The Genius Life 476: What I Learned from Interviewing 9,000 Drug Addicts, Sex Workers, and Gang Members | Mark Laita
22 snips
Mar 31, 2025 
Mark Laita, a photographer and filmmaker known for his impactful series Soft White Underbelly, dives into heart-wrenching stories from marginalized communities. He discusses the importance of empathy when exploring addiction and trauma, showcasing the power of vulnerability in storytelling. The conversation highlights resilience through adversity, the ethical challenges of documenting suffering, and the grim realities of fentanyl abuse. Laita emphasizes self-care for interviewers and the need for respectful connections in sharing these vital narratives.
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Ashley's Story
- Mark Laita recounts interviewing Ashley, a woman blinded in one eye from drug use on Skid Row.
- Someone dabbed her eye with a hot pipe while she was passed out.
Transition to Soft White Underbelly
- Mark Laita transitioned from advertising, seeking creative freedom.
- He found this freedom by interviewing marginalized individuals.
Skid Row and Trauma
- Max Lugavere describes Skid Row as a city-sized area for homeless drug addicts.
- Mark Laita notes that individuals with deep trauma often feel they don't deserve better.
