Shivangi Sinha
A significant element of Brian Johnson’s, who is better known as the Liver King, public persona is his family, which plays a central role in shaping his image. In Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Liver King,’ his two sons were featured prominently, and it gave a rare look into their daily lives. Particularly striking was the involvement of his younger son, Rad “Ical” Johnson, who not only embraced the unconventional lifestyle but also confidently shared his perspective on it. From their routines to rituals, it became clear that Rad was deeply committed and genuinely believed in the core principles his family lives by.
Rad Johnson is Deeply Inspired by the Life His Parents Have Created
Rad “Ical” Johnson was born in January 2009 to Brian and Barbara Johnson and grew up in Houston, Texas. From a young age, Rad and his brother, Stryker, experienced various physical health issues, primarily related to allergies. His parents have shared that both of their sons were often sick or physically frail, which pushed Brian to seek alternatives beyond traditional medicine. This search ultimately led the family to embrace what they call an “ancestral lifestyle.” By 2013, Rad was introduced to eating raw liver, a practice that soon became a daily routine. Since then, he has fully adopted his family’s way of life, which centers around consuming raw animal organs and naturally sourced foods, including wild plants and vegetables.
Rad has expressed deep admiration for his father’s physical strength and discipline and said that he aspires to embody the same level of commitment. He shared that following the family’s ancestral lifestyle isn’t just about diet, but about honoring a way of life that builds resilience, purpose, and connection. In the documentary, Rad was shown learning to hunt animals, skin them, and carefully select the organs he wants to eat. These practices mirrored his father’s routines. Beyond the physical, Brian also taught Rad the importance of connecting with what he consumes and showing gratitude for it. The son now follows the 9 Ancestral Tenets as a guiding philosophy, embracing both the physical and spiritual aspects of his family’s lifestyle.
Rad Johnson Lives His Life by the Ancestral Tenets Today
In January 2025, Rad “Ical” Johnson celebrated his 16th birthday with an elaborate celebration on his family’s sprawling farm in Houston, Texas. It was a milestone that marked not just his age but also his coming-of-age in the ancestral lifestyle he’s embraced since childhood. Raised off the beaten path, Rad was homeschooled by his mother, Barbara, who followed a personalized curriculum approved by the Texas State Board of Education, but it was shaped entirely by the values of the family’s way of life. His education has blended mental toughness and physical challenge: daily workouts, Jiu Jitsu, weightlifting, hunting, butchering, and weapon skills are just as important as reading books like Extreme Ownership or anything by Tony Robbins.
Social-emotional growth has also been a cornerstone of his upbringing. He’s been encouraged to talk to strangers, engage in real conversations, take bold risks, and build confidence from the ground up. From business sense to survival skills, Rad’s training is a living expression of the 9 Ancestral Tenets. His parents have also prioritized experiential learning through travel, broadening his horizons beyond the ranch. He’s walked through ancient ruins in Mexico, taken in the opulence of Dubai, and seen wild animals roam freely across the Mongolian steppe. In early 2024, he explored the rugged terrains of Utah with his family, followed by a nature-immersed journey through the islands of Hawaii in May and June. The young boy continues to grow as a young embodiment of the Liver King’s philosophy and has amassed a sizeable social media following of his own.
Rad Johnson Shows Great Promise as a Disciplined Young Man
Beyond his rugged lifestyle and ancestral routines, Rad Johnson is also a typical American teenager in some ways. A big fan of baseball, he has often attended games with his family, cheering from the stands with the same intensity he brings to his workouts. He has a tight-knit circle of friends whom he affectionately calls his “Primals,” and who share in his enthusiasm for fitness and outdoor adventure.
In what was a monumental achievement for the Johnson household, Rad successfully completed the infamous “Barbarian Workout” in January 2024. It is a rite of passage designed by his father, the Liver King. The workout involves carrying 70-pound kettlebells in each hand, a 120-pound backpack, and dragging 120 pounds on a sled for a mile, all without stopping. It is as much a mental test as it is a physical one, demanding perseverance, grit, and primal focus. He continues to stand out as a promising young figure and future leader. With his disciplined upbringing, diverse life experiences, and strong sense of identity, he’s carving his own legacy while staying rooted in the principles that have shaped his journey so far.
