Appalachian Man interview-Billie

Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Billie, a homeless Appalachian man in Kanawha County, West Virginia.

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#appalachia #westvirginia #swu #softwhiteunderbelly #marklaita #documentary #interview

[susanjohnson]

This one...something about it. This man's stoicism, taking accountability and plain honest. This was a rare gem.

[dankmids]

You can just tell by his demeanor, nevermind his looks, that this is a man that's lived a truly hard life.

[andyr.]

A federal lawyer, a nurse, a school teacher and two children in the forces.
Definitely a legacy to live on.

[jonathancilla]

This man has been needing to have this conversation for a long time. It's likely the first true conversation he's had in years. I can feel the pain in his voice. He makes no excuses for life's issues, just acknowledges his own faults and keeps it moving. God bless him. I hope and pray he finds peace in this life.

[CapAnson]

I'm from Appalachia myself (although from an urban area) and I've known loads of people like this. He's like a living artifact. If you dragged a mountain man from 1840 into the present day to interview - this is exactly what you'd get.

[blackline]

“I don’t call them friends, I call them associates” This is a wise man indeed.

[malamar]

I love the fact that Mark is willing to leave those moments of silence between questions. You can see the reflection that goes along with answering his questions.

[lefroy]

A serious man with depth and integrity.
It's a shame how such a person can end up under a bridge.

[loafandjug]

This man speaks his heart without being hateful or mean. He says what he thinks about things without hurting others.

[KaminaUzui]

He said "i been lonely, since 2013" he mustve really loved that woman😭 hope he gets what he deserves- a happy, comfortable life and home to live out the rest of his days♡

[apuapustaja]

He looks like a 19 century Russian writer. And Im sure with his life's experience he is one in a sense. There is wisdom in his eyes.

[WhatsupWorldPodcastLLC]

This gentleman is the most direct and sure footed person I’ve seen in a long time. The way he answers the questions with the most direct response is a sure sign of self awareness. He stops immediately after most of his answers due to him being very sure that is all that is needed. Todays world and it’s psych tests may claim him to have mental instability but be assured this man is completely competent and well versed in how to deal with the world around him in his own way.

[jupiterjunk]

We NEED more Appalachian interviews.
Real "Salt of the Earth" people.

[denverbevins]

It's hard to help old-timers like Billie. They tend to reject charity. I wish him the best and hope he can find a way to seek & accept help.

[ccmcgee]

I'd be interested in knowing why his kids haven't stepped up to take care of him. I couldn't imagine my father living under a bridge. He's been gone 9 years and I'd do anything for one minute with him.
I pray they reconnect. The pain in his voice is hard to hear.

[primitivereptiles]

They don’t make people like this anymore. This man has made a lot of mistakes and is hurting. Yet, not one excuse or point of the finger to place blame. He owns everything he’s done and every decision he’s made. God bless you Sir and thank you for this interview.

[AgEyal]

Mark has to receive an award parallel to the Oscars, his channel is simply incredible.

[katherinenelson]

Please set up a Go Fund Me page for this gentleman. There's so much one could say about Billie. He has a magnificent face. I would love to see a painting of him. Somehow, he has managed to capture my heart with his honesty and dignified presence. I wish you all the best, Billie. You deserve nothing less.

[_ArsNova]

A hard as nails relic of a bygone era. Extremely grateful to this channel for preserving his memory.

[shrapmagnet]

Heartbreaking. This man still has things to offer this world. I hope he gets some help while he is still with us.