Appalachian Man interview-Mountain Man

This is my daddy!! He's so proud to be on YouTube!! He ain't lying about not smoking😂 he'd water hose us if he caught us smoking and we're adults!! And "poor" isn't the word I'd give for my childhood..we had the best childhood ever no matter what we had!!

This man can’t hear you when you say “poor”. He’s too busy appreciating the beauty that surrounds him.

This man is almost eighty years old, his mind is sharp and clear and full of wisdom his heart is full of joy. He knows who he is and what he stands for. These are things money will never buy. He is a very rich man .

You mentioned how poor Appalachia is a couple of times trying to get him to talk about how hard it is to live there....didn't phase him....he's not poor, He grew up rich in memories and a simple life.

Who else watched this all the way through with a smile on their face?

"You can survive in these mountains if something goes wrong, in the cities you can't". I loved that quote.

The way he laughs when he tells his memories is the most wholesome thing on the planet ❤️

These folks are salt of the earth! The most humble, hard-working, and kind people I’ve known.

“A man who lives a simple life isn’t burdened with envy, spite, or greed” The original definition of blessed

I love how when Mark asked him about “transportation” his first thought was his shoes. What a simple man. What a humbling man. I wouldn’t mind him being my grandpappy

This is the kind of man we should all listen to. One of the happiest men you’ll meet. Poor, yes, but he clearly understands what truly makes a person rich.

I’m visiting Harlan county because it’s where I was born and we just met Gary coming down the side of the road to Evarts. He was so friendly and kind. His buddy who was with him said “that’s mountain man!” And told us how he was famous on YouTube and now I’ve discovered one of my favorite YouTubers made a video about my people from where I’m from. What a small world. Love to see my hometown getting some attention and the kind people of my hometown made being the kind and friendly folk they are. Just love this video. ❤

He’s not poor, he can hunt for his food, get water from a spring and enjoy nature’s beauty. He’s a very rich man! A man of high morals and integrity, we would all be rich to have him as a neighbor.

“If you ain’t going to have kids to raise them then why have them?” Is so true!!

I could sit and listen to him tell stories all day long.

This man needs to be protected at all cost. His wisdom is priceless.

The interviewer mentioned "poor" a few times. This man has had a richer life than a lot of folks with big bank accounts for sure.

This old, "poor" man has lived a better life that 99% of those empty shells in suits and skirts slaving daily to pay for shit they never needed to begin with. Respect to him <3

Being “poor” is a relative term (not having what you need or not having what others have). This man has all he needs, he appreciates what he has and everyone around him is the same. He is rich in everything that matters!

I LOVED this interview (I’m Appalachian too, WV.) After college we moved around the country, lived in cities etc then returned home to the mountains to raise our children like most Appalachians do. God bless you Mark Laita for bringing so much positive attention to Appalachian people, we appreciate your work SO much ❤