The Rise and Fall of the Liver King
It’s quite a spectacle, really. The Liver King, or Brian Johnson as he’s known offstage, embodies the phrase “Only in America!” It’s ingrained in him, like some kind of culinary battle cry. And speaking of cuisine, let’s not forget his peculiar diet—mostly raw meat, particularly liver, but other organs too. It’s all documented in numerous social media clips and a lengthy documentary. Frankly, I consider myself fairly adventurous with food, but there’s only so much I can watch of one guy slicing through meat over an hour.
So, who is this Liver King? Born in Texas in 1978, he had a rough start—his father passed away when he was just a baby. His brother seemed to shine while young Brian struggled to find his own path. Initially, he was drawn to the gym, finding strength there. Then, influenced by Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, he crafted his own persona: “the savage king.” You might wonder, can a hero be seen as such without a solid backstory? By 2013, Johnson, having started a family, began to explore health and nutrition.
He stumbled upon the idea of “ancestral living,” suggesting we ditch processed foods for raw items like eggs, bone broth, and meat—all in pursuit of vitality linked to our ancestors. He emphasized a lifestyle that included sleep, movement, and reconnecting with nature while adopting a rather… aggressive stance on health and fitness.
His newfound beliefs not only transformed his family but also inspired Johnson to spread the gospel of raw eating. Renaming himself the Liver King, he started a supplement company aimed at those who couldn’t source fresh liver or live off the land. The venture took off, and with the help of marketing tactics, he became a well-known figure, particularly on social media.
However, as his popularity grew, so did scrutiny. His physique sparked doubt among some who questioned whether such results could be achieved purely through his raw food regimen, with whispers about potential steroid use circulating. Johnson vehemently denied these allegations, but the doubts lingered.
Eventually, he revealed a different narrative altogether. In a candid moment on camera, he discussed his use of human growth hormones and how his perception of risk had shifted. He googled concepts like “repentance,” sharing his feelings of shame and remorse. Now, he’s nibbling on vegetables and contemplating whether he was too intense before, expressing a new fondness for who he is today.
There’s an interesting point raised by Ben Johnson, a CEO of a supplement company, questioning the risks tied to our fraught relationship with the truth. It’s a valid observation, but it feels like there’s still a long road ahead for everyone involved.
The King of the Liver is currently streaming on Netflix.
