it's 3 am...i'm sorry

[@AndrewFolts]

feeling like matt damon in the martian, except he's living with his mom in space.

[@jmarvosa6x3]

I can sympathize, and appreciate your honesty here. Finding a part time job in the area may create a structured routine, that could give your creative time more purpose. Thanks for all the shoe reviews

[@AndrewFolts]

I used to be a part-time shoe salesman, and that's kind of what I do full-time now, ha. Things will get better very soon when I get the van heated and move in, and structure will return. (:

[@felix-eeee]

@@AndrewFolts don't worry, once you move into the van you might even be able to stay far enough away to avoid them constantly asking for favours, if you can do this you will notice that you'll feel less dragged down, I really hope everything goes well

[@halalnews]

i completely feel you bro. My mom can also be pretty cunning and strict like that. Keep on keeping on bro, you’re an inspiration to us. Your patience will pay in great dividends

[@AndrewFolts]

"Learn to deflect parental Jedi mind tricks one must learn when living at home." -Millenial Yoda

[@jshud3]

Learn to let go... easier said than done, I know! You have to let go of other people's problems, even those you love... you're not going to be able to solve them all. Everyone is dealing with something and at times in our lives, we can only focus on our "somethings"... it may seem harsh, cold, indifferent, selfish but there are times in our lives where all we can and should do is focus on ourselves, then when we are in a better place personally can we venture out to help others. Hang in there... take a deep breadth... remember to breathe... and smile... you are in an incredible dance (I used to say journey... but the older I get, the more I see life as a dance and at different times, the pace, rhythm, tempo, type, etc. changes) Keep dancing!

[@AndrewFolts]

"an incredible dance" Love it! I often feel most alive when dancing and listening to music, so I'm on board with that philosophy. Normally I'm detached from external problems, but in the case of my parents the state of their health affects me in a direct practical sense. For example, if my dad goes blind from continuing to chew tobacco, etc, then it's going to place a heavy burden on me taking care of him (not mention it just being super sad, since he's a woodworker/photographer). So I can't detach myself, I have to keep trying to find solutions.

[@jshud3]

@@AndrewFolts Yeah that's tough... I wonder at times if people just haven't worked out what it is they want.

[@slm5667]

I hear from this video a lot of people trying to care for one another but approaching it from their own viewpoints. i.e. they judge you for not cooking meat, you judge them for eating spam. The take away is you all deeply care about each others health and well being (in your own way). I think some of the stress comes from each party wanting to help each other through trying to control aspects of life that are not in their control. Your parents are their own people who make their own choices too. You cannot fix everything for them like their diet, health decisions, house repairs, etc. Just like you are your own person, they cannot fix everything for you by weird salmon ultimatums. It is odd that we try to show love by trying to fix people and what we see as their biggest problems. I think your presence in each others lives is what matters most. (Although the degree of presence also matters, I think I too would go insane in such constant and close proximity to my mother as we also approach life differently.) I hope you find better balance and can see the love in even misguided actions and attitudes to help temper the current arrangement. Peace to you.

[@AndrewFolts]

"degree of presence" Yes, that's the key, nicely put! I expect things will greatly improve once I can get out into my van and my mom can have her house to herself, at least a good part of the time. Simply being a good role model by solving your own problems is def the best way to go about "fixing" other people.

[@childcrone]

"It is odd that we try to show love by trying to fix people.." Beautiful. Gonna let that one steep for a bit...

[@connorscortex]

Rooting for you lad, I’m equally up late into the mornings and working like crazy creatively - you got this bruv, persevere

[@AndrewFolts]

Cheers, Connor! What're you working on creatively these days?

[@connorscortex]

@@AndrewFolts too much 😅 I’m just collecting finished videos, I have 4 more shorts to finish Following that, I’m gearing up to release 30 videos back to back on subjects that are important to me One short video I’m especially excited to release, that I finished just last night is about this musician who drove himself to insanity, because the devil visited this man in his dreams - following this, he drove himself to insanity trying to replicate that same piece of music he heard by the devil 👹 Needless to say, way too much and I’ll never stop - or die trying 🤪

[@DavidSinanan]

I can empathize with your situation Andrew. I was homeless this time last year. I had a bad breakup with my ex. Living on Haida Gwaii at the time, tiny community. There was nowhere to stay, rent, buy...so I had to go. Needed some time to figure out what I was going to do next, so I went back to Ontario from the NW Pacific, but not getting along with my folks, they wouldn't let me stay there. I ended up staying with my buddy for a bit (fixed income Vet, so I just needed some time). Researched cost of living in Canada, and settled on Regina. Took a train from Ontario to Saskatoon, then a bus to Regina. Right away at the bus station in Regina, my luggage got stolen. So I was down to my wallet, glasses and cellphone. I'd already booked an Airbnb at least. But then pacing around one evening, blowing off some steam given at this point a couple months of bouncing around Canada, I ended up getting swarmed by more than seven people, nighttime, large group, really hard to tell. But I got clocked in the head with a fence post a couple times. Lost my remaining stuff. Wallet, cellphone, glasses.... It hit 50 C below zero with the wind chill. I was lucky, managed to get into shelteres every night, and there are food support programs. I hooked up with The Royal Canadian Legion, who's got an assistance program for Vets. So I managed to get some support like that. Moved into a small basement room for a few months to save up some cash, and finally got a 1 bedroom apartment at the beginning of September. The Legion hooked me up with a lot of the basics. A few pans, some cleaning supplies, some used a new furniture and stuff. So I've been cobbling together stuff starting again, at 41 years old of all things. But I've been also trying to focus on my health, good foods. (I'm not adverse to raw personally, and I do occasionally eat raw meats like beef and fish, but I also do stuff like sourdough bread, my own fermented products and such like that. All my own breads and pastas, chicken and veggie broths, grind my own meat, smoking, curing). I've put a lot into walking this year to help cope, and I know you do a lot of that for your channel. This year I've done just over 2.7 million steps, over 2200 km. All barefoot. I totally feel your pain man. It's a hard spot. Between the funds over time, and the isolation, I'm right there with you. I signed up for volleyball come January, but that feels so far away. With ya through this.

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh man, no one should have to go through all that, but look at you coming out the other side standing tall. I'm so glad you found a place to settle and reset. I freakin' love sourdough! I'm not eating it currently just to try and simplify my diet and figure out what's causing my joint pain, but I've seemed to be ok with Einkorn flour in the past, which is the only un-hybridized strain of wheat left and has much less gluten than regular varieties. Sounds like you could start a real tasty food truck with all that natural whole food prep. Walking is super healing too. I've been wanting to get back into rock climbing, but volleyball sounds great-that was one of my fav's in gym class. Consider making some KZbin videos about your story, if that's something you're into. You could also make recipe videos. There's a shortage of realness these days and I'm sure a ton of people would want to follow your journey. Cheers, David!

[@Ernesto_Sergio]

Wow, you’re a legend. Take care of yourself.

[@comphys8178]

Hey man, I'm really hoping things get better for you. None of us can be at out best 100% of the time, I (and hopefully others too) completely understand. For what it's worth, I've found a lot of your videos (older and newer) really useful and also nice to watch. I didn't think at all that your quality was going down, I thought you were doing a pretty good job!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Comphys! Glad you found some good stuff digging thru the archive. Can't wait to get into the van, so I can tap into that energy that started the channel. Appreciate the support, yo!

[@Melvin-ls6bc]

Thank you for all that you do. Your advice on minimalist phones really helped me reclaim my time and cut down the stress in my life over the past 2 years. And I've just gotten my first pair of vivobarefoot tracker esc barefoot shoes last month and have been loving exploring the countryside more. There might not be such a direct connection between the effort you put in and the results you get, but there certainly are ones that you don't see. Thank you.

[@AndrewFolts]

Aw thanks, Melvin! Everyone seems to be loving the ESC, that's a great pick for exploring. True, positive energy always pays off, even when it doesn't always seem to at the moment!

[@Melvin-ls6bc]

@@AndrewFolts love your authenticity, and looking forward to learning more from you in the future too!

[@jimmyveils]

Hang in there. Glad to see you have your people here for you in the comments. It’s better than nothing, but yes, having someone IRL is another level of support we cannot reproduce online. Sorry about your Dad also having his troubles. Hope you two can be there for each other somehow.

[@AndrewFolts]

Appreciate it, Jimmy! It always feels good to know other people are struggling with the same issues, or at least resonating with how you're feeling. My parents and I have love for each other, it just gets rocky sometimes.

[@j.b.3076]

It's great to see you are still pushing forward to get where you need and want to be. Keep it up!

[@AndrewFolts]

I had a professor in college who would always give ruthless feedback on my copywriting work, but then say "Onward!" at the end like he was a medieval general issuing a rallying cry mid-battle, ha. I always remember that when I go thru hard times. (:

[@arturfino]

Man.. no pressure! Just do your thing and it will be fine. Not easy situation but just take your van out for a ride. Hope everything works out, you deserve it! Um abraço de Portugal

[@AndrewFolts]

Obrigado, Artur! Agradeço muito o teu apoio em todos os altos e baixos. Um abraço dos Estados Unidos!

[@ashleyhunter9140]

I’m a mom. I get it, and it’s hard. I mean, some of us can’t get past the toddler stage, meaning that some of us tend to want to treat our “kids” as kids. My oldest is nine, and I’m already seeing this in myself. I’ve read the book, How to Have Impossible Conversations by Peter Boghossian, and it’s helped me argue with my parents, as well as question myself. I really recommend reading that.

[@AndrewFolts]

My mom's a retired primary school librarian, so that doesn't help. She has a very strong herding instinct, ha! "Impossible Conversations" What a great book title, I'll check it out. Cheers, Ashley!

[@Bilobaa]

Obviously making YT videos is not my primary source of income but I admire your success… you have a significant fan base. The way I dealt with family nosiness is I kicked them out altogether but then they forced me into therapy… you’re doing it the diplomatic way (maybe at the cost of losing sleep…) I sometimes go out at night for a (barefoot) stroll but in the long run the hasj edibles have helped me beat insomnia

[@AndrewFolts]

Night walks are the best! Just kind of allows you to be fully alone with your thoughts, while the rest of the world both noise/light wise has gone quiet. The key to KZbin really is just consistently making videos around a specific topic, that's all. Obviously, they have to be decent, but it's a fun career or side hustle, if you ever decide to jump into it. Cheers, Roger!

[@anniwilson2534]

Hey Andrew, hang in there and you have nothing to apologise for! Super easy to say, but these tough times shall pass. Focus on some small daily wins to regain control. Sending you a virtual hug and a big mug of hot tea.

[@AndrewFolts]

Aw thanks, Anni! I do feel like there's always a super hard stretch right before you reach a new level in life. I'll take your virtual tea and steep it into reality. (:

[@childcrone]

From one human to another, you are seen and heard. And so many of us seeing and hearing care. Keep being good to yourself and say Nope to guilting.. from whatever source :~)

[@AndrewFolts]

Trying my best, many thanks for the kind words, yo! Vlogs are a great way to detox guilt, loneliness, et all, I've found.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Take all the time you need 🎉

[@AndrewFolts]

If only there was a "time jar" in life, ha!

[@hombrealagua]

Hey! no worries!... Moms, parents love us and they just want the best for us. Be grateful for your mom, really. You'll miss her one day. And keep it up! Entrepreneurship is not easy... nothing is easy!... Read some Rick Rubin, Naval Ravikant and Mark Cuccuzzella and get your stuff together. You don't need to be super up-to-date with war and politics and things happening that you can't control, keep on doing good for the world like you've been doing!

[@AndrewFolts]

Ah yea, Rick Rubin's a genius! I want to have a podcast like that some day where I just sit out in the sun barefoot and interview people, ha.

[@hombrealagua]

@ you will!

[@hombrealagua]

Oh, I forgot also to mention Cal Newport for social media management, we all create content in a way, we’re all selling something. We are getting inspired by other projects of people, but it is important to create, and then assign a time and moment in a schedule for reviewing, uploading, commenting, etc. The rest has to be for yourself, outdoors, nature, family, friends!!

[@GautamJBhojwani]

You got this brother! Hang in there!!

[@AndrewFolts]

Can't level up in life without a struggle. Cheers, Gautam!

[@MagnusOron]

That was raw dude (no pun intended) Personally I love more of your life story and less of the commercial reviews. To be honest your earlier work was more honest and creative. I hope you can find away to tone down the brand stuff and share of your creativity. Wishing you all the best

[@AndrewFolts]

For sure, I love making vlogs too. The reviews are fun, but they do get tiring when I'm exhausted/stressed, because I don't have as much energy to make them in a more creative fashion.

[@MagnusOron]

@ I can imagine. Make what you love and what brings you energy. The views will come and so will the reward. 👊✨

[@sahntahdemon]

Strongly recommend reading Understanding The Borderline Mother. Seems like that's what you're dealing with, with your mom. Also recommend checking out Sally Norton's work. Sounds like you could be dealing with oxalate toxicity. Been there. Stop with the leafy greens and nuts. Only making things worse. Keep your head up. You'll get there.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Thank you 🙏

[@AndrewFolts]

Sounds super interesting, just added it to my Kindle! I Avocado and baby spinach are quite low in oxalates (only 10-30 mg vs 755 mg for spinach). Walnuts are similarly low with only 50 mg. Is that low enough not to effect me? Or worth cutting out completely?

[@sahntahdemon]

@ Baby spinach is actually quite high and it depends upon how many walnuts you're eating. The riper the avocado the less soluble oxalate. Most of the lists for oxalates are very unreliable-it's why I trust Sally Norton. Ive worked with her directly and she helped me figure things out. Her book is great. Any podcast she's been on is super informative. Marek Doyle's calculator is decent. You have to slowly titrate off-can't go to zero immediately or the dumping is dramatic and you can get very sick. Happens to a lot of former vegans/vegetarians/pescatarians who had high plant intake.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@sahntahdemon Baby lettuce, not baby spinach. I've never liked spinach, I always hated it as a kid, and maybe it was the oxalates, ha! Will check out Sally Norton, appreciate it!

[@AnotherCaroline176]

I think you have in common that you care for each other, but both of your love might feel a bit controlling to the other... I think your plan is good to move out to your van when it's ready and it might get easier with some distance. But I think you're both coming from a place of love and care and that is also important to take into account when dealing with each other in the meantime.

[@AndrewFolts]

For sure, it's not an ideal situation, but we usually work out our differences eventually. The van will def help with that too, Appreciate the thoughtful vibes, Caroline!

[@rogibaer]

I am in a SPOOKILY similar situation to you. I moved into my late grandparents old house with my parents, to help them do it up and buy a nice house in the country with the money from this and their old house. My dad died from diabetes complications, all the usual widow payments were stopped just in time, so, my mum gets very little compared to if it happened months earlier (thousands less!). I had to pack my job in due to joint issues. No disability money, just basic UK Universal Credit. I haven't been able to WALK for over 3 months, and I'm still not getting it! Our expectations for the house we can move to has plummeted. (We were supposed to be moved within a year, it's been 7...) The roof now leaks, we can't afford to fix it, we can't sell till it's fixed. I have also been trying Carnivore... and my mum keeps sabotaging it. She's such a good cook, I'm like why fight so soon before Christmas... we're so weak! We need to be stronger! We'll get there eventually. I have also been designing my ideal van conversion... Isn't the similarities amazing! Just to let you know, your not the only one in that creek without a paddle. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and I originally followed you for the Barefoot shoes... I'm finally getting the Rose Anvil/ Jim Green Rangers for Christmas... in anticipation for being able to walk again...❤😊

[@AndrewFolts]

Joint pain is really awful to deal with, I fully empathize. I had to give up weight lifting, and then even calisthenics, but I can still walk and run short distances. Hopefully carnivore brings both of us the healing power we need. I'm so sorry about your dad; I constantly worry about my parents every time they go to a doctor's appointment. Living with a good cook is tough, because it's hard to say no to things that taste good-even when you suspect they're not good for you. If you ever feel like posting a little video of your van ideas, let me know, I'd love to see it. Stay positive, my friend! (:

[@mcm4point2o]

its a little unsettling when what we used to consider Emirates airlines are strugging to keep up with Spirit. and the longer you stay on the plane, the more its looking like you're gonna be asked to fly and eventually land that sucker :/

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, that's a pretty good metaphor for how I feel about life right now. Sometimes's you gotta just grab the wheel.

[@gilldoyle3295]

You have nothing to be sorry for . To be honest I'd not seen a difference in your videos they are still really informative and fun to watch and just to listen to someone who is authentic and true to themselves is refreshing! I get it I really do! All I'll say is try and look at the positives in your life as you'll attract more of that (I know 😂🙄🙄🙄 one of those woowoo nutcase people 🤣) but I find if I list the things I'm grateful for every day life seems to flow better .. I get how frustrating it is though and we can't be positive all the time it's exhausting! Just hang in there you're on the home straight and just wanted to mention for your joint pain and your dad's eyes .. red light therapy has had fab results look it up in here and oh the thing they kept deleting is huge for that 😏🤪 keep smiling I love listening to you and you've helped me massively with my barefoot journey ❤❤

[@AndrewFolts]

Maybe I can find a red light therapy brand to send me one, The LOA seems silly at first glance, but is indeed super effective. I use my FiveFingers to attract open-minded people all the time, ha! (:

[@RagnarHoff]

I can relate to that and parents are the worst possible stress trigger when you live with them or even near them. Get out asap, because old farts won't change for your well being. Their old fashioned ways are too overbearing for us introverts. They don't keep themselves busy with internet so they seek out things in their surroundings and feel the need to chat about just about everything. Just generational differences that are just too much.

[@AndrewFolts]

My van fireplace arrives on Tuesday and I'll be able to buy a propane tank and move in at least part time soon, which I'm excited about. Parents can indeed be draining for an introvert. I like being around my parents, just not 24/7, ha!

[@rebeccaminor2173]

I hope things get better for you. Try to be positive

[@AndrewFolts]

They will very soon! Hope 2025 brings some good vibes for you too, Rebecca!

[@Bluebellbank]

Hi Andrew, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. I really like your videos and have bought both Vivo and Be Lenka footwear on your recommendation. It seems unfair that the companies do not pay you often enough to make a decent living. Have you got a "buy me a coffee" thing - I would gladly do that, whereas I am in the UK so I don't know if your affiliate links would work over here? You are one of the best creators, I have learned a lot from watching your videos. Take care, and Peace to you too.

[@AndrewFolts]

Aw thanks, yo! What's your fav barefoot shoe/boot right now? I'm earning enough, it's more just annoying that a lot of the payments only come in large chunks once every three months. I think my affiliate links also work for the UK, so that's a free way to support the channel. Glad the vids have been useful, if you every have questions or topic requests, just give me a shout. Cheers!

[@Bluebellbank]

@@AndrewFolts My favourite is Be Lenka winter, which you recommended for keeping warm. They are comfy and warm. Only thing I did not realise was to get the smooth leather rather than suede/nubuck. But I have managed ok with suede, just that I would have chosen smooth if I had realised they might be more waterproof.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@Bluebellbank Ah yea, I do love the look of suede, but sheen leather is def more water-resistant. Using some balsam (beeswax + lanolin) can add a lot of protection.

[@alback]

What are your plans when you finish the van?

[@AndrewFolts]

Going to Maine is my #1, I want to hike a mountain completely barefoot, among other fun videos. Also, I just need to get away from all the stress and have some time to myself to fully unwind out in nature. Do some drawing, work on my sci-fi novel, etc.

[@notyourbus]

She cares about you, moms are like that.. focus on.. To connect with God and ask to make it ease for both of you Humms are complicated, but the soul gets pleased when it connects to God.

[@AndrewFolts]

Moms will be moms. One of the constants of the universe, ha. (:

[@Marsk1tty]

My favorite videos of yours are the lifestyle/diet ones, vlogs, and seeing behind the scenes. I respect that you're trying to make enough money to finish the van, but when I see your sponsored videos it's obvious to me that's why you're doing it. I bought 2 pairs of barefoot shoes that were custom made for me about 2 years ago, so I'm not at all interested in buying any more shoes for awhile. Love your vids man, just not equally

[@AndrewFolts]

Totally feel you. I get so tired of channels that just script everything and never give you any sense of who they are behind the scenes. That said, I actually enjoy doing reviews, it's just hard to be creative with them right now. Soon I'll get into the van, though, and everything will improve. Where'd you get your custom shoes made?

[@rubencohen2936]

Andrew, you definitely need to get your own place and meet a new human lover. A hovering parent can drive someone crazy. Find additional sources of income to obtain your goal. Put the van to work somehow to make extra money.

[@AndrewFolts]

I'm very close to moving into the van! Just dealing with some parental turbulence while trying to land, ha. My income's alright, it's more just the timing of payment that sucks right now.

[@ekjellgren]

I don't think it's unnatural at all feeling more connected to people on the internet than your parents.. you're grown up man :)

[@AndrewFolts]

What I mean is that humans are meant to live in tribes where we grow together and support each other, so it's just sad that I have so little in common with my family. But I do appreciate my internet fam!

[@gilldoyle3295]

Also drink bucket loads of chamomile tea to help you sleep ❤

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, good idea, Gill! I need to get back to that. I was doing chamomile, oatstraw, and tulsi, which worked pretty well.

[@HenryKlosok]

Sending you a big hug mate! Can you do any other part time work to get some income? Have you tried the knees over toes guy exercises? Not sure where your joint pain is but he really helped my knees. Also as someone who is a big barefoot fan do you run in them? May be the cold and barefoot running could be too much for your body

[@AndrewFolts]

Much appreciated, Henry! My income's fine, actually, it's more the payment schedule that sucks. Hopefully I'll get a big lump sum around Jan 1st or so, which will get the van into good shape with heating and lighting. My joint pain is more rheumatoid arthritis type, it just flares up randomly all over my body, not really connected to what I'm doing. Running in barefoot shoes works fine for me, as long as I stay around 3 miles per day or so. But yea, the cold is never great for joints.

[@rachelroot2913]

I just discovered your channel, your barefoot content is great and has me reconsidering Vivos and discovering new brands. Have you considered collaborating with Anya in some way? It sounds like you are stressing about so much. Focus on what's most important. Can you compromise with the raw food to keep the peace and maybe save some $? I got obsessed with healthy eating and created conflict like this with my family. I was making more stress for myself, trying to be perfect all the time. Find a way to de-stress in whatever way works best for you...nature, meditation, etc. Im about to order more shoes, is there a way i can help support you?

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, Anya's the of the OG's of barefoot shoes! I'd love to do podcasts some day, but my DLSR is too old for streaming. Need to get a newer one at some point. My mom's settled a bit about raw meat. She doesn't like it, but she sees that I'm in for the long haul, ha. But, for sure, trying to improve your diet can create some real drama.

[@meanderinoranges]

I've been on a strict carnivore diet for 18 months. I feel a solid 15 years younger. Joint pain is nonexistent now. I'd guess it's not necessarily the way you cook the food, but the content in the food that matters. Just a thought. Thanks, Andrew!

[@AndrewFolts]

That's awesome! How long did it take for you to start noticing a significant decrease in joint pain? I've gotten some good results with energy, etc, but no effect on my joints so far after month one.

[@harrywood702]

​@AndrewFolts Ketosis is a survival mechanism that puts the body under stress. Humans haven't evolved to be in this state permanently. All the health benefits of the carnivore diet is from not eating ultra-processed food (upf nova category 4)

[@harrywood702]

​@AndrewFolts Ketosis is a survival mechanism that puts the body under stress. Humans haven't evolved to be in this state permanently. All the health benefits of the carnivore diet is from not eating ultra-processed food (upf nova category 4)

[@harrywood702]

Ketosis is a survival mechanism that puts the body under stress. Humans haven't evolved to be in this state permanently. All the health benefits of the carnivore diet is from not eating ultra-processed food (upf nova category 4)

[@harrywood702]

@AndrewFolts I've never really had joint pain. Had a back issue from an old martial arts injury, but barefoot shoes made that go away. Avoiding upf stopped my ibs, though. I generally follow the Glucose Goddesses (Jessie Inchausp) food hacks as well, which for me have completely stopped glucose spikes that were affecting me way more than I realised.

[@T_Fizzle]

Hey bro. I hear you, I see you. Don't let women take your peace, they will if you let them! LOL. But seriously man hang in there, I relate with your story greatly.

[@AndrewFolts]

Ah...man vs woman, earth's oldest rivalry, ha. Just need some time/space to ourselves and things will smooth out.