to DC from WV I was always told in interviews that people like to hire us for our work ethic. I met a dozen or so WV natives who were working corporate. (Not me. I hated staying in the same job every year. My husband was building a career and going to school. I had the luxury of doing things I liked tho money was tight_ I did work corporate 3 years in security) anyway, it was something oft repeated, that a WV hire was better than 10 others. Lol. I think we all grew up knowing these sort of folks. I remember one girl was mute. I would sit with her in church and she carried a sketch pad and drew beautiful nature scenes. Home delivered babies often suffered oxygen deprivation from unskilled midwives. That was common up to the 60s. My grandmother was a chicken farmer, sold eggs, she spoke a mix of Cherokee and old English _ org from KY. She wed the first time at 13 and the second at 16. I recall she had a philosophy about everything. A strong woman of small stature who raised 14 kids _ 2 she found in her shed during the depression. She found a way to help everyone and oft said, be kind to the outcasts and simple folks, we are poor and hard working so they can have someone look out for them. Yes. It was a shock in the city how cold and rude folks were. It's crowded and where we lived ethnically diverse but gang infested even in the 90s. The police were the equivalent of your rural rear ends_ the men were less gentlemen or not very skilled, I was used to natural mechanics and problem solvers. I had never encountered racism as my family and husbands look white but are ethnically mixed. There's all sorts of divisions in the city. No tolerance under the surface. A sort of caste system among certain groups. And a lot of creeps lol. We left 2000 and it was pretty violent and with terrible schools. Basically a non education so we had to teach much of history and my husband is a chemist. He taught our kids from books at home too. (Also WV born) I donated my 25 Year collection of books locally when I moved where i currently live. Started organic farming and have a 3 acre habitat. We tend to have highly intelligent g children so public education is a challenge everywhere. We still encourage learning in home. I think the lesson is people are people. You have the equivalent to these folks in cities. You have every sort of humanity. The difference is attitude and the fact rural is community, like family, you tend to take time to know them and people help each other. They value all life. The slower pace gives you time to reflect and not having things close makes you think on your feet and problem solve. Most older gen females are skilled and self reliant. They tend to be less self obsessed, and more community oriented. Career women in the city were fairly boring and limited to themselves or status as subjects of conversation lol. Men not much different. I often took (people) jobs just to avoid the yawning nothingness of pretentious conversation. Worked in ethnic salons and malls, walked a lot to encounter more grounded folk.
Sad that basic courtesy has become a rare thing. I don't live in Appalachia and I've always held doors/greeted people etc. I guess it helps that they probably have more limited Internet access and so don't completely worship at the altar of social media.
These fellows stayed living in a time when life was simple.. and their happy with it… im a wv man, and I love how they live so peaceful. God bless them
Mark I love what you do. It’s so important. I truly find these interviews so much more interesting than anything Hollywood phonies have to say. Keep doing these interviews. Love your work.
I thought this was a new brother you never interviewed before next to Ray. I thought, wow, Ray sure cleaned up nicely! I was hoping this was an updated video in a cleaned up home. I didn’t understand until this gentleman spoke. Sometimes people don’t care to share much and that’s fine too.
@@Bob-yt9qi I guess that’s your perspective. When I came through the comments section I found quite a few immediately said the same thing I thought but who knows 😉
No best times, no worse times, no loves, no regrets, no words of wisdom.. I guess when you're isolated there's not much to think about. That seems like what many on this channel strive to feel.. nothing. I want to hug these guys for some reason. Awesome/tough interview, Mark *hugs*
I'm sure 'It was so long ago' just means 'none of your business'. Living in WV you learn these people have a lot to say if they trust you and honestly most of it ain't pretty. Older generations out here were encouraged to keep there problems to themselves.
@@mandacole8703 of coarse.. that makes total sense. It's not that they're dull, they're private. Sharing nothing doesn't necessarily mean they're feeling nothing. You made an excellent point.
Fascinating interview. Well done. I love the clock ticking in the background. It’s like time stands still in this old house yet it’s passing by with these two sweet men.
They are probably happier than many other people as they don't need much, most people today need so much. They seem to be gentle souls, they don't know much but it doesn't matter to them. They may be wiser than we think. It's heart wrenching at the same time. TFS :)
I just started watching this adorable family , it just warms my heart how sweet , humble , loving and absolutely kind these people are ❤ God bless them ….
How soft spoken they both are! I can see Ray so much in Jerry I sure wish he could speak! Thanks for these videos your approach is so loving and non judgemental which is important! You're a GEM Mark please do more videos like these maybe another family like the Whitaker's!? Unbelievable but that wouldn't be hard to find families like them are so much more common than one would think! With that said I realize the Whitaker's will always hold the top spot in our hearts but I do believe another family like them could use someone like you to bless their lives the way you have the Whitaker's! It's so important to show these videos! Love you Mark you hold a special place in my heart always! You are a rare breed and I'm so thankful for the work you do!
Any one that thinks there having a bad day,and suffer from panic attacks and depression severe, watch this and thank God that u walk on.thanks mark.from the frozen praire of South Dakota
As heartbreaking it may be to most , the two brothers are living the only way they know it as they don’t know any differently. So they may be quite content in their life. However, isn’t it ironic that there seems to be some sadness showing through even tho they know no differently I still feel and see a sad face
No. just NO. Stop bending answers to fit some definition of "wisdom." Human beings desire and NEED love. You don't think both those men wouldn't move Heaven and Earth to find true love, acceptance, caring, and support? There is no "Appalachian mountain country wisdom" in that statement. You may as well find "wisdom" in quiting school and living in poverty. These are good, decent, honorable people. But they aren't "wise."
@@jakemitchell1671 Love is a very loose word. They still have each other for company and obviously there's a brotherly bond. Maybe they just don't produce much testosterone or maybe they are asexual. Plenty of possibilities
@@jakemitchell1671 with the potential of being as heavily inbred as the Wittakers it’s possibly a defense mechanism their organism has to prevent them from reproducing any further. It could also be that they’ve been so traumatized at home as children that they want nothing to do with any kind of romantic relationship.
The Appalachian interviews are the absolute best of any other interviews. It just hurts my brain to get the whole sister is mother and father is grandfather or whatever it is.. but either way, these interviews are great. Need more of the Appalachian interviews for sure. 🌹🇮🇹❤️
Well i was born in Toledo Ohio but we moved to Rogersville Tn and Coeburn Va and Bigstone gap Va so im dead in the middle of the beautiful Smokie mountains in the Appalachian mountains. And every morning I get to wake up in the most beautiful places on earth. Ain't god awesome.
Jerry looks to be either Rays father or brother... I was looking at both pictures side by side and they look like twins. I love hearing the old stories from elders that live in small towns or villages. This is well done. Thank you!
These good old boys just hanging out in their place that's weathered and worn, cosy and quiet. Ain't nothin' they want too much, ain't nobody they care to see too much of, ain't no clock ticking that they care to watch. No regrets, no dramas, no great shakes. Just livin' day to day, from sun up to sun down. They've got each other. Like always.
Wow, it’s amazing how much Ray and Jerry look alike, my prayers have always been from a good, non-judge mental place, your last upload was so phenomenal, I was so excited for them all, 👍🏻👍🏻great to see them sticking together ,you visiting totally makes their day, which is absolutely special, Some thing about Ray just tickles me, he is who he is, and I totally understand him when he’s trying to show you some thing, Especially the new truck, that dad gum deer ran into lol, bless them and bless you mark✌🏻💕
That was Rays Twin!! Oh my word😳 Ya know it’s almost nice hearing they feel as if they lived a fulfilled life and have no regrets. That money isn’t to the importance or traveling. But in the same breath it’s so sad there memories are blurry and know nothing about the “real world” and what they are truly missing with all our natural beauty it has to offer. Makes you wonder what will happen when and if one passes away, what the other will do with there sanity and time. Yet another amazing interview Mark. Thanks so much! ❤️
My mom's family is in Floyd County Kentucky and I am in Texas. I am glad you are doing these videos. So many people in the hills and hollers that remind me of my family, these guys have included.
I was born in the mountains in Pennsylvania....listening to these people remind me so much of my grandparents and great grandparents they are so old school ..but my grandparents worked their butts off their whole lives
Omg he is identical to ray, a a spitting image of him. Pretty amazing that there’s someone in the world somewhere that we all look identical to. Seeing my own doppelgänger Is definitely on my bucket list. 😌
Well, it certainly sounds like Mark had to work extra hard this interview, with less than forthcoming answers from these lovely gentlemen who’ve come from a long lost era they can hardly remember.😂🤭 Both were forgetfully charming.
Mark, I’m so glad you shed light on these types of situations for this reason; many people (a generalized portion of society) don’t believe that these folks and their situations exist and even if they do consider them as existing they want to cast them aside as meaningless. When thinking about political issues and social or socio-economic agendas it is clear that portions of the population just cannot understand and so from my perspective (living in Appalachia) it is up to all of us to take care of each other as best we can. Years ago when Bush wanted to privatize social security these are the people I was most concerned for. The ones considered by society in general as the least. I’m glad these fellas have their dad’s RR retirement to help them exist. Thank you for making these people exist and for showing their humanity. It’s a sad state of affairs, but we all must coexist and find ways to help each other.
The life stories and memories shared with us are very much appreciated. Mark, I know that you bring enrichment and any necessary assistance to these hospitable people who open their home to us. 💕
Oh Mark, all the way here in Germany... You amaze me, how good-hearted, unbiased you are on wanting this selfish world to see how sad, tragic as well as good (feels awkward to use this word after seeing this video...) can be... DANKESCHÖN... Seeing this humbles you/ me/ us... Definitely... Wish that this feeling would last longer for all...
Thank you so much for highlighting this Mark. I come from a family like this. I went on to College, became a successful and happy adult with my own family. My grandfather spoke just like this and couldn't read. Life is wild.
@@GrabinGears I hear you on that,my friend💜 I have a sister and a brother, I'm the eldest. There's no way in Hell I'd be wondering about them all those years like Jerry and Leonard wondered about their sister, that would drive me insane😯
I enjoyed this. These two brothers do have their own wisdom that fits their world view, which makes sense too I feel; their wisdom has helped them survive. They seem at peace. I like the old timey family home. Mark I saw your reflection in their mirror, interviewing them ! Their voices are calm and they are not impolite people at all.
Don’t take this as criticism….it becomes apparent pretty quickly sometimes that questions about dreams or words of wisdom aren’t going to register. Maybe have some other questions that they can relate to do we can learn more about who they really are. Some of these interviews impresses me in how we really can be pretty content without what society has taught us we need to feel satisfied. These men may seem to lack in possessions and experiences but they have far more contentment than many worldly people will ever have.
Yeah, man some of these are some pretty hard-hitting, soul-searching kind of questions that even I don't have a clue how I'd answer if you put me on the spot! Difference is I would probably freeze up and spit out some half-baked nonsense attempt, as where folks like this have no problem just saying straight up "Shit I dunno".
I always love the way you interview people Mark. I love your kindness, and your ability to adapt to change questions so they could understand them better. I'm sure you left a positive mark in their lives, at least gave them something new to talk about on the front porch ❤️
Meeting these guys reminded me of my summer days on the beach growing up. Not much talk, just listening to the sounds of ocean, feeling the air, no concern for anything… just a towel and a few friends, few words, just nice
Mark, the work you do is so important. So many people just don’t have anybody to talk to or anybody to listen to them. It’s just the way things are. I can’t find the right words to describe this, but I think I can see it in their eyes (especially Leonard) that they haven’t been *truly* honest with anybody for years - maybe ever. And having things to say but staying silent for so long does something to your brain; before you know it, it’s too late. I’m 25 and live in an isolated part of an isolated country, the result of my being a “product” of two vastly distinct cultures. I’m a severe alcoholic and addict, and I’ve recently accepted the fact that I’m gay. My biggest fear is that before I know it, it’s gonna be too late for me, too. Your interviews prove one thing: We’re all more alike than we can ever truly comprehend. Thank you.
Jesus Christ saves.. just saying. Maybe not your thing or it is but I mention just in case you never had anyone tell you that before. I hope you realize regardless of how you feel about Christ that you are a perfectly lovable and deserving person as well as the next person. I also hope some time you will overcome your addictions but please at least be careful and do try to look after your health and safety. I hope you find happiness.. this is a crazy world we live in and I hope you find people who will listen to you when you feel you have things to say. Take care and know that I saw you and wish you well.
Congratulations on starting the process of healing and finding your true self. As odd as it is to say, some of the best advice I can give came from a kids movie, all you need to do is the next right thing. Don't dwell on your past mistakes. Focus all your energy on making the most positive choices for you in the moment. Each baby step t'words healing will add up to a mountain of positive that lift you up and will overshadow any darkness. Also get a counselor you trust to talk to they make all the difference. Love and hugs from a stranger ❤❤❤
The reason Jerry looks so much like Ray is no coincidence and it's the reson the nephew Timmy and the sister Lorraine all had a similar look. It's the genetic deficiency of a shallow gene pool (inbreeding).
this is stupid. these folks live in a town almost 100 miles away from where the whitakers live. this wasnt even a good try, just trying to paint all people from wv as backwood inbred savages or something, smh
@@sandrajohnson2489 That's not always the case my Grandparents live in Idaho and are worth millions but still have carpet in their bathrooms lol. A lot of people just don't care about 'nice' things and they don't want people in their homes like contractors that they don't know and people changing things on them. My Grandma probably has I don't even know half a million maybe a million plus dollars worth of nick knacks and statues and jewelry in her house. She really likes to go to Jackson Hole Wyoming and I've seen her spend $750 on a little sculpture of a chipmunk, $18,600 necklace, little moose statues for 3-7k dollars. And that's on a single trip paid in cash. I've seen her drop 30 grand in a day lol. The Organ (As in like the fancy pianos) in her house she probably paid 80k dollars or better for. Some people just choose different lives and choose to spend their money on things they want and not by doing house renovations or spending money on sports cars or new cars at all or new houses or whatever it might be. My grandparents still have a lot of furniture their parents had that probably came from their parent's parents. Obviously in this video they're probably fairly poor people. But don't just assume that if some old people have a house that looks like 1950's that they're poor. Even Warren Buffet lives in the same house he bought decades ago before he was extremely wealthy, it's just a mentality especially of people who lived during ww2 and ww1 and rations on food and gas and the great depression they don't believe in things being disposable because they can remember when that thing was all you got. If your dog eats the loaf of bread on the counter top you couldn't just drive to Walmart and go buy another one.
@@Evettecord First, their cost of living appears to be super LOW. In addition to this, their father worked during a time when employers (the Rich) took FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the retirement of those who made them rich. It was only in the 80's when the 401k became the norm
@@Evettecord Working with a lady now in her early 70s. She's still receiving pension funds from her deceased husband who worked in New York. Together, we work for the same employer who offers a pension (a county hospital) and we have the multiple options on how to distribute our pension after retirement (or death) which also includes dependants. I suppose their father had better options though, especially with children who have learning disabilities?
People can say what they want but these guys live the most peaceful and soul relaxing lives possible. I love this channel and the stories in brings to light, alot of people can't even imagine the lives of the people you interview
Still living an old way of life in nearly 2022, what an amazing channel, to ask a nearly 80 year old man have you ever been in love for him to reply "i want no part of it" and he says he has no regrets and is happy really does make you think.
I can’t believe that Jerry isn’t Ray!! The resemblance is crazy!
Same I was waiting for the barking xx
@@nessal4078 i shouldn’t be laughing… we need more of Ray!
I thought it was Ray! Love that guy. We do need more Ray!
thought the same thing, but cleaner house!! they seem so kind and gentle, love them both too!
What Ray could have been ☹
Mark, this is one of the most important channels ever to land on UA-cam.
too true.
Have you watched all 37 MILLION youtube channels to back up your claim?
@Trepang 412 but you need facts to support an opinion. He already declared that he has viewed most youtube channels and that is impossible for anybody to do.
@Trepang 412 opinion without comparison is no opinion at all. Most 5th graders could understand that.
If I ate only 1 piece of pizza in my life and I said that is the best pizza in the world.....that would be riduculous because I didn't compare it to any other pizza.
@Trepang 412 No I'm not. In his statement he compared this channel with all youtube channels without comparing them with any youtube channels.
If he would have said "this is an important youtube channel", that would have been an acceptable opinion.
I hope Leonard and Jerry live out their days in peace and contentment.
Yes!!!! Great comment!!
Me too
Exactly!!! All I want is the best for both of them.
They seem to be.
Me too, and that greedy people trying to exploit them for a dollar leave them be.
I have known this family all my life. They lived on the hill from my grandparents. They walked everywhere and lived poor. Always thankful for everything and hard workers.
Rick Jenson is proof that there's still a world full of sons of bitches!
They seem sweet.
They cut grass ffs 🙄
@@combrogi I think they have dementia that is why he does not remember.
Did everyone know those 2 men were born as a result of their Dad raping their older sister? How sad. Really sad.
They keep a decent house and look to be taking care of themselves very nicely. God bless them boys. 🙏🏽
Their handyman loves duct-tape.
@Niamh De Na Crainn Arda I think it's slightly kept.
Looks to me like they are pretty good housekeepers and have done their best. People growing up in good circumstances to take a lesson from them.
The one brothers bedroom is very neat and clean
Do you not see the black mold chilling on the wooden beam behind Jerry lol
I live and grew up in West Virginia, and you have no idea how much i appreciate that you are doing things like this. Families like this and the Whittaker's are close to my heart because my dads family is a very old family, and we all grew up around people like this where they lived. I used to love and hear some of them tell stories like this. The way the speak just feels like home to me. Thank you so much for not making us look like uneducated hill folk like so many people paint us to be. Thank you for shining a different, kind, light on the people of my state. Im very proud to be from West Virginia.
I got family down in Ky/West Virginia and they truly are the forgotten Americans, completely untouched by the system and no help for them, but no matter what they are always happy with the absolute bare minimum and they are the most loving family oriented people in this nation. My great grandmother was a Shiflett, which there seems to be a whole shit Ton of them down in West Virginia, it makes finding relatives a little difficult when there’s so many of the same last name.
@@SuperM1206 I thought it was very easy to find relatives there?
Funny thing is ‘uneducated hill folk’ is more of a compliment than you might think.. would mean you were brought up naturally in a sense
Lol hillbilly inbreds yall make whites look bad smfh
@@Nate2003x very true, they carry a inner stillness within them.
If Jerry is Ray, he is the best actor ever. At first, I thought it was Ray until he spoke. Your videos are great. I appreciate the empathy and kindness that you have shown them.
Were they TWINS? I don't know the ages so that's why I'm asking. They're too similar & in the other video the sister that told her Mom she'd never get married & always take care of them said that they were always together. Wow. Thanks for a superb channel & content.God Bless you ~Anita
Had me too.
Could be Ray’s twin brother. The resemblance is uncanny.
I thought so too!! Remarkable resemblance.
I totally agree. People may make fun of these people but they are good people. I'd love to meet them
Jerry mowed grass for my grandparents every week. He paid him $5.00 (1975) and you would think he won the lottery. It was enough to help feed the family. Honored to have known them. Great people.
Are you planning to get pregnant?
@@ijustdidahugeshit opportunity
@@carolyncain2897 I am a qualified lesbian
@lisa sam I am a woman
@@ijustdidahugeshit Jesus fucking Christ 🤯
These are the cutest sweetest old men who have had a rough upbringing and the odds are against them. But look how sweet they are. I hope they have a peaceful and happy life 💕
These guys got strong chill on the porch and talk about nothing in particular for hours energy. You don't have to be witty, clever, or have a stance. You can just sit around and just be.
Very well said. And I feel sad for them. Maybe I shouldn't. They just seem lonely to me but I could be wrong.
Exactly!!!!!! "And just be!" Simple words with extraordinary meaning ❤️
Haha fact's
Thats right, Nick...absolutely 💯
I love this comment. If only more people could do that. Just be! To just chill, relax and enjoy the quite moments.
Mark has an incredible way of interviewing vulnerable people, where they aren’t intimidated or scared to talk about themselves. Excellent
If only he would listen more and maybe ask questions on their level and not his. That guy on the right with the beard told him he quit school at 15 years old in 7th grade and walked home but he asked again about the schooling.
@@CharleysMom2 He always does that he ask same question over and over
He does it on Whitaker’s video
Every video same question
He says he’s not an interviewer
but you don’t have to be in interviewing to remember and comprehend what somebody says to you
@@tripled5165 he’s an exploiter if you want my opinion. 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎁🎁❤️
@@CharleysMom2 I have watched enough to know he has a script. He asks everyone the same basic questions to emphasize the differences in people.
Yeah but he really needs to improve how he talks to people, when people get uncomfortable he shouldn’t push the same question, but mild his tone a bit, be more soft-spoken and talk a bit slower. Sometimes it feels like he’s interrogating not interviewing.
Jerry is what Ray would look like cleaned up! Amazing the resemblance.
This is what i was thinking too so crazy
Indeed and there's likely a reason for the resemblance. Both of them have comitant strabismus, which is often found among descendants of excessive inbreeding.
but of-course, jerry and ray are from different families
@@Blizmogames1337duhh
I said the same
I thought that was Ray! WOW
Same!!! I read on the comments Jerry & Ray live in the same town? I say do a dna test on them, cuz they gotta be related!!!
Me too they favor that's for sure!
I did too.....
Ray is the best!!!!
Je te croise partout bro ! Ici, sur les vidéos de Driver et les tiennes 😁😁
These stories are not so uncommon. I am a mental health therapist in a part of the USA that people live and thrive and these ARE the secrets I hear from people who are just like you and me… I explain to my clients that secrets are poison NOT shame. We must talk about these things In order to prevent them in future generations. There are so many suffering people even if they don’t appear to be so. Mark you know this. Your interviews are often cathartic for the interviewee and that is why they come back over and over. I so so applaud you. This has to be changing you greatly. I would love to hear you talk more about this. I know I am changed by my work. In some very good ways and in some other ways that are maybe a burden like carrying so much sadness around and loving people who I watch struggle and never get better and sometimes die. Thank you so much and I do wish more people watched and I wish more
People didn’t make comments that they think are clever and entertaining. I wish more people were inspired to listen and know people instead of judge. Thank you thank you. From Virginia Beach via NY.
Well said.
Well said I also hope that they listen instead of judging.
Kareb, Thank you for the kind words. Yes, I agree. It’s sad that so many turn to cruelty and judgement rather than listening and learning.
Plus they are isolated and kin is the only way to procreate. Unfortunately this causes a lot of the issues they have. It’s sad really.
It’s disturbing af and people are so “proud of their way of living “. So gross
They're very guarded, bless them. Growing up couldn't have been easy considering their family history. God bless them both!
Yes, sadly, I think they're very aware what they're a product of, sadly. I feel so bad, it's not their fault.
I really appreciate them opening up their home to us and taking time to tell us about themselves. I believe they enjoyed having you there also.
This channel has given me empathy and insight.
I know I can’t truly know what people go through.
I’m so grateful and know that my life might feel empty and I’m absolutely heartbroken over my husband’s death.
35 years of love and understanding.
I’m fortunate to have two ginormous dogs who give me purpose.
Please don’t hate on me, I never ever comment.
This world is viscous and at times feel unlivable.
I watch these sweet men and know that their lives matter.
They’ve lived a good life ~ what else could me ask for.
Thank you Mark for allowing us to live vicariously through you.
God bless us all.
Sorry for the loss of your husband, I feel the same way as far as empathy and insight. 🧡
Bless you Mel and your loss. No hate here
Its a pity the host of the site has not gained any empathy or insight. His bombastic rude questioning is worthy of a Lawyer in s murder case.
What a disgusting way to make a living, prostituting poor people for financial gain on utube.
Empathy a word that sometimes forgotten on UA-cam.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband Mel. I hope you have family to help you through this difficult time. Sending love and comfort to you in your time of need and a hug if you're a hugger.
Wait … I’m so damn confused. So is this not the same guy who was barking? (This isn’t me being insensitive it’s the best way I could describe him.)
No you're thinking of Ray from the Whitaker family in Odd, West Virginia. One of the brothers just has a strong resemblance to him.
Was thinking the same thing, thought he might have got a hold of some good medication.
@killwill83 No they don't! Jerry is very articulated...he speaks very well!
One's a clone of the original 🤣
It's the same medical condition, like downs syndrome children have similar features...
As someone who was born, raised, n still lives in Southern WV, It intrigues me to read some of these comments. I know so many good folks just like this. They are simple people who love the simple life. And people like this are always the happiest and most content.
I love being an Appalachian girl💙💛
I’m from the uk and all I know about the Appalachian people are what I’ve seen on UA-cam. I am really intrigued by the way of life. My impression of the Appalachians is that they are hard working down to earth people and I feel a pull towards them. Maybe being a Lancashire lass I can feel some sort of familiarity. When Covid is over I would love to visit Appalachia, where do you recommend?
Well, my beautiful state of West Virginia is for sure. We have the best whitewater rafting, the most beautiful views you would picture from a calender, we have a ski resort called Snow Shoe, we have rock climbing, great fishing, we have The Greenbrier, which is a luxury resort that is beautiful and had lots of history including an underground bunker that was used in the Cold War(you can take a tour) If you're into history and beautiful nature, WV is the best naturous place you'd ever imagine. Any states that are home to Appalachian people most likely have beautiful views& awesome nature activities. The mountains are my home and though there's not alot to do like on the big cities, there's still alot to do if you're in tune with Nature
#WV💙💛
@@Bee-ly4gx salyersville ky, is a beautiful country w beautiful ppl. My mom grew up there and I have beautiful memories of visiting my mamaw and pawpaw. No bathroom just a out house but had a kitchen sink. Spotless home although there was 8 kids. All the males were coal miners and all of them worked in the tabacco and sugar cane fields. Hard working ppl, had what they needed. This was only 20 mi from Butcher holler where Loretta Lynn grew up. Really beautiful ❤️ place and you'd love the wooded hills. You'd be very much welcomed and ppl won't let you leave till they feed you and omg, the food taste like no other. Please visit you won't regret it. You'll make great friends. Ps you can take a tour of Loretta Lynn's house where she grew up.
Appalachian girls are the best!
@@Bee-ly4gx We got us some pretty places out here in Western, NC. Clingman's Dome, Mt. Mitchell, Cherokee, NC. You likely feel some familiarity because most of us come from the Northern English, and Southern Scottish borderlands, and some from Ulster.
Lots of us live the way folks did decades, or centuries ago. My neighbors and I grow most of our own food. I had a hog killing just this past week from 2 hogs I raised from piglets. Instead of salting pork like our ancestors did, we just freeze it, but we don't buy any grocery store meat and very few grocery store veggies.
We're as stubborn as the granite that's up on some of our balds ;)
I just found your channel Mark. Thank you for the time and work you put into your videos. I have cried and I have laughed. Thank you Mark❤
"It's been such a long time..." and "that was so long ago..." and "I don't remember, it's been too long..." are cleansing phrases. They protect the speaker from painful memories and possibly a guilty conscience from the distant past. While these men's intellects are not high-level, the number of times they squash recall is telling.
Leonard has dementia. No doubt
Maybe it’s not so complicated and they really just don’t remember. Any chance of that?
I feel for these guys as it's obvious there was trauma in their life. One seems to have a good stand on blocking out the past while other wouldn't mind a conversation but fears his brother. if that makes any sense.
Disagree. I think they just don't care and aren't interested in the discussion. They live primarily in the present and are dismissing questions they find odd, irrelevant, or uninteresting to them.
Annoying part to me is that every time they are asked a question they say “huh?” so basically he’s having to ask every question twice.
Absolutely love the appalachian interviews. Always been my favorite on the channel. Thanks Mark.
Yes, I'm getting a little tired of hoes and pimps
U should come and see for yourself.
Same
@@5p674 you’re damned right lol!
Yes the Appalachian people are my favorite to listen to as well 👏
My late grandpa lived in the mountains of western PA (1901-1985). He had a 4th grade education and then worked in the coal mines. These brothers often say they don’t remember things, and my grandpa would say the same thing when we asked him about his early years. I think it’s a way of saying, “that’s none of your business.”
I'm from Western PA too! Which city or township?
Or it means they don’t want to remember.
A severely short attention span
It might mean that their lives were so mundane that having memory during all those years of life wasn't even required or necessary.
They don't want to talk about the past
I was waiting for...Jerry to "bark"...the resemblance is uncanny. Blessings to Ray.
They are brothers to ray.
They need to b tested omg
It is all about karma!!! It will come back to you !!!
@@Salem_Wolf1107 tested for what?
@@TingTingalingy Have a guess? Gee Whiz !
I find these videos of the Appalachian families very interesting. Mark you are giving a voice to people who for many generations have been ignored and not given the opportunities that many in a more urban areas take for granted and abuse. These are people who no matter how they came into the world are survivors, who don't expect anything more than respect.
Nice comment.😊❤
A moving portrait of a life less lived. Mark's subjects are always treated with such respect & without judgement. Such a brilliant documentarian of the fringes of society
These interviews are so fascinating but sad too
Jerry is so much like Ray
Thankyou Mark be safe xx♥️
Man, if his older sister is also his mother I can't imagine what kind of upbringing they had. Props to these guys for getting on like they do.
Dude, it's quite obvious this gentleman has memory issues wtf do you really think his Mom is alive 😳 😐 😂
So if their mother is also their sister, is the father, also their grandfather?? I'm confused as hell.
@garynelson9538 any children born after them would be a sibling and a niece or nephew.
Incest is very common in Appalachia.
@@laken1804 Incest is very common everywhere, not just Appalachia
I need to see Ray and Jerry in the same room. How do they look like the same exact person! Amazing.
They are very different. I’ve known Jerry all my life.
that is ray
@@tolleysamishcountry1987 but they look a like. Obviously different people but same face
I thought it was Ray also
Must be related one way or the other
I don’t know why but these people warm my heart,it is their simplicity that draws me in.
Really?
It's people like you that have never been to a third world country and think.
Bless your heart! This was not a easy interview!! Of all your interviews, the Appalachians are my favorite!!
I live here and it's a special place with the locals. The tourists are not so great.
Watching these families I notice such a huge difference. They’re not sat with they’re head in a phone or Xbox and actually spend quality family time together which is rare nowadays. It’s a breath of fresher to see no reliance on wifi/internet and computer games, and still they’re happy with a simple but peaceful life.
Wish ray could talk like this, either way Ray is an absolute legend!
Yeah he is...
Hell yeah. He’s the man!!!!
Ray for president 2024 🧡
Naw. That wouldn’t be Ray then.
Ray has a special gift , he can talk to the animals 🤣
I’m one generation removed from the hillbillies of the Ozark mountains in Arkansas. Some of my fondest memories were from those days and as I age, I crave for the simplicity and small community back.
I’m in Memphis, Tn and work for a Fortune 500 company here and according to today’s standards I’m doing well. I’ve watched several generations be pulled away from personal interaction with people to specifically technologically based communication. ( text, email, zoom...ECT). Most of the younger sect I engage can’t hold a verbal conversation more than a minute or two without the aid of an iPhone.
There is a peace that most can’t understand around this lifestyle, folks in this realm are true friends to their neighbors, community and others. I’m glad to have experienced this in my younger days, it keeps me grounded in this world of instant gratification, technology and selfishness.
Morning Mark, and everyone , I watch every day from The Netherlands at noon sharp. These are. important and enlightening snapshots of real people.
Zachte blanke onderbuik!
Nobody really gives a flying turd
hallo uit Detroit
Hello from NY, USA.
As difficult as it is sometimes for me to understand Leonard and Jerry (and some others), how do you find it?
@@lizbetpcb3759 nobody cares where you're from
Thank you for not judging these people. They had no control how their lives began. Now they live with the taboo of being inbred staring them in the face daily. I greatly appreciate the way you ask questions without using their vulnerability against them. Your interviews have helped this large family to afford food, and to repair their shelter, and have vehicles to get around in. I hope and pray that the Whittaker family will live a long, fulfilled life. ❤️
I don’t think that these two gentlemen are Whittaker’s, though.
They are not the Whittakers.
They've got alot of similarities to the Whitaker's but they're DEFINITELY NOT them.
They keep a cleaner home then the Whitakers & they can BOTH speak clearly.
Jerry is definitely Ray’s doppelgänger!! It’s uncanny how much they look like each other! I gotta watch Ray’s video after this and jump back and forth a few times just to understand in my head. It makes me sad to think about their poor mother/sister! It’s awful!
It’s uncanny eh? When I heard Jerry start talking I was like shit Ray was just messing with us the whole time lol.
It's because they are most likely related.
Leonard looks like Joe Biden
@@cb4883 ..Baahaha!! Your right, he does look like Biden! I bet Leonard could also run this country better than Joe Biden! Hell, Ray could do a better job!!
@@sandrajohnson2489 ..Your right! They probably are!
I live in WV. There really are, deep in the mountains, people like this and even in my home town. But everyone isn’t this way. My family and I are perfectly “normal” in societies eyes. We live close to Morgantown now and it’s rare you see folks like this but honestly, these are the best kinda people to live close to. They will literally give you the shirt off their back. There’s more simple folk here and there’s people like you’d see wherever you live. It’s amazing how these people can live and be happy with so little. Thank you mark for shining light on them and helping them. I’m originally from GA and my husband from Illinois but our parents moved us here as kids. It’s a beautiful state full of some of the best people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. Around here people hold the door for others, say ma’am and sir, they are respectful and kind. Everytime I Leave WV I’m appalled at how rude people are.
You can't beat the people of WV ❤️ #AlmostHeaven
Pocahontas County right here.
I've never been to WV but only to eastern KY. Its beautiful country and the people are always top notch.
When I first moved to DC from WV I was always told in interviews that people like to hire us for our work ethic. I met a dozen or so WV natives who were working corporate. (Not me. I hated staying in the same job every year. My husband was building a career and going to school. I had the luxury of doing things I liked tho money was tight_ I did work corporate 3 years in security) anyway, it was something oft repeated, that a WV hire was better than 10 others. Lol.
I think we all grew up knowing these sort of folks. I remember one girl was mute. I would sit with her in church and she carried a sketch pad and drew beautiful nature scenes.
Home delivered babies often suffered oxygen deprivation from unskilled midwives. That was common up to the 60s.
My grandmother was a chicken farmer, sold eggs, she spoke a mix of Cherokee and old English _ org from KY. She wed the first time at 13 and the second at 16. I recall she had a philosophy about everything. A strong woman of small stature who raised 14 kids _ 2 she found in her shed during the depression. She found a way to help everyone and oft said, be kind to the outcasts and simple folks, we are poor and hard working so they can have someone look out for them.
Yes. It was a shock in the city how cold and rude folks were. It's crowded and where we lived ethnically diverse but gang infested even in the 90s. The police were the equivalent of your rural rear ends_ the men were less gentlemen or not very skilled, I was used to natural mechanics and problem solvers. I had never encountered racism as my family and husbands look white but are ethnically mixed. There's all sorts of divisions in the city. No tolerance under the surface. A sort of caste system among certain groups. And a lot of creeps lol. We left 2000 and it was pretty violent and with terrible schools. Basically a non education so we had to teach much of history and my husband is a chemist. He taught our kids from books at home too. (Also WV born) I donated my 25 Year collection of books locally when I moved where i currently live. Started organic farming and have a 3 acre habitat. We tend to have highly intelligent g children so public education is a challenge everywhere. We still encourage learning in home.
I think the lesson is people are people. You have the equivalent to these folks in cities. You have every sort of humanity. The difference is attitude and the fact rural is community, like family, you tend to take time to know them and people help each other. They value all life. The slower pace gives you time to reflect and not having things close makes you think on your feet and problem solve. Most older gen females are skilled and self reliant. They tend to be less self obsessed, and more community oriented.
Career women in the city were fairly boring and limited to themselves or status as subjects of conversation lol. Men not much different. I often took (people) jobs just to avoid the yawning nothingness of pretentious conversation. Worked in ethnic salons and malls, walked a lot to encounter more grounded folk.
Sad that basic courtesy has become a rare thing. I don't live in Appalachia and I've always held doors/greeted people etc. I guess it helps that they probably have more limited Internet access and so don't completely worship at the altar of social media.
They are all very gentle and seem to be content with being who they are God bless them…
Hey I don't know much,but I think there's a places in heaven for all ofthem.when u know no better you can do do no better.pure souls all all.
These fellows stayed living in a time when life was simple.. and their happy with it… im a wv man, and I love how they live so peaceful. God bless them
Mark I love what you do. It’s so important. I truly find these interviews so much more interesting than anything Hollywood phonies have to say. Keep doing these interviews. Love your work.
I thought this was a new brother you never interviewed before next to Ray. I thought, wow, Ray sure cleaned up nicely! I was hoping this was an updated video in a cleaned up home. I didn’t understand until this gentleman spoke. Sometimes people don’t care to share much and that’s fine too.
These were my thoughts exactly. Like “wow, the Whittaker’s had carpet underneath all of that dirty….”
That’s exactly what I thought! I thought “he’s taking good care of Ray”! I about fell off my chair when he started talking!
Doesn't look anything at all like Ray. Btw I think I bout won me a car just now
@@Bob-yt9qi I guess that’s your perspective. When I came through the comments section I found quite a few immediately said the same thing I thought but who knows 😉
@@aliciablanchard2500 trust the seance
No best times, no worse times, no loves, no regrets, no words of wisdom.. I guess when you're isolated there's not much to think about. That seems like what many on this channel strive to feel.. nothing. I want to hug these guys for some reason. Awesome/tough interview, Mark *hugs*
I'm sure 'It was so long ago' just means 'none of your business'. Living in WV you learn these people have a lot to say if they trust you and honestly most of it ain't pretty. Older generations out here were encouraged to keep there problems to themselves.
@@mandacole8703 of coarse.. that makes total sense. It's not that they're dull, they're private. Sharing nothing doesn't necessarily mean they're feeling nothing. You made an excellent point.
I can't imagine the Incestuous behavior But GOD'S Good and His Blessings Abound!! Please take care and Thanks for Sharing..
Life doesn't get any simpler than that. No car no wife no kids no worries.
Fascinating interview. Well done. I love the clock ticking in the background. It’s like time stands still in this old house yet it’s passing by with these two sweet men.
Just like i felt.
Their home is so familiar and beautiful to me, listening to them talk and looking at the background gives me so much peace and memories.
The tic of the clock in the background.....
@@lastnamefirst4035 Don't be ugly
@@jeffreyj3906 just saying what i see but i dont need to say anything at all if its not good
@@lastnamefirst4035 That I agree with and you are judging these gentlemen and they are older and clearly not very well. Shame on you!
your sister is also your mother huh?
Bless their sweet hearts… they can’t help how they were brought up. Just laid back happy & content. That’s all that matters❤️❤️
They are probably happier than many other people as they don't need much, most people today need so much. They seem to be gentle souls, they don't know much but it doesn't matter to them. They may be wiser than we think. It's heart wrenching at the same time. TFS :)
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
I just started watching this adorable family , it just warms my heart how sweet , humble , loving and absolutely kind these people are ❤ God bless them ….
You ever been in love?
“I don’t want no part of it” 😂
Literally felt this in my soul! Smart man
Who hurt you?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
@DimebagVision R. I. P. - DiME, the greatest EVER!
“I don’t want no part of it, we got enough going on round here”.
@DimebagVision besides raising a stable family and not dying a lonely miserable person lol.
How soft spoken they both are! I can see Ray so much in Jerry I sure wish he could speak!
Thanks for these videos your approach is so loving and non judgemental which is important!
You're a GEM Mark please do more videos like these maybe another family like the Whitaker's!? Unbelievable but that wouldn't be hard to find families like them are so much more common than one would think! With that said I realize the Whitaker's will always hold the top spot in our hearts but I do believe another family like them could use someone like you to bless their lives the way you have the Whitaker's!
It's so important to show these videos!
Love you Mark you hold a special place in my heart always! You are a rare breed and I'm so thankful for the work you do!
Just getting up to go to bed & sat RIGHT back down when this interview popped up. Always insightful. Thank you!
Any one that thinks there having a bad day,and suffer from panic attacks and depression severe, watch this and thank God that u walk on.thanks mark.from the frozen praire of South Dakota
It's heartbreaking, but it feels like they are okay with their lives.
I agree. They are clean, pay their bills, shop and feed themselves. Most importantly, they have each other.
@@Annika626 Yes, but what if one passes and the other is all by himself?
They don’t know anything else..
As heartbreaking it may be to most , the two brothers are living the only way they know it as they don’t know any differently. So they may be quite content in their life. However, isn’t it ironic that there seems to be some sadness showing through even tho they know no differently I still feel and see a sad face
People are different they live no physical pain no threats from outsiders.
"You ever been in Love?"
" No, Don't want no part of it."
Most Appalachian mountain country wisdom i ever heard. I believe it.
Their parents falling in love didn’t really go well did it…
Very smart answer
No. just NO. Stop bending answers to fit some definition of "wisdom." Human beings desire and NEED love. You don't think both those men wouldn't move Heaven and Earth to find true love, acceptance, caring, and support? There is no "Appalachian mountain country wisdom" in that statement. You may as well find "wisdom" in quiting school and living in poverty. These are good, decent, honorable people. But they aren't "wise."
@@jakemitchell1671 Love is a very loose word. They still have each other for company and obviously there's a brotherly bond. Maybe they just don't produce much testosterone or maybe they are asexual. Plenty of possibilities
@@jakemitchell1671 with the potential of being as heavily inbred as the Wittakers it’s possibly a defense mechanism their organism has to prevent them from reproducing any further. It could also be that they’ve been so traumatized at home as children that they want nothing to do with any kind of romantic relationship.
The Appalachian interviews are the absolute best of any other interviews. It just hurts my brain to get the whole sister is mother and father is grandfather or whatever it is.. but either way, these interviews are great. Need more of the Appalachian interviews for sure. 🌹🇮🇹❤️
🤣 no! I live here. It’s too depressing.
@@hhholly why is it depressing? Is there nothing to do?
@@stephenalex4345 Everything to do, no different than anywhere else in that regards…southern culture and strict religions. No multiculturalism.
@@hhholly ohhh I understand. Have you lived there your whole life?
Well i was born in Toledo Ohio but we moved to Rogersville Tn and Coeburn Va and Bigstone gap Va so im dead in the middle of the beautiful Smokie mountains in the Appalachian mountains. And every morning I get to wake up in the most beautiful places on earth. Ain't god awesome.
Jerry looks to be either Rays father or brother... I was looking at both pictures side by side and they look like twins. I love hearing the old stories from elders that live in small towns or villages. This is well done. Thank you!
I think Ray is in his 70’s also, if I recall from the Whittaker video Mark asked their ages. I actually thought this WAS Ray for a second lol
Of course they're family... it's a hollers of West Virginia thang. 😉
He is only about 5 or 6 years older than Ray, so he could not be his father.
I think there siblings
I think that is or was Ray
For a second , I thought that was Ray from the Whittaker’s family !!
Good morning Mark and everyone else ☺️ thanks for the upload !!!
Me too
SAME! They look SO much alike, except this man is more put-together and clean.
I really love these Appalachian stories.
@Sindy lov💋 imagine if your mom found out your only job was making bot links
I thought the same x
Good morning 🌞🌻
I Love love Jerry's style. He accessorizes wonderfully.
Yoooo I know. Rings and a chain with that nice pink striped shirt.
first thing i noticed very fashionable
dude legit!!
i was thinking the same thing lol he looks pretty fresh
They both look very youthful honestly.
These good old boys just hanging out in their place that's weathered and worn, cosy and quiet. Ain't nothin' they want too much, ain't nobody they care to see too much of, ain't no clock ticking that they care to watch. No regrets, no dramas, no great shakes. Just livin' day to day, from sun up to sun down. They've got each other. Like always.
Sounds like a Jon Denver song 🙂
Not boys 😮one is a lesbian women. Not a practicing one. Said she wanted no part of it.
Wow, it’s amazing how much Ray and Jerry look alike, my prayers have always been from a good, non-judge mental place, your last upload was so phenomenal, I was so excited for them all, 👍🏻👍🏻great to see them sticking together ,you visiting totally makes their day, which is absolutely special, Some thing about Ray just tickles me, he is who he is, and I totally understand him when he’s trying to show you some thing, Especially the new truck, that dad gum deer ran into lol, bless them and bless you mark✌🏻💕
They are beautiful ..peaceful souls.
God bless them.
I love watching this family.
That was Rays Twin!! Oh my word😳 Ya know it’s almost nice hearing they feel as if they lived a fulfilled life and have no regrets. That money isn’t to the importance or traveling. But in the same breath it’s so sad there memories are blurry and know nothing about the “real world” and what they are truly missing with all our natural beauty it has to offer. Makes you wonder what will happen when and if one passes away, what the other will do with there sanity and time. Yet another amazing interview Mark. Thanks so much! ❤️
Hi 👋 how are you doing?
Judging by what I see, their home looks beautiful. Looks like a time capsule. Wish I could see a tour. ❤
Beautiful people 😍
Beautiful? Oh lawdy.
I can arrange that lol
I was thinking the same. Probably everything in that had a purpose or means something
@@travisechols1570 could you?
My mom's family is in Floyd County Kentucky and I am in Texas. I am glad you are doing these videos. So many people in the hills and hollers that remind me of my family, these guys have included.
I was born in the mountains in Pennsylvania....listening to these people remind me so much of my grandparents and great grandparents they are so old school ..but my grandparents worked their butts off their whole lives
Omg he is identical to ray, a a spitting image of him. Pretty amazing that there’s someone in the world somewhere that we all look identical to. Seeing my own doppelgänger Is definitely on my bucket list. 😌
I thought he was ray at first until I heard him speak!!
I thought it WAS Ray at first! Absolutely amazing how identical they look.
They are cousins
I'm confused
@Sindy lov💋 imagine if your mom found out your only job was making bot links
Well, it certainly sounds like Mark had to work extra hard this interview, with less than forthcoming answers from these lovely gentlemen who’ve come from a long lost era they can hardly remember.😂🤭
Both were forgetfully charming.
Jerry/Ray crazy resemblance!
So glad you give these lads a voice Mark. Thank you.♥️
@bina nocht just search the Whittaker family
Maybe Jerry and Ray are twins
Are these guys related to the Whittakers??
@@robbiemedeiros244 part of their clan
Might be cool for them to meet
Loved watching them they seem so kind and down to earth and not focused on the chaotic world beyond their porch.
Mark, I’m so glad you shed light on these types of situations for this reason; many people (a generalized portion of society) don’t believe that these folks and their situations exist and even if they do consider them as existing they want to cast them aside as meaningless. When thinking about political issues and social or socio-economic agendas it is clear that portions of the population just cannot understand and so from my perspective (living in Appalachia) it is up to all of us to take care of each other as best we can. Years ago when Bush wanted to privatize social security these are the people I was most concerned for. The ones considered by society in general as the least. I’m glad these fellas have their dad’s RR retirement to help them exist. Thank you for making these people exist and for showing their humanity. It’s a sad state of affairs, but we all must coexist and find ways to help each other.
Put “Jerry” and “Ray” in the same video and then I’ll believe it!
Speaking from ignorance doesn't help those most vulnerable.
I just wanna give them a huge hug. Bless their hearts. Protect them at all costs.♥️
The life stories and memories shared with us are very much appreciated. Mark, I know that you bring enrichment and any necessary assistance to these hospitable people who open their home to us. 💕
I love this channel and bringing light to many people’s lives and stories. Even if they are often sad.
I genuinely love these people. And all the content you push out.
Bless their hearts, both are very content with the life they were dealt. The whole family seems more happy than people who have much more.
I could be wrong but I think it’s because they have no expectations
Or they just don't know any different because they don't know what it is to have anything or have fear of becoming poor and losing everything.
What a touching interview! These are two individuals that have not experienced the life that so many have.
Oh Mark, all the way here in Germany... You amaze me, how good-hearted, unbiased you are on wanting this selfish world to see how sad, tragic as well as good (feels awkward to use this word after seeing this video...) can be... DANKESCHÖN... Seeing this humbles you/ me/ us... Definitely... Wish that this feeling would last longer for all...
Thank you so much for highlighting this Mark. I come from a family like this. I went on to College, became a successful and happy adult with my own family. My grandfather spoke just like this and couldn't read. Life is wild.
My great grandparents, uncles and aunts. I love how they talk , plain and truthful
They don't even know if their siblings are still alive sad
Yeah, I caught that when they were asked about the sister...it is sad
@@wesleyalan9179 I could never not know if my siblings are still alive even when I get their age
@@GrabinGears
I hear you on that,my friend💜
I have a sister and a brother, I'm the eldest.
There's no way in Hell I'd be wondering about them all those years like Jerry and Leonard wondered about their sister, that would drive me insane😯
That is sad
@@wesleyalan9179 Wow me too bro, but I'm a identical twin, and I have a older sister that is 46.
At the end of the day I think it’s amazing that the members of this family at least have each other.
I enjoyed this. These two brothers do have their own wisdom that fits their world view, which makes sense too I feel; their wisdom has helped them survive. They seem at peace. I like the old timey family home. Mark I saw your reflection in their mirror, interviewing them ! Their voices are calm and they are not impolite people at all.
Don’t take this as criticism….it becomes apparent pretty quickly sometimes that questions about dreams or words of wisdom aren’t going to register. Maybe have some other questions that they can relate to do we can learn more about who they really are. Some of these interviews impresses me in how we really can be pretty content without what society has taught us we need to feel satisfied. These men may seem to lack in possessions and experiences but they have far more contentment than many worldly people will ever have.
Yeah, man some of these are some pretty hard-hitting, soul-searching kind of questions that even I don't have a clue how I'd answer if you put me on the spot! Difference is I would probably freeze up and spit out some half-baked nonsense attempt, as where folks like this have no problem just saying straight up "Shit I dunno".
Wow, very poignantly stated. Thank you ma'am.
Yeah, inbreeding doesn't generally lead to great oration.
@@Josef_R ;)
Words of wisdom………….keep calm and carry on! 😐
I always love the way you interview people Mark. I love your kindness, and your ability to adapt to change questions so they could understand them better. I'm sure you left a positive mark in their lives, at least gave them something new to talk about on the front porch ❤️
Are you from Pittsburgh?
@@jamierupert7563 Sorry but no.
Meeting these guys reminded me of my summer days on the beach growing up. Not much talk, just listening to the sounds of ocean, feeling the air, no concern for anything… just a towel and a few friends, few words, just nice
Mark, the work you do is so important. So many people just don’t have anybody to talk to or anybody to listen to them. It’s just the way things are.
I can’t find the right words to describe this, but I think I can see it in their eyes (especially Leonard) that they haven’t been *truly* honest with anybody for years - maybe ever. And having things to say but staying silent for so long does something to your brain; before you know it, it’s too late.
I’m 25 and live in an isolated part of an isolated country, the result of my being a “product” of two vastly distinct cultures. I’m a severe alcoholic and addict, and I’ve recently accepted the fact that I’m gay.
My biggest fear is that before I know it, it’s gonna be too late for me, too.
Your interviews prove one thing: We’re all more alike than we can ever truly comprehend.
Thank you.
Jesus Christ saves.. just saying. Maybe not your thing or it is but I mention just in case you never had anyone tell you that before. I hope you realize regardless of how you feel about Christ that you are a perfectly lovable and deserving person as well as the next person. I also hope some time you will overcome your addictions but please at least be careful and do try to look after your health and safety. I hope you find happiness.. this is a crazy world we live in and I hope you find people who will listen to you when you feel you have things to say. Take care and know that I saw you and wish you well.
Congratulations on starting the process of healing and finding your true self. As odd as it is to say, some of the best advice I can give came from a kids movie, all you need to do is the next right thing. Don't dwell on your past mistakes. Focus all your energy on making the most positive choices for you in the moment. Each baby step t'words healing will add up to a mountain of positive that lift you up and will overshadow any darkness. Also get a counselor you trust to talk to they make all the difference. Love and hugs from a stranger ❤❤❤
As my counselor once said: Speak your truth, stay in your power and be good to yourself ❤
They seem so happy with each others company. May you be blessed with many many more lazy afternoons chilling on the porch
Sad 😥
I love watching these people. They're amazing to me. Things may have been strange in their lives. But they survived. God Bless them.
I’m loving the pink shirt and jewelry and it’s almost like seeing Ray if he could talk! This is amazing!! I think Rays daddy crossed a creek or two!!
…pink woman’s shirt no less. Hmmm….
Judgemental @@rswilsonart
I think it be a congenital deformity
I'm just observant!
@@clairewilliams7762 yeah something from the miner
The reason Jerry looks so much like Ray is no coincidence and it's the reson the nephew Timmy and the sister Lorraine all had a similar look. It's the genetic deficiency of a shallow gene pool (inbreeding).
And a lack of teeth. Sinks in the face.
this is stupid. these folks live in a town almost 100 miles away from where the whitakers live. this wasnt even a good try, just trying to paint all people from wv as backwood inbred savages or something, smh
@@kevingeezy5176 They literally say that they're inbred in this very video.
@@mechanikjoe timestamp?
*5:30*
Being an EMT and working in emergency medicine has shown me some pretty wild examples of human beings . This is fascinating.
Same here!
TYFYS
I concur
I enjoy looking into old houses that haven't changed one bit in decades like their house. its history.
The houses haven't changed because the people in them are super poor. They can't afford to buy nice things.
@@sandrajohnson2489 That's not always the case my Grandparents live in Idaho and are worth millions but still have carpet in their bathrooms lol. A lot of people just don't care about 'nice' things and they don't want people in their homes like contractors that they don't know and people changing things on them. My Grandma probably has I don't even know half a million maybe a million plus dollars worth of nick knacks and statues and jewelry in her house. She really likes to go to Jackson Hole Wyoming and I've seen her spend $750 on a little sculpture of a chipmunk, $18,600 necklace, little moose statues for 3-7k dollars. And that's on a single trip paid in cash. I've seen her drop 30 grand in a day lol. The Organ (As in like the fancy pianos) in her house she probably paid 80k dollars or better for. Some people just choose different lives and choose to spend their money on things they want and not by doing house renovations or spending money on sports cars or new cars at all or new houses or whatever it might be. My grandparents still have a lot of furniture their parents had that probably came from their parent's parents.
Obviously in this video they're probably fairly poor people. But don't just assume that if some old people have a house that looks like 1950's that they're poor. Even Warren Buffet lives in the same house he bought decades ago before he was extremely wealthy, it's just a mentality especially of people who lived during ww2 and ww1 and rations on food and gas and the great depression they don't believe in things being disposable because they can remember when that thing was all you got. If your dog eats the loaf of bread on the counter top you couldn't just drive to Walmart and go buy another one.
@@dedalliance1 The Whitakers are poorer than poor. Maybe they're accustomed to the furnishings they have but these people are very, very poor.
@@sandrajohnson2489 Yeah they're poor but that doesn't necessarily mean that if they had more money they'd want 'nicer' things.
Conversation with these two warm my heart. So calming - and WOW, living off their father’s railroad pension plan! Our 401k’s suck.
I'd imagine they are very very frugal with their money and don't indulge in luxuries often, if ever. So it's probably not all that much money overall
How are they able to live off of their fathers pension plan? Just curious
@@Evettecord First, their cost of living appears to be super LOW. In addition to this, their father worked during a time when employers (the Rich) took FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the retirement of those who made them rich. It was only in the 80's when the 401k became the norm
@@carlathomas5807 got it. I jut thought the pension ended when the dad died unless he’s still alive so they’re all living off of it
@@Evettecord Working with a lady now in her early 70s. She's still receiving pension funds from her deceased husband who worked in New York. Together, we work for the same employer who offers a pension (a county hospital) and we have the multiple options on how to distribute our pension after retirement (or death) which also includes dependants. I suppose their father had better options though, especially with children who have learning disabilities?
People can say what they want but these guys live the most peaceful and soul relaxing lives possible.
I love this channel and the stories in brings to light, alot of people can't even imagine the lives of the people you interview
I love how every answer was "yeah, a loooong time ago"
We must have loved Ray because we are seeing him in every face. ❣
Ray is the best!!!
They must be brothers. I wonder why he doesn't ask
Ray is our ray of sunshine. We understand the human spirit like Ray. 💕💕
I love the way he catches their essence in their photographs ,it's beautiful
You’re a good man mark, may the universe bless you tremendously
These gentlemen look great for their age! I hope their doing well and enjoying their lives.
Man, this was a tough one, Mark. You did the best you could but they were tough nuts to crack!
Still living an old way of life in nearly 2022, what an amazing channel, to ask a nearly 80 year old man have you ever been in love for him to reply "i want no part of it" and he says he has no regrets and is happy really does make you think.