Drug Addiction's Impact On a Child-Brian 

This is my Dog ,we grew up together ,last time i seen him was 17 years old in juvenile hall and then was reunited with him at 45 years old .he is an unbelievable man that made it through the depths of hell to back in society and he is living his best life now ! He will always be my dog !and i will always be there for him !

I would love to see an update. I hope you're doing well Brian. I wish you nothing, but peace and healing.

This interview deserves to have far more views !!!... It is a wonderful story of redemption, forgiveness and hope. Also when Brian explains his childhood and the feeling of being worthless, and the search of love and acceptance that lead him towards gang life, drugs and ultimately homicide, this hits hard, and many of the people that were interviewed on SWU can probably relate to his unfortunate start in life. The fact that he experienced unconditional love for the first time with the dog program in prison is so moving. Once again, it shows how important it is to have parents that are present for their children, physically, emotionally and loving and caring. It is wonderful that he managed to change himself the way he did. I am so proud of you Brian. Thank you Brian for telling your story. 💚

“My tears got bigger”. That was powerful. Amazing storyteller.

“ We don’t get to choose how we start in this life, Real greatness is what you do with the hand your dealt.”

I had chills and started crying when he said “Those women put their arms around me and we cried for 30 min” very touching… Hope your well Brian ♥️

The dog program helping him outs speaks wonders. I do not have a criminal record but I am a solo guy, no many friends, never had many. When I long for some interaction, though it sounds corny, my cat gives me what I need. Animals do not speak. They do not judge. They are just there for you. A living, breathing, heart-beat having organism that depends on you as much as you depend on them.

That is one helluva story! The best part of a lifetime spent figuring our yourself ... behind bars. His Granny gave her life for him, I feel sure. She traded her life for his to begin. Dogs. They are so precious, and look what dogs did for this man. I will remember this story for a very long time. I hope his turn-around will help him heal his scars.

This guy is a good storyteller. For all the craziness he's been through, sharing that story could be his calling.

This was one of best interviews on here

Not only is this an amazing & inspiring story, he tells it really well. It makes a huge difference if the person communicates so well. Thank you so much for taking the time to tell you story! Thanks Mark for letting him tell it!

Brian, you may have had a very difficult and heartbreaking start to life, but you are in an amazing place now. And while there may have been a lot to help you get here, it couldn’t happen without you. I’m so sorry you felt so worthless for far too long. Because you’re such a light. Incidentally, I’m currently in Ukraine volunteering with an NGO working with humanitarian aid distribution, etc. The organization I’m with (with a lot of encouragement and enthusiasm from me) is planning animal trauma therapy for soldiers and civilians in the near future. I believe in this approach with all of my heart and soul. Thank you for sharing your story! I would have watched if it had been 5x as long. You’re incredibly articulate and insightful.

Brian, imo, has been your best guest. He's very articulate, raw, and honest. What you see is what you get. A lot of the guests on here have an excuse or play the blame game. Finally someone who has accountability and makes the necessary lifestyle changes for the better. Thank you for the awesome interview Brian/Mark.

Brian I get how an animal was able to give you the love you were craving so bad xx What an inspirational story

The crazy part is Brian knows himself more now than most people on the street. Amazing story, and I wish you the best Brian. I’m proud of ya.

What a absolutely great msg. Thank God for grandma's and dogs AND giving yourself a chance.

I have heard this story in so many ways. Not the things that he did. The feelings he describes. That was a great story

Love this story. Guy is standing tall a man who was never taught how to be a man. Hope you save many young men from the hardship you endured.

Zach Skow (Marleys Mutts) is a local celebrity where I live. He has done amazing work with his dogs and amazing work with the inmates with his training program. Tehachapi prison is bad news and it makes me so happy to see the changes that can occur when these dogs and men are given a second chance. Happy to hear he is doing well and has acknowledged the devastation caused by such a careless act, so happy for him that he can now navigate through bad and make a life for himself.

Awesome, awesome, awesome. NA and AA saved my life 42 years ago at the age of 19. I’m now 61 and have a beautiful life with all its trials and tribulations. 🎉❤

Wow! I almost didn't click but glad I did. I think many people, not just children of drug addicted parents, can relate to being confused by parents actions, feeling worthless like we have no one else, being taken in my a relative (aunt, uncle for me). A friend told me just yesterday that for me love is obligation. I make sure the people I love know they can count on me. Putting in the work has a different meaning for me, but i get seeking family. Ironically, i have none of my own. God bless Brian! Great storytellier, very open and honest. Mark, thank you too.

My life isn't even close to yours but I will say getting my 2 puppies when I did saved my life from heroin and losing everything. All we want is to have unconditional love and a dog is the perfect way to get that.

My Dad passed away in July 2020. No person is perfect, but he was a smart, extremely honest, kind, and non-violent person who, more than anything else, always tried to do the right thing in his life. One thing he always would say to anyone who would listen is this: "I think it is criminal for any boy not to grow up with a dog." As I've grown older, I've really come to realize the wisdom in this. Of course your parents are the most influencial beings in your life. But dogs are right up there for the love they give and the lessons they teach.

Finally, someone I could slightly relate to. Doesn’t happen too often. My drug addicted birth parents taught me what not to be. They taught me that if your parents can screw you over, anyone can. Seeing them party with their friends was traumatizing. I remember one time all the guys took one of their guy friends to the garage, stripped him down to his underwear & hung him upside down. They thought it was funny. I was terrified & thought that they were all so stupid. My grandparents legally raised me & sent me to private school once I was with them full time. Sucks that it took my being ra*ed by my mothers boyfriend & her not believing me, to get to that point, but I know that I am so very fortunate that they did. My parents taught me that I didnt want to affiliate with anyone like them. I’m fortunate that although that taught me what not to do, my grandparents taught me what’s right. I’m glad that I was raised by an older generation. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️

Man ....that hit home when he talks about nurturing the feelings of being worthless and less than....I was the same exact way...music and basketball were my outlets too....and lived with grandparents....thats crazy man....thank you Brian here's hoping life is nothing but up from here for you bro

I wish i had someone like brian to talk to, feels like very few people know what its like to have their life flipped upside down because of our parents doing hard drugs...

Brian, you my friend are a beacon of light. Thank you.

Brian’s story made me cry. No child should ever be put in that situation. Whatever is happening in the parents lives, ALL children believe it’s their fault & carry that weight around for a lifetime. My brother-in-law’s ex-wife turned out to be an IV drug user which no one knew until after her beautiful baby girl was born & started going through withdrawals at the hospital. It broke my heart to watch. The mother lost custody to the state & father didn’t want anything to do with a “drug baby.” I did everything in my power to gain custody but failed 😢💔🙏

Wow, this has been my daily reminder of “your life isn’t really that bad” Thank you for sharing your story! It’s never too late to do good things

One of the most profound interviews yet!! The amount of authenticity and ownership is astounding. Continued blessings and healing.🙏🏾

This guy was so great at telling his story. Glad to see you came around.

Amazing. I wish for this man all the blessings he can share with the unconditional love of his history. He has so much to offer💯 thank you❤

It takes us lotta courage to come onto RU-vid, and be so brutally honest. I really admire Brian and his bravery. He is one of those rare souls that is willing to open his mind to looking at the world in a different way. It’s so easy to go into the negative and he isn’t !! he’s trying to be positive and make a difference, he is a great example for all of us. I really love how at the end of the day the dogs are the hero. I am a huge dog lover and they are very healing creatures.

Wow… this story makes me realize why I listen to these interviews. It’s very powerful and gives me a new perspective of people… to be more empathetic and to understand. Kindness goes a long way….

Condolences and respect. Condolences to the family of the man who was killed. Respect to Brian for how far he has come, and sharing his history. Inspiring 🙏

Wow. What a story. I was totally entranced in every word. Glad this man has changed his life and hope it will help other young men in his old position. Ty for your story.

What a amazing interview/story!

This is a beautiful story of redemption. My family has adopted two dogs from a similar training program, and they are the most well-behaved pets I’ve ever known. Changing the lives of both people and animals. ❤

I thought this man looked familiar. I learned of him through Zack Skow and his prison program. Seems to be a wonderful thing for inmates and the dogs they learn to love. Love Zack and his dedicated work and so happy to hear this story. Best wishes to Brian, you weren't really given a fair chance as a kid. I hope you get one now.

This is the one only so far that brought tears to my eyes especially when he talked about the dog.

This has got to be the GREATEST, most impactful episode to have ever aired. His interview was the most meaningful one I've ever felt!! When he made the statement about the love he had been searching for his whole life, he found in that dog... I completely lost it. These are the stories that make amazing films!! Bravo to you, Brian!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story, and allowing us to witness you finding your true purpose of life at the end of it!! 🏆🏆🏆👏👏👏

WOW, this is incredible. The vulnerability displayed is purely heroic. It describes the reason all kids get involved in drugs. They feel unloved & not enough. Thankyou so much for sharing, Brian.

This one made me cry mark .. Brian is from the same town me and my hubby' grew up in and he is also doing 20 plus years that's why the more Brian spoke about his life the more intrigued I was and the part of the pitbull and the SHU made me burst out in tears cuz it's soo true . And. Thoughts of my husband having gone through pretty much the same 😢 God bless u guys❤

So glad the Dog-training program was helpful in getting you back on track. Thank you for training the dog to make a difference and Pay-It-Forward!

This story moved me. Thank you for sharing your life. I hope you live in happiness now and help others. I’m sorry for your childhood and the loss of your dear grandmother.

I love how Brian said when he pet the dog 🐕 it was like a spiritual experience 💜💜💜 so true , something about animals 🐾🐾 probably the best SWU testimony I have ever heard ( and I listen to this alot ) thank you Mark ❣️❣️

Amazing story. "Rehabilitation" doesn't happen in prison until you're willing to accept it. So proud of this man.

This is one of the better ones recently. This guy was very articulate and incredibly well spoken. Mad respect for educating and bettering himself

I am so moved by this...crying and glad I listened to Brian, I was truly rejected too.

What a great story of hope. Proud of you Brian, in spite of it all, you are making it through. Your grandma would be so proud and so pleased with you. Keep going, like you found out- you are worth it.

Absolutely amazing, big ups to you brother

What a beautiful inspiring story, I complain about work colleagues gossiping, and here is someone who live dealt an awful blow and has come out helping other, I cried for him as a young man and all the years he lost in prison

Only 2 minutes in, and I'm in aw at how great he is at explaining the feelings that come with that shit. This man truly understands the damage that can be done, and I love the way you tell your story man❤️

this was excellent

Brian!! Thank you for sharing your story. What a testimony you have. I pray blessings over you Brother!!

What a story, I especially respect the way Brian articulates the journey. Peace .

❤ super proud to know, I am so close to his family! God did amazing things for them, Brian sister has the heart of gold, his mom has been sober for many years now 18+ . Amazing family god has always been by their side !

Incredible storyteller. Incredible person. Prayers for him on his path. His grandma is looking down on him and she is proud ❤

Inspiring life story. Thank you Brian James & Mark! 💯 ❤🐕 ❤dogs are 1000% healing!!! Unconditional LOVE 💕

Thank you for the interview Brian and SWU

Brian you can help a lot of people with your story,God Bless You and thanks !

He is a great story teller. It was a tragic life and he made a 360 turn. Hopefully we get an update to see what he does now in life. I hope he can have a great life. Don’t let your past define your present

Much Love & Respect for you & your Family Brian. You are a Big positive impact on that lifestyle & the Animal Community. Godspeed Brother 🙏🙌

Wow what a story, and an amazing outcome for you Brian. Be proud of who you are NOW. Would love to have Part 2 of Brians story. Totally interesting.

Powerful powerful testimony

Brian, thank you for sharing your story. I'm so happy you turned your heart around so you can truly live. You were so interesting that I wanted to hear more. I'm happy your mom chose sobriety.❤️

Damn! This was such a powerful and emotional roller coaster! Thank you Mark for letting Mr. James tell his story. Mr. James, when you first started this story I wept for you. To not experience the love and care from parents at such a tender age can really set the path for an individual. I hope you can continue to grow your compassion for others. Keep that blue book close.

Top 5 favorite interview. Beautiful story.

Good job Sir. I hope everything goes well for you and you remain clean. Best of lucks and thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your story, Brian.

Brian your story was real and raw. The dog program helped immensely and you also made a friend. That’s awesome. Considering all those years in prison you walked out clean and with a positive attitude. Thank God you found your purpose helping others. You sound very dedicated and that’s great. May God bless you Brian.

Sir, you are an amazing individual and deserving of all the love you can handle! This brought me to tears and I am so very happy for and proud of you. I wish you continued success. Thank you for sharing your story. Mark, thank YOU for bringing this man to us!!

...a rough, moving story. I wish Brian that he becomes/is the person he wants to be...

I love this story ❤️ Best of luck Brian, you definitely deserve a great rest of your life.

Dogs are so healing. I am relying on my three right now, as I've recently been traumatized badly by someone I completely trusted.

It is so beautiful to hear a person who has been through so much to be on the road to recovery, especially when they can offer so much gratitude to a dog! ❤ I once told a date that my dog was my only love experienced in life thus far and when he laughed at me for it I knew instantly he didn’t have any experience of love in his own life. They are gifts, truly some of the best teachers

This was absolutely amazing. My heart is so full after hearing this inspiring story. I wish Brian nothing but happiness, and peace. God has definitely forgiven him for what he did. What a powerful testimony. I can feel energy, and Brian is 100 percent genuine.

Great interview! I’ve been following Zach Skow for years and love that he does these programs in the prisons. Amazing!!

What an amazing story.. thank you so much for sharing.. and as always thank you Mark.. ❤️🙏

Idk you but I'm really proud of you, Brian. Touching the dog took me out and hearing the very end wrapped it up. Self worth is such a relatable human point. Thank you for sharing your story

You seem like a clean, honest, good man. When you mentioned Zack Scow, I lit up! So happy your life has changed!

Wow! I was captivated from the first moment. Such a powerful and beautiful story. Articulate expression and compassionate being. I wish him so much joy and happiness. ❤️ 💙

Glad to hear you're mentoring Brian, you've done an incredible job of turning your life around. You should be extremely proud, wishing you continued positivity !

"What's your drug of choice"? "More"!! You said it, Brian! A brilliantly told story.

Much respect brother. Can't imagine your situation but I understand myself how hard personal change can be. I hope your life stays on the up and up and you get to finish this ride with a win.

I saw this video drop a few weeks ago at 2am and probably 15 min into it i tried to refresh and video was removed until now. This is super powerful one. thank you for making this available again!

whatching many times, always in tears.. the Dog programm, such a beautiful expirience.. animal love is unconditional, Thanks for Your story

Brian your story is so eye opening. As a mother I fought to keep my 4 children out of the gangs in Chicago. Thankfully they turned out great! Brian you are a amazing man. You've learned the hard way but you are on the right path. Dogs also give us unconditional love! I have 4. Dog spelled backwards is God! Blessings 💫💜💫🐾🐾

This is the most interesting video you’ve done in a while

Thank you so much for the inspiration

I commend this gentleman for wanting a change in his life, and getting out there to make it happen. It's about love. ALWAYS has been. Keep healing, my brother.

Such a gift. Thank you for sharing. ❤

Wow, Brian what a turn around ! Gramma would be so proud of you ! That is the reason that dogs are man’s best friend Beautiful story! ❤

Incredible story. Incredible man that overcame circumstances where most would have given up. Very sad testimony but very encouraging and inspiring. May he be blessed and protected forever 🌈💜

A boy and his dog. Pure love

Thank you Brian! Such an amazing story with such a beautiful message. Thank you for speaking with your heart Brian. Such a powerful message. I relate so much to the feelings that you described. being shut down and not wanting to feel. thank you so much for your service always. what a gift you are and your story is so important. Thank you Mark for bringing his story to us.

Wonderful interview and God bless you Brian. 🙏🏻

Stunning. I cried for the child that was lost in you. Good luck with the rest of your life.

Such a beautiful story...resilience and forgiveness

Man Mark, I am really loving this content lately. I have always loved the content, but lately something has been different. Keep it up Mark!!