The Demons of Childhood Trauma | Aaron Stark | EP 405

[@aaronstarkauthor]

Hello everybody. I am the guy in the video. If you have any questions ill try to answer them. Im a regular guy, i work full time at a gas station in denver, and try to speak as much as possible to stop other people from becoming another Me. Thanks for listening

[@aaronstarkauthor]

@@AFringedGentian hug accepted 🙂 nice to meet you

[@seanfitzgerald4207]

Thank you very much for bringing your story to JBP's platform/audience. this is so important to understand root causes of pain that can lead to the darkest states of mind and actions (hugs)

[@1Powwow]

Have you wrote a book ?

[@FinnyC]

​@@AFringedGentian Keep being a wonderful person :) Your positivity is beautiful!

[@merrick8000]

Cheers man.

[@Iron-Blurr]

I think the best friend Mike is singlehandedly responsible for saving dozens of lives. The small acts of mercy we might consider inconsequential have very far reaching and life changing effects. Mike is without a doubt a hero.

[@avoiceinthewilderness9864]

Families that sadistically abuse their children move around alot, as soon as a voice of concern is raised they move.

[@johno.farrar431]

It is nearly incomprehensible to me how someone can experience so much abject malevolence and misfortune and not be utterly annihilated. I mean an upbringing like that logically seems about as lethal as a bullet to the head, but somehow the humanity persevered…

[@tammygallagher976]

You would be surprised how many children have blocked this type of trauma.

[@tammygallagher976]

People have to decide not to build resentment in situations like this

[@opheliadays5803]

I think I’ve found my new hero. Why have I never been encouraged to listen to this man? Why did I have to seek him out myself? Why is he the only one defending our humanity?

[@aaronsmith2942]

I'm 50 mins. In & wishing this conversation was another 2 hrs. This guy is superman. Bravo to him coming out the other side clean & smiling. 👏 & we have the same name which is not surprising cause Aaron's don't mess around. Lol

[@justmadeit2]

Life really can be hard at times and that’s an understatement. I’m 49 and I still feel lost.

[@leivaisabelcontreras538]

Te mando un Abrazi🫂❤️ Entiendo como te sientes.

[@judageekamy]

He speaks so fast, it kinda gives me anxiety. Could that also be a trauma response or is it because he has a higher intellect that he can articulate that quickly? I genuinely would like to know.

[@nickb1762]

He reminds me of a foreman I used to work with who also had a traumatic past. It’s weird. The fast talking, high intellect, the hard to believe stories (like being 6’4” and 240lbs at 13), and kind of a self aggrandizing undertone. Like prideful with the trauma. I’m not saying he’s a liar and a conman or a bad person, but yeah the foreman I’m talking about also filled me with anxiety.

[@paulsaulpaul]

It's the reaction to a self-aggrandizing narcissist that makes shit up so that his peers validate him. They can become very overbearing in person if the feel invalidated. They could cause anxiety in people high in agreeableness, high in neuroticism, and low in extraversion (especially low in assertiveness). I'm agreeable and polite, but high in assertiveness. I'd laugh at this guy while goading him to tell increasingly far-fetched stories so that others will catch on to what he's doing. Eventually they dig themselves into a hole they can't climb out of. This might be a useful way to handle the foreman the other commenter described. The guy in the interview probably does have a high intellect and high extraversion. His stories have got so far-fetched by the 25 minute mark that I had to pause them to come write comments. Watch some youtube videos on identifying and handling narcissists. You'll see what I'm talking about.

[@mrshankerbillletmein491]

Wow my mother abused me but man this was on another level. I never abused my sons.

[@42x10x1]

I'm speechless in the best possible way after watching this whole conversation.

[@bykatesemeniuk]

Thank you for your openness! 💜 I am happy you found peace

[@zachcostello_]

“I’m the one that broke the cycle.” You are the man, Aaron. You’ve made the world a better place because of your life. This is a great interview and very inspiring. To Mike, a single act of love literally can change the world. Well done.

[@EncourageLegacy]

Right. And if his family members, individually parted from their toxicity, I don't doubt to believe Aaron could have an impact similar to Mike's. But they were lost in their hell self-chosen, and continued the cycle. Love is best communicated individually.

[@glassytea3315]

Yay, Mike!!!!🎉

[@chrisklaeffling1]

Very inspiring and I fully applaud Aaron Stark. Also thank you Dr. Jordan Peterson!

[@Solitaire427]

I was hooping and hollering after he said that!

[@jessesavage9363]

I wish Dr. Peterson would do more interviews like this where he psychoanalyzes people. I know politics is important, but I learn a whole lot more in these kinds of interviews.

[@Wingedmagician]

yeah but the guest has got to be good like this one. trauma dumps are not always this well spoken.

[@piquedcommenter6252]

@@Wingedmagician The guest has got to be "good"? What does that even mean? Useless reply

[@barrow_3490]

@@piquedcommenter6252 That the guess is well spoken and can follow Jordan's thoughts. The guest can handle the pressure speaking knowing millions will see the raw underbelly of their trauma. I believe your comment insulting someone else for suggesting most therapy sessions are not this articulate is less useful.

[@piquedcommenter6252]

@@barrow_3490 I wasn't "insulting" him, I was "insulting" the reply, just like I"m going to insult yours: What a worthless reply on your part. You're not the OP, thus you don't know what he was thinking, so your reply was completely pointless. It's up to OP to articulate what he meant, so "I believe" that you should just sod off mate lol

[@suzikirby1973]

Me,too

[@anabelowen1353]

When he said that, he successfully broke the cycle. It gave me chills. What an amazing story ❤️

[@HaikesXO]

1:41:52 that handshake was really powerful.

[@ca147]

I grew up similarly. I feel like I don't know how to interact with people or how to make or keep friends. I know how to be polite. But to keep anything deeper has always been a struggle.

[@JustMe-mw4xt]

Can relate 100%

[@robinnobles5785]

Be proud that you know how to be polite. That's admirable & courageous concerning what you have been through. While having a solid social circle is good, it's not crucial. Most people won't be able to comprehend what you have been through appropriately & how difficult it was. You're not missing out on much. Give yourself grace.

[@2Based4Life]

Wow... I think that JP just had a incredibly valuable therapy session for 1000's of people in 1 video. Incredibly smart and I think he knew it from the start.

[@Solitaire427]

Damn! I’ve cried and cried while listening to this.. may we all be more like Mike!

[@DrDavenstein]

When he started telling that story about Mike, I was almost in tears. Crazy how this kind of thing is inspirational. There is always hope!

[@alicebringhurst1339]

Dr. Peterson's curiosity is enviable

[@TrustinGodalone_7]

Very possible to remember so young. My dad died at 4 and I remember so clearly what happened that day.

[@joseluisrr2222]

Use me as "I love you, Mike" button ----> ❤

[@Sarah-mh1kx]

Made sense once I know who Mike is 59:00

[@MarioTsota]

I got emotional listening to how supportive Mike was and how he stopped 2 tragedies from occurring. Goes to show what a loyal friend can do for you.

[@NoahPreston-cd9yw]

Amen same

[@alev4287]

Proverbs 17:17

[@Unt0t]

Reminds me of Samwise Gamgee

[@blackananaas]

And « funny » to think what a bad friend can do for you…

[@jenniferrosolinovonstoops6683]

Amen, I was moved in the deepest way and cried my way through that part of Aaron's story. Everyone: be a Mike. Be an Amber. Be the hands and feet of Christ. We can each do that.

[@vineflower]

Aaron , youre friend Mike is an angel of God. And so are you. Thank you for existing.

[@nov3m472]

everybody deserves a guy like mike

[@dalatina911]

God is so good. As a mother of three young boys, I too decided to stop the vicious cycle passed down to me from my mother. It can be so difficult to set boundaries and choose to put yourself first, but it’s so worth it when you do!

[@googlinstuff8910]

@aaronstarkauthor I am 12 years older than you and had a similar experience as a child. Mine wasn't even half as bad. But thank you for speaking about it, this has left me in tears of grattitude for my "Mike" family that saved me. I was resilient, like you are and ended up making a success of my life, and not passing on the generational trauma. May God bless you, Brother, and your family.

[@nancyk3615]

My best friend rejected me while we were seniors in High School and I didn't know how to deal with it well. I ended up acting out and making bad decisions and losing self respect. It was a long rocky road to recovery after that.

[@dancinditedforyears6736]

My dog and cat saved me and I'm a happy person but I live with chronic pain that was under control until the CDC set strict limits , leaving me unable to do 90 percent of anything. I struggle every day and pray someone will actually realize the error of what the government is doing to our pain people which includes vets that have had limbs blown off. It's not right!

[@alliegehring9421]

@aaronstartauthor Thank you for sharing your story. I think those of us who have endured childhood trauma understand each other's pain. In the movie "Good Will Hunting" where Robin Williams' character speaks to Will (Matt Damon) about the abuse he experienced as a child , ten times he says “It's not your fault”. That's how many times it took for Will to absorb the meaning behind the words. Ten. That hits different for those of us who've suffered abuse. I cried for the little girl who had no control over the chaos and who never asked for that life. I was able to make it to the other side just like you did. We are strong survivors and we have a purpose in life. I'm glad you found yours. Sending love and well wishes from Texas. 🙏

[@vaughncassidy5242]

Like Jordan has said, “People need so little encouragement to keep going.” to someone reading this: you either are the person that needs that little encouragement, or you are one of the thousands of people that have inadvertently given someone a new chance at life by saying hello, holding the door open for someone, or just saying, thank you. Keep it up.

[@andresd.4593]

this is a great advice to follow, another good one is from iroh from the avatar series when a dude trues to rob him"while it is always best to believe in oneself, a little help from others can be a great blessing"

[@annasmith5908]

Jordan Peterson needs to stop interrupting, pay attention and let the man speak

[@Technical_Tek]

This is the mindset everyone needs

[@linslus86]

Wow, this was so eye opening to listen to how Mr Peterson get so interested in his life and explaining, giving real/direct explanation, theory’s. I wish am someday get to talk to somebody like him

[@donovanwilliams5424]

" A child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down just to feel its warmth". My childhood was similar in many ways to his upbringing (even if it was in a much less violent and psychotic way). I can really relate and it breaks my heart to hear him and I can even see myself separately as that child who was bullied and hated at school for being different. I recognize that I could have easily gone down a dark road myself. If they hate me, I might as well give them a reason. After I got to high school and got to "start over", I "became" a very different person. I never forgot what it felt like to be shunned for being different. I always reached out to those who were considered "weird". They were some of the nicest, most intelligent people ever. More importantly, they were people with feelings and needs. No different than anyone else. Please keep that in mind throughout life. Everyone is human and need to feel like they matter.

[@horsymandias-ur]

What is that quote from?

[@Kelli-ru7yy]

All my life I did this. Just treated people nice. Because as a young kid I was ugly and different. But as a teen and adult I became "hot." This made me just treat everyone the same, with respect. Plus the real Christians in my life taught me this. Didn't matter if I was punk, rap, goth, prep. I was treated the same with respect and love by these Christians.

[@kishdom282]

A "MALE" child because of its co dependent nature, fragility and testosterone driven NATURE. Biologically and neurologically violent and aggressive. Women giving birth to xys is a complete disaster not knowing the science behind THEIR existence 😏

[@IloveJesus777j77]

​@@horsymandias-urJesus is coming back. Believe He died for your sins and rose again then repent to be saved.

[@IloveJesus777j77]

​@@Kelli-ru7yyJesus is coming back. Believe He died for your sins and rose again then repent to be saved.For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise].😊❤

[@dougcross6767]

the best interview I’ve seen and I’m 56 years old if America wants to be one of the best countries we need to get better social workers fire all the shitty ones that are out there now and they all need to watch this interview. If you’re going to be a social worker worker you have to watch this interview it should be mandatory.

[@GrowlingAraknid]

This made me cry and think so much. This was so beautiful and Aaron is such an inspiration. Thank you both! ❤

[@confident-communication]

Who else wants to tell Dr Peterson " Thank you" for this interview and Arron "Thank you" for the courage of opening up and allowing us to learn from his life!

[@Jest_Jesse]

I just thanked Aaron under his comment. This was an excellent conversation in my opinion!

[@scapps8173]

AMEN.....and God Bless them both for the help they give others.

[@jazflanagan8693]

Aaron is my old boss at the store I transferred from, he was a great boss and a hell of a guy!

[@MargieDougherty]

Yes indeed! Thank you both for making this happen!

[@metalted6128]

What?? The guest gives speeches about his life. It’s what he does. You are exactly what is wrong with society. Pay attention to the details. I was shocked at your comment.

[@ilankoch6344]

That interview is amazing and brought me to tears multiple times. Thank you both and Mike ❤

[@Chainsawctopus]

Good lord, I'm so glad this guy came out on the other end. Parts of this just made me feel dead inside. I can relate to a few things he said, even though I considered my family life growing up to be good, and I have a great relationship currently with my folks. I'll never take them for granted, that's for sure. Anyhoot, wishing y'all well! ❤️

[@ccrock5810]

What an amazing story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

[@maryjoanangeles4030]

Another perfectly hosted and most honest interviewee video from my all time favorite host, the illustrious truly caring Dr. Jordan Peterson. A great follow up would be an interview with Mike the mysterious friend. Thank God and thanks to both of you for an unforgettable very educational KZbin experience.

[@darlenaingram3688]

Aaron, I believe your existentialism associated with your intelligence is a rare gift to humankind. Soo thankful... your message, if heard, is such a tangible experience to the suffering it is massively relatable. You are a gift. Thank you.

[@lew526]

What an amazingly good friend to have in Mike!

[@ArnoldSig]

Mike is a real life superhero. Goes to show how it's the quality of friendship not quantity that matters. And undoubtedly congratulations to Mike's parents for raising a kind and emphatic child... Mike basically saved a dozen high school kids lives including Aaron's.

[@Kate-it7cn]

In fact “ quality” could go down when quantity goes up.

[@metalted6128]

A superhero??? Growing up to be an adult. Stop being a troublemaker. That’s what it’s supposed to happen. You are putting overcoming, tough life. On a pedestal. That’s should be normal behavior.

[@ArnoldSig]

@@metalted6128 I don't think you watched the video.

[@bankgotbeats3359]

This just means dude can snap at anytime just like most humans

[@danielleblanc8302]

Be like Mike. Thank you both for this profound conversation.

[@codinginflow]

Mike is the true hero of this story

[@gypsy2319]

This is why actually connecting with your kids is SO important. They are their own people.. see them for who they are

[@handsonmyface88]

His friends acceptance made me cry.😢 How beautiful Thank you all!

[@blondegiraffe2023]

I really understand how the bitterness and pain can make you want to reinforce the negative view your family hold for you and make you want to go all out when you feel trapped like there is no other way. This interview was so astounding and insightful. Thank you to you both.

[@aprendizajesignificativo9990]

My life will never be as harsh as his but I identify with him. Being an alone, an alienated monster. Those days were dark for me

[@johnholman3978]

At 62 years old I've still not been able to escape the darkness.

[@activatekruger446]

We treat people like monsters, and then act shocked when people behave monstrously.

[@SalvationIsInChristAlone]

It’s a sin issue. Plenty of people who’ve had good fortune who do terrible things in spite of it.

[@anewwaveanewbeginning3606]

Yh but some are just natural born monsters trust me

[@AnonymousProPublicaHakr]

Don’t help that people are rage baited these days more than ever -

[@ReasonAboveEverything]

Yeah. Most people simply reflect how they have been treated.

[@DouglasLippi]

Who's "we"?

[@Braptist]

I can't stress enough how valuable it is to put a conversation like this online, thank you Aaron and dr. Peterson

[@Sealoctopus]

Aaron’s story of his friendship with Mike is very touching and beautiful.

[@bhtmredrocks]

This is one amazing story. Thank you both for your blatant honesty, truth, heartbreak. Prayers sent to you both for what you’re doing for the rest of us. Oh! And God bless MIKE!!! I have those friends and feel so incredibly lucky as well. “Be that change; it’s ok.” ❤

[@firstaozlastaoz8212]

Excellent episode on the power of live & what people can endure & come out the other end positively.

[@thinkingthoughts83]

My only friend in the world since I was a child died a little bit ago. His childhood and upbringing was a lot like Arron's. During his funeral, his friends and family that he developed in his later years said to me he wouldn't have survived if it wasn't for me (his "Mike"). While hearing all this, I couldn't help to think how he got me through the dark times during my youth and that I wouldn't be here if he hadn't treated me as a person, much less a friend.

[@evemaria37]

❤

[@alanna4520]

So sorry to hear about your friend. Glad you got to have a friend like him though.

[@tossacointoyourwitcherOriginal]

Wish this was longer. Definitely one of my top 10 Episodes ever. Mikes a legend of helping you and so are you for being so tough.

[@Diego-m3g6g]

I like how people pull themselves out from lives like that one, and get to live the rest of their lives as a whole... This is the longest video on KZbin I watched to date without speeding it up

[@firstaozlastaoz8212]

God sent you Mike...he always sends someone....look.for the Mike's who show up in your life. My kids often brought home kids like Aaron & I could see they.liked being in my home. I treated them like my own kids.

[@ButterbutterflyMe]

Love this episode. I find myself in his story 80%, just that My parents were not that extreme nor the situations. Sending much love to him

[@roxxanne.adventures]

This is sooo encouraging, to rememeber that nothing that happened to us is an excuse to do evil, on the contrary, its a lesson on how to do better. Thank you

[@MattSmithMidwest]

This was so heavy, but so good. Simple acts of kindness can have such a huge impact on others. I am humbled by this man's story.

[@missnellaful]

Have you Matt or Dr. Peterson considered evaluating Singer Burton Lorne Cummings as a candidate for a psychotic patient for any program for a candidate for your program? He stole my home in Otter, Wisconsin township finally in 2014. He was a stalker and had been stalking my family for over 3 years. We lost our home and he took our land, he is a greatly desterburbed human, and refuses to leave our family alone. He is a very aggressive man. We are willing to press charges against him. It’s horrific.”situation.

[@namesryan50yearsago65]

Jordon sounds like kermit if he transitioned

[@AkaCrimsonHeel]

I recall aaron saying in the beginning of these words that there is still a hardness in him. We can only make so much progress on our own, we can only make so much progress through human intervention, spiritual faculties need to be addressed. I pray he meets the light of christ

[@SilverRain223]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, I have so much compassion for you, and I'm appalled anyone could treat anyone the way you were treated by your family. Thank God for Mike, the friend we should all aim to be ❤

[@TheNightOwl-i8R]

For me, my situation is bad. My mother is a mad woman. I’m turning 19 next month. My life is a mess. I got no future, so it’s better to end it.

[@heathallen7864]

"MY first book report was on Stephen King's Misery in Kindergarten"? I'm sorry but.....book reports...in KINDERGARTEN? BULLSHIT!!

[@Brookiecookiesmacarons]

I loved his take home message: that tomorrow can be different .

[@mikahs7944]

Aaron is a stand up guy! He works a couple blocks from my house. Always looking up to seeing him and having some small talk! Thank you for repping Colorado people who came up from the botom

[@sunnyadams5842]

Oh WOW!! That was So WONDERFUL! I want Part 2!! How he met his wife and how he chose healthy ways and established an open, loving family ..mostly because Everything that came out of his mouth could have come out of mine. I won, too and am forever grateful!! Didn't get emotional until you started talking about your 12 yr old, Dude. But now I am waiting with painful JOY!!! Love and Grief... GREAT conversation, Dr Peterson. Thank you both.

[@lilianareyes9594]

I am a woman, and I can relate to this kind of experience. Not as intensely, but similarly.

[@jasonb.3902]

I've got to say.....I suspect Dr. PETERSON was trying to weed through some bullshit in this conversation. I appreciate him doing this. Aaron's behavior reminds me of some people I've know in my life that....inflate certain stories and memories. Not trying to take away fro. The likely shitty time he had as a kid...but my gut tells me some of what he said wouldn't quite reconcile on a timeline.

[@sweetiespoon5150]

I got the same impression of convoluted timelines. It doesn't make the interview any less interesting.

[@jessicah2345]

100%.... Anyone with two brain cells to rub together can instantly pick out several inconsistencies in his stories and timelines subconsciously but you'd have to rewatch and take notes to call him out on them and there were several

[@claudiap.6838]

I love Jordan videos the best where he is interviewing like a psychologist and the other person answers like a patient.

[@HaveAHuff]

​@@moleenamountainlionIs there a specific way patients have to answer questions?

[@HaveAHuff]

@@moleenamountainlion Maybe you should have said that then.

[@bryandyer5454]

​@@HaveAHuffWith honesty. Nothing else in particular.

[@theSemiChrist]

​@@HaveAHuffMaybe instead of like an authority on a topic? Don't be disingenuous.

[@jonathanmarkham1998]

Yep. It’s usually the other way around.

[@gitrekt-gudson]

This brought me to tears. My childhood wasn't nearly as hellish, but it was a nightmare still and I can relate deeply. Even now at 38 I still struggle. I won't speak to my parents. Same as Aaron said near the end, I took the examples set by my parents and decided to do the opposite when I became a father. I am married for 20 years and have a 12 year old and a 2 year old and they're a couple of amazing boys.

[@areacode3816]

Yeah same. Not as crazy, not as constant but still one trauma after another. There is a much larger epidemic of this than the world knows. I honestly wonder if it is the root cause of most women's attraction to dark triad personalities. CPTSD is a recent diagnosed mental disorder. Starting to control it changed my life. The trauma broke my mind. At 44 I'm still alone, but God literally saved me and in turn I use my broken state to help others. I'm glad you were able to get past it. Peace to you and yours.

[@ShivaKumar-pg4ft]

Proud of you brother. Mine wasn't as bad obviously. But I had the full gamut, drunk father, him abusing my mother. Although he rarely hit us. Anyways I can sort of relate. And I'm so proud that you are turning out to be an amazing father. To becoming the best fathers we can be and breaking the cycle!!! 🥂

[@hoobyhoo]

I cried hard, too. Sad and glad tears. Thank God his children will be ok and he is the reason!

[@westcoastlass]

Good job for stopping the cycle.

[@creativecraving]

If the buck stops with you, then you're one of the most influential persons among your peers. Best of luck on your new life and good adventure!

[@robertdabob8939]

You're a true friend Mike!! 👊

[@smalzio.]

I have adhd, and oh boy is it hard for me to focus on things, but my attention never winced for a second in this video, wich is truly fascinating for me. i'm grateful for this video and it's genere.

[@donaquixote]

Wow, wow, wow. I too had dysfunctional beginnings and it is so, so interesting to see how Aaron decoupled from that vortex. Yes, "turn the other cheek" such a strong lesson to recognize to let go of the dysfunction, to be honest but let go of grudge and resentment and be set free. Mike was part of the key to recognize your worth and what a moment that is in time. He sounds like such a pure soul. Obviously you have much worth, just ask Mike. So grateful you are a cipher of hope in a snowy, cold world for many others.

[@sammysnipes5059]

Turn the other cheek could have meant letting someone slap you as an equal. Slaves were slapped on a certain side. Equals slapped the other side

[@benrees8797]

Thankyou Jordan. Thankyou Aron. The open articulation of Aron’s life story truly is a gift. Two great men. Much appreciated.

[@nattashacampos7584]

My childhood was a walk in the park in comparison to his and yet so many of his descriptions would've resonated with me just a few years ago. Thank God I've changed.

[@AkaCrimsonHeel]

Wow, he broke the chain. Amazing.

[@EC-rd9ys]

Dang, Mike. No words 😭

[@natashamiller4860]

My dad had the same job in the navy during the Vietnam War and was really messed up. He was very abusive when I was young and he was still drinking. He just passed away 2 weeks ago and in his final months, he softened and I saw a different side of him than I grew up knowing. My heart goes out to this man and what he went through but I am so glad to see how much of a better man he has become than who he was raised to be.

[@ridgerocked2254]

Mike's a hero. As a middle school teacher, I find this very helpful and inspiring. Thank you both for this.

[@spartanmanti622]

Don't be the teacher that stands there and does nothing. Please don't.

[@eclipsearts3398]

It's scary how Aarons symptoms, thoughts, feelings and experiences match with mine growing up. It's good to hear him speak about it as someone being affected by a traumatic upbringing. It approves that what I experienced is real, so are my feelings and my pain. Great conversation, i love hearing Jordan reflect on Aarons experience. Clearly he listens and connects the dots really well. I wish I could have a talk with him too one day!

[@kellypatton1220]

Maybe he should write a book.

[@adagurl71]

Thank you for sharing your lived experiences

[@SL-jv9ck]

This made me tear up, especially when Aaron talked about his kids. He is proud not because they are smart kids, but that they are kind kids. Kudos Aaron! May all your days moving forward be happy and blessed. God loves you and gave you a great friend in Mike. Jesus has been and is the same for me.

[@DallasJonez]

These sessions are easily the most interesting and impactful content on youtube today. To think the judges in Canada tried taking JP's psychology license away!? 🤔 he's the best psychologist anyone's ever seen, ever, ever. What's that say about people who dislike him?

[@lovenosa1105]

Oh I love people who speak quickly like this guy! It’s so refreshing to listen to his cadence. And God bless him for pulling himself out of that HORRENDOUS situation. My mouth fell open so many times and I took a break to cry too. I just thank God for the miracle that he was able to build something beautiful from broken pieces.

[@AkaCrimsonHeel]

Singing is wonderful. Nothing like a good gospel song.

[@Manjrachel]

An absolutely breathtaking testimony! God bless you, Mr Stark and your family, for breaking the chain and setting yourself free. Everyone needs a friend like yours. I was bawling in tears when you were narrating the 19th birthday incident; most of us tend to forget the impact the simplest act of kindness can have on another person. Just being seen and being known is indeed life-altering.

[@jeffreynair]

This has been the best podcast I've seen Jordan do so far. So eye opening. Moral of the story: treat people with love and respect.

[@dangood8839]

I used to look after young adults in a care setting. The children would manipulate and move people on shift to see the outcome, because as you said, testing the boundaries and commitment levels. The only way I managed to bring order into their lives was to never lie to them and never make promises i couldn't keep; which is what I think their ultimate goal was to expose in people. So many people try to appease, which leads to the game intensifying. These kids in our world are always at the precipice of making bad decisions. If you spot it, treat them equally and with kindness folks!

[@MissKAllDay]

The self awareness of this man (Aaron Starks) is absolutely astounding. Amazing. Keep up the good work and helping men in this world, sir.

[@henrythegreatamerican8136]

While I believe he went through a lot of hardships as a child, I think he comes across as someone who likes to embellish situations and overdramatize the truths in his life. He did say he liked to read a lot and was into art and fantasy as a kid. That pretty much tells me a lot of his childhood story was overexaggerated.

[@ALMMF]

@@henrythegreatamerican8136I agree

[@piquedcommenter6252]

@@henrythegreatamerican8136 So, reading a lot automatically translates to him exaggerating his story? You don't know the guy at all. Worthless comment

[@GRA2itous]

@@henrythegreatamerican8136He has no need to embellish, find a different video to spread BS

[@henrythegreatamerican8136]

@@GRA2itous His body language comes across that way. No need to spread BS. People do crap like that all the time.

[@Jade_Malachite]

42:27 I lived in that “what have I got to lose” berserk mentality for years it’s hard to get out of it once you do have something to lose

[@KK-mm8ms]

I lost my only child, he was 20. I remember feeling like an outsider in my own life until very recently. Its been more than a decade. Really strange.

[@noorzanayasmin7806]

One of my toxic trait of growing up in abusive family, is the uncanny ability to just cut family or people off my life that I think are hurting me. I have to stop that and try to have convseration and realize that it is not ever going to be 100% better. I have to try to have relationship. It is very hard for me to maintain or keep relationship because it is very emotionally taxing for me. I am sure in time it will get better

[@kellyl9450]

This was incredibly moving and powerful. I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts and all the time I hear about the terrible upbringings these people had and how it led to the absolute atrocities they commited. It is so so refreshing to hear about someone who took the darkest pain and fostered it into something beautiful. You really did break the cycle and that is something to be proud of.

[@masonmoore1893]

God bless both these men. I love you Aaron, you’re a ray of light in this dark dark world.

[@shannybug04]

Thanks!

[@petrabear2]

I think it’s so amazing that in the midst of such darkness, you were able to face the darkness, both in yourself and outside of yourself, with such humility, wisdom, strength, honor, integrity, and I don’t even know what else, and you went towards the light, towards what is good. Listening to this was an honor and it brought me to tears. Truly beautiful. And what an amazing person Mike is as well.