He was lied to as a kid and told his dad was just his brother and the woman that was actually his mom was his “aunt”. And he’s using the term father mother grandmother etc, to describe the people he considers his mom or grandmother. He probably is the product of inbreeding, and the embarrassment of his maternal parents probably made them abandoned him to an extent but according to the way I heard it still come around as his “brother or aunt” hell idk, it’s early here in west ky. Good interview none the less! Hope you can get back on your feet and get through what you’re going through.
@@SoftWhiteUnderbelly Thanks for your response. Great interview, I enjoy watching the content that you upload here on your Y/T Channel. American Intermediary Documentary 05/10/2024
For those confused, he clearly said one of his mother's children had a child WITH her. So mom made a child with HER own child and he is the product of that relationship. So, his mom is also his grandma, and his dad is also his brother. Grandma/Mom's other kids are his siblings and his aunts and uncles.
Lack of education and motivation. You never see this happening in societies that prioritize the value of education. Unfortunately, here in the States ppl ridicule education because it's attributed to "elitism" and it becomes the norm, but then society breaks down as a result.
Thank you so much for explaining this because my brain started to melt. I don't hold anything against him but I knew that they have justified their actions by the 'thoroughbred' reasoning. Whatever helps him not step into insanity is fine by me. I hope he never figures out that we are not suppose to act like animals. I really hope his dreams come true. Again, thank you.
They completely destroyed these beautiful Appalachian communities, with prescription pills and drugs...a whole generation was lost..What a shame for a country, such as the US,to kill its own children....😢😢😢
Alcohol was a major issue in these communities before opioids, I've seen that in my own family. In my personal experience, substance abuse problems in families like this stem from generations of poverty and poor education. Growing up in poverty creates a cycle of extremely low self-worth, which then leads to self-destructive behaviors. It took me over 20 years to get out of that cycle of self-destruction.
@@Cotillion308 exactly. They turned a blind eye to Big Companies.Some people made fortunes, from killing slowly, torturing slowly whole communities.They absolutely DO have collective responsibility for this mass crime..
@@HarryManback0Congratulations for your battle.I'm sure it takes lot of courage 💪 and to quote Bukowski "it's the only good fight, there is".Bravo!I absolutely understand that addiction is a vicious circle ,but this is exactly the reason why they should have protected these idyllic but very vulnerable communities. You don't take advantage from someone who is already on the ground,you help him to stand...
Appalachian folks seem so down to earth. I love that. The birds singing joyfully in the background is lovely, and the countryside is beautiful. All the best to you Russell.
I will say this completely off-topic and everyone else’s comment, but he is the first person from this area of a country That actually looks good for his age.
A woman (A) had 13 daughters and 7 sons, (then she had a misscarriage and adopted one more daugther - not very relevant) and had a son with his 7th son (B). Therefore having the 8th son. He is the 8th son (C). His mother (A) is also his grand mother (because (A) is the mother of his father(B)), and his father (B) is also his brother (because they both have (B and C) the same mother(A)). He was raised by his first cousin, his birth mother (A) died at childbrith and his father(B) died when he was young.
I'm a recovering alcoholic and during the worst of my addiction I "dated" a guy from WV. I live in Kentucky, so no big shock there except I'm Mexican and had never been exposed to such lifestyles. He was exactly like all these people in these videos - dysfunctional family, no education, all kinds of abuse, drugs at 13, etc.. He was so broken and so was I. Watching these interviews makes me empathize with him a lot more although we lost all contact when he moved back two years ago. Great interview, Mark!
I know this guy I grew up around him. He is my step dads nephew and that's bs his mom didn't die giving birth to him. His mom is still living and I'm pretty sure he isn't 40. He isn't inbreed either. I love you Russell and I do hope your getting the help you need.
Agree. Well stated. This guy so obviously wants money, and I think Mark would clearly see it at this point if he were on Skid Row. He seems to be a bit more blinded by the Appalachians.
A great interview! I don't think its easy keeping his family straight! Bless you Russel! As far as i am concerned your a fantastic man! Beautiful spirit!
I got it. His mom had a kid with her son. His mom would also be his grandmother if you take it that it’s his dad’s mom. And make his dad also his brother if you take that it was her children.
His mother had a child by her son. Is that acceptable in Appalachian society? I wonder if inbreeding is as common outside of the poverty and ignorance of Appalachia? It may be beautiful there, but it’s hell to be born and raised in a place without hope of a better future. I don’t find the lives of these people fascinating in a good way. They live on welfare, are addicted to heavy drugs, lack education beyond elementary school. The only hope is to get away from there at a young age and get an education. Education is the key to higher level occupations.
Its actually not as common as media would have you believe. The highest rates of incest in America are among the native, and hispanic populations. The state with the highest occurrence of incest is Alaska. Worldwide, the Middle East blows everyone out of the water as far as inbreeding goes.
Mark, i am confused. Just got off a 9 hr shift a few hrs ago, maybe thats why, i could not understand, who his real mom and dad are. Is he a off spring of a mother and son? He seems like a nice giy and i wish him well. Thank you.
Interesting situation. I generally wish you all the best for your future. If given the opportunity to move/work there is no doubt you would embrace it and thrive, it is evident in your voice and nature. 👍 take care mate.
Yes, it is. It is the norm in Appalachia, and it is documented. Along with parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. I did a research paper on the desire of the inhabitants to keep their bloodlines pure.
& that's what they all are slow & delayed cause they want to keep their bloodlines pure to the point that they can't even talk? Just barking & talking jibberish to communicate? That's insane.. @@karamcqueen-wagstaff4578
We all offered him help he doesn't want it you can't help someone if they really don't want it we love him and want him get help he holler it but doesn't stick with it
What makes me so very uncomfortable is the fact that this inbreed seems to go on and on and no one has done anything about it! Why doesn't the authorities do something? THE US is a crazy country but it can't be legal even there? If this had happened where I live, people would have been incarcerated! I'm in no way shape or form looking down on these people. I feel so bad for them because they get disadvantages that will follow them for life. It's not fair!
That mess started in Europe, and they carried it to the colonies with them. Yes, I did my research. Those people in W.V , Kentucky, and Tennessee chose to live on seclusion to keep their bloodline from being diluted. Now look, a plethora of mental and physical ailments and deformities. It will take generations to cleanse that DNA from existing.
How are the authorities going to know what happens under each person's roof? They can't even keep track of what happens under their own roofs, let alone anyone else's.
I hear it normal in places down south especially WV, Kentucky, Alabama.. they sleeping with each other. They don't need outsiders messing up their pure breed family bloodline 😳🤢🤮... Jesus christ
I’d like to chime in! Not all Appalachian folk are inbred. Most however have been enduring hardships most can’t imagine possible but can’t seem to understand. Abuse is many different things. Neglect is often the first trial this region’s youth can expect in a long hard uphill battle to survive life. Life is hard enough if you’re lucky enough to have someone supportive as a parent. The road to prison is not so crazy if it’s the only road you have seen! But life is long. Hope he finds a better road. ❤️
And if you got know he is not inbred friggin drugs did it and the lady that raised him is his friggin biological mother and yes she does know who his figgin dad is and no they are not related see what drugs can do to you
Not all of us Wv folks was raised like this feller Most had had working dad work in mines and mom at home taking care of us kids and house We are not stupid people most are talented in some way or another Just cause u see this crazy stuff doesn’t mean we all was raised this way We had normal family not this junk…
He can get a service dog certificate for his dog and the dog can go anywhere. Just put the paper in the billfold. Take the dog on the bus and go to Wisconsin.
Anyone else notice this guy said “I’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding”….yet he went through his history and it didn’t include college, and I’ve never heard of a “Bachelor’s in Welding”……this guy is screwed up bad and I don’t think it’s necessarily his fault.
Might have meant associates, only takes a few welding classes to get. Welding pays super well but requires moving around a lot and obviously physically demanding work and not doing excessive drugs.
If you're a decent human, you can't help but wish Russell the best. At the end of the interview he seems relieved that it is over. I think it was harder for him than he lets on. I hope he is able to get help if he needs it and stays committed to making a better life for himself.
Drugs have screwed him ip so bad. I’m sure the money he got for this BS helps him buy more. His mother and father are very disappointed in this. They definitely are not grandparents or siblings. He was educated he graduated like everyone else. People want to read garbage like this and believe trash so it keeps this going. I want to sue the man that recorded this without even investigating making sure his story has any truth to it. Anyone listening to him with any common since at all would hear how this doesn’t even work out. The oldest child wasn’t adopted. He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.
I have a lot of family in Appalachia. Pike Co. Kentucky. Mingo County West Virginia. Best people in the world!!! Very beautiful country!! Keep doing these Appalachian videos Mark! 🇺🇸🙏❤️
Who cares about his lineage. Russell is a kind, smart and educated man. I found his interview to be very interesting. Hope he gets back on his feet soon.
There is an old time saying as far as horses, because sometimes stallions break out of their stalls or pastures and mate with one closely related to, which you would never allow them to do otherwise. If it comes out a good cross, with the best traits passed on, it’s called ‘linebred’, but if it’s got all the worst trait, it’s called ‘inbred’.
iron workers are in huge demand, Other places, its all in vogue now, iron fences, and alot more going on in the architectural world, my suggestion is bail out of there and find iron work all over the country now....architects are specking iron now "everywhere" and paying big bucks for iron works and creativity....he has a fantastic skill...
Tbh if he has the skills he says then unfortunately the only thing keeping him poor is mental problems / drugs, which is a waste because that means he could be a positive addition to society with a little support.
Mark has been going there for a long time, and has known the Whittakers for 14 years. I really like the Appalachia interviews, if i would travel again to the US, that's where i am going! Beautiful.
It probably seems like it, but this might have been recorded any of the many previous trips he made on his travels to WV. Or maybe on his last trip to go to Larry’s funeral lol. Mark might have decided to at least do some interviews so he could make the travel expenses work related so it didn’t come out of his own pocket. Buying a last minute ticket would have been extremely expensive for that unexpected funeral. Gosh, that still cracks me up that she thought Mark wouldn’t figure out that she was lying.
Mark does not understand addiction and codependency along with unrealistic expectations of persons with developmental disabilities. A trust and 3rd party executer should have been in place for money. Mark's actions could possibly cause them to loose their SSI.
Thank you Mark for doing these interviews. It gives these folks a chance to talk about their life the good and the bad but, it’s good that they can speak about it irregardless they are human beings and deserve to be heard. God Bless them all .
They need to restart "The Works Progress Administration" and hire some of these guys and start fixing U.S. infrastructure instead of contracting it out. Save the tax payers some money and give these disadvantaged areas some jobs.
I lived in Lexington, KY from 1995 - 1999, but I knew folks from eastern KY and've been through the area just a few times. The land is beautiful, and the people found my Michigan-Yankee accent as charming as I found theirs, lol! All the folks I knew were kind and polite and just ready to do anything. And *strong*, too! Russell is the perfect example I hope I can go back there just to visit before I die (which I hope won't be for at least twenty years, lol)!
Eric Clapton, whose mother got pregnant by a Canadian soldier during WWII, grew up thinking his mom was his sister and his grandparents were his parents. Jack Nicholson was raised the same way, with his unmarried mom being his sister and his grandparents his parents. All so they wouldn't know that they were illegitimate. I have no idea what they told their other relatives as well as friends and neighbors.
I loved this interview. This guy can't help how he was conceived but he seem mentally ok. I wish him the best of luck!!! Also glad you cut ties with the Whitaker family. They were users!
This man breaks my heart. Certified welders are in high demand and make good income. Other things are holding him back. Drugs. His miserable octopus of a dysfunctional family (putting it mildly). Total lack of self-confidence outside of his own environment. Drugs. Kids with unstable women. Drugs. He has a good heart, but it's hard for him to imagine a different way of life. He has a wonderful attitude about what blessings he has in his life, he talks about traveling and getting more education to better his life and wants to support his kids. Wishes he had "opportunity" to better his circumstances, but in order to do that, he has to LEAVE. So hard.
He wants to travel and get more education? In other words, he doesn’t want to work. He already has an education and trade. He’s 40, use it! Drive 45 min to an hour to work, that is no excuse. People do it all the time.
Born in Wyoming County! Only moved 45 minutes away and have been here since 1996. Still love and care for all family and the people that choose to stay there. But it was just a better decision after graduation for me to leave. Small town people that have big hearts
Buddha is the true God n loves you unconditionally not like the Christian god as he is vengeful n sends ppl to burn in hell if they dont do exactly wat he tells them to do, actually a bit of a control freak sadly not like the almighty Buddha .
some big developer will head there, wait and see, and buy this place up and sell to the MEGA rich...happening all over the country....they did it in Georgia, Florida, builders and developers are ruthless
Same in once rural TN, driving up our taxes and now more than doubling house insurance. What are the cows going to eat? Guess we'll have to eat Dick Schwab's bugs! 😠
2012 to 2020. I worked in Jeffersonvill indiana, Mishawaka indiana, elkhart indiana and sheperville kentucy My employer took over old plants and restored the busies.. I made so many friends. Yes, I remember the meth issue.. then, the oxytocin which co workers overdosed on the drugs the doctors gave out. Sheperville kentucy , I remember banjo Hawaiian Music. The weather I love to live in sheperville kentucky. Beautiful . I remember the caves in Kentucky and mooon shine.. I prefer tequialla Frank 😅
He has worked there many times throughout the years. When he travels somewhere, he does a bunch of interviews in that location. Why travel all the way there and only do a few interviews?
![DDG & G Herbo - Nosey [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/I9Ra0Zc2NlQ/mqdefault.jpg)
He was lied to as a kid and told his dad was just his brother and the woman that was actually his mom was his “aunt”. And he’s using the term father mother grandmother etc, to describe the people he considers his mom or grandmother. He probably is the product of inbreeding, and the embarrassment of his maternal parents probably made them abandoned him to an extent but according to the way I heard it still come around as his “brother or aunt” hell idk, it’s early here in west ky. Good interview none the less! Hope you can get back on your feet and get through what you’re going through.
Mark, out of all the comments written. What made you pin this 1?
Just curious........................
American Intermediary Documentary 05/10/2024
Because it’s the closest to how Russell explained it to me off camera. I saw too many comments about how confusing his lineage is.
@@SoftWhiteUnderbelly Thanks for your response. Great interview, I enjoy watching the content that you upload here on your Y/T Channel.
American Intermediary Documentary 05/10/2024
"My brother was my dad and my grandmother was my mother." It sounds to me like his grandmother had sex with one of ther sons, resulting in Russell.
Very nice guy. We can't choose our parents however he found the good in everything.
Russell gave a good explanation of what life is like in his area. He seems capable of handling his situation. Interesting interview.
For those confused, he clearly said one of his mother's children had a child WITH her. So mom made a child with HER own child and he is the product of that relationship. So, his mom is also his grandma, and his dad is also his brother. Grandma/Mom's other kids are his siblings and his aunts and uncles.
This makes my brain hurt.
What is wrong with people omg that is tragic!! He’s lucky he doesn’t have 2 heads
Lack of education and motivation. You never see this happening in societies that prioritize the value of education. Unfortunately, here in the States ppl ridicule education because it's attributed to "elitism" and it becomes the norm, but then society breaks down as a result.
@@wheatonmommy yes i think my brain may not figure it out.
Thank you so much for explaining this because my brain started to melt. I don't hold anything against him but I knew that they have justified their actions by the 'thoroughbred' reasoning. Whatever helps him not step into insanity is fine by me. I hope he never figures out that we are not suppose to act like animals. I really hope his dreams come true. Again, thank you.
Thank you, Mark, for all the great videos you do. Have a good weekend. Get some rest. You're always working.
Thank you Mark for your interview with Russell. Hope he gets his life on the right address 🙏🏾
They completely destroyed these beautiful Appalachian communities, with prescription pills and drugs...a whole generation was lost..What a shame for a country, such as the US,to kill its own children....😢😢😢
Alcohol was a major issue in these communities before opioids, I've seen that in my own family. In my personal experience, substance abuse problems in families like this stem from generations of poverty and poor education. Growing up in poverty creates a cycle of extremely low self-worth, which then leads to self-destructive behaviors. It took me over 20 years to get out of that cycle of self-destruction.
The government has screwed over the area for a long time. Look up the origin of the term red neck.
@@Cotillion308 exactly. They turned a blind eye to Big Companies.Some people made fortunes, from killing slowly, torturing slowly whole communities.They absolutely DO have collective responsibility for this mass crime..
It wasn't just Appalachia. From the east to the west and the north to the south, they've ruined everything.
@@HarryManback0Congratulations for your battle.I'm sure it takes lot of courage 💪 and to quote Bukowski "it's the only good fight, there is".Bravo!I absolutely understand that addiction is a vicious circle ,but this is exactly the reason why they should have protected these idyllic but very vulnerable communities. You don't take advantage from someone who is already on the ground,you help him to stand...
Appalachian folks seem so down to earth. I love that. The birds singing joyfully in the background is lovely, and the countryside is beautiful. All the best to you Russell.
I love the Appalachian interviews
It’s a forgotten and quickly dying part of America, unfortunately.
@@johnmontana8540 what about this is noteworthy or valuable to you?
Just please know there are plenty of normal, successful, educated people in the area. Not everyone is like the people he targets for his interviews.
normal, successful, and educated get enough air time
Hey Mark, you should spend more time in Appalachia, these interviews are the best.
Agreed!
Yes! Interesting stories.
He has quite a bit of you go back and look!! I also really like them…
This is not what everyone in "Appalachia " is like. I promise.
@@berkleyparrott2444 We know that!!
Say what you may, but he’s got some wisdom and understanding of work ethic.
I will say this completely off-topic and everyone else’s comment, but he is the first person from this area of a country That actually looks good for his age.
I was thinking the same thing
I don’t even think he knows his parentage. I certainly am none the wiser after hearing his explanation.
It was confusing.
Agree, but sometimes it's better not knowing.
A woman (A) had 13 daughters and 7 sons, (then she had a misscarriage and adopted one more daugther - not very relevant) and had a son with his 7th son (B). Therefore having the 8th son. He is the 8th son (C).
His mother (A) is also his grand mother (because (A) is the mother of his father(B)), and his father (B) is also his brother (because they both have (B and C) the same mother(A)).
He was raised by his first cousin, his birth mother (A) died at childbrith and his father(B) died when he was young.
I understand perfectly. It is obvious you can't think in the abstract.
"IT is obvious you can't think in the abstract" - are you always this mean to a person you've never met??
I'm a recovering alcoholic and during the worst of my addiction I "dated" a guy from WV. I live in Kentucky, so no big shock there except I'm Mexican and had never been exposed to such lifestyles. He was exactly like all these people in these videos - dysfunctional family, no education, all kinds of abuse, drugs at 13, etc.. He was so broken and so was I. Watching these interviews makes me empathize with him a lot more although we lost all contact when he moved back two years ago. Great interview, Mark!
I know this guy I grew up around him. He is my step dads nephew and that's bs his mom didn't die giving birth to him. His mom is still living and I'm pretty sure he isn't 40. He isn't inbreed either. I love you Russell and I do hope your getting the help you need.
Why would he say such things, just messing with Mark???
Thank you for sharing your story. There's a lot of goodness in you. I hope you get back on your feet and look only forward.
Mark is a great guy.He helps everyone.he has a great heart. the only problem is the People he helps can't help themselves And continue to use him.
Very well said 👍
Agree. Well stated. This guy so obviously wants money, and I think Mark would clearly see it at this point if he were on Skid Row. He seems to be a bit more blinded by the Appalachians.
PSHAW. This man is on his way to helping himself.
I've never noticed how beautiful the birds sound in these videos
Thank you Mark, wish him the best.❤❤❤ #neverholdback #lifecap
Great interview! Prayers that he finds the means to get the schooling he wants and to better his self.
A great interview! I don't think its easy keeping his family straight! Bless you Russel! As far as i am concerned your a fantastic man! Beautiful spirit!
Love these Appalachia focused interviews!
I got it. His mom had a kid with her son. His mom would also be his grandmother if you take it that it’s his dad’s mom. And make his dad also his brother if you take that it was her children.
Listen at 8:50. “My dad being my brother and my mom being my grandmother..”
I’d start a family tree with you any day
His mother had a child by her son. Is that acceptable in Appalachian society? I wonder if inbreeding is as common outside of the poverty and ignorance of Appalachia? It may be beautiful there, but it’s hell to be born and raised in a place without hope of a better future. I don’t find the lives of these people fascinating in a good way. They live on welfare, are addicted to heavy drugs, lack education beyond elementary school. The only hope is to get away from there at a young age and get an education. Education is the key to higher level occupations.
Wow!! Just wow!!
Great interview, May God bless you Russell!
💚 great interview wish him all the best things in life
what is going on in WV ? Thank you Mark 🙏
I wish him well. Blessing to your journey.
They have got to stop their inbreeding. Absolutely disturbing
Whats it you?
‘ Whats it you ‘ case in point Lol 😂
Its actually not as common as media would have you believe. The highest rates of incest in America are among the native, and hispanic populations. The state with the highest occurrence of incest is Alaska. Worldwide, the Middle East blows everyone out of the water as far as inbreeding goes.
😂@@juliep.5042
There was no inbreeding. He is out of his mind. I know this personally.
Need to get down to the Appalachians in East Tennessee!! There’s some really interesting people there.
What a lovely guy. I wish you the best of luck. Im in New Zealand and your beautiful surroundings look a lot like a lot of parts of my country. 😊
How could you have sex with your son and conceive a kid especially since you already have 20
"knowledge is indoctrination" and "abortion is murder"
- Corporations that want as many modern slaves as possible
I'm confused
Mark, i am confused. Just got off a 9 hr shift a few hrs ago, maybe thats why, i could not understand, who his real mom and dad are. Is he a off spring of a mother and son? He seems like a nice giy and i wish him well. Thank you.
Interesting situation.
I generally wish you all the best for your future.
If given the opportunity to move/work there is no doubt you would embrace it and thrive, it is evident in your voice and nature. 👍 take care mate.
I hope he is able to stay out of depression.
Good hard working poor country boy
Loving your family takes on a whole new meaning in West Virginia.
Hopefully people understand that this is NOT the norm in WV.
Yeah unfortunately people seem so dim they watch SWU and somehow get the impression WV is all hollows and meth while CA is all skid row and fentanyl 😂
Yes, it is. It is the norm in Appalachia, and it is documented. Along with parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. I did a research paper on the desire of the inhabitants to keep their bloodlines pure.
& that's what they all are slow & delayed cause they want to keep their bloodlines pure to the point that they can't even talk? Just barking & talking jibberish to communicate? That's insane.. @@karamcqueen-wagstaff4578
He’s looking good for 40
Nice video
We all offered him help he doesn't want it you can't help someone if they really don't want it we love him and want him get help he holler it but doesn't stick with it
What makes me so very uncomfortable is the fact that this inbreed seems to go on and on and no one has done anything about it!
Why doesn't the authorities do something?
THE US is a crazy country but it can't be legal even there?
If this had happened where I live, people would have been incarcerated!
I'm in no way shape or form looking down on these people.
I feel so bad for them because they get disadvantages that will follow them for life.
It's not fair!
That mess started in Europe, and they carried it to the colonies with them. Yes, I did my research. Those people in W.V , Kentucky, and Tennessee chose to live on seclusion to keep their bloodline from being diluted. Now look, a plethora of mental and physical ailments and deformities. It will take generations to cleanse that DNA from existing.
How are the authorities going to know what happens under each person's roof? They can't even keep track of what happens under their own roofs, let alone anyone else's.
It’s all bull
His grandma was dead at least 10 years before he was born
I hear it normal in places down south especially WV, Kentucky, Alabama.. they sleeping with each other. They don't need outsiders messing up their pure breed family bloodline 😳🤢🤮... Jesus christ
Interesting interview. He has a bachelor's degree, impressive. Wish him the best!
Seventh son of a seventh son? Is this guy an Iron Maiden fan?
I’d like to chime in! Not all Appalachian folk are inbred. Most however have been enduring hardships most can’t imagine possible but can’t seem to understand. Abuse is many different things. Neglect is often the first trial this region’s youth can expect in a long hard uphill battle to survive life. Life is hard enough if you’re lucky enough to have someone supportive as a parent. The road to prison is not so crazy if it’s the only road you have seen! But life is long. Hope he finds a better road. ❤️
Well said 💯
And if you got know he is not inbred friggin drugs did it and the lady that raised him is his friggin biological mother and yes she does know who his figgin dad is and no they are not related see what drugs can do to you
Not all of us Wv folks was raised like this feller Most had had working dad work in mines and mom at home taking care of us kids and house We are not stupid people most are talented in some way or another Just cause u see this crazy stuff doesn’t mean we all was raised this way We had normal family not this junk…
Calm down and don't be so dismissive
I lived in Beckley west va. in the early 1980's he was a steel sales men sold by the pound he has passed.
Who? Huh?
💕💕 He is really cute, I was surprised when he said 40.
Oh dear, he thinks inbreeding keeps bloodlines tight. Let's take more books out of libraries.../sarc
Did bro say he smashed his grandma !! 😮 holy shit it must be rough out in them mountains
Does that mean his grandmother married his brother, hence why his brother signed his birth certificate?
I absolutely love the Appalachian interviews. I always get the Forrest Gump feels.❤
He can do well for himself with his experience. Just needs the opportunity. Maybe leave the state again
He can get a service dog certificate for his dog and the dog can go anywhere. Just put the paper in the billfold. Take the dog on the bus and go to Wisconsin.
WTF! He said his mom is his cousin?
OK, was his grandfather his brother?
This is the part of the country that is way to overlooked. 😢
smart guy
Anyone else notice this guy said “I’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree in Welding”….yet he went through his history and it didn’t include college, and I’ve never heard of a “Bachelor’s in Welding”……this guy is screwed up bad and I don’t think it’s necessarily his fault.
Might have meant associates, only takes a few welding classes to get. Welding pays super well but requires moving around a lot and obviously physically demanding work and not doing excessive drugs.
He may have been saying it "tongue in cheek" (like "graduated from school of hard knocks")
So was his grandfather his brother?!
😵💫😵💫
Mark, never stop making these videos.
I’m confused
One thing I love about living in the Appalachians is the birds singing in the background. I enjoy these outdoor country interviews, Mark.
True. I love the birds chirping. Its like music to my ears. ❤❤❤
You don’t have birds where you live?
I actually thought it was the birds out back of my house, took me a few minutes to realise it's the video.
Birds are more intelligent than the people.
@@peacelily64not like that in the city nor suburbs
If you're a decent human, you can't help but wish Russell the best. At the end of the interview he seems relieved that it is over. I think it was harder for him than he lets on. I hope he is able to get help if he needs it and stays committed to making a better life for himself.
Drugs have screwed him ip so bad. I’m sure the money he got for this BS helps him buy more. His mother and father are very disappointed in this. They definitely are not grandparents or siblings. He was educated he graduated like everyone else. People want to read garbage like this and believe trash so it keeps this going. I want to sue the man that recorded this without even investigating making sure his story has any truth to it. Anyone listening to him with any common since at all would hear how this doesn’t even work out. The oldest child wasn’t adopted. He doesn’t even know what he’s talking about.
I have a lot of family in Appalachia. Pike Co. Kentucky. Mingo County West Virginia. Best people in the world!!! Very beautiful country!! Keep doing these Appalachian videos Mark! 🇺🇸🙏❤️
It sounds like a beautiful place to live with all those birds!!❤ Hope some day to experience a little bit of it.
Best wishes to Russell
Thank you very much for your interview, Russell. ❤
Who cares about his lineage. Russell is a kind, smart and educated man. I found his interview to be very interesting. Hope he gets back on his feet soon.
What a great interview. Giving a different perspective. Honorable and simple. There are good people even in the mountains.
What a decent guy
This man is just sweet as pie! Probably my favorite of all the SWU interviews I’ve watched.
Used to be a great guy meth has ruined to many of our youth I would be on that list if I hadn’t fled a few years ago back
He has a beautiful soul
So agree!
There is an old time saying as far as horses, because sometimes stallions break out of their stalls or pastures and mate with one closely related to, which you would never allow them to do otherwise. If it comes out a good cross, with the best traits passed on, it’s called ‘linebred’, but if it’s got all the worst trait, it’s called ‘inbred’.
I’ve worked on genealogy for years and I still can’t understand his lineage.
If his biological father was his mother's uncle, he is his mother's cousin?
I think he even has trouble sorting out his family lineage.
I’ve done a lot of gene research as well, my paternal side is all in WVa. This was not a video to watch first thing in the am before coffee.
My family is from WVA and our family didn't do this inbreeding.
My mom was from West Virginia and her parents were and their All moved to North Carolina to GE better employment
iron workers are in huge demand, Other places, its all in vogue now, iron fences, and alot more going on in the architectural world, my suggestion is bail out of there and find iron work all over the country now....architects are specking iron now "everywhere" and paying big bucks for iron works and creativity....he has a fantastic skill...
Tbh if he has the skills he says then unfortunately the only thing keeping him poor is mental problems / drugs, which is a waste because that means he could be a positive addition to society with a little support.
Russell is the most humblest man I believe Mark has interviewed. I hope he finds his happiness, and gets back on his feet.
Dam Mark got wronged by one Appalachian family and decided to interview every single other
Appalachian he could find. Back to back
Mark has been going there for a long time, and has known the Whittakers for 14 years. I really like the Appalachia interviews, if i would travel again to the US, that's where i am going! Beautiful.
It probably seems like it, but this might have been recorded any of the many previous trips he made on his travels to WV. Or maybe on his last trip to go to Larry’s funeral lol. Mark might have decided to at least do some interviews so he could make the travel expenses work related so it didn’t come out of his own pocket. Buying a last minute ticket would have been extremely expensive for that unexpected funeral. Gosh, that still cracks me up that she thought Mark wouldn’t figure out that she was lying.
Mark does not understand addiction and codependency along with unrealistic expectations of persons with developmental disabilities. A trust and 3rd party executer should have been in place for money. Mark's actions could possibly cause them to loose their SSI.
@@angelarobards8264 If they lose the ssi, it's their own fault.
@@thematriarchy2075 If you travel to W. Virginia, walk softly and carry a big stick. Better still, arm yourself.
I keep getting distracted by the beautiful birds in the background
Thank you Mark for doing these interviews. It gives these folks a chance to talk about their life the good and the bad but, it’s good that they can speak about it irregardless they are human beings and deserve to be heard. God Bless them all .
The longer &e talks, the harder it is to understand him. Slipping back into local dialect. Kind of like Kenneth.
They need to restart "The Works Progress Administration" and hire some of these guys and start fixing U.S. infrastructure instead of contracting it out. Save the tax payers some money and give these disadvantaged areas some jobs.
Can't have government helping people that's "SOSHALLEZM".
They gotta stop buying and voting for Republican party lies.
I lived in Lexington, KY from 1995 - 1999, but I knew folks from eastern KY and've been through the area just a few times. The land is beautiful, and the people found my Michigan-Yankee accent as charming as I found theirs, lol! All the folks I knew were kind and polite and just ready to do anything. And *strong*, too! Russell is the perfect example I hope I can go back there just to visit before I die (which I hope won't be for at least twenty years, lol)!
Eric Clapton, whose mother got pregnant by a Canadian soldier during WWII, grew up thinking his mom was his sister and his grandparents were his parents. Jack Nicholson was raised the same way, with his unmarried mom being his sister and his grandparents his parents. All so they wouldn't know that they were illegitimate. I have no idea what they told their other relatives as well as friends and neighbors.
I thought when he said he was the 7th son of the 7th son, he was going somewhere else completely with this interview. Thank you, Mark!
ya me to.
Right?! I think that’s the name of an Iron Maiden album
@@bryanmacdonald7430 yes it is . Good album
I loved this interview. This guy can't help how he was conceived but he seem mentally ok. I wish him the best of luck!!! Also glad you cut ties with the Whitaker family. They were users!
This man breaks my heart. Certified welders are in high demand and make good income. Other things are holding him back. Drugs. His miserable octopus of a dysfunctional family (putting it mildly). Total lack of self-confidence outside of his own environment. Drugs. Kids with unstable women. Drugs. He has a good heart, but it's hard for him to imagine a different way of life. He has a wonderful attitude about what blessings he has in his life, he talks about traveling and getting more education to better his life and wants to support his kids. Wishes he had "opportunity" to better his circumstances, but in order to do that, he has to LEAVE. So hard.
Well said
It’s all a lie.!!!
Why?? @@sonjahearn6903
He wants to travel and get more education? In other words, he doesn’t want to work. He already has an education and trade. He’s 40, use it! Drive 45 min to an hour to work, that is no excuse. People do it all the time.
Your first couple of sentences make you sound like you think you're an expert on someone you've never met!
Thanks Mark.
Born in Wyoming County! Only moved 45 minutes away and have been here since 1996. Still love and care for all family and the people that choose to stay there. But it was just a better decision after graduation for me to leave. Small town people that have big hearts
God bless everyone !
Same to you ❤
Buddha is the true God n loves you unconditionally not like the Christian god as he is vengeful n sends ppl to burn in hell if they dont do exactly wat he tells them to do, actually a bit of a control freak sadly not like the almighty Buddha .
@@davechristian7543 so you can do all the sinning you want and no consequences in the end???🤔
I listen to this video on loop to fall asleep. How strange that me,some random woman in kansas city would find this man to be my sleep aid. Lol😅
some big developer will head there, wait and see, and buy this place up and sell to the MEGA rich...happening all over the country....they did it in Georgia, Florida, builders and developers are ruthless
Same here in Canada 🍁 we're losing all our green space....so sad
Same in once rural TN, driving up our taxes and now more than doubling house insurance. What are the cows going to eat? Guess we'll have to eat Dick Schwab's bugs! 😠
It’s already happening in some parts of West Virginia, but not necessarily the southern coal fields where he’s located.
He’d a very humble and kind man ❤ bless him ❤
I am from the Appalachian not all of West Virginia is retirement. Love the video's Mark, keep up the great work!
In bred hillbilly family trees be crazy😂
That is so sad. Not his fault. God bless him. Hope he finds his way🙏💕🇨🇦
What a sweetheart. Bless his soul❤
Such hard lives,these people have had. Seems like a motivated man. Best of luck to him. ❤
Good luck to you Russell. I pray you're successful in your endeavors 🙏
2012 to 2020. I worked in Jeffersonvill indiana, Mishawaka indiana, elkhart indiana and sheperville kentucy My employer took over old plants and restored the busies.. I made so many friends. Yes, I remember the meth issue.. then, the oxytocin which co workers overdosed on the drugs the doctors gave out. Sheperville kentucy , I remember banjo Hawaiian Music. The weather I love to live in sheperville kentucky. Beautiful . I remember the caves in Kentucky and mooon shine.. I prefer tequialla Frank 😅
Mark collecting Appalachian interviews like Pokemon
He has worked there many times throughout the years. When he travels somewhere, he does a bunch of interviews in that location. Why travel all the way there and only do a few interviews?
@@faitdebeauxreve Oh, I completely agree. I was just making a joke.
@RedJester68 😂
@@RedJester68uncalled for
@@vrod0745it's ok
I love these! The people of Appalachia fascinate me! They're so tough!
It's really beautiful country there!