I have no idea how Ali could sit there through this, I would be a mess if that was my brother up there. Both Kyle and Ali are so damn strong for making it through all they went through and having a healthy relationship to show for it.
Have been waiting for this for awhile now. Kyle you did an amazing job of telling you story. I know sometimes you feel like you are living in the shadows of your sister but your really not you are just as important to us as she is. So proud of you and will spread the video to others.
How I wish the addicts in my family could have held themselves accountable the way Kyle did. Gotten help the way Kyle did. I've been like the kid he almost killed, with my life in the hands of an addict who had no regard for my safety, and I wouldn't care for two seconds what they put me through if I knew they were committed to being sober like Kyle. Their sobriety would be the greatest gift. In some way, hearing Kyle's story heals some of that lingering hurt for me. It soothes me to know that there are people who can and do make that commitment. Thank you, Kyle.
Gah I'm such an emotional mess. This puts it all in perspective, my problems aren't as bad as the next persons. Thanks Kyle, you're a beautiful soul ❤️
Absolutely lovely. Here's a guy who's willing to be honest and vulnerable, to be of service and who wears his sobriety with grace, style and humble gratitude. Just beautiful. Thank you, Kyle K.!
I just stumbled upon this. I've been following you on social media for a while, but never knew your story. Thank you for your transparency, Kyle. Be well and take care.
I have a niece who is at the beginning of her journey for sobriety, I will show her this when she is having a bad day, To let her know she CAN survive and that life can get better.
Kyle is such an amazing human being. He is honest, he is raw, he uses his experience to uplift and connect with others. I am amazed at his strength and how he sets a public example for what it means to work through all of the sh*t that life has thrown your way, without bitterness, but with meaning. I am such a fan of his. He is an inspiration. Thank you for this, Kyle!
I know that feeling of emptiness, and that feeling of belonging when one first finds recovery. I know how it is hearing your own story come out of everyone else's mouths. Thank you for helping me reconnect to those feelings. I"m sitting here sobbing.
I am a gay man and also an addict in recovery with over 100 days clean now. This story really hits home. I love being in the groups and hearing honest, amazing, relatable stories like these. This is what keeps me hopeful. It's what keeps me going. It makes me realize that no matter how much I've hurt myself and others, that I can recover. And I also lived in the shadow of an older sibling. He got the perfect grades, participated in all the sports, broke records at our school, and I always felt like I was never enough. Like I was crazy and my other siblings were sane and that I just made everyone else miserable, even before the beginning of my addiction. I just didn't feel worthy. And now, with the 12 steps and people like you who make me feel normal and safe and have so much for me to learn from, I am learning I am loved and I am enough and I am normal and sane (or maybe everyone is crazy) and I know I can recover and live again.
This seriously brought tears to my eyes from hearing the raw emotion you expressed throughout your talk Kyle. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your story. I can really relate even though I haven't gone through the same harrowing journey as you. But it's the emotions you shared that I know & have known all my life as a gay man as well. So thanks again for your words of wisdom.
I am an addict And getting clean is the hardest thing I relapsed in November and I am struggling daily Kyle's openness and honesty is refreshing I wish I had an ounce of his strength As giving in and giving up is easier than fighting
Absolutely NO WORDS KYLE! NONE!!! This was amazing!!!!! SUPER PROUD OF YOU! I've always loved your videos but this was so real and so moving! You did a phenomenal job!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kyle, thank you so very much for your devastatingly real and raw story, for sharing your pain, your past, and your salvation. Your words touched me in an incredible fashion. Having recently been through a bad breakup from my bf, losing a good friend who passed away, and life getting too much, it is a blessing that I can come across your TED talk, and your realness, and your message of hope and recovery. I thank you. So very much.
He is the most effective and powerful speaker I've seen in a very long time. I sit with tears running down my face; as my own struggle with addiction seems totally hopeless because of my chronic illness. A beautiful story; and wholly inspiring.
Just watched Kyle's experience of his first Burning Man then found this. Thank you for being so open and making these. Vulnerability is not an easy thing but in sharing you have helped me understand, find compassion and know that change is possible. You have made this world a little better. Thank you.
You're so brave for being vulnerable in order to share your story to help others. My brother struggles with addiction and this has helped me understand him in a way I haven't been able to before. Thank you for your sincere and beautiful words. You're a special soul with a light that will continue to impact many
wow, that was moving, running the gambit, from sad to tears to hope! I have followed Kyle on TH-cam and fell in love with his bright, wonderful, sweet messages of joy and laughter. This video showed me another side, which quite frankly makes me love and respect him even more. Everyone has a story. Few are as dynamic, and brave as Kyle, to take his pain and use it to help so many. God bless you Kyle!
Im glad I got to see this side of you as well Kyle... putting all your "sides" together is what makes you human... You have come a long way to where you are today xxx
Incredible. This story is a story I share. The emotion you brought to life was unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your story. Sobriety truly is a gift. I would love nothing more than an hour conversation with you Kyle. So inspiriing.
Wow to negative judgemental people comments clearly yous are perfect! Not!! What a honest emotional talk. I think you kyle are an amazing guy to do this. You seem like such a lovely guy and im glad you are happier now and you should be very proud of how far youve came. We all need to learn to be postive and celebrate when someone betters themselves and grows instead of pointing out the mistakes and being negative all the time
i didnt know his story was so extreme. i wish all the best to people who stop doing drugs, i stopped from one day to another because I was feeling like I wasn't my best self. and now I am on my journey to become my best self :)
I knew you had a problem with addiction from your videos but I didn't know how scary it was for you till I saw this video. You left me in tears. I admire your courage and confidence. Keep it up, @ kylekriegerhair
Kyle, I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been watching your videos non-stop for a week, and you are one of the most charismatic, loving TH-camrs I know. Keep being awesome!
@kylekriegerhair you inspire me everyday with your story! I've gone and am going through the same thing right now. Some days are amazing and some are just dark and I tend to go back to what makes me "happy". It's a daily struggle but when I see someone like you and how far you've come it just reminds me that I'm not alone and can push through. So I just thank you for sharing your story cause you don't know how much you've helped me and you may never know but I do.
I love this Ted talk I've listened to it multiple times, and today my friend was asking if there was any good Ted Talks or Podcast she could listen to. I messaged her and told her about this Ted Talk and she said thank you. She told me that she has been struggling with addiction for a little bit, and hopfulling listening to this helps her.
Oh, my...well, I'm new to watching you Kyle. I think I've found you at the right time. Thank you for sharing. I am happy for you, and enjoy what you have shared. I hope it will give me the power I need to "wake up", and get help. Thank you.
Wow. Being a recovering addict myself . This is inspiring . Im part of a 12step fellowship and it has been the most eye opening freeing experience i have ever had. I can relate to alot.
Hi Kyle: Your speech embraced so many various themes, I can't even name them all. What a gentle and sincere soul you are and how wonderful it was to see you connect with an audience that was captivated and possibly even related on so many levels. you are a force to be reckoned with and I am humbled that you would think of the global community to share your life story!
In the series TEDxUNC, a famous hairstylist Kyle Krieger hosted a talk explaining how he escaped alcoholism. Krieger’s alcoholism started when he became depressed from seeking approval from others because he was gay. He discovered alcohol and it became an escape to his life. As time went on, he continued to drink and do drugs progressively. It wasn’t until he reached rock bottom, that he realized he had to change. His sister Ali Krieger (my favorite athlete) almost died and he couldn’t even be there for her. He woke up in a pool of dried blood with evidence of the drug abuse and from that morning on his life would change. This source can be used to show the battle with overcoming addictions in life.
You are such a beautiful person. Keep inspiring people because there are so many people who are taking the same steps you were in. You literally change people’s lives. I love you for everything you are. Oh and you are so handsome! Who ever nags you is one lucky guy.
I am overwhelmed by your story, your are a true inspiration, I have so many questions right now!!! Absolutely heartwarming and honest, thanks so much for sharing your journey X X
kyle and i have a similar problem, although our choice of drugs, our age at onset, and physical attractiveness were different, inside we were/are both very damaged beings, and both of us found our answer in our respective drugs of choice. as if someone inserted the right key in the lock for the first time ever. and we were to go on chasing that feeling, even though it would never be the same again. in my case alcohol, but fill in your own blank, became first the solution, then increasingly, the problem. the reason i inserted my story into kyle's is the tendency on the part of the listener is to think that he, or i, have battled this addiction and won, the truth is that we didn't begin our recoveries until we could admit that we were defeated, utterly. there is no glory in our stories, only gratitude, and the desire, the necessity, to pass this story forward, because the only way we get to keep this miraculous gift called sobriety, is to give it away by sharing, and caring for that next person who enters the rooms. he and i now get to give back the love that we were freely given. i have now been sober many years longer than i drank, in this case, over 30 years. to be sober 30 years is a miracle, but not as much of a miracle as it was for me to be sober that first day or week. what kyle was saying is that we had to know that of our own accord, we could not get clean or sober. with the help of those that went before we can. there is no tale of victory here, but one of abject failure, hitting the bottom, as they said.
This was just so inspiring Kyle. I don't have the alcohol problem, but I can relate to so many of the other issues that you mentioned. Thank you so much. I does wonders for me to realize that I am not alone. Hugs. Greg
I've never seen a more powerful video. I can't wait to watch more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your story Kyle. You touched me and I have grown.
This was such an honest and raw talk, absolutely breathtaking.
I have no idea how Ali could sit there through this, I would be a mess if that was my brother up there. Both Kyle and Ali are so damn strong for making it through all they went through and having a healthy relationship to show for it.
Have been waiting for this for awhile now. Kyle you did an amazing job of telling you story. I know sometimes you feel like you are living in the shadows of your sister but your really not you are just as important to us as she is. So proud of you and will spread the video to others.
How I wish the addicts in my family could have held themselves accountable the way Kyle did. Gotten help the way Kyle did. I've been like the kid he almost killed, with my life in the hands of an addict who had no regard for my safety, and I wouldn't care for two seconds what they put me through if I knew they were committed to being sober like Kyle. Their sobriety would be the greatest gift. In some way, hearing Kyle's story heals some of that lingering hurt for me. It soothes me to know that there are people who can and do make that commitment. Thank you, Kyle.
Your last name "Krieger" is german for warrior and after hearing your story I feel like it fits very well.
+Klara Bee you're making me cry even more now.
Because only a mindless warrior can do stupid things such as taking drugs?
*****
lol, how about no?
***** I would accept that offer tbh.
just accept that everyone is allowed to have different opinions.
I love this man. You can tell he wears his heart on his sleeve and isn't afraid to be vulnerable.
Gah I'm such an emotional mess. This puts it all in perspective, my problems aren't as bad as the next persons. Thanks Kyle, you're a beautiful soul ❤️
Absolutely lovely. Here's a guy who's willing to be honest and vulnerable, to be of service and who wears his sobriety with grace, style and humble gratitude. Just beautiful. Thank you, Kyle K.!
I just stumbled upon this. I've been following you on social media for a while, but never knew your story. Thank you for your transparency, Kyle. Be well and take care.
I have a niece who is at the beginning of her journey for sobriety, I will show her this when she is having a bad day, To let her know she CAN survive and that life can get better.
Dude is amazing, the bravery and balls, i will never ever look at someone and judge again. Thank you young man, you are a brave soul.
Kyle is such an amazing human being. He is honest, he is raw, he uses his experience to uplift and connect with others. I am amazed at his strength and how he sets a public example for what it means to work through all of the sh*t that life has thrown your way, without bitterness, but with meaning. I am such a fan of his. He is an inspiration. Thank you for this, Kyle!
you absolutely killed it kyle. this is so phenomenally honest and important, and im so proud.
This only makes me admire Kyle more. Absolutely an amazing man!
wow he is so strong for telling this so honestly. so glad he's sober now
Tour speech was so very humble and honest. So very proud of you and I don't know you. But good on you for sharing your story.
I know that feeling of emptiness, and that feeling of belonging when one first finds recovery. I know how it is hearing your own story come out of everyone else's mouths. Thank you for helping me reconnect to those feelings. I"m sitting here sobbing.
I am a gay man and also an addict in recovery with over 100 days clean now. This story really hits home. I love being in the groups and hearing honest, amazing, relatable stories like these. This is what keeps me hopeful. It's what keeps me going. It makes me realize that no matter how much I've hurt myself and others, that I can recover. And I also lived in the shadow of an older sibling. He got the perfect grades, participated in all the sports, broke records at our school, and I always felt like I was never enough. Like I was crazy and my other siblings were sane and that I just made everyone else miserable, even before the beginning of my addiction. I just didn't feel worthy. And now, with the 12 steps and people like you who make me feel normal and safe and have so much for me to learn from, I am learning I am loved and I am enough and I am normal and sane (or maybe everyone is crazy) and I know I can recover and live again.
This seriously brought tears to my eyes from hearing the raw emotion you expressed throughout your talk Kyle. Thank you for being brave enough to tell your story. I can really relate even though I haven't gone through the same harrowing journey as you. But it's the emotions you shared that I know & have known all my life as a gay man as well. So thanks again for your words of wisdom.
I am an addict
And getting clean is the hardest thing I relapsed in November and I am struggling daily Kyle's openness and honesty is refreshing I wish I had an ounce of his strength
As giving in and giving up is easier than fighting
good luck to you mate, i hope all is well, or better
stephen2501 I wish you nothing but love and success friend. 💕🙏🏻
As someone who is in recovery this really really hit home. Awesome job. Thank you. I felt, for a moment, once again, that I am not alone.
Absolutely NO WORDS KYLE! NONE!!! This was amazing!!!!! SUPER PROUD OF YOU! I've always loved your videos but this was so real and so moving! You did a phenomenal job!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love you Kyle. You're such a sweet and loving guy, so happy for all you've accomplished!
Kyle, thank you so very much for your devastatingly real and raw story, for sharing your pain, your past, and your salvation. Your words touched me in an incredible fashion. Having recently been through a bad breakup from my bf, losing a good friend who passed away, and life getting too much, it is a blessing that I can come across your TED talk, and your realness, and your message of hope and recovery. I thank you. So very much.
Kyle Krieger is my hero, and honestly the biggest inspiration in my life. Strange how strongly a voice on the Internet can change our lives.
Walk your life through, not over it, not under it.
Love this guy, so great and so true 💞
Would you love him just as much if he were straight?
He is the most effective and powerful speaker I've seen in a very long time. I sit with tears running down my face; as my own struggle with addiction seems totally hopeless because of my chronic illness. A beautiful story; and wholly inspiring.
OMG this made me cry. He is such an inspiration.
we walk through it . not around it. not under it, but through.... powerful last sentence that resonates so loudly with the truth.
This is too real.... This hit home... I have to come back to this another time... thank you
Powerful. Honest. Strong. +KyleKrieger, thank you for putting your heart and soul out there so others can heal. You're an inspiration! Love you!
Just watched Kyle's experience of his first Burning Man then found this. Thank you for being so open and making these. Vulnerability is not an easy thing but in sharing you have helped me understand, find compassion and know that change is possible. You have made this world a little better. Thank you.
I’m in awe, wow, what a blessing you are. You moved me. Love and light
My eyes are full of tears, my heart full of compassion. Thank you for telling your story. You've got a new subbie here.
Kyle, you are such an amazing person. You have helped me through some of my hardest times and you make me smile everyday! I love you!
You're so brave for being vulnerable in order to share your story to help others. My brother struggles with addiction and this has helped me understand him in a way I haven't been able to before. Thank you for your sincere and beautiful words. You're a special soul with a light that will continue to impact many
wow, that was moving, running the gambit, from sad to tears to hope! I have followed Kyle on TH-cam and fell in love with his bright, wonderful, sweet messages of joy and laughter. This video showed me another side, which quite frankly makes me love and respect him even more. Everyone has a story. Few are as dynamic, and brave as Kyle, to take his pain and use it to help so many. God bless you Kyle!
I'm in tears. Such an inspiring talk Kyle. Really need to take some your experience through into my own life. Thank you so much for sharing.
Courageous, loving, and sincere. Thank you.
This made me cry. So much raw emotion, overlaying your absolute strength and determination. Incredible, thank you Kyle x
God bless you! I so appreciate your courage and transparency! So powerful! You are truly changing lives!
Tried not to cry but near the end I couldn't help it. This was amazing Kyle.
Very raw & real. Thanks for sharing Kyle!
(love your style and your hair! 🔥)
Truly raw and inspirational. I used to see Kyle in NYC but we never spoke. I can see I missed out. He's truly gifted.
Im glad I got to see this side of you as well Kyle... putting all your "sides" together is what makes you human... You have come a long way to where you are today xxx
Thank you so much for this! I have followed Ali for years and she led me to you. Your honesty and bravery is refreshing.
so beautiful. You, Kyle, are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Incredible. This story is a story I share. The emotion you brought to life was unforgettable. Thank you for sharing your story. Sobriety truly is a gift. I would love nothing more than an hour conversation with you Kyle. So inspiriing.
Wow to negative judgemental people comments clearly yous are perfect! Not!! What a honest emotional talk. I think you kyle are an amazing guy to do this. You seem like such a lovely guy and im glad you are happier now and you should be very proud of how far youve came. We all need to learn to be postive and celebrate when someone betters themselves and grows instead of pointing out the mistakes and being negative all the time
This was just heartbreaking, and inspiring. Thank you Kyle.
i didnt know his story was so extreme. i wish all the best to people who stop doing drugs, i stopped from one day to another because I was feeling like I wasn't my best self. and now I am on my journey to become my best self :)
What an amazing and honest talk Kyle. Thank you for sharing.
Your story is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I cried like a baby. I'm glad you're doing so much better
Listened to this again. Thank you for you, Kyle. You’ve helped me again today. ❤️
I knew you had a problem with addiction from your videos but I didn't know how scary it was for you till I saw this video. You left me in tears. I admire your courage and confidence. Keep it up, @ kylekriegerhair
Kyle, I'm so glad I found your channel. I've been watching your videos non-stop for a week, and you are one of the most charismatic, loving TH-camrs I know. Keep being awesome!
This brought tears to my eyes...
You need to write a book ASAP! Beautiful story from an even more beautiful man.
This is beautiful. I can relate to elements of this having been 3 months sober. Was very emotional watching this
You are an amazing and strong man ! Thanks for being an inspiration.
Powerful, awesome, profile about redemption! God bless you bro!
@kylekriegerhair you inspire me everyday with your story! I've gone and am going through the same thing right now. Some days are amazing and some are just dark and I tend to go back to what makes me "happy". It's a daily struggle but when I see someone like you and how far you've come it just reminds me that I'm not alone and can push through. So I just thank you for sharing your story cause you don't know how much you've helped me and you may never know but I do.
Thank you for being so honest and real. Love and respect to you for sharing something so personal.
I love this Ted talk I've listened to it multiple times, and today my friend was asking if there was any good Ted Talks or Podcast she could listen to. I messaged her and told her about this Ted Talk and she said thank you. She told me that she has been struggling with addiction for a little bit, and hopfulling listening to this helps her.
Kyle .... wow .... I just wanna hug you !
This is a beautiful story. I really appreciate you for uploading this.
OMG!! I’m so happy to be on this journey with you. I never met you but I know you. Thanks for sharing your story. Powerful!!!!!
Oh, my...well, I'm new to watching you Kyle. I think I've found you at the right time. Thank you for sharing. I am happy for you, and enjoy what you have shared. I hope it will give me the power I need to "wake up", and get help. Thank you.
It's so interesting learning about people like this with so much courage and passion.
Thank you, Kyle, thank you. I needed to hear your message today. Now.
Wow. Being a recovering addict myself . This is inspiring . Im part of a 12step fellowship and it has been the most eye opening freeing experience i have ever had. I can relate to alot.
Hi Kyle:
Your speech embraced so many various themes, I can't even name them all. What a gentle and sincere soul you are and how wonderful it was to see you connect with an audience that was captivated and possibly even related on so many levels. you are a force to be reckoned with and I am humbled that you would think of the global community to share your life story!
Thank you, Kyle. I love you, and you're awesome.
I cried while watching this, thank you for sharing.
In the series TEDxUNC, a famous hairstylist Kyle Krieger hosted a talk explaining how he escaped alcoholism. Krieger’s alcoholism started when he became depressed from seeking approval from others because he was gay. He discovered alcohol and it became an escape to his life. As time went on, he continued to drink and do drugs progressively. It wasn’t until he reached rock bottom, that he realized he had to change. His sister Ali Krieger (my favorite athlete) almost died and he couldn’t even be there for her. He woke up in a pool of dried blood with evidence of the drug abuse and from that morning on his life would change. This source can be used to show the battle with overcoming addictions in life.
So emotional, so true and so, so beautiful.....you are.
Thanks Kyle for sharing your story. The talk was brilliant and I was very touched.
You are such a beautiful person. Keep inspiring people because there are so many people who are taking the same steps you were in. You literally change people’s lives. I love you for everything you are. Oh and you are so handsome! Who ever nags you is one lucky guy.
Such an inspiring talk. Kyle you are such a wonderful speaker and so honest!
That was powerful. Thank you for sharing Kyle.
LOVE this!! Thank you for sharing Kyle. I've been "following" you for years and never knew this.
Can't help sobbing.
So painfully real.
Thank You Kyle❤️
Simply can't stop crying. Thanks for that. You are amazing.
I am overwhelmed by your story, your are a true inspiration, I have so many questions right now!!! Absolutely heartwarming and honest, thanks so much for sharing your journey X X
I couldn't stop crying.
Awe, Kyle!! You're such a great guy.
kyle and i have a similar problem, although our choice of drugs, our age at onset, and physical attractiveness were different, inside we were/are both very damaged beings, and both of us found our answer in our respective drugs of choice. as if someone inserted the right key in the lock for the first time ever. and we were to go on chasing that feeling, even though it would never be the same again. in my case alcohol, but fill in your own blank, became first the solution, then increasingly, the problem.
the reason i inserted my story into kyle's is the tendency on the part of the listener is to think that he, or i, have battled this addiction and won, the truth is that we didn't begin our recoveries until we could admit that we were defeated, utterly. there is no glory in our stories, only gratitude, and the desire, the necessity, to pass this story forward, because the only way we get to keep this miraculous gift called sobriety, is to give it away by sharing, and caring for that next person who enters the rooms.
he and i now get to give back the love that we were freely given. i have now been sober many years longer than i drank, in this case, over 30 years. to be sober 30 years is a miracle, but not as much of a miracle as it was for me to be sober that first day or week. what kyle was saying is that we had to know that of our own accord, we could not get clean or sober. with the help of those that went before we can. there is no tale of victory here, but one of abject failure, hitting the bottom, as they said.
bandanajack beautiful story. I'd love to hear more. My email address is listed on most of my videos. Your attitude is tremendous; I love it.
Seriously breathtaking
SO proud of you for sharing this story, Kyle. Beautifully spoken.
This was so beautiful. Thank you Kyle for sharing your story.
what an incredible person
You did so great Kyle! We have a lot in common, I am so pleased for you! Your life will be wonderful you are a talented beautiful man!
Absolutely inspiring. Brought tears to my eyes.
How incredibly inspiring. Thank you so much for your bravery and vulnerability @kylekriegerhair! We love you!
This was just so inspiring Kyle. I don't have the alcohol problem, but I can relate to so many of the other issues that you mentioned. Thank you so much. I does wonders for me to realize that I am not alone. Hugs. Greg
I've never seen a more powerful video. I can't wait to watch more of your videos. Thank you for sharing your story Kyle. You touched me and I have grown.
Powerful and inspiring. Thank you Kyle.
@kylekriegerhair THIS was powerful!
How amazing is it that your weakest moments just gave people strength and power.