Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Untold: The Liver King’ takes viewers beyond the viral videos and bold persona of Brian Johnson AKA the Liver King to reveal the intimate and often intense dynamics of his family life. Among the most prominent voices featured is his elder son, Stryker Johnson, who has earned his own online identity as Stryker the Barbarian. As someone who has grown up immersed in the ancestral lifestyle his parents champion, he shared reflections in the documentary. He discussed not only the reasons he continues to follow the same raw, primal way of living but also explained how it has shaped his outlook, values, and aspirations.
Stryker Johnson Provided a Nuanced Outlook on His Family’s Ancestral Lifestyle
Stryker Johnson was born in September 2007, a year after Brian and Barbara Johnson tied the knot. As the eldest of their two boys, he quickly grew into a steady and protective presence, especially when his younger brother, Rad, was born. From an early age, both boys struggled with health issues. Rashes, recurring allergies, and difficulty breathing were constant concerns. Brian spoke about a particularly alarming episode at a Walmart when Stryker suddenly couldn’t breathe, which served as a wake-up call for the entire family. It was in 2013 that the Johnsons completely overhauled their way of living and turned to what they called “ancestral living.” They cut out processed foods and conventional diets entirely.
Their meals became centered around raw meat, nutrient-dense organs, bone broth, and naturally occurring foods. Though the shift was dramatic, Stryker adapted quickly. He acknowledged it was unusual compared to how other kids ate, but insisted that he never found it hard to stick to. He gave a personal tour of their family home, and in his own room, he pointed out the mattresses placed directly on the floor. It was a choice that aligned with their belief in avoiding modern comforts that may hinder posture, spine health, or physical resilience.
Stryker shared that his friends have often questioned these unconventional decisions, but he’s learned how to explain the rationale behind them, especially from a health and longevity perspective. While his commitment to ancestral living is firm, he also clarified that his personal goals differ slightly from his father’s. Although he is dedicated to a clean, natural, and disciplined way of life, he isn’t particularly drawn to the pursuit of being physically “ripped” like the Liver King. Instead, he values health in a broader, more balanced sense. For him, the ancestral tenets are not just rules to follow, but they’re a belief system he has fully embraced, and one he sees shaping his future.
Stryker Johnson’s Physical Prowess is an Inspiration to Many
Stryker Johnson has been a fixture on his parents’ social media channels for years, often featured alongside his younger brother in videos that showcase their unconventional lifestyle. As early as 2023, clips of the brothers eating raw eggs, meat, and bone marrow became familiar content for their growing online audience. Today, not much has changed as Stryker continues to live by the ancestral code. He also has a social media page of his own and is slowly building his own platform.
Homeschooled with a hands-on, experience-based curriculum crafted by his parents, Stryker spends the majority of his day immersed in training alongside his father and brother. From wrestling and weightlifting to learning practical survival skills, his education goes far beyond books. In September 2023, he successfully completed the grueling Barbarian Challenge, a rite of passage that involves carrying weighted equipment while walking long distances. Brian Johnson has often expressed his pride in Stryker. He noted that the level of discipline his son embodies comes naturally and serves as an example for anyone seeking to live with intention and integrity.
Stryker Johnson Seems to be Developing an Interest in Music Today
At just 17, Stryker Johnson is in the thick of self-discovery, charting a path uniquely his own. While he continues to embrace the foundations of the ancestral lifestyle he was raised in, 2024 has seen him venture into exciting new territory. In May, he took to the dirt tracks at the Rally Ready Ranch in Austin and dived into rally car racing. The adrenaline-fueled sport matched his adventurous spirit. That same month, he headed to Vail and Park City, Utah, to indulge his love for skiing and snowboarding. These experiences reflect his growing appetite for thrills and independence.
Nevertheless, Stryker’s journey isn’t limited to physical feats. In a more creative turn, he recently rebranded himself online as Stryker the Musician. With a budding Spotify presence and a public playlist curated alongside friends like Kaleo Riot, Kayne, and Kidd Major, he seems to be dipping his toes into the music scene on his own terms. His enthusiasm for sound was also on full display when he attended 50 Cent’s concert at the Houston Rodeo in March 2024, and he seemed very excited for it. Though his future remains wide open, one thing is clear: whether it’s motorsport, mountain slopes, or music studios, Stryker is showing that he’s unafraid to explore, evolve, and give his all to whatever calls him next.
Read More: Rad “Ical” Johnson: Where is Brian Johnson’s Younger Son Now?
