Conspirituality Podcast Episode Summary: "The Liver King Crash-Out"

Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Liver King Crash-Out," hosts Derek Barris and Julian Walker delve into the tumultuous rise and dramatic downfall of Brian Johnson, popularly known as The Liver King. This episode meticulously dissects how Johnson's blend of extreme fitness routines, ancestral lifestyle branding, and charismatic influence spiraled into controversy, legal troubles, and potential mental health crises.

The Rise of The Liver King

[01:18] Julian Walker:
Julian paints the picture of Brian Johnson's initial emergence in the wellness and fitness scene. Starting in August 2021, Johnson adopted the moniker "Liver King," presenting himself as a pro-wrestler-turned-influencer despite lacking a wrestling background. His persona was characterized by:

• Biblical Beard & Long Hair: Emphasizing a rugged, primal image.
• Animal Skins & Headdresses: Enhancing his mystical and ancestral appeal.
• Extreme Workouts: Showcasing feats akin to competitive bodybuilding.
• Raw Organ Meat Consumption: Promoting a carnivorous diet, particularly the intake of raw liver and other organ meats, positioned as a pathway to optimal health and masculinity.

[03:30] Liver King (Brian Johnson):
Brian emphasizes the superiority of the ancestral lifestyle, stating, “The ancestral man had a much more favorable hormone profile than a manicured man that lives today.” He outlines his nine ancestral tenants—sleep, eat, move, shield, connect, cold, sun, fight, and bond—each aimed at optimizing physical and hormonal health.

Commercial Success and Underlying Facade

[06:48] Derek Barris:
The hosts reveal that The Liver King and his collaborator, Paul Saladino, amassed substantial wealth through their venture, Ancestral Supplements, which peaked at $60 million in revenue. The company marketed desiccated organ meat supplements, capitalizing on followers' inability or unwillingness to consume raw organ meats directly.

Exposure and Backlash

[07:43] Julian Walker:
Skepticism about Johnson's claims grew, particularly doubts about his naturally achieved physique. Joe Rogan and other commentators publicly challenged the authenticity of his transformation, suggesting steroid use was the real culprit behind his muscular build.

[08:50] Derek Barris:
The skepticism was validated when leaked emails in November 2022 revealed Johnson's use of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and growth hormones, costing an estimated $11,000 per month. This revelation sparked condemnation among his followers and the broader community, undermining his credibility and exposing his practices as a "grift."

[09:15] Julian Walker:
Derek and Julian discuss the irony of Johnson's steroid use leading to side effects like reduced sperm count and erectile dysfunction, contradicting his preached benefits of his ancestral lifestyle. They also note his overcompensation through symbols of masculine virility—guns, cigars, whiskey—while exploiting conspiracy theories and pseudoscience.

The Netflix Documentary and Public Perception

[10:02] Julian Walker:
A Netflix documentary surfaced, portraying Johnson sympathetically as a man overcoming childhood trauma and striving to cultivate true manhood for his family. However, the hosts argue that behind the scenes, Johnson's family appeared to be coerced into participating in his brand, with his wife and sons showing signs of fear and discomfort.

[11:35] Derek Barris:
Drawing parallels to fictional portrayals like "Righteous Gemstones" and "Talladega Nights," Derek highlights the dynamics within Johnson's family, suggesting that his authoritarian persona may be negatively impacting his loved ones.

The Crash-Out: Legal Troubles and Mental Health Concerns

[13:21] Julian Walker:
The narrative takes a darker turn as Johnson's behavior becomes increasingly erratic. On June 23, Johnson posted multiple aggressive videos challenging Joe Rogan to a fight, wielding gold-plated AR15-style rifles and wearing animal headdresses. These actions culminated in his arrest when authorities intervened.

[14:05] Derek Barris:
The hosts describe the absurdity and aggression in Johnson's videos, noting his presence in luxury settings like the Four Seasons hotel while making threatening statements toward Rogan.

Notable Clip from Liver King:

[14:32] Customer (Johnson):
“Rogan, I'm calling you out. My name is Liberty. Man to man. I'm picking a fight with you. ... I'll come to you whenever you're ready.”

[16:07] Derek Barris:
This dramatic confrontation seems rooted in Johnson's exposure on Rogan's podcast, where Rogan doubted Johnson's claims of natural physique, inadvertently amplifying Johnson's notoriety.

Mental Health and Psychological Analysis

[33:15] Liver King:
In one of his latest videos, Johnson exhibits erratic behavior, including personifying his car and displaying signs of paranoia and possible hallucinations.

[34:23] Derek Barris:
The discussion shifts to the potential mental health implications of Johnson's steroid use. Erik Walker and Derek express deep concern for his well-being, citing psychiatric side effects from performance-enhancing drugs.

[34:42] Derek Barris:
They advise that Johnson's family should distance themselves to ensure their safety, highlighting the dangers of his deteriorating mental state.

Conclusion and Implications

The episode concludes with Derek and Julian reflecting on the broader implications of conspirituality—the intersection of conspiracy theories and spiritual influencer culture. The Liver King's trajectory from a revered wellness figure to a figure embroiled in scandal exemplifies the potential dangers of unchecked influence, pseudoscience, and the exploitation inherent in some spiritual movements.

[34:59] Julian Walker:
Emphasizing the perilous path Johnson is on, the hosts underscore the necessity for critical discourse and awareness in combating the spread of disinformation and the manipulation of followers by charismatic yet unscrupulous influencers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Liver King [03:30]:
  “The ancestral man had a much more favorable hormone profile than a manicured man that lives today.”

• Julian Walker [09:15]:
  “There's a heavy leaning into all of these symbols of masculine virility symbols.”

• Liver King [14:32]:
  “Rogan, I'm calling you out. My name is Liberty. Man to man. I'm picking a fight with you.”

• Julian Walker [33:53]:
  “The number of videos he has on his feed of firearms is pretty disturbing as well.”

Final Thoughts

"The Liver King Crash-Out" serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive allure of extreme wellness movements and the thin line between charismatic influence and manipulative cult dynamics. Derek Barris and Julian Walker expertly unravel the layers of The Liver King's saga, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how such figures can rise to prominence, exploit their followers, and ultimately face severe consequences when facades crumble.