Soft White Underbelly

Just quit FOX, CNN, MSNBC, OANN, and the rest of the garbage intended to perpetuate continual, unproductive ire over issues almost completely outside of our control. Instead, look to reputable, earnest content creators like Mark Laita, who do not seek to manipulate our emotions but to reveal the stories of those among us who are most harshly judged or completely marginalized. To be fair, not every vignette reveals a particularly likable person. While most of Mark's subjects possess characteristics that evoke sympathy, empathy and at times, admiration, there are a handful that simply do not seem to possess any redeemable qualities. But even among those very lost, damaged, occasionally obnoxious souls, we at least gain understanding of the circumstances that shaped their realities. In doing so, we're presented with the opportunity to challenge our capacity for kindness, to treat ALL persons with dignity and if possible, lend a graceful hand to those in need--even to those persons we may not like very much. So just get the app, subscribe, strap yourself in and plan to learn more about the human condition than you ever thought possible.

I agree that if only we could eliminate the abuse whether it’s physical or mental at a young age, then we could create people that could grow into solid, less broken, confident, happy (and the list goes on) adults. Perhaps less drug and alcohol dependency. But I think these people that have these dependencies are trying to be numb and block out horrible things that happened in their lives. Right now I can relate somewhat bc my husband died of brain cancer and we were married for 39 wonderful years and we have three grown sons. I’m just numb. I don’t want anything like drugs or alcohol to prevent feeling the sadness and grief. But some would. I go from feeling the pain to sheer numbness. Horrible events in our lives at a young age can ruin what you were intended to be. If that could be prevented we would have less of what you have shown us. Thank you Mark for what you do.

I’ve been a subscriber to Soft White Underbelly since stumbling across it in March 2021 before Mark had 1m subscribers. I was struck by the vastly different lives Mark interviews. I’ve learned irreplaceable life advice from Mark’s interviews and have heard unimaginable life stories. Mark’s work is beautiful and details out the horrifying truth of what the underbelly of America’s drug epidemic, sex trafficking problem, and the criminalization of sex work and drugs looks like. Mark’s videos showcase the relentless toxic generational cycle of substance abuse, addiction, sexual trauma and domestic violence in urban and rural America today. Thank you for giving people a voice, thank you for serving underrepresented communities without judgement or anything in return. Mark, thank you for not glorifying anything and for always being compassionate and non-judgmental. You are such an inspirational and humble soul.

I moved to LA from Chicago. In the chi I thought the homeless issue was big but it’s nothing like LA. There are all levels to people living on the street from the struggling drug addict or the struggling mom/dad that isn’t on drugs but still goes to work daily like anyone else. Mark talks to these people and puts a face to the generalization of what waking around the streets and gives you a clear WHY as to what was the road that led them there. There is no judgment and because of that people can be honest with him without feeling manipulated. I applaud what he does and wish many others that have the resources and the ability to help would because this is just one person and he’s already helped so many, not just the people on the street. Thank you Mark.

I have been with SWU since the beginning and it keeps getting better and better. I get bored very easy and this is the one person and channel I’ve never once got bored of or missed an episode. If I do then I have to binge watch it. Sometimes that’s even more fun. I’m an addict myself, and I relate to so much so many stories are so different, but they all share the same pain and Mark is so good at bringing out the qualities in people they forgot they had. It’s great to see their faces when Mark reminds them, they are worthy of a better life then living on skid row and their trauma does not define them and they never deserved it. He’s a wonderful man and despite all that people have put him through and all the people that lineup outside his door asking for money and taking advantage of his time, help and most of all his faith in them which no one has probably given to them before ; he still gives whole heartedly without question. He knows once he gives it’s up to them what they do is on them and he doesn’t judge them for it. Great work, We need more people like you. - Kristine Giovannetti

I have absolutely enjoyed and am grateful that Mark has taken the time to interview all these individuals. The impact he has had personally on some of the individuals are life changing, but for all the viewers it’s a humbling experience. I have personally learned the power of everyone’s story, and that everyone has a story. If we all took the time to understand someone from a different walk of life, we would have such a stronger community. I now see the power of compassion and empathy. I share different lessons I’ve learned from the channel every chance I get. Way to go Mark, you are making a difference!

I have been watching soft white underbelly for a little over a year now. I my self have come from a life of hard ship, and struggle as many people have in these documentaries. I not only relate to those people, but also just the ‘regular’ everyday people that you will see on this channel. Just people sitting and most of the time civilly talking over; experiences, resolutions, difficulties and all the things that mark and his guest talk over and discuss. I find beneficial and amusing! And I hope he can continue to document, and most importantly render any type of aid or guidance to people who benefit from it!

Soft White Underbelly gives me such admiration and respect for people that live around the world worse off then most people I know. As an alcoholic myself I have begun a journey to sober living that I largely credit to Mark and his team and most of all the people he interviews AND the respect that Mark himself has for people of every circumstance. I’ve even added a couple things to my bucket list because of his channel and hope that one day I can do as much as he does for people and the world in general. So much love for this channel and everything that goes into what these people are doing!

I love this channel because I’ve always been fascinated with people and their childhoods. I’ve always believed that one’s upbringing has a lot to do with who we become as adults. I used to work in Skid Row at one of the craft stores and during my lunch break id walk around and talk to the homeless people and one man I shared a few lunches with was the African American man who had half his brain blown off from a gunshot. A few women I went to high school with ended up as sex workers and in your channel. Thank you Mark for giving me insight into all these people’s experiences.

People, and their plight, have always fascinated me. Probably because I have related to many and their pain. Unfortunately, I realize now after seeing the addiction interviews, I’ve been entirely too judgmental or critical. My ignorance got in the way of empathy. In my defense though, I didn’t know their stories until I discovered SWU. Strangely enough, it’s been my story, too and many people I’ve known, including my family’s. I just never realized, or was aware, that we all have a story deep down. Thanks, Mark! Love your work😊

I feel so connected to every person in your videos I see my sister in every women living on the streets I wish she could’ve found you before the streets took her from us we miss her dearly . These people have mothers fathers siblings children that love them they may have lost there way or taken advantage of , gotten to deep in the streets that they think they can’t come back from it but all they need is for someone to listen and care just maybe if we do this we will see that person for what they are A LOVED ONE ❤️

I really enjoy watching your work Mark in my opinion you are a great Person and I have just grown to Love Rebecca and I find it really great the relationship you have built.I am fond of your Heart Mark You are a very intriguing person Yourself I find myself watching you sometimes more than the people your reactions but all in all I have learned and enjoyed through your videos and have had some worries for Rebecca I just love Cosmo and the crew and It was really something seeing Rebecca and her interactions .Love what You do Mark

People don’t realize how fortunate they are to be healthy and have family. I have a whole new prospective of what homeless and addiction are like. Everyone has struggles and has their own deck of cards in life. But I think it’s important to see what so many people go through with history of past trauma. I think people can learn a lot from watching these episodes. I have lost my mother and brother from suicide. I failed at my attempt with my twin sister showing up in the middle of the day for no reason to find me. She is now extremely ill. I don’t know if she will make it 2 years. I have to mentally prepare for that. I have so much trauma it has affected my life and everything I do. But still at the end of the day I ant complain with so many of these stories. There are so many people I would like to reach out to and support.

I’ve listened to Soft white Underbelly for 2 years now. Marks skills with his interview style and camera work never ceases to amaze. It’s the simplest beauty I have seen. A camera and two people talking. You feel the interviewees emotions as strongly as you would if they were sitting across the table from you. I used to pay $10 a month for the app but hit hard times recently. As soon as I start making money I’m getting it back. The work Mark does deserves all the love and support.

I’m a psych RN and I learn so much from Mark’s interviews. When I meet a new patient, I always wonder how they got to the point they’re at. These stories give me that insight. I love the way Mark lets people tell their stories and his voice is always a calming presence throughout the interviews. It might be weird to say, but I unwind with this podcast. It helps me be grateful for the life I’ve been given and I honestly don’t know how I found myself in a better place, but I thank God everyday that I have.

Being a fan of Mark’s channel for long I decided to see what more he had to offer on his app and I can say its encouraging to see people tell their stories. Sad and heartbreaking but we need to be more aware of the dangers our children can be put in and how it could possibly affect them. Mark shines a light to the dark and twisted in such a respectful way. They could never make me hate Mark. Well worth the subscription for only $10. Thank you Mark for giving the people a voice.

Without a doubt, the best out there ! Mark’s ability to share the reality of what our country has come to is much needed. I appreciate that he is able to get people to open up and share what life is really like out there. I’ll admit it’s not “fun family viewing”, it’s raw and in your face, True Life…. If you are taking the time to watch these videos, it can never be said that you had no idea. We need to come together and find a way to overcome the tragedy of drug addiction.

This is worth every penny, I never been invested into something this much. Some of these stories are so relatable and brings alot of knowledge just by listening to what people go through. Thank you Mark for creating this type of content, for bringing awareness about what people go through. I been watching you for almost 2 years and since the first clip I came across on tiktok, since I watched one of ur episodes I been hooked, I remember going on a binge. thank you mark

I love your channel. some of the people you’ve interviewed their stories have made me cry. your channel shows all the aspects of homelessness, mental health issues, addiction and what led each person down their path in life. keep doing what you’re doing. you give each person dignity and respect when interviewing them. I know you helped a lot of people but don’t speak much about it because you’re doing this not for that reason I have total respect for you Mark

I love to learn about people and their life experiences/ situations. Mark and company put so much into this prospect. It’s inspiring. So much content is dressed up and made to look perfect. SWU is raw and true. I believe the content help the viewers understand what people have been through and are going through and brings about compassion. Mark, I’ve seen you interviewed and it’s is clear how much compassion you have for the people you interview. Im grateful for this project and I wish you all the best.

I will never unsubscribe, for the fact that I just want to support mark and what he does. But these videos are literally all I watch anyway. Gives you a different perspective on the world in a very unbiased way, a glimpse into so many different lives and a better understanding of what leads people down certain paths and to make certain decisions.. something we need much more of in this world. Thank you, thank you, thank you- for everything you do.

I’ve been watching Mark’s work for years and it continues to teach me with every single video I watch/listen to that every single person, every single smile, facial expression, set of eyes, everyone has a story. Some can be dark. Some can fairytale make believe stuff, but you won’t know that until they sit down and tell you about it. Everyone has a story. Every set of eyes and mouth that exudes a voice has a story and in this country, there’s 400 million of those stories. I’d give Mark 6 Stars if I could.

SWU thank you for showing us the rough side and allowing the see people to tell their stories with an open mind. New-ish t the pattern so discovering a lot of content here. It all started with Rebecca. Thank you for doing what you do, Mark. Keep it up. Wish I could join you and get to talk to these people as well .we are all human, all different with different backgrounds, up bringin but we all Still bleed the same. Compassion, we need more compassion in the world.

I believe the dude running this is an artist. I know he’s one heck of an interviewer and possess real empathy toward our fellow human travelers. I got sucked in with the Exotic interviews. Powerful and super enlightening. Anyway, for the 10 bucks a month, you learn that most people, not all, but most, are really trying to make it in a positive way. And that the foster care system in this country should be blown up. I’m glad the algorithms sent me this way.

Amazing stories that are both enlightening and heartbreaking. So many of these people are smart, articulate and thoughtful in their discussions as their addictions or traumas still ravage them. It’s hard to hear that many of them didn’t have a chance from birth. Born into chaos in some way or another. The others that had wonderful families still baffles me. Thank you for bringing these beautiful people to the forefront

This app is so beautiful, because Marc is such a loving person that he lets everybody be themselves, and talk about everything they are going through, and tell their stories. He still helps them after their imperfection, even though they make mistakes. He is satisfied with the effort and that some will actually make a better life from his help. I couldn’t imagine a better human. Thank you Marc.

Thank you Mark and team for providing a service like this because it shows how we are struggling to meet the needs of our people when they need it the most. For anyone still reading; show support, elevate this platform, and help to invest in our community. Please subscribe and share to continue the conversation of how we can build a better world.

Mark has curated perhaps the most comprehensive look into street life and other odd cultures. Most of us drive through rough neighborhoods and wonder how they differ from our own, but Soft White Underbelly explains through interviews how failures in policy, lack of good parenting and childhood abuse can lead to extreme suffering. It’s not for the feint of heart, but ignoring the problems of our society won’t make them go away.

As heartbreaking as a lot of the stories are I love hearing the other sides of life that unless we live most can not begin to comprehend. It’s humbling, but gives those who never had much of a voice or some even a chance, to get to tell their side and try to shed light on the fact that not everyone gets the silver spoon childhood, peace, or even safety a child deserves… Keep it up Mark!!

My husband got me hooked on Soft White Underbelly a few years ago. I watch them every morning getting ready for work. I like the variety of interviews and am so intrigued about humans and how we all think differently. I embrace all the differences amongst us. I’m glad Mark puts out this content, it has certainly opened my mind up. Mark you are doing great work !!

Everyone should watch Soft White Underbelly if you care about humanity. I’ve always had sympathy for the unhoused and that has increased exponentially since I started watching. Mark is a wonderful interviewer and almost always gives his subjects something they sorely need—Someone to listen to them, learn their story and to just be kind to all of the people he interviews. Thank you for caring Mark!

Soft White Underbelly is a view of our fellow humans that most of us will never see. It’s eye opening. Some subjects are hard to hear about but the approach is to share awareness. As the reputation of SWU grows the quality of interviews is growing as well. I have seen over a thousand of Mark’s interviews and encourage everyone to subscribe. You might learn somethings about yourself along the way as well.

Beautiful work, beautiful cause, beautiful people. If you’re going to spend money on something today, let it be this. While it may seem at first that Mark is only shedding light on our uniqueness as individual humans (which he is), watch a couple more interviews and you’ll find that we are much more alike than you’d ever imagine.

What you are doing here is so informative, educational, and enlightening! It’s a side of humanity so many don’t understand or care to know about! You are amazing Mark and thank you for what you are doing here. P.S. I am wondering what happened to Rebecca? I’ve not seen any current interviews with her since the Spring of 23 one. I really hope she is ok.

Wonderfully eye opening, showing people what the average person in this nation is really like and what they go through. Harsh truths need to be talked about, Soft White Underbelly does this like no other platform, companies etc. While trying to help support people on a healthy path forward in life. The world needs more people like Mark.

The behind the scenes look at the reality of our society. So many layers a never ending moment of the ugly and beautiful humanity in all spaces of social standing. Marks work should be taught to every liberal arts discipline in every university. The raw reality is captivating, sometimes sad, sometimes enlightening and always thought provoking.

I find all of Mark’s videos to be very entertaining and informative. Every single time I think “maybe he hasn’t interviewed someone like this” and then I look and there’s at least 5 videos. There is no one he hasn’t talked to and they are all so educational. Keep up the good work Mark!!

I started watching Mark and was hooked ! I feel so connected to this channel and the people . It keeps me humble and great full because I have lost so much to drug addiction a brother and all most my self . The stories of abuse are on another level . Mark is amazing and so kind I can’t wait to see what he does with his channel .

Worth $10 / month subscription to the app even if the 99% of the videos are N/C The stories can vary from heartbreaking to infuriating and as others have stated - gives a voice to the same people most of us would avoid in most cases . Support the channel . It’s the best deal on FB Mark Maley

Mark, you an incredible man, with a huge heart. You have done so much for so many people, by giving them a voice and helping them anyway you can. I admire you and appreciate you. And I will subscribe to SWU as long as it exists. Thank you, for being you, and for what you have given people like me.

Mad respect for Mark Laita! Soft White Underbelly has been my go to for years and after subscribing to this app it has been a game changer Everything is so clearly displayed making my favorite episodes easy to find and access. I can follow the progress of people that have touched me and support Mark’s efforts Thank you!

This use to be my favorite platform of all. I could relate to all of the drug addicts and street life. But now the interviews are kinda boring and it’s ok. The app is very consistent on putting up one interview a day, but You get a good interview about ever week or two. It’s part of my nightly routine when I lay down at night and check if there’s an interview that looks good or no. This apps has a lot of potential and has shown in the past. 😁👍

SWU gives you a peak into others lives. Others walking the same path. If you let yourself go there you will find that the burden that these people have endured, to be consuming. You should be humbled. I am thankful everyday for the life I was given. Mark’s portraits are unmatched. Keep it going! Kathleen NH

This show has me obsessed! It’s the first thing I watch every morning while I am having Coffee. Always wondering who and what the subject matter will be. The circle of people you have found from all over and the help you give! Much Kudos to you and your success.

My heart goes out to so many of these people. I love what Mark is doing and the number of people that he helps out. It also keeps me humble because this could to me or any number of people. I worry so much about Rebecca. Sometimes I am afraid to open up the app.

I’ve been watching marks videos for several years religiously. I’ve learned alot about people good and bad. I’ve also wanted to share my story as well but haven’t gotten the courage yet. I hope mark continues these videos, meeting mark is definitely on my bucket list. Xoxoxo. Jen

Listening to these stories will change your entire perspective on life, mental health, addiction, self worth, opportunity, and homelessness. Mark, if you ever read this your channel and this app have helped me tremendously in my life. Thank you for giving a voice to the unheard.

This site has given me so much insight and inspiration. I feel so deeply for the people I see here, and I am In awe of their brilliant minds! Please don’t stop giving the world a view of what is real and authentic. We are grateful, and can only be better humans because of it.

I’ve been watching this channel for years and have been a paid subscriber for several as well. It’s one of the few consistent things that I do in my life. That says everything you need to know.

Love this show I am an actress and I use a lot of these interviews for character work. I also utilize it therapeutically as I like everyone has loved ones who struggle with mental health and addiction, I myself have had my struggles. It’s been very helpful for me in a lot of facets of my life though.