NokiMo
Sabbatical
Sabbatical

patreon


Hey. I'm Still Here

Comments

Fuck russia. Glory to Ukraine 🇺🇦. Now I am in California. In process of political asylum

Мухомор

Wish you the best.

TP Joseph

There is 1 year payment with some discount 😉 Hi there from Romania my virtual friend

iaSi Spala

Just caught up on your content. Hang in there Tommy we all love your videos. It’s terrible what was done to you, but you will pull through, just keep doing what you love.

Adam N

Not sure if there's an option for 1 year at once. Whatever works for you, I appreciate it

Tommy Beard

Hey Tommy! Do you prefer monthly Patreon $ or one lump sum for a year for Yazuka?

Squirr Lee

Was worried I checked into YouTube for days

Switch Blade23

Just saw your post on YouTube. Sorry you’re dealing with stupid Russian bots I must say though - it’s possible to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine but also realize NATO and the West provoked it. Check out Scott Horton’s new book Provoked. It goes into the history of Russia, NATO and the former Soviet republics in depth. Really worth the read Personally I don’t want our US tax money spent on the Ukraine war. The Ukrainian people are just pawns between NATO and Russia at this point. And the US has prevented an end to the war Anyway, I absolutely LOVE your content brother. Sorry you got tripped up in Russia. I spent 3 months in US prison in 2005 for peacfully protesting war so I know it can be tough. But I’m sure Russian prison was A LOT worse than any US federal prison. Hope you get to rejuvenate back in the US and can get back to doing what you do!

Ronaldo on the Run

Glad you made it out alive, brother. Love these vids. They are the best. But not worth going to a Russian prison. Onward, but be careful

John Xtopher

A few more thoughts... If you have not already, I suspect you'll be contacted by state officials and perhaps, "debriefed". If you are and can share, your insights would be, um, educational. As your recent part 2 revealed, this experience has changed you. Understandable. What will you do differently in the future? Imagine you're a Russian T-vlogger making their way across America, ocean to ocean, how may their journey compare with yours? This is a baited question, of course.

Anonymole

You should make a Bluesky account to promote your channel

James Gibbons

I’m glad you’re safe and out of Russia. Where are you now ? We found you on YouTube. Love your videos. Thank you

John Gerdts

Um...VERY glad you are safe. Sending support from Surprise, Arizona USA.

Missy Ruth

Um

Missy Ruth

Dude you knew the possibility of bad treatment in Russia . Even Jehovah’s Witnesses are imprisoned for their faith in God, having Bibles and sharing it’s good news that soon God will take over Earth’s affairs transforming it into a paradise and giving all humans a perfect life. In the meantime living by the Bible’s standards can help us to live a better life now! But like you I was hoping you came out of there unscathed as I watched & enjoyed your travels. I’m so sorry 😞. Ty for videos with history, you’re a trooper, be good & keep safe.

Donna Johnson

I think if the situation had gotten worse, I would've gotten the word out--but yeah, once you're locked up in Russia there's only so much you can do

Tommy Beard

Hi I am glad you are safe. To write those words do not do justice to how glad I am that you are safe. What you do is important. IMO your God given gift for language has a purpose.

Gina Coleman

Glad your ok and out of there.

Brenda Mitchell Stevens

Glad you made it out alive. Just keep swimming

Terry Reynolds

Glad it wasn’t worse and you made it back. Please enjoy Japan, I have been hoping to go there for years 🥺

Valerie

Glad you made it out man

Matt Gray

Tommy. Stay strong, and please tell us soon what happened. Been waiting for your story since your post about you got detained.

Jianxing /Robin Zhao

One of the things that was disturbing (and which I see no way around) is that many of your hundreds of thousands of subscribers were worried about you but we could not do anything to help. That's the internet for you. There is by necessity a wall. So even though we think we know you- we don't. And it's good we don't because it wouldn't be safe for you. And that means we also can't help you in the real world. That's how it is. Just something to accept. I don't know what you are going to do next, or if you are going to change your way of vlogging; just do what you must do, and don't worry about your followers. We are technically not that real- and you are not that real either. But we love you!

LM

You should have never asked about that cheese factory. 🧀 I knew it was that lady who went to the authorities and was like we got some Americano in Eastern Russia asking about where they produce the nukes. 5 minutes later the sheriff pulls up. 🤣🤣🤣 Sorry, I know you don't view it as a laughing matter and it's not funny but I do wonder kind of what set off the chain of events... That lady just gave you the strangest look though after you asked that question.. I thought I would mention that to you "There was never a cheese factory here..." Doo doo daaa Russian 911

Cabo James

Glad you’re safe now, loved the Russia videos. It gave me a different perspective on the average citizens there. The teacher group in Tatar reminded me of midwestern women here.

John Phillips

I thought about you as I was reading Patriot by Alexei Navalny - he was killed by evil Putin just this year after numerous attempts. The fear that Putin has caused in the country has everyone involved in the evil empire. I'm glad you are safe now, and I really enjoyed your Russian vlogs - it's nice to see humans are humans when they are not being threatened by an evil empire.

David Kunz

Unfortunately, I see it becoming worse. Local RU policemen feeling the need to show their uppers how necessary they are...so they don't end up on any mobilization list.

bre rob

I am so so sorry for what has happened to you! I really enjoyed your Russia-Videos, and they truly showed, what you said - governments and people are different from each other. I simply can‘t understand why they did this evil to you… please take your time and get well! Best whishes from Germany!

BriBri

Indeed

Tommy Beard

I completely understand how she felt

Tommy Beard

I dream about the same thing. Really enjoyed my time there other than this

Tommy Beard

How strong you are, and so glad you’re ok after such a traumatic experience. I’ve had dreams of visiting Russia for decades and am so sad that Americans are subject to such barbaric treatment there now, I probably won’t ever go. A shame because the culture is so rich and fascinating.

Tamara Green

I have been watching videos about a travel to north korea and got a thought like "whoa, it is not that bad". Koreans was like just roaming around doing their businesses, got clothes and even got restaurants with food. Looks okay. Was ready to move. But the point is one country hides its conflicts and controversy while the other one behave transparent. Never trust that one which murky, even if it looks okay. I don't know if there are any country transparent enough though, but Russia definitely hides a lot of violence and trouble. Don't want to be heard russophobic, I choose to stay in Russia. But rn it seems like that for me. Really dream about a responsible and transparent Russia.

Oleg Brezhnev

I am really sorry for how my country has treated you. Russia has always been like this — it may feel quite calm sometimes, but it is a chaotic country and it is often unfair. All of this is hidden at first glance. I really believe that a majority of Russians prefer to take a different side of the road than the policeman do, just in case. It is like a culture already. Recent time is more harsh. And it will get worse.

Oleg Brezhnev

I was reminded by how this scholar must've felt when he was first thrown in jail in Iran... now he's out and was reviewed by perhaps one of the greatest Chinese journalists still alive out there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoQSeMoPW8w It's still so unreal to see something like this happen to people who don't hold any hostility... only the bravest can live with the risk and still have faith in humanity (of the common people).

ZZ

So sorry you had that experience! So glad you are out of that prison!! You were actually doing Russia a solid by showing that there are nice people there and the darn authorities put the kaibash on your excellent work. You are a fantastic ambassador and educator sharing cultures to the world! The people that busted and incarcerated you give a Russia a bad name and bad image. PERSEVERE Tommy! Thank you for doing this vital work showing that there are good people everywhere on the planet🙏👍🙏👍

Nathaniel Paul Schleimer

I have a friend who was also arrested and thrown in jail in Russia sometime in the early 2000's. She had gone with a group of people and when she and her partner left, she was carrying the money they had brought in together. When they checked what she had brought in against what she was bringing out, it looked like she had made money- so they hauled her away to jail, where she was mistreated for days. A bunch of people were trying to get her out, hiring lawyers, consulting the correct people, but it did not work for days- a week or so. Her boyfriend brought her food, but it never got to her- she lived on tea and sugar. The guards made fun of her, spitting down on her from above. She had her time of the month, which must have been awful. She was not American but Argentinian. She was a strong and confident woman, and I don't think she suffered lasting harm from the experience but it sounded truly traumatic.

LM

Whoa! I was a little nervous for you when you were posting videos from there. It's really a roll of the dice when you put yourself in that situation. I'm really glad you made it out and it didn't escalate further. Move on and safe travels my friend!

Mick Mac

Whoa!!!! I'm so sorry that happened.❤️

Sally

As you say Tommy, "People are people. Governments are governments." In general the people of the world are generous and kind. Born out through personal experience. Governments, not so much. Sometimes assholes. And in this case, monsters. I am so glad to see you safe in Japan. Being bombed by politeness will be a strong antidote to what you have been through. Time for an evening of takoyaki and soju at a neighborhood yatai. Followed by an evening of drinking and snacks with locals. Bolster your faith in humanity right there. You are a shot in the arm to the goodness in this world. We all see you. Keep it up, be safe and well.

Michael

In my past I too approached the world in an optimistic way -- hoping the world would be temperate and reasonable. As you've learned, the people of the world are indeed this way, open to strangers and willing to be kind and helpful. But there's always that 1/1000th person who would kill you in your sleep for the change in your pocket. Maybe you've exhausted that bad karma and now can resume your wanderlust. One can dream. Walk on.

Anonymole

not a legitimate reason

ValueTraveler

So glad you are OK. Times have changed. I think back to Bald n Bankrupt's arrest and interview- probably mild in comparison. You were also I assume picked up in the East of the country. I would say quite confidently that the risks are far lower in the European part and there are many Westerners still based there. Just guessing- lookign forward to your account.

ValueTraveler

Dude, this is heavy. I’m actually not surprised, Russia is barbaric and a bit paranoid and backward thinking. So glad you got out off of there. Maybe do your next video from a nice, relaxing beach or something, man!!

Thomas 'Tonepoet' Lindsey

Maybe in Myanmar but Cambodia is pretty safe. There’s a reason the US State Department puts Russia and Myanmar at a Level 4 “do not travel” risk level and Cambodia is Level 1.

dysprosium

I mean this could have happened in Cambodia or Myanmar too. Guys he risks his life for us to see.

Nirav lakhani

Wow bro. Can’t believe you put yourself out there for all of us to see. Happy to be subscribing and providing support.

Nirav lakhani

I just watched that one video with you there and every one was so nice I'm so sorry that happened to youi still can't believe you went there

Kathy Adamson

I’ve known that place was bad news ever since watching “Spies Like Us”.

Brian McCaskill

Wow. I'm sorry you went through that and am glad you're safe.

Bob Hutzel

Go to Wales and learn Welsh, or to the Isle of Man and learn Manx, Tommy. They don’t even arrest shoplifters there. Glad you’re safe.

Craig

Time to take a break Tommy. Find a nice spot, turn off the camera and have some quality me-time. Peace brother.

Jake McAuley

Glad your safe man.

Talk Internet Community Development

Omgoodness Tommy!!! I'm so glad to hear that you're ok. What a frightening experience!!! Please be careful where you go in these uncertain times. I'm looking forward to your next videos and to hear about what happened to you. Much love to you 💜🤟🏻

Cherrie DuLong

Lovely haircut bro. Stay safe and take your time.

Michael

Difficult times, pretty disappointing to hear how you were treated. It's these experiences that make us better people though, more informed, nuanced, etc. Happy to hear that you're safe in Japan bro. Take care.

Asher

Take your time Tommy....I pray to God this doesn't change you.I hope you have friends and family to support you...we're here for you my friend.

Mike Peacock

No better feeling in the world

Tommy Beard

Thanks. Ganbatte

Tommy Beard

This is all I can hope for. I was doing nothing but indirectly funding tourism to their country. Now I'll intentionally do the complete opposite

Tommy Beard

So sorry to hear what you went through there, and glad you're out of that place now. I can't imagine how it must of felt to escape the nightmare. Stay safe dude.

Oliver Kelso

The worst circumstance I can imagine being confronted with: I'm glad you're okay and that you're out safely.

David Hampton

Thank God you are a New Yorker! Love your work take care of yourself.

Val M

Wow, very surprised, your video on Russia was a very positive one, curious what happend and the reason why.

Albert-Bas

I’m so glad you’re safe and in Tokyo. I’m actually moving there in 5 weeks. Please stay safe. We all care about you and will watch your videos wherever you travel to. There’s no need to risk your life or freedom going to places like Russia.

dysprosium

I hope this will be good lesson to others, who are planing trip to this terrorist country.

Aurelijus Malinauskas

Who knows, maybe something positive will come out of this. Someone who was thinking about traveling to Russia may see your video later on and decide not to go. Or maybe one day some Russians will be able to watch your channel, and all your videos, and see the sincerity and pure curiosity when you went there to see the country for yourself, and how when you tried to paint the country in the best possible light you still got treaty like an enemy. The travesty of their legal/judicial system and lack of human rights, with zero checks and balances or free press to point out corruption is on clear display. Perhaps enough Russians will see this and decide it's time for them to start demanding real changes. You never know, it could happen! We are all so glad you made it out alive and are safe now. Keep doing what you're doing (just not in Russia), spreading good vibes and allowing us who can't travel to live vicariously through your adventures!

Barry Jones

I can’t imagine that feeling of being arrested there rn, must have felt like your heart dropping out of your body. Such a shame, i imagine we were all excited to see the Siberian content. Glad you’re safe!

Chaser Mich

Damn bro! My wife and I love your channel. Glad you’re safe. Interested to hear your perspective. Thanks, cheers from OC, CA

Matt Driver

Glad you're okay, it could have been worse, stay optimistic 💪

Niko Schuster

I was sincerely worried when you entered Russia given the political climate right now. Russia, we view as adversarial, but i think that Russia actually views us as an enemy it can not strike. You will likely never know the true reason of your detention or why you were released. Fortunately, for you... You were not the bargaining chip they were looking for!

Cabo James

Safe travels.

deep

Glad to hear you’re in better shape now

Neptune Michael

Tommy - we are SO relieved to see your face right now. Much love.

cp

Glad you are ok nice to hear from you.

Matthew Galeano

No-I didn’t know you were arrested. Thank God you are out of there! Take care of yourself- how scary.

Michele McDermott

Glad to finally hear from you, what an ordeal. Hopefully Japan can provide some healing.

Trevor Engstrom

Take care man. Hope you feel well. Take the time you need.

Alan Tong

Hope all is getting better bro, take all the time you need to decompress.

Ben Adams

Glad you’re okay bro! Thank you for the wonderful content. 🙏

Raymond

日本で休んで下さい、take it easy man

Jaime Hernandez

Thank you Tommy Sabbatical, we appreciate the update. Sorry you had to go through that. Glad you’re ok!

Ethan Peace


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