Life Story: Fighting the Darkside

James shares his experience of fighting off the darkside after getting bad news.

[@daviswelborn431]

Jesus loves you, James. You’re a testament of His love and His mercy. Keep it up man. God Bless.

[@tallat8888]

It takes a strong man to air the dirty laundry in his closet not to mention you made the best of your situation. Much respect to you sir.

[@MrWill73]

All the best to you and your Family. James, living life sober is so much better than dying high

[@jjpope1113]

You ever die high?? How do you know then??

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Bro, that's some of the most powerful words I've ever heard.

[@thomasaschenberg9809]

I’m impressed with you Reaper from you getting clean to being a responsible person and you have cool cars on top of it.

[@lookingupwards8652]

Reaper, God bless you, it’s frustrating that people are hypocrites and quick to point the finger and talk crap on something they know nothing about. People hear that you have charges and without knowing anything they automatically assume your guilty . i got a felony wrap 21 years ago for something i did not do. I have been fighting threw the California system to prove my innocence. Do you believe in Jesus? Jesus & my family are what keeps me going. Its awesome to hear your story & see how you are doing. Keep it together and real brother.

[@kevinpotter7901]

James I listened to your story and I respect you for your honesty When I was listening to you What I kept hearing in my heart was that this man needs Peace and Hope in his life , The only person ever that will give you Peace and Hope is the lord, I just happened to run across your video today and yes I have watched several street outlaws so I do know who you are. I just felt and listening to you I needed to say that. God Bless you James Seek out the lord and he will give you wisdom and Strength to fight off the devil. Good Day

[@edallen5119]

Your story is inspiring and you are inspiring. Keep up the good work

[@traviscable5306]

Wow James I had no idea of how you got to be where you are today. When you said you needed a higher power. And said you would have to tell your kids you didn't love them.. that is the same thing that keeps me pushing harder and harder every day. God bless you!!!! It has been a blessing for me listening to your testimony...

[@Big_Lex]

I understand you a hell of alot more now. Didn't know you had this kind of past. The 405 guys need to realize you make friends with guys like you not enemies.

[@katiebethsdaddy]

Keep on keeping on! You are a great example of how to be a great American! Love you brother, keep it up!

[@kyleburlette2196]

Reaper you are hands down the only reason I even watched the show. On the 6th I been 7 years 7 months clean n sober off of opioids.i was a straight junky my friend. I been through a lot with my dad being sick my whole life. He’s a brittle diabetic and 2 months before I was born a 80ton tank car ran over him cutting his leg off. He was the conductor for Union Pacific. My dad has been in over 200 surgery’s and he is now going to dialysis 3 times a week. They tried fixing his aorta valve and the dye killed his kidneys. But getting back to me now. You really have gave me a ton of strength over the past few years. Almost 4 years ago I was hit by a 18 wheeler and it instantly knocked out 22 teeth broke my jaw ribs ankle and hip. Along with other things. My wreck happened 4 years ago and remember I’m clean n sober so I can’t use pain meds without risking a relapse. So for once I stayed true to my word and am proud to say I am still clean n sober doing it without any kind of meds period. The reason I’m telling you all this is my wreck caused me to lose my smile that’s hard for a 30 year old single male let me tell you. That truck took my smile and watching you on street outlaws never taking any shit from no one gave me my smile back. I got back into racing well when I can. But I just wanted you to know you done a whole lot for me and you don’t even know it. So I just wanted you to know your true fan got your back no matter what. And I really appreciate you always taking time for us fans. I just hope soon everything will work out with the wreck and I can get my real smile back and maybe line up next to you ya dig... thank you bro. I know I’m kinda all over the place on here but I figured I would try and express the shit I’m going through and let you see how much you really do help people even when you don’t know it. Have a great day my friend and I can’t wait to see your car run in person. Much love from NOLA

[@dailyplanner1985]

Hey man I just found your page this is the first video Ive watched and I got to say this really did help me the way the world is and how people are these days has had me leaning back toward a dark path back toward my wilder times from my teens and twenties I'm 37 now and really don't need or want to go back down that crazy road , its like you said people these days are back stabbers not true to their word try to burn ya one way or another I just don't get people like that I was raised to do what you promise and say be there for your friends and family treat people how you want to be treated but the way this world is going it brings to mind what my Dad told me before he passed away he said son good ol boys like us are a dyeing breed of man he seen the way the world was changing for the worse hes been gone ten years I see how people are now and brother he was right, anyway coming across this really helped me tonight , thank you man and I'm going to catch up on your other videos keep them coming man you truly are a inspiration so heres a big shout out from Ky , have a great one man .

[@markparker4032]

Stay on the Straight and Narrow. They simply are not worth even thinking about. God Bless you James.

[@thrillhillracing41]

The daily struggle of the war within ones self has taken many a good man and woman out of this world before their times! It doesn’t have to be death, it can be prison or something else! I have watched from a far, but the messages you are passing out are truly helping me! People don’t understand how hard it is to be so angry all the time. I’ve never been in real trouble. But I fight the demons daily. I consider myself lucky to have not already been set down a bad path. I wanna say thank you for letting us in to your life. Thank you for explaining your life. And thank you for putting a successful path out there, even if the path started in prison!!! Thank you sir!! Well done!!

[@keithstella2278]

Got to admire your honesty no matter who thinks bad of you. Fly straight for your family.

[@dinkydotzero]

After hearing this I'm an even bigger fan, stay strong brother don't let anyone else make you release your demons. I know where you are coming from I'm 12 clean and sober and I fight my demons for my family. stay strong and stay real.

[@scottwells8125]

Keep them coming brother! My GUY ! Love how you're not ashamed to put the truth out there. Need more men like you

[@matthewvarnam4302]

I can really see your honesty the truth and the sincerity in your eyes your face and emotions of this story was so real to you Reaper. Just thank God for helping you and giving you a nother chance. You really do look like very good man that is doing all he can do to be REAL...GOD BLESS YOU REAPER

[@joewilley7776]

James I was about to go out and do wrong this video just pulled me up, thank you brother

[@claytonmaxwell777]

James I've been watching your videos on ur life and I've been down some dark roads just got lucky and never seen time for it. I'm going through another really dark time right now but I will keep fighting because people like you give me inspiration to keep my head up no matter what's thrown my way my boys and god are the only thing keeping me from turning back. God bless you man

[@maineturbodiesel780]

Stronger and more honest of a man than I ever expected. It takes a genuine man to put himself and his life out there like that.

[@montylong7363]

I just watched about two hours worth of your videos. Much respect man. Got a brother doing 30 years fed right now and your story sounds so much like his.

[@montylong7363]

As far as the whole dope thing goes. I would like to think his doing something right to get a shorter sentence and get out and see his family

[@vanillagorilla580]

Thanks for doing these man....you are helping people do the things they SHOULD BE DOING. Hang in there!!! You do YOU....you don't need that show. Thanks again for doing this sort of thing to let folks know they CAN stay the course! Best of luck to you and your family!!!!!

[@jblow530]

Thank you brother. You are a blessing to us ALL. God Bless.

[@hemijeep1]

Please continue this series. Getting to see the real you and not the bad guy that the tv show made you look like is awesome. Keep your foot tight on the door.

[@stephenhasty7088]

Dude your awsome.... Keep your head up an keep on kicking.. Love the videos. Cant wait to watch you run again. Much love ✌🇺🇸

[@michaelsvec6469]

Thank you for sharing your life with all of us. You are truly an inspiration. Love all you cars and bikes. And you are number #1 in my book.

[@truknbiker7256]

I'm a tractor truck trailer driver and motorcycle cycle driver with a devil dog wolverine fire attitude I have to suppress also. I truly understand much of aggravation and appreciated you talking about what you are going through hoping it helps others, yourself and myself with you talking about it all. Thank You for doing so. May things get better for you. TrucknBiker

[@artbeach1958]

Huge inspiration!!! Thank you James!!!! You help more than you know!! Again thank you!!!

[@jamesbranner4029]

19 years sober! Best decision ever made was to be as best a father as possible and person as possible and if I was going to die it would be behind the wheel of my hotrod not any stupid drug! Much respect man!

[@edwardnulton7228]

Thanks for sharing this series about the old you and what it took for you to change and become the man that you are today. As someone who has been clean too for over 12 years I understand the struggle and I’m sure that you sharing your story will help someone and just the chance that it will was worth your time making the video. I enjoyed this short series of videos.

[@randybrown8181]

God bless you. Thanks for the encouragement I pray that good things come you way always

[@bykrdood7]

Stay on the straight and narrow man. I respect you for making a tough decision. It seems obvious to me that the show has separated a lot of families because guys ego's won't let them quit being "famous." You made the right choice. No TV show or paycheck is worth losing your family or your freedom over. I commend you sir.

[@johnwebb6017]

Keep doin what your doin dude, stay sober and in the good life!! Family means so much in life!!

[@KEIFabrication]

It takes a real man to tell the truth about the consequences of their bad decisions. Most would try to hide it and pretend it never happened and go to the ends of the earth to deny it all. Praise God for the redemption and resurrection of James! I don't know how many of you out there read the Bible, but this is an real example of the Redemptive power Jesus tried to tell us all about. Thanks for sharing your story. Your testimony will no doubt be a life changer for those who are willing to listen and apply your hard learned wisdom. 100% RESPECT!

[@marksenterfitt2214]

Thank you buddy I never met you but you inspire me to the fullest I watched you on TV this is the first time I've ever watched you speak from your heart without any type of filter or repercussion from whatever you say are having to say what the people want you to say or be who they want you to be on another show thank you please don't stop doing what you're doing I'll continue to watch you every time you post one

[@trav_t4305]

Thanks you James for taking your personal time to share your demons. I am 9 1/2 years clean and I know exactly what you mean by keeping that cage shut. Again just wanted to say thank you. Travis T.

[@brettjolliff1730]

Proud of you reaper,I fight the same urge to explode all the time. I feel your pain brother,I also did 3 years in prison for heroin and have changed my life for the better and videos like this help me keep going,thanks for sharing.

[@brentfay6515]

It takes a big man to air his dirty laundry to the web. The late sixtys my oldest brother was always getting busted for drugs and robbery finally he got busted big time. Our neighbor was the judge and sent him to OSR (where they filmed Shawshank) saying it would be best for him. It was, he got away from drugs went on to become a resapitory therapist. Then I was proud to say he was my brother. James keep that badger caged and get some duck feathers and let the shit roll off your back. May God bless you.

[@codymiller2281]

James, first off I’d like to say I’m also a recovering addict! It takes a very strong man to be able to admit his weakness’s vs covering them up within! I KNOW the battle that you face and fight on a daily basis, it waits for you to be at a weak point or try’s to find the chink in your armor EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!! Whether you are ready or not it’s there and waiting!! Your videos have given me strength to continue to fight this battle!!! They let me know I have a brother in arms, who has probably been to a lot more darker places then I have been and is winning his battle! Watching your videos have given me a reason to hold my head a little bit higher and not be ashamed to be an addict!! I’m also a 3rd generation mason and have been in the construction industry my entire life!! I just want to say thank you for sending your inner strength my way! I saw this video at the exact time that I needed to see it!!! Your a good man James regardless of your past! Your doing more than making up for any wrongs you may have committed in the past by helping people like me and I’m sure there are a LOT more that your helping and for that my friend I would just like to say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!! Keep the videos coming brother!!!!!!!!

[@markaldersey2663]

Damn brother I’m feeling your pain right now, I have anger problems and I can understand where your coming from peace ✌🏻 and respect keep fighting dude stay on top 💖

[@markthiergartner1955]

Wow. Blow me away. Keep your faith in Christ and believe in yourself. Everything you do everyday should be for your family. Keep you head screwed on tight and weldvthe cage door shut. Thank you for showing what a real man is suposed to be. God bless you and yours.

[@stevecleveland6644]

Im 53 years old and this is whats missing in the world, REAL MEN. A very successful friend of mind gave me some very good advice, and that was behind every success is failure. A real person will be willing and excited to tell you of there failure before the success. I was in my 20s and was running with the wrong people and hooked on meth. My wife had no idea and when she found it in the house, she didn't tell me what she would do if i didn't quit she did it left my ass. I had to make a dissension the drugs and so called friends or my life with my family. Im now 53 and a Professional Firefighter for the past 15 yeas and have a very successful tire business that my dad started 35 years ago that I took over 23 years ago. Very strong believer that you have to go trough tough times to find the true you.You my friend are there. I will leave with this,At your absolute best, you still won’t be good enough for the wrong people. At your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right people. Stay strong and true.

[@kyslaunchhunter6671]

Man I appreciate you. That’s the realest thing I have ever watched and I know exactly where you are speaking from! Keep up the fight brother!

[@jamesaubrey1965]

It takes a strong person to do what you just shared. Stay strong brother

[@mikelester5123]

I’m 60 , we all fight with something my cousin spent 5 years federal time he’s told me how it is and has said the same things (2 dogs inside of him , the one he feeds the most is the strongest) we don’t know each other but I will prayer for you every night, GOD BLESS YOU AN YOUR FAMILY mike

[@Peterbraun81]

Much respect from 🇨🇦 keep doing what your doing your my favourite outlaw ☝️

[@roberthouser8794]

Am proud of you man everyday is a new day thank you for sharing story to touch so many lives thank you

[@kennyallison7201]

Stay strong reaper! U were the most straight up guy on that damn show! Most of them boys dont know anything about the struggle u deal with everyday. Im 100% positive you are going to thrive and be successful post street outlaws! U gotta do what makes u happy!

[@scottrosenburg4243]

Love it brother , positive shit , been to prison myself , 6 yrs. You probably laugh at 6 ball but been there , and I also have to keep the badger in the cage !! Real shit ! Struggle everyday to stay sober, and provide , but wouldn't have it any other way , I'm a diesel mechanic now and trying to push forward , you man are an inspiration , just wanted to say thanks !

[@brandonm4344]

You are a True inspiration Reaper, 1 of the most real & honest men on the planet. Not many people would sit down & share the information about their life that you are.

[@91talonboostbuddy]

I look up to you! Your a genuine person no bull shit! You accomplished so much with all the shit in your way! Cant wait to hear more! I hope to meet you one day!

[@williamswaney9240]

WOW!!! While waste’n a lil time on the company’s clock, I stumbled across pt1. Anyways, I too went down your same path and that “clink” of the door locking behind you is a life changer. Keep that badger caged man, life is short enough.....don’t miss any family time!!! Great video and thanks for sharing your mistakes so maybe one person doesn’t go down that familiar road. Keep your head up and my best to you and yours!!

[@hallandalecompleteauto2816]

Brother have been where you were. Nothing is more important than family. i admire your constitution. Always knew from the first time I saw you on Street Outlaws you were like people I saw that were in. god bless you and your caring for your children.

[@kinnonmurray2941]

MR. Goad, thank you for sharing your story . I am a fan of anything hot rod , drag/street racing , or just horse power in general so you had me as a general fan from day one , but hearing you tell your story and seeing how you have overcome the bad times and how well you are still fighting those demons has really touched me . You are a real stand up guy and I can’t wait to see the good things that are still to come from the you and the Reaper team . You are a perfect example of having to hit rock bottom before you can climb back to the top . I will miss seeing you on the show but I can’t blame you for not wanting to continue . It always seemed like the show ( the production team ) always wanted you to look like the bad guy when all you wanted to do was race and give your fans a good show . Like I said before you are a stand up guy and someone the I would like to hang out with because you don’t sugar coat shit and don’t mind putting yourself out there for everybody to see no matter if they like what you’re doing or not . I have been a fan from the first time you came on the show but now that I know your story you really have my respect . Stay safe ... hope to meet you soon

[@steadyslamming]

Your honesty is refreshing stay strong brother.

[@joshuamcnaly7042]

Normally dont write comments but would like you to know that you have inspired me. I came a past similar to your and have been clean for a long time but I have I guess you can say just getting by and accepting where I was. After watching your videos they inspired me not to accept just getting by and settlingfor where I'm at . Last two weeks was able to land a job double the pay and exploring options into buying my first house. Thank you!

[@jhendren0001]

👏👏thank you brother for sharing,,,, keep your head up try and stay positive

[@stevesolo16]

Reaper, it is good to get to know all sides of a person. You are very emotional. That makes things more troubling. Hang in there. Life is short.

[@barrybryant3655]

Thank you James you have no idea how that helps i can't tell you how much i respect you for that much love to you and your family

[@raider9170]

You're an inspiration sir! I watched my dad fight some of your fights and ultimately lose. The fact that you came out the other side with a truly enlightened outlook is amazing. I've found myself in tears watching these videos, both because of your emotional rollercoaster and how close to home it hits Your bravery in telling your story is incredible and so many of us can learn from it. I'm a super level headed guy in my day to day life but it's only because the years have taught me how to keep my own badger in the cage

[@zlajfa85]

thank you for sharing your life experience, lots of respect for you and all the best to your family

[@wallykoszyk2734]

Thanks, i feel better now. I was just scrolling thru,wasnt gonna click,, So glad i did!! See ya Wednesday.

[@justaguy1845]

you are totally bad ass..... a man that can recognize himself and correct his wrong thinking is a man that has really lived and made it. keep up the good work brother..

[@billjohnston5495]

Keep fighting brother I have demons too and it's a daily battle and these videos will definitely help yourself and others thankyou you definitely made my day alittle easier

[@jamesbeneventi296]

Thanks James all us good people been to the bottom and climbed back up and to the people that haven't keep digging. Love ya brother

[@kskinnerss]

Keep your chin up bro. Don’t let that demon win. Much respect bro.

[@ontariobill1]

In my world you're a man who has balls, it takes a very big man to admit and deal as you have, I would walk away from the show because it takes you to a place that you can't afford to go to, you still have a family who loves you and depends on you, sobriety is hard and everyone who hasn't been through it will not understand, stay sober, stay straight and keep going, you have made a huge amount of progress and by showing your true emotions in the videos it makes you stronger than you know, you have a special way about you , Stay Strong and Stay Safe.

[@wscott238]

Much Respect Reaper, love your honesty #1. Keep it off the wall and drive it fast. Look forward to more of your videos.

[@Oper8or]

you are one hell of a man. i cant imagine what it takes to walk in your shoes. i admire you for what you have done with your life.

[@methedupmotorsports3094]

Reaper you are the man. Dont let anyone tell you different. You may fight them demons but you are a role model for alot of men in this world. I hope you are successful throughout your life. Hope to meet you in person someday you seem like a hell of a guy

[@noahsimmons4107]

Do what makes you and your family happy brother. God bless

[@jonmartin3617]

Great story’s 👊👊👊keep on rolling total respect.

[@michaelbrakeall2267]

Love your stories brother. I’ve been in that dark place. I’m a recovering pill junky. 7 years clean. But I still deal with that badger n the cage every now then. Just gotta think bout the big picture n what u could lose by goin back to that place.

[@bigc3139]

Thank you for the inspirational speech an story. I deal with that shit on a daily basis and it’s very hard to keep your shit together

[@garyl611]

Keep on being strong for yourself and your family , these videos are awesome and they shed a bunch of light on the man we know today as the reaper . Great job on staying sober

[@mr99ninja]

Thanks for your honesty. God bless you and your family

[@cliffordcorley7225]

Great Job brother the sunshine is always better than the Dark, keep up the good work 👍

[@williamgilpin3693]

I've been a recovering alcoholic since 1983 and your videos are like group therapy sessions. Good for the heat and soul.carry your life on your sleeve, let everyone see who you are and learn from it. Good going man 😎 the old hippie

[@nathanmorley2573]

Well said mate much love from Australia Can tell his a straight up

[@philsmith5829]

James these videos of you sharing your life have helped me tremendously , my life has been all about one thing and you made me see it needs to be about my family

[@noloveracingjessejames6132]

I gotta tell you i have been watching your videos and i can relate more than you know and you have really given me hope .... Thank you Brother

[@hmpfabrication1576]

Great video sir. Keep fighting and sharing.

[@rd2fst]

keep ya head held high Bro... You have made a great life for yourself and have alot to lose.

[@Tachillbilly]

Man I needed this, I am on the backside of years of painpill addiction and I am working my ass off and if feels like I keep getting kicked down. I am so worried every day my inner demon will win out again and I am feeling better seeing you put this out here like this. I needed your honesty brother. I want to race and do the things I love again and it's nice to see that someone at your level has been here and had to do time and carry that felony stamp but still is out here winning at life.

[@Turbo496Vette]

Thanks a million for sharing this with us. I have not made a meeting in a while thanks to Covid etc, this series you posted has really helped remind me of how far I have come and what it takes every day to stay right and not blow it all up. The badger is real, and its a bastard to keep it locked up.

[@petersawyer9797]

I have the absolute 110% respect for you reaper. Whether it's on here or on the show you were always 100% yourself and never acted differently due to being on tv. Keep up the amazing content you keep putting up on here buddy!

[@troyadams1076]

Keep up good work testimonials

[@paulblais4895]

It takes one Hell of a Man to admit his mistakes and own up to them. Keep up the great work Brother love the videos.

[@dustinhammond8466]

Brother I’ve been fighting the demons for 6 years now and I respect you for putting yourself out there! We may not be exactly where we want to be right now but we got to thank God we aren’t where we used to be! I’m looking forward to hearing next weeks episode sir! God bless you and God bless America with all the ignorant clowns trying to destroying our great country! 🇺🇸

[@gaylonshannon1625]

Keep your head held high reaper. You are doing the right thing. Stay strong .

[@wwsk42]

Great message! Thank you for sharing.

[@crowgsxr896]

Hearing your story made me more of a fan than ever!!

[@mikesamson6886]

I loved to hate u on the show but now I have a lot of respect for u Im a recovering meth addict and know where ur coming from u turn ur life around for ur family my son just turn two her my everything four yrs clear for and my family thank you for sharing ur story

[@andycory908]

Respect from Beardmore Ontario Canada. One man that's been down below to another. It's fucking humbling but what our family gives us and love makes each days fight more Worth it. Keep gapping those 405 assholes. Respect my brother

[@craigstreetzel7743]

glad you're safe and smart enough to let them have the bull💩 good job brother 💯

[@kingsamoanOG]

How they portrayed you on outlaws and how you are on these videos are complete opposites!!!! You're a fucking beast and the Raw real talk you express is Amazing. I too have an anger problem especially growing up in a Samoan household where violence is normal. A past of addiction and problems but watching your videos help remind me of my own family and why I keep sober and the anger inside of out. 1Luv Reaper and KEEP TALKING THAT REALNESS AS WE ARE ALL GOING THRU SOMETHING!!!

[@joea2730]

You have always been a mystery to me. After you're videos, I understand and agree that it takes a real man to share these kind of things. Keep you're head up Sir! Thanks for sharing

[@chadroark2836]

Amen. Keep up the hard fight and stay positive.

[@daveguy7892]

James your a bigger man then most and by walking away from the clown shoe wearing idiots from the tv show proves that I was right about James keep up the Faith that all you need is Family peace and respect to you Jame and thank you for being Righteous a friend and a Brother in Canada 🇨🇦