Hello there! I’m M.D. Creekmore — author, YouTuber, and advocate for simple living, financial freedom, and self-reliance from the heart of Appalachia.
My journey started far from easy. I grew up in tough conditions — what most would call “dirt poor” — and at times faced homelessness, living in cars, tents, and makeshift shacks. Those early struggles taught me resilience and ignited a lifelong passion for self-reliance.
When I was around 14 or 15, a friend gave me a book on wilderness survival. It changed everything. I spent countless hours in the woods, learning by doing: hunting, trapping, building shelters, and immersing myself in the skills needed to survive and thrive. Around that same time, I began training in Shotokan Karate, which added valuable discipline and confidence to my toolkit.
In my early 20s, my interest in practical self-reliance deepened as I studied the works of Kurt Saxon, Ragnar Benson, Mel Tappan, and Howard Ruff — pioneers of the survivalist movement. I also became a certified gunsmith, studied firearm tactics, and even worked briefly in law enforcement to further round out my knowledge.
Over time, I realized that real freedom isn’t just about survival — it’s about living simply, building independence, and thriving no matter what comes your way. That realization led me to share what I’ve learned through writing and videos. I’m proud to have authored five books, published hundreds of blog posts, and contributed to respected publications like The Backwoodsman, American Survival Guide, and Survivalist Magazine.
Today, my focus is on The View from Appalachia — my YouTube channel and platform where I share lessons on simple living, frugal self-reliance, escaping the rat race, and the real, often overlooked beauty of life in Appalachia.
My journey has had its share of struggles, but it’s made me who I am: someone committed to helping others build a freer, simpler, and more resilient life. Not because I know everything — but because I’ve lived what it’s like to have nothing, and I understand the priceless value of living well with less.
If you prefer to watch the video version
I appreciate your time in getting to know more about me and my journey. Your support inspires me to continue my mission to help others prepare for life’s unpredictable challenges.
You can use the email below to contact me:
md@mdcreekmore.com
And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel:
