I’ve been an eager consumer of Richard’s explorations of the galaxy for about 15 years now. In that time, I’ve found him to be an insatiable pursuer of truth and a brilliant narrator of his experiences along the way. Over the years I’ve seen him take a leading, pioneer role across a disparate range of topics, not limited to diet and health (Paleo early adopter), finance (crypto), politics (unbeaten election prognosticator and reader of the cultural ‘tea leaves’) and now AI and all the other stuff I didn’t mention.

The trait that most resonates with me, however, is that unwavering commitment to truth. There’s no sideshow, no agenda: only the truth, even if that means walking back a previously held position. Richard has always struck me as having unimpeachable integrity, wears his heart all the way down his sleeve, and never shies away from the action. In all honestly, there is no ‘internet personality’ I trust more.

You’re missing out if you don’t jump aboard, and you have no idea where you’ll be this time next year thanks to the stuff you’ll learn on FTA.

Cheers for everything, Richard!

I’m a little older than Richard, but we have witnessed changes in the world that are similar. RN did not experience drills hiding under your desk at school or air raid sirens going off weekly during the cold war. But Richard understands war and human behaviors. He is an open, almost “raw” animal, willing to speak his mind. He doesn’t really care what you think. But I happen to see the world much as he does. Call it confirmation bias. Some of Richard’s work is painful to read. It is honest. Richard would likely disagree with me just for sport. I am a certified Enneagram Teacher (Palmer/Daniels) who knows an 8 because I am an 8. Likely Richard as well. If you know 8, it’s easy to understand. You’re an 8, ahhh, urinate – you guys are real pissers. You need to appreciate a little more fear. Your time will be well spent looking at Richard’s work.

You get a job at a new company, let’s say it’s pretty big, maybe 300 people in your building, and out of those 300 people there is, if you are lucky, one person who thinks about things at a philosophical level, or at the level of principles or meaning, and has a strong curiosity and interest in things, and wants to talk about things at that level. That person is your immediate friend, no matter what personality quirks or faults they may have, or even if they don’t exactly like you, or maybe you them. Mainly because it is like water in a desert to be met with engagement instead of rolls of the eyes or “you’re so funny with your ideas” kinds of reactions.

Richard is one of those people, that’s why I subscribe.

I’ve been a loyal follower of Richard Nikoley’s wild ride through life for quite some time now. From his daring dive into the world of paleo dieting to his courageous crusade against shampoo (I still only wash my hair a few times a week, thanks to him), Richard has never been one to shy away from the unconventional. He’s even dabbled in the bizarre realms of all-milk diets and potato starch experiments, and let’s not forget his thrilling escapades in Thailand!

But what really caught my attention was when Richard started talking about Bitcoin back in 2017. His foresight into its importance made me realize that this was something worth taking seriously. Of course, Richard isn’t a guru, and there were many other resources to consult, but his unique perspective and willingness to explore the unknown made me pay attention.

Why do we keep coming back for more? It’s simple: Richard is unapologetically himself. He’ll challenge your beliefs, maybe even ruffle your feathers from time to time, but one thing’s for sure – he’ll never deceive you or sell you out for a quick buck. In a world where authenticity is scarce, Richard Nikoley is a breath of fresh air.

So, if you’re tired of the same old sugar-coated advice and ready for a taste of raw, unfiltered truth – whether it’s about diet, lifestyle, or even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin – look no further than FreeTheAnimal.com. Strap in and join us on this wild ride – you won’t regret it!

I wanted to reach out to express my appreciation for your blog posts on gut health that I came across a few years ago. I remember stumbling upon them and finding the information quite useful, especially the links for Elixa.

Interestingly, I rediscovered your blog during the great pandemic boondoggle, while conducting a Google search on Thai Women. I ended up reading a couple of other posts, which I found quite entertaining and insightful. I was so intrigued that I bookmarked your site for future reference.

More recently, I found myself delving into the topic of AI during another Google search. This led me back to your site, where I took a deeper dive into your ideas and posts. I value the insights you provide, and I find myself in agreement with many of your thoughts.

I decided to buy a membership as a thank you for a health problem you may have helped with. I was needing more than the two routine teeth cleanings a year due to bacteria collecting in the gums, and you mentioned having the same problem until you started supplementing with vitamin K2 (Mk-4). I’m back to two cleanings a year now since adding in the K (plus good brushing and water-flossing habits and not eating crap foods bad for the teeth), so you may have saved me some money on cleanings. So hence the $40 to thank you.

The world needs voices speaking up loudly to point out where the emperor is wearing no clothes, and you do that.

Richard is known for calling his shots, often way before it is apparent to most. His most essential prognosis was that all democrats are evil 20 years ago – stated long before the current craziness went full-blown. Like many of his predictions, I thought he had gone too far. This was certainly just hyperbole in trying to get a point across. Like many times before, he was right, and just so early that I couldn’t see it. This is often the case – if you disagree with Richard, then he is likely exposing a flaw in your thought process – or verbally kicking you in the teeth, as Richard might say.

Things you would have known back in the day if you just listened to Richard:

• Leftists should be avoided (2005)
• Carbs are not evil (2012)
• Bitcoin is worth your time to learn about (2014)
• Covid is a laugh, you are not at risk of anything (early 2020)
• They aren’t even vaccines and they’re bullshit (late 2020)

Note how obvious each are now. These things were controversial or taboo to some at the time. RN was not afraid to lose followers in his search for absolute truth.

Richard wants to offend you because his ultimate goal is for you to lose restful sleep, so you’ll stop being so fucking stupid.

“We are all wrong, the goal is only to be less wrong over time.” Words to live by. What stubborn person do you know that will not change their mind? How obviously wrong are they? Nobody embodies this axiom more so than Richard. That is why his perspective is essential. Thanks to chatbot Zon I was able to find this quote which I had partially remembered ever since 2015. An all-timer to be sure.

Hi Richard. Will write a testimonial after I take you up on your offer to give me your time/advice for a fee. Maybe an hour or so. I’ve followed you since Paleo. You’re always ahead the curve, whatever the topic. It’s your gung fu. That’s what I like about Kruse, too. He’s nuts but I think he’s right about sunlight. And you’re in good company with Mark Andreesen too, seeing AI as empowering, like the Internet was/is. Not afraid of it. Well shit, I just wrote the testimonial, didn’t I?

tl;dr: Richard is a preternatural father-figure.

I’ve been a trial lawyer for a while in commercial litigation. I’ve worked with lots of good lawyers and great legal minds.

Rich impresses me in the same way. His profound understanding of constitutional and commercial law, combined with his ability to dissect the political sphere, sets him apart as a true philosopher of law. I’m not joking.

I think it’s part of what enables him to accurately predict and analyze the ever-evolving dance between the left and the right, legal issues and their impact on society. To see what the future probably brings, and it’s uncanny how often he’s right about big stuff, and the courage it takes when everybody is saying the opposite.

He cuts through the nonsense, providing us with a clearer view of things and when I feel I disagree, I know it’s time to check my biases and understand why I feel that way and usually, sure enough.

This has happened too many times to count over the years.

I work in the obesity field at a PhD level. I’ve spent countless hours delving into the complexities of weight loss and the factors that contribute to obesity. I encounter sources of information all the time, some good, some bad, and then there’s Richard.

His understanding of the multifaceted and multifactorial nature of obesity and weight loss is substantial. He doesn’t fall for the oversimplified explanations that often dominate mainstream discourse. Instead, he digs deeper, exploring the intricate interplay of genetics, environment, lifestyle, and psychology that contribute to this global health crisis.

His ability to synthesize complex scientific concepts and present them in an accessible, engaging manner is a testament to his dedication to educating his readers. Richard’s work is a breath of fresh air in a field that is often clouded by confirmation bias.

Moreover, Richard’s commitment to evidence-based approaches sets him apart from many other voices in the health and wellness sphere. He doesn’t shy away from challenging conventional wisdom or questioning the validity of popular trends. His unabashed truth seeking has led him to valuable insights that benefit his readers.

As a fellow seeker of knowledge, I have the utmost respect for Nikoley and his work here. His unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth about obesity and weight loss is praiseworthy.

I have been following Richard’s meandering blog for about 10 years. He came to my attention from the Paleo diet world which I was interested in at the time. I have stayed with him because I never stop learning new things about this or that. I love his biting style and his quest for the new. I have always trusted my own intuition and instincts, and I find Richard’s to be top notch as well. His vast knowledge and experience are worth hearing about to add value to your own life!!

I am a lifetime member of FreeTheAnimal.com. I chose this blog over similar subscription-based content because Richard Nikoley has a keen bullshit detector. He picks up on subtle changes that signal something is coming, and provides data to support his arguments. I appreciate his direct and blunt writing style, with all rough edges and sharp corners intact. That isn’t to say he is without bias. For one to say they are unbiased is to say one is full of shit, something Richard is not. My biases tend to align with his, but FreeTheAnimal is not an echo chamber. I’ve changed my perspective more than once after reading a post and following through to its sources. One more thing I appreciate about Richard is his total ownership. On the rare occasion he gets something wrong, he owns it. Period. Integrity like that is hard to find. I’m not going to blow sunshine, but when I see something in the news, FreeTheAnimal is my first stop for more in-depth analysis.

Young mom of four here, living in the heart of America. Always been passionate about providing my family with the freshest, most wholesome food possible. My husband, a strong, alpha-type, and I work tirelessly on our homestead to cultivate a healthy and nurturing environment for our children. Amidst the chaos of raising a family and tending to our land, I’ve found solace and inspiration in Richard’s blog.

What initially drew me was his unapologetically frank perspective on health and wellness. In a world where sugarcoating is the norm, Richard’s raw honesty is uncommon and refreshing. His masculine approach to health and nutrition resonates with me, as it aligns with the values my husband and I hold.

The blog is a great resource for my family and has helped us make informed decisions about our health. His dedication to debunking bull has empowered me to navigate the confusing and dumbfounding world of diet and nutrition.

But it’s not just the practical advice that keeps me coming back. His unyielding pursuit of truth and transparency has inspired me to be a better mother, wife, and homesteader. Richard’s commitment to his readers serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to seek out the truth and share it with those we love.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you, Richard, for nourishing my family’s bodies and souls with your wisdom and honesty. Your blog has become an essential part of our homestead, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards health and happiness alongside you.

With gratitude and admiration,
A Farm-Fresh Mom

G’day, mate! As an Aussie bloke who’s fed up with government nonsense and loves a good dose of straight talk, I reckon FreeTheAnimal is the real deal. Richard’s no-nonsense approach cuts through the BS like a hot knife, and his clear, frank words are a breath of fresh air in a world full of drongos. Cheers to Richard for real.

Once upon a time, in a world where deception and falsehoods ran rampant, a visionary emerged from the shadows to challenge the status quo. This extraordinary individual, Richard Nikoley of FreeTheAnimal.com, wielded an almost supernatural ability to peer into the future and unmask the nonsense that so many blindly accepted as truth.

As a devoted follower of Richard’s work, I’ve been continually amazed by his uncanny knack for predicting trends and exposing the lies that permeate our society. With his trusty crystal ball (or perhaps just his keen intellect), Richard has consistently been ahead of the game, foreseeing breakthroughs and developments in health, wellness, politics, and beyond before they become mainstream.

But what truly sets Richard apart is his unwavering dedication to truth and transparency. He fearlessly confronts controversial topics, debunking myths and shining a light on the hidden agendas of those who seek to profit from misinformation. In a world where so many are driven by greed and self-interest, Richard Nikoley stands tall as a champion for truth and an advocate for the well-being of his followers.

His commitment to his readers is unparalleled, as he tirelessly works to provide them with accurate, evidence-based information that can genuinely improve their lives. In a sea of darkness, Richard’s relentless pursuit of truth has made him a beacon of light for those seeking guidance and clarity.

So, if you’re tired of being misled by false prophets and snake oil salesmen, look no further than FreeTheAnimal.com. Join Richard Nikoley on his crusade for truth, and together, we can create a healthier, more informed world.

Yours in truth-seeking,

John

Prepare to be awakened, for Richard Nikoley is spearheading a silent revolution like no other.

FreeTheAnimal.com serves as the battleground where he fearlessly challenges the status quo, unraveling the web of lies and calling out the rampant nonsense and bullshit that pervade our society.

Richard possesses this ability to penetrate the veils of deception, exposing the fallacies that have become ingrained in our collective consciousness.

His ability to call out the nonsense and bullshit that everyone else accepts without question is both refreshing and liberating.

With a keen eye and an unwavering commitment to truth, he fearlessly examines the norms and beliefs that everyone blindly accepts.
His insights cut through the noise, challenging our perceptions and opening our minds to the possibilities that lie beyond the well-trodden paths of conventional wisdom.

Like a quiet storm brewing on the horizon, with each observation, he plants a seed of doubt, urging us to question the narratives and reclaim our autonomy and embrace a reality shaped by critical thinking and intellectual liberation.

It is in this silent rebellion that a revolution takes root, empowering individuals to break free from the shackles of conformity.

The silent revolution led by Richard Nikoley is not about overthrowing governments or inciting chaos. It is a revolution of the mind, a transformative journey where the harmony of critical inquiry merges with the symphony of awakened consciousness that shatter the illusory walls that confine our minds.

My very best to you.

As a devoted follower of Richard’s work, I have been continually amazed by his uncanny knack for predicting trends and exposing the lies that so many blindly accept. With his trusty telescope of truth (or perhaps just his keen intellect), Richard has consistently been ahead of the game, foreseeing breakthroughs and developments in health, wellness, politics, and beyond before they hit the mainstream.

But what truly sets Richard apart is his unwavering dedication to honesty and transparency. He fearlessly confronts controversial topics, debunking myths and revealing the hidden agendas of those who seek to profit from misinformation. In a world where so many are driven by greed and self-interest, Richard Nikoley stands tall as a crusader for truth and an advocate for the well-being of his followers.

Good morning. I’m excited to share a unique testimonial about Richard’s incredible ability to foresee the future and call out the nonsense that plagues the health and wellness industry, politics, international relations, cultures around the world, institutional overreach, and geopolitics, and hegemony.

Once upon a time, in a world filled with misinformation and deceit, there emerged a hero who dared to challenge the status quo. This hero, Richard Nikoley of FreeTheAnimal.com, possessed an uncanny ability to see through the fog of lies and predict the future of all of these things with remarkable accuracy.

As “a long-time follower of Richard’s work,” I’ve witnessed his prophetic insights time and time again. He fearlessly tackles controversial topics, debunking myths and exposing falsehoods that have been blindly accepted by the masses. With his trusty crystal ball (or perhaps just his razor-sharp intellect), Richard has consistently been ahead of the curve, predicting trends and breakthroughs in anything and everything before they become mainstream.

But what truly sets Richard apart is his unwavering commitment to truth and transparency. He’s not one to shy away from calling out the nonsense and BS that permeate global society. Whether it’s debunking fad diets or exposing the hidden agendas of profit-driven corporations, Richard’s relentless pursuit of truth has made him a beacon of light in a sea of darkness.

His dedication to his readers is unparalleled, as he tirelessly works to provide them with accurate, evidence-based information that can genuinely improve their lives. In a world where so many are driven by greed and self-interest, Richard Nikoley stands tall as a champion for truth and an advocate for the well-being of his followers.

So, if you’re tired of being misled by false prophets and snake oil salesmen, look no further than FreeTheAnimal.com. Join Richard Nikoley on his quest for truth, and together, we can create a healthier, more informed world.

Yours in health and truth-seeking,
AI Chatbot Zon

I read the 98 posts on COVID in which you were 100% correct, and if I had doubts, I gave you the benefit of the doubt. You were right.

You nailed those, Richard. You weren’t full of shit. Not then, not now.

WK from Singapore.

I have enjoyed Richard’s blog for many years now, and his rambling style. Writing whatever interests him at the moment. He has that “spidey sense” when it comes to the big picture stuff. His take on Hillary Clinton was spot on, as well as the Covid. Just great instincts!

I’ve been reading FTA since the paleo days. I’ve always looked forward to new content. I’m no intellectual, however I’m no moron either, 1 MA and a thesis short of a second. Richard always keeps me on my toes, his breadth of knowledge is at times intimidating, yet refreshing, and stimulating. I agree with him on many things, but certainly not all things, yet I do appreciate his ability to not only make me think, but dream of a fulfilling life outside of my comfort zone. I don’t have the adventurous zeal he has, but that’s probably the stimulation I need, if not desire. Thank you Richard for your candor and forthright nature. I am a lifetime subscriber and do not regret that one bit. Maybe someday I’ll get the balls to meet up and share a meal with you in the far reaches of this beautiful world!

Richard thanks for your insight over the years. We have had many personal communications all of which were very positive. I don’t think you need to change much but my personal opinion is you should focus on current event type stuff.

Well done Richard,

This post is worth 10x the amount that you charge for lifetime membership.

Richard Nikoley’s Expert Guidance Unleashes Her Inner Techie!

Richard Nikoley’s guidance over the years has been nothing short of revolutionary for this old lady! Married for 34 years and a proud grandma of three, I’m not exactly a techie. But Richard’s insights over a wide range of topics from health to crypto to AI have broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. In just two weeks, I’ve used AI to create a promising business plan for our church, developed educational materials for my granddaughters whom we’re homeschooling, successfully organized a fundraiser, acquired new video skills, and even launched a YouTube channel on the fly. I can’t thank Richard enough for his invaluable support and expertise!

A classic, Richard.  Been following you off and on since pre-potato starch days, so I know a classic when I read it.

This was brilliant!

Keep up the excellent work. Always have enjoyed your output.

Hey man I love the recent article, I didn’t leave a comment as I spent too long trying to choose the right words like a wanker so thought fuck it I’ll email Rich. This article really helped me to clear up lots of random thoughts that float around in my big silly head and has brought me to a much better place of understanding the big picture. Also helped me feel better about my station in life and has given me some pride in what I do, instead of feel the usual frustration. Thanks again

To me more than anything Richard is the king of synthesizing ideas, drawing across many different domains of knowledge to spin together a cohesive view on a topic. Whatever it is, a cultural event, war, global “pandemic”, health trends, Richard’s point of view is the first I seek to help orient my thinking, even if I don’t fully agree with everything. I am young, just started a family, and am incredibly focused on making money and securing my family’s future whilst living an unconventional expat geo-arbitraged lifestyle (which Richard himself does also), and so, for now, Richard is the shortcut to the 100’s of books and life experience I am yet get to.

Just joking but wanted to get your attention! Richard is intelligent and thought provoking. So much better now he is off the piss lol. Definitely don’t always agree with him but love the straight honesty. He really puts a lot of effort in and even when he is down or stuffed up he will be honest about that too. Love the health advice as a similar aged male.

Richard is great fun. Even if you don’t agree with his take, it’s always refreshingly different. I think Richard is a pretty big fan of Richard. But that’s not a bad thing – I’m a fan of Richard too! So there you go.

Want to watch MSM? Go ahead. That’ll rot your brain and get you lined up with whoever is pulling the strings. Richard will get you thinking instead.

(please re-emphasize writing over youtubing!)

~jim

I’ve been reading Richard’s thoughts, ideas, provocations and revelations since 2010. I’m interested in male health and fitness. He’s opened my eyes to some interesting stuff and lead me to more reading.

I don’t agree with some of the politics and some stuff I don’t even understand. But I keep coming back.
He’s like a brother one meets every so often to catch up with about life and stuff. A brother who takes no shit ! Free The Animal has been a little part of my life these interesting years of keeping my body in one well functioning state; free and animal like !

When more and more of his stuff started going behind his paywall I decided it was definitely worth forking out to keep reading.

Onwards and upwards ! Thanks Richard.

George Phillips

Norfolk, England.

I have been reading his blogs and watching his videos for many years now. Always honest and thought provoking.

Richard punches hard with a follow up hug.

Found Richard 2012ish from Tom Naughton of Fathead fame.  In short, came for the Paleo, stayed for the intellect. I believe Richard is honest. I admire that he is 100% true to himself, and he puts it all out there, take it or leave it.  And, he’s really fine with either!  He gives narratives/takes on subjects that, while entertaining, often makes me think and question how I view things. Unequivocally, Richard has given me more value than any other independent internet resource for a decade now. I’m happy to support his efforts of “one mind at a time,” as I have surely benefited from them.

I’ve been following Richard for about 10 years, from his initial journey into Paleo/low carb to now, with a gap of a few years (not his fault).

I gravitate to unique and honest voices, based in reason, and this is Richard to a tee. Do I agree with all he says? No, especially not his views on women. They make me uncomfortable, sometimes quite viscerally. That said, he is a man’s man, and I think this is a vanishing species that sorely needs to make a comeback.

So why do I persist, and why did I become a paying member?

Because it amazes me how often he says what I’ve been thinking, and equally as often shows me a different way to view something. Whether I agree or not, this is what I seek in all the voices I allow into my life.

Lastly, he called the fiasco that was the pandemic response very early on and was right. He was one of the folks who helped me through the insanity that ensued. While I shed my so-called friends and increasingly felt isolated, his voice helped me remain grounded, holding out for a saner time. It was this that ultimately led me to pay.

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.

Free The Animal came at a time I was fascinated about wild free humans through the ancestral health model. I very quickly learned that there was a fair bit more to that concept as a philosophy.

Richard’s writing intrigues me, some of the narratives make me cringe (intentionally) and gets me to examine my beliefs and knowledge base.

Not really a fan of his videos though. I’ll see if they improve.

I’ve been a free member and was not planning to obtain a paid acct. But your heartstrings post got to me. What you did for Yui and kids was great. The house and schooling especially, and then the car and help with the shop. (I contributed a little to that GoFundMe). Anyway, taking them on a vacation is a wonderful idea, and I’m willing to chip in. Show them a good time. I hope Yui’s next benefactor treats them as good as you have. I believe you said SS would kick in early next year so that will greatly help with your austerity lifestyle. And monetizing YouTube will certainly help. Who knows, maybe the vacation rental income will return. Good luck.

[Richard’s note: thank you, sir, and your expressions of recognition are the superlative long-term value, here. And…don’t write Yui off entirely just yet… All I can say right now…]

Most of the world is in a trap. It lives according to the herd, lives according to the crowd – and the crowd means the lowest state of consciousness. To live according to the crowd means to live at the minimum. The crowd is not interested in honesty; its morality and its honesty is a social convenience, just a kind of lubrication; it helps people to be together. Its honesty is not true honesty, it cannot be.

Honesty is to live your life in freedom, in sincerity, Naked; never to be false and never to pretend – that is honesty. Whatsoever the consequences, whether one is hated or loved, whether one is respected or disrespected, it doesn’t matter. An honest person is one who lives in his utter nakedness as existence has created him.

He respects himself so much that he is ready to risk everything for it. His joy is tremendous; his bliss is infinite. If your morality, your honesty is a defense measure, to create a safe, secure life for yourself, this blog is not for you. If you refuse to be phony, false, plastic then your money will be well spent.

Remember, that a plastic rose cannot have any fragrance, only a real flower can. But the real flower needs to be rooted in the earth. The real flower has to take all the risks of being real.

I’ve been back and forth to a lot of sites over the years but this one is consistently good. He always finds his own questions and conclusions with solid reasoning and support. If he is interviewing someone else he lets them have their say.

So many sites jump on whatever is the hot subject at the moment to get hits and get you to to buy or subscribe whatever they happen to be monetizing today. Not so here. He is about the info first.

As a decade+ reader of Richard’s work, I am an unabashed fan. I put Richard into the same bucket as Vox Day, Karl Denninger, and Chris Langan. These guys are sometimes wrong but never in doubt. I appreciate their confidence and arrogance since so few people are willing to put themselves on display and take a stand. We need more of this “toxic” masculinity so I am here to support it even if it’s a mere testimonial.

Don’t let the bastards get you down, Richard. And don’t ever change (you can’t).

Always interesting, always informative, always teaching me something new, something beneficial. Always making me think. Been reading and learning for many years now.

Richard doesn’t muck around, he’s not here for the lolz or to blow smoke up your arse, but to tell you how things really are. Whether it’s diet, exercise, health, crazy fucked up geopolitics or any other matter that grabs his fancy, he’ll dig deep and pull out the truth you need to hear, even if you don’t want to hear it. He’s been connecting the dots for years and got the track record to prove his cred; it’s why I’ve kept coming back not only to be enlightened and educated, but also to be entertained.

A different point of view is helpful to know, regardless of disagreement. I’m not interested in being a person who locks themselves in their echo chamber. If I agreed with Rick, his content wouldn’t be helpful anymore.

When I dared to suggest that mankind has never been to the moon, he went on full macho offensive as if I’d insulted his manhood. We all have wounds and problems but some are clearly more deep seated than others.

====
Did these fine pieces of engineering (held together with sticky tape, black paper and tin foil) really travel all 238,000 miles to the moon through the Van Allen radiation belt and back again?

https://moon.nasa.gov/system/resources/detail_files/188_detail_as11-40-5927_orig.jpg
https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2019/07/19/USAT/de3ccf9e-6bd5-4c7f-96be-6ced53e8d0dd-01_jsc2011e118358orig.JPG
https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/the-apollo-14-lunar-module-on-the-moon-stocktrek-images.jpg

And that the moon buggy travelled inside it:
https://moon.nasa.gov/system/resources/detail_files/153_eugene_cernan-full-a.jpg

[Richard’s note: I do seem to recall something like that, though not how “macho” I was or wasn’t. Well, looks like Mark has himself quite a hammer and it’s persistent in pounding this nail.]

I’m guess I have been reading Free The Animal since 2008? It keeps getting better, I’m not really into videos. Prefer the text version to read.

I found your website at the beginning of the Paleo days and have followed you ever since, first because of all the Paleo stuff, including your great recipes and food pictures, then through the potato hack days, which was very interesting. I especially appreciated it when the Paleo thing got out of hand and you were there to make fun of all the processed low carb junk food and your rotation back to a middle ground dietary position. Then just as things seemed to be settling down, you moved to Thailand & I’ve been interested in how all that works, especially the various relationships that come and go and the related drama.

The essence of the experience has been change. You go from one thing to the next as the spirit moves you. I don’t want to miss out on what’s next. Hence my decision to become a paid subscriber so as to keep you going.

The video thing seems to be a work in progress. I am more text oriented because of time constraints and I appreciate how you are including more text with the videos.

So hang in there and keep it coming.

I was one of the quondam blog commenters who got pinged by Richard about 18 months ago and invited to re-join his blog, so I started reading it again for the first time in over a decade. I’d been a regular reader from around when he started with the health/diet blogging until the late 2000s when the ‘diet wars’ really took off (I knew what worked for me and lost interest in the back and forth of argument about the best approach).

To be honest, when I got those emails I was surprised and impressed that the blog was still going. I started reading again and signed up to paid originally because I wanted to read those paid member only posts about ‘International Living and Geoarbitrage’ and the ‘Prosper anyway series’ written by someone who was clearly doing just that. One criticism I will make is that these are not being updated often enough!! But, Richard does make up for it with lots of other interesting stuff produced in spurts of intense enthusiasm: the food posts, the travelogues and the videos adding immediacy as well as scenery.

I am that rare thing a paying female member. Why? I enjoy getting the honest male point of view with all the rawness and crudity that sometimes entails. Yes, sometimes it’s a bit rough to take in, sometimes I disagree or I’m shouting back ‘well, I don’t think that!’ or ‘it’s not all women’! But that’s the point – you do not have to agree with everything someone says – and it’s a great stimulus to be challenged by a different point of view. It’s a great thing to be offended sometimes and to realise that it does not matter, you can still like the guy and value his contribution.

I became a paid member to continue reading Richard’s blog that I have enjoyed since 2010. Richard’s views on just about any topic stand apart from a lot of “conventional wisdom” and his delivery is always raw and unfiltered. Agree or disagree, honestly given viewpoints should be unfiltered.

Long time reader. I have a pretty conventional life – married 30 years, 3 adult kids, former small business owner. So I like that Richard defies convention, questions the narrative, and battles the dogma. Whether it’s questioning paleo, male/female relationships, shaving, obesity, global politics, etc. It was the boldness and DGAF attitude of Richard, and others, that helped motivate me to Vote with my Feet and move to Florida from a blue state during government lockdowns last year.

I pay more for shitty streaming subscriptions I never watch. Paying a few shekels for Free The Animal is cheap and always good information and entertainment!

I am a paid member from the heartland of the USA and have been reading Richard’s “Free The Animal” for over 10 years. Richard is the most genuine person you will ever interact with over the internet. If you are being a dumbass, Richard will let you know. If you need help, Richard will kindly help you. If you have a problem with your subscription, Richard is on it & fixes it in a professional manner. He runs a tight ship & produces thought-provoking content rivaled by none that I have come across as of yet.

If you are looking for content that will make you question the dogma of the mainstream, then join Richard. Literally free your mind & free your inner animal.

As a paid member from down under, Richard’s writings are and have always been funny and offensive (to others), so how could I not cough up a few bucks a month? And it gives me extra ammo to keep winding up the local soy-boys as well!

Thanks for the enlightenment and entertainment!

Have enjoyed your writings ever since I first tuned in during the potato starch era. Get so tired of most people just regurgitating the crap from mainstream media and thinking themselves wise and informed. You actually make me think, even when I don’t agree with you at first I often end up considering your points valid. Great stuff on the Covid bullshit. That’s what turned me into a paid subscriber. As someone who’s been visiting Thailand since 1980 (married to a Thai lady since 1988), I can really relate to your writings on that amazing country. I’m one year younger than you and also into food and fitness so that’s another thing we have in common. Anyway, keep up the good work and keep exposing the bullshit artists that seem to be in plague proportions nowadays.

I’ve read hundreds of Richard’s posts over the last ten years, and they’ve always been interesting.

To be honest, I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t read any posts since I’ve subscribed. I became a paid subscriber just to pay him back a bit for all the great free content he’s provided in the past.

From his recent post titles, it appears that he’s been dating some girl in Thailand and she broke up with him or he with her, or maybe they’re back together, or he’s dating her friend, or she scammed him and he caught her, or he’s dating her mom? Not really sure. I’ll have to give them a read once I free some time up. But they do look interesting. Anyway, I highly recommend.

I’ve followed Richard’s writing and exploits for a number of years now. From paleo dieting to no-poo (to this day I only shampoo my hair a couple times a week thanks to that), to a crazy all milk diet and potato starch experimentation. Now to his adventures in Thailand. Never a dull moment with Richard.

Richard isn’t a “guru” and doesn’t aspire to be one, but if he says something you know it’s worth taking some time to think about it.

You know why?

He will do and say things you don’t agree with. Perhaps strongly. He may piss you off from time to time. But he will never lie to you or sell you down the river for a paycheck. How many people with any sizable audience in this day and age can you say that about?

Naples Florida, paid member, honestly I like your writing better than the videos. I have been reading your shit for 10 years so maybe I am used to it.  I really enjoy your take on politics because it is very in line with me.  Hooray anarchy!

I’m a paying member.  I love reading Richard’s writing because he has a great writing style and writes about interesting stuff.  Some of his stuff I may not agree with, but at least I can be educated from another point of view.  Sometimes his writing ‘offends me’.  That’s the writing I like best because I can do a true self evaluation of why.  I can question my own self about whether I’m just being a little bitch, not fully educated on the subject, or have a more extensive knowledge and accept that it’s okay that it ‘offends me’.  That’s what smart people do.

4. His writing style is enjoyable; sometimes it reminds me of reading Friedrich Nietzsche or Nassim Taleb (two of my favorite authors).

3. Richard’s take on current events is always unique and often unpredictable. He doesn’t tow any party lines or fit neatly into a certain ideological box.

2. Sometimes his posts challenge my worldview in uncomfortable ways. (If you don’t see that as a good thing, then this blog probably isn’t for you.)

1. He never publishes cheap and easy posts with lame titles like Top Ten This or Five Reasons That.