I am a psychotherapist who spent my career in criminal justice. I ran a cognitive-behavior program in a prison. What I learned there is that people are good. Their natures are to be good, to love and to be loved. It is a lack of parenting and poverty that produces such human tragedy. There but by the grace of god go all of us. It is only by the luck of the universe we did not end up born to dysfunctional parents who themselves were probably mistreated as children. As I am sure you wonder as you film these beautiful struggling survivors, what can we do as a society to help the underclass? Closing our eyes to the Skid Rows of our cities is unconscionable. You, Mark, are the voice of the invisible. You make them real. You keep their stories alive. You are a modern-day hero. We love you.

He taught himself how to read. That is remarkable.

These people cry because the hurt and pain is still so raw.

His beauty shines from within. He is the definition of resilient.

"It was a woman that taught me how to be a man" - I felt that... I thank god we have these amazing supporters in our lives sir!

I don’t wanna hear anymore people say everybody has the same chance and 24 hours in a day..... it not true I pray for him he has potential and ambition 😢

Sweet man. He's never really had anyone in his life. What a beautiful soul.

Man. Had tears streaming out the corner of my eye at the beginning- that hit my soul when he started crying, I know how it is to hold onto pain for decade after decade after decade..... nightmares, no self worth, loneliness- feeling all alone in the world. Scared. Sad. Angry. Mad. ILL. Traumatized........ Bless you my brother- we are all family, never met you, don't know you, 3000 miles apart- but ALL OF US in pain and suffering are connected deeply like the wounds which scar us.... Much love- live long and due try to prosper my Dogg!

When this guy started losing it over his moms death I actually got super emotional. Strong stuff right here.

5:21 The fact he didn't blame his friend for running speaks volumes of the character of this man.

He's going to make it, homeless or not, he's going to be all right.

David (cigarette man) you’re much more knowledgeable than many people I know who have many degrees and titles.

Ughhh i’m 30 seconds in and already about to start crying 🥺 I hope they really help this man he’s a great guy ❤️

His tears broke my heart. He would have gone so far in life given the opportunity. A good heart despite his upbringing.

I really like this guy. He is a great storyteller I find him very interesting. I could feel his raw emotion and I feel for him. I wish him the best.

This guy has got me feeling some type of way that nobody else has. This guys heart and soul are so pure.

This is one of the most interesting people you have interviewed, the man has a good heart.

So even as much as this poor guy went thru and still goes thru, he has a heart of an angel. Very interesting and caring man. Love hearing him talk. Glad I'm seeing part one, so I know there will at least be a part two.

This man has a genuine soul that's hungry to survive. He has fought to keep/give himself some normality. Self sufficient and homeless. I'd love to have a cigarette with this man and learn some history. All the best man✊

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars” -Khalil Gibran

I could listen to him talk for days! He reminds me of an old coworker I used to have, Albert. 65 year old black man with no teeth who tells stories in EXACTLY the same way! I used to go over to his house after work and he'd give me a couple of beers and just tell me stories from his life. Some of the best experiences I've yet had. God bless this dude, he's a good person.

its so touching that you are sharing so many peoples storys. It shows everyone has a story.

It’s crazy how no one even understands how bad it is! It hurts when you’re a man and your own father don’t wanna see you. I don’t have a father, never have.. probably never will.. but damn it hurts cus we as men try so hard to keep our guard up but sometimes we gotta just breakdown to realize life is gonna continue with or without that certain person we want/ feel like we need.

I'm 21, I'll remember this man for the rest of my life. My children will know of him, and if I live long enough my grandchildren will too.

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this man and his perspective. Because Of him, I am able to shift my way of thinking about some things.

David is only 53.. he has so much life left ..he could really leave an impressive foot print in this world

this will never leave my memory, what a beautiful spirit despite his painful life. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to hear and see these stories they truly are life changing

Wow I am impressed...While most ppl. would have folded, given up on life and mentally fallen apart...The Cigarette Man was determine to not become stagnant in his way of thinking..he is brave...he is determine to beat the odds...He is a scholar and a gentleman,in his own right. How could anyone not love and respect him? God Bless you,Cigarette Man. Thanks for sharing your story.

This man humbled me! Best of luck Sir. 🙏🙏🙏

Wow that's a gentle soul,real raw emotions. May he find his soul mate

This gentleman is adorable. I just want to give him a huge hug and home cooked meal.

I'd love to be in a position to help him. Lord, please cradle this wonderful man and provide for him in all the ways his heart desires

Maytel where are you? This man saved your life 🙌❤️

As a young boy, staying at home looking after his mother, who was sick and then died. Never went to school..? He taught himself to read. So inspirational!! After what he's been through .. He never lost his heart. I had tears down my face listening to him talking about his mama. I like his spirit so much. I honestly believe that an angel was looking over him when he got on the bus that "DIDN'T " crash and he lived. He's got so much to give! Inspiration, is the main gift! Thankyou cigarette man. I wish I knew your name. 💕

This man is a gem 😭😭 the stories I hear about these older men not having a life and going through so much breaks my heart. Like he could be a loving grandfather or something. Wow

I really do think if he had a go fund me he would do great things. I could see him being a wonderful story teller and writer or a great poet.

Heartbreaking... he’s a good soul.

When he said he had a good life..that hit me

This is too sad. My birth mother died when I was 2years old. But my sister and I were adopted by very good people .

This interview hurt me to my SOUL!! Out of all the interviewees this man is the epitome of lemons to lemonade. To have had so many obstacles but STILL have so much joy and contentment with what life has given him. To be able to willingly share what little he has with others...he is remarkable and an example for everyone. He needs a goFundme!!

This right here hit harder than alot of the interviews!

I ENJOYED THIS INTERVIEW IMMENSELY. BY FAR THIS IS THE BEST INTERVIEW I'VE SEEN. CIGARETTE MAN A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING THAT POSSESS A BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT. I DON'T THINK I WILL EVER FORGET HIM.

This is a man of character. Of integrity. One thing that stuck out to me the most during this interview were all of Cigarette Man's little mannerisms. He was incredibly polite, even going to grab the tissue back and put it in its place when he threw it away. Being well aware of his emotions. Even bringing out his own tissues when crying. That speaks volumes of a person. He may be dirt poor, but damn does this man have a heart of diamonds. I hope you are blessed Cigarette Man.

Mark, your interview with this kind soul, allowed this man to reflect on just how strong he is! Blessings!

As a Cleveland native, it makes me so sad how he was treated by the cops.

I feel like this man would have done great things if given a fair chance at the start. Such a shame.

What a sweetheart. He deserves all the love and happiness in the world 💕💕

Dam. Watching him cry breaks my heart. Never stop preaching cigarette man! Bless you brother.

This man is so smart for not being educated...

Probably the best guest and interview I've watched on this channel.

He seems like a really gentle soul. Wise, kind and patient. He could have been real angry at the world for what's happened to him but he's not and he's so much healthier for it. His attitude has really touched me, thank you for interviewing him

This wonderful man has got so much goodness and kindness to offer to us all. God bless him.

Out of all the stories this one hit hard😭💔 he's a great man with so much hurt😢💔 please do a part 2 of this man please.

Dear Person That's Reading This You May Be Goin Through Something But God Got U He Didn’t Bring You This Far To Quit.We Don’t Know Each Other But I Wish U All The Best In Life 2020 And Beyond.🇧🇸❤️ ~Sharel Sweetz~

What a beautiful man. I feel bad that he thinks this is entertainment. Maybe for some it is, but I think what you are doing is worth so much more than that. I don't watch your videos for entertainment. I watch them to learn something from someone living a life different from mine. To gain perspective. Thank you and thank Cigarette Man for sharing his story with us.

He's very articulate, considering he never went to school!! God Bless him🙏🏼

everyone here on this earth is the walking wounded

This right here is the real reality T.V. Not scripted not produced just pure and raw. Thanks for bringing these individual's stories to life.

I think I love this channel so much because Mark helps these people feels safe within those four walls, these tough people who have had shit dealt to them are able to feel safe with him, I love that so much.

That memory of your dad was emotional. I can relate!

So much loving kindness🌞 sending you comfort from the loneliness, trauma, and hardship. Pure authentic soul! You restore my faith in humanity.

The last part with his mother’s grave.... man that made me feel so sorry for him. He saws the worst things everyone could imagine in life and still is such a nice human being. God bless him.

We can all learn a lot from Cigarette Man.

This man I truly wish I could meet... he seems to be such a intelligent man and has went through so mich🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 I’m sitting here crying with him about his mother😢😢😢this is so heart breaking!!! I feel so bad for him and I’m sure he thinks of her often! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

I’ve seen a lot of your videos but this one just struck me to my core. Hearing him describe how his mother was buried, jesus, I’m still crying. What a marvelous human being he is.

This is a good man. Good luck to him. Hope he find a job he like soon. Regards from Norway

He seems like such a kind man.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving this brilliant man a platform to speak of his experiences and his life lived so far.. I've been deeply enriched just by what I've taken away from his stories of his life lived. His knowledge, wisdom, experiences and "education" can't be bought and paid for in even the most "prestigious" universities or environments. My take away from "cigarette man" is priceless. Bless him and keep him 🙏🏽💜

Great interview very touching, this guys feeling so much hurt n pain he’s a real survivor 💪🏽

You were verry lucky to have meet this man!! It makes me feel good to see people like him, good spirited, alive. It make me sad that not many of us get to cross path with those like him. He is hiighly blessed !

This man carries not only his own burdens, he helps others carry theirs as well. This truly is a remarkable individual.

Another good man so glad to hear the stories letting people know they are good people😔😔❤️❤️❤️👍🇺🇸

My heart goes out to this gentleman. God bless him ❤

I love this interview, he has a GOLDEN heart. He deserves nothing but the best 💛

I legit have so much respect for this man. Literally a walking history book and can give you some gems of wisdom. Cigarette Man, please start a YT channel we got you

Animated sweet guy with a big heart and devotion for his dear mother!!!

I felt homie pain when he cried in the beginning, it’s good to cry. He’s a good dude. All love to him.

What a sweet, pure soul! Sending so much love and respect to this beautiful man!

Riveting! I don't know what issues he has as an outgrowth of his upbringing, but I can imagine his being an asset to any organization hiring him with his natural intelligence, integrity, good nature, and attractiveness. Contrasting these videos with the Architectural Digest videos I've been watching of the filthy rich celebrities who live on the hills overlooking skid-row is very interesting. Thanks, SWU for posting these.

Thank you for your time and sharing your story. You have such an incredible soul and spirit.

I'VE been watching for months and this gotta be one of the best I've seen.. He's a great talker I wanna know more about him

Sounds like this man could be an angel.. he saved Jashua and the runaway woman. This is why I love talking to homeless people.. thank you cigarette man for telling us your story. ❤

He’s a cool dude. And wow how amazing to teach himself how to read and live and just... loss for words kinda..he’s strong and brave and just seems like a good soul. I wish him the very best.

You can tell this dude would give you his shirt off his back even to a stranger....

buried in the woods. made me cry. hope you can forgive your people for the traumatic burial choice and neglecting her grave. it sounds like they loved you enough to find you. we only get one family. please try to reconsider keeping in touch with at least your Aunt Antoinette. You are thousands of miles from home and we all getting older but life on the street wears your body and spirit down. You a soldier and you don't need them now. But you all may need eachother and they older and are at risk for getting sick. You lost your Mother while you was off in them streets. Don't let all them old ladies that searched for you die without forgiving them. please... they some old ladies now. It was heroic what you did with the underage girl, if thats true. Now its time to rescue yourself. You broke down and cried right after you said it was your Aunt. Antoinette. Please use Covid-19 as an omen to reunite. Don't end up all the way detached from your people. Please call home💕💕💕💕💕💕

Yo, I really admire this man, for his strength and resilience. What a strong person.

I am happy that ive seen this interview,it had me crying but more on i admire how life thought him to be so smart and be kind. He loves her mom so much i feel the pain while hes crying. So much respect to you sir. Sending love and prayers!

What a genuine soul & a truly great spirit, his life itself is a testimony that no matter what life throws at you, it’s possible to get through it, I pray he experiences everlasting happiness going forward. God bless him.

He's awesome. He's been through so much too. I applaud him for teaching himself to read and self taught himself other things. I hope he'll have a home, car etc soon. Sending him prayers and hugs

Breaks my heart that so many people didn’t have the love of their parents to keep them safe and to grow as a child. This man lost his mother And didn’t have a father. So many people who are just thrown into the world alone. God bless you and keep you.

I've seen a few interviews with cigarette man and he is amazing. I love listening to his stories and his life. He is so wise with a big heart. I love his passion for surviving+ talking about his experiences. He would be an incredible teacher. 💗

This is proof God exists...the beautiful souls that exist in this world. Still have a soul and shine through all the darkness. Prayers for you Mr. Cigarette 💜😘🙏

I love this man so much. He has wisdom and I know for certain that I can learn sooo much from him. I wish I could meet him in person. Please speak to him and have many more interviews with him. I want to keep getting updates on him and his life. He is very articulate.

He is such a good soul...you can tell. He's street smart very intelligent!! I like him so much! So many sad stories...so many. It hurts my heart💔 I'd love to see him in housing and living ok...he deserves it. Thank you once again for this, Mark. Bless this sweet man.❤

this just tore me up inside. I have watched every one of his interviews and he speaks knowledge on every level. praying for the man I never knew. Such a story and it took me back to helping people while struggling in my own way. you will make it. You will make it,

love fo hear these stories because it brings to light how the struggle can be hard but if you keep trooping in survival mode you tend to survive out there. he has a good heart God bless him. i feel him cuz when my mom got sick her sisters cared less about her! and i took care of my mom without them. and i prayed and i believe my mom will out live them. but if not i dont hold a grudge.

Oh this poor guy my heart goes out to him. I hope his life gets better 😭❣️❣️❣️

Thank you for giving people the spotlight in order to tell their story because everyone does have a story it's an incredible learning experience for most folk who don't see the sad underbelly of the streets like we do.I really appreciate your channel ❤

Wow what a phenomenal man he is 🖤🖤🖤 I wish I could just give him a huge hug🤗🤗🤗 sending lots of hugs from New Zealand

What a beautiful soul and great story teller!! Love his personality....