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 living free and doing more with less.
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 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 round out my knowledge.
Over time, I realized that real freedom isn’t just about surviving hard times — 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 several 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 where I share lessons on simple living, frugal self-reliance, escaping the rat race, and appreciating the overlooked beauty of Appalachian life.
📚 My Books
I’ve written several books on simple living and preparedness that walk you step-by-step through building a more independent life.
👉 See all my books on Amazon
🛠 Gear I Use & Recommend
All the tools, gear, and everyday items I use and stand behind are listed here in my Amazon Influencer Storefront.
👉 Visit my Amazon storefront
▶️ YouTube Channel
For videos on simple living, financial freedom, and life in Appalachia, subscribe to my channel:
👉 The View from Appalachia on YouTube
🤝 Support My Work
If you’d like to support my work and get access to behind-the-scenes updates, members-only content, and more, you can join me on Patreon:
👉 Support me on Patreon
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.
Thanks for being here — your support inspires me to keep going.