Brad Love doesn’t fit the image most people have when they think of a panhandler. He’s clean-cut, articulate, and has worked as a registered nurse. But today, he’s more known for asking for money on the streets of Palm Springs—a choice he says is by design, not desperation.
Appearing in-studio on The Roggin Report, Love explained his unconventional decision. “I wanted a break from regular jobs,” he said. “I just wanted to see if I could survive without hitting the daily grind.” Brad admitted he makes decent money—sometimes $100 in just a couple of hours in certain cities—and he’s been panhandling across the country for the past year.
Love says he’s not homeless. He travels with his father and, in the past, a dog—something he admits makes people more likely to give. But now, after local media attention, donations have slowed, and he’s weighing what to do next. “I’m at a crossroads,” he told host Fred Roggin. “Not making as much now. So I’m thinking about where I go from here—whether it’s a job or a move.”
Viewer reactions were mixed. Some called him lazy, saying his choice undermines support for people truly in need. Others admitted they might give him money anyway—especially if they saw him with a dog. One panelist said, “Where’s the pride? Begging used to be a last resort.” Another added, “I feel like if I gave money to him and then watched this story, I’d be highly offended.”
Love’s story has triggered a broader conversation about how we perceive panhandling and the assumptions we make about people asking for help. Is he exploiting generosity, or just being unusually honest about how he chooses to live?
Whatever your view, one thing is certain—Brad Love has sparked a conversation that’s not going away anytime soon.
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By: Fred Roggin
May 6, 2025
