YouTube channels with the potential to change your life.

If you're going to consume anyway, at least consume the right thing.

Preferring consumption over creation is one of the biggest problems we face in today's climate. Entertainment is so widely available that it has put more than half of the world into a dopamine feedback loop. It is no surprise that we prefer the immediate, short term happiness that we get from watching a YouTube video over the long term satisfaction that comes from doing something challenging and worthwhile.

Consumption isn't inherently bad, as long as you are within your limits and what you are consuming has value. You do need to be careful, as what you consume- you become. So for the next time you feel the urge to consume, I've put together a list of some of the best creators I've come across on YouTube, whose content can immensely motivate you to improve your life. In a way, this is me expressing my gratitude to these wonderful creators and all that I've learned from them.

1. Accepting the Universe.

   If I could pursue you to watch just one of the channels mentioned here, it would be this one. The videos on this channel are about10-20 minutes in length, very little time to spend for the scholarly knowledge you get in return. They comprise of no nonsense advice based on stoic teachings. The style of his videos, titles that often feel personal, his straight forwardness (which often stings but it is required), and the clarity of his words feel direct and hard hitting, almost compelling you to think differently.

    One of my favorite things about this channel is the focus on accountability.

   2. The School of Life.

   If you are in search of profound knowledge but you just don't have the time to listen to hour long speeches, this channel is for you. Founded and voiced by the author and modern philosopher Alain de Botton, The School of Life is a channel with focus on many different topics: mental wellbeing, trauma, therapy, love, sex, relationships, parenting, as well as teachings from literature and philosophy. The videos are about 2-10 minutes long, with unique, visually pleasing animations and concise advice, making learning so much more enjoyable for those who find themselves getting bored easily.

   
   

   3. After Skool.

This channel is dedicated to excerpts of speeches given by exceptional individuals in their chosen fields, which can often be too complicated or serious in nature. After skool uses the classic white board animation style to breakdown complicated information, making it more digestible. One of my favorites from the channel are Jim Carrey's speech titled "The need for acceptance will make you invisible", and Dr. Anna Lembke's speech on dopamine addiction (below).

4. Daily Stoic.

   This channel was my first introduction to Stoicism, a philosophy which has irrevocably changed my life. I am sure this is the case for many, as Ryan Holiday has played a huge role in popularizing stoicism and giving it exposure to the average audience with his short and well articulated videos. The channel also features podcasts with notable personalities and the impact of stoicism in their personal lives.

5. Eckhart Tolle.

Eckhart Tolle is an author and a spiritual teacher. His YouTube channel consists of excerpts of his speeches with the focus mainly being on the skills of presence, awareness and resilience. If you are not into spirituality, do not let it steer you away from Eckhart's wonderful teachings. His words are quite practical and not woo-woo in nature if that is something you are put off by.

His demeanor is calming and grounding, and his words are often deep and poetic in nature- making his videos an absolute pleasure to watch, especially after a long day.

6. Einzelgänger.

   Einzelgänger is a channel dedicated to summarizing different schools philosophy. The videos start with an introduction, followed by a more in depth breakdown. It uses the various teachings of philosophy to answer difficult questions about life. A great place to start if you're new to philosophy and not sure which school to begin reading on.

7. Emmy's Existential Zone.

Emmy is a former psychologist and an existential therapist. But even with her impressive qualifications, her words are quite understandable to the average person as she uses the simplest of words to get across complex ideas. Her videos feel direct, reassuring and comforting in nature, while also leaving you with the drive to make necessary changes.

8. Huberman Lab Podcasts.

This channel does not need an introduction as it is one of the most popular podcasts listened to globally. Dr Andrew Huberman is a professor and a neuroscientist at Stanford. His videos consist of deep dives on the biology or neuroscience of various aspects relating to our mind and body. I find it fascinating as I believe that to better any aspect of your life, you must truly understand the how each component involved in it works. If you find neuroscience fascinating, it doesn't matter what your motivations are as the subject itself is quite entertaining.

9. Big Think.

Each video on this channel is narrated by experts, authors or individuals with groundbreaking research findings in specialized and unique areas of psychology and biology. I've learned information from this channel that I have not come across anywhere else, so I find what they are doing very valuable. I've never come across educational content presented in such an engaging manner. The visuals, the score, the narrators being excellent communicators- it all just pulls you in.

Also recommended: https://youtu.be/znwUCNrjpD4?si=w0u88_BwDCNGjU62

10. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.

    There's nothing more reassuring than the words of a person whose teachings are based on their own suffering. Even more reassuring when the person happens to be a Tibetan Buddhist Monk. It serves as a reminder that no one is invulnerable to pain. This modern Rinpoche is truly a breath of fresh air in the Buddhism community, with his sense of humour and relatable manner of speaking. The examples he uses to break down complex ideas are quite brilliant. I'd also recommend watching his guided meditation videos.