My Origin Story: Where I Grew Up In Small Town Southwest Virginia.... 

"How in gods name could you live in a place like this?" You see Jesse.. A lot of us grew up very poor and never had the luxuries that your parents provided for you.

"I made eye contact with an old man, and he stuck his hand up." That's called waving dude...southern hospitality. We wave.

"The child of an abusive home...you will never get to choose between anger or love. You will always feel them both." That struck a chord with me. Thanks for the video, Boog.

Wow. Can’t believe this is already 4 years old. I still rewatch it here and there.

When they showed Ma & Pa's... How his face just lit up, especially when he saw they still carried Superman Ice Cream... The pure elation was palpable.

Imagine going back to your past, visiting a place with so much history and the person that comes with you is disrespectful the whole time

I live like 45 mins from there and this video, as well as boogie's understanding and defense of this way of life really gives me even more respect for him.

Jessy's reactions exemplify why we have a schism in our society these days. People who grew up in upper middle class suburbia and big cities just don't understand what it's like for poorer people living in small towns and they think that everyone in the US is as privileged as they are. We are not. There are some people in the US living in 3rd world conditions, can't find a job, their local schools are run down and the teachers suck or are overwhelmed with students with social problems. The place where I grew up was a bigger town but I grew up poor and there was a lot of social problems, high teen pregnancy, drugs, gangs, domestic violence situations etc. People seem to think this is an inner city problem but it's not. It's a poor problem. I'm sick of being told I'm privileged by people more privileged than me.

When boog said"no offense dude ik you live a boojee life out there but here 4$ is expensive" I shouted YEA BOOGIE let him know !! Deep down you are still one of us average Joe's! I love when I see the realness of youtubers without all the fame and bs

Hey guys, if you are seeing an 8 second video its because I screwed up in the editor trying to remove a thing. I should be able to fix it soon.

Jesse seems like the kind of guy who had nice parents, a happy family good school, parents bought him a car when he was 16 I get it he doesn't understand but aleast have some respect

I wish there was a way to selectively mute Jessie and just hear Boogie talking

Dude, this is awesome. Respect for revisiting your childhood memories, no matter how bad they were. I legit enjoyed this video.

"If you grow corn in your front yard, that's ok." Lol

Jesse reminds me of a friend I used to have and everytime time I tried to vent my childhood memories to him, he would always seem very dull with his responses almost as if he didn't care but didn't want to hear me burrade him for doing so and just soulessly responds with no love passion or sympathy in his voice. Made me feel like I wasn't wanted even more

Jessie reminds me of our entitled politicians who grew up in privilege, act like places like this doesn't exist and that the US is so rich that we can bring in the world's poor to a country that is unable or unwilling to take care of it's own poor.

Jessie doesn't really know the kind of life he has lived in all honesty he's never seen the down and outside of life and many don't but its hard hitting when you see how some people have to live

Boogie took himself home. To the plains. Where he belongs. Southwest Virginia.

I live in the house with the giant yellow truck pressure washing it beside the brick home you lived in previously. Kinda shook that you came back to visit St. Paul. Very jealous you made it out. Much love my dude.

Steve. I want you to understand that I may not know you. I only know the side of you that you're willing to share. But I need you to understand I love you man. Watching this while I'm going through a serious depression at 31 years old. As I'm going in to have more of my leg amputated in 2 days. Seeing you experience the happy moments made my heart warm. And seeing you feel the pain while showing us the negative parts of your past made my heart hurt for you. I'm so proud of the man you've become and the love that i see in your heart. You mean so much to me and others. Thank you for being the person you are. Good times and bad. No matter what happens in life I hope you see this and know you've made a difference in my heart. Thank you steve. I love you man. James

Soooo glad you called Jessie on his boujee bitchness. Small and quaint doesn't make it bad! It's a simple life, that I kind of miss, and think about all the time moving back to my hometown.

Jessie just sounds condescending the whole time

Jesse seems to be experiencing culture shock. And yeah, boogie, my accent comes back hard when I go back home. And it lingers a solid week after I leave.

As a European, this was eye-opening for me. Don't get me wrong, you personal story is fascinating and depressing at the same time but this no bullshit look at rural America was well worth the hour I spent.

You know you've been poor when you watch this confused to why Jesse is so dumbfounded by it all and you're just like wow this place ain't so bad

Clearly someone has never been to a rural store before. Some small towns that's all you've got and you learn to love those tiny stores. I was #74 in football! Fun. Love small towns.

Damnit Jessie, take a step back and allow this to be Steve’s moment. Stop making it about you and how you grew up.

I feel like Jesse was told to act the way he did, that way all of us could comment about him, and not bug Boogie. It’s hard enough visiting your personal hell without trolls flaming you. Jesse is a good friend taking the beating we’re all giving him, so that Boogie doesn’t have to.

Not a fan of the Jessie guy. He just seemed entitled and like he was above everything. But on a positive note, I really enjoyed watching you look at your old home....or prison. However you want to look at it. Pretty awesome you were willing to be there again. It's not easy being where trauma took place.

Dude, the Santa Train still runs every Christmas, just like it did back in the day! Just wanted to let you know. We live in Jenkins KY, about 45 miles from St. PAUL.

"I wouldn't be able to do this without [Jesse]" Well, the audience probably could.

I’m so unbelievably proud of how strong you’ve become boogie. I cannot even believe how hard this must have been for you but it proves how much you’ve grown. You’re a true inspiration boogie. Keep making your viewers proud. We love you and your kind, strong heart. ❤️

My hometown has 1000 or so people, the school is K-12 combined with 3 different wings and about 300 or so students. I relate to a lot of things in this video. Although I can't imagine dealing with such a dysfunctional family. Thanks for sharing.

Dude that has to be trippy, I can't imagine seeing my old life like that, it's like it was a whole different world.

50:52- 51:21 This bit here, man. This... this is so genuinely beautiful and powerful. Look at how far he's come. After everything he went through, he's come through as such a strong, lovely, incredible, and genuine person.

It's a miracle that you turned out to be the amazing person you are, boogie... growing up in the conditions you grew up in no doubt was rough. You're a strong spirited dude

Boogie, it's clear to me now. What you've done and been able to accomplish in the last 35 years, despite all your difficulties growing up, is BREATHTAKING.

I'm glad your friend is getting a lesson in how many people live, because it's the truth.

I’ve thought about finishing this video ever since it came out. So glad I came back and saw it all the way through. Really inspiring to see where you started out, Boogie. Proud of you. I’m gonna watch the rest of your StoryFire videos now 😁

It was really awesome to see you get this closure boogie, and I just wanna say I'm honored you made a video out of it because this is a big thing to share. You are such a kindhearted person, I will never forget that's the reason your videos are so enjoyable for me. You understand what it's like at the bottom and you can tell you don't take things for granted. I just wish Jesse would have appreciated the special look he was getting into your life instead of being negative, but I know he probably meant well, just reminds me why I am a boogie fan not a chuggerwhatever his name is fan lol.

Hey boogie I am John heads son and Jeff head is my uncle and if you need to contact them just let me know

This was a stunning vid into your life Boogie. We've heard you talk about it but to now see it as you tell it is just...WOW!. I know ppl are hitting out at Jesse but I personally think he was overwhelmed nd maybe didn't understand the depth of your younger years. He maybe came across as crass/disrespectful but a lot of us who have not had that upbringing or even lived that life would be. You say you can't even put/say stuff on YT or even in a book...I would honestly love a tell all biography...Could near on guarantee it could become a hard hitting cinema smash on the effects of child abuse, mental health, success with still the demons from the past. Keep it real buddy - All the best, Dave

Im glad jesse was nice enough to be their for you in this time.. It was also good for him to see life in a different perspective. To know that not everyone had a luxurious life *not saying his life was perfect* but definitely had more help throughout his childhood. He may have aggravated boogie with some of his comments but he was their for him and gave him good responses to keep the topic going. This is a great video because its 2 people who grew up with completely different luxuries. Good for the soul. Hopefully it helps alot of us realize how good we had it. Much love to you boogie❤ been a fan for 6 years and its crazy seeing how good you look now. The glow up you did is seriously inspiring❤

You are an amazing person, Boogie 💜You’ve been through a lot, but you chose to go the opposite direction and make something out of your life...you make millions of people laugh & happy. Now you’re helping those who grew up in a similar situation see how hard yet therapeutic it is to face and conquer the past. As serious as this is supposed to be, still love the parts where you get excited and happy having a good memory! What a roller coaster.

Usually I don’t watch hour long videos... but I will when boogie drops them!

Jessie sounds like the one living in a fish bowl, does not get out much

Hey boogie, i've watched you for years man, and honestly, you've become like an uncle to me, and i'm glad that you're doing hell of a lot better

This is definitely the most fascinating video you ever made. Great way to get to know Boogie a bit since there are so many genuine reactions, and I think its so interesting how much pleasure you seem to be experiencing with certain aspects, and how much affection you seem to still have for the place. There's difficult stuff too, but you'd think it would all be harrowing and bad memories. Clearly not the case, and I suppose that says something about the nature of nostalgia. This video's a treasure.

jesse is what happens when you stay inside too much! great vid boogie!!

I’ve be subbed for 8 years. Greatest video you have ever posted

I really appreciated this video. I like how around 47 minutes, Boogie says how it's nice to remember now that it's over, and I can't stop thinking of how wonderful it is for him to be out of all that. He never has to be subject to that again. It's nice to see him now victorious over his past pains, although he does seem pretty bitter over it still, which I think anyone would be.

Hey boggie! Honestly I'm sorry. My heart just breaks for you! I can't even fathom what you went through! Its devastating to see such a kind and humble guy like you, have such a cruel life! I have been following you channel for a while and I was completely oblivious to what had really happened to you! You are an inspiration to me and many people of the world! I can't wait for your book Boggie! The way you pour yourself into your RU-vid video, I believe that your book will be just amazing! Sending love your way xx

Crazy cause Jesse can’t believe how you lived in a place like this.. a lot of us have been there. I’m thankful for what I have now.

Boogie says this dude is one of his best friends, yet, he knows nothing about him or his stories.

Thank you Boogie/Steve!! I had a hard growing up as well.. won’t go into details, but the moment I found my popularity, I took advantage of it! Never hurt anyone, or did bad things... but I let small popularity go to my head fast!! Music did save me, but also broke me!! I’m so proud you became who you are!! An epic fail inspiration!! Thank you for reminding me that we still have great people in this world!!

My dad and I just came across this video and we actually live in Castlewood! It’s so cool to see this and to see that you have moved on and succeed especially coming from such a small place. Would love to get the chance to meet you next time you come in! Mad respect for you!

Boogie's companion's insensitivity is very jarring.

Actually the best video boogie has ever made hands down

I'm more disappointed by the fact that you were with Jesse literally all day and he never let you know you still had ice cream on your face.

I’ve only watched sporadic videos on this channel here & there. But I never subscribed... until today. People may never understand life in a small town unless they grew up in one. I got away from the one I grew up in only to return to a totally different one in my adulthood to raise my 3 kids in this environment. They have learned self reliance, financial discipline, & strong core values. These skills are essential when growing up in rural America. There is a discipline in everything related to daily life that young people must learn living in an area that is short on opportunity or filled with memories both good & bad. That strong desire to escape to something more or better. Yet that pull from the past is always there & never goes away. The internet revolution was a great equalizer for rural communities in many ways yet they are still so far behind. This walk into your memories I could practically do in my own hometown. I’d smile & cry at the same time if I did. Excellent video! And best wishes going forward.

Thank you boogie for facing this head on and letting us your audience be a part of this. You're a huge inspiration in my life thank you.

Kept thinking of the South Park episode “Biggest Douche in the Universe” when Jesse would speak.

I have a lot of respect for you, found you through Jessie’s channel, I also was born and raised in VA in a terrible house in a terrible neighborhood, I am a producer, I also work full time as a Cnc machinist which I worked my way to from the ground up, I have a lot of plans for my future I’ll never let anything hold me back, you have made it a long long way, you have done so much and there’s much more to come. Just know you inspire so many people.

As a sufferer of childhood trauma, I can relate so much. No matter how much I want to, my mind cannot forget what happened. People tell me to forget it, as if I had a choice. No matter how painful, no matter how much it hurts to remember, the memories have not gone away from my brain no matter how much I want it to.

The jessie guy was very disrespectful. Other than that I loved this video Steve

Boogie I've been a fan of your videos for YEARS and I did not know until today that you were from my neck of the woods. I'm from Blacksburg but I've been through Abingdon and Bristol many many times. Thank you for sharing this and this may sound odd but being from practically the same place I feel more of a connection to you and this channel. Thank you boogie

I love the back and forths you have with your friend. "Why do you WANT to remember this?" "Because I can't help but remember this!" Those conversations are so good at fleshing out this story even better!

I really enjoyed this, mainly the parts in which you got excited and had good memories... I hope there’s a part 2 coming ☺️

My mother was born in Abingdon VA and I have family in Damascus VA. I've always liked that area.

From a European (Irish), Jessie embodies how we see most American tourists. Disconnect and ignorant of history or past struggles. He seems like a sound guy though. Great video Boggie much love from Galway. Thank you for sharing ❤

Thank you for sharing this very personal experience with us, Boogie. You sure have moved on up! You took control of your situations and gave yourself a better life. I’m proud and happy for you.

I get it, the nostalgia of times long past that can no longer be grasped, is a powerful narcotic. Addictive, yes, but with that nostalgia comes memory, and experiences that tell us we we alive...that we were here. I get it, the man had to reconnect to release the bad memories he has. We never truly forget, but sometimes, we need to find our own medicine to heal. This was a good vid.

"This place is like somebody's memory of a town, and the memory's fading" - Rusty Cohle

So your "friend" is literally making fun of a disabled woman right in front of her? 18:10 from your own hometown none the less. That so turned me off to this guy.

Look how far you have come boogie, incredible man! Thanks for sharing this with us.

I swear, this is one of the best videos he has ever made, I saw the length of the video and doubted I’d watch it all, but in one sitting and sat and watched the whole thing

I liked this video, but I didn't like Jesse. He was constantly saying rude put downs. At the very end of the video he came off as being a bully too. You don't need "friends" like that.

*mind blown* MAN what an eye opening experience and a great way for us to learn about you

Thank you for sharing and posting this video Boogie..I'm a survivor too. I pray that revisiting your past will be beneficial to your present and future. Prayers for Strength and Hope for you Boogie (Steve)

Thanks for sharing the bad and the good. You're an inspiration of perseverance amidst massive obstacles. Keep up the amazing work man!

Boogie. I haven’t watched him in years and. He looks great I thought he wouldn’t look this good bogie you’re an inspiration this is awesome keep working👌👍

This was the best video I have watched of yours boogie. And I've been watching you since 2013👍👍👍👍

I grew up in Norton. I live in Abingdon now. It’s such a “step up” 😂 I totally understand how you feel, Boogie.

Boogie I am happy you got out of that situation and how far you have come growing up like that. A lot of us grew up in places like this that chose to rise up instead of taking the easy way out getting hooked on drugs. I am half way through the video and I am crying I grew up in a similar situation as you. Jesse I am not going to hate on you. Your parents are awesome to provide such a great home for you and JT to live in. Boogie you are a beacon for so many people to show no matter how hard your life is there is always a way to get out of a horrible situation sometimes it takes a long time to do so.

After watching this I feel like I know Boogie more than anybody that I know. I'm 26 and things haven't gone good for me yet but seeing how much you've transformed your life gives me hope that maybe one day I won't be haunted by my childhood. Would be a blessing to speak to Boogie as we're so similar but at least I have the second best, being able to watch your life on RU-vid :)

It’s so crazy seeing him come back here. My friend, 58:51, got to see him and be in the video and I got so jealous😂 love you boogie, hopefully I get to see you next time your around

i feel like Boogie is truly himself back at home, he seems so outgoing and happy, not shy at all. i liked that.

This is an awesome video boogie, I know Jesse is just fucking around lol. It’s good that he came out with you. Support is what we need and I’m glad you were able to do this. Keep getting ahead my friend, your doing good.

I'm definitely not in the mood to watch an hour-long video right now; I'll just watch the first few minutes to see what it's all about. I then proceed to watch the entire video.

I love how at the end of the video when he starts talking to his fans with Virginia accents you can start to hear boogie's accent creeping back into his speech.

Hey Boogie - this is one of your best videos IMO. I grew up and still live in East TN and also spent a few years in some extreme poverty. I used to drive through Abington and Damascus (nice little town) when visiting a friend who lived in Mountain City (not a nice little town). Never went through St. Paul but I'm fairly familiar with the surrounding area. I never knew how poor we were until I visited other kids' houses for birthday parties, etc. It was a rough time, but in a way I'm grateful for it because nothing will make you grow into a modest, humble person like coming up poor. I think anyone who was raised in similar conditions can relate to this video. Glad to see you remembering the good stuff. Take care.

Boogie has been through so much, but he made it out a good person. Hats off to him and I think this is a great way to spread awareness about abusive childhoods and the negative impacts they have

anytime jesses speaks all i can hear is the privilege he doesn't even realize he grew up with and has now

Virginia? Civil War jokes? I General Lee don't find them funny.

I absolutely love these videos, not even just because its so informative about where you came from, but the whole vlog format fits you very well, more pls.

Whatching this video is has not only made me appreciate where I live now, but where I grew up way more, thanks boogie.❤

20 minutes in, I'm loving this boogie! your friend doesnt appreciate the quait ruralness of your childhood towns! If you ever need a road trip buddy let me know!

Good job man taking a step to confront your history so your future can be that much brighter.

I was fans of both people .. but I’m so excited to hear more about boogies life because this is such a healing process .. honestly Jessie .. if you in character you need to stop people here want to see this ...be supportive . If you guys just could let boogie talk and you chime in with questions about his life besides laughing or just saying rude comments ... we all the majority have had rough upbringings through money abuse etc but that is what makes us all amazing and grow

Being from Richmond and having spent a lot of time in that area, I gotta say some of my favorite people came out of that part of the Va so shitekicker or not, kinda hurts my heart you let the place rot.