For the past year Eric has been working with a writer on a book based on his life story. Here’s the link: www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09MYXVJCF/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0_nodl?ie=UTF8&qid=1638736718&sr=8-4
This is great. Not sure how it works - But I thought it may be a good idea to re-edit the video to maybe include this book stuff in the first 5 seconds. For viewers who don’t look at the comments, and all others. These book sales may contribute to his sense of purpose and benefit him and others more than we could ever know. Just a thought.
@@ericportis1898 ... Eric, you have and are a wonderful soul. There are cruel people out there (bullies), and there is never an excuse for what they do. I'm still learning how to deal with bullies, and learning how to protect myself from them. And I'm also still learning how to take care of myself, which makes it easier to deal with the bullies (which includes family members too). If you like to read, "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle is good ( the first chapter is hard to read, but it gets easier after that). This book has helped me. Your library may have a copy (or even Half Price Books).
@@Momma-angela Nothing negative- just that it’s not as if he’s opening up for the first time and touching on things. Stimulants make one chatty and it’s really all chatter until one comes to the place of change (if s/he wants to). I counseled people for years and it’s sad when someone talks and talks and it’s motivated by the substance and therefore without real substance. Health comes when the chatter stops and listening begins. I meant no disrespect. It makes me sad.
@@deborahsuewho ok, I understand and thank you for the explanation. It’s nice to communicate with someone that’s willing to talk about it. I thought Eric wasn’t on drugs anymore, but I may be wrong, I watch a lot of these, but are you saying that the drugs can continue to make a person “chatty” even after they stop taking them?
(My 7 year old told me: I’m a momma’s boy and I might always be one mom. I cried a little inside it was so sweet and innocent! So when this gentleman said he is a momma’s boy, it was so sweet and reminded me what my son said yesterday.)
No Name. Absolutely. Eric is so special. Most don’t EVER reach his level of AWARENESS. He should have speaking engagements to speak to our boys and young men on life lessons.
@ I didn't say it did. My observation of this brother is from watching both interviews. He contradicts himself often. Eric had tons to say negative about his own people, yet his addiction has nothing to do with his people. Period. I wish him well. He'll get there. That Life is hard.
MBFMTalkLive you implied that the two correlated quite clearly. “He’s a liar, look at his original video how he talks about self hatred.” Pretty blatant
Yeh because it’s so much more better out here. He just listed a whole bunch of things he got out of prison that was worth more than $$. He got piece of mind, was able to overcome self hatred learn more about his identity and Blackness, gain some much needed respite from these streets even from his the trauma of his childhood + addictions. Besides not every person who goes to prison is bad, most share similar stories of abuse, trauma, poverty - the cycles of generational problems. You probably one of those ppl that think counseling or psychologist etc is gonna help this man - everything in life is a learning point, a Teacher - good or bad. No amount of some b.s counseling is gonna teach you how to grow. Oftentimes pain, trauma and suffering are the best teachers. Rant over.
His realness and ability to be introspective is what makes this one of the better interviews on this channel. People aren't going to ignore how people look, we have eyes. Yet the majority of people aren't so shallow that looks are the only thing that matters. There are some people who only care about looks, but they don't represent everyone.
De Loto this man looks nice and seems put together so his crack addiction seems like less of an issue to people whereas a man that looks like your stereotypical Lester crest crackhead would be looked at as less valuable wether that be conscious or unconscious judgement. My point is that sure we have eyes but a blind man would see 2 people with horribly destroyed lives solely because he can’t see their looks.
This series has made great effort to show the human being inside the often ravaged shell. If you met Eric in his environment, I doubt you'd feel inclined to tell him how good looking he is, how advantaged he is genetically. That's not how it works, if it did this guy wouldn't have to find peace in a prison cell. I feel the primary purpose of this series has gone over your head bro. But have your internet points.
"I'd have never imagined i'd be ok with me....when i get up and look in the mirror, i notice who's looking back i take notice...i say you know what, that person needs me...that person is depending on me, i got to be there for that person because he's all i got..." That's the realest thing I've ever heard...inspirational.
I read that again and again. It can be hard sometimes to love yourself and sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I wrote it down and try to remind myself everyday that loving myself is the key to my sobriety. You can love your children and that will help you fight the urges the devil sends but learning to love yourself is where it begins. It is the way to find peace.
His honesty about his weakness is the strongest thing i've seen in a while. Key note speaker type of guy that makes you think and change yourself for the better. Thanks Eric
Sibling abuse is no joke- my brother hated me from as far back as I remember and crossed all lines with abuse. Not rivalry, not ‘kid stuff’ - it was fear for my life shit. I feel this man’s pain. It absolutely scars you when someone who is supposed to love and protect you is torturing you every day.
I’m bawling. When he talked about how he wasn’t worthless and how he had scars but they were on the inside... as a recovering addict I know exactly what he’s saying. I pray this man, and all addicts find solace in sobriety.
Eric Portis your story really hit me Eric. Being in and out of CA and AA you hear all sorts of stories and while we all come from different paths we all (addicts) understand the struggle of addiction. Oddly enough, most of the addicts I’ve known have been kind, sensitive and highly intelligent people. I genuinely hope for nothing but the best for you. Without knowing you, I can say you deserve it. “We’re only as sick as our secrets” Thank you for your transparency ❤️
@@jennfun1974 Congrats Jenn! That's freakin tough & amazinn i know it's hard and everyday your mind won't stop it just won't shut up, but distract it by eating good, go outside & soak up the sun for a lil bit, *sungaze* go get them good natural vitamins from the sunlight. But anywayz, I relate to you because I, myself am 10 days sober off fentanyl / heroin all on my own, no detox / rehab facility this time around, I'm just at home by myself, I've never been clean passed 1 day for 3 years str8 now, I cannot stand the sickness that comes within 6 hours from last hit, u see I smoke & snort powder china white, but I've been an opiate addict for 15 YEARS now...
Known this man for over a year now and he’s one of the kindest and caring individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He’s still working his way through life but he’s moved across the country and tried to start a new life for himself but the only complaint so far is that he isn’t enjoying the cold. Hope life has something great in store for this man because he deserves it so much.
@Hudson Jaxson II thats what i thought. constantly sucking his lip, dry mouth and talking non stop... people dont want to believe a good speech can come out of a crack high
Eric is a great storyteller. This is one of the rare interviews I watched from beginning to end. He had so much potential. Crack really wiped out a whole generation of the inner city in the 80s. Very tragic.
my dad was one of those people who got swept up in the 80's crack wave. his name was Eric as well, and he died January of this year. i tried all my life to get him to trust help, get therapy, and try to heal. he had been through so much in this country. he de-segregated his school in north carolina in the early 60s & his childhood was really damaging. my childhood was rough too because of his addiction, but i got out of the ghetto and have a life that i'm grateful for. i still have respect & love for my dad and everybody out there who are doing the best with the cards they've been dealt.
@@octopusmime I'm so sorry for your loss 😔 your father is in a better place now. I hope humanity improves. I hope in our lifetimes we will see there be no more hoods and ghettos. We can do it if other countries can. America's Original Sin is slavery and racism/segregation, like Obama said.
Courtney Mims , 😂😂😂 I Swearrr , When I Don’t Here That “ So Such & Such , Where You From , Where Did You Grow Up” I Be Like , Hol Up Where The Popcorn 🍿😂😂😂😂
Finally i find someone saying true stuff here. Thank you, really. He just asks the damn same questions every interview, and sometimes you can tell when he forgot the next standard question and he seems to read it somewhere 😂😂😂😂 Love you good night bby❤❤
I actually see this guy on the regular at my gym…this guys is jacked and swole it’s crazy because before finding this video . I would’ve never thought he went thru all of this. This man comes in very humble everytime but yet keeps a very strong presence as if he has been thru something. So watching this video brought light to me and perspective on this man…and I’ll give him his flowers every chance movin foward
I agree I felt his pain when he talked about how his brother use to treat him and how he wanted to still be like his brother, he adored his brother. His brother was jealous of him I think.
This is why I DO not allow my children fight & I make them do things together. His brother’s behavior had a major effect on him. Your siblings should be your best friend(s). They’re all you have thru life.
Pink Oreo _ my Daughter & Son are two years apart & fought like cats & dogs. I’m an only child & it’s not easy not having siblings. I used to tell them they needed to appreciate each other. Now that they’re adults they love each other very much but wow it was hard when they were young.
This man's story is a whole movie stop playing! At times he had me cracking up other times feeling incredibly low. Get this guy in a director/writer role
This man is so intelligent and honest. He's right, he should write a book. He;s the type of person that could speak to kids at schools and tell his story to deter them from taking the same path he did. It sounds like he's facing his demons. I have faith that he can get clean and have a good life.
this is something he and I talked about all the time and he is making plans to do this. He is in a good place right now clean and on his way. He's coming out with a t-shirt line soon
I've watched alot of these videos but I have to say this gentleman's story was so well told by him. It's like you can actually envision the evolution of his life. I feel for him. But he seems like an amazing person. He just needs to know that.
Eric, Your an amazing story teller! Do you think that you could help others with your experiences and life lessons? I think your knowledge of the streets and drugs may be able to save someone before they make the same mistakes in life. Your story is is sad and fascinating at the same time. Sending you so much love and good vibes. Hope your doing good!!
Damn, the longer I listen to Eric the more I realize just how dynamic he is as a human being. His soul was built on innocence and meaning. He wants nothing more than to just experience success. I don’t mean lots of money and possessions, I mean he sounds like he simply wants to experience accomplishment as we all have throughout our lives. Finish school, work hard, save your money, buy a house, get married, have a couple of kids, open a gym etc. etc. He’s not asking for anything more than a map that can lead him to success. Whatever it takes to navigate that map, he will work hard to reach the destinations…
22:10 "I didn't know that, emotionally and mentally, I was the same scared little kid." Despite not being an addict, I can say that this line is so very powerful for those in far different walks of life than this man. Wishing everyone watching some introspection and healing for that small child within them that still has wounds.
Dig In Podcast with Zachary Woods I recently watched the movie Rocketman about Elton John. Throughout the movie Elton sees himself when he was a child going through turmoil. The most powerful part was when he was in rehab & comes face to face with himself as a child, he forgives himself & most importantly he hugs himself as a child. Self acceptance & love are so powerful in shaping how we experience life.
A leader 😆, I bet your one of those liberals that think the ppl looting and burning buildings are doing good and just expressing their built up frustration
Listening to Eric brings me back 20 years ago when one day, when my husband left us for a crack pipe and a twelve pack of beer. I'd have been better had he left for another woman, but it was the rock, and he never looked back. I wonder if my son will try to find him after I'm gone. Take care Eric, your story will stick with me unfortunately, and not in a good way. In the way where I remember how empty it left me and my son. Try to get right, and I hope you get well soon! ♥️
Eric you really should be a speaker in high schools..you really got a story to tell and you came out on the other side..inspirational..I hope the right person see’s this video if that’s what your interested in I’m definitely sharing this video and I also seen your other videos..all love ..KB
Can you imagine what this guy could have been?? He has the the body of a god, smart af, animated... Drugs always seem to want to destroy the best. He reminds me of the rapper DMX.
This man could’ve been ANYTHING with the right guidance. He seems to have a true sense of his reality. The grappling power of crack to the black community during the 80s & still today is awful. LA was ground zero for crack & to hear him talk about how it swallowed his neighborhood is heartbreaking. I love how he is self aware. He makes no excuses for his choices. I do wish him well.
I see something in him. I hear a mentoring tone in his voice. I would love to think this video is the beginning of his eureka moment; to listen to himself, see himself at this stage and hate the situation, but learn to love the transformation a lifelong journey to healing himself and the teachings of prevention.
Sibling rilvary is very real especially when it involves bullying and physical confrontation. Wow what a story Eric told. For anyone who is trying to better themselves sometimes you have to leave old so called friends and others who dont benefit you. You may have to leave them behind so that you can get clean. If you keep doing the same things you get the same results. Eric kept going back to the old neighborhood and almost invited prison into his life. He never mention trying to find a job in his past. God bless him and all who are fighting addiction.
I look at Eric like a healthy good looking man not to mentioned he is well spoken and I'm just in the first 5 minutes. I'm just like wow drugs take you on that kinda high as he explains it. Just thinking what kinda life he would have had if he made a different choice. This is really eye opening. I'm learning alot from these interviews.
I feel him, hung out with the wrong crowd, getting twisted everyday while others did good things with their lives , just to not have to go home cause of the things going on in the house.
Dearest Eric, if you ever read this, and I hope you do, I want you to know how beautiful you are. I too have a story as we all do. I'm the same age as you and started my life over at ,45. Opiates took me to a world I never want to visit again but managed to pull out!! I wish you love and light and an inner peace so strong that it shines so bright on the outside that it blinds all the negativity you've faced!! Much love❤️❤️
Beyond the addiction, Eric story is a story of a broken home, systematic racism and despair. He found his self worth in prison because he was lost in the streets. His soul is pure, this could be anyone of us if you try a strong chemical substance like crack.
You obviously did not listen to Eric. He never ONCE mentioned systematic racism. Even HE admits that not having a father and prison NOT being a deterrent were fundamental to his CRIMES. Eric, is at least honest. You, on the other hand are delusional and in denial. God bless, Michael
This is absolutely beautiful. A man at peace with himself. Forgiving himself. Stepping up for himself and realizing he is one ruler. I loved this. Peace from coastal Oregon
Sounds like this guys had a really long bad trip and now he’s piecing together all of the things that happened. It’s amazing to see a man with so much hatred inside seem so positive and loving of himself. Self hatred/loving yourself is such a great lesson. Thank you for sharing your story
I remember Eric growing up although I never witnessed any abuse. I always remember his brother telling him to go home Eric because he wanted to play with us. I haven't seen him in over 45 years. I'm sorry to say I didn't know he was suffering so I was just a kid myself
Most of the folks I know who were similar got clean in their late 40’s and 50’s. By that time they figured “I have tried every way to beat this thing, to get an angle I can get over on it and win”. Once they determined they can’t, they get out or they do to the box in the ground.
Eric is my absolute favorite interviewee and I have watched damn near every person you have posted. I wish Eric lived in the Atlanta area because I would do my damnedest to help him get on his feet. It always sounds good as a post on a video but if reality made it possible, I would do what I could to bring him up. He wouldn’t be the first… I have brought several people up and helped them achieve what they always knew they could. I don’t like fanfare but I’m certainly not discouraged to share about those I have helped and how they have achieved.
I can't imagine half of what he went through. Although i feel the family pain thing. It never goes away. Nothing can take ur mind of of it no matter how long it's been
You are doing such amazing work publishing these stories. As a recovering heroin addict I can’t tell you how valuable it is for me to see videos like yours. I pray for all of the people in your videos but I really feel for this guy especially: he’s articulate, intelligent, handsome, in great physical shape, etc and it just goes to show you how powerful these hard drugs are. They can take ANYBODY down and FAST. I hope this guy can really see how brave he is, how strong he is, and how valuable his experience, strength, and hope are for addicts or even people just thinking about experimenting with these dangerous and deadly substances. I want to give this guy a BIG hug bc he is a fucking SURVIVOR. I truly pray he knows what he’s worth and that he can move beyond his addiction. So much love to you, brother. And thank you Mark, you are truly making a difference in this world w your content.
Eric's qualities are all on show here, far more going for him than I have. I've made all the same moves, I just always had someone to help me back up whenever I stumbled, I had the space to correct my mistakes. I'm white. Eric bro, for what it's worth, I'm with you in spirit, wishing you the very best in the future.
I HEAR you Eric. This is clearer than the first interview. This smells like he was in an abusive AND inappropriate relationship with his brother; just like an abused wife. There’s no way a little boy could handle that. I suspect his brother abused him MORE than he’s actually saying. So sad😰.
Vanisha Neal I 100% agree with you on that. If time permits go back to the beginning and listen very carefully and watch when he stops mid-sentence. He’s talking a lot so it’s easy to miss. I realize, I could be wrong but listen for yourself. I’m surprised Mark didn’t ask him.
He was jealous of him obviously his his personality is amazing and the brother didn’t have that kind I can totally relate my brother consumed my mom and it was never my brothers fault yet he’s a compulsive liar yet I never even drank until 30
21:30 This is why jail doesnt work when it's not accompanied with therapy and after prison resources to help the people who are released start new lives outside of their old neighborhoods and existences.
I hope something great happens for Eric he is still young, well built and attractive and with the right opportunites, guidance and assistance, and will power he make something of the life he has left.
I mean WOW, just wow. I was pissed it ended after 45 minutes. Really fascinating. That man exuded such a presence. It tugged at my heart. PLEASE do a follow up one day
Even if he is clean now you can tell he has done a lot of heavy drugs in his time. His mind is racing. He barely has time to start telling a story before the next one starts. It's an endless line of cliffhangers. He seems like such a good guy, still connected to his emotions. Hope all goes well for him from here on.
I appreciate your stories Eric I can relate to allot. I just got off felony probation today, I've been doing everything in supposed to but when I got the call today telling me I successfully completed probation my first thought was let's get high.. so I decided to watch an episode from an addict on here and I told myself this video will either convince me to stay on the straight and narrow or go re- up and start selling and using. Thank you for helping me see clearly and not make the mistake of going back to that life. I'm an ex convict myself so I here you brother I can feel your pain
You are such a good looking bloke Eric, and you have a natural dignity and presence. I can imagine you as a teacher, sports team captain... No surprise to me that you love books, you really seem like a books person. You never had the male role models and father figure you needed, and your siblings needed too, by the sound of it - re. your brother's behaviour. I really feel that peace emanating from you. You really are somebody. You have so much to offer.
@@jogon9649The outward expression of à person is the first thing we encounter. It has really important implications for how the world receives us. However, if someone doesn't feel good on the inside, they can't fully inhabit who they naturally are. Good looks are à gift. They can help someone build positive connections with the world around them. Even if we are not born with great looks, we can always make the most of what we have. However, denying the importance of what we look like is a kind of retreat from reality and rejection of ourselves, and that's sad.
Why don’t we talk about the crack epidemic like we do the opiate crisis? Crack ruined so many people’s life and it’s just brushed under the rug compared to the opiate crisis.
Crack Can be stopped without physical addiction, it's more mental then physical. Opiates are both and 10 times worst, plus on a progession scale people start off on pills then go to heroin and then fentanyl. Plus people start sharing needles and HIV and aids starts to spread....opiate epidemic is so much worst
You don’t remember the whole crack is wack just say no to drugs campaign? The crack epidemic was definitely televised to the point it became propaganda and exaggerated. It definitely ruined communities but it was never swept under the rug
It's a black /white and wealthy/poor issue. No one cares about the people in the hood that get hooked on crack. But the suburban kid that gets hooked on heroin people have sympathy for. If ur a crackhead u get long jail sentences. If ur a heroin addict u get to go to rehab.
His voice is undeniable and he commands my attention. I listened to every word and emphatically understood his pain. His story is so compelling. Eric if you ever read this I wish you peace, healing and forgiveness.
This interview touches on generational trauma, mass incarceration, systemic racism and the lack of resources/social services for the youth. Living while black in America is no joke. Sending love and healing to Eric!
It’s not a joke for any race/age/background, when you aren’t taught the skills to compete? I’m “successful “ in my setting...I’d be horribly inadequate attempting his lifestyle... throwing money or services to anyone unable to utilize them will not fix their individual problems....
This has change my life ( I’m a black 36 year old man ) and I been on the streets and had hard time and been on drugs. But this story has change my life... the ending of telling your own self that you depending on You ... made me breakdown
This guy is a teacher now. I've come from a different world entirely and I can still connect to his spirit and his humanity. Eric you are beyond a story. Thank you for sharing your truth with us.
This man is extremely articulate and intelligent and handsome. You are a beautiful soul Eric. The amount of truth that you live by and take accountability for is so beautiful. The honesty you have with yourself is something most SOBER people don’t even have. Drugs or not, you are worth so much.. listening to your whole story has been a priveledge and a blessing. I have more compassion and kindness in my soul because of you... the pain I feel for the BULLSHIT you’ve dealt with.. especially for your skin? I live with an anger in my soul because I am angry at racism and abuse.. but I will go throughout my life an even better person. I want to try more. Take my rediculous “priveledge” (something we should ALL have) and actually try and make a fucking difference... I don’t know you, but I love you.. Very self aware too, and has such a powerful mind and testimony.. I pray with all my heart he finds his way out of the darkness and heals his pain.. thank you for sharing Eric ❤️ I have serious respect for you. “Self realization is the best one. The only way you’re gonna learn that is by your own experience. You experience is gonna be your best teacher”- Eric. ❤️
"It was like i had an outta body experience". "I had to provide for these women". Something about dude makes you know he wasn't never a slimy dude. He just had so much slime in his life that it got on him-you feel me?
This man is truly inspirational. He totally captivated me with his story. Such a great motivational speaker. I am sure he could help many others with his story. He should be employed to help and motivate others in their journey of recovery. Definitely one of the most inspiring interviews on your channel Mark. You do amazing work giving these real and amazing people a voice and a platform.
Watching these videos has truly made me realize that, no matter what color you are or what background you come from, we ALL have something from our childhood that we still hang onto. It depends on how you take it and deal with it. It’s very sad.. very very sad
I mean ion know just the way he acts when speaking about him you can tell from hid energy and his passion that something else happened I mean ion know it may be me but I since something else I could be wrong tho
John Reeves I’m sure that he probably looked up to his big brother but I just feel he did something more nevertheless I don’t know them I just am very interested in his story and think that he has sooooo much potential no heat no judgment it just seems like his brother really did hurt him that’s all I’m saying
So this was one of the BEST testimonials to date. I call on the Creator, the Universe and his Ancestors that are no longer in this plane to continue to protect him while he finds his way. I ask that the Creator, the Universe and his Ancestors to continue to speak to him and warn him and protect him, to protect his cognitive gifts, his physical gifts his pure spirituality that many of us aspire to. I ask that his Ancestors continue to manipulate him when he fails in conducting himself in a way in which is conducive to his well-being. I ask that his financial needs are met and exceeded. I ask that someone who sees this and has the connections to get this Black man, my Brutha, my long lost family member a place in history that helps others so he can continue helping himself. I ask that the urges are removed. I asked that he finds a Black woman who is patient, kind and reflective and conscious in the way that he’s shown us in this documentary. His insight and humbleness is something for all of us to aspire to. I love this man-ASÉ 🙌🏾ASÉ 🙌🏾ASÉ 🙏🏾🤲🏾🤎🖤🤎👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The Matthews Fam shared a couple of your vids but it was Eric's story that made me look at your channel. I wish Eric all the good fortune and kindness he can get and hope his life gets better and better.
Because he values family and those relationships so highly, I believe his brothers approval is the deep void that he is uncontroablly feeding by getting high... amongst other things mind you. I see a great man, nonetheless. Ive herd his story a million times esp. living and growing iup in NYC , but, i find myself unable to click off bc i want to hear every word he has to say. He without a doubt has a gift, wether he knows or doesnt, he has it! WHEN not IF he is ready I hope the Universe puts good people, situations and things in your furture Eric, may your blessings be beyond what you ever could concieve alone. ...w much respect and luv a recovering addict in nyc ;)
Eric really is speaking to me . Especially about self discovery and blackness . He’s powerful , he just doesn’t see the magnitude bc this interview is reaching my soul . Is there any way I could contact him?
I'd like to be able to send this brother a virtual hug and thank him for his captivating testimony. Shit is real out here and that is how he's keeping it.
Eric Portis is on Face Book You can log in and try this link, but he also comments in this video thread too. m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028002680831&ref=content_filter
I swear on my life, right before he said "I should write book on the streets in the 80's", I thought "I wonder if there's a video about the crack epidemic in LA in the 80's?" He's a special type of soul walking this earth.
Eric is sober! (For everyone in the comments saying his not) Go back and watch his first interview growing up without a farther! Which is is equally as good as this interview! If your reading this Eric make a RU-vid account we would love to hear your stories and follow your daily life! I promise you, you’d have so many subscribers! Would defiantly make some $$
T Huny Yeah it’s like everyone just assumed he’s,done.Maybe because he’s so raw and emotional,that’s just his personality he’s very sensitive,and hurt.People assume “overly”emotional people are unstable. Overly emotional(in a good way) people are the ones who care for animals,fight injustice,care for the sick,reach out to others...I don’t want to live in a world that doesn’t have “overly”emotional people in it. A lot of People in this world have no natural affection.2 Tim
Eric Portis ......you’re interview is fantastic and your story is so vital to others trying to find answers for themselves. Thank you for sharing. Good luck to you!
