I’ve been a fan/reader since 2011. I think the best thing I can say about Richard is “I don’t always agree with what he says, but I love the way he says it.” A compliment, perhaps, but also a confession: I’m not here for co-signing, circle jerk echo chamber nonsense. I’m here for the truth, and that is what Richard delivers. That, and a whole lotta good food and recipes.

Though I suspect he would loathe being called one (or he might at least mock me for it), I view Richard as somewhat of a celebrity. He certainly has celebrity friends. But how many celebrities actually answer in person? Hundreds of comments, nay, THOUSANDS…and thousands more responses by Richard himself. No team, no interns.

In a world where “telling your story” and “baring your soul” has become cliche and self absorbed (to the point where literally no one cares anymore), Richard does this and somehow still manages to keep it compelling and interesting. I suspect this is due to his aforementioned honesty, but I also suspect a large reason is his fuck all attitude, as in “I don’t give fuck all what you think”; about getting punched in the face, about getting death threats in Mexico, about his divorce from Bea, about his Thai girlfriends, about helping people, abut his political leanings, philosophy, food choices, dietary choices…you name it. But what has always been cool with Richard is, he gives it right back-I’ve seen people come on and disagree, and as long as they don’t cross a line of disrespect or base intelligence, you’re in-and as mentioned before, you may even get a response from Richard himself. At the very least, you’ll get my favorite line from him: “I’m not interested in what you think you think.”

Welcome to Free The Animal. Welcome to Richard Nikoley. Stay a while-the burgers and potato soup are delicious.