Mark, please consider asking interviewees what was the kindest thing anyone ever did for them. *We all can use reminders of how little it costs us to honor the humanity in others in simple daily interactions.

you can see the anger in her face. You can feel it through her energy. Seems like she’s very depressed

I just recommended your channel to a group of work colleagues new to their career (Paramedics) to gain deeper insights on people who have the multiple tragic burdens (Addictions, Mental Health issues to name a couple) in their life and to gain more understanding of the person behind the situations we get called to - and I just wanted to thankyou for creating this content.

Mark i gotta say as a father who loves his kids more than anything in the universe your interviews break my heart, as an ex heroin addict of 30yrs i say to your interviewees you can break free and you do deserve love and to the brothers watching i say be good fathers, if we are loving kind gentle protective compassionate present fathers and try be good men we can go a long way to ending this suffering and to the sisters watching i say i promise to do my best to be a good man.

Mentally, this young woman is still as sharp as an axe. If she can get into a decent rehab, deal with her core issues and, achieve complete sobriety for a couple of years, she is more than capable of achieving whatever she puts her mind to.

I really just wanna cry at how nonchalant these interviewees talk about the abuse they have gone through because it sounds so normalized to and they're used to it

One day at a time, Courtney. You deserve so much more. My father was a pedophile. We had our own home and it looked status quo to others. I struggled when I was young with drugs. Today, I’ve been married to a wonderful person 30 years and have two healthy, adult sons, and have a home. Don’t give up hope for a better life. I was 25 when I did my 180. You are strong. Please, set the bar higher.❤️

She was let down by everyone.

Oh when she said she used to dream of a better life 😢She's 26?!😔Wish someone would help her, she needs to be loved 🙁

She is a very hardened woman, been through a lot.

Women, please don't EVER chose a man over your child!

It's scary to me that there seems to be so many abusive people in the foster system. You would think that people taking in kids would be good, decent people. I'm sure that there are MANY awesome foster homes, but it seems like there are a lot of abusive ones. Such a sad thing.

She sounds like she’s giving up and excepted this as her only way 😪 thats so sad she’s a beautiful woman she’s still young this is a cruel world

"I gave him no choice but to hit me" the fact that she believes that is sad

I can't believe she's 26. Crystal really robs you of your youth. Just crazy.

I’ve noticed in the comments folks taking about the link to childhood trauma and this lifestyle. Theres a doctor called Gabor Mate who has researched this and worked with 1000s of addicts. He absolutely nails it! Worth a watch.

Her response to “What’s the craziest thing that’s happened?” is just some random kink, not the repeated horrific violence that she’s endured, because the violence and suffering isn’t crazy to her. It’s normal. She didn’t even think to bring that up. Unbelievable

You can tell she just wants to be loved. I love this channel. 10 months ago I was homeless and couldn’t stop spending every last dollar I had on drugs. I decided to try rehab again for the 9th tome but I actually wanted different for myself and I stuck it out and still pushing clean. I really feel for every single person on this channel.

I believe she is an EXTREMELY strong woman. She has so much pain that she copes with by anger to survive. She seems to have lost hope. You have to have hope. I pray for you Courtney. You are better and you do deserve better. No matter what anyone in your daily life tells you. Gardening of the heart and soul to survive is expected. But you deserve love. I can sit here and tell you that there are many people that will see this and feel love for you, as I do. But, I know that doesn’t help. I wished there was something I could say or do from thousands of miles away to make YOU believe you are more and there are people that love you. I hope you do get to read this. I am not writing this for anyone else but you to read. My sister was bad off on meth. She came from a great home. But I saw from the outside what it did to her. Who it made her. And for someone that truly loves her, it was devastating. She is clean now. But she still has that want everyday she says. I just tell her how proud I am of her randomly. And I love her. She still struggles with self worth. I know I am rambling. But please believe you ARE worth love!!!!!! You have to give someone a slight chance to help. I millimeter of trust. You are worth it. You are worth it.

26!?!?! Oh my I hope she finds her way soon. She’s still got her mind she might just need a chance to take a different path. Either way I wish her well.

Shes gotta be numb so she can keep going without falling apart.

My childhood best friend is on a train right now, on her way back home after attending her brother's funeral yesterday... he died of an overdose... Meth !!! He came from a good family with both parents, 2 sisters and a younger brother... my friend can't stop crying... she just texted me! Now I'm up watching this video... so sad to hear that she is doing Meth too... But, really sad that she is selling herself and that she had a bad childhood... yess, drugs can affect all people from all different walks of life... Please, just say NO!! Wishing this lady the Best... ❤🙏

I can see the anger, disgust and frustration in her eyes

These bad mums always choose the asshole stepdad over their kids, this was me too my mum choose the asshole stepdad over her kids by some luck I didn't turn out on the streets but it was close..I've been left with a lifetime of depression though

Mark I am so touched by your videos, I feel so much empathy. Having experienced prolonged trauma myself, and trying to simply survive while feeling the worst pain. The Despair. Despair is an emotion not many people can fully identify with. I feel you’re doing a kind of public service, in a way. I know it costs you money, and sometimes their stories/victimization is almost too painful to watch. Some folks have always lived in castles, and are lucky enough to never have experienced despair, true haunting all consuming despair, & I believe they would be well served to witness your videos. And those of us that understand because we could’ve easily been just one moment/step/snap decision away from a downward spiral into this lifestyle...? We can relate. “There, but for the grace of God, go I”.

I get the sense that she's really not as tough as she portrays herself to be; she also seems to have a lot of pain, sadness, regret, and uncertainty... I sincerely hope that she asks for help if she needs it. No shame there. She's 26 and has a great chance of turning things around for herself if she wants to.

Her body language shows her hardened exterior. It’s a defense mechanism. She’s been through so much. She’s sharp. She can make it with rehabilitation and a great support system. These ladies must be so exhausted. I can’t imagine living that life for one day. It’s amazing what addiction makes you do. This is heart breaking. I can’t imagine not having friends or family. Must be an incredibly lonely life. Good job Mark. I’m praying for these ladies . They are capable of so much more 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Mark I hope you take regular breaks and have some time off from doing this. It must be very emotionally taxing to you personally. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to help everyone because then you can’t help anyone!

I feel like when you tell victims of childhood trauma that their story is a common one amongst people you interview (all be it true) it makes them feel insignificant. It takes something away from their individual story when you tell them oh well your story is a dime a dozen!

She reminds me of an older version of “teenage runaway-Maddie” 🧐😕

Childhood trauma.. The impact it has is immeasurable and it would be easier to think that parents don't realise the impact.. Its more obvious now that many just don't care 😳 I don't say this from an arrogant perspective, but my god, I raised a kid on my own for 19 years, I had an active alcohol addiction, but I would never harm a hair on my child's head, and I'd be jailed if someone else ever did.. I just don't understand it. I'm not naturally maternal, but still, you don't take your frustration out on small defenceless children 😔She seems so broken inside, how is she ever gonna recover from that.. Shame on her mother, and the Foster carers.. 😞

I do believe she is one of the most honest people who had ever been on this channel. And she is pretty sharp, too.

She seems like such a sweet soul just dealt a terrible hand in life. Sad how she feels its too late...it's never too late you can do it Courtney ❤

Oh, we need to hear from this "savings plan" pimp

You can become addicted to the pain of abuse as much as any drug..a different form of cutting actually. She has been an addict long before the drugs.

I could see her being in the military, just an opinion.

Mark I just wanted to stay that I am addicted to your channel! Every morning I look forward to seeing a new video. Keep doing what you do. You deserve all the recognition in the world!!!

She seems so calm and clear headed for a meth addict, what a shame

Most of the people he interviews talk about the most heart wrenching things and never shed a tear. Walking scars. So scary and so sad.

the fact she doesn't even dream about a different life anymore is the saddest part. She has given up hope. :(

Wow the hurt in this girl is palpable I wish her a turn around . She needs some positivity and some love that’s for sure. . My god find his way into this girl s heart

Courtney has built up her walls of self-defense. Yet, Mark seems to manage to provoke insightful conversations with people that really do need to be listened to. I hope she finds her way.

I’m dying to see a video of someone in recovery...I’m a recovering addict so it’s really hard to watch these sometimes but I love your videos 😭

When he asked, “Do you dream of a different life?” & she replied “I use to” broke my fucking heart

I wanna be that one person she trust....I couldn't imagine never not trusting someone....

Can we get an update on Courtney? I'm very concerned about her. I wish I could rescue her from that hell. She's so smart and articulate. It kills me that she's suffering like this. Ask her if she wants to move to North Carolina.

"other than the broken bones?" Is her saying are you listening to me?

I wish she knew it’s okay to cry. It seems like she has so much pain bottled up. She needs to release her pain

Well spoken and smart girl. Don't give up, don't punish yourself, you don't deserve hate you deserve love especially for yourself.

By far the most important channel on KZfaq. ❤️ I pray we as people who have gone through trauma find the courage to love and help ourselves. Find peace in the little things and to have shelter and security. Thank you for taking the time to let others share their stories.

when she said "someone like me" while talking about not having the chance of a better life, i just felt her pain and wanted to cry. it showed me she feels so trapped in her situation, and to always feel trapped in something horrible is the pure definition of being traumatized

The drugs done made her appear older. I thought she was like 36, not 26. Wish her well.

Mannn damn it seams like a lottery ticket having parents who actually care. My heart goes out to all on this channel. I never thought it all the way through. And I’m ashamed to have judged anyone who is struggling. Life is no cakewalk but having a good start does help.

I don't believe that about what she is saying about that supposed " good pimp"......i think he just selling her a dream.....dont fall for it miss lady

God, this one really got to me. She's lived way more life than anyone, let alone a 26-year-old, should

Some of these women have no idea how traumatized they really are.. they share these horror stories with no emotion, while everyone is watching with their jaws on the floor. 😭 I can't believe the amount of abuse some humans go through and live to tell about it. I pray you find peace and you begin to understand your pain and find love within yourself!

She is broken. It hurts to listen to her words and watch her body language. I hope she gets out of it.

Mark's personality/compassion/kindess/understanding disarmed her repeatedly throughout this interview. I enjoyed observing the rises and falls...there was a tangible rhythm to it. Your interviews are a gift.

Foster Scare System . why aren't these Foster parents closely monitored, especially given the long history of abuse. The Foster Scare System is worse than Catholic Church

And people think I'm horrible when I say that some parents should face mandatory sterilization.

This country really needs more programs or some at all to help girls get out of the life-cause its nearly impossible when that's all you know.

It always starts with a scared abused kid.

I love how he constantly fishes for the worst stories from these people even when they’re visually uncomfortable

Courtney dear! I’m so sorry to hear the foster care system let you know. I adopted my daughter when she was 5 as a single parent. It breaks my heart to hear how these adults have failed you. You deserve so much better! My daughter is only a year younger than you now and I tried very much to give her the best life possible. Raising her was not a bed of roses but she has turned out to be a beautiful young lady who has a full time job and will start school in the Fall! Keep your head up and please please don’t give up.

Some see anger in her face, I can see pain. I hope she can find a way to channel that pain and get the hell out ♥️

Courtney's life story is heart breaking and also proof of the spirit's power of resilience. She described being kicked down a flight of stairs by the steel pointed boots of her step father resulting in broken bones. This was the nurturing that the small child Courtney received growing up. The failure of her natural mother to stop the abuse and, adding insult to injury, siding with the step-father, began the foundation of distrust and lack of intimacy that has resulted in Courtney's hardened exterior, propensity to seek out abusive power relationships and inability to form true human bonds with another person. Child abuse is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by an adult in the home against a small child. The physical, psychological and emotional abuse all happened in the crucial developmental period when a child is learning whether to trust or distrust the world around her. The step-fathers ever present exertion of power and control over Courtney probably formed the pattern in which she felt most comfortable being in abusive relationships over the rest of her life into adulthood because this is how she deep down interprets love, due to the lack of any nurturing in her childhood. She is a severely damaged human being on the exterior and is damaging herself further with her extremely dangerous behaviors of slamming meth as well as taking dates with random strangers. If she were to seek out long term rehab and treatment over years, she just might be able to reprogram her brain to distinguish what the difference is between a loving and controlling relationship and chose to nurture herself as the beautiful and intelligent young woman that she's become. She should try doll therapy where she reprograms herself through the doll to be nurtured and valued instead of destroyed by callous men who she believes are father figures.Good luck and best wishes on the rest of your life's journey. Congratulations on hanging in there where many would seek to just end it the easy way.

What a beautiful, strong and emotionally intelligent young woman. Thank you so much for sharing your story. As Chuck Palahniuk once said 'Your past is just a story. And once you realize this it has no power over you'.. This is not meant to trivialise your story, but hopefully one day you can see yourself as this audience does, and know that you are worth everything.

"I used to but I don't think it will happen for me" its heartbreaking to me that there is no easy help and she sees no way out

It hurts me that she's so numb! You're in my prayers Courtney i pray that you be set free, healed and delivered 💜

Sad.... obviously these drugs completely numb her, Bc she just told her entire life story without shedding a tear. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out Bc I can’t even imagine💔! It’s unbelievable how much of a toll drugs can take on your body, she’s 26, I’m 38 and still get id’d for everything😕 God bless her🙏🏽💜 I pray that she wakes up and realizes that she IS WORTHY of a better life💯

Great interview Courtney, wishing you nothing but the best. One of my fav interviews❣️

Poor Courtney, she’s emotionally numb at this point. No tears, no smiles, no nothing... talking about being at gun point showing zero emotion. Sweet Courtney, do not give up hope. You can change it around.

I’m addicted to your interviews

My father kicked me down a flight of stairs at 5. Let that sink in.

Lol. I’m 21 years old and this is my cousin. I would like to appoint that the “step father” she’s lying about was a LOVING father of 5. He died 11 years ago from graphs vs hosts disease saving my dads life from cancer (lymphoma). Always been a delinquent searching for family love that was always there. She has left her two precious innocent children here in Roswell because she CHOSE to live this life. Just sickens me that pretty much all of y’all are falling for this bs.

My heart just bleeds for this woman. I just want to give her a huge hug and tell her how beautiful she is. How worthy she is of love and a better life.

And yet fools here glorify pimps.

She seems like a hardened soul. Impenetrable almost.

I really hope you find happiness Courtney. You deserve everything you could ever want. You're a valuable person. Love is not a mistake, it's out there waiting for you

"I don't trust anybody, ever" I felt that...

"Trying to have the best life I can for someone like me". Wow

Drugs can take a tremendous toll on a human being

26 year old beautiful woman and she has witnessed and lived more trauma than 5 people should ever go through. Born into a different circumstances she could been a model, teacher or nurse or a terrific mother. I’m sorry Courtney ( sister’s named Courtney) for your circumstances. I think your beautiful. Hope your find happiness and peace.

Cynical & gave up. Strong. Smart enough to figure a way out if she wants to.

That's how I got started. Kick out at 16. Some girl said the same thing to me. It happen in Nash tn. I've long put that life behind me. 36 yrs

This channel sheds light on how people considered on the outskirts of society are human beings that have a family, a past, feelings, dreams, thoughts..often times I see people in public look at homeless people etc like they are lower than them, like they are gross, tainted, not valuable but they are still people. People who have probably gone through so much heartache to get them to that point. Please be kind to your fellow humans and treat them with dignity

Hey Mark, I'm an 18 year old Los Angeles based nobody who just wants to help these folks. You'll probably never get back to me but I have high hopes that with a little help, these people can get on their feet. I work 4 days of the week and the rest of the time I just walk around trying to help the homeless. I'm in no means able to help them monetarily but I can help them get a job. I don't have any connections but I have no problem sitting down with her calling every place all over California, going to the nearest Goodwill and buying nice things to wear and coaching her on what to say so she can get a job. Life isn't that easy but with a little help we can all get somewhere one step at a time.

How could her MoM NOT PROTECT her?????!!!! Not EVEN safe foster care! Our kid's ARE falling thru THE cracks😣😔

Such a lonely, hopeless life she has. Breaks my heart. Shes given up

Wow she looks a lot older than 26.. that is wild! Wish the best for you.

When asked about dreaming a different life and she responds "I use to" and she given up to a life beatings and degradation, just totaling giving up, really really hurt. Courtney, if you read this please, please, please don't give up on your dreams. You can achieve them, you really can. God Bless

She needs a chance to make her life better, I hope she gets that help one day soon.

I fell like crying really hope she finds hope and gets out of the life please do a follow-up on her💖💖💖💖

Smart and one tough young woman. Wow. You’ve said some incredibly profound things throughout this interview. You have a powerful presence and I hope you get to experience whatever it is you want or hope for in life. 🙏🏽❤️

"Do you dream about a different life...sometimes?" "I used to" And the way she bowed her head in shame when he asked how old she was. This woman is hardened. And has lost hope. She's been beaten since she was a child, never had any adults looking out for her, the ones in her life beat her, and then a 16 y/o girl out on the streets with no skills, no support, what can we expect? Only for her naturally to do what's needed to survive, become an addict, and continue to get beaten, as that's all she's even known.

May God Continue to protect and guide her to speedy recovery

I’m so sorry Courtney..I pray you find true peace within this life one day soon.

I feel like if Maddie doesn’t get out now this is going to be her future. Her demeanor just reminds me of maddies

You can tell she is gorgeous & has a lot of potential that she cannot see. She was dealt a horrible hand... Sad to see people give up, because they have no one to turn to and no one to help. I believe one day she will find hope and begin to find a better version of herself.

Really heavy and tortured energy from Courtenay. I feel for her, her trauma has shaped her but the great thing is she can shape shift into something positive and more hopeful. Wishing her the best from NZ.